Hikaru7: Thanks- it's also edited now so it makes more sense.
Forest of Snowflake Blossoms: (Checks chapter 3) Nope, the Growlithe is still called Fisher and the Cottonee is still called Matthias.
someguy: That's true but there's no Machop there at the moment.
I'd imagine that it'd be hard for Becquerel to do so when he's unconscious and he was completely focused on protecting his partners' wife from the rock flying at them around 70 miles per hour.
On that note, I think you've all noticed that I've been stressing in my story that Pokemon aren't invincible- they've given humanity a huge edge in fighting, in knowledge and in morale, but the only ones who say they're invincible are humans.
"Tell me something, you two."
Denys and Briar Rose looked back at the commander as she said this when they exited the detention center. "Korrina of Shalour- the granddaughter of the leader of the Shalour tribe, a prodigy fighter and known for the care she put on the lives beneath her- does that strike you as someone who would invade a district with only four fighters on what essentially boils down to a suicide mission, not caring for their fates and even sending them off without sufficient backup or a chance to escape safely in case of failure?"
The two snipers looked back at each other as they pondered this question before Briar Rose answered, "Well, no- it sounds like someone really didn't think this plan through or was only trying to cause trouble."
"We've had little to no contact with Shalour since the Guard was annihilated but even then, Korrina wouldn't come across like that- even as a teenager," Denys added, remembering how the girl had yelled at them that they would pay for their crimes when they first made contact before eventually simmering down.
"Really," she remarked, "because that's the person that we took in as a war criminal and terrorist."
"So you're suggesting that those people aren't from Shalour?" Briar Rose said.
"I am."
"Not only that but the tribes wouldn't benefit from backstabbing each other, not if they're gearing up for war," Denys said with a pensive frown.
"So it could easily be another faction- maybe not even from the Kalosians but from inside the walls."
"The possibility that the government might have sent them isn't that outlandish..."
"For now, we need to prove at least that the woman they have is not Korrina of Shalour," Monika cut their theories off. "We can figure out who she- or perhaps, he- is affiliated with later. But first, we need proof and our word isn't going to be enough this time around."
"Denys! Briar Rose!"
The two snipers stopped jumping at the sudden way she would bark their names long ago and saluted smartly before she turned back to them. "You are tasked with watching over the prisoner until the day of the trial- I got the permission to appoint you there," she said, handing them the papers for confirmation. "If this person so much as twitches wrong, you are to report it to me."
"Understood!" Denys barked back.
"And you, Commander?" Briar Rose inquired.
"As for myself," Monika answered, "I'll be departing for Sina."
Within the confines of Wall Sina, just beyond the borders of the district Stohess, was a church that looked like it had seen better days, yet several people in black robes frequented it. Despite its' outward appearance and its' ideals, it held a great dignity within its' confines. Pews of oak lined the floors and a modest alter laid at the head of the room. The shrine was a pale grey marble color with drapes of cloth in sky blue, leaf green and cloud white decorating it.
In the back of this church, a young man with cinnamon brown hair and eyes was sitting before a piano, soft music flowing from it as his fingers danced across the ivory keys- there were some odd noises from the instrument and the wood creaked it a bit but it couldn't be helped as he had made it himself. A Murkrow was sleeping near the window sill out of view from anyone who would enter the room.
"... i. Rabbi. Rabbi?" a soft voice made itself heard.
The man's fingers hit a sour note at the voice and he stopped, the spell broken as the voice interrupted him. "What?!" he barked in irritation.
"The service will be starting in a few minutes..."
The man blinked before startled realization spread on his face and he got up too quickly, tripping backwards on the stool and falling on his back. He was up a second later and running over to his wardrobe and yanking out the clothing inside of it. The Murkrow watched the scene with an amused glint in his red eyes.
He tucked his hair into a square black beret and put on a black frock robe with long sleeves over a black suit coat, white dress shirt and black slacks and dress shoes. He quickly smoothed himself out before walking out to the main room of the church along with the alter attendees and stopped in front of the stained glass depiction above the alter.
Showtime.
The smell of smoke and burning flesh wafted through the night air. At last, Trost had been cleaned of it's dead and the fallen were being set ablaze. There just wasn't enough room to bury the bodies inside the walls and the risk of contamination in the corpses was too high to take such chances anyways. Around them, the survivors bore witness to their comrades turning to ash.
Donatello was crying weakly, trying to keep the tears from coming anymore but with little success. Sasha was kneeling beside him, her hands wrapped around his shoulders from where his head laid on her shoulder.
"Wha- what the hell is that?"
Donatello and Sasha had been helping recover the corpses of the soldiers who fought only to stumble on a pile of disfigured humans and bits of Pokemon limbs trapped in a goo-like yellow substance, the smell of rotting flesh threatening to make the Noivern throw up.
"The titan's regurgitated remains," a soldier got out, his voice thick with horror and disgust. "They don't have digestive organs so when their bellies get full, they just vomit them right back out to make room for more.
Sasha's eyes grew wide in horror as she digested this, unable to tear her gaze away from the mass of flesh that was utterly unrecognizable Donatello's expression trembled in fury, his clawed hands clenched tightly. In that pile of titan saliva and insides was someones' child, parent, lover, friend, partner. Suddenly, he kicked out at the decomposing titan to the side, screeching, "Don't spit 'em out if you're not going to eat them in the first place, you bastards! Food is meant to exist for giving living creatures strength!"
The outburst startled a few soldiers nearby and Sasha laid a hand on the Noivern's shoulder as his chest heaved to catch his breath, his eyes welling with tears of rage. "C-C'mon... we need to finish up..." she said to him, concerned for his sake.
"How- how is anyone going to tell them apart...?" he asked softly, the tears sliding down as he tried to wipe them away.
Reiner, Jenn, Bertolt, Chrys and Annie stared at the scene before them with different emotions- Bertolt felt cold even with the heat before him, Chrys was deadly silent as it took in everything around it, Jenn was struggling to hold back tears while Reiner looked on stoiclly and the glazed look in Annie's eyes still hadn't faded.
Jenn slumped on the ground, her eyes wide from where they had settled on one of the younger-looking corpses. Reiner knelt beside her and placed a soothing hand on her back. "Can you get up?"
"I-I- Reiner, I don't know..."
The blond nodded before calling over to the medic, "Sir, my partner needs to rest!"
"You have five minutes," the medic said as he looked over another corpse.
"Thanks..."
"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry."
The words left Annie's lips like a manta as she worked, unable to say or think anything else. Before her was the body of a female trainee with the upper part of her face bitten off. She shakily leaned down to the uniform and found the name.
Ruth D. Klein.
It wasn't anyone she knew, not a friend or an acquaintance but Annie apologized all the same. Perhaps, in the back of her mind, she could apologize to someone, anyone, for what she had done and what she would do.
"Apologizing won't make a difference- it won't bring back the dead," Reiner told her. "Let's just get the memorial service over with."
Annie couldn't argue with him right now, she knew he was right and she was just too drained. Bertolt's hand settled on her shoulder to give comfort and she allowed him to remain.
"Excuse me, are you Annie Leonhart?" a medic asked the blonde, who gave a weak nod. "Please come this way."
Annie followed without a word, Reiner, Bertolt, Chrys and Jenn trailing after her until she came before a stretcher by the medic and her eyes widened. "Oh..."
Placed on the stretcher was Kouji's limp form and his chest rose and fell weakly. Bruises and bitemarks littered his body from what little the blonde could see of his body. "We found him underneath the corpse of a Machoke aways away- he seemed to have used it as a both a shield and a cover to escape the titans-"
The medic got no further as Annie had collapsed to her knees and gently cradled the Miendhao's head in her arms, making his eyes crack open. "Huh... took you... long enough... eh, Annie?" the Mienshao got out with a tiny grin.
She didn't reply but her jaw and lower lip trembled as tears welled in her eyes and spilled over she hugged Kouji to her, sobbing with sheer relief. Kouji's eyes widened in shock before tears welled up in his eyes as well. "C-C'mon, don't cry. I-if you do- th-then-then-"
The Mienshao wasn't able to finish because he was already bawling his eyes out as well and hugged Annie as tightly as he could without breaking any bones, relief and happiness rampant in his chest. Reiner looked at the scene with a small smile, relieved that the two soldiers had found one another. Bertolt looked away though, his gaze shadowed, his hands in fists.
Is this what you thought it would be like? Chrys wondered as it looked at the brunet. Could you have ever imagined such a sight, such emotion?
Rinslet couldn't cry- her anguish went beyond tears and she had never felt so drained in her life as her paw listlessly rubbed her partner's back in comfort.
"We went through so much training... logistics, horseback riding, foraging, hand-to-hand combat, Pokemon battling theory, strategy, survival, craftsmanship, and the 3D maneuvering gear..."
"Ah-!"
Connie fell back in horror from where he had been searching. Before him were two small bodies crushed beyond repair. He recognized them both. "Do you know these two, trainee?" another medic asked, noticing the scene.
However, the bald teen didn't ask as he ran from the scene as fast as he could. He stopped at a house, his hand clutching at the wall as the bitter taste of vomit burned in his mouth and throat and he threw up what seemed to be his entire spleen. Even after he emptied the contents of his stomach, Connie couldn't slow his breathing or stop the tears, he felt like he was going to go insane-
"C-come on- we need to tell him-" Rinslet tried to say but she was coming apart as well, barely able to take much more of this either.
The medic came over to them and laid a hand on the bald teen's shoulder. "We need their names now," he said softly.
"... Vivillion Pearl. Wormadam- model: Trash Cloak- Luta."
"Do they have their partner's uniform patches on them?"
Connie couldn't reply, only nod in affirmation.
"Do you know their partner's names?"
"... Mina Carolina. Milius Zeramuski."
Connie gripped his head in his hands, tears in his eyes as he watched the funeral pyres burn. "All that hard work- everything we've done- was it all for nothing?"
