I don't own Attack on Titan: just my OC's and the plot.
The Awakening
Chapter 15: Prep Work
845, October, The foothills of the Great Eastern Mountain:
"-HARD ON THE RIGHT!" Bryson barked as he flew through the forest canopy
"I KNOW! I GOT IT!" Red shouted back as he shot his lines and flew over the bushes at breakneck speed.
The young Ranger kept his eyes on the titan as he rounded the next tree, quickly shooting his lines again to dart up into the canopy, right before he could be grabbed: like a squirrel he latched onto the nearest branch and ran on all fours as high as the limb would permit him, before shooting his lines again, and swinging down and away from the titan's reach. But as the behemoth turned to pursue his quarry, Ariana, Ash and Hazel dropped down behind the giant, landing dead on his nape, and delivering the fatal blow: the titan came to a screeching halt, dropped down to his knees, and deliberately lowered himself down onto his front; thus concluding the exercise.
"Excellent!-" Bryson cheered: as did the rest of group that had been watching from the safety of the giant trees, along with their bird-titans who hooted and chirped in delight. Sailing back down to the ground, Red came up alongside Ariana, Hazel and Ash as they landed next to Shadow, who sat up and breathed a deep sigh of relief, just as Bryson jumped down to meet them. "Well done Red, you finally got the hang of that upward turn" he smiled, "I know right?! Holy shit I didn't think I'd get it that time!" the young red-head practically bounced on his heels: "Considering you've only been doing the advanced training for about a month, I'm impressed you mastered that move already: it took me three months to get it right" Ariana smiled as she placed her wooden training blades back in their scabbards, and then placed hand grips back in their holsters.
"Indeed, that's not a simple move to pull off at such a low hight, you should be proud of your accomplishment..." Bryson patted him on the back, before gazing up into the trees and motioning to the rest of the group to join him, "Alright everyone, come on down!" he called up. Shooting their lines and lowering themselves down back down to the forest floor, the group of fifteen young Celts and Rangers gathered around as the former Scout addressed them: "Okay, we've all done well this morning, but I'm afraid the lesson will have to be resumed tomorrow, as I have a meeting to attend in the city, so for the rest of the day you're to disassemble and clean your gears, putting them back together in exact working order, and making sure they run smoothly... Remember, these gears are your life out in the titan's territory, without them, you won't last more than a few hours on the ground or in the trees: proper care and maintenance ensures your survival; and I will be checking over your work upon my return" he stated in a commanding tone, to which many of the group voiced their acknowledgement: "Okay then, let's head back" he ordered.
Shadow transformed himself into his elemental form, and took off up through the dense canopy into the sky, with Bryson, Ariana, Ash and Hazel all safely within his grip: while the rest of the group flew back up into the trees to mount their bird-titan's, and take off for Yggdrasil Island. "You know, they're really coming along!" Ariana shouted over Shadow's powerful updraughts: "I don't know what's more incredible: the fact they're fast learners or that Gustav managed to build those ODM gears in less than two months!" Hazel shouted back, "In any case, they're doing just as well as the rest" Bryson smiled as he stretched out his arms, feeling as if they were wings: feeling the force of the wind as the god-titan carried them aloft over the lake, back to the island on the cool mountain winds.
Autumn had come to the Hidden Land, and with it, the turning of the seasons and the changes they brought: as the days grew shorter, the trees bore their splendid colours as they shed their leaves, lighting the canopy up as if it were on fire, while they decorated the ground in a veritable pallet of reds, oranges, yellows, buffs, browns, and even some pinks here and there. Fruits, berries and mushrooms were abundant as the cooler days brought morning mists and dew to the undergrowth, while the smaller animals were preparing for their hibernations. But while nature was readying itself for the coming winter, the human inhabitants of Yggdrasil had been quite busy of late: as had their titanic friends...
Landing near Gustav's forge, Shadow and the bird-titans assembled to let their riders/passengers dismount, before Bryson led the group over to the entrance of the smithy, where the old grouch was busy tidying up. "Back a little early aren't you?" he regarded the former Scout with a raised eyebrow, "I thought you and the brats would be gone for the day?". "Uh Gustav, it's Friday?" Ariana frowned in confusion; he looked at her weirdly for a moment, before suddenly remembering: "-Ah hell! The meeting! of course!" he face-palmed. "Got any more grease for the students?" Bryson chuckled, "In the pots by the window around the corner, help yourselves" he thumbed over to the side of the building. As the group headed around the building, Red noticed Ariana, Ash and Hazel didn't follow: "Aren't you guys coming?" he asked offhand, "We already cleaned ours this morning" Ash shrugged, "If you want to make the most of your day, try getting up a few hours earlier to clean your gear" he smirked before following Bryson and the others into the smithy, "Later," "Uh-, yeah, see you guys later" the ginger-haired hunter waved good-bye, before running off to catch up with the group.
Inside the smithy, Bryson and the kids saw Bren over in the corner finishing off the final touches on a pair of hand grips, while near the centre by the large worktable, Bemadette was busy assembling a set of gas tanks, making sure they slotted into place atop a pair of scabbard boxes: "Hey guys!" she waved to them, "Hey Bem'" Hazel sighed: "How goes the work?", "Pretty good, we just about finished this unit, and the parts for the next one are ready to be put together this afternoon" Bren smiled.
Ariana was about to say something, when a couple of men entered the building behind her: "Gustav? The new crop of iron bamboo is here" one of them spoke as he picked up a pair of thick leather gloves, "Ah good, we've been waiting for that all morning," the Willum elder strode outside to where a tall well-built deer-titan stood with a huge bundle of iron bamboo tied to his back, and one other man sitting on his left shoulder: the bundle was enormous, with many of the stems reaching well over thirty meters in length. How the deer-titan was able to get it through the dense forest without snagging a single one was a real feat of manoeuvrability, and as he carefully balanced the bundle on his back, he bent forward to let his rider skilfully climb down his arm, and jump down to the ground, "Seventy five new stems as ordered" he smiled "And the new crop should be ready by the end of the month". "That'll be fine," Gustav nodded, before glancing up at the deer-titan, "Take the bundle over to the shop and tell the guys to start stripping it down for processing". The deer-titan nodded, and walked around the side of the building to where the machine shop lay parallel to the smithy: followed by his rider.
"Hey Gustav!" Another gentleman greeted him as he rode a large silver and grey deer-titan up to the smithy with a couple of large wicker baskets strapped over his back: "Boar just finished up 'summoning' the ore: this batch looks to be quality stuff," he stated as his sizeable friend helped him down, before reaching behind him and unloading the baskets, all of which contained various-sized chunks of raw unpossessed metal ore. Glancing over the shiny dark grey chunks of rock, Gustav gave a short nod of approval: "Okay, take it round the back, I'll sort through it later: you join the others and get to work on prepping the new cable reel cases" he thumbed over his shoulder, "Yes sir," the gentleman smiled as he entered the smithy, while the deer-titan smiled and nodded as he picked up the baskets and carried them around to the back of the building.
"Wow, busy much? Who're the new guys? I thought you already had enough volunteers helping you out?" Ash asked offhand as he and the others stepped outside with Gustav, as he continued to sweep the paved stone floor. "Marcus's knowledge as a gunsmith makes him skilled enough to put a decent ODM gear together. Weston worked as a farrier up near Berkenhain before he married Ratatosk's eldest niece, and Denny was a blacksmith who used to make hunting knives for the Otter Clan: they may not be up to my calibre, but they learn on their feet and can do a good enough job. Between them and the other guys I got on rotation here at the shop, the iron bamboo grove, the ore mine and the ice-burst stone cave (plus Bren and Bemadette of course), we finally got enough people to be able to start making up to three ODM gears a day," Gustav replied, "After all, there's no accounting for what the titans get up to: someone goes down and their gear smashes up beyond all repair, what're we to do for a back-up?" he shrugged.
"That's true" Bryson sighed offhand, "So how're the new brats working out? Considering they took their sweet time making their minds up, I'd be amazed if their able to stick it out long enough upon facing their first titan" the old grouch smirked slyly, "Not Red, he's been training since day one" Hazel pointed out, "Along with Avocet, Jenny, Strider, Robin, Figg, Dirk, Dawn, Samuel, Tony, and the Mayburn brothers", "Not to mention some of the other kids from the clans: they were just as eager to join as Red was" Ash pointed out, "It was only his brothers, and those other three kids that finally decided to sign up for the Hunt: but I think they only joined up to save face with the rest of their families" Ariana shrugged.
"I still can't believe over a hundred and thirty people volunteered for this..." Ash thought aloud, "And the fact we were able to put together thrity ODM gears in less than three months has been nothing short of amazing". "Heh, That's my crew for ya, I work em' like dogs: and trust me, they're earning their pay for this" Gustav grinned as he propped his broom up against the wall and folded his arms. "Yeah, but even with dad and the others having to go back to Shiganshina to scavenge more units from the military depot to make up the numbers, (along with all those other items they brought back), we still haven't got enough units for everyone," Ariana sighed, "At the rate we're making progress, those units we took can be put back by next spring: remember, we're not stealing from the military, we're only borrowing the equipment until we can get our own in place" Bryson reminded her, "I know that, I'm just saying it'd be easier if the machine shop had more stuff in it to help the production line speed up a little: it's been three months since we started getting everything together and training up all the volunteers, and we're still only half done" Ariana pointed out. "Well it ain't like we're right on the doorstep of Industrial city kid, it's not like I got a whole factory to churn out a hundred units a day!" Gustav gave her the hairy eyeball, before Ash tried to assure him, "Yeah we know, and believe me you guys have done an amazing job-", "-Damn straight!" Bemadette called out from within the smithy, before the redhead continued: ", But even though we got the gears and the gas to replenish them, there's still the problem of the pairing blades". "Ugh!-, don't remind me!" Gustav huffed as he headed back inside, "-I'll be bringing it up in the meeting! Don't worry!"
Glancing at one another, the kids just shrugged: "Well? I dunno about you guys, but I still got a few things to take care of before the meeting this afternoon, like checking in with dad and the others" Ariana offered as she climbed up into Shadow's waiting palm, and let him deposit her on his shoulder; "I best be getting along too, catch you kids later," Bryson waved good-bye, before shooting his lines and taking up off into the trees. "You guys wanna come with us?" Ariana offered, "Well it's not like we got much else to do? Hey Shadow, can you see where my brother's got to?" Hazel asked offhand: the god-titan's eyes glowed for a moment, before he spelt out, :He's with Dale and the others in the Lodge:. "Huh, they must be working on the new hunting formations" Ariana thought aloud, "Okay then, to the Lodge it is". After allowing Ash and Hazel to fly up onto his other shoulder, Shadow gently got back up and headed off in the direction of Clay's location.
As they strode through the town and out into the forest, the kids glanced down at the streets below, and up into the tree-top neighbourhood, watching all the various people go about their daily routines.
After three months of settling in and adjusting to their new lives alongside the god-titans, the Celts and Rangers had finally amalgamated their expanded families and clans into one large community: without the threat of the Wall Cult or Royal Government to worry about, they found themselves free to be more open and expressive in their cultural traditions, and to structure their new town as they saw fit. Tyto and the other heads of the clans and families had become the unofficial 'council' that oversaw the day-to-day running of things: everything from establishing the rules and codes of conduct (no one was keen to use the word 'law', as it sounded too formal) to ensuring everyone had their fair share of resources; from clothes and food to tools and raw materials, to aid in their home chores or jobs in the community.
It was as lively as it was homely, and many took to their new roles in this community with a quiet enthusiasm. A good number were carpenters and wood whittlers, so just about everything from basic household maintenance to boat building was taken care of, and with Shadow and the tree-titans on hand to grow an endless supply of wood in specially arranged copses, none of the forest ever had to be felled. Quite a few showed a penchant for gardening and growing vegetables, and so they became the designated gardeners for the communal gardens: ensuring the plants remained strong and healthy, and that the crops were good and plentiful. Most of the women, having helped their families on many a hunt, were expert seamstresses, especially with raw hides and dressed leather: they were able to make anything from clothing to accessories, and even saddles and tack for the deer and bird titans; they were also good at knitting, crocheting, weaving, and particularly embroidery and appliqué, with some of the more well-seasoned seamstresses being able to create truly beautiful works of art. Plus the fact Crystal had a boundless supply of silk meant they could create some truly luxurious items to wear, as well as make the strongest ropes anyone had ever seen. Some were expert healers, using medicinal herbs and plants to treat a whole range of illnesses and other health problems, and so under Breck's guidance, they became his unofficial 'apprentices' at the town hospital.
Law and order wasn't much of an issue on the island, in terms of crime, as everyone got along fine with each other and there were plenty of resources and food to go around: of course nothing and no one was perfect, and there would be disputes and disagreements here and there. So any serious issues raised would be brought to the court house in the centre of town, where a panel consisting of elders and some of the council heads would hear out both parties, question anyone else who was involved, and examine any evidence so as to rule out any bias and keep everything fair and neutral; then agree on a verdict.
This form of 'abidance' was well received by the community, and no one raised any issues over the subject: however, the god-titan's had their own rules that they lived by. No hunting on the island being one of them, there was also the 'law' that forbade anyone, human and god-titan alike from chopping off any of Yggdrasil's limbs or harvesting the sap, collecting and eating the fruit was permissible, but only once it had fallen from the tree. Then there was the law that decreed that all beings are one and the same, regardless of their external forms and are to be regarded and treated as equals: none will work for another, but rather, with one another in all and any endeavours. And there was also the law that stated: none shall use their power or will to influence or dictate the freedom of another: ergo, no god-titan was to use their powers to do harm or deceive a human, nor was any human to trick a god-titan into using their powers for their own personal gain, regardless of whether it was good or bad. The latter was a tad redundant, as were the other laws since neither god-titan or human had any gripes with each other; but still, there was always room for trouble to spring up somewhere down the line, and so for the sake of prudence and maintaining order, these 'codes of abidance' were neatly carved onto a huge board and displayed outside the courthouse for all to see.
"...The place is really starting to feel more like a town, isn't it?" Ariana smiled as she watched a couple of little children horsing around with one of the smaller tree-titans: "Yeah..." Ash smiled as he noticed a group of gentlemen fixing the roof of one of the ground-based houses, with the help of a ten meter tall deer-titan who was using his antlers as a crane system to lift the roof truss beams into place. "In retrospect it's probably better to have additional company: I mean, living by ourselves might have been a good idea initially, but when you think about it, we'd probably all go mad after a while; having to put up with just each other on the same island day after day?" he smirked, "Being stuck with Rowan, Clay and the twins?" Hazel dryly droned, "-Oh boy". Ariana, Ash and Shadow all burst out laughing, while the redhead shot them a fustrated look, "Hell, we'd probably all end up in the loony house!" Ariana chuckled: "Off our rockers, every last one of us!" Ash laughed he stroked back his long black bangs; "...Yeah well; it might have also gotten boring by the fact we'd have had no one else to talk to, (humans I mean)..." Hazel pointed out, "...Yeah, that's true..." Ariana sighed as the smile dropped from her face. The red-head's sarcasm wasn't lost on either Ariana or Ash, and Shadow could tell something was up; but for the sake of not wanting to ruin the moment, she didn't say anything, and simply changed the subject, "...I still can't believe so many people survived the titans during the first week after the breach: and the fact there might still be more out there in Maria is pretty frightening...".
A long moment of silence passed between the kids for a moment, before Ariana nearly jumped, "-Oh hell! I forgot to ask Bryson about Claude's research! Do either of you know how the field tests with the new hummers and chimes went?", "Pretty good I think?" Ash shrugged nonchalantly, "I was talking with Derek about it yesterday, apparently it went quite well" Hazel commented, "He didn't mention all the details, but he did say he'd be announcing the results at the meeting today". "Okay, I just want to be sure the instructions in the journal were followed right," Ariana breathed a sigh of relief; "Then its a good thing that journal was very specific on how to make those things, like how a good alternative to ceramic is bamboo".
"At least using them is straight forward: no fancy incantations to remember and recite" Hazel thought aloud. :You recite the concealment spell quite well, and it's not that hard to remember surely?: Shadow spelt out, "Well no, it's just that-, some of the other spells and charms you guys can do, require you to say stuff that sounds so long it couldn't possibly fit on the page of a book... And anyway, that's something that's always bugged me, how the hell are you able to recite a spell if you can't talk?" she gave him a weird look, to which he smiled and tapped the side of his head, :Telepathy counts. If you can imagine the words and know what they sound like, then the incantation still holds power:. "Huh, so even if you think up a spell, it can still work," Ariana thought aloud, before she realized, "-But wait a sec, I think about the concealment spell incantation sometimes, making sure I get it right: so how come I don't turn invisible every time I think it?", :Because you're not someone born with a natural degree of magic; wizards, witches, mages and alchemists are able to craft and wield magics because they're born with a certain level of those mystical energies in their blood. Ordinary people, though they don't have that same level of naturally imbued magic, are not totally beyond being able to wield it. It's just that they need a self-sustaining source of magic in order to do it. The concealment spell only works because we're always on hand to let you borrow a tiny fraction of our power. However, we're working on trying to find a way for you all to have your own source of magic, without resorting to using our blood:.
"You guys are still picky about the whole blood thing huh?" Hazel gaze him a slightly wry look, :For good reason: Shadow glanced at her seriously, :I've already explained why we don't allow you to use our blood so freely; it's an invitation for trouble:, "Just hanging out with you guys outside this place is an invitation for trouble: remember back to when we still had you as our big secret? and we went to all that hassle to avoid getting you noticed by anyone, not least the Scouts?" Hazel sarcastically shot back. "Look, Shadow's right, we've already been over this and it's no big deal: after all, it turns out their blood's not the only part of their body that's got magical properties. The hair, feathers, tears and tusks are all viable, and extracting them doesn't involve a needle being stuck in the skin" Ash pointed out. :Exactly: the god-titan nodded in concurrence, :After all, we don't want someone else's eyes changing colour, or worse:, "Ah come on big guy stop beating yourself up over that!" Ariana playfully punched him on the jaw, "I can still see out of it thanks to you, and besides, it looks cool", :Yes well, at least it's one thing I don't have to worry about; the last thing I need is any surprises catching me off-guard:
"-INCOMING!" a voice yelled out nearby, right before something flew in front of Shadow's face and exploded with a loud bang, immediately followed by a huge cloud of white smoke: the god-titan quickly threw his arms up over his face as he jumped back and away, his sudden jerky movement threw the children off his shoulders as he corrected his balance, and summoned the wind to blow the smoke away. As they fell, the children shot their lines and flew away, coughing and hacking as they tried to get upwind of the smoke: perching in the nearby trees as Shadow assumed a fighting stance, the three youngsters looked around for the source of the sudden explosion. "-What the hell was that?!" Ash exclaimed as he scanned the ground, "Dunno but it was loud!" Hazel called back as she tried the catch her breath, "You okay Shadow?!" Ariana flew back to him and perched on his shoulder, :It's alright: he assured her as he gently stroked her back.
"-Holy Sina who did we hit?!" Claude's panicked voice yelled in alarm as he rushed out of the tall bushes with Derek, Rowan, Dale, Lucius and Pascal on his heels. As he laid his eyes on Shadow, his panic spiked ten-fold: "-Oh good heavens! I'm so sorry Shadow! I had no idea you were coming this way!" he ran up to him as the god-titan kneeled down to meet him. Landing back on the ground next the giant's shins, Ariana, Ash and Hazel gave him a weird look: "Claude, what the hell did you just fire at us?!" Ariana demanded, "Oh please I am sorry children! It was an accident, a miscalculation in trajectory! I didn't mean to-
Pascal placed a heavy hand on his shoulder, as he stepped forward to clarify: "-What he means is: sorry about that, it was a total accident". "Okay, but what was that thing?!" Ariana reiterated, "The new smoke-snap bombs!" Rowan grinned broadly as he held them up in his outstretched hand to show them: the bombs in question were little round parcels of pale rolled up paper (much like a toffee from a sweet shop), about the size of a large walnut with blue ink on the tips: "-Pascal came up with the idea years ago to escape the Military Police, and Claude improved the size of the bang with his new gunpowder formula". "Indeed. it should come in most handy if a titan's hot on your tail, and you need a quick and easy smoke-screen (quite literally) to distract his attention" Claude stated in a satisfied tone as he regained his composure, adjusting his pince-nez. "According to the journal, if a titan completely looses sight of its prey, it'll stop chasing after it: so these should prove effective in evading the enemy if we're caught short on the ground," Dale explained as Pascal held up two other bombs, one marked with red ink, the other marked with yellow "And after tweaking the formula a few different ways, we also came up with a flash-snap bomb, which gives off a blinding explosion of lights: and a bang-snap, which just makes a really loud bang. Any one or a combination of these would be effective at throwing a titan off and allowing enough time to find cover" he grinned. "Ah but don't forget, that's if you're hunting in the forest, with plenty of cover left right and centre: out on the open plains you'd be a tad hard-pressed to find somewhere adequate to hide" Claude pointed out, "Which is why we go with the big guy here," Pascal motioned to Shadow, "With his concealment spell keeping us from being spotted, we'll have nothing to worry about" he stated smugly as he folded his arms. "If it can be helped we won't need to rely on him, not once he's got a 'vessel' for his magic to be kept in," Lucius pointed out, before smiling up at said god-titan, "Speaking of which, how's your research on that coming along Shadow?"
With a heavy sigh, he spelt out, :... Slow. I'm thinking I'll go to my brother for help:, "Okay, well I'm sure you'll find something eventually; you guys are the experts after all" Lucius offered, "But in the meantime, we found a suitable alternative to the concealment spell 'vessel'..." he motioned to the forest beside him, "...What do you think?". Ariana frowned in confusion, "What're we supposed to be looking at Lucius?": summoning his power to scan the forest with his mind's eye, Shadow smiled and nodded, :Very good, simple but highly effective:, "What's effective?" Ash frowned up at him. "Okay guys! Come on out!" Lucius shouted, beckoning whoever he was calling to to come forth: as they kept their eyes on the trees and bushes, Ariana, Ash and Hazel nearly jumped when the ground began to move just a few meters away, seemingly taking on a humanoid shape as it 'stood' up.
Several more strange mounds seemed to come to life as they too stood up and turned to face them: then, as they looked more closely, the kids realized the 'mounds' were actually sleeved cloaks of thickly woven muslin that trailed all the way down to the ground, dyed in varying hues of greens and browns, with leaf-litter, moss, twigs, and loose-hanging ripped and tattered straps of burlap, hessian and muslin sewn on all over; creating, what was essentially a convincing replica of the forest floor. "Whoa!..." Ash stared at the figures in wide-eyed surprise, "I know right right?!" Rowan grinned madly, "You could just drop to the ground and no one would be none the wiser!", "What are those?!" Ariana smiled, "And how do I make my own?". "They're called Ghillie cloaks" one of the Ranger's smiled as he threw back his hood and unbuttoned the front of his cloak, stepping out from the spot where he'd been hiding: "It's an old hunting tradition of us Rangers: we use them to stalk game in the wild, as well as avoid any unsavoury characters" he explained, "If you know how to make one correctly, you could go for days, even weeks undetected: and depending on the size, it can even double up as a make-shift tent" one of the other Ranger's smiled, "How come we've never heard of this?" Hazel raised an eyebrow.
