Exiakaiser: Welcome, one and all, to the Dark Ecology. This is Exiakaiser, and I lead you into this mad, strange, and dark world. This time, I took the world of Attack on Titan, and mixed it with the creatures of the Monster Hunter Franchise to create a world where Mankind lives in fear of the Titans. But, I also decided to ask the question:
If Mankind is preyed upon by the Titans, what, pray tell would the Titans be preyed upon by in turn?
Then it appeared in front of me. One day, I found a fan-made Death Battle between Eren Jaeger, and the Lagiacrus (Which first appeared in Monster Hunter Tri). The Lagiacrus won that fight, and I began to think:
What if there was a whole new Ecosystem that Mankind didn't know about? And what would happen if that Ecosystem started to invade the world of Man?
That is what got this idea started. However, it took a few months before I allowed myself to get this story started. I needed to understand something- the reason Attack on Titan was so popular. So I decided to ask the fanboys. I set a small set of conditions, and promised that they would get this story if they gave me a good enough answer.
After a few days, I got my answer, and started sculpting the world itself. At the beginning of the story, you will be getting a look at the new world, the Dark Ecology I spoke of. But first, let's meet the leading cast members, the BEAST Knights.
For this series, the BEAST (Bio-mechanical Entity Anti-Titan/Monster Sybernetic Technology) Knights are the new Scout Regiment, replacing them in the year 900. Each member of the BEAST Knights has a symbiotic partner, a BEAST, who serves as both mount and fellow combatant. However, unlike most Monsters, BEASTs are sentient, able to speak to their partner via a special telepathic link they share. However, like with Monsters, these things like to feast on Titan Flesh.
Here is a big question- How do the Monsters, and BEASTs, feed on Titan Flesh when a Titan, after getting killed, evaporates? The secret is in the bite itself. According to this story, Zoe Hange was the first to witness this, but she speculated that Monsters carry a special enzyme that inhibits cellular degeneration in a Titan's body, allowing them to feed on them without evaporation.
This series will involve the BEAST Knight First Division, Squad 1, lead by Captain Melonia Cydane and her BEAST, the Nargacuga:
-BEAST Knight-
Name: Melonia Cydane
Gender: Female
Age: 25
Occupation: BEAST Knight First Division Squad 1 Captain/Nightclub singer
Appearance: Hair Style: Short, and straight.
Hair Color: Silver
Eye Color: Silver
Physical Build: Slender, but strong enough to Hunt the best Monster
Attire: Civilian Garb- Black Dress with black heels
Armor: Tetsucabra Set (High on defense)
Weapons: Dual Blades (Longer than in game)
Personality: Gentle, but not afraid to fight. In battle, she is the most observant, being the leader of her 'Pack', as she likes to call them.
Hobbies: Prefers to look at Singing as a hobby, but she also likes to cook and can make a mean sidecar when asked.
Background: Melonia was born into the world 25 years ago, it was at that time that the last members of the Scout Regiment were able to capture a Nargacuga. At age 18, she joined the BEAST Knights, and was bonded to her Nargacuga, Kage. The pair worked through the ranks, from Private to Captain by her 25th birthday. Then, she was given her own squad, First Squad, and its band of Knights.
Quirks and Skills: She is one of the oldest members of the First Squad. Her skills in combat will be revealed shortly.
-BEAST-
Name: Kage
Species: Nargacuga (Classification: Fanged Wyvern)
Gender: Male
Length: 169.50 cm in length, with a wingspan of thirty meters
Height: 4 ft in height
Color: mostly black with red accents and red eves.
Special Features: tail has built-in spikes (Shards of metal it can hurl as a weapon)
Abilities: Flight, Stealth movement, Debilitating Roar, Shard shot, Bite
Personality: Snarky, but honest. And almost cat-like.
Before I continue, I should mention this. I will be accepting Original character designs for this story. However, there will be a few rules:
First and foremost- NO TITAN-SHIFTERS! I cannot impress upon this enough, but These are normal people fighting the good fight. Plus Titan Powers aren't much use for the battles, as Monsters have strong armor ratings, especially the big ones.