Jean remained silent as he looked back at that day.
Jean moved about with robotic impulse. He would glance at his side so often now but he wouldn't see the Umbreon padding by his side ever again. Now all that he had left of Miko was the ribbon she wore around the collar of her shawl- her black glasses and shawl were sent back to be used for another Pokemon, they couldn't afford to get new ones now.
Just then, a harsh vomiting sound came from behind and Jean saw Mira throw up her stomach while Gawain comforted her a ways from-
"Is that you... Marco?"
The grey-haired teen was frozen where he stood, eyes wide and locked on the soldier that was sitting against the side of the house he was cleaning around. It was Marco, or rather, what was left of him- his entire right half of his body was missing, his skin ashen and decomposing. But what made the scene even worse was Fisher gently pawing at his side, licking his hand as if it would wake him up.
"Trainee, do you know who this is?" one of the medics, Romana, asked him.
Jean couldn't reply, his gaze locked on the teen before him- of all people to have died, he didn't even think that Marco could have been one of them, he was so sure he had gotten away.
"Someone- was there anyone who saw him when he died?" he got out.
"Do you know his name?" the blonde asked again.
The teen stared back at her fury- how could she act so nonchalant in the face of something so awful?!
"... you need to understand trainee- it's been two entire days since the hole had been plugged, yet we're still not done in retrieving the corpses littered in Trost, not to mention we face the possibility of widespread contamination," Romana told him and Jean saw the haunted, glazed look in her eyes. "You don't have the time to grieve for your friend. Understood?"
"...104th trainee corps. Leader of the 19th squadron. Marco- Bott. Partner: Growlithe Fisher."
The soldier nodded as she jotted this down. "I'm glad you know his name- you may proceed. I'll send another soldier to take care of his partner."
"What- what will you do with her?"
"The Pokemon whose partners died will be assigned to others who lost their Pokemon partners," Romana said, writing down another name of the deceased before going over to get a stretcher and some soldiers.
Jean couldn't tear his eyes away from the corpse and the Growlithe wasn't helping as she shook the body, giving Marco's hand another lick.
"Hey, come on," she whimpered. "Wake up."
"St-"
"The joke's over, Marco- this isn't funny."
"Stop it-"
"We gotta get you up-"
"HE'S DEAD, YOU STUPID MUTT!" Jean screamed at Fisher, at the end of his rope. "HE'S DEAD AND HE'S NOT COMING BACK!"
Fisher recoiled as if he had hit her before tears pooled in her eyes and Jean turned from the scene, his fingernails drawing blood as they dug into the skin of his palms, the Growlithe's mournful howls echoing in his ears.
Jean looked to see a bit of ash in the air and he reached out, catching it in his palm. Hey Miko, Marco, he couldn't help thinking, where are your bones now?
The faces that had held so much confidence, so much hope just two days ago were now grim, solemn, anguished, terrified and so much older. Perhaps if they had known what fate had in store for them, they would have never become soldiers. Perhaps if Jean hadn't joined the trainee corps, he wouldn't have had to worry who would die next, or grieve for the ones he had already lost.
He remembered Eren berating him about his combat skills that day when he flipped him over. He had always been so serious, so passionate about being a soldier, how the only to survive in their kind of world was to fight with everything they had and then some. The grey-haired teen hadn't wanted to hear such words from his mouth of all people's, but he knew that it was the truth.
The only thing we can do now is fight, Jean finally acknowledged.
But he wouldn't go at it like Eren did- he wouldn't sacrifice his brain for passion or bravery. There wasn't anyone that had as much strength as Eren did, that's what he thought.
So do all who live to see such time, they wish they had chosen differently. But it wasn't for them to decide. All that they could decide is what to do with the time that they had left.
That alone had made him remember the conversation he had with Marco- he had called Jean weak but that was what made him a good leader. during their training days, Eren had called Marco a natural leader, but the freckled teen had shrugged him off bashfully.
"We're all weak, Jean. But you know something? Everyone's weak in some way, like grass types are weak to fire, fire to water and water to grass. That's why when they understand that the person giving them orders, then they will do their best to carry them out. Why do you think Pokemon have so much respect for humans and vice versa? We all give something that the other doesn't have and it takes us to greater heights."
He remembered how he and Miko talked about what they would do when they would go to Sina and how they would spend their time in retirement and what she had thought of it.
"I've never been cut out for battling. That's why it made me happy that we'd be going there, to Wall Sina. I'm not strong, or brave, or even very smart like the others are when it comes to combat- even though he tries, Bec can't understand that kind of feeling I have. You couldn't truly count on me on the battlefield. But things like this, you can rely on me to be by your side, no matter what."
"What is there left to be done...?" Jean wondered aloud, looking back at the ash in his hand.
Fisher's howls of grief echoed in his mind as he walked over to his fellow trainees. "Guys... did you choose the faction you're going to join? Have you picked one yet?"
They looked back at him, his fist rembling around the tiny piece of ash. "I'm..."
"You're weak."
"I'm..."
"I'm sorry."
"I'm going to join the Survey Corps!"
Hjalmar rubbed at his head wearily from where he was looking out at the walls from the streets of Trost. The last few days had been such a hell for everyone and he was glad that they had at least given the dead their last rites. The district would be rebuilt in time and the surviving soldiers would move on, hopefully him included.
"Hey."
He looked up to see Domani come over to him with two cups of coffee, Monty slithering behind her. The brunet accepted the cup from her and she sat down beside him. "O'neill and Croft asked me to check up on you."
Hjalmar blinked at this news- he hadn't had much contact with the two Garrison soldiers since the battle at Trost since they had to clean it up afterwards. "Well I'm fine, all right-"
"You gave Croft Horussss and then lost Ossirissss not long after- you'll pardon me if I don't believe you," Monty cut him off.
"..."
His fingers clutched at the cup tightly and his jaw quivered before Domani saw the shine of tears on his face. "What was I supposed to do...? I couldn't fight by myself and he wouldn't have been able to go on if he couldn't muster the courage- I- I can't just-"
Hjalmar's breath hitched with a sob and the blonde laid a hand on his shoulder. She couldn't say anything to comfort him- the pain of losing a partner was not something that many could emphasize with or even understand, unless the other was someone who went through the same loss. All she could do was offer her support to her fellow officer and one of the only comrades she had left.
"Hm?"
Hjalmar glanced up and Domani heard a shuffling near them. Monty quickly slithered into a combat stance in case it was an enemy. In the little light that was offered, the brunet saw a Polywhirl making it's way through the darkened streets, covered in bruises and blood. The three of them quickly ran over it's side, the Pokemon not protesting.
"This is a trainee's partner," Domani said after she checked the emblem.
The brunet remained silent as he looked at the anguished expression on the Polywhirl's face and understood, scooping the Pokemon into his arms gently. "Let's go," he said to the other two and they quickly went back to where the soldiers were recovering.
"It is the greatest gift any sentient may hold within them. With this, your life can be filled with great happiness and sadness," he went on. "Yet the ones who hold this gift are the ones who reside outside. They are the ones who experience true freedom while we rot inside these cages. It is to be admired, for they have power to claim this great gift and we do not..."
The man continued on, his gaze never straying even when two more people slipped inside, clearly set apart from the other worshipers.
"They have been able to grasp this gift and thus they are able to walk about this vast earth in confidence. Though we have been put through frustration, it not been through our own choices but by those who subjected it, for the hope that we may liberate ourselves from these walls and live as we were intended to in the glory of true freedom."
With the sermon coming to a close, the man turned to face his audience and clasped his hands together, his fingers entwining in front of his chest before spreading his arms out on either side. "True freedom be with you."
"And also with you," came the reply from the others.
The sermon ended and the worshipers began to mingle among themselves quietly, greeting once another as they had each traveled a great distance just to come to the church. The man quickly navigated through towards the back where two familiar figures had taken seat and he went over to them as soon as the rest had gone away.
"Rabbi Damon Yggdrasil," Erwin greeted the man.
"Commander Erwin Smith," Damon said back, shaking his hand before leading the two men into the back of his room, Levi's deadpan expression becoming flatter at the obvious hurry that the young man had made before the service as evidenced by the knocked over stool and the discord in the wardrobe still open.
"Make yourselves comfortable- I won't be long," Damon told them both as he poured out some coffee. "What did you think of my sermon?"
"Impressive, if it wasn't a load of shit being drilled into both of my ears," Levi replied. "Who in their right mind would worship titans?"
Erwin was about to scold the captain but Damon cut him off as he laughed before replying in agreement, "Who indeed?"
Damon set aside his hat and robe and slid off the dress coat. "I might have inherited the parish from my father but try not to assume that I believe even one word of its' preaching or supposed Gods, or anyone else's for that matter like he did, okay? As my father- may he rot in peace- told you both before, what we -or rather, they-idolize is not titans but the freedom they have. Propaganda from the Wallists and people's natural timidness to the outside led the order to be branded as titan-worshipers, though there are some who are connected to the original cult. Now, they function as a lifeline to those desperate or deluded enough to believe that those monsters are gods. Or something along those lines- I usually tuned him out."
A bitter sneer came to his face as he said, "I would have tossed all of this aside to rot and wither to nothing when my father died, except I realized that I still used it for my sake like the hypocrite I am..."
He set down the two teacups in front of the two officers before he took his own. "But enough of this exposition- there's a reason you decided to grace my parish with your presences, and it wasn't to hear my life's story."
Erwin nodded. "You have heard of the battle of Trost in the past few days, correct?"
"It really is amazing," Damon replied with a nod. "A boy turning into a titan and giving humanity it's first victory against the titans after five years of disarray? I'd actually like to meet him myself since it's because of him that my parish is gaining so much support now- in the past few days, the Titanists has gained more followers than the past two decade combined with many of them from Zhiganshina, the boy's home district."