"Because it's a family tradition that's been passed down in secret," Brooke explained as he quietly stepped out from the bushes, "With the Royal Government and Wall Cult ever vigilant, it's one of our best lines of defence in evading them, and thus a well-kept secret that isn't shared until our seventh year; only then do we learn to craft our own cloaks and use them accordingly. Many a Ranger and Celt owes their life to one of these" he gestured to the cloak nearest to him, "Thus, it is a craft that is held in the highest of regards and respect". "Of course, sharing this secret of ours with 'regular' folk has always been forbidden: but, under the circumstances we've agreed to make an acceptation; for the sake of the hunt" one of the other Ranger's threw in with a sheepish smile. :Thank you: Shadow smiled, before turning to Brooke, :I sense there is something important at hand. Is everything okay?:, "Nothing serious: I just came to let you all know that something came up and we had to move to meeting forward. Tyto and the rest of the counsel have already left for the city, and Gustav and the others are on their way to the boat yard right now: the meeting starts in forty five minutes" he replied. "forty five minutes?" Ariana gazed at him in surprise, "Oh we better get going then," Claude checked his pocket watch, before turning to the Rangers, "Would you mind finishing up here? We should be back by mid-afternoon at the latest" he asked, "Sure thing, we got it covered" one of the other Ranger's gave him a thumb's up. "...Typical, and there's me thinking I'd be able to squeeze lunch in before then" Pascal sighed under his breath as he folded his arms in mild annoyance.
Three quarters of an hour later, inside the City of Omnes Scientiam:
As everyone gathered together in the great garden of the tree of knowledge, the queen and her entourage arrived to head up the meeting, with Shadow, Midnight and Boar standing alongside them and their humans in a wide circle. There was a slight apprehension in the air, as this meeting was to serve as a status report: a broad review of the last few months and what progress had been made in preparation for 'the Hunt'.
The Hunt was an intuitive that had been thought up by the heretics and traitors, as a means to hunt and kill the titans that were rapidly populating Maria: from the beginning it was clear that a combination of military tactics and Celtic hunting techniques would be the way to go, since they didn't have the resources the Scouts had at their disposal. Everyone knew from the start that they would have to do things differently, and while Bryson served as the chief expert on hunting and killing titans, Tyto and his brothers sublimated some of the traditional Scouting methodology, with Celtic survival know-how. But it wasn't all the heretics and traitors smarts that contributed to their success: the journal that Derek discovered in Shiganshina's church had proven to be a treasure-trove of vital information... Information, that had turned out to be surprisingly true...
"Is that everyone?" Ariana asked Dale discreetly as she scanned the faces of every human present, "All but one," Bryson sighed in disappointment; wondering who he meant, Ariana rechecked, and saw that indeed, one was missing: "Mrs Jaeger's late?", "No..." Dale sighed, "She and Angel are pulling double on the flight training: combat with Stormwing" "Again? That's the forth time this week, how's she not tired by now?" she exclaimed in surprise, trying to keep her voice down, "Should we wait for her?" Lucy asked offhand, "No," Tyto sighed in disappointment, "Unfortunately we can't..." he glanced up at Shadow, "Okay, shall we begin?". The god-titan bowed his head, and glanced over at Queen Aurora with a discreet nod: with small polite nod of acknowledgement, the queen stepped forward announced: "Friends, are we ready to begin?"
"Yes your majesty" Tyto bowed respectively: "Then, you may open the proceedings Tyto" she smiled down at him.
Meanwhile, above the western mountain range:
The winds whipped high over the mountains, swirling and vortexing over the peaks before dropping down to the valleys and lake below: carrying thick clouds that stretched and warped with the currents like cigar smoke, creating long ribbons and shrouds of mist that made the tops of the mountains drop in and out of sight.
The huge black ominous-looking silhouette of Stormwing glided silently through the pale brume, as she navigated the mountain tops: scanning the foothills and slopes periodically, before glancing up above her; ordinarily, she was the alpha hunter, the one who lorded over the skies with no other bird-titan big or strong enough to take her on. But today, there was an acceptation...
"Where are you? ..." she thought aloud as she summoned her power to read the ambient energies of the earth and sky: but just as she turned her head to the left, a sharp shrill whittling could be heard fast approaching from above and behind from the right; she just barely had time to bank hard to the left before a streak of pure white zipped right by her, missing her shoulder by mere feet. The powerful downdraught that followed in the speedster's wake was huge, so much so that it forced the titan-goddess to spread her wings and brace for an emergency landing. Finding a safe spot in a wide open glen next the lake's shore, Nyiera hit the earth with a resounding thud that shook the nearby trees to their roots, and caused every creature in the vicinity to flee. Glancing back up, Nyiera just barely had time to move as the white blur came back at her, and attacked her shoulder with a shrill screech, revealing itself to be Elysia. As the weather goddess kicked and clawed as the giant, Carla shot off her back and proceeded to attack: with her ODM gear working at full tilt, the raven-head's offence was fast and swift, with a strength and anger that forced the much larger bird-titan to keep her wits about her.
"You're most eager today," Nyiera grinned as she tried to keep the smaller goddess at bay, while as the same time trying to grab Carla, who immediately flew into her blind-spot, "Any particular reason for the extra enthusiasm?". "We need to work on our combined assault!"Elysia grunted as she laid into the night roamer, "Yesterday's performance was too slow, and our timing was off in places; if we're going to be killing the titans, then we need to get it right!" she stated fiercely as she used her wings and flank-plumes to shield herself from a downstroke of Nyiera's wings, "Brat, your commitment to this endeavour is unquestionable: and there's no doubting you two have got guts," Nyiera stated as she coolly fought back, taking each blow in her stride, "But don't you think you might want to give it a rest? Even for just a day? You've been at this whole training thing for three month straight with no breaks". "The Scouts don't take breaks, Bryson says they train day in day out to perfect their attacks and fighting skills: so why should we be any different? The titans won't be giving us any breaks!" the younger goddess shot back aggressively, Nyiera was about to retort back, when Carla made her move and landed a hard strike to the back of her nape with her wooden pairing blades, signalling the end of the fight. Stepping back and huffing in defeat, Nyiera got down on all fours, and sat herself down in the long grass, while Carla flew around her large shoulders, and landed back on Elysia's right shoulder.
"Excellent work Angel!" Carla smiled in satisfaction as she gently patted her on the cheek, "Definitely an improvement from yesterday" she nodded in approval, to which Angel replied with an equally satisfied warble and chirp. Motioning for her to put her down, the titan-goddess gently lowered herself forward, enabling Carla to jump down to the ground: "...I just need a drink, then we can get back to the lodge and work on those-
But Carla didn't even finish her sentence as she collapsed onto her side in the grass: "-CARLA!" Elysia panicked as she frantically read her aura, "She's weak?! How can she be weak?!" she glanced up at Nyiera pleadingly, "Because she's got low blood sugar, idiot" the larger goddess dryly gazed down at her as she came around Carla's other side, "She's been pushing herself so hard that she's neglected to eat properly; she just needs some food in her", "Your sure?", "Just get her back to the island and get her to the hospital, tell them what I told you, they'll know what to do" Nyiera stated as she gingerly picked up the unconscious woman between her razor-sharp teeth, and deposited her in Elysia's back feathers. Elysia didn't waste time and took off up into the air, making a bee-line for the island: "What the hell do I tell the others?!" she panicked, "Not my problem brat!" she called back.
Meanwhile, back in the city:
"All things considered we've made surprisingly good time, given the scale of the operation" Tyto summed up, as he looked over the notes he held in one hand, "The rest of the volunteers are fully trained in the basics of ODM gear usage, and are now ready to begin learning the more advanced manoeuvres. We have over a hundred wind chimes and hummers, all of which have been imbued with the luring charms listed in the journal and tested in full, plus we have over a hundred deer, bird and tree titans who've volunteered to lend their strength and skills to the Hunt. Thus far, we're still on schedule to start as early as next January: that is, if we can address one or two important issues..." he motioned over to Gustav, "Gustav?"
"Right," The Willum elder stepped forward to say his piece, "As Tyto as already explained, the ODM gear production is still running on schedule: we should have over twenty units built and ready by the end of next month, bringing the total up to a hundred and thirty, and another sixty-plus surplus ready by early December. Between Boar's ore-summoning powers and Shadow's plant and tree growing powers, we've got all the ultrahard steel and iron bamboo we need to make our quota: not to mention the ice-burst stones needed to replenish the gas. That being said, we're trying to be conscientious of our stock, and so I tweaked the design to make it faster and more light-weight. Changing the all-metal scabbard boxes for mahogany or yew wood for a start, I also incorporated my mods to make the gas go further, and make the unit go faster: it takes a bit getting used to but it works... But, we've still got no way to make a decent set of pairing blades" he reluctantly added.
"I thought the machine shop had everything you needed to make what was necessary?" Ryder asked offhand, "Yeah, you can blame my overzealous enthusiasm for that..." Gustav huffed in frustration as he scratched the back of his neck, explaining further, "The machine shop's got most of what we need: gas compressors for replenishing the supply tanks, moulds for metal casting, smelting kilns for extracting the ore from the rock, and most of the other things needed to make the units: but casting disposable pairing blades has been proving problematic. The bottom line is we just don't have the machinery or blast-furnace to make them: the closest equivalent would be a sword of the same dimensions, but it'll take at least two weeks to make just one, never mind a hundred and thirty pairs, plus surplus"
A chorus of concerned whispers went around the circle as everyone gazed at him sceptically: "Are we sure there's no suitable alternative?" Ratatosk suggested, "What about cannons? I understand they can blow a titan's head clean off?". "With the correct aim, distance and trajectory, a cannon can take a titan's head off and sever the nape from the inside out. However, given a titan's fast-paced movements and the time needed to load each round: such a bullseye is usually a lucky shot; also, using cannons of the size needed to take down a titan takes time and manpower, and even with the elk-titans pulling them in specially created wagons, we'd be slowed down dramatically. Putting everyone at considerable risk" Bryson explained in a grim tone, "Not to mention just casting one of those things is going to use up over three quarters of the ore in our supply: it's just not feasible" Gustav grumbled, letting Bemadette take the opportunity to offer her idea, "But what would be viable, is to make Angel and the other other 'non-bird-of-prey' bird-titans a set of metal claws they can use to sever the titans napes from above. All they'd have to do is swoop down and whoosh! They could take out every titan in their path quickly and efficiently, and it'd be perfect for somewhere that's open and got no cover, like out on the plains. I calculated the time it would take to make one pair of these clawed gauntlets: if I'm allowed to get started right away I can have Angel's first pair done within less than a week, and it won't take up much of the ore we got; there'll be plenty to go around". Everyone blinked in surprise, "A week? Are you sure?" Bowen asked, slightly surprised, "Hey, this my apprentice your talking to: if she says she can get it done in a week, she'll get it done in a week; okay?" Gustav folded his arms, making it clear the issue wasn't up for debate.
"Well? Okay, that would take care of hunting out on the plains: but what about Stormwing, Midnight and Crystal's venom? Would that do for felling the beasts?" asked Tarka; "Um? I'm afraid the results of the venom testing have been somewhat mixed," Claude elaborated as he stepped up to give his input, "Per our original plans to best utilize all our resources: I, along with Bryson, Tyto, Evrard and a select few god-titans and Rangers, undertook a series of 'study trips' out into Maria to conduct a series of experiments to test our new arsenal. The efficiency of the hummers and wind chimes being amongst them (and highly successful they were too), we also took samples of the venom extracted from our three favourite titanic ladies," He gave a cheeky wink up at Midnight, who simply rolled her eyes, "And tested it on a wide selection of titans, varying in size class and regular to abnormality: after five trips and five hundred titans, we've determined that the venom is not fatal"
"What?! Not fatal?!" Warren exclaimed: most of the other Celts and Rangers were stunned, until Evrard stepped in, "-Hang on a sec, let him finish". "Thank you, Evrard," Claude gave him a grateful nod as he cleared his throat, "While the venom is not fatal, it does cripple the titans to a considerable degree: namely via the severe necrosis it causes, breaking down muscle and ligament tissues right up to the point where they can just barely move their eyes, nevermind try to move or do anything else. The time it takes for the venom to completely spread and take full effect is varying: while smaller size classes are incapacitated within minutes or even several short seconds (excuse the pun), any titan over nine meters takes upwards of two to eight minutes to be paralysed; and of course where your arrow strikes on the titan's body is important to remember. However, there are some rare acceptations: a few of the test subjects measuring over twelve meters were crippled in less than a few seconds, and vice versa a handful of five to six meter titans took over ten minutes to languish. So while there is a pattern of consistency in the venom's effect, the 'abnormal' reactions will have to be taken into account"
"But it's no replacement for the pairing blades" Dakota sighed, "No, but overall, the venom (if coated on the tips of your arrows) has the potential to be a good means of crippling a titan and rendering them harmless: and it doesn't have to be fired into the nape to take effect; simply aim for an artery and the venom will spread throughout the titan's system within seconds" he smiled.
"Actually, we thought of a way we could use the venom in the Hunt," Dale stepped forward, "With enough archers placed in the right locations, we could easily cripple many titans all at once, thus eliminating the need to fight them, and reducing the potential number of casualties considerably". "I thought the hummers and chimes would do that?" Jaye pointed out, "The hummers will, but we won't need the chimes whilst hunting" Lucy stepped in with a large rolled-up parchment tucked under her arm, "Here, let us explain," she started to unroll the parchment, Lucius took one end while she held the other: "Uh? ..." Dale looked around for a suitable vantage point, to which Midnight kneeled down and offered her palm, "-Ah, Thanks 'Night..." he and the twins carefully climbed up, showing everyone the parchment. The crude yet discernible illustration depicted a mass of giant trees with people perched in the branches, some with pairing blades, some with bows and arrows, and others with the hummers. On the ground there were regular titans, and in the bushes the god-titan's seemed to be crouched down and waiting: while up above the trees, people seated on bird-titans were flying overhead. "Okay, so after a lot of brain-storming, experimentation, and trial and error: we think we've come up with a couple of tactics that'll ensure a high degree of success, and keep potential casualties to a minimum" Dale announced, "Like, way down in the single digits percentage kinda-minimum" Lucy clarified.
"According to the journal, the hummers are effective over a nine to fifteen square mile radius, depending on wind direction and the lay of the land: and Claude's research team confirmed this when they tested the first hummers we'd made using bamboo. The plan is pretty straight forward," he pointed to the middle of the picture, which showed the people with the hummers, "After choosing a suitable location far away enough from the base camp, those who volunteer to wield the hummers will take their positions up in the trees and lure the titans in: while nearby, four teams of three to four archers will take up positions in four trees that all stand at right angles to the hummer's tree; think of the layout of a compass, with each archery team at north, south, east and west, that's how it should be. And as the titans get lured in, that's when we spring the trap"
"Now, this can be done a number of ways," Lucius stepped in to explain without missing a beat, "The archers, armed with venom-coated arrows, will fire down at the titans, incapacitating them and the god-titan's step in to finish them off by crushing the napes", "Or, to save on the arrows and venom: we swoop down on our ODM gear and sever the napes ourselves... That is, if we can get the pairing blade issue sorted out" Lucy added sheepishly, "You said we wouldn't need the wind chimes whilst we're hunting: what do you have in mind?" Ratatosk asked curious, "Well, we can use the chimes to do half the work for us" Dale beamed, "See, Maria is huge (as we all know), and obviously we're not going to be able to cover every last inch of it, but the chimes can do the next best thing. The journal says the wind chimes are able to lure a titan from over five miles in any direction, that's approximately a hundred square miles, way more than we'd be able to cover in one day, never mind a week. So the plan will be, in between the areas we hunt we hang the chimes and leave them there for a set period of time, say a week to be sure: then either we or a secondary team will go to those areas and dispatch the titans".
"But the most important part of the plan is this," Lucy pointed to an odd-looking symbol in the lower right corner of the picture, "The repelling charm: the Journal says this magic can keep titans out of an area over twenty five square miles wide, so every time we clear out an area of forest or plain, we leave one of these charms in place, let one of the god-titan's instil their magic in it to awaken its power, and voua la! No more titans in that area", "And in the places we install the chimes, we'll need to leave at least four charms to make sure none come back" Dale explained, "If we plan the course of each hunt correctly, sweeping through Maria in a diagonal line reaching from north-east to south-west over a one week period, we can cover more ground and close off the forest to the titans: forcing them out onto the plains where the bird-titans can easily pick them off with their clawed gauntlets"
"That's all well and good: but, given the radius of the repelling charm that would mean we'd have to move camp to a new location every night, ten to fifteen miles apart at least," Warren pointed out, "Listen, I know we Celts are used to travelling long distance, but this is going to be pushing it, even by our standards. There's no way we can cover that kind of mileage within a week, never mind the trek back to Shiganshina or the Vert valley to use the stone circles in less than a day or two"
"Actually, we won't need to use those stone circles specifically" Derek stepped in with Lawrence and Drake at his side, each carrying several large rolled up parchments: "As you all know, when me and Claude decided to tackle the 'titan mystery', we decided to use a two-pronged attack to cover more ground: Claude would head up the scientific field research and I'd hit the books here in the city. And, while the literary search for the titans is still proving elusive to say the least, (who knew the name 'titan' would have so many uses?) I have discovered some other information I think you'd all find very useful..." he grabbed one of parchments from Drake's pile, unrolled it and displayed it to the whole gathering; it was a highly detailed map of part of the forests of Maria, with tiny symbols showing the location of a stone circle, "It turns out there's not just a few other stone circles, but loads of them: after checking and rechecking the maps against ancient topographical surveys of Maria, Rose and Sina, there's approximately over two hundred and ninety three circles in all"
"TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY THREE?!" Ratatosk gawked, as did the rest of the group, "And those are just the one's within the walls, it turns out those stone circles are everywhere around the outside of the walls, as far as over five hundred miles away, and possibly more even further afield (I'll have to recheck all the maps for precise locations of course)" Derek replied eagerly. "So, we could travel to anywhere within Maria from here?" Eraman gasped, "Pretty much, yeah" Drake shrugged, "Cool!" Poppy exclaimed excitedly.
"That takes care of the travelling: but what're we going to do about the pairing blades guys? Ultrahard steel's the only other thing besides our crystal arrowheads, Midnight's claws and Boar's tusks that can slice through titan flesh effectively. Since the venom can only paralyse, and the hummers and chimes only hypnotise, we're pretty much stuck" Fox pointed out, Belle was about to eagerly suggest her idea when he stopped her, "And before you say it, no. we can't make pairing blades out of crystal: they'll be too heavy and too brittle". Defeated, Belle let out a long huff of defeat and folded her arms as she sided back with her sisters.
Unbeknown to the humans, Jarus snapped his head up slightly and his face seemed to fill with clarity, as if he'd just stumbled upon an idea: Aureia noticed this, as did Javorin, but neither of them said anything, as they let the humans continue.
"You have all made excellent progress, and I'm am glad to see so many inventive and resourceful means come to the fore" the queen coolly stated, "As for the dilemma at hand, is there really no other alternative to be found?". "No offence your highness, but we're kinda starting to run up against the clock with this" Gustav stated, "We agreed to start the first hunt by early spring at the very latest: winter will be upon us soon enough and we haven't found a suitable solution besides going out into Maria and picking over the corpses of fallen Scouts; not many are keen to volunteer for that unpleasant little task I can tell ya"
"Okay look," Tyto interjected, "There's got to be a way around this, even if it's not paring blades, there has to be another solution to slicing the titan's nape: now does anyone have any idea's they'd like to throw in?"
Everyone was quiet for a few seconds as the whole group pondered over the subject, before one of Ratatosk's hunters raised their hand, "...Well? You said the venom completely cripples them, right? So they can't move even an inch", "Barely even a millimetre," Claude nodded, "Well we could use spears? Once the titans are down and out, we can use bear spears made of ultrahard steel to slice their napes". Both Tyto and Bryson glanced at one another, "What'd you reckon? ..." the Grey Owl elder asked: thinking about it for a moment, Bryson then nodded, "...We'd need extra hunters to work in pairs on the ground, and extra eyes in the trees to watch over them: but I don't see why it shouldn't work if the titans are completely incapacitated", "Gustav?" Tyto glanced over at the old gruff, "Shouldn't be too hard to carve out some new moulds?" he scratched his beard as he thought it over, "It'd certainly save on time, man-power and metal", "Okay then, we'll work something out back at the Lodge" Tyto nodded.
"Now that that's taken care of," Bryson stepped forward, "There's one other issue we really need to address..." he gazed up at the Queen and her entourage, "... The hunt, will inevitably lead us to cross paths with the Scouts, and when that happens we're going to need a plan to keep each other safe, namely you guys," he glanced up at Shadow, Midnight and Boar, before passing a deep sigh of reluctance:"... It's been twenty years since I was discharged from the Scouting Legion, and I have no idea how much things have changed, if they've changed much at all? I want to say I'd like to be the one to open a line a communication between us and them: but after what happened to Shiganshina, I have no idea how they're going to react to seeing humans alongside intelligent titans; there's a lot of potential for a misunderstanding, and a very thin window of opportunity for a good first impression. If we're eventually going to reach out to them with the offer of an alliance, we're going to have to be smart and tactful about this"
"Oh I know!-" Ariana quickly shot her hand up as she eagerly interjected, "-We could set up a small elite team to follow them and see what their all about: listen in on their conversations and get a feel for what they're like. And going on whatever we find out, plan our first introduction accordingly!"
Everyone stared at her weirdly for a moment before Bryson nodded slightly, "... It's not a bad idea, but how would you get close enough to eavesdrop on them?", "Uh hello? You're talking to me? World's greatest stealthiest sneakiest hunter and eavesdropper? Even dad and Shadow can't can't get the drop on me anymore" Ariana smiled smugly, "That's certainly true," Tyto couldn't help but smile as he let out an exasperated sigh: "It's a prudent theory for sure: but one we'll put a pin in for when circumstances call for it; right now, we need a strategy for evasion and disguise. The ghillie cloaks and concealment spells alone won't be enough to evade an entire company, let alone a whole expedition force" Bryson stated, "Well if we work together I'm sure we can come up with something?" Lucius suggested as he rolled up his parchment, "Yeah, I mean the military are sticklers for parting with tradition, maybe their usual way of doing things hasn't changed much in the past two decades?" Lucy threw in offhand.
Folding her arms and stepping back from the circle, Ariana passed a soft sigh as she leaned against Shadow's ankle: an almost-inaudible rumble made her look up, in time to see him discreetly spell out in his cupped hand, :That's actually not a bad idea:. Nodding with a forced smile, Ariana turned and gazed out over the city; her mind drifting away from the meeting as she pondered on other things.
Some time later, in the hospital:
Evrard's big heavy boots announced the Celt's arrival into the privet room, stirring Carla from her daydream and interrupting Rosemary and Freya's conversation; "Don't you ever knock? There're ladies in here!" she scolded her younger brother, "You? A lady? Since when?" Evrard teased as he, Tyto and the others all gathered into the room. Carla suddenly felt like a young girl who'd been caught by her father, sneaking out to go and see a boy he didn't approve of: passing a deep stubborn sigh, she met their concerned gazes, and judging from the look in their eyes, she could already tell where this was going. "How're you feeling? Breck told us what happened, we've only just got back" Tyto asked in a slight fluster; there was no disappointment in his voice per se (somewhat of a relief), but she could tell he wasn't pleased.
"I'm okay, thanks, it's wasn't anything too serious," she replied nonchalantly, trying to brush it off as best she could, "Wasn't anything too serious?" Break frowned as he entered the room, "Your energy levels nearly crashed right through the floor! If Angel hadn't brought you back when she did, I don't even want to think of the state you'd be in right now!" he scolded as he gently took her arm and kept two fingers on her pulse, checking his pocket-watch as he counted every heartbeat: "-I warned you about pushing yourself like this, and now I'm going to have to recommend you stave off training for at least two weeks" he added firmly. "TWO WEEKS?!" Carla gawked in shock. She was about to argue back when Breck held up his hand and silenced her, "-AH! Doctor's orders! Two weeks for proper rest and get some decent food into you; the way you've been pushing yourself on the ODM it's no surprise your body gave out on you!".
"Not to mention your ODM was about to give out on you too," Gustav interjected in an equally reprimanding tone, "I only just got back, but Henley and Patrick told me what happened and showed me your gear. What the hell were you thinking girl?! In your eagerness to keep training non-stop you neglected to keep your gear in shape! The wire-reel spring in the left casing is about to go, the piston valves aren't properly greased up, the exhaust fan's clogged with leaves and dirt, and the right-side reel casing has a crack in the fixture: damage like that means I'm going to have to take it completely apart and rebuilt the whole thing from scratch! Which means you're without your gear for the foreseeable future anywa; not to mention one of the volunteers will be getting their unit late because of you!"
