Chapter 20

Since graduating from the Cadet Corp, Calian has faced twist and turn after twist and turn. From the colossal titans reappearance, to Eren discovering his ability to transform into a titan. The appearance of the Female titan and revelation that her identity is in fact Annie. But nothing, had rocked him to his core like the latest discovery has. A Colossal Titan inside the very walls that for the past century has protected humanity. The very walls that are worshipped to this day as a divine gift to save the last remnants of humanity from the terror of the Titans is housing titans itself.

Howlett considers himself a pretty brave man. He can look at a titan and instead of fear feels hatred, he can talk back to a superior with uncalled for attitude gleefully. He can even take on Captain Levi in a sparring match without hesitation even though he knows he will lose. But this right here, staring at the skeletal and skinless massive face, who's single visible eye lazily drifts down as if to stare at the buffet beneath it, this terrifies him. It terrifies him to know they've been so close to danger for so long. It terrifies him to know that there has to be a reason for why they're there. And it terrifies him to find out what that reason is. And just what it implies.

Even the normally fearless and maniacal scientist, Hanje, standing beside him is at a loss for words. With great effort, Calian takes his eyes off the face, slowly and on guard in case it suddenly decides to attack, and focuses his gaze on the Section Commander. The question he was about to ask dies on his tongue as he sees the expression of fear firmly placed in her eyes. No excitement, no rapid fire questions. Just fear.

She seems to finally find her voice as she shakily asks, "…What? Wait a minute… Is this the only Titan like this…?"

Suddenly a hand slaps onto her shoulder, starling her, Moblit and Calian. She shrugs it off like as if it stung and took a step back but now confusion is thrown into the mix as they realize that it is Pastor Nick of all people, who's doubled over and panting, his hands on his knees.

"Pastor Nick?" Hanje asks.

"The hell is he doin here?" Calian adds.

"listen to me!" He snarls between pants, his eyes crazed as they snap up and pierce the Section commanders soul, "whatever you else do, don't let sunlight touch it!"

The news spread like wild fire among the Scouts, causing them to act fast in covering up the titan. Many were wondering how the Pastor seemed to hold this knowledge but no one was willing to risk the Wall titan awakening solely to see how valid his knowledge is. The trio stood atop the wall as the massive sheet that was hastily sown together using dozens of thick sheets was finally secured firmly over the Wall titan, allowing the soldiers to breath every so slightly easier. Hanje watches it all with an uncharacteristic coolness in her demeanor, one Howlett normally sees worn by Commander Erwin. His stance is more rigid as Hanje finally begins questioning the person of interest.

"Now then…" Her goggles gleam in such a way that her eyes are hidden, replaced only by the reflective surface of the lenses. "… It's time for you to talk. What is this Titan?"

The young soldier watches as the Pastor is on all fours, his head poking precariously over the edge of the wall, his wild eyes searching for any possible opening that the suns rays could worm its way through. He doesn't even seem to register the questions that the Section Commander gives him, either that or he's doing his best to ignore them. Hanje tries again,

"What is it doing inside the wall? And… Why did you people keep this a secret all this time?"

Pastor Nick carefully inches away from the sedge and stands back up, dusting off his clothes. His demeanor quickly changes, reverting back to the arrogant and ruthless personality made famous during the military tribunal. " Have work to do! My church and followers have been devastated!" He yells, getting in her face and jabbing at finger at her, "This is your fault! I Will demand restitution! Now let me down!"

Calian growls, "OUR Fau—"

Hanje raises a hand, effectively quieting the youngest member of the Levi Squad, who falls back. Having full and utter trust in his boss. Hanje never breaks her cold gaze from the nervous pastor as a small flash passes through her eyes, "Certainly. Will straight down do?"

Her hand shoots out, gripping Pastor Nick by the collar and holding him off the wall. Calian gapes, impressed. "Holy shit."

He seems to have forgotten that despite her thin frame, The Section Commander is not without strength necessary to operate the ODM gear. And the sudden aggression, well. Now I really understand what Moblit meant bout Boss bein scarier than Levi when she's mad enough!

Moblit and the rest of the squad, minus the dumbfounded Howlett, step closer alarmed, "Squad leader!"

"Hold!" She barks out the order, "Enough of this! Do you have any concept of have many Scouts have laid down their lives fighting these Monsters?! More than you can count! And all to take back our freedom from the Titans! I was willing to sacrifice my own life for that cause! I'm not asking you to talk, I'm ordering you. Is that clear? And if you won't talk, I'll try the next person. Your measly life wouldn't make up for much, anyway!"

