Chapter one ~ The Survey Corps
My eyes watched in disappointment as all of my cadet class mates left the large dirt field. A cloud of dust fluttered around the ground like a eerie mist from under their retreating boots, the pale glow of the moonlight simmering through the dust particles. Low murmurs and curses carried through the humid air as they pushed past each other, some panicking as they made their escape.
My feet stayed rooted to the spot. I wouldn't let fear of the unknown stop me from accomplishing my sworn duty. The most honourable duty in this god-forsaken world we live in. A world where we were caged in behind the walls like animals, just waiting for the day that they break down the walls and consume every last life and exterminate our pitiful race. No longer did I want to cower in fear, praying that the walls would hold. I wanted to rid their disgusting flesh, send them into oblivion. Pry their cold dead hands off the remaining population of humanity. I want to explore the outside world, experience the wonders that I could only dream where out there.
Three gruelling years of training had brought me to this moment. Three years of torture, beatings, punishments and now I was one step closer to achieving my goal.
But how could I be the only one? How could I be the only one to want to make a difference? How could I be the only one to want to see a world free of the Titans?
Once the dust settled, my eyes focused straight ahead of me where the Commander of the Scouting Regiment stepped forward. He was taller than me by well over a foot, his thin dark hair receding which made his wrinkled forehead seem bigger. His tired amber eyes, deep set in his face, focused down on my figure. His thin lips pressed into a grim line as he rested his hands behind his back. His belts across his chest pulling his shirt tight against his abdomen.
"What is your name cadet?" He called out in a baritone voice.
I thumped my fist over my heart in a salute, clicking my heels together, "Cadet (F/N) (L/N) sir!" I replied, my voice strong as I held the gaze of my superior.
He seemed to study me for a moment, analysing every inch of my form. I started to feel uncomfortable when his eyes lingered a second too long at my chest before he continued moving up to my face. His wrinkled features softened slightly as he placed his own fist over his chest.
"Cadet (L/N), you are the only one of your entire class to step up and join the Scouting Regiment. You have shown more courage and bravery than any of your comrades. With joining the Scouts, there is never any guarantees that you will survive through the battle that is the fight for humanity. But with your help we come one step closer to the eradication of the Titans that roam this earth.
"This is a genuine salute and you have my highest respects."
I felt my mouth curve into a slight smile through the Commander's speech. His words reflecting my outlook on the life that I planned to lead here in the Scouts. As much as I would love to see the outside world, if I was to die in the hands of a Titan at least I would have helped the cause.
The Commander dropped his hands and signalled for one of his subordinates to join us. A blonde Section Commander with azure eyes stepped forward, a slight smile etched on his full lips. His golden hair styled in an undercut, parting to the right so the tips of his hair flowed over his forehead. His eyebrows full and untamed as he pulled them together slightly. He was very tall, taller than the Commander and he was a very muscular man. His brown jacket straining over the muscles of his biceps and pectorals. A emerald bolo tie sat neatly at the hollow of his throat.
"This is Section Commander Erwin Smith," Commander Shardis introduced as the Section Commander saluted me, "I know you have only just joined the Scouts but with the Regiment being severely under-staffed, I am going to have to ask you to accompany him on a very important mission tomorrow."
My eyes trained on the two men before me. Now this is what I am talking about! Being thrown straight into action, this is what it means to be a Scout, I thought.
"What's the mission sir?" I asked. The two men both glanced at each other in surprise before bringing their eyes back to me. The blonde's smile spread across his face, revealing a set of pearly white teeth.
"Eager aren't we?" The blonde said in his thunder-like voice, "Well I applaud your enthusiasm. We should continue this conversation in my office."
Commander Shardis nodded, his eyes fixing on me. His small smile had been replaced with the grim line that was there before, "Section Commander Erwin will run through the mission details with you. Welcome to the Scouting Regiment," He stated before sauntering off into the direction of what I assumed were the Commanding barracks.
Once he was out of sight and earshot, the blonde sighed. His large, broad shoulders relaxing as he pulled me into a swift bear hug. Seriously, hugging this guy was like hugging a bear with the amount of force he puts behind it.
