I know. I know. I'm a slow dick. But in these last three weeks I was away on a trip to malaysia. So be privilaged to know you are reading a chapter written in 3 airports. Two bus terminals. Two buses. Two planes. Three hotels and a house. Now I hope you (suffer) enjoy the chapter. And hooray for 10k views. Now have fun and let me bask in the flames of your reviews. Another 11k+ chapter.
Enjoy
Chapter 37. The hero I once admired.
(Two weeks prior)
You are the chain holding down my existance.
Your soul molds my body. Your ice forges my heart.
There is no meaning to my existance without you
The power you are given comes with a blessing and a curse.
As Limit Burst has passed your mettle will now truely be tested.
You cannot show weakness young Langford for I will be merciless.
And so I shall lie in patience for that one moment.
That one moment you falter and your precious one will die . . .
. . .
The boy's pair of pale blue eyes snap open. He scours his surroundings to see a night sky above him. Dark green grass below him. He feels numb. But the area was visible. He sees the familiar sight of the walls before him. The entire inner gate is demolished and a raging fire burns within. The radiant light seemed to call out to him. He stands up and dusts himself off. As well as the plain white cloak on his back. He walks a distant that looked like a few hundred metres in a flash. Putting his hands on the broken walls he goes inside the town. Elegantly jumping over rocks. In this repeated armageddon view he has grown so used to. Recently this ghost keeps voicing a premonition that something bad is going to happen, not to him but someone around him.
As soon as he set foot into the ruins the smell of rotting flesh invaded his nose. Inside on the edge of the town the fire burned brightest. The boy used his gear to swing to the rooftops. He breathed out a puff of cold air as it condensed then evaporated in the steam. That dark feeling was everpresent. The nighttime city looked even scarier. The puddles of blood everywhere shined in the light of the fire. But the sight at the end of the town seemed to make the corpses around him pale in comparison. He was there. The creature covered in blood and wielding his bloody weapons and tossing mutilated bodies towards a row of titans awaiting their food. Eric of course seen too much blood and gore to feel squeamish but still felt something crawling in his skin. The ghost takes another body rips the legs off and throws it at two different titans. The beasts maniacally crawl over each other to eat it. The demonic smile on his face widened as he enjoyed the sight of the corpse of Ervin Smith is devoured. But it was short lived as suddenly as he turned around to take a punch right in the face with the back of Eric's hand. He flew a few feet before smashing into a chimney. "Bastard. Is that how you greet people?!" He shouts angrily. "No but you are special. You keep messing with my head everytime I sleep for the past few days its getting annoying. Yeah I get your message so ease off." Eric replied boredly. "Cold as usual huh Eric. Well that was just me rambling nothing to bother you so why don't you go back to your little reality, to your little queen." He said with a smirk and wiping his impacted cheek. The titans looked hungry. The hero of the light and the demon of the dark stare at each other for a moment. "Those fellas are getting hungry. Mind stepping aside?" The ghost says as he tries to stand up. But had a foot smash his face into the chimney again breaking it. His face didn't suffer any damage at all. "YES I DO RETARD. I'M TIRED OF YOU KILLING THE SAME PERSON OVER AND OVER AGAIN. WHY DON'T I FEED YOU TO THEM!" Eric roared at him. "Heheheh, somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Well don't bother, I'm not edible. They won't even react to me. If abusing me makes you happy by all means go ahead." He peaked his face out from under Eric's boot and laughed conceitedly. Eric clicked his teeth together but lowered his foot. "Oh yeah what if I toss you straight in their mouths what then." He said. "Nothing, just a nasty dunk in a stew of blood and pieces of flesh before cutting myself out or until the meatsack throws up. And besides my own queen would be sad if that happened." The last line caught him off guard. "Huh? Your queen." He crudely smiled and pointed his thumb backwards. Eric glanced over his shoulders to see a tiny girl.
He swallowed his spit. She was about the same size and build as the girl he loved. Her hair was messed up and bloodied. She only wore a plain white dress heavily torn. Barely hiding enough of her body. only one eye was visible under the hair. She was squatting down and fondling playfully a severed head. That head had grey hair as she tilted her head and toyed with it with a devilish smile before throwing it at the hungry masses down below. Eric furiously turned and placed his sword on the ghost's neck. "Who is that?!" He barked at him. The demon on the ground laughed out loud. Eric was getting more and more annoyed. He pressed the blade further till it broke the skin and blood slowly came out. "Feels weird doesn't it? Holding a sword to your own neck and staring at your babe." But then strangely the blood trickling down his shoulder hardens and crystalises making him look even creepier. "Don't you feel pain? Just what are . . ."
Before he could continue the girl appeared before him. "Lookie what we have here . ." She said in a slurred voice followed by giggles. She was a repulsive image of the noble and kind Historia. Eric suddenly felt pushed back as a sword was inserted into his stomach. "Ah . . ." The ghost stabbed him in the stomach but he didn't feel a thing. For why? Its just a dream in his head. But then the girl with the dead golden hair came before him brushed her fingers seductively on his cheeks. "What is it? You look like you have something on your mind." she says. Eric chuckled himself. "Nothing its just in that poem I heard back there. He said something I didn't quite understand. What does Limit Burst mean?" Eric asks. She giggled again. "Its the most fun part of your power. Remember when you fought that ginormous hunk of meat back then. You used so much power you broke your own body. But you still managed to collect enough power to blow it to hell. Where do you think you stored that excess power." She said as if she was having great fun. "What do you mean? If I remember correctly my right arm blew up. I used all that I had to blast it." Eric replied. "Hihihihi . .hehehe hahahahahahaha." She broke into hilarous laughter. "Really you think you destroyed it with just a measely power from your left arm. You overestimate yourself that much. Don't be so vain." She grabbed his collar and smashed her forehead against his. "Now listen to me you condesending piece of titan shit. Make that lunatic head of yours useful for something more than just screw talking and killing. Think. Think back how much power did you use. Was it less or was it more. When that arm popped what happened? You lost power. But there was more. You fired with more power than you had stored. Tell me where did you get that excess power." Her mood went from playful to furious in a split second. Eric could only swallow. "There is a special place you stored it. Inside special people." The ghost said pulling out the sword from his gut. Eric suddenly found himself falling. "That's right. Connor Langford, Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, Levi Ackerman, Historia Reiss, even Kenny Ackerman and Rod Reiss. All of them. All their blood are contaminated by strong traces of your power. That is Limit Burst. You exceeded our ownpower source capacity and used their bodies as a makeshift container. That was the the only way you used power beyond your limits to obtain victory. The Langford blood my be able to handle it but what about the rest I wonder. . . .hahahaha."
. . . .