Staring up at him shock, Carla suddenly felt awful: "...I-" she meekly tried to reply, but found she didn't have the words: "Okay, I think she gets the message guys" Freya stated as she stood up off the end of the bed, "Now just-, go back to work and leave her be; we'll look after her alright?". "I'm done here anyway," Break sighed as he put his watch away and let go of her hand, "I'll send one of the girls up with a herbal broth to make sure your energy levels are good for the rest of the day: after that you're free to go, but I want to see you back home and resting by the time I clock off; understand?" he gave her the mother-hen look, "Understood," she nodded. Breck and the rest of the group left quietly, except for Bryson and Tyto: "Would you mind if we have a word with Carla in privet darling? There're some things we need to discuss" the Grey Owl elder asked humbly, "Alright, just don't take too long" Freya sighed as she and Rosemary left the room.
After Rosemary shut the door behind her, Tyto and Bryson pulled up a couple of the chairs that were by the bed, and sat near to Carla as she passed another deep sigh of regret: "Guys, I'm so sorry,". "No, you're not," Bryson huffed in frustration as he ran his fingers through his light brunette hair, "You knew fully well the meeting with the Queen was today, and you skipped it in favour of yet more training, when I specifically told you to be present". Carla merely let her gaze drop in shame, she knew she had no excuses, and there was no point in offering any; "Look, Carla," Tyto tried to reason with her, "No one is doubting your commitment: no one else has prepared for the Hunt with more dedication and tenacity than you. And given how much you've struggled to learn everything that's required of this endeavour, I'm tremendously proud of you. But there are limits to how far you can push it, to how far you can push yourself: your spirit may be able to go the distance but your body is still flesh and blood, and it needs to be cared for if you wish to perform at your best"
"When I was with the Scouts we trained hard and long to perfect our performance, but even we had to acknowledge what our bodies were able to do under tremendous stress, and what they were not: our lives depended on our ability to stay fit and stay alert, and you can't do that when you've run yourself to the point of exhaustion; that's when you become a liability" Bryson stated seriously.
With tears in her eyes, Carla huffed in defeat as she glanced up at them: "...I just-, ...I just want to be good at this: to be able to fight and have the strength to keep going, to know how to fight, and to not let everyone down", "You won't let anyone down Carla," Bryson sighed, "But you won't be of any good to anyone if you push yourself to the breaking point; even Eren wouldn't want you to-
Carla snapped her head up at him as an incredulous look filled her eyes: realizing what he let slip, Bryson immediately felt like an idiot, and without another word he got up and abruptly left the room. An uncomfortable silence stretched out for a few moments, before Tyto pinched the bridge of his nose, and sighed, "...You can't keep doing this...", "What?" she frowned in confusion, "Relying on your anger to sustain yourself..." he gazed at her in a grave tone, "I know you don't show it, and you've learnt to hide it well: but I can still see it in your eyes Carla, and I can see everyday that you struggle to try and temper it; trying to keep a level head whilst also trying to keep your head in the fight. You can't do both and hope to win every single time, it's like spreading a little butter over a lot of bread, sooner or later you get thinned out, until eventually something gives and you break"
Carla didn't want to admit it, but he was right: as she stubbornly tried to think of a way to palm it off, she found she couldn't (her mother raised her too well). She hated this, feeling so stupid: pushing herself as hard as she did to the point she fell unconscious with exhaustion, to the point her ODM gear could've broken at any moment, pushing poor Angel to the point she must've been exhausted too, and even deliberately missing an important meeting with the queen. She suddenly felt awful for letting Bryson and the others down like that; how embarrassed and disappointed they must've been when she didn't show up.
Ever since she started training to use ODM gear, Carla had given it her all: never in all her life had she been so determined to succeed; even when her first leg of training started with balancing on the cables, and she kept falling over and hitting her head due to a lack of balance, she stubbornly refused to quit. After three days of close one-on-one tutoring with Ariana, Belle and the Cooper twins, she finally got it: and after that, she was a woman on fire. She engaged titan combat training through and through, soaking up every bit of knowledge she could learn, and adding it to her growing arsenal of fighting skills: even Angel got in on the action, and before long the two friends were fighting as one in the air and trees. It was a real sight to behold, and before long the other volunteers and their titans were training to fight in pairs and small teams, which actually proved to be more effective in terms of engaging a titan and having a chance at successfully bringing it down. But despite the success of her inadvertent discovery, Carla began to get fixated on improving her performance: speed, strength, agility, tactics, every time she trained she tried to beat her own previous record, and every time she began to get that little bit more competitive, and arrogant. Soon it got to the point where she and Angel were the only one's training from dawn until dusk: both were determined to the best fighters, and in a way, it became an obsession for the raven-haired fighter. It wasn't healthy, and many in the group could see it: but despite numerous warnings to slow down and ease up, their concern fell on deaf ears...until today.
Looking back over the past three months, Carla suddenly realized how much of a repetitious blur it had been: how aggressive she had been, and how it had worried everyone around her. But the one consistency that ran throughout it all, the one thing that kept pushing her to fight: no matter how much she wanted to rest, would starkly remind her why she had to do this, and why she couldn't afford to stop for even an instant; was the day she lost the one thing more precious to her than anything else in the world. As a fresh wave of tears ran down her cheeks, her breath hitched as she blurted out, "...I still hear them screaming...". Tyto remained quiet as he realized who she was talking about, "... His face is the first thing I see when I wake up in the mornings: and-, even though I try to remember back to before, I-...I just can't remember anything else but that day," she sobbed as she wiped her eyes with the back of her sleeve, "...It's all I can remember of him Tyto,its the only memory I have left of my son, and it hurts" she broke down. Tyto simply got up without a word, and hugged her as she sobbed into his shoulder.
Outside, up on the roof of the hospital, right above the window to Carla's room: Ariana sat with her knees up to her chin, as she listened to Carla sobbing, and her mother and Rosemary rushing back into the room to see what was wrong. Quietly, she stood up and walked up to the apex of the roof, and with a heavy hearted sigh, she shot her lines and took off up into the trees, disappearing into the vast green canopy.
Later that day:
As she silently walked through the forest, Hecate spotted the unmistakable white outline of Elysia perched high up in the Grey Owl's home-tree, sitting on a branch right next to Carla's tree-top cottage: as she called on her powers to sharpen her eyes and get a better look, she saw Carla and the weather goddess were hanging laundry out to dry. "Breck ordered her to take a two week reprieve..." Ash said as he flew down and perched on her shoulder, putting his gear's handgrips back in their holsters, "Shadow ordered Angel to join her too, seeing as they're both thick as thieves. I think that's the forth load of washing they've done today: in any case, mum and the old folks are taking it in turns to make sure they stay barred from the Lodge"
:How's she holding up?: she asked offhand: Ash pushed his bangs back as he let out a deep sigh of unsurety, "...To be honest? I don't really know? She looked real upset when she left the hospital; I don't know what the others said to her, but I'm guessing it didn't go down well?" he glanced up at her with a look of concern in his steel blue eyes. Gazing back up at the raven-haired woman, Hecate could tell from her aura something was off in a way: but it seemed as if she was still in a state of emotional stagnation; trapped in a limbo of her grief, and something was stopping her from being able to push through it. :Call it a hunch, but I don't think missing the meeting had anything to do with it: she told him, "Then what?" he pressed her, :...Don't know, only she knows, and it's not for you and your brothers to go prying: she shot him a mother hen look, "Hey, if she's dealing with something heavy and she needs to do it on her own terms, fair enough... It's hard enough one of us is still dealing with losing their loved ones: but all of us? It's not like it can be rushed" he sighed as he sat down on her shoulder, :What do you mean?: she gave him a weird look. "Well? It's just that-... I heard Ashlyn crying again last night"
Midnight blinked in surprise, :Again? She's done this before?:, "Yeah, ever since Shiganshina, and-..." Ash paused as he began to feel somewhat awkward, "...She misses her mum: aunt Skadi... and it's the same with Clay and Hazel, Hawk, the twins; I don't know if they know it, but I hear them crying late at night, or in the early mornings before dawn. I mean, they don't do it everyday, it's kinda random; but when they do-...I just-, can't help but feel useless; like some kinda fraud". Gently grasping Ash off her shoulder and holding him up to her face in one hand, she gazed at him worryingly as she asked, :Why? Why a fraud?:.
Thinking about how best to sum it up, Ash took a deep breath and explained, "...Do you remember years ago when Shadow and Ariana first met, and how Rowan was kinda responsible for their meeting that night?", :Yes:, "Well? With Aunt Skadi, Ran and Bestla no longer with us, it got me thinking about my own parents: our real parents. And how, I used to feel really conflicted about them... I mean, the way Rowan used to go on about the Wall Cult killing them and the rest of our clan? It was as if he'd known them his whole life, and had seen the horrible event go down in person: even though he was way too young to have remembered it all; hell even me and Dale don't remember what happened that night... Between the three of us, we didn't know them: not their names, not their faces, we only know them through what mum and dad have told us; and even though they sound like they were really nice people, I can't honestly say they feel like my parents, not the way Tyto and Freya do ..."
He gazed up at the dappled sunlight though the Autumnal canopy, thinking back to that time in his childhood, "...I tried to tell Rowan once, and he got real mad at me: but I wasn't angry at him, because I knew that he was trying to stay faithful to their memories (in his own stubborn-headed way). I think, he doesn't want anyone to know that he wanted the chance to get to know them: and because of the Wall Cult, he'd never have that chance, and neither would Dale and I..." he gazed up into her rich violet-amethyst eyes, as he spoke his thoughts with more ease; he always found he could speak his mind around her. "...Is it weird? Or wrong? To morn someone you never knew? I feel bad in a way because I can see they were a big part of the family: mum and dad always speak of them fondly, but that's because they knew them; Uncle Evrard, Eraman, Falken, and Aunt Bestla, Skadi and Ran too, but I didn't... I think that's what really pissed Rowan off the most: the fact that our elders still kept their memories alive, when we didn't have any real memory of them to begin with; and in a way, I think it made him feel left out of his own family (as weird as that sounds)"
Midnight hesitated a little, before spelling out, :Why didn't you tell your parents about it at the time?:. He merely shrugged and gave an exasperated smile, "Because I didn't know it at the time: at least, I didn't have the words to spell it out and make sense of it; but being older and looking back on it, I'm pretty confident that's what it was. And I didn't say anything because I thought it might make things complicated...It sucks, knowing that kinda stuff at that age; you're not equipped to deal with it, the way you can when your older, and it sucks even more when your trying to be faithful to the memory of two strangers who you didn't know first hand. Don't get me wrong, I don't mean to come off as cold or indifferent to them, it's just-... When I think about what my cousins are going through, and how their trying to deal with loosing their mums, it feels... Strange, and painful; I don't know what to say; since I never really mourned my real parents passing in the first place"
With a her usual cool smile, Midnight replied, :Listen, you may not have known your real parents, but they knew you; and they are the reason you are alive:. She gently stroked his cheek with the side of her claw, :Not having a memory does not make you a stranger to them. Even if you didn't know their names or faces, that doesn't mean they're not part of you. Your elders knew them as they knew them, and you know of them, through them; of course it will be different, just because someone is gone doesn't mean you stop having a relationship with them: the fact you think about them means they're still with you; the dynamics merely change, as all thing do in time... Keeping them alive through memory is the only way they remain with you; its the only way any human can live forever:
"Live forever?" Ash frowned, :The people who wrote all those books, in the libraries of Omnes Scientiam: though they're no longer here, their legacy lives on in what they left behind. Parents are the same, for their children are their legacy: that which they bestow upon the world to continue the legacy of all who came before, and to leave their own mark upon the world... Whether you knew them, or not, your parents loved you regardless; and that love reflects itself in your aura:
Ash couldn't help but smile, as he blinked back the tears that threatened to overflow from his eyes; he quickly changed the subject, "...Ah come on 'Night," he stood up, and gently brushed his hand against her cheek, "You don't need to get all mushy on me: I know they loved me. That, I've never doubted. Besides, you, me, Dale and Rowan? We got a reputation to maintain remember? We're the bad-asses no one messes with: the titans are gonna know soon enough too", :That's very true...: she smiled, before adding, :...Listen, when the next full moon comes around, I've got a certain strain of magic I want to share with you and your brothers:, "A certain strain?" Ash raised an eyebrow, :Yes, something that'll be just between the four of us; since we're going to be fighting the titans together, (and possibly evading the Scouts) I need to be sure your able to 'keep up', with my particular way of doing things, and to do that, I have something special in mind planned:, "Special?" Ash grinned slyly, "As in, that time you revealed your shadow-monster form to us? That was pretty cool", :Oh no: she smiled with a devilish glint in her eyes, :...This is much cooler... and more fun:
"Sounds wicked," Ash grinned, before gazing up at her with a more humble smile, and added, "...Oh and, thank you...You may be a bad-ass, but don't let anyone tell you you don't have a heart" he stroked her cheek, :...Thanks: she smiled honestly.
Meanwhile, elsewhere on the island:
"-INCOMING!" one of the Celts yelled out as something went splat on the ground some several meters away, turning round to see what it was, everyone saw it was one the fruits that had fallen from Yggdrasil.
"Holy shit! We really need to put together some kind of early warning system for this" Bemadette thought aloud as she breathed a sigh of relief,
"Yeah no shit: death by falling fruit? It'd actually be kinda funny if it wasn't for real" Bren chuckled,
"Look on the bright side, at least we get free food" one of the other blacksmiths smiled, immediately ducking his head down when a loud thud shook the roof of the smithy (another fruit falling and hitting the tiles).
Yggdrasil's fruits were sizeable to say the least: as big as a pumpkin and shaped like a fat pear or a robust marrow, the fruits were odd in that there were four distinct striped colour varieties; green, purple, pink and peachy-orange, and each had a distinctly different flavour (or flavours rather). With the great tree turning from lush variegated greens to a fiery red and orange autumnal blaze, every fruit had to fall the two hundred meters down to the island or lake, where it would either land in the water with huge splash and remain intact, or explode on the ground in one big almighty messy splat. The latter had everyone running for cover, and many were hesitant to go out in the open unless they had some kind of shelter. Thus far there had been a few close calls: several people were struck on the head but not seriously injured (surprisingly), a row boat was sunk when one fruit crashed right through the bottom, leaving its rowers having to swim back to the island with the help of some of the fish-titans; and several other people had the shock of their lives when the fruits missed them by mere inches.
On the plus side, the fruits that were fished out of the water, both on and around the island, were put to good culinary use when it was discovered they were edible. They were deliciously fleshy and juicy when cut up and eaten raw: when simmered down in a pan with water they made a wonderful compote, and they could easily be made into a nice variety of jams, jellies and sauces; thus far pickling had also yielded some nice strong flavours that would make for a nice treat over the coming winter. And as for the fruits that landed on the ground, exploding into a big goopy mess, they were not left to go to waste by the island's wildlife: the various species of exotic fruit-eating birds would flock to every downed fruit by the dozens; various rodents and other herbivorous mammal species would gorge on their share, fattening themselves up for their coming hibernations, and the many species of strange and wondrous insects would be lured in by the sweet surgery juices that ran from the flesh. In all, each fallen fruit would be mostly consumed within less than a day, and what remained was either left to decay into the forest floor, or put on the compost heaps for the communal gardens. Through the Keeper, it was also discovered that the seeds (which were the size of large oranges), when dried, peeled and ground up, could be used as a good alternative to flour.
"Yeah well, just remember to go and fetch the seeds or there'll be no bread for the soup tonight" Gustav reminded them.
"I like the green ones, they taste like apples, grapes and cucumbers: but I like the purple ones too as they taste like blueberries, blackberries and plums" Bemadette thought aloud, "Oh what about the pinky-orange ones? Peach, nectarine and orange makes for a nice pudding" Bren offered, "True, but the strawberry, raspberry and cherry flavoured pink ones make the best jam" one of the other Blacksmith's interjected, "Why not just have all four and stick 'em in a fruit tart?" Bren smiled, "We got enough fruit-cakes and nut-jobs on this island: as if living alongside titans and risk being accidentally stepped on is hazardous enough, now we gotta worry about being killed by fruit? I think I'd prefer to take my chances with the bears up in the mountains" Gustav grumbled as he got back to work, "Oh come on Pop's it's not that bad" Bemadette waved off, "Yeah, and the titans here watch where they're going" Bren added.
Gustav was about to retort back, when a knock at the door drew his attention: "Hey Gustav? Have you got those new swivels dad asked for?" Clay asked as he poked his head in the door, "Oh-, right, hang on a sec I left 'em in the shop," the old grouch ran out and dashed over the machine shop next door; stepping inside, Clay glanced over at Bemadette's work bench, and noticed a set of blueprints that immediately caught his eye. "...Is this the clawed gauntlet you were talking about?" he looked the papers over: "Yep, pretty neat huh?" Bemadette smiled proudly as she looked them over. The blueprints showed a set of armour-like gloves that would fit onto the feet of the bird-titans via a series of straps and buckles, with long curved talon-like claws that were lied with ultrahard steel blades: "Since the ultrahard steel's pretty light, it'd be the perfect weapon for the bird-titan's to use, and Stormwing could teach them how to stoop and attack" the young apprentice added, "Of course, Angel's the first candidate in mind, but I need her here so I can measure her up; since she and Mrs Jaeger won't be training for a while it'll give me plenty of time to make her's up first and adjust it where needed"
"What?" Clay blinked in surprise, "Mrs Jaeger and Angel won't be training?", Bernadette looked at him weirdly, before realizing, "Wait a sec-, you didn't hear?", "Hear what? me and Hazel headed straight back to the Lodge after we got off the boat; remember?", "Oh right, of course," Bren nodded, "Tyto and the others went to the hospital to see her: apparently while she and Angel were training with Stormwing she fell unconscious: something about low energy levels, or something like that?" he dithered slightly, "Anyway, Breck told her to take two weeks off so as to get her health back up, and Tyto and Bryson made it official by confiscating her ODM gear," he pointed to said unit, which was looking in a very sorry state as it sat on a nearby workbench, "The whole unit's just about completely shot, we're going to have to rebuild it from scratch: and considering how long it takes to cast all the parts, Pop's ain't happy about that". "...Somehow, that doesn't really surprise me," Clay sighed offhand. "Well we all knew she was getting too wound up on the training: I just didn't think it would end up with a two week ban," Bemadette thought aloud offhand, "Still, it's probably for the best, she could use a break" Bren shrugged, "Knowing her, you can bet she would have been spitting venom at them, and is probably going to be royally pissed off for the next few days; Angel too I'd wager" she added.
"A hundred and fifty swivels as ordered!-" Gustav strode back into the smithy with a large hessian bag in one hand, and tossed it over to the red-headed archer, who caught it with ease, "Now off with ya! We got work to do!" he barked, "See ya later Clay: and if you see Angel tell her to fly her feathered ass over here!" Bemadette called over to him as he turned to leave, "Will do" he waved over his shoulder. Stepping outside, he wandered over to where Hazel had been waiting for him: "Got 'em" he held up the sack, "What was that about Mrs Jaeger? I didn't catch it all" she frowned in concern. "She had to go to the hospital" was all Clay replied, "What?", "I'll explain on the way..." he sighed as he walked off, making his way through the town as his older sister listened in, "Apparently, while she was training her energy levels dropped and she fell unconscious, Angel flew her back to the hospital and Breck managed to treat her okay; he said she's fine but he's ordered her to stave off training for two weeks, and Uncle Tyto and Bryson confiscated her ODM for good measure" he explained. "Oh boy..." Hazel's eyes grew wide in surprise, "She's not going to like that; how badly did they argue? I mean, no doubt she would've been on fire with them" she surmised, "'Don't know, I didn't ask" Clay shrugged, "But it might be an idea to give her some space for the rest of the day; maybe the next three days for good measure", "Yeah..." Hazel nodded offhand.
The two siblings walked in silence through the forest for a while, listening to all the little sounds of the animals, insects, and the running waters of the near-by streams: while also keeping a set of eyes on Yggdrasil's canopy, checking for any falling fruit. As he glanced over at his sister, Clay tried to pluck up the courage to speak what was on his mind: he hated this, it wasn't like him to seize up around his big sister, he could always speak his mind with her; so why was he feeling so apprehensive now? He knew what he wanted-, no, what he needed to say, but this time he honestly didn't know how she'd respond, and it worried him. "...Just spit it out already," Hazel glanced at him dryly, "It's not like you to get all nervy like this".
It wasn't like Hazel to be stoic like this: regardless of whatever squabbles they got into with one another, she always cared about him enough to be concerned where necessary; it confirmed what he was already afraid of, and with an equally dry sigh he replied, "Well it's not like you to be so aloof like this either", "And what's that supposed to mean?" she placed her hands on her hips as she stopped in front of him, with a rather demanding tone in her gaze. Deciding to hell with it (even if it ended in them not speaking to each other for the rest of the day), Clay huffed in exasperation as he spoke his mind, "...Look, I heard you crying in bed this morning, before the sun came up: you do it most mornings, and I can tell from the look in your eyes every time that you don't want to talk about it, so out of respect I don't pry... and I don't need to anyway because I already know why..." His firmness then began to lighten into a more pleading tone, "But ever since we started training you've been real cagey, more bossy, sarcastic, and have been rude on more than one occasion (and the fact you always apologize isn't the point). I just-... I know things have been hard with mum no longer with us, and I'm the last person to be giving you a lecture about grieving for her, but where is this coming from? Why are you so defensive around everyone all of a sudden? Did anyone say anything? Or do something? Why won't you talk to me about it?"
Seeing the genuine look of worry in his eyes, Hazel realized he was being dead serious; lowering her arms and taking in a deep breath, she walked in a half circle away from him as she thought about his words, before meeting his gaze with a dry yet frank look. "...Because..." she thought about it some more, "There's not much point: we'd just be going around in circles", "Going around in circles over what? Please, tell me" he begged pleadingly, stepping closer to her, "The journal," she frowned as she felt her hackles rise, "...When Derek found that journal, and it became clear that the wall cult knew way more than they'd been letting on all these years: I suddenly felt like-..." she tried to think straight as her mind raced with anxiety, "... You remember when dad first told us the truth about the cult? About, why we had to hide from them all the time, what they did to Ash, Rowan and Dale's parents? And you remember how Ariana and Rowan had that fight over it, the night she and Shadow first met?", "Well yeah, duh" he shrugged.
"I felt like it was that night all over again: and-, feeling so uselessly helpless in trying to stop it..." she tried to let go of her anxiety in a deep breath, but found it wouldn't leave her, "... I thought I had reason to fear the cult before: now? I don't know how to feel? The fact they concealed the journal from the military, when they knew it would've helped humanity to beat back the titans? For a hundred years we've been trapped behind the walls, and even here in this beautiful place we're still trapped. But what angers me the most? Is knowing that if that information had been used sooner, mum could've been saved: hell, Shiganshina might not have been attacked in the first place...I know this is old news and we all know this, but-, it doesn't change the fact I'm still so angry! And that I'll never forgive the cult for this: for letting mum, Eren, Armin, Mikasa, and all those other people die" her lips trembled as tears welled up in her eyes: "...So? I don't see what's the point in talking about it, when everyone already feels the same way: it's not like I deserve any special attention, I'm nothing special: we all lost someone that day; so just-... Leave it be okay?"