"Congratulations! You are officially now a member of the Scouting Regiment," He murmured, resting his chin on top of my head. His strong arms tightened around me as I hugged his waist. My head resting just under his pectoral muscles.
"Thank you, Section Commander Erwin," I giggled, nuzzling into his chest.
Erwin Smith has been like a big brother to me since my father died. He has worked alongside him for years until his demise beyond the walls on an expedition. From what I can remember, I had ran to the gates of Shiganshina district, expecting to see my father. To be pulled into his warm embrace and for him to whisper that he was back and that he would never break his promise. However my father didn't come back. Erwin had stood before me, a broken man. Instead he had taken my small hands in his and explained how my father had fought valiantly til the very end. Erwin found my mother shortly after and explained the terrible news to her. But he promised her that he would do what he could to look after the family (since Erwin had greatly admired my father). I was sixteen when my father died, and my mother passed just after my eighteenth birthday. Erwin was more than thrilled when I had written to him to tell him that I had joined the Cadet Corps with hopes of joining the Scouting Regiment.
I pulled away from his warm embrace and smiled gently up at him.
"Follow me. I have a lot to brief you on before tomorrow's mission," he explained, turning toward the large castle-like structure just beyond the dirt field.
Ivy wound its way up the stone building, spider webbing its way up through the bricks, the green leaves a sharp contrast of colour on the dull grey. A large draw bridge sat on the ground, black wrought iron chains on either side. The wood creaked under the weight of the supply carts and soldiers passing over the moat that surrounded the Scouting Regiment's head quarters... my new home.
We passed through two heavy wooden doors, stepping into the dimly lit foyer, which split off into many corridors.
For the first time in my life, I felt like I was where I truly belonged. I felt like I belonged in the Scouting Regiment. That it was my intended destiny to become a soldier, not to work in Shiganshina district like my mother before me. I inhaled the smell of stone and polish, allowing the sent to take over my sense. It was definitely better than the smell of blood, sweat and tears from the female barracks back at the training facility.
Erwin continued to lead me deeper into the castle, through many corridors and doors before climbing a steep spiral staircase. The heels of our boots echoed and bounced off the stone walls as we climbed. Before long we came to the end of the staircase and stood before a small carved door. The blonde gripped the golden handle and stepping to the side as he waved me through the open door.
The office was lit by a roaring fire, sending shadows dancing along the bookcase clad walls. The amber glow rippled along the leather spines of the books. A huge oak desk sat in front of a sizeable window, large enough that you could see the training fields just below. Behind the desk was a blue winged leather chair, which looked a little over stuffed but by any means comfortable looking. Two smaller leather chairs were placed side by side, facing the desk. To my left there was another door which I would only assume was the entrance to his personal sleeping quarters.
Erwin stepped into the office behind me, shedding his bottle green cloak and placing it over a coat rack before gliding behind his desk. He lowered himself into his chair and gestured for me to take one of the two in front of him.
I perched myself on the soft leather, my (E/C) eyes taking in the splendour of Erwin's powerful position. All the higher ups must have luxurious offices like this one.
Erwin stayed quiet for a long while, interlocking his fingers together and resting his chin on them. His bolo tie clinking against the wooden surface. I glanced at the powerful man, nearly jumping out of my seat when the door opened and another tall, very broad, muscular man thundered in.
"Sorry I'm late, had to discipline some of the recruits from last year," the man said, cracking his large knuckles.
"(F/N), this is Section Commander Mike Zacharius. He will be joining us on the mission," Erwin said, breaking his silence as he glanced over to the goliath.
Zacharius' loud footsteps stopped just behind me, inhaling the air around me. His deep voice hummed in his throat as a smile spread across his face.
Is he sniffing me? I thought as I wrinkled my nose in disgust.
Narrowing my eyes, I brought my focus back to the blonde sitting in front of me, "What does the mission entail?"
Erwin's electric eyes flashed as he waved Mike away, his smile creeping back across his lips, "Give over Mike." The dirty blonde's head retreated from my shoulder, his nose only inches from the fabric of my uniform. He smiled and took a step back, leaning against one of the bookshelves. His features twisted up in a smug smile.