As his vision was filled with red flames he woke up. Sighing in relief he stands up and stretches a little. Looking at himself in the mirror of his new luxurious room he said. "How annoying." His schedule for the day was already determined. Breakfast, then training day with Eren on titan shifting.
After freshening up and changing to proper attire he walks down the hallways. There on the other end stood his father. "Morning dad." Eric greeted normally. He seemed to be thinking about something as he didn't notice. "Huh?" Eric noticed that his dad was lost in thought while smoking a cigarette. Suddenly Connor's smoke was cut with a blade and the buring end was cut off. He snapped to his senses. "Waah! Careful. Don't you know sharp objects are dangerous?" He said stumbling backwards. "Don't you know smoking is bad for your health?" Eric retorted. "Don't lecture me about what's good and what's bad for my health with your crazy antics." He said as he reached into his coat but then seemed lost. "Point taken." Eric said boredly as Connor snapped his head at him to see him casually throwing a matchbox in the air and catching it playfully. "Sneaky runt. When did you learn pickpocketing?" He scrunted his face biting down on his stick. "Five years ago when I was FORCED TO abandon my home and live in the wastelands for two years!" Eric poped. "Yeesh, no need to get all spicy and salty so early in the morning. Come on its breakfast time." Connor tried to wave it off but saw his son still staring at him with expectation. "Oh . .and . .good morning son." He said with a smile. Eric also smiled and the two Langfords make their way to the breakfast tables. "Oh and by the way the packet of cigarettes you just took, that's weed." Eric immediately whipped out the packet he also stole and took a sniff. The smell was enough to make him fall over. "Dayum . . .Where do you even get your hands on this stuff?" Eric sneered. "Places . . ." Was what Connor said as he walked on.
But then Connor stopped short. "Did you forget something dad?" Eric asked from the front. "As a matter of fact I did." Connor replied as he went off and immediately came back. He pulled a bright, white coveted cloak. This made Eric sigh in defeat. "Not with the fancy cloak again." Eric gasped. "Nope. Hey be grateful you are getting this while people are starving in the streets. At least we lowered it from a full on suit to a fancy cloak. You are not a soldier in here Eric, here you are a nobleman." Connor said with a thumbs up. "I hate that word. Still why aren't you the official lord?" Eric asked. "Traditionally its supposed to be me but we threw tradition out the window 100 years and two weeks ago so since you are the one holding the power you have to take that role as well. Beside this is practically heaven don't you think. You are living in a house of royalty. Smooching with your queen everyday. Eating good food. You have the respect and love of everyone around you. Why don't you just take it easy and enjoy it. For someone who grew up with so much bloodshed." Connor quieted his excitement in the last sentence. "Yeah who knows. But what about captain Levi and Mikasa. If that's the case why aren't they staying in those well furnished houses. How come they get to live in those renovated barracks but not me?"
"Life is unfair son. Life is unfair. Do you know how many people would try to kill you if they heard that." Connor said. "I have plenty of people trying to kill me. Just add them to my ever growing list. Fine whatever, I'm hungry. Let's just eat breakfast and get to training. He said and put on his cloak. Looking as elegant as possible he goes on walking.
. .
(Several hours later)
"Alright Eric! You ready!?" Hange shouts with anticipation as she looks down on the pit where Eren and Eric stood face to face. Both of them wearing simple white t-shirts and brown pants. "Okay, let's do this." Eren said as he brought his hand to his mouth while Eric pulled out a tiny dagger. "Huh? Why do you need that?" Eren asks plainly. "I don't know its just that biting my hand or my tongue is a just messy and painful. Something sharp is better." Eric said as he immediately sliced the tips of his index and middle finger on his left hand. Eren also bit down on his own. Two huge orbs of yellow light flare up and in white electricity the two beasts rise up. The cold titan once again sent chills down everyone's backs. But Hange was on the other hand was intrigued by Eren's new height. While the cold titan grew to his normal height of 18 metres Eren only grew to 16 metres. It was taller than his regular form but still it was nowhere near as impressive as the one he managed to use against the king titan. "Its better than his previous form no doubt but I'm a little disappointed that he couldn't make that body again. So I guess that was a once in a lifetime moment with all that titan energy they used." Hange remarked as the cold titan laughed at the rogue titan. 'Shut it. Are you really that happy that you are taller than me?' Eren complained. "OF COURSE!" the cold titan replied speaking fluently. Even if it is deep and husky there was still a trace of it being Eric's voice. "Well his speech seems fine and coordination seems perfect. What do you think sir?" Hange asked Connor who absentmindedly stood beside her. "Huh? What. . . .oh yeah, yeah. He's doing good." He snapped to his senses.
'Alright you two. Let's try what we've been practicing.' Connor immediately ordered. Ice armour formed on Eric's body while Eren's veins on the knuckles expanded. There a grey looking liquid escaped out and Eren seemed to mold it to his will till they took hard rectangular shaped rock forms on his knuckles and the two titans spar violently. 'Wow. I'm amazed Mikasa didn't come to see what's happening. She usually follows you like a shadow everywhere you go.' Eric said as he tried to punch Eren head on trying to mimic Reiner's fighting style for Eren to learn how to counter. Eren dodged and tried to counter with a punch of his own but Eric grabbed him and tossed him by the arm causing him to smash on the ground with a massive earthquake. Eren quickly moved to his feet and countered with an elbow to Eric's mid-body, taking the impact head in the ice on his stomach broke and caused him to move back. 'Not bad Eren, keep this up and you can match Reiner in no time.' Eric complemented him with a tiny smirk. Eren slightly relaxed for a bit only to take a punch with the force of a meteor straight to the gut and fly all the way to the other end of the crater. Above Hange was jumping with joy and furiously taking notes. 'Cheating bastard! You talked me into relaxing so you could clock me!' Eren cursed. 'Of course. Have I ever played fair? And besides I need my own training to beat big ass Bertl. So hurry up and get your shiny titan butt off the ground so we can continue.' Then they continue fighting. To learn many attributes and limitations of each of their powers. And so it was finally decided that along with the new weapon Eren will take the lead in fighting the armoured titan while Eric will prioritise the colossal titan. On a side note they hoped that Levi may attempt to battle the beast titan assuming that would be the ideal time for him to use his Ackerman serum and unleash his full power. But they kept their options open for it was currently the enemy's home turf they would be fighting on.