"What?" Clay stared at her in astonishment, "Hazel, how can you think that?!", "...What?" she wiped away her tears as she stared at him weirdly; Clay placed both hands on her shoulders, and looked her in the eye as he sternly told her, "It's not old news, how the hell can it ever become old news?! It was the worst day of our lives, and just because everyone went through the same thing, doesn't mean you have to sit aside and let yourself become silent for the sake of not wanting to point out the obvious!" he took a deep breath, as he continued in a more measured tone, "... It doesn't mean you can't voice your anger: if this is what's been making you cry, then don't hide it away just because you think you'll inconvenience others! You're entitled to be pissed off, you're allowed to be angry over loosing mum. God only knows I am! ...It's not fair what happened, and it's even more unfair that somewhere within the walls, there's a religious organization that deliberately allowed the deaths of thousands of their fellow humans, I-" he let go of his breath as he tried to keep his temper in check, "...I can't even begin to understand why anyone would do such a thing? And in all likelihood? I don't think we'll ever know the answer...But I do know this," he held her hand in his, "Whatever happens, regardless of what's going on: if you want to talk about it, I'll be there and I'll listen; we may not see eye to eye on a lot of things, but I'll never dismiss or underscore how you feel..." he gazed at her pleadingly, "...I only ask that, you do the same for me: because god only knows, I could use someone to talk to too"
Seeing the look of heartbreak in his eyes, Hazel suddenly felt so stupid, and guilty for not taking his feelings into account: she was about to apologize, when a familiar shadow loomed over them, and Boar appeared out of the bushes with Ashlyn, Hawk and the Raven twins seated on his shoulders. The two red-headed siblings gazed up at them in complete surprise, before the looks in their eyes told them that they'd overheard their conversation, and that there was a great degree of sympathy between them. Bending down to let the kids off, Boar remained crouched down as he spelt out, :It's okay to talk you know? Bottling it all up doesn't do anyone any favours:
"We lost our mum too remember?" Hawk let his gaze drop as he spoke his thoughts, "It's not like we don't feel the same way: neither do our fathers, or the rest of us?". "Yeah, I mean come on, you're hardly making a fuss as it is (well, except for your attitude an' all that), but that's okay, you're allowed to feel that way. God only knows I do" Jaye sighed as his sister put her arm around his shoulder. With a fresh wave of tears, Hazel's breath hitched in her chest as she replied: "...It's not just that,... What with everything that's been going on these past three months, and everyone working so hard to get this Hunt together in time for next year: I just didn't want to slow things down by loosing it and stating the obvious", "So what if it's the obvious?" Josefa shrugged, "It doesn't change the fact that it's an unfair shitty situation none of us asked for... People aren't going to tell you to shut up because your grieving for your mum: no one who's been through hell can be that heartless"
:Look,: Boar interjected with a low sympathetic grunt, :Regardless of what everyone else thinks, it's your grief, you deal with it on your own terms; and everyone knows that: he smiled, : You don't have to keep your guard up, no one's going to think of you as an inconvenience; so don't worry okay?:
Taking a deep breath and letting it go, Hazel reached up to stroke his tusk as she wiped her eyes, "Okay..." she replied quietly in a shaky voice, "But I- ...I don't know how I'm going to make up for it? I've been awful to everyone, even dad" she worried, "Well then let's start with him, he's not going to get mad at you for this..." Clay assured her as he wrapped his arm around her, "Besides, we can take our time; let's hang out with the big guy here for a bit: it''s hardly going to be Boar-ing with him around" Clay grinned broadly as he thumbed over to Boar. The tusked titan sniggered as the twins, Ashlyn and Hawk groaned, "Aw hell Clay! That's the worst one yet!" Ashlyn face-palmed, "How can it be bad? These two are hardly raven about it!" the red-headed archer thumbed over to the twins, who cringed away from him, "And Hawk's not even hawking on about it!" he burst out laughing, to which Hawk shot him a hairy eyeball, "Boar, get him to shut up".
Then, unexpectedly: Hazel suddenly burst out in a fit of inelegant giggles, holding her side as she sniggered through her clenched teeth and nose. Her laughter was not something she was particularly proud of: whenever she was rendered into hysterics, her laughter came out as something of a cross between a donkey braying and an old man who'd been smoking twenty cigars a day for sixty years gargling tar and choking it down. But right now, she didn't care: and as she regained her composure, she noticed Clay standing there with a satisfied look on his face. "No matter how much everyone thinks my puns are bad (which they're not by the way)" he shot the others a rather matter-of-factly look, "They never fail to make you smile, do they?" he gazed at her fondly.
It was true Clay had the worst knack for puns: but the sheer cringe-inducing dumbness of his one-liners never failed to make her laugh (they were that bad). Realizing how good it felt to laugh again, Hazel couldn't help but smile as she sighed "...No; but then, I guess that's just the big sister in me. Being able to put up with your shit and actually find it funny? How many other people can do that besides dad?". "Mum could," Clay sighed nostalgically, "And she'd want you to have some laughs again...I think we all could, right big guy?" he smiled up at Boar, who nodded in agreement. :Now that's what I'm talking about: he spelt out as he lifted them up onto his shoulders, :You guy's wanna go grab some lunch?: "I am feeling a bit hungry now that you mention it: but let's drop the swivels off to dad first" Hazel replied as she wiped her face and held on to his mane, "You guys coming with us?" Clay glanced down at the others, "Thanks, but we already ate: besides, uncle Tyto sent us to run some errands back home" Hawk replied, "Okay, see ya later then!" Clay waved goodbye as the tusked titan bounded off into the forest at a steady gallop.
"I guess this means we're going to have to suffer his puns for the next few weeks huh?" Josefa grimaced as she folded her arms, "Yeah: but if it makes Hazel happy again, I can put up with them" Hawk sighed offhand, "Yeah I guess..." Jaye sighed. A moment of silence passed between the four kids for a moment, before a look of doubt overcame Ashlyn's fair face, "Hey guys? ..." she glanced at her brother and cousins, "...This may seem like a dumb question, but I can't help but wonder... What Hazel said, about not wanting to state the obvious: how many other people do you think feel that way? Because, everybody on the island heard about what was in that journal, and I've not really heard anyone talking about it". "Yeah..." Jaye realized, "Come to think of it, I've not heard much in the way of small-talk getting around either": "Perhaps we've just not been paying attention? We have been busy for three month's straight, it's not like we've had time to hang out with aunt Freya and the old folks around the house and Inn?" Josefa suggested. "That's true..." Hawk sighed as he nodded offhand, "... Come to think of it, maybe it wouldn't hurt to lay off the training for a little while? After all, winter's not far off, and we've still got a lot of stuff to do back home in preparation for the cold and snow". "That's actually not a bad idea" Ashlyn smiled, "Until Gustav and the other blacksmiths can sort out the pairing blade problem, we can't really advance with the training anyway: so we might as well spend our time doing something useful elsewhere" she threw in. "Think uncle Tyto and Bryson would be up for it?" Jaye suggested he started walking off in the direction of home, followed by the others, "I think they'd certainly consider it" Josefa shrugged, "Besides, Aunt Freya would want him to get started on chopping the wood for the woodshed: god only knows those mountains are going to be sending a lot of snow our way come the winter"
SPLAT!
The kids all jumped out of their skin's in fright as one of Yggdrasil's fruits landed a few meters behind them, exploding in a huge mess of juicy flesh, pulp and skin: breathing a sigh of relief, they glanced up at the vast canopy, and quickly ran for the cover of the nearest tree. "...That's another thing we can spend time on trying to figure out: how to create some kind of early warning system for when those damn things fall off the tree!" Jaye huffed as he continued walking, "That, I think uncle Tyto and Bryson would definitely endorse" Ashlyn sighed.
Meanwhile, in Omnes Scientiam:
Walking through the grand streets of the city never failed to bring a smile to his face.
It always brought a feeling of awe and warmth to Javorin's heart, to see the better side of humanity's legacy: brought together in their combined wisdom, passion and creativity, to make something good, for the sake of bringing something better to the world. The sheer scale of the buildings and their architectural artistry actually made him feel as if he were human-sized again, and not the fifteen meter giant he'd become accustomed to being. Leaning against an ornate pillar three times the size of one of Maria's giant trees, gazing up at the vast intricately decorated domed glass roof: he was so lost in his musings that he almost didn't sense his brother's aura rippling against his.
"Something's got your mind ticking over," Jarus observed as he approached with his red crystal staff in one hand, "And it's not the results of the meeting"
"No, it's not..." Javorin sighed as he stood up and turned to face his brother, "I'm just thinking: what're we going to do if we can't resolve the pairing blade issue? If the bear spears don't work out and we're forced to find another alternative, I don't know what else there is to try?"
Jarus studied him coolly for a moment, before suggesting: "Have you perhaps considered trying a more 'divine' approach?"
"Divine?" Javorin frowned, "In what sense? Creating our own weapons to bestow upon our friends?" he put one hand on his hip, "Don't get me wrong Jarus, I'm all for trying to find a solution, but it's been eon's since I've been in Haphaestus's forge: never mind created any weapons imbued with the strength of my power"
"Actually, I had something a little more 'unconventional' in mind..." he smiled as he held his staff in front of him, "I can tell you've been wondering about this for some time now", "I know the Shepard's crook was the symbol of your followers Order, but I don't recall you ever carrying one made of red crystal" Javorin raised an eyebrow, "That's because I made this one myself; observe, " he replied as he held out his other hand.
The tattoo's around his wrist and hand glowed bright red as more of the red crystal grew from out of his skin, and formed into the intricate shape of a rose: the petal's looked so realistic that it could've passed for the real thing. As his eye's grew wide as wagon wheels, Javorin suddenly remembered the blue crystal that appeared on his knuckles the day he fought the Armoured titan, and again when he saved Carla from the titans the following day, "...You have this power too? How?". "Come, I'll explain..." he beckoned as he walked away, absorbing the crystal rose back into his hand as he led the way through the giant streets, heading towards the base of the tier that this level of the city rested upon. "When I first awoke from my cursed sleep and saw what had become of my corporal form, I immediately endeavoured to try and find out the precise nature of the curse that has afflicted all of us, and to see how it could be broken. Needless to say, five years of analysis and research haven't bared much in the way of a significant breakthrough: but there have been a number of curious 'side-effects' discovered along the way; the crystal-forming ability being one of them..." he explained as he led the way up a grand ornate staircase, heading up into a corridor that branched off into a number of different passageways that were lined with many titan-sized doors; until they came to their destination.
Jarus's personal quarters, which looked out over the top-most tier of the city, served as his own personal library, workshop and laboratory (of sorts): being the god of all written knowledge meant he was well versed in every conceivable field of study, both scientific and mystical alike. Stepping inside, Javorin made his way around the other side of giant titan-sized marble worktop, while Jarus came around from the other side, meeting him at the end by the huge double-arched doors that led out onto the mezzanine. There, stood a large round marble table with a set of charms intricately carved into the smooth cold surface, in a series of circles and spirals: propping his staff up against the wall, Jarus then lay his hands down in the centre circle; the symbols in the marble began to glow bright red, as did his tattoos as he concentrated on the magics that had awakened to his touch.
"An analysis spell?" Javorin frowned as he read the layout of the circle and symbols, "Indeed, one I personally put together, and only answers to my touch," Jarus replied as he kept his hands in the circle: summoning his power to cover his hands and arms in yet more red crystal, forming a protective glass-like coating that made his limbs look as if they were made of glowing liquid diamond. As the crystal crept up Jarus's arms, a series of red glowing symbols floated up into the air over the table, forming long lines of information that Javorin was reading as soon as they left the marble: what the symbols said, left him wide-eyed in amazement. "...As you can see: the curse that was placed upon us was not perfect, if anything it was quite crude compared to the standards we were used to back in the day", Jarus explained as he held one hand up, allowing the long lines of symbols to rest in his palm, "It would appear it was comprised from several dark magics that had been put together from scratch. However, I don't think this curse had been created with a view to using it on a God in their true form: from what I can tell, it would seem it's more suited to be effective on a human" he explained, to which Javorin nearly gawked at him, "...You mean-, we were in our human forms when we were cursed? ….All of us?!", "As unlikely as that might be, it would seem that's what appeared to be the case: though, for what reason we were all human at the same time, that, I do not remember. The memory loss was, and still is, not so straight-forward to pin down: but I don't believe it was intentional, as there're no magics in the curse that would affect the third eye chakra directly. However, there are some magics that would cause inconsistent memory loss as a side-effect, namely those used in reversal spells"
"Reversal spell?" Javorin blinked in surprise, "... Someone tried to reverse the curse's effect on us?", "Tried, and most likely only half-succeeded: curses of this power and nature are nearly impossible to break, unless you have the exact means to do so. But, a well-crafted reversal spell could lessen the curse's grip, even by a little: which would explain why our powers are still intact, all bar our ability to resume human form. As far as the memory-loss is concerned though, it can be remedied with a breaking spell: albeit not a hundred percent successful all the time; it can help to unlock buried memories and keep them in the conscious mind".
"That's why you placed that talisman up in Yggdrasil" Javorin suddenly realised: "Yes, and since Yggdrasil's power extends throughout the entire earth and other realms, the power of that spell should also find it's way to all the other gods out there. If indeed, all of us have been cured..." Jarus sighed. Thinking about it for a brief moment, Javorin then frowned in confusion: "...But then? How does the crystal-forming ability factor in? My elemental dominance is over the earth and air, and yet when I tried to summon it again, it wouldn't come"
"That's because you're summoning it from the wrong source: this crystal is not derived from the earth, or any of Gia's creations" Jarus explained as he held out his crystal-coated hand for Javorin to have a closer look, "Like I said, the curse was not made perfect, and part of the magics that make it work had some unexpected side-effects: the crystal is a solidification of the essence of our power, diluted as it's brought into physical form and contained therein; a sort of 'energy sweat' if you will. One that's imbued with a fraction of the manna that makes up our divine powers: which of course, lends the crystal a great deal of potency, even in small amounts"
"So, it could be a viable source of magic for anyone not born with magical potential?" Javorin surmised, "Quite, but with enough training it is possible to adjust the amount of divine power imbued into the crystal: depending on what you want it to do" Jarus nodded. "Training? I don't even know how I summoned it in the first place? And if it's not derived from Gia, then from where does it originate?" Javorin fretted, "Ironical, the side-effects: the crystal can be drawn out from the curse itself. Which, as counter-intuitive as it sounds, is not so far-fetched when you take into consideration that the curse is essentially manna, that's being manipulated in a certain way to cause a certain effect on us. Our power, by the very nature of its connections to the earth, spirit realm and cosmic plain, is infinite: therefore, the manna that forms the curse is infinite as well; (until it is broken of course). It feeds off our power, in order to maintain it's grip on us. Thus, while the curse cannot be 'worn out', a fraction of its power can be 're-manipulated' to create this," he flexed his crystal fingers, "And fortunately, the curse's power does not carry over into the crystal in any way, so it's perfectly safe to use"
"So, we all have this power?" Javorin thought aloud, "Essentially yes, but it's different for every god: some, like myself, are able to create it in large quantities and detach it from our bodies, while still retaining control of our power within it. Others are only able to coat their skin to form a protective 'armour' layer, and nothing more. Though, since we are brothers and we share a familiarity in the sources our divine powers stem from, I think your crystal might be along the same lines as mine" Jarus gestured to his staff. "...Okay, but how do I summon it? What must I do to control the curse's power?"
"That I'm afraid, is also not so straight-forward..." Jarus sighed as he came around the table, recalling his crystal back into his body, and placing his finger on the centre of Javorin's forehead: all at once the god felt his brother's memories flow into his mind, as he shared his experience in figuring out how to summon his crystal through the use of various meditation techniques: "For every god it is slightly different, and from what I've come to understand, it is not enough to merely 'think' the crystal into existence. By summoning it, you are by extension summoning a portion of the total sum of your power; and as you know, the first cause behind any thought or action is will. Thus, you must have a clear willingness to want to use it: for just as our powers are an extension of ourselves, so too are these crystals part of our corporal form," Jarus explained as he let go, "I cannot promise you these memories will unlock your own power, but they should serve as a good starting point"
"Thank you Jarus..." Javorin smiled, before something else came to mind, " You know? Now that I think about it: I believe the Armoured titan had a similar power too"
"Hmm," Jarus pondered as he scratched his chin, "From what you showed me of your memories concerning the fight, I wouldn't dismiss the possibility that this curse of ours is somehow connected to that titan, and his colossal friend... Though, the fact you sensed a human presence within that creature, greatly concerns me"
"But this wasn't a homunculus or a golem: I've encountered those before and that thing's aura wasn't even remotely similar to either. It was just like the regular titans, but more chaotic, more, unnatural. Whatever magics created the titans, I don't think it's the same that was used to curse us; call it a hunch but I've got a feeling that this whole thing started out with us being cursed, someone took advantage of those magics, and somewhere down the line those creatures were allowed to come into existence as a consequence" Javorin frowned.
"...You could be right," Jarus sighed as he turned to gaze out the windows, "...You do realize though: the fact the titans are human in appearance is a strong indication that, in part at least, humans might have been used as part of the magics to create them?" he glanced sideways at his brother. "I had considered that possibility," Javorin met his gaze, "But there could be another explanation too: after all, homunculi could pass for being humans, golem's too, and a whole number of other creatures and magically-imbued inanimate objects; but that didn't mean they were human, or derived from human body parts", "That is true: all I'm saying, is that we don't know the full story yet, and I'm just trying to cover all and any possibilities" Jarus stated coolly.
"...You know," Javorin sighed as he changed the subject, "...I never thought anything like this could ever happen", "Which one? The idea that some human had the nerve and gall to curse us? Or the fact that the human world has become a shadow of it's former self since we were gone?", "Both I suppose? ...But I can't help but wonder..." Javorin turned to face his brother, "...Since their sentience first awakened, humans have always strived in one form or another: to either become equal to us, or to emulate our power and take it for their own; with the latter never ending well. We gave them countless trials and tribulations in the beginning, to see if they really were as worthy as we believed them to be. And although every generation had its hero that would serve as the mark by which the human spirit, heart and soul could be measured: after a while, we realized such cruel tricks and tests were not necessary; unfair even. So when we lower gods came here to live amongst them, we swore we would never do what our elders did, and treat them with the respect and dignity they deserved. It wasn't easy, and it took time to earn their trust, as well as remind them of who we really were: but by and large we were both able to find a common ground, and we both made it work... But, we always had enemies, those that sought to deceive, control, or even destroy us,". "And you think one of those enemies finally got to us?" Jarus thought aloud, "Obviously," Javorin shrugged,before he turned melancholy, "But the thing that makes me worry the most? Is what happened to the rest of us? How long have we been gone from the world? And how did the humans fair, before the titans came into existence? …. Did they do alright for a time? Were they able to maintain harmony between each other? And what was the sequence of events that led the titan's creation? ….I just-, can't help that feel, that when we finally find out the truth (if at all?), it's not going to be easy for any of us accept"
"You might be right..." Jarus placed a hand on his shoulder, "But in any case, we will face it together, as we have always done; we may not have been there for the humans when the titans nearly wiped them out, but we're here now, and that's all that matters", he assured him, before smiling, "...You know, regardless of what you knew or didn't know before the titans attacked Shiganshina: you'd have found a way to muster your little 'acolytes' together to help save the world one way or another... You always had a knack for that: in every generation there were always 'those precious few' that always caught your eye; and would go on to do great things in one form or another"
"What can I say? I always did have a knack for getting 'involved' in things" Javorin shrugged, "It's true I always kept an eye out for potential: one thing I learned a long time ago was that humans are actually quite good at doing okay by themselves: as long as they're reminded of what's important and what's not. The capacity for good lies in all of us, but the ability to bring about change for the better? Well, that takes a lot more than just determination... Over these past five years I spent getting to know Ariana and everyone around her, I could see there was something there that was worth keeping an eye on, and helping it to grow where possible. But of course, change for the better doesn't come lightly, and it's best not to rush things: and the thing with this particular 'potential' was that it didn't lie in any one person; everyone was, and still is, capable of something good and great. It was only when they all came together as a family, that their true strength really shone through..." he smiled, before he let his gaze drop in rueful thought, "...But then: that day happened, and-,"
"-Proved what you believed in all along," Jarus reminded him, "What happened to Shiganshina was terrible, but even that hell was not enough to get the better of them: and even when you lost your fight to the Armoured titan, they still endured..." Jarus assured him, before changing the subject somewhat, " ….You know? I find it odd: way back in the day, some gods used to believe I was envious of your 'gift' for nurturing human potential; but the truth is, it was quite the opposite. I used to find myself admiring you, for no other reason that by attempting to be human, all the humans around you would be forced to look at their own humanity, and to question their own morality, and who they really were"
"That was sort of the point?" Javorin smiled knowingly at him, "Sometimes, the best thing you can do as a God, is to not really do anything at all. And once people figure out how to solve their own problems confidently: it was if you were never there in the first place"
"Ah yes, I remember father saying something along those lines: he always did believe in taking a 'wait and see' approach. Well? Aside from that one time he stole fire from the ancient ones: he wasn't one to shy away from being pro-active where necessary," Jarus thought aloud, "No he wasn't," Javorin couldn't help but smile, "And I'd think he'd have approved of our 'getting involved'", "Keep talking like that and the Ancient ones will shackle you to a rock right alongside him, for sure" Jarusteased, "You're one to talk: you taught them how to read and write: from what I recall that didn't go down well either", "No, but then the Ancient one's should have given more clarification in what was permissible: we may have agreed to not tamper with the destiny of the world, but they pretty much gave us carte blanche for everything else (within reason). For all their wisdom and understanding, I don't know how the Ancient ones could've overlooked a loophole like that?"
"I guess it goes to show, that even the most knowledgable of us can be prone to oversight at times..." Javorin gazed at Jarus with a sceptical look, "And, speaking of oversight: why are you letting Claude and Derek comb through the city looking for information on the titans when you yourself have already been over every archive and library from top to bottom? You didn't find anything the first time around, so to what end does that serve?", "Hopefully, they'll find something I might have overlooked: after five years of near-constant research, a fresh pair of eyes and minds is what I need to help give perspective to this conundrum. And before you ask, yes, I already told them that I looked, and that their help would be much appreciated. I did promise full disclosure, remember?, as did we all"
"So where are they now?" Javorin gazed out over the city, trying to spot their aura's, "Somewhere down in the historic libraries I believe? The one's on the second level up", "Is Iris assisting them?", "No she left her familiars in charge of them. She's overseeing something else"
Javorin turned to leave, but stopped at the doorway as something else came to mind: "...When we first came here, you let slip that you knew the humans that lived here in the city: what do you remember of them?"
Jarus sighed as he let his gaze drop, he was reluctant to answer, but he couldn't deny his brother anything; with a heavy heart he turned to meet his gaze, inhaled a deep breath, and let his anxieties go as he explained...
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the city:
"...Whoa..." was all Drake could utter as he craned his head right back to take in the sight of the vast ornate arches and columns that towered many meters above him. "Whoa indeed," Derek smiled as he took another book off the shelf, "Every time I come to this place I find something new to see, or I see something I missed the first time round", "You and me both ol' chum," Claude grinned as he carried a stack of books to the huge ornate oak table nearby, and placed them down alongside the others next to the chair, "Okay, that entire section of the shelf done, and: nothing," he sighed in exasperation.
"You know? For a place that's supposed to have books about everything, we're not having much luck" Drake thought aloud, "Ah don't loose hope," Derek assured him, "It's a big city after all: we probably just haven't found it yet", "Then again, who'd have thought the name 'titan' could have so many uses throughout history?" Claude threw in as he flicked through another book.
"Hey guys" Mabel smiled as she walked up to them, carrying a small stack of books, with Lawrence in tow as he carried his own pile, "Any luck?" she asked offhand, "Thus far the titans are proving quite elusive" Claude frowned as he gazed up at the giant bookcase, "Which is rather ironic, given the fact they're now common as dirt back in Maria; but still, we're keeping at it" he stated confidently as he flicked through another book.