"The mission will entail five of us, heading to the Underground district under Wall Sina," Mike clarified, the bookshelf creaking under the added weight.
My eyes widened slightly at the mention of the Underground. I'd heard of the Underground when I was a child. I remember being told if I wasn't good, people come in the night to throw naughty children down there. Now being an adult I knew it was nothing more than an underground city stricken with poverty and good-for-nothing thugs. I also had learnt the terrible truth that sometimes when the population of Wall Sina becomes too great, the taxes will rise and those who cannot afford those taxes would be thrown down into the abyss, never to see the land above again.
"Five of us?" I asked, furrowing my eyebrows, "Surely if there are to be five of us going then the other two should be here too."
"The other two have already been briefed, although I still do not understand how bringing a rookie is going to help us in any way," Mike continued, his nasally voice ringing in my ears. I could already tell I wasn't going to particularly like this man.
I raised my eyebrow at Mike, before turning back to the Section Commander before me. His lips pulled into a smirk as his eyes darted between me and the other Section Commander.
"What's the mission sir?"
Mike threw his head back, roaring with his annoying nasally laugh," She is exactly like you Erwin, I'll give her that. Far more focused on the mission than the fact that the mission takes place in the most netorious gang territories in the Walls."
Erwin chuckled lightly, his eyes sparkling in the glow of the fire, "Yes she is," he said clearing his throat before continuing, "Now there are rumours of a small band of thugs in the Underground. I want to recruit them and use their unique skills for the Scouting Regiment."
I sat back in my chair, crossing my leg over the other. Tucking one of my (H/C) strands behind my ear as I eyed the Section Commander carefully.
"With all due respect sir, but what does the Regiment want with a bunch of low-life criminals?"
The blonde stroked his lips with the side of his index finger, his eyes suddenly becoming interested in a thick brown file which laid on his desk, "This is to stay between us, since I have still to gain more evidence, but I have reasons to believe they are tied to a noble and a criminal by the name of Nicholas Lovof," he stated.
"At this time I only have circumstantial evidence that he is embezzling money from the Scouting Regiment expedition funds to line his pockets and continue his control over the Underground gates. If my sources are correct and these criminals are involved with Lovof, I would like to bring them here so I can watch their movements and continue my investigation."
Mike pushed off the bookcase, the leather spines rattling lightly at the force that had left them, "They are also well knows due to their use of ODM gear. They are apparently very skilled with the gear which could make them a formidable asset to the Regiment," He said, his voice sounding bored.
Interesting. How did a bunch of low-lives get their hands of ODM gear, let alone know how to use it?
I nodded, pursing my lips before I asked, "If you don't mind me asking sir, Why me? I am sure there are many more able-bodied soldiers that have been with the Scouts longer than me to entrust with such a mission." My voice monotone as my gaze never left the two blonde men.
Mike circled me until he rested the back of his thick thighs against Erwin's desk, his arms crossed over his broad shoulders. His dull eyes boring down into my own.
"Well as much as I hate to say it rookie, you finished top of your class. Outstanding marks in ODM training as were your marks in hand-to-hand combat as well as everything else," He paused, peering at Erwin's reclining form, "Hey you could even rival me for Humanity's Strongest, however that would need to be proven on the battle field."
I narrowed my eyes at him, watching his lips as they twisted into a smug smile, Anytime, any place buddy. I will bring you down!
Erwin cleared his throat, waving Mike's comments off, "What he is trying to say is that there is no one in the Regiment more capable of this mission than you. And quite frankly there is no one else I would trust with such a tender mission such as this," his azure eyes flickered in the amber light as he explained.
"One slip up and we could stand to fail the mission," Mike continued, stroking his goatee. He eyed me carefully, an emotion flickered across his eyes however I couldn't pin it down to identify it. Whatever it was, my spine stiffened in response. I didn't like the way Mike made me feel uncomfortable, whether it was with rivalry or something more sinister.
"We only want the best on this mission and so this is why we are asking you to join us," Erwin stated, sliding the file across the desk with the tips of his fingers.