Various experiments were performed over several weeks and many discoveries were made. Such as in strength training Eren in his titan form was the strongest while Eric could use the destructive effect of his power on his opponent. In human form surprisingly Mikasa outclasses everyone in sheer physical power, with Levi coming nowhere close however with the potential of the serum that he could be much superior he was excluded from the rankings. So bringing Eric in second. It also showed that Eren's height issue was slightly variable with Eric's condition. But his limit seemed to be only 17 and a half. And that incredible 19 meters was only a one time power for that one battle only. The statue that still stands outside Orvud district however now symbolises that of mankind's potential to overcome any odds. Alongside that Eric's titan form has proved to be extremely durable and resilient. With his cooling effect and efficient use of energy he is capable of remaining in titan form for over 5 hours without any loss of ability or control. And the telepathic communication has also been tested for range and clarity for its use in battle strategies. Eren's control althought showed signs of weakness his fighting caliber has tremendously grown. Rivalling that of Annie herself. He has also applied a different training regime to build up his body to practice consecutive transformation. Many nosebleeds occured as well as coughing up blood but no lasting physical damage was left.
After the end of the training at evening time after Eric emerged from his titan form. With the titanisation marks still fresh on his face. "What's the matter dad? You've been spacing out a lot today." Eric asked Connor who was barely paying attention. "Come on dad if there is something on your mind just say it."
"The thing is . . .today is your mom and my marriage anniversary." This took Eric back by surprise. "So my thoughts are a bit stuck on her. The fact that out of us three she is the only one who didn't make it. For the past five years I've always thought about how she met her end but never had the courage to ask outright. So could you tell me how your mother died? Son." Connor mumbled looking away then he saw Eric casually using the bandana to wipe his face off the steam. "I mean was she eaten by a titan."
Eric stopped then looked at him straight in the eye and said. "No, she died of excessive bloodloss. That day when the colos . . .when Bertold broke the walls a strange abnormal came in. It rampaged the city and accidentally kicked up a house. It disintigrated but a giant stone pillar kept coming at us. It was coming straight for me but she pushed me away and took the impact herself. That giant rock crushed her inside and out." Eric said softly. "Then how did you get the journal and the bandana?" Connor asked. "No, it wasn't over there. She survived but her legs and ribs were crushed. She still mustered enough strength to tie this on and the journal she already packed in a bag and handed it to me before. In the end that was what I last saw of her." Eric as his father closed his eyes trying to force himself to imagine that scenario. To find that anguish he wants to suffer. For abandoning his family. For abandoning his wife and son. "Hey don't push it. That's a thing of the past. There isn't anything we can do to bring her back." Eric said tapping Connor on his shoulder casually. "Yeah, I suppose you are right. After all if she could I'm sure Emma would rip me a new one if she saw me moping around like . . . . " he trailed off. This caught Eric's attention. "What is it?" He cautiously asks. "You said she died of bloodloss and internal bleeding. She was not eaten so that means . . " Eric felt the sudden urge to vomit. Because those words were bringing a fury of dark memories back and the conclusion Connor was getting to. "That means her body is still outside our house in shiganshina. So there is still a chance." His words began to anger Eric. "A chance for what?! What are you talking about!? YEAH, MOM'S BODY IS STILL ROTTING IN A BLOODY STREET IN SHIGANSHINA! WHAT OF IT? WHAT SORT OF CHANCE DO YOU SEE IN THAT." He roared in his father's face. "A chance to bury her and and at least create someplace to pay respect to. Unlike the thousands of empty graves built on the back of the scout HQ." Connor spat his own kind of anger. Eric relaxed and sighed. "Fine. I'm sorry I yelled at you." Eric turned his back and apologised. "No I'm sorry too son. That must have been unpleasant. Well I guess that's another job on our list of things to do before we die."
"We are not going to die that easily. At the very least not in these walls. I don't want anyone to be killed inside these walls. Too much meaningless bloodshed has already occured." Eric retorted. "Anyone can die at anytime Eric. Me and you are no exception. Some lunatic can pop out of nowhere and shoot you in the face. Or a meteor can fall on your head or you could even suffer a spontaneous myocardial infraction right now." Connor said. "I'm sure about the unlikely meteor but can the bullet and heart attack really kill me?" Eric asked. Connor then leaned in dangerously close. "Do you know how to kill a titan shifter?" Eric leaned his head back. "Um no."
"Its either obliterate his or her body out of existance. Destroy their nervous system completely, or exhaust all their energy and decapitate them." He said every method as grimly as possible. "Don't get cocky son. One epic blow to the head and you are finished." Eric gulped. "Understood. I'll protect my head. But now tell me something. If the Langford legacy is that grand then where were you buried."
Connor laughed slightly. "Me? I'm just a 5 foot country boy in the eastern wall maria farmlands. I never new my parents. The farm I grew up in was owned by an old farmer and his wife. They never told me how I came to live with them but only that my name was already decided. I wonder if my family gave me away so that at least one of our bloodline survives. In that respect I think I did plenty of damage with you. Well anyways. The year I turned 15 which was also the minimum age limit back then to qualify for the military. Sadly and convinently gramps and granny both died that year so the land was handed down to me. Of course I sold it and used it to build my life as a soldier. And then there was boot camp.
I met many faces that have grown old in today's day. One in particular. There he stood beside me. Clean as a whistle. His hair combed neatly and he stood firmly without any lax in his posture. He was the picture of the perfect soldier. Strong, resolute and hardworking. While I was the easygoing one just driven by stupid curiosity. But following that tragedy struck."
"Tragedy?" Eric tilted his head side ways. "Yes. Curious with his behaviour I decided to socialise with him. And the image of a devoted soldier shattered right in front of me. He turned out be just as a slash talker as I was. When he knew about my theory of the titan's weak spot he just wouldn't shut up. He said he was from the north which surprised me because most of the people from the north were children of rich noble families to graduate into the military police. Because getting a handle of the people and power with the law in your pocket means heavenly life guranteed. But he turned out to be the exact opposite. He had the skills but he couldn't care less about the military police. It was just his father's theory. The scouts and finding the answer he seeked outside the walls. Those days were fun. The times we all got drunk and did unimaginable things. The times we roasted some soldier's ass for being so cowardly. Back then even Nile was chipper about the scout regiment. Its a shame we all had to grow up. But in time Nile went sucker for a barmaid and joined the military police. The hottest part was that she was already doing Ervin then."
"Hold your horses. What do you mean by 'doing Ervin'?" Eric said clicking his teeth to keep his mouth closed. "Doing the p to the v. If you know what I mean. If you can't its the sticky stuff." Connor said bluntly. "For the love of god! I know what you mean. Just shut up and get to the part where you found the anti-coordiante." Eric barked.