"The townspeople spoke of a boy with green eyes and brown hair who was as hot-blooded as a Tauros but as determined as a Braviary. A boy who spoke praise of Pokemon and the Survey Corps with both passion and pride. A few Garrison soldiers who frequent to check up on the remaining refugees admitted how the boy chastised them for being complacent the day the Colossal titan appeared. A boy, who at the age of nine, killed two grown slavers to save a girl he had never even met before. They joined for the sole purpose of supporting him."
"That is what we came to discuss- in a week, Eren Jaeger will be tried to High Commander Zackly on whether or not he will live," Erwin explained. "The Military Police, Wallists and Nobles are already out for his blood and the Pokeists are only concerned about what happens to his Pokemon partner."
"One Samuel Lingke Jackson and Korrina of Shalour will be tried with him," Levi put in. "Unlike Jaeger, those two have committed crimes that should put them both on the chopping block with the latter being an outright war criminal and terrorist."
"Let's say I agree- I seriously doubt that they'll allow us to even enter the courtroom, let alone defend him," Damon pointed out. "The Titanists are renowned for being clinically insane, as most people speculate and accept without any preamble or after-thought. Can't you just beat his head in to show he doesn't mean any harm?"
"I already did that and I severely doubt that anyone will take a repeat performance," Levi said, his voice deadpan but the remorse that flickered in the dark silver eyes didn't escape Damon's attention.
"You have as much standing as a religious faction as The Wallists and Pokeists, you just don't have the same support," Erwin pointed out. "Your father said so himself."
"True- if Jaeger lives and he proves to be an asset, then it'll benefit me as well," Damon mused. "Or it won't- either way, the Titanist's standing inside the walls have become much more stable as of late- I'll be fine with whichever way this turns out."
Levi's expression never changed but disgust smoldered in the dark silver irises.
"So I'll see you in a week then?" Erwin said.
"That you will," Damon replied before the two men shook hands.
As the two soldiers left the church, Levi scowl became more prominent. "I still don't see why we keep dealing with them- his old man was bad enough and now we have his slimy bastard of a son to deal with..."
"The fact that both his father and grandfather have already given generous funding to the Corps and the Guard is one reason," Erwin replied. "Besides, it might benefit to have their... unique viewpoints present at the trial."
Damon sighed as he slumped in his chair. "Max, is it sad that the only ones who legitimately understand me are an old/ hot ginger, an innervate eccentric, a blond idealist, a tiny unmitigated ball of rage, several zealous papists and a Pokemon?" he asked the Murkrow.
Max immediately nodded.
"Niko- it's such a treat to see you!"
A stout and short man with a greying brown beard around his jaw and cable temple glasses beamed as the Outpost Guard greeted him at the door. Instead of her military attire, she had opted for this visit a black double-breasted peacoat with a white dress shirt and long dark blue skirt. She slipped into the house and closed the door behind her. "It's good to see you again, Sir Halliburton," she said, her face softening into a small smile.
"Come come, you needn't be reserved here- and I told you before to call me Lucius! You must be exhausted, what with dealing with everything that's happened these past few days," Sir Halliburton said cordially. "I was about to have dinner anyways- I'll have Millicent put on some coffee, if you still fancy it!"
"Coffee sounds great, thank you," the ginger-haired woman said before she watched him bustle over to the housekeeper, fondness in her eyes.
Within about ten minutes, they were all seated at the table and ate dinner without preamble or ceremony. Within around twenty minutes, they finished their food and sat back with mugs of coffee laved with Milktank cream.
"Now I know you well enough to say you don't like beating around the bush, so let's hear what you have to say, Niko," Sir Halliburton said to her with a serious look.
Monika nodded in affirmation and asked, "Do you still have contacts with the merchants who dealt with items and information found outside of the walls?"
"I do, but they haven't been doing too well these past five years," the noble answered. "I doubt you could get them to fund you."
"I don't need funds- I need witnesses, specifically those who dealt with Kalosian traders and those in particular who have been in contact with the Shalour tribe," Monika answered.
Sir Halliburton looked pensive at that. "I won't lie Niko- that's a tall order even for you," he said. "You know that those who had dealings with the Verstoyen even as trading partners are frowned on and the government keeps quite a few tabs on them as well."
"You haven't said whether or not you'll do it though," she remarked.
Sir Halliburton let out a low chuckle. "I'll see whether or not some of my 'friends' can help dig something up- I can't make promises, though."
"I've never expected you to."
(Flap)
"What do you think of this, Priestess Shannon?"
A woman with blonde hair tied back in a braid, blue eyes and wore a white robed shirt with a dress shirt underneath and a long red skirt. She remained silent as she looked over the article for the umpteenth time.
A boy who can turn into a titan whose partner is the Disaster Pokemon, Absol... Weren't they supposed to be extinct?
She looked back at the young brunette nun before her, hazel-brown eyes far too wide, far too naive. "Thank you, Holly- I will have to ponder this further."
"My lady, we- weren't not going to let them kill those Pokemon, are we?" Holly asked, her hands wringing at her skirt.
"Of course not- Pokemon are sacred beings," Shannon answered. "We cannot allow foolish humans who don't even understand their power to do what they please with them. It's bad enough that the military and factories use them like swords and slaves but now they try to kill an innocent Pokemon because they believe that it is linked to a titan-shifting boy?"
"So, you'll go save them then?" Holly asked, hope in her eyes.
"Of course- we are the chosen few who hold the torch that will light the way to freedom for these sacred beings," the priestess said with a determined smile. "With our power, we will showcase our ideals for all to see and liberate them from all who dare oppress their power!"
Outside of the room, an older man with long grey-green hair and bandages around his eyes was sitting in an armchair. His fingers trailed over the characters of the book as he listened to the Priestess go on. A grin spread on his face.
Isabel rubbed at her temple, her hands missing the white flower that had disappeared in the chaos of Trost. In the days that had passed since Trost, it was as if a shadow had fallen over the Beast Trainers in Wall Rose. So many Pokemon who hadn't had a chance to choose their paths had died and they had lost several of their own soldiers, including their senior most officer.
Rivalz and Kendall were still in the medical bay, they had nearly gone under several times from the blood loss and shock. Alexi and Suloch were assigned to new squads, the former into the Special Ops. Defense and the latter into the Breeding Grounds and that day, Gilbert and Yue had gone over to Gretchen's house to explain to her grandparents and daughter what had happened to her.
As for her, she was given time to rest for that day and she had already filled her journal with what had happened, her hand cramped from the exertion of writing for so much and for so long. There was nothing left to distract her and she remembered when she first met the man six years ago.
"You're the three that're getting partners, right?"
Isabel looked over at the voice and her mouth gaped open at the sight of the enormous bald and dark-skinned man walking over towards them. If Erwin Smith was tall, this man was a freaking titan, towering over them by a good two to three feet (a full three in Levi's case). By his side was a rather humanoid-looking Pokemon with brown skin, five blunt protrusions on its' head, a lavender-like tunic torso, kilt and feet, wide shoulder guards the same brown as its' skin and red boxing gloves over its' hands that only came up to the man's waist.
"YOU'RE HUGE!" Isabel exclaimed on impulse, making the man laugh and say in agreement, "Yes. Yes, I am. I don't suppose you'd mind-"
Before Levi and Farlen could stop her, Isabel was already in front of the Pokemon, looking at him in amazement. "You look so human like- are you really a Pokemon?" she asked in awe.
"That he is, Miss," the man said with a grin, taking the antics in stride. "This is my partner, Hitmonchan Charlie. As for me, I'm one of the captains of the Beast Trainers, Andreas Brock. Nice to meetcha."
The Hitmonchan, Charlie, bowed his head and murmured a greeting that the three thugs didn't understand. Isabel couldn't help feel at ease at both male's friendly demeanors and she said back, "It's nice to meet you both too- I'm Isabel Magnolia!"
"Farlen Church- n-nice to meet you," Farlen echoed, looking more than a little squicked at seeing Charlie.
"... Levi," the raven-haired man got out, his scowl lessening into a deadpanned look.
She couldn't cry anymore, Isabel couldn't bring herself to. Kaizen had only become her partner after she had lost Lilia so long ago and he had never seen the horror of the titans until two days ago. She couldn't burden him, not now- not when he was struggling himself with what he had seen.
Not even Levi could share her grief- even though they had met Andreas at the same time, she had known him so much longer and had spent much more time with him than he had. To her, losing Andreas had left a hole within her that nothing could fill, a grief and loss that she hadn't felt so intensely even when she had found out about Farlen's death.
Losing Andreas for me- it'd be like if Levi lost Erwin, Isabel thought, her fists clenching- she would never wish that kind of pain onto him, not when they had already lost so much already.
News of the battle from Trost spread throughout the entirety of the walls and brought mixed reactions. Of course, many were confused and scared because of the attack and became even moreso when it was revealed when a boy who turned into a titan was responsible for sealing up the hole the Colossal titan made in Rose.
Some called him a savior, others a demon.
It didn't help that his partner had been an Absol, a Pokemon said to bring disaster wherever it went. Many blamed it for the boy's power and some even went so far as to claim that the Absol was the one who brought the Colossal titan to the walls in the first place. Many called for the Pokemon's death.
In the unease and the fear in the land, a week passed by and the day that their fate would be decided came.
"Know your place, damn monster..."
Eren frowned and said back, "Pokemon is short for 'Pocket Monster.'"
This shut the guard up.
The brunet sat back on the bed, utterly bored and slowly becoming more and more worried, no matter how hard he tried not to be. He could barely tell how much time was passing and he was itching to move, do anything other than sitting on his ass, chained to a bed. Besides getting up for food and the bathroom, there was little else to do there- he wasn't even allowed a book or anything that could ease himself.
Am I really so terrifying that they feel the need to restrain me this much? he wondered.
It wasn't like he didn't blame them, though- he of all people knew how much a threat the titans were and he didn't even understand what this power he had even was or how to use it properly. The fact that he was still alive was something he should be grateful for, that there had been so many people to abdicate for his sake other than Armin, Mikasa, Becquerel, Tanya and Rillo.