I nodded, taking the file and tucking it under my arm. Standing and saluting the two men before me, "You can count on me sir! I will not let you down," I announced in a raised voice, ignoring the scoff from Mike.
A smirk twitched at Erwin's lips as he stood from his chair, the blonde only a few inches shorter than Mike, but the other held none of the commanding respect and power Erwin carried when he walked over to me.
"Brilliant. We leave at first light. I trust you know where the individual sleeping quarters are?" he questioned.
I nodded. I had made sure to secure myself a room before the choosing ceremony.
"Alright then, I will bid you goodnight," He said softly, his eyes calm and focused on me. He placed a large hand on my shoulder and patted it lightly, despite the fact that Mike was standing there. I didn't mind the affection that Erwin would show towards me. I know he wouldn't let it slip with his commanding officers above him, but with a friend such as Mike, he could afford to look less imposing than usual.
"Have a pleasant evening Section Commanders." They both nodded, dismissing me.
I turned on my heel and began to head to the individual sleeping quarters. Breathing a sigh of relief as I was glad to be out of that stuffy office. Had it been just Erwin I think I would have been fine. But something about Zacharius pushed my buttons, and definitely put me on edge. And what was up with sniffing me? Did I smell that bad? I brought my nose to my shoulder and inhaled my uniform. Nope, I smell fine.
Once I had showered, I pulled a soft white towel around my shivering form and headed back to my room. The file Erwin had given me was sitting on my small desk, just in the corner of the room. I sighed and sat in the wooden chair, wrapping my arms around myself to hold up the towel. I flipped open the file. There was only one photograph and pages of notes that held Erwin's neat scrawl. I held the picture between my finger tips and studied the image.
The picture was dark but I could clearly make out three figures standing next to a building. The first, a tall but muscular male with unruly brown hair that was kept short. He was wearing a dark waistcoat over a white shirt and black trousers, his shoulder leaning against a wall with his leg resting against the other. He was standing next to a female dressed in an orange shirt with flaming red hair held in bunches on either side of her skull, her form slender and petite against the first man. The two had their backs facing me so I couldn't pick out any other distinguishable features. The third figure was facing me, his eyes locked onto mine as if he had moved just at the right moment to see they were being surveyed. He was the shortest out of the three, his back flush against the wall, he was also wearing a brown waistcoat over a perfect white shirt, the sleeves rolled up to reveal toned arms. His trousers looked far too baggy for him however he managed to pull them off with a pair of knee-length black boots. In his hands were a long slender blade, glinting in the dim light, along with a white cloth which he was using to clean the blade. His skin like porcelain which made his short ebony locks which framed his face stand out vividly. His features were slightly blurred but I could make out full lips, a chiselled angular jaw, perfectly straight nose and a pair of feline, sharp blue steel eyes. His expression seemed bored as if he had no clue as to why he was there.
My breath hitched as I stroked the picture of the raven haired man with my finger tip, hmm... had you not been a criminal, I would have said you were marginally good looking. I placed the picture aside and began to read through Erwin's notes. As my eyes scanned over the recordings of the criminals' movements I began to recall a story my father once told me, about a man who would steal from those who had plenty and give to those who had nothing, with the help of his merry band of men. These criminals seemed no different, I mean yes they had killed rival gang members before but they mostly steal from merchants even if they looked as if they had plenty to live off themselves.
As I continued to read, I once again found myself questioning Erwin's motives for wanting these criminals. They seemed totally harmless despite the look of the raven haired man, frozen in the threatening pose of cleaning a knife.
My eyes flickered to the photograph, instantly landing on his steely eyes. They held no emotion. Just cold and hard, like a dead man's eyes. My heart thumped against my ribcage as I nervously scratched the nape of my neck, before standing and making my way to my dresser where I changed into my night clothes and brushed through my (H/L) (H/C) hair.
Once I was ready for lights out, I found myself staring at the picture once more. Tomorrow I will be able to gaze into those eyes for real. I climbed into the cool sheets of my bed. Slowly drifting off into a deep sleep, dreaming about a wondrous vigilante with ebony locks and steel blue eyes flying through a darkened sky.