"Yes but let me continue. We all graduated. I came out at fourth. Of course I was on top of the class on academics. So with a little bit of skill that spot was mind. Nile was seventh. Ervin actually nailed first place but right on the stage he claimed. 'I am joining the survey corps.' Of course everyone laughed at him but many of our close friends secured the top ten spots themselves and all of them chose the scouts. That was also the most humiliating year for the military police as only Nile signed up from the east that too only to protect one woman. But that was smart on a personal scale. Then two tragic years pass in the scouts as we kept losing commrade after commrade. But one good thing did come out of it. We moved up the ranks. We earned our influence. And it was then I published my estimate of the titan's weak spot and the general plan of attack. That along with Ervin's formation strategies the survival rates skyrocketed. We saved countless lives and began to gain reputations as well. But something interesting came along. The new batch of recruits that year yielded something crazy."
"Let me guess. Mom."
"Correct. A foul mouthed, arrogant and raggedy girl joined up. Everyone hated her but everyone was still under pressure and endured it. Her sarcastic remarks got her even the slammer just to shut her up. The very aura around her was a dangerous one. But everything changed once we stepped outside the walls."
'Um okay this just doesn't mix.' Eric thought as he tried to combine the two images in his head. One of the gentle, smiling mother he knew and the snake, tongued, rough edged tough girl that many seem to know and once fear. 'Just where the hell did mom come from'
"What? Did she like take over leadership duties herself and saved a ton of lives?" He pushed those thoughts back and tried to play it cool.
"That is half correct. She did save s ton of lives. I personally witnessed her. He instincts were cat like. As if she could read the titans' positions by sense. She guided several soldiers out of harms way. Along always running and screaming to divert the titans' attention off the main forces. That was when I realised. She may insult and tease people. But in heart she loved everyone she protected them with her very life. She got chewed out by Keith on a number occations but it didn't matter to her. As long as she saved lives she was already earning the respect of her fellow commrades."
"Hang on a minute. Who's Keith? You don't mean the instructor Keith Shardis in the training camp." Eric was confused
"Wait. You mean he became the instructor. I see. Listen Eric. Instructor Keith Shardis was the former commander of the survey corps." Connor said.
"I saw him. So that's why he looks so familiar. I would see him all the time when the scouts would depart. But man. Did he really change that much, I mean all of his hair fell out and he's got dark circles deeper than a titan's mouth under his eyes." Realisation hit him in the face.
"Alright getting back. It was the 41st recon mission. Where Ervin first got promoted to section commander. I remained captain. In a titan skirmish I got seperated from my squad and only a handful of . . .
(Several years ago)
A young captain Langford was riding on his horse on the outside land. A small group of injured soldiers followed him closeby. It was a cloudy midday. He was panicking as many titans seemed to be lingering all over the place. And the soldiers were tired and hungry not to mention they were running low on fuel and blades. After that large horde attacked them the scouts fought them off till they manaed to escape however they were seperated and lost. And the chances for a lost group to return safely is slim to none. Few soldiers were already starting to despair. "Keep those heads high people." Connor shouted trying to lift their spirits but was quickly losing his own. He I'mmediately pulled out a flare gun and fired a purple flare. Few others followed. Connor clenched his teeth. But then. A few rain drops fell on his face. He looks up at the sky to see it fall down on him in spectacular rainfall. "GREAT, JUST GREAT! ARE YOU SATISFIED YET GOD?! JUST HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT TO FUCK US OVER! ISN'T THIS SHITHOLE FUCKED UP ENOUGH!" He screamed at the sky. Rain is the worst that can happen in an expedition. It cuts off visibility. It dissolves smoke flares and brings it down. Plus it falls on titan bodies to produce even more steam. Now not only seperated, lost and blinded. They might as well be riding the boat on the river styx already.
After a several minutes Connor noticed behind him his numbers were drastically reduced. "Titans!" He uttered and following that many titans jump them. In a panicked frenzy they retaliated but in such horrible conditions it was impossible as one after another soldiers were killed. Once the party were down to only four members they had no choice but to run. In the end only Connor himself survived. Running ragged on his horse he was barely holding on and was almost ready to give up.
Then through the steamy fog he saw a building. A building on the outside. Even in his state his mind could register that as he headed for it. After getting close he found only a ramshackled building. Even so it was a set of walls with a roof. That will suffice as he tied his horse outside and entered. He collapsed to his knees gasping for air. His wet clothes spotched and squeaked as water dripped from them. After regaining his breath he scoured his surroundings. The whole place was dead and dusty inside but the fact that it was dry inside meant water still didn't leak through the stone walls. He collect some dry pieces of wood from broken furniture and other odd places. After managing a flame he left his jacket, shirt and cloak to dry. And rested.
After some time he saw out a broken window that the rain lessened in intensity but the sun seemed to go down. Fearing titans might strike in the night was too I'll advised. Since he back then had no idea that titans were powered by sunlight. So he went outside fed his horse and chose to explore the building on a whim.
All he found was dust and trash until he tried the last room. He began to feel strange. He never intended to search for anything but felt something calling out to him. His search began to get more and more frantic as if something very important lies here. He started flinging things around till he came upon a box. Something was extremely off about this box. It was metallic but it showed no sign of rust. Connor touched it but violently retreated. It was freezing cold. The box was unlike anything he encountered. The very vibe coming off it was just trying to suck him inside. He tried to open the sealed container but to no avail. The curiosity to look into the container was driving him mad. He resorted to violent measures and pulled out his sword to hack at the seams. But suddenly while brushing his hand across it. He pushes an extremely tiny button and a needle pricks his finger.
He retreated and looked at the invisible hole in his fingers. "Blood?" But the box hissed. And the bluish white metal top of the box opened. And inside he found the holy grail of humanity.
After he collected his treasure it was nearly midnight. He thought to go back to sleep but then he heard a noise. Instantly grabbing his sword. He went to the corridor and saw only blackness. Another sound. He knew how small titans could be but this place was too small to get into. "Whose there?!" He shouts in a shaky voice. "Just another scared human passing by." Came a fearful but sarcastic reply. "Is said scared human friendly?" Connor questions. "If you are then yes. But I am armed so be warned." Slow footsteps came and quietly a young woman with short black hair and deep blue eyes stepped foreward holding a sword. She was dripping wet from the rain. "Captain Langford?" She asks. "Carver?" Connor said.
(Back)
"That was when I finally started to see your mother in a different way. Ever since we came out alive things began to change." Connor continued his story of how he learned of the titans inactivity at night and managed to escape.