Second- Follow the OC Template that will be available at the end of the chapter. Occupation is automatically set at BEAST Knight. Just pick a rank and special civilian job.
We will get to the rest of the team as they appear. But I now need to address an important question from the fanbase:
Will Eren, Mikasa and/or Armin appear in this story?
Hell yes, they will. Their appearance will not be until later in the chapter, but expect a shocking reveal near the end.
Also, Monster information will appear like this. It will be as detailed as possible, so pay attention.
However, it's now time to get this party started. DISCLAIMER: I only own the characters I created for this series. Attack on titan is Copyright Hajime Isayama, Kodansha, and Funimation Entertainment. Monster Hunter is Copyright Capcom. Now, let's BEAST ON!
Monsters/Titans Spotted this chapter:
Jaggi
Jaggia
Great Jaggi
Velociprey
Velocidrome
Frenzied Titans
-Over 200 years ago, monstrous humanoids called 'Titans' appeared for the first time. It turned out that mankind wasn't at the top of the food chain, and was almost driven to extinction. To defend themselves, mankind erected 3 walls, Maria, Rose, and Sino, in order to protect from the Titan Menace.
Then, in the Year 845, Wall Maria fell at the hands of the Titans. At that time, 2 new breeds appeared, the Colossal, and Armored Titans. Mankind fell back to Wall Rose, and 20% of humanity was lost.
Then, in the year 850, the Colossal Titan appeared in front of Wall Rose's Trost District. However, thanks to the efforts of the first confirmed Titan-Shifter, Eren Jaeger, mankind was able to reclaim Trost District, and hold fast.
Then, in the year 860, outside Wall Rose, Eren Jaeger and two others encountered a strange husk. It was metallic, almost like rusted iron in color and form. They were feared lost not long after, when the Scout Regiment ran into a silvery dragon in Shingashina District. It was then apparent that Titans weren't the only things living on the other side of Wall Maria.
20 years later, Zoe Hange made a startling discovery into the behaviors of the creatures labeled 'Monsters'. These things fed on the flesh of Titans. She even speculated that it's because of a strange enzyme that inhibits cellular degeneration that they are able to feed as such.
1 year later, she encountered a creature she described as akin to a Tiger and a T-Rex, but it looked like a dragon. The Monster, classified as Tigrex, was deemed impossible to dispatch with their current technology, and new weapons were fashioned to replace the blades used by ODM Gear.
Then, in the year 900, Mankind made their first leap forward in a long time- Monsters they could control. The BEAST, a brand new weapon, was born. However, to facilitate growth and continued evolution, it was partnered with a human, and the two formed a symbiotic relationship. And thus, the BEAST Knights were first formed.
Since then, the BEAST Knights have been the first line of defense against both Titans and Monsters alike.
-Shingashina District-
-Year 950-
Shingashina District was one of the outside colonies sitting outside Wall Maria. However, now it was a festering ruin of a city. Where corpses once sat, there now sat sludge. Vespoids and other flying Neopterons were chewing on the remains, looking for more meet to take bake to their hives.
Neopterons- Insects and other insect-like monsters were all classified in this category. Vespoids were the first to be classified, followed by the Bnahbra, Nerscylla, Seltas, Seltas Queen, and others.
Vespoid- a giant wasp about the size of a human child (3 feet long). Don't mistake it for a butterfly- this thing will automatically attack people who get too close. Their sting will paralyze a target.
"Ugh," said Melonia, raising one hand to her face, "No matter how many times we come out here, it still reeks of dead flesh."
"True," said Kage, walking about 6 feet behind her, "But we were told to take a look in the area and try to find any signs of life."
"I know," said Melonia, walking forward. The Armor she was wearing, based on the Tetsucabra, an amphibian that was found recently.
Tetsucabra- An amphibian that looks like a frog or toad with a tail-like stub and large tusks jutting out from the lower jaw. This thing is a powerful beast, using its tusks to lift large rocks out of the ground and using them as either defensive tools, or as a weapon, crushing them with its jaws to fire shards at his targets. However, his strength is not just used in only this way, as this Monster can move like the devil itself, ramming into targets at blinding speeds. Beware this thing when it gets enraged, as its ferocity will increase.