"Hey, what's that you found?" Derek glanced down at the books Mabel had in her arms, "These? I found them in the culinary section: they've got some really weird recipes, but they look delicious so I thought I'd give some of them a go," she placed the stack down on the table, and taking the one off the top off the pile, opened it up to reveal several recipes, along with an illustration of a strange exotic dish. "Chicken Kor-ma?," Derek narrowed his eyes as he read the text, trying to get the pronunciation right, "Tee-ka-masa-la? Tan-dory? Jal-free-zee? What kind of recipes are these?", "The kind that didn't come from within the walls, that's for sure" Mabel chuckled, "They're all different variations of a dish called 'curry', and they call for a number of herbs and spices, as well as fruits, vegetables and rice; think of it like a stew: only different", "Sounds like it might be interesting" Claude chimed in.
"Sounds like it might make me throw up!" Brendis huffed as he and his brothers trudged along up to the table, and deposited their book piles alongside the others, "This is boring! Can we go now?" Bren complained. "Hey, we said this wasn't a pleasure trip: we're here to do serious work" Drake stated, "That was like, forever ago!" Brendis whined, "Oh pish-posh, it was only half an hour ago" Claude waved off, "Besides, how can you be bored in a place like this? With countless books to read!", "Uh, because we can't read genius!" Brendis frowned up at the scientist.
Everyone stopped and gazed down at the three brothers in slight astonishment, "Wait, you guys don't know how to read?" Lawrence raised an eyebrow, "Well? No: it's not like our mum taught us?" Bren shrugged, "And sissy's been busy" Brendan chimed in. "Huh, well we'll have to do something about that, won't we," Mabel kneeled down to meet their eye-level, "How about I teach you? I taught Fox and Shyla how to read when they were younger; would you like that?" she asked sweetly. "I suppose?" Brendis shrugged, "But what good's reading gonna do?"
Claude nearly felt his brain give out on him, as he tried to process what he just heard: "What good is reading, going to do?..." He echoed in dumbfounded astonishment. Placing his book down and striding over to the three brothers, he regarded them each with a serious look: "Young master Brendis, learning to read is the cornerstone of survival within the human world, and if you can't read there's not much you'll be able to do, the same goes for being able to write as well. It is a mandatory skill to have, and I promise you you'll be able to do far more than if you go without it; try thinking more sensibly of your choices and take up Mabel's offer" he stated, and then got back to work flicking through the books.
"He does have a point you know," Mabel offered, "Being able to read and write will enable you to do a lot of things: it's not easy at first, but you'll get it eventually, and I can help if you want?". The three brothers glanced at each other, wondering what to do: before Lawrence huffed in exasperation, "Just say yes idiots". "Okay" Brendis nodded, "Lovely," Mabel smiled as she stood back up, "How about we start by going to find some books on the alphabet?" she suggested as she led the boys to another section of the library, leaving Drake, Lawrence, Derek and Claude to their own devices. "Hey, Claude?" Drake asked offhand, "Can I go explore the city? I might have better luck finding something on the titans if we split up?" he suggested; "Eh, that's not a bad idea," Claude thought aloud offhand, "Wha-, hang on a sec, exploring the city by yourself?" Derek interjected, "Why not? No one else is here besides the Keeper, Iris and the Queen? And all those flying snakes aren't bothered by us" Drake pointed out, "I know, but what if you get lost? You could spend hours if not days wandering around, and we'd have no idea where to find you" Derek pointed out. Drake was about to protest, when Lawrence suddenly interjected, "I could go with him. I was talking to Iris earlier, and she said her flying snakes can help you find your way back if get lost; all you have to do is ask them"
"Really? ..." Derek thought about it a moment, before Claude threw in his two copper pieces, "Oh quite, Iris told me so. And beside he does have a good point you know: more eyes spread out around the city would help to cover more ground, and given the fact we're still only on the second level, we're going to be here until next year at this rate if we only stay together as a group", "Well? ..." Derek reluctantly agreed, "Okay, but stay on this level, understand? And stay within sight of the central clock tower so you you don't miss the boat", "Understood, and thanks!" Drake smiled before turning tails and rushing for the doors, followed by Lawrence as he ran after him. "Think they'll be okay?" Derek worried, "Derek ol' chum, you worry too much sometimes: just let them have a nosy around, who knows? They might just stumble onto something" Claude assured him.
Outside the library, Drake ran out into the giant circular titan-sized piazza, and as he gazed up at all the buildings, he was utterly spoilt for choice: "So? Where're we looking first?" Lawrence asked as he joined him at his side. "I-, don't know?" Drake suddenly realized, "We've nearly exhausted our search in this building" he thumbed over to the building behind him, "And if it took three months just to cover two levels, how long's it going to take us to search all the others?"
As they gazed up at all the towering buildings around them, the two boys suddenly felt like tiny ants in a vast endless forest. It was daunting to say the least: and Drake couldn't help but wonder, if this was even possible to accomplish, "Well? The titans have got to be here somewhere, right? So where're they likely to be?" Lawrence suggested. "I don't know?" Drake shook his head "Do you have any idea's?" he glanced over at Lawrence: the raven-haired boy pondered their conundrum for a minute, before an idea came to mind; "Well? Shadow said the titans are made out of chaos magic, right? So maybe they're up in the part of the city that's got books about magic?", "You mean the mystic arts and sciences section?" Drake corrected, "But that's way up on the top level of the city, and Derek said to stay on this level". Gazing up and looking around, Lawrence soon spotted the clock tower that stood in the centre of this level, "He also said to stay in sight of the clock tower: well? There's a clock tower on every level of the city, so technically we won't be out of sight of it; and besides, we're not going home until much later. There's plenty of time to go to the top level and get back down again before then" he suggested.
"Well? If we don't hang around I guess it'll be okay," Drake shrugged, "By the way, what you said about the flying snakes helping us out if we get lost, is it true?", "I overheard Claude talking to Iris last week, she told him if anyone gets lost the snakes will help you find your way out. Which gives me an idea about how we can get up to the top level and back again without having to climb up all those stairs..." Lawrence beckoned him to follow as he ran towards one of the buildings on the opposite side of the piazza. "Come on, I'll show you".
Together, the two boys ran up the steps to the giant front doors, and after a bit of effort prying one of them open, they slipped inside. The building was dedicated to ceramics and other fine works of pottery: all around the whole interior was comprised of tall glass cabinets and shelves, filled with everything from tea services to wash jugs and bowls: figurines, urns, vases, apothecary jars and so much more. "Okay, so what're we doing in here?" Drake asked offhand, listening as his voice echoed all around the interior, "We're here to grab some attention..." Lawrence replied as he wandered down the central isle, looking up and around at all the vast displays, until he saw a small decorative-looking vase sitting in a small cabinet. Walking over to said cabinet, Lawrence grabbed the handle and gentle opened the glass door. "What're you doing?!" Drake panicked, "You heard what the Keeper said! We're not allowed to touch anything!", "I know that," Lawrence replied as he carefully removed the vase from the shelf, "But he did say the snakes are in charge of keeping house, so surely they must-
A soft knock echoed from down one of the long arched corridors leading into the main entrance hall: both the boys snapped their heads in the direction of the sound and listened, but after several seconds, they heard nothing more. Turning his attention back to the vase, Lawrence saw a small strange golden symbol glowing in the spot where the vase had been sitting on the glass shelf: as he studied the strange mark, Drake stepped a little closer to him, "Uh...Lawrence?" he whispered as he nervously tapped him on the shoulder, "Is it just me, or are we not alone anymore?"
Wondering what he was talking about, Lawrence turned to ask him what was up, but was taken aback when saw a look of fear in his eyes. Indeed, Drake looked scared as he kept is eyes trained on a particular spot in the room: glancing over to where he was looking at, Lawrence narrowed his eyes in bemusement as he caught a glimpse of something moving between the glass cabinets several meters away; but the gap between the displays made it hard to identify...
HISSSSSS!
Suddenly, a low guttural hiss made them both jump: and as they spun around to see what had crept up on them, they both found themselves staring up at the huge form of Coatl, as the giant winged serpent stared them both down. It's glistening golden eyes boring into them as it's whole body filled up the space in the hall and its enormous wings arched up threateningly (all without knocking over a single cabinet, which was as impressive as it was confusing, given how many cabinets were clustered together). Although it wasn't as scary meeting the black serpent the first time around, with his mistress present to keep him calm and under control: being on the receiving end of his wrath was a very different, and very frightening proposition, and for Drake it was terrifying; he was so scared that he couldn't move or look away. But without even breaking a sweat, Lawrence calmly put the vase back in its cabinet and closed the door shut: "I'm sorry I took the vase, but I didn't know how else to get your attention..." he stated.
Hearing this, the serpent stopped hissing, and it's whole body and wings relaxed into a more placid posture: seeing this, Drake glanced over at Lawrence, who merely shrugged, "I guess we'll be okay now". Cautiously relaxing his stance, Drake watched as Lawrence looked back up at Coatl, who now seemed to be more attentive as he asked, "Listen, we need to get up to the top level of the city, to the mystic arts and sciences section: would it be too much to ask for a ride up there?". To Drake's surprise, Coatl nodded, and lowered his head down until his chin touched the floor: heeding his reply, Lawrence climbed up and sat himself on the serpent's feathered head, holding onto his feathers as he got comfy: "Well? Are you coming or not?" he asked; snapping out of his initial fear as he swallowed hard, Drake climbed up and sat next to Lawrence as the serpent carefully raised it's head, and smoothly slithered out the giant doors. "How did you know that would work?" Drake asked, rather impressed by his friend's ingenuity, "I didn't, but I figured the snakes must have some way of knowing when something's been taken; I was just playing a hunch" Lawrence shrugged, "Well, good hunch" Drake smiled as Coatl moved across the piazza, and made his way towards the titan-sized grand staircase that spiralled all the way up and down throughout all the levels of the city.
As the giant winged serpent effortlessly slithered up the stairs, the boys caught a view of the lake down below the city, and noticed another boat moored up alongside the one they had come on earlier. "Who else is here?" Lawrence thought aloud as he noticed Iris slithering along the ornate jetty, with several people by her side, all carrying boxes and loading them up onto the boat. "Oh, that's the new 'floating library'" Lawrence smiled, "'Floating library'?" Lawrence raised an eyebrow, "Oh, didn't you hear? Iris set up this thing where one of the boats will have it's own library aboard, so that everyone on the island can come and borrow books without having to go all over the city to find what they want. That way, everyone gets to sample the city's vast wealth of knowledge; pretty cool huh?", "Yeah I guess" Lawrence blinked in surprise, "So, the boat will moor up at the boat yard?", "Yeah, or around on the north side by Yggdrasil's roots, so the Otter clan don't feel left out". "What did Tyto and the others think?" the raven-haired boy asked offhand, "They think it's a cool idea too, if anything it'll help the Celts gain some perspective about the rest of the world: living way deep the forest your whole life means you probably don't get around much?", "Probably not," Lawrence shrugged, "But where did the boat come from? We've only got five back on the island, and that one's larger than the others", "Oh, that one belongs to the city: apparently, there's a boat yard and another jetty in a cave 'round where the wall of the lowest level meets the cavern wall: it's kinda hidden from sight so you don't see it as you come into the mountain. I'll show you it next time: there's a whole load of huge boats hidden inside" Drake smiled.
As Coatl continued his climb up, the boys then noticed the shining white light of the tree of knowledge, lighting up the crystals on the cavern ceiling, right above where the garden of the tree was situated. "...So, what do you think the queen's gonna be doing to help us out? Besides letting us stay on the island an' all that?" Lawrence thought aloud, "Dunno, but the Keeper said she's always keeping an eye on things, and he said she'll be keeping a close watch on what goes down once we start hunting the titans"
Meanwhile, back on the island:
"Oh you're such good girl Clemmy!" Lucile beamed as she bounced the baby on her knee, "And so grown up: eight months old and you already know how to say mama". "Ma-ma!" Clemmy smiled as she hugged her favourite toy, "Yes, and mama will be back later with uncle Derek and uncle Claude," Lucile cooed as she placed her back in the crib, alongside her sisters Phoebe and Marigold. "Now, time for your bath, and then a nice long nap" she smiled as she went to fetch the bath tub, (a large cooking pot): "Everyone alright in here?" Rosemary smiled as she peeked around the door, "Just fine, we're about to have a bath" Lucile beamed, "Oh really? Need a hand?", "If you wouldn't mind 'Rosy dear: I'd quite forgotten what a handful three little ones are!" she chuckled, "Oh quite, hang on a sec and I'll go fetch the towel's" Rosemary smiled as she left to go to the linen cupboard.
From where he was listening outside, Fox paused every now and then as he was chopping logs and the largest of the kindling sticks; his mind wandering too much for him to completely focus on the job. "...What's up?" Shyla asked from where she'd been watching him up on the roof of the woodshed, "You've been distracted since we got back from the meeting: is something wrong?"
"...Do you think they remember?..." he gestured to the babies, who were all watching him through the window, smiling and giggling: "Only, they don't seem to have been affected by what happened that day". Realizing what he was talking about, Shyla sighed as she jumped down to the ground and approached him, "They were trapped in that basement during the worst of it, and we didn't find them until nightfall, so chances are, probably not". "Who's trapped where?" Belle asked offhand as she appeared from around the corner, followed by her sisters: "Fox was wondering if Clemmy, Phoebe and Marigold were affected by what happened in Shiganshina". The sisters paused a moment, before Gale offered, "Well? Considering how long they were in that basement, I'd say they missed the worst of it", "What I said" Shyla agreed; Fox didn't like the idea of this thoughts being broadcasted so nonchalantly, but he knew his sister didn't mean anything by it, and so let it go as he tried to get back to work.
"So? What's next on the agenda for training? With the pairing blade issue still up in the air, have we got anything else planned for the meantime?" Belle thought aloud as she climbed up onto the roof of the woodshed, joined by Shyla who perched herself beside her; while Gale and Poppy sat on a log next to the chopping stump: "Probably more tandem training?" West suggested as he approached with Pascal in tow, "The boss wants to be sure we're able to haul ass with our titan buddies okay if the Scouts spot us, so he's got another load of 'run and evade' moves for us to practise tomorrow". "Which is kinda bordering on over-worrying in my opinion: I mean, have you seen how fast those deer and elk titans can move? Even those specially bred horses the Scouts use couldn't keep up with them. The tree-titans are so stealthy you walk right past them, even when they're not trying to hide: and the bird titans? Hey there's no competition there, with wings to put plenty of distance between us and the Scouts, we've easily got the advantage" Pascal threw in as he idly leaned against the corner of the woodshed.
"You think Tyto and Bryson are blowing this all way out of proportion?" Gale asked offhand, "Not out of proportion, per se" Pascal dithered, "I'm just saying, the way we've been training with the titans, the way we've been learning more 'hide and evade' moves rather than actual combat? It's like we're keeping them wrapped up in cotton wool, when they're more than capable of holding their own. I just think, if things don't go our way and we're forced to fight our way out of some bad shit, it'll pay to have titans who know how to fight, than to simply run and hide"
"You might be right: but Tyto said we must not resort to fighting the Scouts if it can be helped, the queen is hoping they'll become our allies one day, and that won't happen if we demonstrate aggression" Shyla pointed out, "There's a difference between being aggressive, and proving you're not to be messed with: it's a fine balancing act for sure, but if you can at least prove that you're not a push-over, then there's a level of 'understanding' to be had" Pascal explained.
"Understanding?" Fox raised an eyebrow as he lowered the axe, "You could say its a form of 'decorum' of sorts: despite being the shithole of all humanity, even the underground had it's own rules; what was permissible and what was not. And suffice to say, being weak and letting it show through wasn't one of them: if you wanted to survive in that cesspit, you had to fend for yourself one way or another. Whether it be beating up someone weaker than you for what they have, or stealing and trying not to get caught in the process, you had to have some level of strength and brains to be able to live (at least enough to ensure you'd live to see tomorrow)" the former thief elaborated, "And your point is?" Fox asked dryly, "My point is," Pascal grinned, "We may not be going out to cause trouble for the Scouts, but that's not that same as letting them walk all over us if they have us cornered: fighting to save your own skin doesn't have to cost a life, but walking away with a bloody nose and fat lip serves as a good lesson in underestimating one's opponent. After all, You don't have to be cruel or kind to survive, just not stupid: and damn lucky. Remember, the only reason me 'an West got to be the best house burglars in Sina wasn't because we were the fastest, smartest or boldest: it's because we never got caught"
"Or, those idiots in the MP's couldn't be asked to get off their fat asses to go catch you!" Miriam interjected as she appeared around the corner with a basket of laundry in hand, "So this is where you all decided to skive off to huh?", "Skive?!" Fox retorted, "I'm still working!", "And we're on break, remember?" Pascal shot the old woman a wily smirk, "Yeah well, enjoy it while it lasts, because those titans won't be cutting you any slack," She glanced over at the girls, "-And those ODM's won't clean themselves you know! Hop to it!", "Yes Aunt Miriam," Gale sighed as she, her sisters and Shyla proceeded to head back inside, "And be sure to go visit Freya when your done so she can take measurements for your new garbs: you're going to need something more suitable for hunting than those tatty ol' things" she glanced over at the two former thieves, "That goes for you two as well, now git!" she shooed them off, "-Okay okay!" Pascal took off with West in hot pursuit, "You do know you won't be able to boss us around when we're out in Maria killing titans right?!" he teased, "HA! I'll still be waiting for you when you get back alive!" Miriam grinned.
"New garbs?" Fox raised an eyebrow, "Just need to make sure to your dressed for all weathers is all: it'll still be cold come January" she told him. Putting her basket down on the nearby log, Miriam stretched her arms up in an attempt to get the cricks out of her back, before changing the subject: "... So? Care to tell me what's really on your mind?", "Hm?..." Fox glanced at her weirdly for a moment, before the mother hen look in her eyes told him she knew him too well.
Heaving an exasperated sigh as he put the axe down, Fox sat on the log next to the basket, and tried to word his thoughts as best he could. "It still-...feels weird. Being here, living in a new place. Of all the things I thought would happen. I didn't think having to leave the Black Stallion would be one of them". Studying him impassively for a moment, Miriam then heaved a sigh of her own, as she sat down next to him: "Neither did I: us Willums have owned the Black Stallion for six generations; long before the walls and the titans ever came along, and I'd hoped to see it pass to Gale, Poppy and Belle when they're ready," she gazed up at the dappled sunlight through Autumnal canopy; "To be honest Fox: I don't know how to feel about it? That Inn has been my home my entire life; pulling pints and measuring out spirits has always been second nature. And even though we got a new Inn here on this island, it's still not the same" she glanced up at the building ruefully; "...Seeing the Inn burnt to the ground like that? ...It broke my heart: as much as it did when I learnt Skadi, Bestla and Ran didn't make it"
Glancing at her sideways, Fox thought aloud, "...I know they say a home is just a house, that its just bricks and mortar, and it can be rebuilt again. But it doesn't take away the fact that it's a place that meant something to us: somewhere that was safe, warm, and-... Somewhere, you don't have to be afraid" his voice wavered for a moment: hearing the anxiety laced in those words, Miriam realized, "...After all this time: you still think he's looking for you? …."
Fox looked at her like a rabbit that had just locked eyes with a wolf: he didn't say anything as he looked away in fretful shame, but he didn't need to, as Miriam placed her hand on his shoulder in an uncharacteristic gesture of reassurance, "...It's been six years since that day we found you and Shyla on the roadside: and from what you told us, I don't think there's any way he could've known where you went, never mind the fact you successfully snuck through two gates to get to Shiganshina" she told him, "Fox, what you went through? No one should ever have to endure, and if I ever do see him in person? I'll be sure to give him more than a piece of my mind... No matter what happens or what anyone says: you and Shyla will always have a home with us: after all this time I thought you knew that by now?"
Fox didn't reply at first, as an unreadable look came over his eyes, and he gazed off into space as he replied, "...People say all kinds of things, but that doesn't always mean they're telling the truth. Some people will say whatever they want, if it gets you to do whatever they want: and sometimes, if you lie about something long enough, it eventually becomes truth". Miriam studied him for a moment, before another serious look came over her, "...Some..." she stated, "Not all, right?", "Right..." he nodded, "I still forget that, sometimes". "I know, and I honestly don't blame you..." she softened her tone a little, as she spoke more frankly again, "Just-... promise me: no matter what happens, not matter where you go in life; don't think of the whole world as your enemy. It's not fair to tar and feather everyone for the actions of one cruel idiot. Remember, there're a lot of kids in the same position as you and your sisters were, and many of them are not so lucky to escape their circumstances. Don't think that you have to keep your guard up all the time and keep everyone at a distance: instead, think how you want to be treated, and do the same for others in turn; you'd be surprised how one act of kindness can come back around" she smiled confidently.
As they continued to talk, Ariana quietly slipped away from where she had been eavesdropping around the corner: stepping out around the front of the Inn, she gazed up at the black iron horse head that had been propped up on the top of the thick door frame, the same one that was perched on the Black Stallion's swinging sign. Studying the building up and down, Ariana couldn't help but agree with Miriam: even though this was an Inn, the cellars had been fully stocked long ago and the Willum's had dressed it up to their standards; it just didn't feel the same as the Black Stallion.
As she wandered off into the forest, gazing down at her ODM gear, Ariana still couldn't get Carla off her mind: hearing her voice so filled pain, and the longing to see Eren again; she couldn't help but begin to cry as she thought about that day, and how such a cruel twist of fate could happen. Though much had changed over the last few months, and they were steadily regaining some sense of normality-
But that's when it suddenly hit her
What was normal anymore?
They survived hell, and were now gearing up ready to rain hell on the monsters that destroyed their homes and way of life: alongside their kin of all allies.
And even before that, she, her family, and the families of her friends had all been hiding them from the world. The past five years she had come to take for granted, sure hiding Shadow and his kin wasn't taken lightly, but still: it was something she and everyone around her had grown used to, regardless of the pressure to keep the secret. And now, here they were: living on an island in a land filled with god-titans, on the doorstep of the greatest source of all knowledge.
Who in their right mind could conceive of such a scenario?
A cold knot of dread began to tie up in Ariana's stomach, as she suddenly realised the weight of it: the reality of all that had happened, and the fact that it was the truth. Who would believe such a fanciful thing? Such an unlikely and unbelievable life story: hell, even she herself might not have believed it, if it had been someone else.
The queen is hoping that the scouts will aide them in their endeavour to restore mankind to the world: but how? Even if they came to accept the fact that there were intelligent sentient titans in the world, would they believe such a place as the Hidden land could exist? And within the walled kingdom of all places? Not unless they brought the Scouts here, and let them see it for themselves: and even then, would they believe it all?
As she began to weight up the reality of what everyone inside walls Rose and Sina would or might accept as 'the truth', Ariana found herself thinking about Eren, and how he might have reacted to Shadow and the others. Maybe once, during the first few years when he was still that bight-eyed adventurous boy she loved exploring the forest with, he would've been accepting of them, (she certainly couldn't see him being scared of them). But, after Armin showed them that book, things were different, and even Ariana had to reluctantly admit that it wouldn't have been safe to let him in on the secret: Eren was different after that, she knew it, but deep down part of her wouldn't accept it. To her, he was still that boy she loved to sneak up into the forest with: Armin trailing after them with Gale, Poppy and Belle close behind, wandering the dark hollows and lush green vales of Maria, and playing beneath the towering canopy of the giant trees...
Those where happier times.
But then, everything changed the day they rescued Mikasa from those human traffickers: and ever since then, instead of seeing brightness and content in those green eyes of his, she noticed a quiet rage that always seemed to be simmering; even on his good days he was always restless and cagey, and it never changed. She had no doubt he was truly sorry for what happened that day up on the mountain: but deep down, she knew it would never be the same, and he wasn't that same boy who would go up into the forest with her anymore; from that time on, his eyes were always set upon wall Maria, and dreaming of the day he would see the ocean.
Of all the people, why did it have to be the one she cared for the most?
His dream was his dream, his and Armin's to follow: Eren wasn't evil, he couldn't be; but she couldn't help but wonder, what the cost would have been? If it had only been their friendship that's one thing, but might his recklessness and short fuse had led him to make a terrible mistake? Would he have put someone else's life at stake, for the sake of seeing the ocean?
