Chapter Nine.

The sound of hundreds of horse hooves filled the air of the, Trost District. The outcropped city district of Wall Rose had became the new launching point for the Survey Corps' expeditions ever since the lose of the, Shiganshina District and Wall Maria. The faces of the locals were mixed with emotions as many supported the Survey Corps in their end goal, but most of the population saw their expeditions as a waste of human life. Children watched in awe as their eyes gleamed in amazement and inspiration at the sight of the uniformed and green cloaked scouts, the uniform that every child inspired to wear one day. Yet, not everyone was as supportive of the scout's goal. Some stood within the shadows with hushed whispers as they secretly prayed for the failure of the Survey Corps. Many had lost people they were once close with from the expeditions and many wished the senseless missions over the wall would end one day.

However, today was not that day.

Today was the day yet anther expedition would take place.

Another push to take back what was taken from them.

Another step forward for humanity.

...

"Look alive you two," Mia instructed, both Ryland Riley as they were riding in the lead of the formation just several rows behind Erwin and his top squad leaders. Mia simply nudged her head upwards towards a small stone bridge that ran above the street they were traveling on. The bridge was occupied by several uniformed soldiers, a few of them wore the symbol of the Military Police and the remainder wore the Garrison symbol. Within the group of uniforms the recognizable face of the Garrison's southern Commander, Dox Pixis.

"What is he doing here?" Riley muttered, doing her best to avoid locking eyes with the higher ups as it was pretty easy to spot the Garrison medics out of the horde of scouts. While the scouts wore their standard uniform along with their trademark green cloak with their symbol on the back, the Garrison opted to wear their own uniform to better identify them. The Garrison medics wore their standard uniforms along with their red cross arm bands, instead of using the scout's trademark green cloaks they decided to use an older issue of gray cloaks that had red cross stitched on the back. The gray cloaks with the red cross was decided on so the scouts would have an easier time identifying field medics while in the formations.

Ryland kept his eyes focused forward as best as he could, "They're here most likely to show their support towards the Survey Corps. However, I'm sure the commander is here to see the medical attachment go through with this."

"There's a lot of doubts that us Garrison medics can keep up with the scouts," Mia added on, an oddly devilish grin displayed across her face as she purposely locked eyes with Dot Pixis and his entourage of fellow officers. A similar grin slowly forming on Pixis' face upon seeing this, "Lets show them what we're made of."

Riley's eyes locked with Ryland's eyes, her mind still wrapped around the talk they had not long ago. Unsure what the outside held for her Riley knew all she could do was trust the soldier next to her, there was no guaranteed she'd even make it the first night out there. Regardless, she knew she couldn't harp over anything that was said that day and even if she was unsure if she could trust him, she knew she had to put her trust within Ryland's hands. Riley weakly whispered with a strong stare, "Don't falter out there."

...

"You look a bit nervous," Gunther commented, as the Special Operations Squad was with the leading group and amongst the group of skilled soldiers was Ian. The young medic tightly grasping the reins of his horse, his eyes glaring before him as he fearful of locking eyes with any hopeful civilians along the street. Swallowing loudly, Ian simply responded with a weak nod as he was unsure what words could even describe the nervous panic attack he was fighting with at the time.

"Don't you worry," Petra chirped up lowly, "You let us worry about the Titans. We just need you to be on your A game when it comes to treating the wounded."

"If you can't handle that simple job than you better go home now," Auruo spoke up, his usual cocky attitude and way of carrying himself causing a few of his fellow comrades to roll their eyes.

Ian gulped lowly, wishing the choice to go home was something he could actually do without being shot for treason and desertion. Ian could feel the eyes of every bystander piercing his very core, the low hushed whispers reaching his ears as everyone was shocked and surprised to see Garrison soldiers mixed within the ranks of the Survey Corps. News of the collaboration between the two military branches reached the ears of every soldier and citizen, many mocked the Garrison for even wasting a few of their soldiers on a hopeless cause. Yet, hundreds flocked to see the sight of the two branches working together, the sight lifting up a sense of hope for humanity as many thought this meant salvation was in sight.

"I'll do my best," Ian forced out, a look of satisfaction now plastered upon the faces of his fellow squad mates as they were glad to hear this.

...

"Watch my back out there," Oliver whispered into Ethan's ear, as the two rose closely down the street. The gate now insight and the sensation of reality now hitting the greenhorn soldiers with a ton of bricks. The horses all began to come to a halt as the endless line of green cloaks started to chatter amongst themselves, soldiers giving each other their final words of wisdom and a few team leaders giving out last minute orders.

Ethan took this moment to respond, "Looks like you do ne-" Ethan's snarky comment was cut short, as he became at a lost for words upon seeing the horrified look upon Oliver's face. The usual cocky and proud soldier now carried a look of horror, as his muscular build shook weakly and a dark shadow had taken upon his face. Ethan weakly coughed as he struggled to find words of comfort for his friend, "Yeah... I'll watch your back."

Ethan quickly pulled his gaze from Oliver, not wanting to hurt his ego with his worried stare. Ethan shook the sudden cold sensation he was beginning to get down his neck and threw his gaze upon Hanna, who sat oddly still on her horse. Hanna reminded him of a statue at that moment, her eyes never left the soldier in front of her and her body didn't move an inch. His eyes examined every feature of her, from the uniform she wore so proudly all the way to her rosy lips that puckered outwards in her stone like state. Almost as if she could feel his gaze, she broke from her motionless statues and turned her gaze upon him.