However, about 20 minutes later, Melonia stopped. "Hold up," she said, "There's something in front of us. I think 3, no 6 Jaggi."
All of a sudden, a small, bird-like reptile walked around the corner. It looked like a cross between a frilled lizard and a giant chicken. It looked right at Melonia, and then tilted its head, curious. Then it lifted its head up and squawked, releasing a sound in a 1-2-1-1-2-1 rhythm. This was like a call for reinforcements or used to say, "Dinner's Here". And it seemed to be heard, as 5 more Jaggi appeared, some on ruined buildings, others behind Kage, or to the sides.
Jaggi- Bird Wyverns, usually working in packs. For every Great Jaggi, there ae at least 5-10 Jaggi running around. These things are not that strong, but they are cunning, able to discern prey, and even outwit rookie hunters.
"Great," said Melonia, drawing her dual blades. "Let's do this, Kage. Engage battle mode."
"ROGER," Kage said, roaring like a Nargacuga. Melonia then charged the front line.
-ATTACK ON TITAN-
-BEAST KNIGHTS-
-ATTACK ON FRENZY-
Chapter 1:
100 years later!
Attack of the Frenzied Titans!
-Exactly 20 minutes later-
Melonia and Kage stood surrounded by the corpses of 10 Jaggi, 5 Jaggia, and 1 Great Jaggi. "Whew," said Melonia, "That was worth it. Now, let's get back to base."
However, that was when the Velociprey appeared. "Shit," said Melonia, going into a battle stance, as several Velociprey rounded the corner.
Velociprey- Raptor-like predators belonging to the Bird Wyvern Class. These things are nimble as hell, and can easily swarm an opponent. Efficient Pack Hunters, these things work as one to hunt and kill prey.
"We got this," said a voice, from an incoming source. All of a sudden, a massive blue-gold monster hit the lead Velociprey like a cannonball. "Let's get them, Raiju."
"Yokai, Shin," said the BEAST called Raiju, a cybernetic Zinogre. He then proceeded to tear into the pack.
"Careful, Shin," said another, dropping out of the sky. This was Mira, and her BEAST, the Seregios named Shrapnel.
Shrapnel said nothing, tearing into the pack with dozens of scales flying loose.
That was when the leader of the pack showed up. The Velociprey was about size and a half compared to the rest of the pack. It charged in, looking to get a piece of the action…
…Only to get swatted by something to fast to see. It was a Rathian, the Queen of the Earth, and named Green Shadow. "Take that, you piece of garbage," She said (1).
"Careful, Green," said her rider, Rekka, "This thing is not as week as the rest of the pack. Take him down as quickly as possible."
"Understood," she said, grabbing the Velocidrome, and tossing it into the air. As it came down, she bit down onto it, killing it with a single bite. By the end of the fight, the entire squad had collected enough corpses to take back to Division HQ for more research.
-Next Day-
"Listen up, everyone," sadi Melonia, "We just got orders from the top. We are to investigate a series of attacks inside Wall Maria. Orders are to proceed with caution. We may have another Titan Incursion."
"Understood, Commander," said Shin, saluting his commanding Officer. The Salute was a different one from the original Military, being one with the hand over the heart being open and laying flat on the chest. The rest of the Squad followed his lead, and the group mounted their partners and rode off.
-Wall Maria-
-5 miles from the wall itself-
Squad 1 managed to find a small town about 5 miles from Wall Maria that was literally trashed. The destruction was thorough, and there were bodies littering the ground everywhere. However, the weird thing was that there were signs that Titans had been here recently, but no missing bodies or Titan Vomit. It was as if they were only focused on destruction and death.
"That's weird," said Rekka, "Don't Titans usually devour all the people and never leave behind bodies?"
"Usually," said Mira, looking around, "I got a bad feeling about this."
That was when the BEASTs stopped moving and went into an alert state. There was a low thudding noise, like something was banging on a drum. However, the noise was getting louder. "WEAPONS OUT," yelled Melonia. Everyone drew their blades, bowguns, bows, lances, etc and took a defensive position.