Pastor Nick clutches to her arm for all he's worth, sweating beading down his temples as a glance downward makes the drop seem so much farther than he thought. "Let… go of me!" He demands, though his voice has lost its prior firmness.

"Tch, poor choice of words there bub." Cal grumbles as Hanje leans him further off the wall.

"Squad Leader!" Moblit yells.

Suddenly Pastor Nick finds a surge of strength within himself as he throws out his arms and yells, "Do it! You think I'm afraid to die in service of my belief? We fulfill our duty, whatever the cost!" He strains to lift his head, his eyes seemingly losing all sanity, "I don't care! The Lord is my Sheperd! Let his humble servant fall!"

The Scouts watch with baited breath as Hanje neither pushes forward nor moves back. After a few moments of pregnant silence, Hanje releases a sharp and irritated exhale as she throws the Pastor in a heap behind her and safe distance from the edge. Cal quickly plants his massive foot on the Pastors chest, keeping him from squirming away. He glares darkly at the whimpering Pastor before watching Hanje questioningly, who drops onto her butt along the edge, her feet dangling off the side as she pulls her goggles down laughing. "Just kidding."

I doubt that.

"I wasn't serious."

I doubt that too.

"Tell me Pastor Nick… Are all the Walls made of Titans?" Her voice shakes slightly on the last word, showing that the fear is still present within her as it is everyone.

The pastor stays mum and Howlett presses his foot down harder on Pastor Nicks chest causing him to wheeze. "Boss just ask ya a question Pastor."

Moblit pulls Howlett back by the shoulder, disappointment clear in his face as he shakes his head, "Not you too Howlett."

"(sigh) Sorry."

A Scout suddenly appears and he salutes to Hanje seeing as she is the only Squad Leader present. "What brings you here?"

"Sir! Commander Erwin has asked for an update concerning Wall titan."

"hh, barely anything at all." She pulls out a piece of the crystal from Annie's titan form that broke off during her fight with Eren and stares at it intently, "Calian. Go update Erwin for me please."

"Ya got it Boss."

Calian enters the Commanders office, noticing that Levi is there with Eld and Erwin. "commander." Howlett salutes and does the same for the other two.

"Glad to see that weren't disbanded." Calian says.

"Tch only by the skin of our teeth." Levi retorts.

"Nonetheless we're still active. Which means we have to continue our pursuit of knowledge. Has there been any update concerning the wall titan?"

Howlett bites the inside of his cheek, "nothin. No one knows why it's there or how many there are. No one cept Pastor Nick apparently."

The three men share a look, "What's that lunatic have to do with this?" The captain asks.

"He was the one who told us to cover the Titan, specifically told us not to let sunlight hit it. Hanje tried to scare more out of him but seems like Pastor's got a lot more guts than he let's on cause he bit his tongue and hasn't unclenched since." He informs them.

Erwin rubs his chin, deep in thought, "This is an unexpected turn of events."

"does this mean there're more people within the capitol who may know more?" Eld wonders.

Levi crosses his arms and scowls, "Of course it does. It can't just be him. And I bet the ones who do are the ones who keep cutting us at our ankles."

"I fear you may be right Captain. But we have to take on one problem at a time. Howlett, I'd like you accompany Eld and go tell Mike and the other's about what's happened. They're at an outlying installation in the southern part of Wall rose." Erwin orders.

Great, stuck as a messenger boy today. "got it Sir."

"Take a fast horse and tell the Scouts who are watching the rest of the 104th cadets about everything that went down here. But the Wall Titan and Pastor Nick, only to Mike and his squad got it?" Levi adds.

Cal doesn't falter under his trademark scowl and nods, "Got it cap'n. Ya ready Eld?"

"Born ready, let's go."

The two leave quickly and head to the stables. This time around Howlett is gifted with a new black stallion, known for it's speed and stamina, perfect for the ride. Many worrisome questions keep intruding in the Teens mind, making it difficult for him to focus, he can't really help himself. Just how many people knew bout the wall Titan? Is there more? Were they waitin? Eld sees the constipated look he's wearing and calls out, "hey!"

He startles the teen, "Stop losing your head! I know it's a lot to take in but you can't let it overwhelm you or else none of us will be of any use!"

"How're ya takin it so well?"

"Honestly I'm not, just keeping everything at bay so I can finally freak out later."

"Heh, sounds bout right to me."

The rest of the ride is silent until they've finally reached the courtyard of the outpost. Eld waves over Mike and Nanaba, his second in command, and the pair hop down to meet them. "what're you two doing here?" Nanaba asks.