(Meanwhile)
Historia who had just started working on a new orphanage she decided to build on the same farmland she grew up in. Using the long abused state money she began to invest it. Using the military police to gather the lost children. From the furthest south to the underground. And she also managed to rope Mikasa and some of the members of the special operations squad to help her out. Mikasa who was almost glaring daggers at her wanted to leave but was forced to stay under three supreme class orders. The queen, her captain. And the lord of the walls. She sipped on some tea as she watched the workers build and others take a break. Sitting on a bench beside a pile of boxes. Jean, Armin, Mikasa and Connie, Sasha notably. "Want some tea guys? You really are a big help." She said as others graciously accepted. "Thanks Historia. But its no big deal." Jean said wiping his forehead of the thin sheen of sweat. "Quit bragging Jean you were the one who did half the work with double the complaining." Connie muttered taking a seat and drinking some water. "No I did not!" Jean barked back. "Showing off isn't really your forte is it Jean. Mikasa lifted three times more weight than you did." Armin said casually. "Ugh, well excuse me for not being supergirl." Jean shrugged it off. Mikasa's face reddened
After a hard days work they were all taking a break. Enjoying their time. "Wow. After all the shit we've been through. This peace . . .it feels a little weird." Jean said. "I know what you mean. All this time we were squeazing through just barely surviving. Now even with all the hard work everything feels so nice. If we can make some actual progress in this time. I'm sure we can retake wall maria." Armin said smiling. They were all laughing talking and enjoying their moment but then.
bzzzt . . ...
"Hieeeee. . ." Historia dropped her cup which fell on the grass and spilled all the red tea. Shrieking slightly she clutched her stomach and chest and leaned sharply foreward. "Historia what's wrong?!" Everyone got worried. She seemed to be struggling. "It . . hurts . " she mumbles in between her pained moans. Her breathing broke into a pained huff. The others were getting scared. "Historia pull yourself together! Are you alright?" Sasha yapped. But following that they heard a thud from behind them to see Mikasa also collapsed to her hands and knees on the ground. Similiar to when they were heading for the Reiss chapel a long time ago. But this time it felt worse. "MIKASA!" Armin and Jean instantly turn to her. "What's happening? What's going on?" Jean said rubbing his head having no idea what to do. But then Mikasa painfully coughs up some blood and stops. So did Historia.
Slowly panting they sit back up with some assistance. "Are you okay?" Armin asks. Both of them nod after taking a gulp of water. "You guys really need some rest I think the after affects of the battle two weeks ago still haven't faded. I still can't believe how powerful that blast was." Armin exclaimed. "Mikasa you especially. I don't know what kind of steroid thingamajig you took but its messing up your body. That's it no work for you tomorrow." Jean declared. "Say what?" Mikasa uttered.
"Yeah. Eric is the cause of all this. I'm gonns make sure he pays by taking back wall maria." Jean said angrily but accepting their situation.
(Few days later)
"Can someone remind me why are we being summoned to the royal administrative office? Don't tell me Eric you pulled something again?" Connie said. "Of course not. I'm as innocent as a baby." Eric replied till they went to the main gate. Everyone knew them but procedures must be followed. "Halt, state your name and purpose." The MP guard demands. "Eric Langford and scout regiment special operations squad. We were summoned here." Eric professionally replied. "Thank you. Have a good day my lord." The MPs saluted as they walked in. Inside they found Levi and Ervin waiting for them. "Captain Levi and Commander Ervin, Good afternoon."
"Good afternoon everyone. There is a reason you have been called here." Ervin spoke in his businesslike tone. Everyone stood in line in attention. "Eric. You are being promoted." Levi announced saying his actual name for once. "Huh?" Everyone tilted their heads. "Promotion? To what?" Eric said confused. "To captain of the special ops."
"Whoa!? Seriously what about you? Don't tell me you are retiring captain." Eric sputtered. "Shut up idiot I'm not retiring. And its lance corporal now." Levi retorted. "Oh so you are back to being corporal. Congratulations sir. But then . ." Eric said. "I will be attending the administrative office a bit more than usual. So I want someone in charge of field operations when I'm not around. Don't get cocky its still the Levi squad." Levi answered. He stepped foreward and handed him a badge symbolising his title as captain Eric Langford as an official title. He pinned it on his jacket collar. "Sheesh, and here I thought my dream of a squad Langford would come true." Eric mumbled looking away. "It'll happen someday." Ervin reassured him. Eric looked at the sincere smile on the man's face. That relief, after going through that whole ordeal and losing his arm. But with this kind of payoff he couldn't help but feel a little joy.
(And now the moment you all been dreading for)
BANG!
The sound of the gun firing echoed across the field. The scared screams of children running away. The shocked military police charging in to stop the assassin. Historia completely petrified at the sight of blood splattering again. Mikasa, Eren and the others were all frozen on the spot. The feeling as if time slowed down and every sound began to feel distant and echoed. The surprise that they couldn't even see the massive bullet being fired. Flying through the air as it finds its victim. Like an evil demon it bores through his clothing. Down to his flesh till it penetrates to his sternum. Breaking through bone like a rock thrown at a glass window. The friction of the blood and flesh began to slow it down but the strange gun fired one of those APMG guns. Those massive hot bullets more like skewered him than shoot him. Inside it goes and finally punches through that lining of tense muscle. Eric felt his heart stop right there and wanted to vomit. But then
Before her target even fell to the ground the half dead assassin laughed out. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA . . . .YES YES YES. I DID IT SIR. I ELIMINATED LANGFORD. MISSION COMPLETE. I SHALL RETURN NOW MY LORD! ALL HAIL THE KING." She roared out madly before bringing out a second gun, putting it in her mouth and pulling the trigger taking her own life. She died immediately. Jean was knocked off his feet in for the third time in her life felt her knees shake with fright. Historia's face went white as her jaw dropped open.
The blood spilled all over the grass. The wind seemed to have stopped. Some of the younger MPs quickly got the children safely inside. Many soldiers scattered outwards to find any more assailants. The pressure in his aorta released and began to gush out crimson red liquid. "D-Dad?" Eric uttered. With a thud the man in the brown coat fell to the ground. The smell of blood and gunsmoke replaced the fresh country air. Grey hair fluttered in the wind as he collapsed. "DAD!" The younger Langford screamed as the man who fathered him in a way like no other fell to the ground on his back. "Fucking . . .whore . . .crazy bitch." He uttered weakly but angrily. But as soon as his son came into view his anger disappeared. Eric waving his hand over him unable to find what to do. "Don't bother son, there is nothin . . ." Before he could start. "NO! I lost mom the same way. I am not losing you too." Tears poured down his eyes as he tried to find a medical kit but before he stood up Connor grabbed his arm. "Please don't leave me son." Another weak request. Eric froze in his tracks. "The crazy wench got me straight in the heart the muscles are already toast and if you pull the bullet out i'll just die even faster. Heh, I always thought my life would end at the point of a gun. Just didn't. . . ."
"SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! You are not going to die here. . .we are gonna see the ocean. The deserts, mountains. Who's gonna sit in my clinic when I go out? . .or who is gonna tell the legacy of our family to the next generation. Please don't die." Eric's voice shook. "That would be nice. I wondered how my grandkids would look. Even so after all I've been through I'm glad to be able to spend it with you. To be able have a drink with old buddies. To watch my boy find a nice girl and live happy. His friends with him. I just regret that I'm dying without accomplishing a few things. Eric." Connor stretched out his hand. Eric felt his heart get crushed. Unlike all other incidents this was what came closest to his mother's death. "Eric, can you do one last thing for me?" Eric grabbed the hand with both hands. Every moment was like a recreation of his darkest memory. "No I can't. This just like mom. I won't accept it." He cried tears streaming down his face. "On the bright side I'm going back to your mother right? . . Emma would probably bark at me for dying too early. . . Talk about bad luck. . . ,just when I thought my life couldn't get any better getting gunned down . .heheh. "
"HEY YOU CRAZY GHOST! WHAT DID YOU SAY ABOUT LIMIT BURST?! I THOUGHT YOU SAID EVERYONE WAS INFECTED. DAD IS A LANGFORD. THERE HAS TO BE A WAY TO HEAL HIM! COME ON PLEASE!" He screamed. No one understood what delusion he spouted. "Eric? Please. When you go to shiganshina please bury your mother for me. And . . .and in the basement . .of our house. The library, the fourth row, on the fifth stack there is something I want you to have . . ." Eric's eyes disappear behind his hair but his gritting teeth was still visible. His breathing going ragged. Tears fell and they mixed with the blood on his chest. But then he rose his head with the fakest smile ever. "Y-yeah. Sure thing. T-tell mom I said hi. And-and that . . I'm doing great. . . .and that everyone is hailing me as a hero. I have my friends . . .and I like a girl. And that girl is . .the queen of the walls . .also that she also likes me . . .. And that I'm the captain of the squad I loved as a kid. . .and tell her how we are gearing up to reclaim our home . . ." Connor chuckled. "Sure . . I'll make sure to . . .pass it on."
He slowly closes his eyes. Eric was still refusing to let him go literally breaking his hand in squeezing it. Then memories of Connor and Grisha working together to take down Frieda came to him. He was so happy this past month that he totally forgot about them. "Dad. Please wait. I forgot about what happened. Tell me dad. Why were you with Grisha Yeager? What did you conspire with him. Tell me! TELL ME!" He screamed. "Everything is at our basements son. Even in this shitty world I had fun. Eren, Mikasa, Armin, your majesty, horseface, cue ball and potato girl. Always work side by side proudly. . .
Always be strong Eric. . . . .Keep in mind. I believed that. The L in Langford stands for legend."
With these final words the life of another Langford comes to an end. Eric closed his eyes and tried to stop himself from screaming outright. But hollow sorrowful tears kept coming. He was starting to hyperventilate. The hand slowly lost its warmth. No one had the guts to say anything. No one with the ability to move. No one with the resolve to look away from this aweful sight. MPs stood like monoliths in the background. Eric brought his hand to the button on his cloak. With a single flick he waved the magnificient cloth in the air and covered up the fallen man's face and upper body. Then fell back to a sitting position and crossed his legs. Resting his elbows on his thighs he buries his face in his hands.
"Yes. . . .goodbye . .., father."
There was nothing to do. The world was blank. Everything is frozen. There was no breeze. The air was still. Unlike shiganshina there was no aura of death. Just two corpses and several petrified people standing this vast beautiful green country side.
bzzzt . . .
That painful spear of pain once again lanced their chest. Three of them all struggle to not show any visible signs. But Eric still noticed. "Historia, Eren. Mikasa. Are you alright? What's happening?" He stood up and approached but Historia on the other hand fell towards him. He immediately felt strong traces of his energy inside her body. She held onto him before falling. "I know what you are feeling." She said weakly on his chest. "It hurts right? Its too painful to bear. So much sorrow and pain. But now at the very least you have someone with you. You are not alone Eric. I'm with you, like I promised. Even if you go bonkers on a senseless rampage. I will be with you to pull you back." She utters softly as endless tears of pain and suffering continued to fall.
(Next day)
"Is that so? I see. Don't worry. I will personally pass it on." Levi said to a soldier as he headed to the administrative office. It took every bit of his warrior expertise to not bite his lips, grit his teeth or seethe with anger. Out of all the people they could lose. The section commander was gone. Their brightest mind. This was a loss tantamount to the death of Ervin himself. And he took the burden to inform everyone. The military police was not at fault. Those scoundrels of the suppression squad were still alive. They had to be hiding in the underground district. In which case that made his guilt run deeper. It was his fault for not being able to clean it out properly.
He reaches the door and for the first time in his life he hesitated to enter a room. Taking a preparatory breath he pushes those grand doors. Inside all the tense council men, military officers and administrative officers waited for the news. They were informed of an incident happening in the Reiss farms with horrific consequences but no certain details. Only Ervin seemed to remain calm among all people. Then the door parted to signal the arrival of humanity's greatest soldier. Slowly the small figure of Lance corporal Levi Ackerman enters the room with an expression even gloomier than his usual demeanor. "Levi! What's going on? What happened on the farm? Tell me?" Hange who was also present in the room fired questions at him. But Ervin slowly gestured her to sit down. "Lance corporal. Please tell us what happened. And is her majesty alright?" An official asked.
Levi simply took a deep breath. "Her majesty is fine." He said one line. But then following the sighs of relief the tension in the room increased. "The matter is. . .
Connor Langford was murdered."
Everyone's minds were blown. Hange's jaw was dropped and even Ervin's frosty front seemed to break. The assassin now identified as Traute Carven the former vice captain of the anti personnel control squad somehow sneaked past the Military police border and fire a surprise attack and kill him. But before they could apprehend her, she commited suicide." He spoke like saying a formal report devoid of emotion. Then he threw two papers on the table. One was a field report and the other was a soldier bio of Traute. Hange quietly shivered in her seat. Ervin didn't even bother to pick up the paper. "Levi, where are they now?" He asks with a bit of fear in his voice. Levi looked at him and said. "They are at the royal chateau." Ervin grabbed his coat and stepped out. Hange wordlessly followed. "Excuse me sirs." Levi excused himself and left.