That brought the thought of the other cadets. I wonder how they're all doing right now and what they're doing...
He remembered the Beast Trainer, the Garrison and especially the Survey Corps squads that he had interacted with. I wonder what they thought about me when I transformed...?
The cell felt even more cramped than ever now and even though it felt irrational, the thought niggling in the back of Erens' head was growing stronger. Will I spend the rest of my life locked up?
He was not allowed to worry much longer because the next moment, something shot right in front of the barred door, gripping said bars in a vice grip with Noctowl-like brown eyes, gaze locked on him.
Oh, it's a person.
Samuel looked down at his hands, eyes wide. Yet he felt strangely at ease- even though this trial would end with his death, he didn't feel afraid. He did not and could not regret his actions, not when they had brought his friend's partners to them in Trost and saved their lives.
My life is going to end soon.
He couldn't comprehend it- he wouldn't join the Beast Trainers, he wouldn't see how his friends would grow, he wouldn't meet his future wife (or husband, he wasn't really picky in that regard- he would be lucky to get anyone), he wouldn't see his parents settle down in old age and he wouldn't reach that age tier either.
My life is going to end soon.
His hands shook, his teeth gnashed together. "N-no..."
Why was he even being given a trial if not to be made a spectacle of? At least Eren had a decent chance of living because of his power, Becquerel would live along with his partner, Cody wasn't even with him to stop him in the first place so he was blameless and Korrina of Shalour knew what she was getting into in the first place. He was just a normal human being who was forced to take drastic chances in the end- not that it would matter to anyone and now he was going to die.
Just then, his cell door opened and the guard motioned for him to stand and he did so. Manacles were clamped onto his wrists behind his back and he was led out. As he went down the hallway, he saw Eren being led down with two more guards along with two Survey Corps soldiers- a person with glasses and long messy copper-red hair tied back in a ponytail and a tall man with dirty blond hair and mustache- who was apprently sniffing Eren.
"Um-"
"Ah, you must be Samuel Lingke Jackson!" the person remarked as they waved at him and the brunet nodded weakly as he was walked over to Eren. The two stole a quick glance at one another, apprehension reflected right back at one another before the moment was promptly ruined as Samuel realized the man was sniffing him now.
"What the hell are you doing?!" he squawked, trying to lean as far away from the man as possible only to bump right into Korrina as she was brought out, making her actually try to bite him before she was restrained by the other two guards with her.
Samuel's remaining nerve dropped harshly.
"It's just something he does- a habit," the person tried to calm the brunet down with little success. "I'm Hange Zoe by the way and the other's Mike Zacharias- we're squad leaders in the Survey Corps."
"R-right..."
"Ah sorry, but I got carried away with this useless chatting and we're already here," Hange apologized as they opened the door. "It's best you not know much beforehand, I think."
"Huh?" Eren blinked before the person gave him a reassuring look and said, "Just tell them what's on your mind, Eren."
They then turned to Samuel and said, "As for you, you did what you had to to save your comrades life- never forget that and don't let anyone shame you for it."
Samuel swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded his thanks. Korrina just glared at both leaders with such fury but neither of them were fazed as the three of them were at last led into the courtroom.
He could already feel the tension in the room and not because of the three of them had arrived as the eyes of all the people inside turned to the three of them. The more prominent nobles and merchants were present, along with the Wallists, Pokeists and, (un?)surprisingly, the Titanists. The latter group looked calm and patient even with the other groups glaring daggers at them and Samuel could have sworn he saw the beginnings of an amused smirk twitching on the Rabbi's lips. He also noticed that their group was the smallest, with only five people including said Rabbi along with a man with dark circles underneath grey-blue eyes, black hair that reach past his nape, a woman with curly bronze hair and brown eyes and two teenagers with their faces hidden behind hoods.
Samuel resisted from swallowing to hide his nervousness but it was becoming increasingly hard with the eyes on his person.
The three were led to the center-front most area shackled to the poles before the mechanism forced them onto their knees and Samuel wished desperately he wasn't smack in the middle of a war criminal hell-bent on spilling their blood and a titan-shifting comrade- no offense meant to Eren- but he didn't want to be crushed if he went out of control.
However, Samuel very well nearly lost what little composure he had when he heard two wheeling noises and the doors open. Two guards were pulling in Becquerel and Cody on two platforms. Both had their legs, waists and tails chained to said platform with a stock hold brace around their necks with muzzles clamping their mouths shut over a metal bar between their teeth. He could see Eren's horror and fury at the Absol's treatment and shivered.
From where he was, the brunet could see more people around him- the heads of the factions were all there, including the Garrison, Beast Trainer, Military Police and Survey Corps commanders and their officers, as well as his fellow trainees to Samuel's surprise. He even saw Adrian along with where the Outpost Guard should be but the only two officers there were the two snipers that he saw at Trost.
"Let's begin shall we," the grey haired and bearded man that Samuel recognized as the supreme commander of all five military branches, Darius Zackly, took his seat.
"Korrina of Shalour of Verstoyen, Samuel Lingke Jackson, Luxio Cody, Eren Jaeger and Absol Becquerel, correct?" the man said as he reviewed their names. "Four of which are loyal soldiers sworn to give their lives for humanity if need be and the fifth who comes from outside of the walls?"
Samuel nodded, Eren gave a "Yes sir," and Korrina scowled furiously. Cody and Becquerel were silent due to the muzzles but they were able to extend their heads in a nod as well.
"All five of you have come here on different charges today," Zackly said. "The Military Council is in effect as of now and your standings ultimately depend on me. Should it come down to it, I will decide whether or not you six live or die. Do you have any objections?"
Samuel couldn't reply but give a shaky nod, Eren replied back, "No sir," and Korrina spat, "Well, get on with it, old man," while Becquerel and Cody shook their heads as well.
"For now, we will start with Eren Jaeger and Absol Becquerel, as the usual practice of laws are inapplicable to you both at the moment," Zackly said, taking up some of the papers. "It's good that you both understand your standing in this. Your case is unprecedented and as such has brought forth two clashing viewpoints."
"Those who see you two as demons who brought forth the titans and those who see you as a savior and a new hope for humanity."
So that's what the Titanists are doing here! Samuel realized, looking at the black-robed people. I bet they want to use Eren as a figurehead!
At that, he also glanced at the Pokeists from where they were. But why would this concern them other than Cody and Becquerel's appearances? They've never attended any other trial with a Pokemon in it to my knowledge...
It was then when the two guards by Cody and Becquerel were given permission to remove the muzzles from the Luxio and Absol, allowing them to breathe and speak more easily.
"As for you, Absol Becquerel," Zackly said, "you have committed no crime but news of your involvement have brought up several claims that say otherwise."
Becquerel gave a nod at that. "I am called the 'Disaster Pokemon', I can see why they would be frightened."
His words were translated and the supreme commander nodded in affirmation. "As you can imagine, it's become impossible to keep either of your existences a secret after the battle at Trost," Zackly said. "After this trial is over, an official announcement will be held about you both. The purpose of this trial is to decide where you two will be headed to after this and what actions that will be taken against you both will depend on that- between the Military Police and the Survey Corps."
"Commander Nile Dawk speaking," the black-haired man with scraggly beard said. "After carefully going over both of Eren Jaeger and Absol Becquerel's cases- including property and societal damage, as well as how both the general population and even our leaders- I have concluded that after this trial that they be executed as swiftly as possible. Their mere existence is causing civil unrest and the threat of infighting is becoming more a reality each day."
His eyes flitted over to the Titanists as he said, "Some of which are directly rallying behind both of them- I acknowledge that Eren Jaeger's power did save Trost, but I also acknowledge that we know nothing of him and that his existence is far from harmless and has already gained far too much political weight. That's why I suggest that after we glean as much information as possible off of him, we can at the very least name him a hero for saving Trost and humanity from a second invasion."
So Eren's either considered a hero of a monster- just what the hell went on this week? Samuel wondered.
"As for Absol Becquerel, I believe that he poses as much threat as his partner- Pokemon have abilities that have served us well in the past and there are those that have proven just as dangerous," Nile went on. "As for his position as the 'Disaster Pokemon', that name was earned because it was said wherever Absol would wander, disaster in the form of storms, earthquakes and other disasters from the earth would follow them not long after. It's not that much of a stretch to believe that Absol Becquerel could have easily attracted the Colossal and Armored titans before. That's why I would conclude that he would be executed along with Eren Jaeger- of course he would be hailed for supporting his partner in saving Trost at the very least."
"I have nothing to say to that except I had nothing to do with the titans appearing either times," Becquerel answered. "They would have shown up much earlier if that were the case."
His words were translated further and caused a few murmurs before one of the Wallists stepped forward. "There's no need to hail either of them as heroes," he said. "Both are vermin who tricked the divine wall and brought disaster upon us all- I urge that you execute them both without further ado."
"I object that motion, at least on Absol Becquerel's part," the blonde Pokeist woman spoke against him. "Have you already forgotten the good that this creature did before? He was a doctor's aid who rescued the Zhiganshina district from a terrible plague- a vermin would never save innocent lives as he did."
"Not to mention the fact that said doctor, Grisha Jaeger, happens to be Eren's father," one of the Titanists remarked.
"Pastor Nick, Priestess Shannon, Rabbi Damon, to order please," Zackly said sternly before turning to look at the blond commander. "What of the Survey Corp's rebuttal?"
"13th commander Erwin Smith speaking," the blond said. "We officially ask Eren and Becquerel to join the Survey Corps and use their power to block the hole in Wall Maria as well as combat the Verstoyen to prevent them from taking it from us as well. That is all we have to say."
"Are you certain?"
"Yes- with Eren's power, it would be possible to plug up the hole in Wall Maria as he did in Trost to stop anymore titans from getting through. From there, would we would start to wipe out the ones inside the walls as well as put up a foothold to prevent the Verstoyen from getting further inside."