"Erwin sent us to update your squad about the events of Stohess." Eld informs them.

But Mike points off into the distance. "We've got bigger fish to fry!"

The two feel their blood run cold as they see Titans in the distance making a b line straight to the outpost. "The fuck are titans doin out here?!"

"Possible breach in Wall Rose." Nanaba answers grimly, "The two of you can make your report after we get out of this mess."

"It's a good thing you two came well stocked with your gear, we're gonna need your help. Okay?"

The two nod at each other before Eld answers for the both of them, "Tell us where you want us."

"Follow us." Mike orders.

They're lead to the inner courtyard where many cadets and Scouts are buzzing around and preparing their horses to ride. As they walk Nanaba notifes them that they're preparing to send small squads to evacuate any and all homes nearby to prevent civilian casualty. Howlett nervously scans the crowd until finally he's able to catch an unmistakable mop of red hair. HHe breaks off into a jog and as he nears, Sasha turns and breaks into a relieved smile. "Cal!"

He scoops her up into an embrace, their hearts pounding together as the world falls away, allowing them to focus solely on each other. They break apart and Sasha smacks his arm. He playfully acts like it hurt.

"I was worried sick about you! I can't believe you went and faced the Female Titan like that!"

"I-I was ordered too! I didn't have a choice!" he complains.

She bites her lip and blushes as she looks away, "I know I just. I couldn't stop thinking about you and I was worried ya mighta got hurt out der."

He grins and his heart skips a beat as her accent slips through, something she only does for him. He cups her cheek, gently making her look into his eyes, his thumb drawing delicate circles. "Ya ain't got to worry bout me darlin. I'm always comin back to ya."

"Well isn't this sweet."

Howlett growls and gives the smirking Reiner the stink eye, "Ya had to ruin it didn't ya?"

The blonde shrugs with a grin, "Someone's gotta bring you two back to earth."

"And yet you're still stuck in space blondie."

Cal smacks his shoulder, "Still glad your alright." He nods to bertholdt, "Ya too bertie, don't think I forgot bout ya."

The brunette smiles weakly, nervously sweating as he keeps his eyes in the distance, towards where the Titans are coming from. Howlett looks behind the tall cadet and sees connie looking rather pale and forehead covered in sweat. He gives Sasha a questioning look and she explains, "The titans are coming from the south… where his village is."

"Shit." He whispers in horror.

He approaches his friend. "Hey Connie?"

The short cadet flinches as he's broken out from his thoughts, struggling to meet his friends eyes. "The-the titans…"

"I heard. Look I-"

"ATTENTION!" Mike barks. Causing everyone to stop and salute as they await his orders.

"As stated before our priority is evacuation. The 104th cadets and the rest of the armed troops will divide up into four squads. One squad for each point of the compass. None of the Cadet corp has any weapons so avoid engagement at all costs, focus solely on spreading the word. If you find anyone or pass any settlements, get the evacuation process started and carry on to the next one! The south and west squads will additionally ascertain the location of the breach."

He stops and allows the soldiers to digest all his orders before he continues on to the next part, "Anyone familiar with this area?"

Sasha gasps and raises her hand, "Um, Yessir! My hometown is in a forest just north of here. I know the surrounding area well. And there's c-connie…"

She glances at her friend, who's still clearly shaken. "My hometown is in the south, sir, where they… where the titans are coming from." He looks pleadingly at the second strongest soldier, "I can lead the squad that way, please may I have permission to enter my hometown when we reach it, sir!"

Cal leans down towards his friend, "Ya sure ya wanna do that?"

Connie nervously mulls on his lip, willing the tears to stay in place, "It's probably too late… But I have to go see!"

Howlett admires his friends conviction, but he's starting to worry how he'll react if things in his village… doesn't look that well. "Permission granted. You lead the south squad then."

Suddenly the footsteps begin to get louder and louder. Gelgar notes, "They're getting close!"

"EVERYONE ON THEIR HORSES NOW! WE HAVE NO MORE TIME TO LOSE!" mike points at Eld and Calian.

"You two, you're with me we protect the squads until their clear from the Titans."

Eld Salutes, "Understood. Say your goodbyes now Howlett."

Cal doesn't need to be told twice as he walks Sasha to her horse, "Ya be careful out there ok? And don't fight any titans!"

She grips the reins and sharply looks at the massive soldier, her eyes swimming with both determination and fright. "Cal, thank ya fer worryin bout me. But I can take care of muhself, I had faith in ya that ya could pull through, so please do da same fer me!"