That's when they appeared. At first glance, they looked like normal Titans. However, their skin was a shade darker than before, their hair was raven black, and their eyes were red like blood. They roared at the BEAST Knights, and swatted at them.
At that moment, Melonia and Kage moved towards the flank of one of the Titans, and said, "TAKE 'EM OUT!" Shen then slashed at one's neck with speed and grace, striking it with almost surgical precision. At the same time, Kage took a bite into the Titan's left shoulder. The bite released an enzyme into the Titan's bloodstream, causing the cells of the Titan to cease their accelerated mitosis.
-20 minutes later-
The BEAST Knights managed to dispatch the Titans in 20 minutes. The creatures seemed to show a strange ferocity and rage, almost as if they no longer cared about feeding on human flesh. After 20 minutes, the Titans lay there, slain by the BEAST Knights, as the BEASTs themselves consumed their weight in Titan flesh.
As they did this, the Medical officer of the Squad, Marcus, and his BEAST, a Rathalos, were drawing blood from the dead Titans to study why they were acting this strangely. As he looked into his microscope, which he carried with his field gear, he said, "That's odd. There's a strange retrovirus in the samples. You think this has anything to do with the rumours we have been hearing of a Black Wyvern spreading a disease?"
"I am as puzzled as you, Marcus," said Kane, the Rathalos, as it analyzed the samples. "But I am guessing the rumours are true. This virus has some kind of effect on both Titan and Monster alike. It seems to cause them to go into a Frenzy."
"Then," said Marcus, "Till someone else comes up with a better name, I recommend that we call this strange disease the Frenzy Virus. That is, unless the Hange family has a better name for it."
"It's weird," said Melonia, "But from the looks of things, these things came through the Shingashina entrance. We better go check it out. Once the BEASTs are done with their meal, saddle up. We will head to Shingashina and get to the bottom of the problem."
It took 20 minutes for the BEASTsto finish their meals, and another 20 minutes to get saddled up and moving. By the time the group reached Shingashina, it was almost dark.
Shingashina was not the way it once was. After the Kushala Daora came through, the remains of the town were covered in ice that never thawed on one side. The rest looked like a tornado had passed through the area, as rubble and bodies were strewn all over the place, either left to rot, or devoured by scavengers.
As they were looking around, the First Squad found a series of Titan Footprints leading from the Frozen area. Melonia and her team decided to check it out.
"It's amazing as to how this ice never seems to melt under the sun," said Shin. "How is this possible?"
"It is said," said Marcus, "That the Kushala Daora is a God of Wind and Ice, allowing it the power to generate a cold so deep, it covers all it controls in ice."
"That's just Bull," said Rekka, "The Kushala Daora is a Monster, not a God. You can take it down, just like any other monster."
However, Melonia suddenly stopped. "She was looking right in front of her and saw something that made her pull the brakes on the saddle connected to Kage. This caused Kage to rear so far, that it caused the others to stop. "Hey," said Shin, Watch it Commander!" That was when he and the rest of the group looked at where Melonia was looking. "What the Hell," Shin then said, confused at the sight.
There, right in front of them, in a massive ice wall, were 3 individuals, their faces contorted in abject terror. Of these, one was immediately identifiable as Eren Yager…
-To Be Continued-
-Next Time-
The 1st Squad was able to save all three of the youths found, and woke all three of them. It falls to Melonia to explain the new discoveries and battles the group faces. Can Eren and his friends cope with the fact that they have been asleep in suspended animation for almost 100 years? Find out in the next episode:
Reawakening!
The Three Scouts revived!
Exiakaiser: Well, managed to get this chapter cleared before Spring started. Most of the story was easy enough to write because I was basing it on personal experience, having played the games in the Monster Hunter series and watched the first season of Attack on Titan. However, for all of the work on this chapter, I am sure you all will be upset that I haven't really explained much. However, next chapter will introduce a segment called 'Monster Compendium with Zoe Hange'. In it, Zoe Hange will explain each and every Monster seen in the story, starting from the bottom of the food chain.
Till then, I hope you enjoy this story. Review, comment, and let me know what you think.