What the hell- that wasn't even an argument, just a proposal! Samuel thought in disbelief.
Zackly nodded in assent. "I see- by the way, would you mind explaining just how you would go about sorting this out- I believe that Commander Pixis already finished walling up the gate of Trost, correct?"
"I have- there's no way that the gate there can be used again," Pixis affirmed.
"That's why we would depart from the Karanese district this time around, then search our way back to the Zhiganshina district and find a way to block the hole," Erwin answered.
"Wait a second- are you saying that the rest of the gates aren't going to be holed up?!" a merchant exclaimed. "the Colossal titan can only destroy the parts of the wall where the gates are- so if we get rid of the only weak spots in the walls, then his attacks won't mean anything! Or are you guys so territory-hungry that you'd leave those glaring weaknesses be?! All you guys are spouting over there is idealistic bullshit that's led to hundreds of deaths- some heroes you are!"
These are conservatives? Samuel grimaced.
"Big talk from swine, huh," Levi remarked. "Where's the guarantee that the titans'll sit quietly and wait for us to recover, huh? Besides, I think that we have a more immediate threat kneeling right in front of us."
He looked at Korrina now. "This bitch led four guys with multiple Pokemon on them into Trost and they very well nearly stopped us from sealing up the hole- doesn't it bother any of you that four people with no gear or horses and with only the Pokemon with them managed to cross Wall Maria and hit us when we were being attacked?"
"Also, you keep you using 'we', 'us'- meaning my friends and comrades and partner who risk our lives while you stay behind your walls and fatten yourselves up like pigs in a sty while thousands others starve," he went on. "Need I remind you of the Starving Time in 847 because you guys began buying up all the available food- you guys have the lives of 200,000 people on your heads and you don't even give a damn."
"I-I only said that if we closed up the gates-"
"I will not tolerate this blasphemy any more, you vile insect!" Pastor Nick bellowed.
And now he's ranting, Samuel groused as he tried to tune it out- it was because of zealots like this man that even the Garrison had to go through hell to get cannons and sentries to guard them. Even though many believed it to be bullshit, they still had a lot of wide-spread support and the last five years had only upped it.
"So you'd condemn people who have never done you any wrong, some who might actually follow your teachings, to death?" Damon asked. "The hypocrisy stinks in here. I mean- what are you even butting in for anyways- is this just a way to spread Wallist propaganda all the while condemning those who keep us safe? What a shallow tactic, Pastor Nick."
"Why you little-"
"Let's get back to the matter at hand," Zackly said. "Eren, if you would answer a question- while there's hope for you joining the Corps, it was also reported that you swung at Mikasa Ackerman, Captain Levi and even your own partner Absol Becquerel."
Samuel's eyes widened in shock and he glanced at Eren who looked just as surprised as he did. "Is Mikasa Ackerman present?"
"Yes sir," she said.
"Is it true that Eren attacked you?"
She swallowed back and answered, "Yes sir."
"And he attacked you as well?" Zackly asked Levi.
"Yeah, though I don't really blame him in any case- I did beat him up in front of an entire Garrison unit after all," he answered.
What a casual answer, Samuel sweatdropped.
"And you, Absol Becquerel?"
Becquerel gave a nod. Many in the audience were smirking now at the turn of events, now armed with new information. Samuel grimaced as he looked at Eren's horrified expression and he wished he could say something, anything to help him.
"But the fact remains that in his titan form, Eren saved my life twice," Mikasa said. "The first time I saw him, I had Becquerel and my own partner, Froslass Tanya with me as a titan came for us. But Eren appeared before all three of us and killed the titan, saving us. The second time, he protect myself, Armin, Captain Levi and Samuel Lingke Jackson from a cannon ball and several Pokemon attacks with his form."
"While these events are true, there also remains the fact that your views are biased," Nile said and produced a few papers. "Six years ago, your parents were killed by a gang of slavers before Eren Jaeger went to where they held you and the two of you stabbed three men to death."
Samuel's mouth gaped open at this new revelation and both his fear and respect for Eren went up a few notches.
"While I understand that this is biased from my part, taking in our situation and relationship with ourselves and our partners," Mikasa said determinedly, "you must also take into account Captain Levi and Samuel, as well as Staraptor Adrian and several other soldiers' views as well. The captain was only doing what was necessary to stop any more titans from getting into Trost and Samuel was the whole reason that many of our partners participated in the battle. I'm fine if you spit on my involvement, but would you spit on theirs as well?"
Nile looked taken back at that and a few of the onlookers grumbled in disappointment at the argument.
"The way I see it is the same as a wild Pokemon- their power is untapped and raw at first, but with training and the right environment, they can easily become powerful," Damon suddenly stepped in. "There are plenty of them inside the Beast Trainers that weren't allowed to be trained as soldiers ten, twenty, thirty years ago which are being trained right now. Sure, you're right- he is kind of like a powder keg, but so are plenty of other Pokemon who are more than capable of the same power he has, just in different fashions."
"What about her then?" a merchant asked in a low voice, pointing at Mikasa. "I bet she and that partner of her's is with him too! He already got her to commit murder, you can't say that's not a possibility!"
"Jaeger already got four captains, including Levi of the Survey Corps, and the Beast Trainer's head researcher, to back him up- of course she's with him!"
No one in the courthouse could recall how it happened, but mere seconds after the comment left the mans' mouth, the black haired titanist was across the courtroom in a heartbeat, his fist colliding with the Wallist' jaw in a rather awe-inspiring uppercut and sending him flying, smashing into the floor as a tooth clattered against the bench. "Thou wilst not insult Lord Titan nor his queen in mine presence!" he declared with angry determination.
"Kaleb, keep your theories to yourself!" Damon barked. "Don't insinuate anything that you don't know for fact!"
"What queen?!" Eren practically shrieked/ squawked in protest while Mikasas' face turned tomato red.
Even the titan worshipers ship them! Samuel thought in disbelief.
"Aplogies, Rabbi-" the man began only for a noble to exclaim, "See?! She really is working together with him-"
He wasn't allowed to finish as Kaleb's roar of "Thou wisheth to taste my fist as well?! Cometh at me, brother!" drowned out the rest.
"I'd like to see you try, you fanatic bastard-" he began, only for the bronze-haired woman to throw her bible across the room and hit him in the nose, the crack resounding as blood trickled down his nostrils. "Who knows? Perhaps we'll switch it up a bit and punch you in the face as well!" she growled.
"Josephine-" Damon began only to barely dodge a small bible thrown at his head before giving a cold look at the Wallist who threw it. "I'm trying to resolve the conflict, you nit!"
"NO!" Eren barked, stopping the fight before correcting himself and with a steeled voice said, "Mikasa and Tanya have nothing to do with me turning into a titan and neither does Becquerel!"
"Bullshit!"
"That creature's a demon! It's in it's damn name- Absol aren't called the Disaster Pokemon for nothing!" a Wallist yelled.
"Wherever it goes, it brings catastrophe in it's wake- it can't be coincidence that the Colossal titan appeared both times when it was near Zhiganshina and Trost!"
"You will be silent!" Priestess Shannon barked, her voice chilling and harsh at the ones who had voiced Becquerel's death. "Who are you to judge this creature's death- creatures who were given to this world just as we were and have divine powers? Even if Absol brought disaster of their own violation, then wouldn't the Colossal titan and the Armored titan have shown up sooner? For how long has this Pokemon lived inside of these walls?"
Ash quickly brought forth the records and answered, "First registration took place a little more than twenty years ago," he reported.
"Yet neither of these titans appeared in that time- in fact, that was when the third border of the Outpost Guard was established as well," Priestess Shannon went on.
"Where are you going with this-"
"All of that made possible because we slammed these creatures under our heel as slaves!"
"And there we go- quite the roundabout you took with that argument!" Pastor Nick spat with incredulity.
"How can you even condone such acts when it costs the lives of so many Pokemon?" Priestess Shannon asked with anger. "They are sacred beings and must not be made to do the bidding of man!"
"Then ask them yourselves whether or not they want to be involved- see how many say otherwise," Levi said in a flat voice.
"You dare-"
"As a soldier with a Pokemon partner, of course the captain would be indignant of such a comment," Damon cut the priestess off. "Before preaching your ideals, find out the truth first- I find it prevents one from looking like a fool in most circumstances."
Priestess Shannon bristled with fury. "You have no right to-"
"Absol, scientific name Panthera antecursor, is a leonine-like Pokemon with navy blue skin and shockingly white fur. Both sexes of this species possess a curious mane in the shape of a long beard, while the fur on the top of its head resembles a magatama, for reasons that evolutionary Pokebiologists can only guess at. Curiously, its feline face is devoid of fur, leaving its blue skin and red eyes exposed for all to see; a single horn, bearing an uncanny resemblance to a sickle, sprouts from the right temporal lobe. Absol's legs each possess three talons and a pointed spur jutting from the rear of the tarsus or ulna, and its tail resembles the blade of a scythe."
"As with most feline Pokemon, Absol possesses a refined, gyroscopic inner ear that allows it to reorient itself in midair and land on its feet, as well as excellent night vision. In addition, it's horn is lined with a number of aerokinetic cells that allow it to stimulate air currents when swung. The species is also notable for its incredible longevity, with captive specimens documented as living for well over one hundred years."
"Most impressive of all, however, is Absol's tactile sense; fine enough to detect subtle shifts and eddies in the atmosphere or faint vibrations in the lithosphere from across the globe, Absol's incredibly refined sense of touch allows it limited precognition regarding the onset of natural disasters. In the past, when the species was both more numerous and more altruistic, they would often run into towns or villages in large prides and attempt to warn the inhabitants of impending destruction; however, as they frequently arrived too late to prevent these disasters — and because of their somewhat threatening appearance and frequent attacks on livestock — the popular misconception that Absol actually cause natural disasters became widespread, and they were hunted nearly to extinction."