He flinches slightly at that. "Sorry. I don't mean any disrespect darlin. I l- care about ya a lot." He places a massive hand atop hers.

She smiles back at him, lacing her fingers through his hand and squeezing it reassuringly before pulling away. Calian is called back into action by Eld and he mounts his stallion. Seeing as everyone is ready, Mike orders everyone to advance. The stampede of horses was reminiscent to the 57th expedition but to Cal, this felt far more dangerous. He and Eld stick close to the front of the formation, ready to follow whatever command Mike gives them.

"The second the titans reach the woods, we'll split up but only at my signal!"

"UNDERSTOOD SIR!" cadets and soldiers alike reply.

Nanaba also takes this moment to address the soldiers, "As you've guessed, today marks the darkest hour in humanity's history! Look sharp, if ever is needed to give our all that time is now! Don't lose heart!"

Gelgar suddenly alerts them, "They've reached the woods! The enemy is on top of us!"

They all quickly see the group fo Titans breaking through the trees, walking aimlessly and in the unnerving gait that they're famous for. "Scatter now! Ride for everything you're worth!"

The groups begin to scatter and Cal takes one last chance to see Sasha, trying to memorize every curve and line in case if this was his day, then the last thought in his mind would be her. He turns back to face forward again and witnesses the titans suddenly stop. They appear to be frozen for a moment before the one at the front jumps and twirls in the air before running directly towards them as does the rest of the titans.

"No they're coming at us full tilt!" Mike curses.

"Are they all abnormals?!" Eld wonders.

Mike shouts over his shoulders, "Remember what I told you, go directly to the villages and evacuate, don't stop no matter what, the rest of you assist me in thinning out this herd!"

"Got it!"

Howlett kick his horse into gear and he rides side by side with Mike. As soon as they're within distance they shoot their ODM gear, using the leading titan as an anchor, and propel themselves to either side, parallel to its nape before both of them cut through. Howlett flies from that titan to the next, slicing its eyes as Eld appears and delivers the killing blow. One tries to catch Gelgar by the leg but he cuts its fingers off and coming low, attacking its legs. Nanaba comes around and cuts the rest of its arm off just as he tries to hold itself up, making it face plant the ground. Mike appears and cuts its nape. The group of titans were eventually defeated and Mike surveys the wreckage grimly. Calian stands not that far behind, his chest filling with an uneasy feeling. Something tells him he needs to go, go towards the north. Where the squad was heading. Where Sasha was heading.

Mike tenses, "Dammit, another horde!"

Titans appear on horizon and not moving as fast as the first group but still will be right on them soon enough. Mike quickly mounts his horse and takes off, "Gelgar! Take charge of the southern, I'll lead these titans away!"

"S-sir?!"

"Tell me he's not using himself as bait!" Nanaba exclaims.

"that's exactly what he's doin!"

"Shit, alright he gave us orders lets go!"

"permission to head to provide assistance to northern squad!" Howlett asks.

""Why?" Gelgar asks.

"That horde came northwest from here, it's possible that some might've caught sight of the squad heading there!" He explains, the uneasy feeling growing in his chest.

"Fine, go ahead!"

Eld decides to throw in his own request, "Permission to provide assistance to Captain Zacharias!"

"but he went to use himself as bait!" Nanaba retorts.

"Exactly! Even if he's the second strongest soldier, this isn't the time to play the lone wolf, I've already lost my squad and we were supposed to be the best." He grits his teeth, "We can't let that happen to Mike too!"

Gelgar gulps but doesn't let any of his emotions appear on his face, "You have my permission. Anymore requests?" He asks frustratedly and sees that no one has anything else to say. "Good now let's ride!"

Mike flies over a tree nd lands atop the arm of the Titan that attacked him reaching its neck and taking out its nape. He flings himself off the titan as it falls, landing on the roof. He catches his breath and sees that there's a titan unmoving and leaning on the building he's on, simply watching him. "Four left."

The titans are all around him, but never inching toward him for some reason. I've bought enough time. It's time to go. He whistles, the sound echoing through out the open field. His horse will hear of course, as it was trained to. But he hopes that it'll reach him in time. Still… I am concerned about that Abnormal. He glares at the giant hairy Titan that walks with it's upper body and arms swinging slightly with each step of its short legs.

He watches it like a hawk as he takes stock of it, it's different. It looks over 17 meters tall. It's huge… and I've never seen a titan covered in fur before. Strange. It's just walking around instead of coming over to me.