Her eyes showed no fear, but no glimmer of hope also.

Her full rosy lips moving as if they were in slow motion, "Don't leave my side."

Ethan was taken back by her words. He could barely even find the words to speak up, thus all he could muster up the courage to do was nod. Ethan felt ashamed for not saying anything, but within those seconds Hanna's shoulder eased up and her body became less tense. A small glimmer now gleaming in her eyes as she exhaled loudly with a forced grin.

...

"So many people are watching us," Sarah whimpered lowly, her dislike for large crowds and being the center of attention causing her nerves to get the better of her. Her eyes scanned from face-to-face as she felt as if every set of eyes was watching her with judgement. She had always done poorly under pressure and the sensation of the world's weight now resting upon her shoulders caused her to feel like breaking down. Yet, the warm sensation of a hand on her shoulder caused her tearful eyes to look up and lock with the oddly focused stare from Lawrence.

The usually day dreaming scout stood before her more focused than ever, "Stand strong before the people. It may not seem like it, but we are that glimmer of hope they need."

Sarah's eyes lit up as she was shocked to hear such words from Lawrence of all people. Taking in a deep breath she nodded, "As long as we work as a team we'll be fine."

Lawrence grinned in agreement, "Exactly."

"You're surprisingly calm," Sarah added, keeping her voice low as she was watchful of the other soldiers.

Lawrence nodded with a determined gleam in his eyes and a devilish grin, "It's because I spent all last night puking my brains out. As far as I know right now, I don't have an ounce of food in my stomach to throw up."

Sarah weakly looked down in disappointment as he couldn't tell if he was being serious, "I guess that's one way to stay confident and not allowing your nerves get the best of you."

...

Erwin's eyes never left the gate before him, he could feel the piercing glares of hundreds of his men and civilians behind him. A small lump collecting within his chest as he prepared himself for another expedition that would hopefully lead humanity towards a brighter future. That was what Erwin was hoping for, but he knew for sure that before that day would arrive, more good men would have to give their lives for the sake of humanity. A burden that he willingly would carry as the commander of the Survey Corps, a duty that he would preform to the best of his ability until the day he died. Until that day however, Erwin was prepared to push humanity in the right direction no matter the obstacles that stood in his way.

Titans.

Humans.

Erwin Smith and the Survey Corps were prepared to fight.

"Opening the gate!" A voice echoed loudly, as the air was filled with the creaking of gears and the rattling of chains. Several Garrison troops landed safely on the nearby roof tops, their duty for the past hour had been doing their best to ensure the area around the gate was clear of all Titans. Citizens shuffled back nervously as a beam of light ripped through the gaping hole in the wall as the gate was pulled upwards, the scouts and medics all awaiting for their order to move out.

This was it.

"Prepare yourselves for another expedition for the sake of humanity!" Mike roared loudly, thrusting his blade high into the air as nearly everyone behind him followed his lead.

"Survey Corps!" Erwin roared loudly, "Move out!"

The sound of hundreds of soldiers screaming at the top of their lungs, followed by the earth shattering echo of hundreds of horses racing down the stone street. The air was filled with the cries of humanity, as every man and women prepared themselves for the battle that would await them outside the wall. Their years of training behind them, as they prepared themselves for the real thing. Their minds as sharp as their blades, their spirits burning fiercely like a flame. Every soldier was prepared, whether they were a scout or a medic. This would be the defining moment in all their lives, would they continue fearing the shadow of oppression the Titans had created over them or would they stand and fight.

The horde of green cloaks poured out of the gate, the squads quickly taking position upon reaching the outside. Dipping and diving through the ruined city that once stood outside the Trost District. Horses burst through the tall grass and trampled over the chunks of stone that once aided in holding the homes of many together. Soldiers of all backgrounds scanned the area carefully, as their leaders took control and began to spread each other out as they got farther away from the wall.

...

"The gate just closed," Riley gasped, as the reality that there was no turning back finally sunk in.

Ryland nodded, "There's no turning back now."

Mia chuckled at his comment, "There was never any turning back!"

...

"I've never been this far from the wall," Ian gasped, as he could feel short at breath as he realized they had already passed the three mile mark.

"You wanna go home already?" Auruo teased him.

"Silence you two," Levi cut them off, as he joined up with is squad, "Keep sharp and don't die."

...

"I spent most my life in Wall Maria," Ethan gasped as he scanned his surroundings, "Why does all of this look so different then?"

"This isn't the Wall Maria we use too know," Hanna shook her head, "It's Titan territory now."

"It'll never be the same," Oliver spat out.

...

"I think I'm gonna be sick," Sarah whined, as she could no longer see the wall anymore.

"Hold in your breakfast Jensen!" Red shouted, as the senior team leader passed by the two on his way to link up with the deployment team he was in command of.

"He's right," Lawrence chimed in, "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It'd be a shame if you threw it all up."

...

There was no turning back now.

Life or death.

Fight or die.

They were the last glimmer of hope that humanity had.

They couldn't falter.