Priestess Shannon stared in shock as the brunet finished speaking. "Wha- what was all of that?"
"Part of the section of the Absol species from volume three of the Bulbapedia, or Pokemon encyclopedia series- I used to read stuff like this for fun before becoming a soldier since my dad had to use them for medical purposes," Eren replied, his face disturbingly calm.
The Bulbapedia were a vast collection of encyclopedias on the Pokemon that the Beast Trainers encountered- though most of it had come from information that had already been gathered before the titans appeared, so there were more than a few items and references within it that they couldn't identify or understand. "For someone who boasts that they have Pokemon's best interests in mind, you really don't know seem to know shit about them."
"You dare-"
"Am I wrong?" the brunet asked, his green eye boring into her blue ones. "For all your talk about being for Pokemon's equality, you haven't done shit for them- you don't know anything concrete about their species, you haven't done anything about their position as second-class inside the walls- I'm not the only one who's noticed how few witnesses here are Pokemon, especially when they've seen me transform as well- despite everything they've already done for us and now you're trying to throw your weight around like you know what's best for them when you've never had a partner or even actually talked with one of them. You've never even bothered to learn their language, either and you haven't even acknowledged the fact that the title 'Disaster Pokemon' is a misnomer."
That title alone made Eren bristle with anger and sadness for Becquerel- he had never known a time when the Absol wasn't in his life and he had grown to see Becquerel as much a part of his family as Grisha and Carla had been- hell, he had even called him "grandpa" when he was a toddler! If Becquerel had been given free reign, he would have gotten as many jobs as possible to support them the two years they spent before entering the military. However, for all they had done for them, Pokemon were essentially considered second-class inside the walls and were only allowed jobs that had to do with Manuel labor inside factories or as soldiers in the military. Even when working with Grisha, Becquerel had been little more than a supporter and not allowed to practice medicine (though his lack of opposable thumbs and large claws would also hinder him) no matter how much his father had abdicated for him and Tanya wasn't even given that much either.
The priestess wilted at his words, unable to respond. "He obviously made it up-" a noble tried to bluster.
"Commander Vantas," Zackly addressed the brunet and he opened up the Bulbapedia volume he brought with him to the section pertaining to the Absol subspecies, his eye widening before saying, "That was literally a perfect summerization of the Absol sub-species, and he's not wrong about the name being a misnomer either."
"But those creatures having a language- it's absurd at best-"
"The books clearly and concisely referenced their languages and dialects- these books were written long before the walls existed," Ash cut the man off with a serious and stern look. "If anything, this gives further proof that it exists."
A few murmurs went around and it was clear that there were more than a few impressed by this, though they wouldn't admit it then and there. Shannon stared in shock at the man, her face burning with embarrassment and fury.
"As for the rest of you," Eren said with low anger, "all you're doing here is speculating and making half guesses to suit your fear-fueled view points. How do you expect to get to the truth like this if you keep disregarding it? The easy way isn't the right or the best way- you should know that by now. Besides, I don't get why you're all so scared- you've never seen a titan before, let alone fought one."
"Besides, even if we beat all of the titans, the Verstoyen still exist- they've been surviving in the same turf as titans for an entire century- but you don't pay them any attention even though they're just as responsible for the casualties outside the walls as the titans, if not more," Eren continued. "Didn't you even realize the fact that if Korrina got inside then they're obviously inside Wall Maria? If we don't take it back soon, then the Verstoyen are going to take it from us."
"If you're so scared of being at the front lines, there are always other ways to fight! Lending your support, even giving a word of encouragement would be enough- it's the least that you can do because the titans and Verstoyen aren't going to let us have this so-called peace any longer. If we want to live, then we have to fight- or we'll all end up dead by their hands."
Damn, this kid takes nothing lying down, Damon thought with an impressed smile.
"Not another word out of you- you have no place here, titan-worshipper!" Pastor Nick snapped at the brunet.
"Watch thine mouth, papist!" Kaleb barked.
"Be silent, fool- your voice wearies us," Josephine spat.
"Kaleb. Josephine," Damon said sternly, making the man and woman quiet with a scowl before he tutted, "Oh my, I did say that outloud, didn't I- but I can't be the only one impressed at the points he brings up with such passion yet maintains such calmness."
He cast Eren a little grin. "I like this kid."
"Of course you like him- you offer up daily mass to those beasts!" a merchant yelled.
"Now now, calm down- my opinion notwithstanding, you can't deny the points he makes, especially concerning the walls."
"The walls are the only thing standing before us and the titans- he will jeopardize us all if he goes out of control like that again!" Pastor Nick exclaimed.
"Indeed- for how can anyone forget how it prevented the Colossal and Armored titans from breaking into Zhiganshina and Maria and how it stopped the Verstoyen from getting inside Trost- oh wait," Damon remarked with a deadpan, much to the Pastor's anger. "You will not continue your slander, you deceitful mongrel-" he began to shout.
"No you will not fill anyone else's head with presumptions, you blasphemous troll," Damon cut him off with a bark and cold look, making Pastor Nick stare in disbelief at the insult. "Do you honestly believe that these walls will survive the overwhelming power of the titans a fourth or fifth time, especially if it's the Colossal or Armored titans? Did you forget that despite the Outpost Guard's best efforts, they were destroyed in just a single day by two other unknown titans? Yet you continue to hide in the delusions that you may still be protected by these stones. It is beyond pitiful to watch you scramble about to clutch onto those delusions, consequences be damned- It's no wonder that we haven't made any progress against either the titans or the Verstoyen!"
Samuel and Eren stared in amazement at the Rabbi's counter-argument, neither of them hardly believing that a titan-worshiper was making so much sense. Pastor Nick looked furious but he couldn't come up with another counter and could only settle for glaring at the younger man for all he was worth.
"Of course we're 'clinically insane', so what do we know, you know?" Damon added, air-quoting "clinically insane".
Another bible was thrown at his head and the brawl resumed.
"That little fool!" the old man with unusual blond eyebrows with a white coat with red trim and orange sleeves barked as he smashed his fist into the table.
Diantha and Sycamore knew not what to say to Gurkinn to ease him. They were inside the main tent along with the other leaders of the major tribes who had answered their call to war and fight underneath her leadership. The first was a woman with blonde hair tied back with a scarf and rather thick eyebrows wearing a yellow-green coat. The second was a man with dark skin and darker hair with bits of odd color stuck in the locks and dark grey eyes with a dusty brown coat. The third was a teenage boy with blond hair and blue eyes framed in large, circular glasses, a blue coat and a rather large metal backpack.
"What was she thinking going to the walls like this?!" Viola, the leader of the Santalune Tribe, asked with an angry voice. "It doesn't make any sense!"
"Korrina only took four of the soldiers with her and she didn't even bring along her Lucario partners- this is indeed odd," Grant noted with a frown. "What could have possessed her to do something so foolish?"
Said Lucarios, Lucas and Felix, were holed up in the Shalour camp, depressed because their beloved partner and sister was gone and she hadn't even trusted him enough to bring either of them with her wherever she had gone. What had they done wrong?
"Korrina is smarter than this, I know she is," Clemont, leader of the Lumious tribe, said with a pensive look. "Something is definitely going on here. Did she say or do anything out of the ordinary before leaving with her guards?"
Gurkinn shook his head. "She acted as she always did- training, playing with Lucas and Felix and talking with the guards," he said before his expression became worried. "What happened to make her do this? I don't understand-!"
He shook his head vehemently. "I cannot let myself drown in worry- we must figure out what has happened to her!"
"Still, this was quite a bad time for this to happen," Sycamore said with a frown. "If she's captured and they have means of getting the information on our plans of battle, then..."
"Even so, there's not much they'll be able to do," Grant pointed out. "They can't even get through Maria after it was taken and the Outpost Guard was annihilated. All that's left of their fighting force is the Survey Corps."
Viola gave a small half-mocking, half-admiring smile. "An entire army with the sole purpose of killing titans- they can't kill humans, not with the mindset they have," she said.
Clemont and Gurkinn remained silent- they both knew where Viola was coming from. From what little they interacted with the faction, they couldn't help but admire them for their determination and their strength in such an endeavor. Gurkinn especially since not too long ago he had been neutral in his dealings with those from the Walls and the Kalosian tribes who harbored resentment towards them.
... Monika...
"So it has been agreed that Eren Jaeger will be taken into the Survey Corps custody along with Absol Becquerel until further notice," Zackely declared tiredly.
Nile really couldn't bring himself to look more disappointed, not when the aforementioned subject had resulted in a incredibly vicious brawl starting between the Wallists and Titanists, which dragged in the Pokeists, Nobles and Merchants and made the Survey Corps and Military Police temporary band up to put a stop to it. Really, it was something for the history books and he almost pitied the ones who would never know the full scope the riot.
"For now, we will move onto Samuel Lingke Jackson's case," the old man said, fixing his gaze on the elder brunet, making him shiver. "The charges against you are desertion and the accosting of a foreign Pokemon. Both are crimes punishable by death."
Samuel gave a weak nod in affirmation.
"If anything had gone wrong in either escapades, it would have resulted in several deaths and could very well influence others in breaking these laws because of the ends you brought to," he went on. "Do you deny this?"
"N-no..."
He turned to Cody. "As his partner, you are tasked in keeping him in line yet you did nothing to stop him or dissuade him from his goal- though considering that you were only aware of this when Samuel Lingke Jackson had already violated both laws so it could not be helped."
Cody's teeth bared back before he scraped out, "I don't care what you do to me but I won't let Samuel be alone- if he dies, then I'm going with him. I refuse to be with another partner."
At that, the Staraptor declared, "I second the motion- I won't allow him to die and I won't leave his side again. He is the first one I have been able to battle alongside with since my own partner died to allow me to bring news of the Outpost Guard being attacked."
The brunet's eyes widened in shock and upset at his words and a few murmurs rippled through the room as they were translated for all to hear. To think that two different Pokemon held such loyalty to a single person- humans weren't allowed to have more than one Pokemon partner but the Staraptor's determined and cold gaze made it clear he wouldn't be deterred.