It was then she remembered Mikasa and Armin
Those two had been dear to both of them, and after what Mikasa endured, Ariana found herself amazed by her strength: able to move on from her grief, and forge a new life for herself with the Jaeger's. And what wasn't there to like about Armin? Even when he beat her at chess, cards and chequers, he was a kind and curious boy who always had time for her. And yet, despite being an outcast among most of the other neighbourhood kids for his beliefs, and his ability to be analytical about everything: there was something about him she couldn't quite put her finger on...
The day he gave her his book about the outside world: the way he explained how he'd seen things deteriorate between her and Eren, and how, one day it was likely they would part ways; did he know in his heart, what she'd known yet failed to acknowledge in the first place? As tears spilled down her cheeks, Ariana couldn't help but wonder, just what might have happened if she'd been honest with herself in the first place.
All these years, she'd felt so guilty about not letting Eren and Armin in on her secret: but had it actually been the other way around?
Was she the one unable to accept the truth? That no matter whether they knew or not, it might not have changed what happened?
Part of her didn't accept that; if Shadow had been with them that day on the mountain, and had stepped in to help rescue Mikasa safely, things would have turned out very differently; among many other things that might have turned out otherwise if they'd known sooner. But as she remembered Eren's anger, and how enraged he was: she realized it wouldn't have changed a thing; if anything he might have completely lost it with Shadow, and who knows what might have happened then?
As her mind continued to spiral downwards, picturing the worst-case scenarios: she suddenly remembered one major change that did happen after that day on the mountain, something that she'd almost totally forgotten.
Armin and Mikasa were always there for Eren.
Between Armin's smarts to make Eren listen to reason, and Mikasa's stoic no-nonsense approach to keeping him safe: Eren didn't get himself into any trouble he couldn't get out of again. Of course the neighbourhood bullies were always still an issue, and he and Armin were still outcasts as far as the rest of the neighbourhood kids were concerned: but by and large, the three of them endured it together, and they persevered regardless of all of other concerns; and over time, they became closer, and stronger for it.
Despite drifting apart, Ariana never once felt any jealousy towards either Armin or Mikasa: she honestly couldn't fault either of them, and she had always been thankful that at least someone cared about Eren enough to see past his flaws, and see him for the good friend he'd always been.
She just wished, she could've shared the same dream with him.
But then, that was the whole reason she didn't need a dream.
Having Eren, Armin, Mikasa, Shadow and everyone she cared about around her: the endless green forest and its wild secret places where she felt more at home than anywhere else. Why leave the wall to see the ocean, when everything and everyone she cared about was right here? That's what Eren couldn't see, but likewise, she failed to grasp the fact that some people in the world were just evil: there was no chance of redemption or forgiveness, and the only way to counter such people was to fight with everything you got. Did they both fail to grasp each other's point of view? Or was it just her? Ariana didn't know, and it was probably something she'd never know.
It hurt to think about the 'what if's' and the 'what might have been's': and as she thought about what Carla said in the hospital, she still couldn't shake the notion that her final memory of Eren was the worst one imaginable. Although Ariana herself wasn't witness to his death, it didn't change the fact that he met his fate at the hands of the very creatures he loathed above all else, and how in his final moments, he must've been filled with as much rage as he had fear and hopelessness; to know that his dream and ambition was at an end, before it had even begun.
Wiping her face as more tears ran down her cheeks, Ariana felt her breath hitch as she carried on walking: too lost in her grief to notice the forest around her. Thinking about Carla, she wondered if that was the real reason she'd been pushing herself so hard these past three months? That Eren's death had cut deeper than she thought, and that she was focused on getting revenge in his name? Or was the training simply a way to block out the pain? A reason to focus on something else, and distract her from her grief, if only for a little while? Either one wasn't healthy, and it was rather spooky in a way: how before, Eren was the one getting riled up about the titans and his mother scared witless for his safety; now, Carla was the one risking life and limb to sate her anger for the monsters. A burning eagerness that was on par with her son's: maybe that's where Eren got his fiery temperament from all along? Either way, fate certainly had a strange way of flipping things around.
But still, this wretched cycle of going over the past refused to let up, and as Eren came back to the forefront of her mind, she tried to think of something else, besides the day on the mountain, or the day Wall Maria was breached: something, anything other than the memories that were filled with pain...
Suddenly, Ariana stopped as something flitted past her face, tapping her on the nose ever-so gently as it flew by: doing a double take as she blinked in surprise, she looked all around to see what it had been; and was surprised to see it was a large blue butterfly. Its wings shimmered with a metallic iridescence as it landed on a nearly orange flower. Watching it as it daintily sipped the nectar, Ariana suddenly remembered the time she, Eren, Armin and the Willum sisters snuck away from home to go up into the forest: and whilst trying catch butterflies in one of the secluded glens, one landed on Eren's nose and he froze in a mix of confusion and fear, unsure what to do as his friends just laughed at how funny he looked. Ariana couldn't help but smile as she remembered Eren pleading for her to get the butterfly off his nose, and telling him to hold still so Poppy could draw a picture of it...
As the butterfly took off and she continued to walk on, Ariana remembered how they used to love sneaking out together: how they had to convince Armin to pluck up the courage to come with them, and how it was always a struggle to rein in Belle's zealous thirst for adventure; they must've covered every inch of the forest, from the wall to the eastern forest road, and from the stone circle to the lower giant tree copses at the far eastern side of the central valley. Walking the strange exotic forest of this island, she felt like that young girl again, exploring her forest for the first time, with her friends at her side...
Hey Eren, there's a hollow not far from here that's filled with blackberry bushes: wanna go grab some to eat on the way?
Sure, think you can keep up Armin?
I-I'll try: I just hope it's not too steep
Don't worry, this one's easy: trust me
As she remembered those distant days, it felt as though it had only been yesterday: wiping the tears from her face, Ariana smiled as she flicked through the mental book of her memories; recalling the fun times that were worth getting grounded for. And as her mind began to think of all the good things that came before, the more distant her sorrow became: fading into past-tense as nostalgia took her to the happier times in her past...
Hey poppy? You still got your paper and drawing stick? You need to get a picture of this!
Come on Belle quit it!
What? It's not my fault you tripped and got yourself stuck in a badger hole with yer ass sticking out!
Uh guys? Do you think the badger might eat him?
Ah quit yer worrying Armin, it'll only chew his face off if it's really pissed
Not helping Belle! Now help me pull him out: Ariana you grab his legs, while me and Poppy will pull up by his arms, Armin, you and Belle grab some large sticks so we can beat the badger if he comes for Eren...now, get ready, and PULL!
Aw come on! This would make such a cool sketch!
You can draw from memory, right Poppy?
Uh yeah, for sure!
Okay then, draw it after we get him out
I swear, if anyone finds out about this-
Oh calm down Eren, no one's going to tell anyone about this:
What about the drawing?
Once you made it, hide it and take it to your grave
It was then Ariana stopped in her tracks as she hit upon an idea,
"Good memories..." she thought aloud as her brain began to clarify the thought at hand, "Good memories are there, she just needs to be reminded of them..."
Quick as a whip, she spun round and dashed back the way she came: but she hadn't realized how long she'd been walking for, nor the precise direction in which the trail had gone. Decided to opt for the quicker route, Ariana shot her lines and took off up into the canopy: making a fast beeline for the Willum's place. As soon as she got there, she landed by the window of the girl's bedroom, and poked her head in to find the girls, who were all cleaning their ODM gears: somewhat taken aback to see her, they stopped as she climbed in through the window. "Ariana?" Gale blinked in surprise, "Is everything okay?" Shyla asked in concern as she noticed Ariana had been crying; "I'm fine, really," she waved off as she suddenly spotted Poppy sitting on her bed, "-Poppy! I need to ask a favour,", "Uh yeah okay? What can I do you for?" Poppy shrugged, "Do you still do any drawing? Like, while we've been living on the island?" Ariana asked pleadingly, "Actually, now that you mention it, I have been thinking about taking it up again since I found that little shop in the town with all that parchment sitting around; I haven't been able to do any drawing since-, you know...But, I think I'm up for it again", "Great, because I've got a special request I need you to draw, and it's important we get it done as soon as possible. Oh, and will someone go and find Lucy and Lucius for me? There's something I need to talk to them about"
As he watched the girls talking from a distance, Shadow smiled as he thought to himself 'Yep: sometimes, the best thing to do is to just let them learn for themselves'. Silently walking away up into the forest, he sat himself down in a small clearing, and held his hands out as his tattoos started to glow: 'Now then, let's see if we can get this crystal to come forth...'
A short time later, elsewhere on the island:
"So remember, keep your elbows in and your legs out and relaxed: that way you won't sprain your ankle on impact" Bryson told the young Ranger. "Okay sir, thank you" he smiled before shooting his lines and taking up off up into the trees, followed closely by his bird-titan as she swooped down after him, staying close by his side as he disappeared into the thick greenery.
"Hey," Evrard greeted him as he approached, "You ready? The other's are waiting in the Lodge"
"Yeah, just coming" Bryson sighed as he followed the Celt.
The Lodge was one of the larger ground-based buildings on the island, so nicknamed because it was a large spacious three-floored cabin adorned with numerous antlers and animal skulls all around the outside: while the interior was filled with furniture made from furs, hides, antlers and carved bone; truly a hunter's idea of home sweet home. Also, it served as a suitable roosting sight and aviary for the Celts ravens and tamed birds-of-prey, allowing them adequate space to nest and relax. It had been made into the heretics and traitors central headquarters, where the other Celts, Rangers and god-titan's who'd volunteered to aid in the Hunt met up to train, discuss important business, and test their newly acquired knowledge and arsenal. As they walked up the steps, across the porch and through the front entrance, Bryson noticed Dale leaning against the huge table near the fireplace, starring down at the the map of the stone circles, one of a number Derek had discovered in the city's archives. "We'll be a little while, okay? You and the twins can carry on if you want" Evrard told him, "Uh-, yeah, okay" Dale replied offhand, having been suddenly roused out of his daydream.
As the ex-Scout and Celt proceeded upstairs, the sound of chatting voices could be heard coming from one of the rooms, before the door gently closed shut.
"Have they started yet?" Lucy asked offhand as she and her brother appeared from out of the kitchen with some glasses of water in hand, "Bryson just came in, Uncle Evrard said we can continue here" Dale confirmed as Lucius handed him a glass, "Thanks..." he replied, taking a swig as he continued to stare down at the map. "So what's on your mind?" Lucius asked, noticing the far-distant look in his eyes: "Everything: mind being more specific?" Dale weakly smiled, trying not to sound sarcastic, "Well? What's bugging you about that map?" Lucy clarified.
Thinking about it, Dale sighed "...Two hundred and ninety three stone circles within the walls; and all this time, hardly anyone knew they were there? I don't buy it", "Neither do we" both twins replied, "-I mean, yeah okay, they're pretty spaced out and situated in areas where people haven't been in many decades, possibly even since humanity first took refuge behind the walls? But still, you'd think more than a few individuals would've noticed something as obvious a giant circle of carved standing stones sitting in the middle of the forest" Lucy added within skipping a beat: "That's another thing," Dale observed, "According to the map, all the circles were situated in very remote areas. But the thing is, this map and the others like it are old; very old. And there's no way to confirm if the topography and the layout of the towns and villages is more or less the same now, as it was when the maps were first drawn up"
"You think not all the circles will still be there? That maybe the wall cult or the government will have had the one's they found torn down?" Lucius thought aloud, "That, and will any of them still retain any power?" Dale replied as he stroked his chin, "I mean, how can we test them to make sure? And if they do work, how will the god-titan's be able to tell which one they're travelling too?", "Considering everything up until this point? I thinks it's a fair assumption the Keeper will have something up his proverbial sleeve to handle this" Lucy suggested, "He's been able to deal with most other problems that have cropped up thus far"
"...That's something else that's been bothering me," Dale frowned as the cogs in his brain continued to turn, "The god-titan's memory-loss: they said it's part of the curse they were inflicted with, that they can only remember certain things and not others. I'm not saying I don't believe them, and I don't believe they have any reason to hide anything, but-...", "What?" the twins both raised an eyebrow.
Thinking about it for a long moment, Dale then passed a heavy sigh, as he rubbed his tired face and leaned back in the chair: "...I don't know guys? I think maybe I'm starting to overthink all this?", "Overthink it how?" Lucy asked offhand. Dale gazed across the room, at the journal sitting on the desk: "...For the past three months, that journal has been the reference point from which we've based our entire plans on: alongside Bryson's expertise as a Scout. We've done everything, from field-testing the chimes, hummers and repelling charm, to building our own 'upgraded' ODM gear: training to fight, hunt and work alongside our god-titan friends, and even learn incantations to some simple spells using their 'borrowed' magics... I really can't complain, the whole thing has been going like clockwork, and we've made incredible progress getting to this point"
"So? What's the problem?" Lucius asked in concern: "It's just-..." Dale hesitated, "That journal has raised so many questions: mysteries as to what's really going on between humanity and the titans. And I can't help but feel, the answers to those questions are not going to be found here... We don't know exactly how long ago Omnes Scientiam was abandoned, but we do know it was long before humanity retreated behind the walls: therefore, we can assume that any historical documented accounts of then-current events, stopped coming into the city around about that same time. In which case, any knowledge pertaining to the last hundred years and before won't exist in the city's libraries and archives. Which presents a very serious problem: what if, the reason Claude and Derek haven't been able to find anything on the titans in the city, is because the titans only appeared within the years prior to the last century? In which case, we're back to square one"
"Whoa, that is a problem: if that's the case" Lucius sighed.
"And one I believe, could be a very real possibility" Tyto added as he came down the stairs, "You're leaving the meeting early?" Dale asked offhand, "They just needed my consent on a few things: Evrard, Bryson and Ratatosk have got things covered..." he assured them as he approached the table with a serious look in his eyes. "What you said, about the answers probably not existing within the city: I can't help but feel that might be a possibility we'll have to keep in mind" he frowned as he gazed over at the journal, "But the titans appearing somewhere within only the last hundred-plus years? As stark as that sounds, you could be right; after all, we're still very much in the dark as to the titans true origins"
"Maybe it's mentioned in the other half of the journal? (wherever that is), I mean, it talks about the titans anatomy and other stuff as if it's a formal back-up to something else: judging from the bindings on the spine, we know the first half of the journal had way more pages than the half we have; maybe the missing half details the titans origins and how they were created?" Lucy added. "It would be the most likely scenario" Lucius added; "Agreed, but there's something else that keeps gnawing at the back of my mind..." Dale thought aloud, "Derek's theory about the walls not being built when the Royal Government said they were: if the walls really do predate the titans; then what were they really built for in the first place?"
A long moment of silence stretched out between them, before Tyto sighed, "...So many mysteries, and even with all we have: we're still no closer to the truth"
"Yeah," Lucy sighed, "But at least we have an advantage over the titans with the chimes, hummers and that repelling charm: and if we work out the new hunting formations right, there's a good chance we won't loose a single life" she smiled. "That would be great," Tyto smiled as he ruffled her hair, "I'll leave you three geniuses to your work: anyone wants me, I'll be overseeing the newer volunteers out on the range" he added as he left through the front door: leaving the three children where they sat. Another silence stretched out between them, before Dale changed the subject: "...By the way: I was wondering how you guys are doing?"
"Huh? In what way?" they both asked in synch, "Well? ..." Dale tried to word his thoughts right without sounding insensitive, "...Your parents made it to wall Rose before the breach, and they're still alive. What I'm trying to say is, I know why you guys decided not to reunite them, and I don't blame you: not after what happened the night of the storm, and-... Well? I was just concerned if maybe-, you had any regrets over it? I mean, I know they weren't the best parents, but they were still your parents; some people might still hold guilt over that kinda thing, and if you wanted to talk about it? I'm always here"
Taken aback slightly, both twins glanced at one another with unreadable eyes for a moment, before offering an understanding smile: "Thank you Dale," they both said together. "We appreciate this can be construed as an 'impulsive', if not a somewhat heartless choice," Lucius replied in a frank tone, "But we still stand by our decision not to reunite with them" Lucy stated in an equally frank manner. "... For what it's worth?" Lucius elaborated, "I think it's as much a burden off their shoulders as it is ours... But allowing Muller to chain us up in the basement? Considering us unworthy of being rescued? Even moving elsewhere and not telling us until the last minute? Sorry, but we're not sorry: your parents wouldn't even dream of doing anything like that, so why would ours? There're plenty of orphanages that take in unwanted children: would it have been such a fuss and a pain in the neck, to give us up if they didn't want us in the first place?"
"You know? ….In a way, I have to wonder sometimes," Lucy thought aloud, "What happened to them in their lives to make them both such unhappy people? Why they felt they had to keep us, when clearly they both knew parenthood wasn't what they wanted... And it's not just them: Bemadette's mum, Fox and Shyla's parents, Mrs Muller; they all had that kind of unhappiness about them, that only comes from being hurt in one form or another"
"But then? If they were hurt, doesn't it make sense to try and show them what real kindness is?" Dale reasoned; "Why of course," Lucius concurred, "But that only works if that person is willing to listen: to take a chance and put a little faith in your fellow human beings. And believe me, it's not like we didn't try..."; "Mother and father just-..." Lucy sighed in rueful disappointment, "... They weren't those kinds of people... And no matter how much we didn't want that to be the case: the reality was, they weren't going to change, for us, or anyone". "...But strangely enough, there is one good thing that came out of it," Lucius added.
"What?" Dale knitted his eyebrows together in confusion: "We know what we wanted to do, and what we didn't want for ourselves. We didn't leave them because they betrayed us: we stayed with you guys, because we didn't want to betray you" Lucius smiled. Dale stared at them both in awe, as Lucy elaborated further, "From the start, you guys have always been our family; and no matter what happens, we both know this is a choice we will never regret"
"Guys..." Dale smiled in heartfelt appreciation, "...Thank you" was all he found he could say. "Yeah well, don't worry about needing to talk about it, okay? As far as our real parents are concerned? They're water under the bridge"
"That reminds me," Dale suddenly remembered, "Has anyone talked to you guys yet, about the subject of who's going to 'formerly adopt' you both?". "Given how busy we've been of late, it's not really been at the forefront of everyone's priorities" Lucy shrugged offhand, "Though, that being said..." Lucius threw in, "Even though we've been staying with the Willums since coming to the island, we're thinking about letting Mrs Jaeger adopt us". Dale blinked in surprise, "Really? I mean-, given how she's been behaving since taking up the ODM training, do you really think now's the best time to approach her about this?".
"Dale, after what happened earlier today? We'd say now is exactly the right time to talk to her about this; but not for our sakes," Lucy stated, "Huh?" Dale raised an eyebrow. "Look, you and the others might have been too busy to notice? But Mrs Jaeger hasn't been coping well since loosing Eren; we thought at first she was, like everyone else. But after what Tyto described of his meeting with her earlier? We think she's struggling to get through her grief, and maybe it's why she threw herself into the training as hard as she did? Because it's become a distraction from the pain: something to take her mind off and forget about, if only temporarily" Lucius explained anxiously. "She may be one of the best volunteers to have completed the basic training: but if she keeps up like this? She won't even last until mid-winter, never mind next spring" Lucy worried.
"...I should've guessed; and I'm sorry, if I haven't been paying closer attention..." Dale sighed in ruefulness, "...I know she's had it hard: but at the risk of sounding insensitive, I don't understand why? We lost aunt Bestla, Ran and Skadi, and we're trying to deal with our loss as best we can; so why is she suffering so much more?"
"Because it's not the same thing..." Rosemary stated as she stepped in through the doorway, "Sorry for the intrusion, I saw the front door open and assumed it would be okay to come in: is your father still with the others Dale?" she asked with a small smile, "He went up to the range: do want me to send him a raven?" the boy replied offhand, "Oh no it's okay, it's nothing urgent: I'll wait until he gets back..." she waved off, before approaching them: "...Forgive my eavesdropping, but I couldn't help but overhear..." she smiled knowingly as she sat herself down at the table, gazing over at the twins, "So you've decided to go stay with Carla, hm?", "Please don't take it the wrong way Mrs Willum: we couldn't thank you enough for letting us stay with you guys: but we've already talked this over between us; and we were going to tell you, Gustav and Miriam some time tomorrow" Lucy sighed. "Oh don't worry yourself about it darling: we've already got the gist of it; the walls of the Inn are paper-thin, so we hear everything that goes on upstairs from down in the parlour. And I have to say, I'm very proud of you both, for being concerned for her and her welfare: I just wished you could've let us in on what you were planning sooner" she smiled. "Well? We know how you Willums have a habit of 'collecting' kids, we just thought you might want to add us to the pile" Lucius teased, to which Rosemary laughed, "-Oh goodness! I don't think there's any risk of that! We're already full as it is!"
"Really? You could've fooled me..." Dale smiled, before letting his curiosity get the better of him again: "...Um? What you said, about it 'not being the same thing': what did you mean by that?" he asked anxiously. Rosemary stopped laughing, and as her delight faded, she gazed at Dale and the twins with a small weak smile: and a look of wisdom and understanding in her eyes that seemed to reflect all her long years; as she explained, "...The thing about love and friendship, is that they come about in many different forms: and the nature of each relationship we have with each person in our lives, is different from one to the next; no two are ever the same. But of all those different kinds of bonds: none is more greater, powerful or enduring than that a mother shares with her son and-or daughter. Once a woman takes a child into her heart and life, she will give her all to ensure that precious young one survives no matter what, even giving up her own life if it means they might live..." Rosemary paused as she reached for the little golden locket tucked beneath her blouse, and clutched it tightly as she maintained her composure: "...And the thing about it is, you never really stop being a mother: even when your child is gone, and is no longer-... There..." she sighed ruefully.
Dale and the twins began to get the feeling there was something in those words that struck a chord deep within her: something that was obviously painful to talk about; but they didn't ask, and simply let her continue, "...You never stop loving them, you never stop thinking of all that might have been, and you never really stop hurting: even though you learn to carry on with life. To bury your child before your own time has come, is the very worst thing any parent could wish to face... That's why, she's finding it so hard at the moment: because she has not yet reached the point (if at all?) where she can look back over Eren's life, and remember him as he was in the happier times, and not how he left this world..."
A long moment of anxious silence passed between them, before Lucius hesitantly asked: "...How-...did you manage to reach that 'point'? ...". Rosemary hesitated a moment, before smiling, "... It was rather random, now that I think about it: one day I realized-, or rather, I remembered how my son was always concerned for me; how, he always use to ask me if I was happy. He was always such a cheery boy, always saw the bright side of things: and always tried to make me smile when I was down... That's when I realized, he wouldn't want to see me so sad: and yes, while it was painful to lose him, I hadn't lost the memories of him, and all the times when things were good and we had reasons to laugh and smile together. After that, whenever I was sad about his passing, I'd think back on those memories: and in a way it was as if he was still with me. And still is: I see him in his daughters; they have his laughter you know? And his boundless optimism... And that's what helped me the most I think? To know that his legacy lives on in his children, and that they have the chance to know him through me, through the memories I share with them. I know it's not the same as knowing him in person, and yes, I wish they could've known him, and their mother: but still, he was such a great presence in life, and even now after all this time I still feel him nearby when I hear the girls laugh... In a way, I don't believe we ever truly die, so long as we are remembered...To stay stuck between grief and pain, is no place anyone should dwell for long: because if they do, and they allow that pain to keep them in that sorrowful state of mind; there's very little chance they'll find their way out again..." she glanced over at the twins, "...That's why, you think having Carla for a parent would be for the best: not for your sakes, but for her's"
The twins both glanced at one another hesitantly as they tried to clarify: "...We just think-, after everything she went through in Shiganshina, she could use someone to have her back" Lucy explained, "We're not trying to replace Eren and Mikasa: no one can do that, and we'd never ask to do so; that'd be just-, awful" Lucius added without skipping a beat, "It's just that-...During the storm four years ago, we-
Suddenly, a creak on the porch outside drew their attention to the door, where Ariana was standing, and judging from the look in her eyes, had been standing there for some time: realizing she'd overheard most if not the whole conversation, Dale decided to skip right to the point; "... You know? I'm beginning to think privacy have been totally lost on all of us: since no one seems to know what confidentiality is anymore" he sighed dryly, "Well you're right there: but I don't gossip (much)..." Ariana smirked weakly as she entered the building, and glanced over at the twins "And before you two ask, yes I already knew about your 'adoption' plan: I overheard you talking with Gale and the others about it three days ago; and actually? I'm glad you chose to do it"
The twins glanced at one another, slightly perplexed: "Um? Thanks, but why the interest?" Lucy asked curiously, "Because, I think I might have found a way to help Mrs Jaeger with her grief..." she smiled as she held up a large white envelope, "And I think having you two along to help me with it, might just do the trick; you interested? I'll explain on the way to my place (I got a feeling I might need my mum to help us with this), and you fill me in with the details of how you plan to get her to 'adopt' you". "Uh? Yeah okay..." Lucius nodded as he and his sister got up from the table, wondering what Ariana had in mind. "Hey Dale? If anyone asks, just tell them we had important business to take care of" he added as he followed Ariana out the door. "Sure thing" he waved off as the three of them disappeared out the door.