After riding his horse to the royal palace Levi tied his horse and entered. Inside everyone of his squad sat on the table quietly. Eric was nowhere to be seen. "Cap . ..corporal Levi." Eren stood up and greeted him. "You guys seen Ervin?" He asks as Ervin began to act strange the moment he announced Connor's death. "Yes sir. He went upstairs to that room." Eren pointed towards the stone stairway. "And what about Frost?" Levi questioned. Eren looked away. Mikasa and Armin sat silently. "I see. Nevermind." Levi said as he moved up the steps. He sees an open door. Then sounds of bawling and crying came from inside. "Shitty glasses?" Inside he saw only two people. The back of the commander of the survey corps and in front Zoe Hange who finally broke down with drops and drops of tears falling on the ground ceaselessly. Levi stepped foreward to see the cold sleeping face on the bed. He has witnessed many deaths and dead bodies before. But seeing a body being cried on brought back that hated feeling of sadness to him. Something he tried to seal away just like Ervin when his friends died and he swore to follow Ervin no matter what. But it once surfaced once more when Petra and the former special ops. were killed. He bit his lower lip planning to immediately go to the underground district and turn the whole place upside down to drag out those surviving members and beat them to death with his bare hands. But he could not move without order's from his only superior. But as soon as he turned to face his commanding officer he received another nasty shock. Yet also a tiny bit of solace.
His face remained hard but his frosty cold eyes shed only two teardrops. Levi sighed and chose to leave them alone. And on the way he tapped Ervin on the shoulder. "I guess you are human after all." With that humanity's greatest soldier takes his leave.
(Then)
And so following a madman's death the whole life of the walls came to a standstill for the heroes of mankind. After the funeral several things happened or . . .stopped happening. The experiments stopped. Hange seemed completely locked up in her own quarters repeatedly studying her data to the point of obsession. Her assistant Moblit worked hard to look after her. Days quietly pass. New recruits slowly join up. Ervin personally drilled them brutally. Levi didn't seem to show up much. Eren actually chose to continue his training and practiced his hardening skills as well as agility. Mikasa stopped her usual regime of strength training to endurance to withstand the incredible toll her newlyfound powers takes on her body. Armin and the rest of the squad supervise should anything untoward should happen. Historia returned to the administrative office and continued her duties as queen but seemed to lack that vigour she previously held. Eric Langford fell into a quiet depression and spent most of his time in his room.
Three days after the incident. Eren fresh out of training returned to Eric's lodgings. He stood before his door and thought what to do. He rapped his knuckles on the door and said. "Hey, Eric. I know you have been down for the past couple of days but don't you think its about time you step out. Come man we are all worried about you. Historia, Mikasa, Jean and even the corporal. Please come out. I know how it feels to lose a parent but you can't keep yourself couped up like this. Historia and I are getting really scared. You are our captain. You need to fulfill your responsibilities. Eric." He knocked again. 'I know you are in there Eric. Come on out.' He requested one last the telepathic link. No response came. He turned his back and took a step away but then.
'Eren.' He replied. Eren stopped dead in his tracks. 'Tell me. Remember that day when we defeated Rod Reiss and established our regime. You saw all those memories didn't you.' Eric asked. Eren sighed and leaned back againts the door. 'Yeah. I saw them.' He answered. 'Remember the time Mikasa got shot?' Eren bit his lower lip. 'Yeah, those were some of the most vivid memories. But you saved her didn't you.' He said. 'How? Why? How was is able to save her so fast? But not my dad?'
'Mikasa is special.' Eren stupidly said. Then Eric snapped.
'AND MY DAD WASN'T?! HE WAS A TRUE PURE BLOOD NOBLE UNLIKE THAT HALF BREED!'
'Hey calm down. Look I'm sorry okay. But I am talking about circumstances not bloodline.'
'WHAT FUCKING CIRCUMSTANCES! DAD WAS PEACEFULLY STANDING IN THE FARM WHEN IT HAPPENED. MIKASA WAS FLYING THROUGH THE AIR AND SPILLED TWO BUCKETS OF BLOOD. HOW THE FLYING FUCK DID SHE LIVE THROUGH THAT!?'
'Thats exactly what I mean. Circumstances. Back then you were prepared. You had the tools. Mikasa was shot away from her vitals. She had healing powers. But your dad took a shot straight to the heart and there was no medical kit nearby to treat him.'
'So you're saying from the moment that gun was fired dad had no chance at all.'
'Yeah'
Eren felt a jolt of lightning strike his head. 'ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!? HOW MANY TIMES HAVE WE SURVIVED NEAR DEATH? ITS . .its just not fair. For him . .. to die so easily.'
'Alright enough. Come out man. Stop moaning and griping. I . .'
'Shut the hell up.'
All that complaining and what ifs were really getting on his nerves. Eren then snapped. 'WHAT THE HELL MAN? WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM? YOUR DAD IS GONE, PERIOD! If you want to piss on something piss on those fucking MP survivors or shove it up the beast titan's ass.' He stood up but then slowly regretted his actions. His friend just lost his father and now he is acting like an asshole to him just because he still couldn't accept reality. 'I'm sorry. That was uncalled . . .'
'Get lost.'
'Huh?'
'Eren. Before I shoot my mouth off again please just leave. Just leave me alone and go' his tone was cold but it sounded more of a request then a threat. 'But Eric. . .'
'Just go away.'
Eren couldn't protest anymore. He put his head down and walked away.
(Two days later)
The next few days were very taxing on the queen of the walls. Back then Connor would handle several things and matters for her. But now that he is gone she has to rely on her own capabilities. Not only that, her concern for Eric was a big distraction. As well as dealing with matters to her orphanage. The military police were dispatched everyday to locate those suppression squad members. It was evening and she was resting her head on the table out of exhaustion. "This is just getting too hard."
"Don't worry you're doing fine." Came the calm voice of Armin Arlert. "Uh, huh . .oh its you brainiac. What are you doing here?" Historia said droopily. "Heheh. Just passing by to see how you are up to. Looks like you have been working pretty hard these past few days." He said. "Don't even start." She stretched her arms and flexed her fingers. "But its not the work that's a problem. The guys in the council are smart adults and honest people now. And the orphanage is fun. I'm more than happy to see a few smiles on children's faces. But what's really bothering me is Eric, I mean I've barely even seen him. And when I do he looks half dead to me. It just hurts to see him like that." She turned her head to Armin seeing him thinking about something. "What is it?"
Armin came back to his senses. "No its nothing. But this happened once before."
"Before?"
"Yeah, back when his mom died back in shiganshina."
"Oh yes I remember you saying something about Eren pulling him back when he lost it or something. Can you tell me more?" She asks. Armin takes a seat. "Okay. But its nothing much."
(Five years ago. **A/N: from this point until the end of the flashback anything in brackets will be spoken in the present time.)
It was the dead of night. Outside the refugee camp. The refugees were sleeping after a hard day's work. All except one. This one continued to plough and dig away at the soil. Even in the autumn cold sweat dripped from his nose. He would plant seeds, weed the ground. Then align them perfectly. Tiredness nor sleep got to him. He worked relentlessly.