"Supreme Commander, may I put in a word?" Erwin asked, earning a nod.
"As you said before, Samuel Lingke Jackson broke two laws punishable by death and both would have led to others deaths if anything had gone wrong. While it did do more good than harm and brought the Beast Trainer's attention to Trost so they could send reinforcements, these acts can't be encouraged or tolerated," the blond said, making Samuel wilt and Cody and Adrian both bristle with anger.
"That's why I want to invoke military law section 4B."
This earned several whispers among the peanut gallery and Samuel blinked, thoroughly confused.
"I request that Samuel Lingke Jackson join the Survey Corps along with Eren Jaeger. As the clause indicates, he will be allowed no vacation or retirement and he would not be allowed to move anywhere without an escort and will serve in the ranks until death takes him and not a moment sooner. At least, he can provide more use here than dying via the gallows."
Samuel looked like a Stantler caught in light as he fully digested what the blond commander said- a soldier was one thing but a soldier full time with no vacation or retirement was another. There were few to little murmurs in the peanut gallery.
"We would put him under the same supervision as Eren Jaeger as so he doesn't escape or cause trouble, of course," Erwin added.
The brunet was utterly silent, his expression shadowed and Eren felt pity for the other.
"Very well then," the older man nodded and wrote down the verdict. "And now, we will move onto the final case for today."
Zackly turned to the blonde on the left of the three poles, Korrina glaring back defiantly. "We all know why I'm here, old man- get on with it so I can have some dignity," she said.
"You and your four comrades led a terrorist attack on Trost without preemptive or warning during a titan attack, killing several soldiers trying to defend the district and tried to stop them from sealing the wall that the Colossal titan broke through," Zackly said, his gaze piercing Korrina's own, making sweat roll down her face momentarily. "What do you have to say in defense?"
There was a few seconds silence before Korrina burst out laughing. It was hard, it was sarcastic and it was amused and the blonde said in a low, furious voice, "Defend myself to you, the Envahisseurs? Defend myself to the ones who took our land and threw us out to die? Defend myself to the ones who tried to steal even the land we've been living on for the past century? I'd sooner eat my own shit."
A dark look flickered in the supreme commander's eyes but disappeared as quickly. "What was the purpose of your attack? With only five, did you really believe that it'd be enough to do any sort of damage?"
"But it only took five to fuck your plans, didn't it? Managed to take down a few with us, too."
Jean's expression became furious, almost getting out of his seat before Mikasa stopped him with a hand on his shoulder and a shake of her head.
"You didn't answer- what was the purpose of your attack?"
"You want a purpose? How about spilling as much blood as possible inside these walls?! How about watching you idiots writhe and scream and beg for mercy that'll never come?!" Korrina yelled. "You've gone on too long without retribution for what you've done to Kalos-"
"You can stop it with the charade now," a new voice came in the room and they all turned to see Monika at the doors with a few nervous merchants and an older noble.
"What are you doing here?!" one of the nobles barked as she walked up ahead with practiced cool. "Supreme commander, you have my apologies for barging in like this- I would have come earlier but I was preoccupied," she said to him.
Korrina's eyes widened in alarm. "You're alive-?!"
"Your concern heartens me," she said to the blonde sarcastically.
"If you would explain what has brought you here so late," Zackly said.
"Gladly," she said with a nod before gesturing to the three merchants- the first was a middle-aged man with glasses, thinning black hair and grey eyes, the second was a stout and short man with a bald head and sharp hazel-green eyes and the third was a lanky man with dirty blond hair pulled to the side and dark brown eyes.
"Soren Mycroft, Colin Jefferson and David Thorndyke- you've undoubtedly heard of their dealings with Verstoyen traders and by that extent, the Kalosian- or as you know them, Verstoyen tribes. Thanks to their dealings, the walls were supplied with seeds of rare berries and vegetation, elemental stones for Pokemon evolution and information regarding the geography and weather in the territory we rescued."
Murmurs erupted, mostly prominent from the merchants who had gathered, many looking at the three men with both disdain and admiration-while it was no secret that those who would deal with the Verstoyen had to have balls of steel for even venturing out to meet them, they were still reveled in such a community since they dealt with those people.
"We've had dealings in vegetation from the Santalune, Vaniville and Aquacorde tribes- they were our main exports for fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, gourds and precious seeds like Cheri, Chesto, Rawst and especially Pecha," Soren got out, her voice barely a whisper as he held the various folders.
"The Cyllage and Shalour tribes were very interested in the stones that we found and offered to barter with us in exchange for them," Colin said, gesturing to the records he held and opened them up. "That's how we got a hold of the more obscure items that would allow Pokemon to evolve and sell them to the military."
"Several of the maps that the Survey Corps used were only made possible by information that the tribes exchanged with us," David said, holding said maps and the records along with it.
She then gestured to the other man by her. "Baron Jasper Garfield has funded several expeditions that involved bringing in supplies and information and has been present in several dealings concerning land, supplies and how to distribute them among the soldiers of the Outpost Guard and the Kalosians."
The man was rather plain-looking with sandy brown hair, average height and slightly crooked nose but his demeanor and dark blue eyes carried a current underneath that rather than deflecting hostility, it allowed it to wash over him- this was not someone to be intimidated.
"What was the purpose of bringing them here?!" a Pokeist monk asked. "Are you saying that you wish to defend this infidel?"
"I am saying that Korrina of Shalour is worth far more to us alive than dead- if she were to die, she would become the perfect martyr for not just Shalour, but other tribes to rally and use her death to gather more and more of the Kalosians who are out for our blood," Monika answered. "If she were to live, then we would be able to extract the information we need from her and even then we could still use her as a bargaining chip against them to at least stop them from attacking us. These men are my witnesses and they all have proof that they can attest to my words from records of their dealings with the military to act as escorts to shipment receipts showcasing their wares to workers who have accompanied them beyond the walls."
"But that is not why I brought these men here today."
More mutterings ran through the courtroom and Zackly asked, "What are you trying to accomplish here then?"
Monika turned to the men and asked, "Can you tell me who the woman before you is and how you know her?"
"She- she's the granddaughter of the leader of the Shalour tribe, Gurkinn," Soren said softly. "He would make her accompany him when dealing with our wares so she would learn how to conduct herself with any other merchants or people from inside the walls."
"Speaking of which, where are those Lucario of hers?" Colin wondered, arching an eyebrow. "Lucas and Felix, I think those are their names? I don't remember ever seeing you three apart."
Korrina's Pokemon that were with her consisted of a Meditite, Machoke and Hawlucha had all been killed during battle but they had seen no sign of a Lucario, let alone two of them, anywhere near her.
David looked at Korrina with narrowed eyes. "Not to mention- your accent is off," he said. "The people of the Shalour tribe don't sound as guttural, nor do they enunciate their words as you do."
A bead of sweat trickled down the blonde's face.
These accusations made several from the galleries protest for an explanation before Baron Garfield suddenly walked up to Korrina and grabbed her face before ripping it off. Startled cried echoed in the space before they realized there was no blood.
In Korrina's place was a woman with orange hair and eyes, the strands pulled back in a bun. In the baron's hands, Korrina's face had dissolved into a purple mass of goop. "Ditto-face mask- the fact it got by the guards was more than a bit impressive," Monika remarked as she took the Pokemon from his grip, cradling the creature in her arms carefully.
"Explain yourself, Olivier!" a noble barked, though he could barley hide how shaken up he was as Monika deposited the Ditto into Ash's arms where he held it protectively.
"This is not Korrina of the Shalour tribe and none of her comrades- or should I call them underlings?- are from there either," Monika answered. "Their mannerisms, their accents and their knowledge of Shalour are imperfect and this little stunt was only meant to worsen tensions between us and them. Where the real Korrina is I don't know but this was an obvious attempt of deception on someone's part. But this woman I know quite well- she was apart of a gang who would ambush travelers and soldiers to steal their items and accost their partners for their own whims as well as taking any kind of job, including the trafficking of humans and Pokemon alike, and assassination. Her name is Aliana."
A scowl of disgust crossed her face as she looked at the orange-haired woman before her. "'Retribution for Kalos?' Don't make me laugh- you could care less about something that grand and you're more than content to be given an opportunity to flaunt your power and rip apart others for your own sake for a bushel of Nanab berries than anything else."
Aliana looked like she could have rendered someone to ashes with the fury in her eyes. "If you think you can get anything out of me-"
Her sentence was cut off as Monika backhanded her across the face- her punches were reserved for real fighting, not well deserved humiliation before turning back to Zackly. "I request that this woman be turned over to the Outpost Guard- they couldn't have impersonated Korrina unless they got rid of her. No doubt they will contact us and demand to give her back to them while we have this imposter on our hands- unless we want more of the Kalosians out for our blood, we need to diffuse this much at the very least.
Samuel shivered at the woman's actions and cold expression.
"As for Adrian," she said, looking at the Staraptor with softer expression, "I have no objection with you changing factions- you'll do far more good at the Corps than here."
The Staraptor extended his head in a grateful nod. "Thank you, commander."
I understand nothing, Samuel thought helplessly.
"Very well then- as it stands, Eren Jaeger, Samuel Lingke Jackson, Absol Becquerel and Luxio Cody will be transferred to the Survey Corps where the results of their next mission will be looked over, along with one Staraptor Adrian for the time being. This woman, whoever she may be, will be put under the observation of the Outpost Guard to garner for information until otherwise."
"And I thought my performance was something," Damon remarked as he, his followers, the two commanders, squad leaders, snipers, recent soldiers and captain were in one of the rooms- a large bruise was on his forehead and another on his left cheek and jaw from the brawl.
"I know that this is a bit cumbersome for you both, but it can't be helped," Hange said as they applied a manacle to Eren and Samuel's wrists with a long chain.