"Well? I best getting off too, I've still got to help Freya and the others finish off Bryson's surprise" Rosemary smiled as she got up from the table, "Surprise?" Dale raised an eyebrow, "Oh-, um? Don't tell Bryson this: but Freya and the other Celts are putting together a little 'thank you' gift of sorts; for everything he's done to help everyone get in shape for the Hunt," she explained as she headed out the door, "Don't ruin the surprise now".
'A surprise for Bryson?' Dale smirked as he thought offhand, 'What's mum got in mind?"
"Ten pieces of jerky says its a new cloak..." Rowan's voice interjected from outside, beneath the window nearest the table. Sighing in exasperation, Dale glanced over at the window as Ash and Rowan climbed inside, and rubbed his forehead as his brother's sat themselves down either side of him. "You know it's pointless to lecture us about eavesdropping, so let's just skip that part okay?" Rowan sighed as he folded his arms and leaned back in the chair, "Besides, that was some pretty deep stuff you guys got into back there...So that's what's been bugging Mrs Jaeger?" he asked offhand. "Not bugging, just-," Dale sighed as he tried to explain, "...Trying to find her way out of the worst of it". "So what's Ariana got in mind?" Ash asked offhand, "No idea: I just hope Lucy and Lucius are successful in broaching the subject of adoption to her" Dale replied.
"I don't get it?" Rowan frowned in confusion, "Why do they think she'll adopt them? I mean, don't get me wrong, I know all about that shit with their real parents: but why now? Why, when she's going through a hard time like this?", "It's the other way around," Dale clarified, "It's not a question of them needing a mum, but rather, Mrs Jaeger having someone to look out for her... Besides, she knows they won't try to replace Eren and Mikasa; no one can..."
A short pause hung in the air for a moment, as the three brother's thought about the subject of Carla's grief: "...You know? ..." Rowan sighed in an unusually sympathetic tone, "After that day on the mountain last year, I hated Eren for what he forced Ariana to do: I mean yeah they saved Mikasa from a terrible fate and stopped a whole gang of despicably evil bastards; but that's no excuse for breaking my sister's heart like that. Of all the people she trusted in this world, he was the one she cared about the most. Even Shadow didn't compare to him...I hated the guy, me and Fox... But he didn't deserve to die the way he did"
"Eren was-, complicated," Dale sighed, "He was always angry with his lot in life, and couldn't stand the fact the titans ruled all beyond the walls... Just, knowing he wasn't able to freely wander the outside world: to go see the ocean, constantly plagued him. From what Ariana told me at the time, he was willing to fight to make that dream a reality, and he'd never back down; he wanted it so badly... Sometimes? I can't help but wonder, what would've happened if he survived, and saw his mother get eaten instead? ….The rage that would've torn his heart to pieces: if he hated the titans that much before, just how badly would he have lost it?"
"That, doesn't even bare thinking about..." Ash worried slightly, as he got a picture of that notion in his mind: and it wasn't pretty to say the least. "Well, in any case: Lucy and Lucius aren't just doing this for the sake of her welfare: they're returning a favour" Dale clarified, "A favour?" Rowan glanced at him in surprise, "I'll explain later," Dale waved off, before changing the subject, "By the way, what did you guys swing by for in the first place?"
"-Oh, right" Ash suddenly remembered, "Dad asked us to remind the others they gotta sort out pseudonyms for themselves: something short and easy to remember", "Oh yeah, what was that for again? I missed that part" Rowan raised an eyebrow. "Because," Dale explained dryly, "In those letters Derek found with the journal: the wall cult mentioned that they'd been beyond the walls into the titan's territory, to test those hummers and chimes, and the only way they could've done that was with the repelling charm to keep them all away. Therefore, if the cult were able to do that once, there's a good chance they'll do it again (and might have already done so, for all we know?): so just in case we're not alone in the forest and the Scouts are nowhere in sight, we gotta use pseudonyms to identify each other. Since our clan was the first to initiate the Hunt we got first dibs. Unsurprisingly, he's now the Grey Owl"
"I'm Raven and Dale's Jackdaw" Ash grinned, "Clay is now Waxwing, Hazel is Goshawk, the twins are Stella's jay and Blue jay, Hawk is now Swift and Ashlyn is Swallow". "Hawk? A Swift?" Rowan frowned in bemusement, "Yeah I know, but honestly? The way he flies on his ODM he might as well be a swift (plus most of the Rangers and other Celts already took all the good hawk species names)" Dale explained. "Plus, the Willum's lot are getting in on the bird theme: Gale is now Yellow Warbler, Belle is Mountain bluebird, Poppy is Flame coloured Tanager, Fox is Bullfinch, Shyla is Cuckoo; oh, and Pascal is pheasant and West is Blue throat" Ash added. "Pascal? A pheasant? Actually, considering how he dresses, that's not very surprising" Rowan smirked, "Yeah: oh, and Lucy and Lucius are snow bunting and snow finch" Dale threw in, "So what're the old timers choosing for their new nicknames?", "They're still keeping their original Clan titles: Uncle Evrard's the Red Boar, uncle Falken's the Black Hawk and Uncle Eraman's the Raven; they even dusted off their old ceremonial hunting masks, so they can hunt like our ancestors did... So that only leave you: what're we going to call you bro?" Ash asked offhand.
"Hmm..." Rowan thought about it for moment, before a smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth, "...Rook's got a good ring to it", both Ash and Dale glanced at one another in surprise, "Uh yeah, it's just-, not what we were expecting from you" Dale replied, "Yeah, I'd have thought you'd go with Crow" Ash thought aloud. Rowan simply gazed at his brothers with an unusually perceptive glint in his eye: "...It's tempting, but I want to be different for a change ...Besides, Rook sounds dark and mysterious, like our favourite black and white babe; I figured she'd like it", "Yeah, that's true" Ash nodded with a small smile, "Okay, Rook it is then.
"-Hey wait a sec, I'm not the last one! What bird name did Ariana choose?" Rowan suddenly realized, to which both his brothers smirked in exasperation, "...Uh? It's Ariana? It's a no-brainer what everyone'll be calling her"
"...Oh, right yeah..." Rowan mentally face-palmed, before realizing, "-But wait, what about Bemadette? Ain't she coming?", "Nah, she's gonna stay with Gustav and Bren in the forge: someone needs to keep our gears in good shape? (among other things) And besides, she's got Angel's 'talon gauntlet' to get started on," Ash explained, "Oh yeah: that's gonna look so cool; she's gonna rip through the titans no problem" Rowan smirked.
A short time later, elsewhere on the island:
As she stepped out the shower, Carla grabbed the towel that was hanging over the railing on the wall nearby, and proceed to dry herself off: though she'd been living on the island for over three months now, she was still impressed by the the fact all the tree-houses and terrestrial buildings had sophisticated water pumps running throughout their interiors (indoor plumbing, she reminded herself). Using the heated water drawn up from the hot springs near Yggdrasil, and pumped directly into the little indoor pumps known as 'taps': the fact the town's plumbing system still worked after so many years of dormancy, was just as remarkable too. As were Gustav's and Bren's plumbing skills: having managed to iron out a few minor tweaks during the first few weeks of using the system, they got it working just fine.
The tree-houses interiors were amazingly spacious and ornate too: only the grand mansions, castles, and town houses of Sina could compare; but from what Claude, Bryson and Break described, those places didn't even begin to compare to the unusual style and décor of the island's buildings. Everything seemed to 'flow' and 'blend' into each other: there were hardly any straight lines or right angles, no timber framing's, plain simple walls, or windows with tiny glass panes set in lattice frames.
Instead, everything was made to imitate nature in a random abstract way: floors had been paved to look like a pebbly riverbank or a flower-strewn meadow using intricate mosaic patterns, doorways, columns, fireplaces and banisters had been carved or plastered to imitate trees, bushes and other unusual plants, often with little birds, animals, insects, or fairy-like creatures hidden amid the foliage, while the walls had been plastered in unusual patterns; the basic fixtures like the taps, water pumps, bathtubs and showers were dressed up to look like animals or plants too. Even the furniture was made to blend in with the strange décor: beds, chairs, tables, lamps, dressers, sideboards, cupboards, and everything in between was designed to either imitate plants or trees, or articulate the natural curves and shapes found in nature. And in every building, there were huge single-pane windows: often circular, oval, or bow, they would usually cover a good third of wall space, sometimes going around whole corners in a single sheet of glass (which confounded most to say the least; how was such a feat of glass-blowing even possible?). Despite being most unconventional, if not quite contemporary compared to the standard of the rest of the walled world: this style was most beautiful, and pleasing to the eye, as it made one feel as if they were living in the wild itself.
Many had come to the conclusion that the people who lived here before, must have had a deep connection with the forest, and to nature as a whole: why else go to all the trouble of dressing one's home up to look like the forest? The care and attention taken in sculpting, carving and moulding every last detail, from the veins of the leaves to the faces of the nymph-like sculptures, showed just how much the people of this island must have revered the beauty of nature: bringing it into their homes, and ultimately into their lives. For the Celts and Rangers, it felt like home, and for the 'regular' folk, it was as quirky and unusual as it was stunning and beautiful.
Carla's tree-top cottage was no acceptation, it was a spacious off-white hexagonal building perched up where the largest branch of the spiralling trees split off into a triple fork: held in place by brackets and buttresses of a strange yellow crystal-like substance, and was accessible only by a wide staircase that spiralled up and around the branch from the Grey Owl's home below; emerging onto the branch that held the front of the building in place. The large branches that forked out from the cottage enabled Angel to build a new nest right alongside it, and still have enough dense canopy overhead to keep the rain out: as well as have many thick sturdy perches that could easily support her weight. The cottage had a wide porch all the way around it that doubled up as a garden, with the roof overshooting the porch and held in place by beautiful twisting columns that were made to look like linden trees. Wisteria and rose bushes clung to the ornate eaves as they climbed their way up some of the columns, though with it being autumn their flowers had long since wilted and died off, and their leaves were in the process of turning their colours and falling away. While in the garden boarders, a myriad of various flowers and herbs had grown during the season of plenty: all now dying back and becoming dormant, readying for the coming winter.
It was indeed, a most beautiful place to live: but today, taking time to admire such wonders was the last thing on Carla's mind...
As she wiped the steam off the bathroom mirror, she noticed the scars on her left shoulder and over her left eye, and thought back to how she got them in the first place. She couldn't remember how she sustained the injury over her eye per se, but she knew the one on her shoulder was from when that piece of debris went right through her, missing her heart and lungs by several inches: and how that same bit of broken wood didn't skewer her spine was a miracle in itself. The scar looked ugly and warped, as if the skin hadn't totally meshed back together properly: Breck had explained that must have been when the fire passed over her, and some burning debris must've landed over the wound; burning it and damaging the tissues quite badly. She couldn't remember being burnt, or how long she'd been lying in that hole amid the ruins of her home, slowly bleeding to death: she only remembered Ariana and Angel digging her out, and Angel using her tears to bring her back from death's door.
But despite the titan-goddess's healing power, it couldn't erase the scars: and in a way Carla wasn't too surprised by it, after all, she couldn't erase the memory of watching her son die; the two seemed to go hand in hand. She recalled how once, she overheard Bestla saying that scar's are nature's way of reminding us why we're alive: that the past is real, and that we survive for a reason. If that was true , then it was a pretty cruel reminder of the worst day in human history, and the worst day of her life. Staring into the mirror, and gazing at the reflection that stared back at her: Carla was slightly bemused for a moment, before realizing it was herself staring back...
'...Is that me?' she thought to herself: of course she'd seen her reflection before, but this time was different; she was different. Not physically (bar the scar over her left eye), but something about herself just wasn't same, not in the way it had been before that awful day over three months ago. It was true things were different now: but had she really changed that much? And if she didn't recognize herself, what else had changed that she hadn't noticed?
After finishing off drying herself with the towel: she proceeded to put some fresh clothes on, and went back to finishing off her chores for the day. Being officially barred from training for two weeks had left her very raw at first, but after her talk with Tyto in the hospital, she just didn't have the mental strength to do much else anyway. In a way, he and Bryson had actually done her a favour: being forced to go home made her realize just how much her housekeeping had been slipping over the past few months. Dust had settled onto most of the surfaces, the kitchen was in a dismal state, and the laundry was in serious need of attention: thus, the rest of the day had been spent getting the cottage back into shape.
But amid the business of housecleaning, doing the laundry and what seemed like a hundred other things to do: Carla couldn't get that talk with Tyto and Bryson out of her head. She still felt stupid and ashamed for letting her overzealousness get to this point: getting so bent out of shape and desperate to succeed, letting everyone down, and cringing at the realization that this wasn't her, this wasn't how she used to be before. If it had been one of the kid's, she'd be lecturing them on the importance of looking after themselves and slowing down; the fact it was her on the receiving end of the lecture, felt both odd and awful at the same time. But, she knew she did the right thing in not arguing back: and decided that for the next two weeks she would just avoid the Lodge and the training range altogether; out of sight, out of mind... And out of fear for being disliked by everyone.
Hell, she wouldn't be surprised if they just told her to give back her ODM gear, and quit before she did something else to embarrass herself: she wouldn't blame them, and maybe it would be for the best? Looking back over the past three months, she felt her heart sink as she realized just how reckless she'd been: so determined to be the best; her and Angel...
Angel
Gazing out the window, she saw her favourite bird-titan was gone: probably elsewhere on the island, or maybe somewhere up in Yggdrasil's branches, socializing with all the other bird-titans. Carla felt even worse, having realized how hard she'd pushed her friend to train with her: learning to use ODM gear was a real strain on the human body, but learning to use it in tandem with a titan, bird or otherwise, was even harder. How on earth Angel could be so patient was beyond her: she owed her one hell of an apology, and she had no idea where to even begin making it up to her.
As she watched the colourful exotic birds flitting about the canopy, Carla felt her melancholy return with a vengeance: she screwed up in more ways than one, and had no idea how she could make it right again...if at all?...
Outside the cottage, sitting on a huge branch above the roof: Elysia sat alone with her thoughts.
Today's events had been a real wake-up call, for both her and Carla: sensing her physical exhaustion was a stark reminder that humans were still mortal, no matter how fiercely their aura's blazed with fearlessness, determination and courage. And from the way Carla had been training, that's exactly what it looked like; it was so easy to believe she could go on forever with that kind of gutsy spunk...But then, that was exactly the reason why, she didn't see the fatigue setting in.
Angel felt horrible: Carla was her best friend, she was supposed to look out for her, and instead she let her get too carried away; the intensive training and hard-pushed attitude she could take, she was a goddess, her energy could be boundless if she wanted it to be: and that's what she did in order to keep up with her human. And now, Carla had been banned from training for a fortnight, and it was her fault for not doing something to stop her sooner...
"...You know," Hecate's familiar dry tone spoke up from behind her: "There's not much point to wallowing in self-pity: it does you no favours".Glancing over her shoulder, Elysia saw the black and white titan-goddess sitting on the branch behind her: getting up and effortlessly jumping the short distance across to sit next to her, she glanced down at the cottage with her typical stone-cold poker face, "... You do know she feels bad for pushing you as hard as she did, right?"
"I'm her best friend Hecate, I should've realized sooner how out of control she was, and like an idiot I just-, did nothing" Elysia sighed in frustration, still angry at herself. "What's done is done" Hecate waved off, "The important thing is you both realized the seriousness of it..." she glanced back down at the cottage, as she read Carla's aura, "Though, that being said: she's got to find a means to channel her anger in a more pragmatic way. Use it without becoming consumed by it..." she then glanced over at the young goddess with a hard mother hen look: "And you mustn't let yourself become so compliant in everything she asks of you: if something's up and you know it's not safe, or right, tell her and don't take no for an answer: you can speak up for yourself you know? You don't have to follow her around like a hapless fool for the sake of keeping her happy"
"Yeah, I know" Elysia nodded, "...But you do know why she pushed herself so hard in the first place, right?"
Hecate reclined back on the branch, as she let out a soft "-TCH!": "Pain is such a common diversion from grief," she thought aloud, "Pushing yourself to the point you can't think of anything else, is one way to distract your mind from it; but when your body tells you to stop, and you have to rest: you have no choice but to confront it again"
"But why is it so painful for her? I mean, I know why: Eren and Mikasawere her children after all, but why is her mind doing it to her like this? Isn't it just self-destruction?" Elysia pleaded. "It is," Hecate sighed offhand, "But then, that's how most mothers react to loosing their children; especially under those circumstance's. They were in a dangerous situation, she made a call she thought to be the right one: and it wasn't. It wasn't her fault of course, she wasn't to know things would turn out the way they did: but still, she punishes herself because it was her child; her call, and knows she has to live with that... Dispelling survivors guilt and confronting the truth of what happened is painful: and no amount of magics can help... It's one of those things she has to work through on her own"
"...I figured as much," Elysia sighed ruefully, as she tried to hold her composure, "...I wish I could've saved him"
"I know brat" Hecate sighed as she sat up and patted her on the shoulder, "Now go down there and tell her what you want her to hear: your aura's crying out to get it off your chest, so go do it already"
Taking in a deep breath, Elysia hopped her way down to the cottage: chirped loudly at the front door to get Carla's attention, and within virtually no time at all her raven-haired friend was out on the porch like an eager child who hadn't seen her best friend in the longest time.
But her smile quickly faded when she saw the hesitant look of anxiety in her vivid ice blue eyes: and as she took another deep breath, she unfolded one wing and spelt out :I wanted to say I'm sorry for letting you down:. "Letting me down?" Carla blinked in surprise, but Elysia didn't hesitate as she continued, :Yes, the way you'd been pushing yourself so hard, and being so wound up? I could see you were different, but I didn't say anything because I thought I'd be letting you down if I did. But I see now that doing nothing was the wrong call to make, I should've told you to slow down sooner, but I just went along with what you wanted, and it nearly cost you the chance to be part of the Hunt. So from now on, if something isn't right with you, or you're in danger and you don't know it, I'll stop you. Even if it means you hate me for it: she paused a brief moment, trying to keep it together before she continued :...You're my best friend Carla, and I just want what's best for you is all; so please, just let me do what's right, okay?:
Carla paused a moment: somewhat taken aback, before a sympathetic smile lit up her face and she held her arms out as she approached the bird-titan. Smiling with relief, Elysia bent right down so she could let her hug her face, and repay the gesture with a nose-boop. Stroking her cheek, Carla sighed "...Thank you Angel,", she stepped back a little so she could gaze up at her, "And I'm sorry for being such a jerk. You're right, I shouldn't have been so eager to rush into things; and now?" she hesitated nervously, "...I don't know what to do?...".
Angel sat down on the branch as Carla's eyes became filled with sadness, and as she stroked her feathers, she continued in a more regretful tone "...I thought-...I believed I was doing it for him: to seek justice and bring freedom to this walled world in their names... But all I was doing, was running away from the hurt of loosing them: and in so doing I lost myself, right to the point I nearly didn't recognize myself in the mirror; isn't that something?" she gazed up at Angel with a pained look in her eyes, but maintained her composure as tears ran down her cheeks, and she continued, "...You know what the worst part is Angel? Every morning, right before I wake up: between the darkness of sleep and the light of the waking world, I still see him crying out for me at the end of that road. Hannes is still carrying him and Mikasa as they run further and further away: I think they're going to be okay; and then I see that titan round the corner, and before they have a chance to turn back it reaches down and-
A flock of birds taking off out of the canopy nearly made them both jump: Carla wiped the tears from her cheeks and sniffed hard as she continued, "...It was out of my hands, but I still failed them none the less: I hate the titans for taking him and Mikasa away from me, but not as much I hate myself for hesitating, and not saving them sooner. I just-... I don't know what to do to make it go away? I just want to sleep without waking up to the memory of my greatest failure: but it's all I see whenever I think about Eren, only that day, and nothing else. I don't know how to see past it? To let go of this pain and just-, get on with my life,"
Angel was about to reply, when she spotted movement out the corner of her eye: turning to see what it was, she was slightly surprised to see Ariana and her mother, and Miriam along with the Cooper twins standing on the porch on the other side of the cottage. Following her line of sight, Carla was taken aback by the unexpected arrivals, and as she approached: she could tell from the looks in their eyes that they'd overheard her. Suddenly feeling embarrassed, Freya only smiled warmly as she put her arm around her shoulder, and assured her "Oh come on now don't be like that: you've already put yourself through the wringer enough times today; you've got nothing to be ashamed of". "She's right, you may not believe it now but torturing yourself ain't gonna do you many favours in the long run" Miriam stated as she folded her arms.
"Th-thank you, but what're you doing up here?" Carla nervously asked, unsure what was going on, "Oh it ain't us that's got business with you today: we're just here to back up the brats," Miriam motioned to the children. It was then Carla noticed Ariana was holding a large white envelope in both her hands, while the twins seemed to exude an air of confidence as they stood there with a glint of eagerness in their pale blue eyes. "Um?..." Ariana nervously hesitated as she stepped forward, trying to think of the right words to say: "...Look: I-, everyone, knows you've had it real rough these past few months, and they all understand the reasons why. What happened today was-, not good, but it wasn't totally bad either: I mean, you got all your house-chores done, right?" she smiled nervously, to which Carla couldn't help but smile, "Well? The laundry was well overdue for a fluff an' fold" she replied with a forced smile. "Well? That's one good thing you can take away from today, and we're here to give you another two"
"Another two?" Carla blinked in bemusement, "...Here: I'll give you mine first," Ariana handed her the envelope: taking it, Carla opened the flap and pulled out the sheet of rectangular parchment inside; when she flipped it around to read it, she was instead, greeted by something wholly different. Something that brought her train of thought to a screeching halt, and made her stare at the parchment in awe and shock. Ariana took that as he cue to continue: "...The way I see it? You don't have anything good to focus on: no happy memories you can recall, and remember Eren as he was in better times, and not-, how he left this world...What I'm trying to say Mrs Jaeger, is I hope this will help you remember the good times: the bad ones will come and go I think? But if this gives you a reason to slow down and take things easier? Then that'll be fine" she smiled anxiously.
Carla didn't know what to think, as she stared at the parchment with tears in her eyes, and her face unable to express the heartfelt tender happiness she was feeling right now: "...I-...I d-don't what to s-say? ..." she stuttered. "Well hopefully? You'll agree to the second one," Ariana smiled sheepishly, "The second one?" she glanced at her in confusion. Lucy and Lucius both approached her, and holding her hands in theirs, gazed up at her with a frank yet optimistic look: "Listen..." Lucius started, "We know we're not Eren and Mikasa, but will this okay?..." Lucy smiled.