The next morning when the morning bell hit he returned from the fields for breakfast. Then taking his shower returns to work. Day and night pass and slowly rumours pass and people began to realise this boy would not stop. He would endlessly work. But everyone laughed at him. Ridiculed him. Saying he was just showing off stupid guts. The land was hard and dead. Nothing seemed to grow from it. But he didn't care he worked on and on.
("My god. Didn't he get tired. I meam pulling all nighters is one thing but everyday. . ." Historia was surprised. "Yeah. He just wouldn't stop. But it wasn't like he became some kind of machine. He replied when spoken to . . ." Armin continued.)
It was evening and everyone began to return but the child of Langford forged on. "Enough man. Take a break please. Let's go freshen up." Eren protested. "If you want to go then go ahead. I'll be back by dinner time." A simple reply before he went back to work. After dinner he picked up his shovel and went back to work. Days pass. And it slowly went from comical to fearful. He didn't stop. It was no longer foolish guts. It was an obsession. It was like that was the only thing giving meaning to his existance. His friends first try to convince him to stop. He flat out denied them. Some adults from the camp began to ask him. "Come on kid. You proved yourself. We ain't gonna laugh at you anymore so come on stop it." An old man said. "It was never about proving a point. As for your laughs I couldn't care less. All I want is to make food on this land." He replied. Everyone watched at the soil was declared infertile but one boy kept working. The garrison finally step in. "Stop it kid. That's too much. The land can't be used. Its pointless." The officer says. Eric simply ignored him. He stepped up and put a hand on his shoulder but then suddenly the boy swung his shovel and with the shaft tripped him down to the ground and held the tip to his face. "This is my land. You just stepped on it. What happened to this sad crazy kid is none of your concern. You do your job I'll do mine." He said in a cold dead voice.
("It sound scary." Historia exclaimed. "Yeah. Two weeks pass, I don't think he caught a wink of sleep then" Armin said)
Dark circles under his eyes intensified. But it didn't matter. He continued to garden and care for that dead field. Bringing manure from the barns and other strange things he was allotted. As well as the money his mother left him he made quiet trips to the city market to bring strange chemicals no one understood. One night Eren resolved to speak to him. Walking to the fields at night and feeling the chilly near winter air. But quietly approaching he hears something. Melodious sounds. Singing.
I walk a lonely road
The only one that I have ever known
Don't know where it goes
But it's home to me and I walk alone
I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk a...
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone
. . . .
I'm walking down the line
That divides me somewhere in my mind
On the border line
Of the edge and where I walk alone
Read between the lines
Of what's fucked up and everything's alright
Check my vital signs
To know I'm still alive and I walk alone
I walk alone, I walk alone, I walk alone
I walk a...
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone
. . . .. .. . . . . .
I walk alone
I walk a...
I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk a...
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone...
Eren moved to see him with a peaceful face but continueing to work. But he lost the will to disturb such a beautiful sight of a resolute boy. He went back to the cabin to pick up his shovel and faced him. "Eren? What are you doing out here?" Eric asked. "You are not alone buddy. Friends stick to each other. Now. Tell me what to do. . ." Eren said. Eric looked down on the ground but looked back up at his friend then nodded. "Okay."
The next morning came and winter days finally came to an end. And people woke up on the first day of spring to begin work once more. Armin and Mikasa were worried where the two went. They were first to show up but saw a few garrison men standing there. After approaching they see the look of utter shock and amazement in their faces. As well as a few adults standing there with the same look on their faces. Eric's assigned land was quite close so they didn't have to walk far. But what they witnessed was a sight ready to melt their hearts. Under the bright morning sunlight. With golden rays shining down on the brown earth little green plants emerged from the ground. The ground which is said to be a lost cause. They grey earth turned to brown soil and in a beautifully symmetric pattern the first seedlings emerged from the soil. And two boys exhausted laid beside it with shovels, tools and covered with dirt. But the smiles of achievement was so bright it was worth the suffering. Men and women watched the miracle where the resolve of a boy transformed a barren cold surface to a oasis that yielded food.
(Historia sat speechless. "As tiny as that land was. He proved that resolve and knowledge was the only things needed to achieve results.")
Word spread and that land became a merchant's holy grail. But he denied it instead passed some knowledge about nitrates and phosphates. And how to utilise them. But squeezed every last drop of money from them. That was the first signs of his hotshot personality came to be. Many tried to go for that land but he won over the garrison to his side so he had their protection.
(Present)
"That is one heck of a story." Historia said after listening to Armin. "So in a matter of a few months our lives got better. It wasn't luxury but at least a bed and food on our tables was good enough."
The next morning Levi got tired of everyone moping. So he went to Hange's quarters and dragged her out by the collar. Then after convincing her for an experiment he came to Eric's housing. Banging directly on the door there was silence. "I'm tired of this Eric. Bring your ass out." But after hiting the door a few times he realised something. The room felt empty. Usually his senses could easily pick up the presense of a person but there was nothing. The rest of the squad waited downstairs. Finally coming to a decision. "Naah. The queen will pay for it." He said as he axe kicked the wooden door and broke it open. Inside was the result he most expected and least desired. The room was empty. Eric was nowhere to be seen. The room was neat and tidy. But there was something really eye catching. On the table, on the far left was the forest green cloak of the survey corps. The wings of freedom clearly appearing on the nicely folded cloth. On the right was the white cloak of the noble house. The golden emblems well washed and kept neatly. And in the middle of them was the standard military uniform. The brown jacket. The white tights and on them was two badges. One was the badge of the captain and another was his personal as a member of the survey corps. And on the bed was a note.
"Don't follow me."
"Son of a crazy bitch." He cursed before taking the badges into his hands and going to the closet. Opening it he got what he wanted. Among all the simple clothes the fancy black coat and cloak was gone. He turned and charged down the stairs. "Horseface, cue ball, shitty glasses, potato girl, SM, Mikey, brainiac. We have a monster on the loose." Levi announced as he stepped out.
(Several hours later)
Wall maria. A grown man with messy long blond hair and a slight beard looked out and felt something crawling on his skin. "Bert, Reiner. You two stay here. I'll be right back."
"Do you sense something, warchief?" Reiner asked. "Yes. There is a storm comming. I'm just going to have a look." The man replied. "Yes sir." Reiner said.
Meanwhile on the outside under a tree a person stands donned completely in black. Beside him is his white horse. He smoked on a cigarette as he took a break. Blood dripping from his ODM sheaths the sleeves of his coat wet with blood. In between the bluish grey smoke he says. "Mark my words beast titan. I'm coming to destroy you." He dropped the stick and put it out with his foot. Then mounted his horse to get moving once more.
"I await your arrival, lord Langford."
T. B. C. .. . .
Okay. Im now going out. And if someone is kind enough to drop a review just know you have made a person on the other side of the world very happy