The sound of neighing brings a smirk to Mike's face as he sees his horse rtacing towards him, though it's path does mean it'll cross paths with the beast titan, he knows it's safe from harm until he rides it. Guess I won't need to hold out until nightfall. That hope comes crashing and burning down as the horse neighs alarmingly as the furry titan suddenly captures it in its hand, squeezing it so hard that blood explodes out from between his fingers. IT went for the horse?!
You can't be serious!

The Beast titans red eyes land on him and its lips pull back into a twist, resembling a smile but with the sharp rows of teeth, looks like something nightmare inducing instead. It arches its arm back and throws the horse directly towards Mike. It comes so fast that Mike barely has any time to jump out the way, too quickly for him to properly plan how and where he'd land and ends up tumbling off the roof painfully and directly into the grasp of the awaiting titan that waits no time as it bites down on his leg. Mike howls in pain as the sharp teeth dig into his flesh and he frantically tries to push it off but the both of them stop as a deep an inhuman voice says, "Wait."

In utter disbelief, Mike gapes at the massive beast as it crouches down to take a closer look to him, its eyes… so cold yet, intelligent. Then it smiles again. Mike's mind is blank but that quickly turns into white hot pain as the titan begins to bite down on his leg again. He howls in pain once more. Annoyed the beast titan grips the titan's head, "huh? Didn't I say wait?"

And he crushes it's head, causing Mike to fall to the ground, painfully clutching his leg but turning his frightened gaze back to the looming beast. "Tell me, what is that weapon called? That thing on your waist that flies around."

Mike is too stunned to speak. Never before in his life has he ever heard a titan speak. They've grunted and growled and even screamed. But never have they uttered a word. He never believed it possible. Even when Hanje had shown them the journal of Ilse Langnar, he was still skeptical but supportive. Until now that he has witnessed it himself.

"I'm certain we speak the same language. Perhaps you're simply too frightened. Oh, I see you use swords too. I guess that means you know we reside in the nape. Ah, well," The beast titan begins reaching towards the soldier, "I'll just take it back with me."

Overwhelmed with Terror, Mike cries out and covers his head with his hands, trembling and whimpering. His hair on his neck rise as he feels the light pressure on his waist then it's gone. Confused he looks to see the beast titan standing and beginning to walk away. Breathing heavily Mike can only watch until he's suddenly in a memory from not that long ago. Standing on the rooftops and away for the cadets to ready themselves. And remembering what he told Nanaba, A person only loses when give in.

With his resolve restored, he grits his teeth and picks up his sword. As long as we continue to fight… we are not beaten! He lets out a mighty battle cry but it's cut short when the Beast titan stops walking. Looking over it's shoulder it says, "oh, you can move now."

Mike gasps helplessly as the three Titan converge on him. He screams, "NO!" Just as they're upon him.

Butt suddenly, a blinding light flashes between all of them. The titans stop and clutch their stinging eyes. Mike was blinded as well and he cries out when he feels something grip him by the collar. He tries to kick and scream but then the voice of Eld calms him, "Stop kicking me or we'll both fall of the damn horse!"

He stops, "E-Eld?"

"Yea it's me, don't worry I'm taking you out of here, once we're at a safe distance I'll provide medical help to your leg."

The sound of incoming whistling assaults both their ears and Eld looks up just in time to see a tree heading right for them. He veers his horse out the way, barely avoiding the attack. "The fuck?!"

He looks back to see the Beast titan, this time it's not smiling. As it rears its arm back and throws another tree like a spear at them both. Once again he moves out the way by the skin of their teeth, doing everything he can to make the horse go faster. It seems that the Beast titan had given up as no more trees were thrown in their direction. Eld pants form the adrenaline surge and glances at the injured Captain who seems to have gone into shock. "What the hell is going on?"

Authors Note: and there you have it the next person saved thanks to Calians presence. I do want to stress again his presence does and will change things but it will be gradual. Mike has survived his encounter with the Beast titan but that doesn't mean i'm saving everyone or everyone will get a happy ending. Some will live but may die later on, some might die before they normally do and some will live to see the end. But it will not, i repeat, will not be everyone.

And like i said before, most of the bigger changes will come in season 3 and 4 with some happening at the end of season 2. I also plan on dedicating some chapters to the month between seasons 2 and 3 nd also the 4 years between 3 and 4. Anyway hope you liked this, next chapter will be Sasha's rescue and also the happenings in Utgard Castle! Hope you all enjoyed and again i'm happy so many people have favorited and followed and reviewed the story!

Also to the one wondring about if i'll post this on another site. I actually did! Same name for my profile and story so if you prefer AO3 you can find it there! anyway till next time guys!