Carla didn't know what they were talking about at first, until she suddenly remembered saying those exact words four years ago: "We chose not to go back to our parents, and you look like you need someone to help you out a little... You were there for us at a time when the only two people in the world who were should have to come to our rescue, didn't. And now? With everything that's happened, we'd like to return the favour: if that's okay with you?" Lucius asked anxiously. Realizing what this was about about: Carla felt her heart throb as she got down on her knees and scooped all three children up in one big bear hug; tears pouring down her face as she sobbed in joyous appreciation, "...Why're you doing this?" was all she could think to say, "Because..." Ariana sighed with a rueful smile, "We're family, and we're here for you...I know I couldn't save Eren that day, and I'll carry that with me for the rest of my life: just like everything else that happened that day...But we were there...All of us... We were there, and we picked each other up and got out together..." Ariana paused a moment as she tried to maintain her composure, blinking back the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes, "...In a way, we're still holding onto each other: trying to find our way through all this; and even though we don't know where we're going? I know we can only do it if we're all together... So I hope, at the very least: this will give some better reasons to want to fight; one's that will make you smile, and not let you be consumed by the pain" she gestured to the parchment.
Letting another wave of sobs wash over her, Carla couldn't stop smiling as she continued to hug the children: "...Thank you so much, all of you" she sobbed: "It's okay Mrs Jaeger" Ariana patted her on the back, "Oh, please," Carla wiped the tears from her cheeks, "You can call me Carla". "I'll go put the tea on," Freya smiled as she headed inside the cottage: "Guess you brats'll wanna go pack your things, eh?" Miriam asked offhand with a satisfied smirk. Watching the happy little scene, Elysia couldn't help but cry in a mix of relief and joy, and she watched Carla hug the children. High above, Hecate watched with a satisfied smirk, before gazing up at the sky and thinking offhand, 'Funny... How some things work out'.
The following day, late afternoon:
As the final training session wound up for the day, Bryson watched as Carla, Lucy, Lucius and Angel stared clearing up the equipment off the range: watching them, he was struck by the sudden turn-around in Carla's attitude, and how it was almost as if the events of yesterday never happened, as she smiled, laughed and chatted with the twins and bird-titan.
"...Did I miss something?" he frowned in confusion as Tyto approached him, "Heh, I'll tell you about it over dinner," Tyto smiled as he patted him on the shoulder, "But before that, there's one last bit of business to tie up at the Lodge" he motioned for him to follow as he led the way: the short walk through the forest soon brought them to the clearing where the Lodge was situated. Stopping in his tracks, Bryson was surprised to see the entire band of volunteers, their family's and the rest of the heretics and traitors standing in the clearing. On the other side of the lodge, a good number of tables and chairs had been set up with bowls and plates of food laid out in readiness for a grand feast, and just off from the clearing, a fire pit had been dug out and a colossal boar was roasting over the huge open fire, being turned by a couple of people on a long rotisserie. At the front of the group, Freya and several of the volunteers wives stood with a large parcel in hand, wrapped in the leaves of the great tree and tied up with dried braided grasses.
"What's this?" The former Scout smiled in pleasant surprise, "A little something me an' lad's arranged: as a token of our appreciation in helping us to get ready for the hunt," Tyto smiled, before Ratatosk stepped forward to humbly speak: "...Despite our own knowledge of the wild, and the ways of the forest: the titan's invasion of Maria taught us how unprepared we were to handle them adequately: and although the discovery of the journal and its importance cannot be underestimated, it cannot be denied that if it had not been for you, Bryson Leon, we would never have known how to hunt, fight and kill the beasts in the first place. Never in the history of our people has such a creature had to be reckoned with: and thanks to the wisdom and bravery of the Scouting legion, we at last, have the means to fight this enemy. So to this effect, we present you with this gift of appreciation and brotherhood"
After handing him the parcel, Freya and the others all watched as he opened it: and was taken aback by what greeted him. "It's you're old cloak" Freya smiled, "We took the liberty of patching it back together: and giving it a make-over (of sorts); with a Celtic twist thrown in". The cloak was just how he remembered it, with all its little repaired rips and frays exactly as they were, but with one major difference. Instead of the wings of freedom crest, a new insignia was sewn upon the back: two fork-tailed hawks, one white and the other dark blue, intertwined with their wings and tails spread wide; almost resembling the wings of freedom. The dark blue one held a spear in it's talons, while the white one held a tree branch, and behind them, a big gold and orange sun with long rays reaching out into a circular blue sky filled up the space between their wings. As he studied the image, Bryson was both amazed and humbled.
"In our culture, the fork-tailed hawk is the farthest flying of all the birds, the most resilient, and the most daring: that is why, his is the totem of strength, courage and tenacity, and the spirit guide of all warriors and kings. The spear, is the spear of Siegfried the Great: the first Celtic warrior to fight the gods and earn his place amongst the stars, becoming our people's watcher and protector. The branch is that of the Linden tree, the symbol of hope and the promise of better things to come: and the sun hails the dawn of the day, when hopeful, the last titan will fall, the walls will come crumbling down, and the world will suffer the titans rule no more" Evrard explained, "No greater honour can be bestowed upon one of the regular folk, than to bare our people's most sacred emblems: as of this day, you walk among us as a brother, and master hunter of the titans"
"Here's to the titan hunter!" one of the Celt's hollered, to which everyone gave a resounding cheer. "Now come on you lot! We got a feast to put away!" Falken smiled as he led the way over to the outdoor dinning area. "Guys," Bryson smiled in heartfelt gratitude, "I don't know what to say?", "Just try it on" Breck smirked as he came up alongside him: throwing the cloak over his shoulders and buttoning it up, Freya smiled in delight, "Oh, it suits you!". "Now come on, let's eat, I'm starving!" Gustav pipped in.
"HEY YOU GUYS!" Bemadette's voice echoed from out of the trees,
Everyone stopped and turned to see Shadow, Midnight and Boar approaching from out of the forest, with Ariana, Bemadette, Ash, Rowan, Dale, Clay and Hazel standing on their shoulders: "Hey, where've you lot been all this time?" Tyto smiled as the titans kneeled down in front of the crowd: "You're just in time for the feast" Evrard smiled. "That's great, but before that, Shadow's got a surprise to show everyone!" Bemadette smiled as she jumped off the god-titan's shoulder, into his waiting palm, and down to the ground: "Another surprise?" Bryson smiled, "Trust me, you'll love this!" Ariana grinned madly as Shadow held up one hand and spelt out, : I've found a solution to the pairing blade problem:
Everyone's smiles dropped, as they all gazed up at the god-titan in a mix of surprise and bemusement, "A solution? How?" Tyto blinked in surprise, :Just watch: Boar spelt out as he grinned in eager anticipation. Holding out both his hands palms facing up, Shadow's tattoos around his hands and forearms began to glow their characteristic soft blue, and as he clenched both palms into fists, an intense electric blue glow shone from out of the gaps between his fingers and the folds of his skin. Watching in a mix of wonder and anticipation, everyone waited as Shadow unclenched his fists; and there, sitting in both palms, were a set of blue crystal pairing blades.
"What?" Gustav stared at the blades in wide-eyed amazement, "I know right?!" Ariana beamed as she hopped down to the ground, picking up one of the blades and latching it into the clip plug of her right hand grip, "And check out how sharp they are!" she swung her arm back and sliced a nearby boulder clean through. Everyone gasped as the top half of the rock slid down and hit the ground: feeling it, Gustav was shocked at how clean a cut it was; the stone felt like polished marble, and the blade didn't even have a single knick in it.
"Unbelievable" Evrard gasped, "Most fascinating!" Claude grinned as he looked up at the god-titan, "How on earth did you come by this, ol' chap?", :Keeper showed me. It turns out we're able to create our own crystal, some more than others, and in amounts that can be sculpted into whatever we wish: Shadow replied with a satisfied grin, "And the best part, it's virtually indestructible: look," Ariana held up the blade for Bryson to take a better look, "It didn't even chip"
Looking the blade over, Bryson was astounded by the level of detail: it looked-, no, it was exactly like an ultrahard steel paring blade, complete with anchor clips. Touching the side, the surface felt like glass, and as he ran his fingers over the blade edge, he could feel just how sharp it was as he felt the edge catch each ridge of his dermal papillae. "...Oh my god," he breathed as he gazed up at Shadow, "How the hell were you able to do this?"
:A lot of practice, and a lot of trial and error: the god-titan replied sheepishly, :Do you think it will suffice in place of the ultrahard steel?:, "Are you kidding?!" Gustav nearly gawked, "That stuff can slice through solid rock without chipping! There's no way ultrahard steel can match up to that!" he glanced over at Tyto and Bryson excitedly, "Guys, we have our pairing blades!".
Hearing that, a wave of excitement and cheer washed over the crowd as they bunched in closer to inspect the other three blades in Shadow's hands: "Alright now settle down everybody, you can check them out in the morning: tonight is Bryson's night, and we've got a whole colossal boar to get through" Tyto announced over the crowd .
As the people dispersed, the other kids climbed down off the titans to join the grown-up's at their sides: "Bryson's night? What's going on?" Ariana asked offhand, "Apparently, I'm being honoured as the new 'master titan hunter'" Bryson smiled as he turned around to show them his new cloak. "Oh wow!" Ariana, Clay and Hazel beamed, "Told you it was a new cloak, pay up!" Rowan grinned as he elbowed his brothers. "Wow, congrats," Bemadette smiled, before glancing over at Gustav like an excited puppy, "So does this mean we can use the ultrahard steel for the clawed gauntlets?" she asked eagerly. Gustav couldn't help but smile as he shook his head, "First thing in the morning, get your stuff and get what you need: we're gonna be gonna be busy for the next few weeks" he sighed, "WOOHOO! YES!" she punched the air as she ran off towards the feast, "Thanks pops!" she shouted back. "So does this mean we can get back to the training?" Ariana asked offhand, "I should think so," Bryson smiled as he gazed up at Shadow, "And you: you better get some sleep; you're going to be busy tomorrow", :I figured as much, and probably for the foreseeable future: Shadow replied with a happy sigh, "Seriously though," Bryson smiled, "Thank you: you never fail to amaze me", "Amaze all of us you mean!" Evrard chuckled as he patted his son and daughter on the back, "Come on, we can talk about it over dinner"
Later that evening:
The sun had long since set by the time the party was beginning to wind-down: and everyone slowly started to make their way back to their homes. Bryson was still wearing his new cloak as he followed his brother and Claude up the spiralling trees to their tree-house. Glancing up through the canopy, he saw the lights in Carla's windows were still lit, and something suddenly came to mind: "Hey uh, guys? You go on ahead, there's something I nearly forgot to take care of" he said as he turned around, and headed off onto another branch that led around to the other side of the Grey Owl's tree-house, "Okay, just be quiet if you're late coming in" Breck waved off as he held his dizzying head; he knew Freya's fruit wines would come back to haunt him in the morning.
Following the paths and spiralling staircases up the tree to Carla's cottage, Bryson quietly slipped past Angel, who was fast asleep in her nest, tentatively knocked on the door, and waited several seconds before Carla opened it; "Bryson?" she blinked in surprise, "Uh, hi" he sheepishly smiled, "I know it's a tad late, but, I was wondering if I could just have a quick word?"
"Who is it?" Lucius called out from somewhere inside the cottage, "It's Bryson," Carla called back, "Please, come on in" she stepped aside to let him in: stepping into the cosy abode, he saw Lucy and Lucius sitting at the table, inspecting one of the blue crystal pairing blades. "We heard the news about Shadow's pairing blades: Ash dropped one of them off for us to have a look at" she smiled as she approached the table, "It's beautiful" Lucy smiled as she ran her hand over the sides of the blade, "And so sharp, this will definitely do the job of cutting through the titan's napes" Lucius added. "Oh by the way, love the new cloak" Lucy glanced up at the former Scout, "Sorry for not sticking around the party longer, we were all pretty bushed by the time we'd finished clearing away the training equipment". "We did have some of the boar though, it was real good" Lucius threw in. "Yep, the Deer Clan sure know how to roast a mean boar..." Bryson smiled, before turning to Carla with a more frank look: "Um? Do you mind if we talk in privet for a moment? It's nothing serious, just-, grown up stuff," he offered the twins an apologetic look.
"Sure, you can help me put the tea on," Carla smiled as she led the way into the kitchen, and after closing the door behind them, reached for the pot of tea leaves in the cupboard, while Bryson got the black iron kettle from off the nearby shelf. "So? What 'grown-up stuff' did you want to talk about?" she smiled. Pausing a moment, Bryson wasn't too sure at first, but the nagging thought in the back of his mind won out over his sensibilities, and he asked as sensitively as he could: "...Are you, okay? Today you seemed to be a completely different person compared to yesterday". Carla paused a moment, before letting a small smile pull at her lips, "...Oh, right..." she sighed sheepishly as she filled the kettle with water, and put it on the stove, "Yesterday was-, complicated...It was one of those day's where I realised I'd been about things totally the wrong way: and it took someone with a very big and very understanding heart to snap me back to reality"
"Ariana?..." Bryson smiled, Carla glanced at him surprised, before smiling timidly, "So you heard what happened?". "Freya and Tyto filled me in on the details over dinner: you can thank Poppy for that masterpiece by the way, I know she's always had a 'thing' for drawing, but wow. I didn't expect her to be able capture such a likeness" he explained. "Neither did I, and it's a good skill to have" Carla agreed as she lit the fire in the stove and closed the door, before getting back on track, "...Look, I'm sorry for how I've behaved these past few months: I have no excuses and I'm not going to offer any"
"Why? What is there to be sorry for?..." Bryson blinked in surprise: stepping in front of her and looking her in the eye,"...In the Scouts, coming back from an expedition was always a relief: but the part that always brought us back to reality, was heading back through that gate, and seeing the faces of the mothers who's sons or daughters didn't make it back. I would see them gazing up at me, at all of us, checking our faces to see if it was them; and the look that filled their eyes when they realized they weren't there? ...You become desensitised in a way, because its the only way your mind can preserve your sanity, amid such horror and carnage. But seeing the heartbroken look in those mothers eyes? And seeing them fall to their knee's in tears? You never get used to that: and it's not something your supposed to get used to either..."
A moment of uncertain silence stretched out between them, before Bryson sighed, "...Carla, if anyone owes an apology here, it's me: I'm sorry I failed to realize you were still grieving, and I'm even more sorry for not realizing you were trying to find a way out of the pain" he paused a moment as he swallowed hard, "...I have to confess, this is something I've never really been good at: both of us really. Between seeing death left right and centre as a Scout, and Break unable to save every patient he treats: death is something we've been accustomed to over time; and in a way? I guess it's numbed us to the fact some people really struggle to deal with it... Some, can't even deal with it at all..." He met her gaze with look of shame in his eyes, "I guess, what I'm trying to say is: I'm sorry, for not having the empathy to see things from your point of view, and I'm sorry I just brushed yesterday off as an overreaction"
"No-" she stopped him, "Bryson, It's okay, really: I need to apologize for nearly loosing it like that; and-, for everything prior to that," she added as she took the boiling kettle off the stove with a thick rag, and poured the water into the teapot, adding two teaspoons of tea-leaves to steep: "And you're right, I was trying to find a way out of the pain..." she hesitated as she passed a rueful sigh, "...Parents, are not supposed to bury their children: and suffice to say, they should never have to see them die in person... For a long time I couldn't see anything past the memory of that day: and I never will, not entirely; but what Ariana did, reminded me of the better memories I have: the one's worth looking back on and holding close to my heart..." she gazed out the window, as an owl sat perched on a branch outside: "...I don't know how the Hunt's going to go: how much danger we'll have to contend with, and how many good people we'll loose along the way; but I do know, regardless of what happens, I'll have no reason to be a suicidal idiot," she couldn't help but smile, "I know now, how to keep that pain in check: and I'll deal with it on my own terms in my own time. For now though: I'd like to have to have the opportunity to make it up to you, and everyone else in the Hunt. I know I can't be part of the training sessions for the next two weeks, but in the meantime, I can be of use elsewhere around the Lodge"
"Yeah, Tyto told me you'd like to keep busy with some 'other chores' around the place," Bryson smiled as she poured the tea, and handed him the cup, "And I don't have any issue with that... Actually? Now that I think about it: you could help out with a few things that've cropped up of late. I take it you've heard we're all picking bird names as pseudonyms for when we're out in Maria?"
"Yeah, the twins filled me in yesterday," Carla nodded, before taking a sip of her tea, "Not a bad idea actually... But, even if they had the means to keep the titans away, why would the Wall Cult want to venture out into Maria?", "Well?..." Bryson glanced at her frankly, "When you think about it: a whole land completely devoid of people, leaves a lot of room open for who-knows-what to go on. Despite being a force to reckon with, their reasoning has never been totally clear at times: and if its the Disciples who decide to take advantage of the abandoned lands, then we have to be prepared for anything" he took a sip of tea, "Which reminds me, have you thought of a name for yourself yet?"
Carla smiled as she reached into her blouse, and pulled out the dove pendant that hung around her neck: running her thumb over it, she confidently met his gaze: "...You know? Freya told me an interesting Celtic belief a few years ago now: she said that white doves are considered sacred by the Celts; the one bird they'll never kill no matter how hungry they may be. Because they're considered to be the children of the great sky spirit, made from the white clouds and the winds that blow high up above the trees and mountains: they're the souls of those who've passed on, returned to the earth as pure spirits, to watch over those they've left behind, and to bring hope to those who despair... I don't know why, but that always stayed with me: something about it just-, sounded reassuring, I suppose? ...And thinking about it, I think that's what I'd like to be... The dove that brings hope,"
"And kills titans like a colossal boar stampeding through the forest," Bryson chuckled, "No seriously, It suits you: and actually? Given Angel's plumage you two will be an even better match", "I suppose you're right there," Carla smiled offhand, "I just hope everyone'll be able to see me okay, what with the 'uniform' I picked out for myself". "Uniform?" Bryson raised an eyebrow, "Oh, you'll see when I start training again: in the meantime it still needs a few tweaks here and there, so it's not ready anyway," she motioned to the small study through the other door, where a peddle-powered sewing machine sat on it's own small stand, with pieces of clothing laid out all around on the larger table nearby: still in the process of being put together. "Oh, right I see," Bryson nodded, "Well, in any case, Dove's a good one: I haven't quite made my mind up yet on 'Free Wing', it has a ring of sorts but I'm not sure? What with all the good names already taken I'm sort of getting hard-pressed to think up something original"
"Free Wing?" she nearly chuckled, "As in, the wings of freedom?". "Is it really that obvious?" he deadpanned. "Pretty much!" the twins replied from the other side of the door, to which both grown ups sighed in exasperation: "...Why don't we go into the other room, and we can discuss those 'other chores' in more detail?", she smiled as she walked over to the kitchen door, "Carla-..." Bryson stopped her, "... I'm glad you're okay..."
She simply smiled back: "...Thank you Bryson, ". She opened the door, "...Now, the twins had an idea for a new training exercise"
One week later, in the city of Omnes Scientiam:
"We must've searched half this level by now?" Drake thought aloud as he glanced up at the towering bookshelves, "Though, I'm still amazed we've been able to get away with coming up here for a week straight now"
"Then don't waste our time by stating the obvious: keep looking" Lawrence flatly replied as he kept flicking through the book he had in his lap, "You know? I know this search is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, but would it kill you to have a little more optimism?" Drake dryly huffed as he walked back the way he came, into the central hall where all the book aisles branched out from.
Craning his head up at all the book shelves that loomed some ten to fifteen meters high, and seemed to stretch on forever into the seemingly endless building. Drake had to admit this search was beginning to loose its momentum: with so much knowledge stored in one building (nevermind one whole city), he never thought it would be possible to not find what he was looking for.
But as he turned around to try his luck down one of the larger corridors, he nearly jumped when he saw Coatl looming over him like a patient dog waiting for its owner; "-Oh, don't scare me like that Coatl!" Drake patted his chest, trying to slow his fast-beating heart, "It's not time to go home yet, surely?" he met the placid winged serpent's gaze .
:You've got another three hours before the boat departs: a long line of words materialized in front of him: gazing behind him, Drake blinked in surprise as Iris approached him with a friendly smile: "Oh, Miss Iris," he realized sheepishly, "Sorry, I didn't hear you coming... You're not going to tell Derek and Claude we snuck up here are you? Only, we're not supposed to be up on this level,"
:Oh, I think I can keep a secret or two. How has your search been going?: she spelt out with her staff as she bent right down to met his eyeline, "Not good, we haven't found anything on the titans yet; and what about you? Have you found anything yet?" he asked offhand as he climbed up into her waiting palm. "Well? I'm not sure? I found something; I'm just not sure its got anything to do with what your looking for:. Drake gazed up at her in excitement, "Really? What? Can you show me?"
Smoothly slithering her way through the maze of corridors and aisles with Coatl following close behind, Iris soon came to a seemingly empty wall: she tapped it once with the end of her crystal staff, and all at once a door materialized from out of the marble, as if it were emerging out of water. Drake stared in wide-eye astonishment as the door opened to reveal a long dark corridor, "Whoa! What is that?! And how'd you do it?!" he beamed. :This,: she gestured to the door as she slithered inside, :Is one of the countless unseen archives that run throughout the city. There is so much knowledge within Omnes Scientiam, that it cannot all be displayed in the libraries and museums: much of it is bundled paper-work, journals, diaries, and other 'loose' works that have to be stored in boxes and filing drawers: she explained.
As she headed into the darkness, guided by the glow of her crystal staff, Drake watched as the door closed behind them with Coatl waiting outside, :The people that used to live and work here, would gather and process their knowledge here, and store it for when they were ready to put it all into a book. It could be that what you seek, might not be a published work: so I've been looking through all these archives, in the hope that something might be hidden in here: she explained. "Huh, and I thought this city couldn't get any bigger" Drake blinked in surprise.
Unlike the libraries and museums, which were filled with light, colour and beautiful architecture, this place was dark, gloomy and dull: as Iris slithered along, Drake saw rows upon rows of tall shelves stacked with various-sized boxes and crates, all with numbers painted on small hanging signs along each row, with huge tall filing drawers and cabinets in between. There was nothing inviting about this place, and it felt rather spooky: what with the long dark shadows and ominous darkness that lay beyond the reach of Iris's light. Sensing his nervousness, she held him close to her side, and spelt out :Don't worry, there's nothing to be afraid of. We haven't got far to go now:
Slithering on for what seemed like another two hundred yards, they eventually came to the end of one long row of shelves, where a large blue book sat by the wall, along with a pile of other smaller books that looked to have been dusted off. Holding her hand up to the shelf so Drake could reach them, the boy took the whole pile and placed it in her hand. :It was random luck, coming across these books. I used a finding to spell to try and find 'Titans', but instead, it led me to these. What do you think?: she queried.
Opening the large blue book, Drake scanned over the first several pages, and it didn't seemed to be anything of interest...At first.
But as he continued to flick through, an illustration caught his eye. It was an anatomical drawing depicting a titan from the side: the titan seemed to look just like a regular titan, except it had well toned muscles, a regular human-looking face, and long pointed ears; it didn't look too unusual, except for the nape. The skin over the nape and neck was opened up in an almost surgical-like manner, and a man seemed to be emerging out from the muscle and sinew: his arms, face, chest and sides seemed to be attached to the inside of titan's neck by a series of long fleshy string-like attachments, as if he were physically merged with the titan itself. Staring at the image, Drake read the text next to it, but it was all comprised of long 'hard-to-pronounce' words he didn't understand: flicking through some more pages, he saw more illustrations of the same thing: people physically merged with titans via the nape of the neck... What on earth was this?
Eventually, he came to a page where the text was more simplified, and he could understand some of it: "...Titan-shifter?..." He read aloud as his eyes scanned down the page, "...What the hell?" he thought aloud as he frowned in confusion.
:Is this what you were looking for?: Iris asked,
"...No..." Drake glanced up at her with a look of realization in his eyes, "...This is something else: we need to get Claude and Derek up here; I think they'll want to see this"
Don't forget to R&R please :)