"It's fine," Eren and Samuel said together on impulse.
"You really know them better than anyone else- I never would have imagined that was an imposter," Erwin said to Monika.
"It's all a matter of how long and how often you spend time with others- it's something anyone can do," she dissuaded the blond.
"You'll excuse me if I disagree."
"Each to their own."
At that, Erwin turned to Eren and Samuel. "You spoke your mind fluidly and without fear, with enough eloquence to put most grown men and women to shame- if anyone, you've saved yourself in that trial," he said to the former before turning to the latter. "As for you, your actions saved many lives and you accepted the consequence with grace."
"I'm glad to have you both on board," he said, offering his hand to them.
Eren grasped it tightly, determination and passion easily seen as he said, "Thank you sir- I won't let you down!" while Samuel got out a half-hearted nod.
Erwin wasn't fooled for a moment and gave the brunet and Luxio a sympathetic smile. "I understand that this isn't how either of you wanted to become soldiers and certainly not the group you wanted to join. But rest assured we'll help you adjust- you'll be able to contact your family in due time, that I promise."
Samuel could only nod, tears in his eyes that he tried to blink back before Levi gave him a handkerchief. "Just get it all out and put it in the dry-cleaners," he said as the brunet accepted it with a watery "Thank you".
"Well I for one must say that that entire episode was rather therapeutic," Damon remarked with a smile. "It's always good to get things off your back."
His reply was met with more than a few flat and/ or irritated/ loathing looks.
At that moment, Eren noticed Kaleb and Josephine and a shiver went up his spine at the adoring looks in their eyes as they knelt before him. "It is nothing short of an honor to meet you- to simply be in your presence is more than I could have asked for," the bronze-haired woman said with reverence.
"Lord Titan, did our performance please you?" Kaleb asked, his eyes wide in wonder from where he looked up at the fifteen year old.
The brunet stared in horror- whether he answered yes or no, he could not win. A moment later, he saw Becquerel's narrowed gaze on the two and they quickly scurried away with a solemn, "We meant no disrespect, Lord Absol."
"Just keep your followers from trying to break in or camp outside HQ," Levi said to Damon, giving the monk and nun a disgusted/ disturbed scowl.
"I'll try but I can't make promises for my more zealous church-goers," the rabbi responded. "Speaking of-"
The two teenagers by Damon's side came up, both around sixteen years old before they pushed their hoods back. The former was a boy with black hair reaching a little below his nape with the bangs parted and tucked behind his ears, dark blue eyes, an angular nose and fair skin. The latter was a girl with long brownish-blonde hair, freckles all over her face, a round nose and a slightly pudgy build. Both wore the black dress dress coats and slacks/ skirt of their cult.
"Alfred and Tabitha," the rabbi introduced them before turning to Erwin. "I know they don't look like much, but they're more than capable of holding their own and fighting on others' terms."
"Wait, what are these two doing here?" Eren asked, looking a little startled as the two of them walked over to his side, freaking flanking him and Becquerel and by that extension Samuel and Cody.
"Your bodyguards," Damon replied with a smile. "It'd be kind of inconvenient if you fell to an assassin's blade and not to a titan's power, right?"
"I don't need bodyguards-"
"This was apart of our deal to get them to come and defend you," Erwin said with an apologetic smile. "I can only ask that you bear with them."
Levi remained silent as he watched the two children- what was unspoken said a lot more than what had been spoken. They were meant to be spies, watching over the insurance that Damon was investing in.
The brunet could only nod and looked back at the two- Alfred's expression was neutral and Tabitha wore a tiny smile on her lips. They seemed normal, at least- maybe this wouldn't be so bad-
"Keep thine eyes off of Lord Titan, dwarf," Alfred growled at Levi with a furious expression when he looked over at them while Tabitha wordlessly drew forth two concealed daggers, her smile turning deadly and Samuel giving a startled exclamation at the actions.
Yeah, this was going to end badly.
"Thank you again for your help."
Monika, Soren, Colin, David and Baron Garfield were outside of the courthouse where the commander bid the men farewell.
"Of course," Soren said with a smile. "You've helped us more than enough and-"
"-and we expect that you'll compensate us for this entire ordeal if everyone decides we're not worth investing in, of course?" David said with a cool voice.
"Of course," Monika said, extending her head in a nod.
"Why did you say that?" Soren protested. "She has helped us far more than any of us have deserved-"
"It's because this is business- she saved our asses for business, not because we're friends," Colin answered matter-of-factly.
"Indeed- while I hold you in the highest respect for you and your work, I still think you're insane for trying to pave such a future for us by consorting with those who are out for our blood," Baron Garfield said, his expression never changing.
"As I said earlier, to each their own- I look forward to any deals in the future."
"What are you even doing all this for, anyways?" Colin asked. "I mean it's obvious that Pixis is loyal to the crown, Smith and Vantas are both all but married to humanity and Pokemon respectively and Dawk is content to be safe with his family, but you don't seem to be doing this for any of those reasons or even anything at all- so why?"
"... everything I have done in this life has always been for myself," Monika said before leaving the men behind, Soren and Colin looking dumbfounded, David concerned and Baron Garfield intrigue.
The Absol stared up at the ceiling from where he had been chained beside Eren in the courthouse cell they would spending the night in for the last time.
After the trial, he was allowed to be with the brunet, though he would share their already cramped space with Samuel and Cody. He didn't mind it too much but it did feel a bit awkward, especially with the two brunets handcuffed together as they were. Even so, it wasn't too bad and he and the Luxio were quite comfortable with the sleeping arrangements as he laid his face against Eren's softly rising chest.
"It's in it's damn name- Absol aren't called the Disaster Pokemon for nothing!"
Becquerel frowned at the title- this was why he had avoided humans for so long in the first place. Grisha had given hope for the species and now he was gone and his child faced the possibility of death because everyone was afraid of his power. Speaking of which-
The Absol looked at Eren's sleeping face, remembering how feral he had looked in his titan form. How on earth had the brunet turned into that creature in the first place? After the initial shock and seeing him transform again, Becquerel found that his scent and presence had become the same as his human-self, just so much louder, hotter and more pungent.
He blinked his eyes blearily, feeling sleep weigh down more heavily on him. The Absol would find no answers if he kept himself awake- he would wonder tomorrow-
Becquerel glanced up at the brief flash of blue light before hearing the sound of a foot clicking against the ground. Mitternacht's military shawl was absent, the Gallade now only wearing the black shawl with a line of grey buttons trailing up to the mid-throat high collar beneath it.
There was about a minute of silence between the two Pokemon before the Absol said, "If you're looking for an apology, then you've come to the wrong place and definitely at the wrong time- shouldn't you be in bed at this hour?"
"That's not what I came here for," the Gallade said in a stern voice, "I just wanted to say that I'm more angry at how unnecessary your comments were than how cruel. You knew fully well that he made himself the aggressor to save your Eren's life, Old One. There wasn't any need for you to say anything else."
"Of course- that is not a human who would hurt others for his own pleasure," Becquerel agreed, nodding his head empathetically before his gaze narrowed and his pupils became slits. "But Young One, surely you're not suggesting that I allow such an act to go pardoned and unpunished? Even my temper has it's limits and your Levi made it go far beyond what I thought it capable of."
Mitternacht frowned at that before replying, "While I understand how you feel and I'd be a hypocrite if I told you your views were wrong as I've already done far worse for much less- there's no way I'll agree with the actions you took and I know you wouldn't either if you were in my place. But if you do that again, don't expect me to let myself be held back a second time, understood?"
"What made you think I'd do that- I'd call you bold but I can see you know when and how to cover your tracks. As for the future, that all depends on your Levi's behavior- because if he tries anything like that again on my child, good reason or no, I will pay him back for his actions."
"Hm- I'd think you'd be a doormat but I can see that you're well-versed and armed with a silver enough tongue to not to take those kind of comments lying down and when to wait for the right time to attack. As such, I won't allow you to lay a claw on him."
Crimson stared back into ruby for another minute before both Pokemon gave a small, wry smile.
"We'll settle this someday."
"Indeed."
Titanists appeared first in Before the Fall and they really intrigued me- I even got permission for such an idea from the prompter of a fill on the kinkmeme depicting the "Cult of the Rouge Titan" :)
Snippets of Damon's sermon came from Pslam 119:45, Esphesians 3:12 and Romans 8:20-21. This does not reflect my own religious beliefs- I am currently leaning between Catholic and agnostic.
Sections of the text pertaining to Absol was taken off the Fanon pokedex tropes page concerning said Disaster Pokemon.
Man, I had too much fun with the courtroom scene when it was a mass of bloodied limbs.
Korrina's accent and the accent of the Shalour Tribe's is Flemish-region Dutch.
So my plans for the last two months involving my updating scheduale was to concentrate on FMG and SotR since before I had around a third of this chapter already written out. I would use November solely for the two aformentioned stories and leave this one for December. However on the fifth of December, I began to have problems with my throat. At first I thought I had a piece of food stuck in it and tried to gurgle, cough and vomit it up for the next few days and swallowing food/ in general was agony for me. On Sunday, I found I couldn't even speak. When I checked my mouth to try to find out what the hell was wrong with it in a mirror, I didn't see any food in it.
What I saw were these enormous, pus-lined sores on either side of my tonsils.
I showed my mom and we went to the doctor to find out what they were. Turned out I had Mononucleosis and the only way to treat it was to just wait for it to go away. In the meantime, I would have to be kept inside and as sterile as possible since it was incredibly contagious. Thanks to that, I've been sick as a dog with a throat that made swallowing feel like glass being stuffed down my throat and sleeping spells that would take up more than half of my day for the past three to four weeks. It put me behind schedule in pretty much everything- my job hunting (since I was let go from Cutco because I "didn't fit the salesperson image"), my college application (I was already nervous about going during spring too so I'll be heading there in the summer) and my updating for said story.
Anyways, happy holidays and new year! 2015, here we come!