Chapter 17
The sounds of a stampede seem to echo in the expanse from beyond the wall as the Scout legion ride their stallions forward. The dust is thick from not just the dry dirt being continuously stomped on but also from the dilapidated structures that was once a bustling town right before the Gate. Calian keeps his gaze on the horizon before him, even when it was announced by Section Commander Hanje Zoe that there was already a 10 meter approaching them from the left.
"Oh how I'm so interested in seeing what's inside that glorious stomach!"
The two Scouts closest to the left side formation hop to their feet atop their stallion sand fly into the air to engage the Titan. A part of the Teen wants him to jump in as well but he knows that he cannot. It's the support teams assignment to keep those ugly bastards off our backs, just gotta trust they'll see it through. He snaps the reigns to make his horse run faster As Erwin commands the legion to press forward, needing to break out of the abandoned city.
Calian takes a second to glance at all his comrades. To his right were Connie, Armin, and Reiner. Ahead of him to his left were Mikasa, Jean, Bert, and Sasha. His heart tightens but he swallows down the worry. She'll be alright Cal, ya can trust her. He prays that everyone else will make it as well as they finally clear the city limits. He gasps at the view. A large expanse of greenery was before his very eyes. So full of life, with scattered herds of animals and great fields of flowers. He shakes his head from the beauty of the natural world, how the sunlight seems so much more vibrant now than it ever did inside those walls. How long has it been since I've seen something like this? Almost forgot that there was more to the world than walls in every corner of my eyesight.
His sharp sight catches Erwin leading the charge, with his arm stretched to his left as he orders, "Go into long-range scouting formation!"
Immediately the groups of soldiers split off from the single line formation they started from and quickly spread until they fully formed the formation for which Erwin became famous for creating.
"See you round, good luck!" Reiner says before heading off with a small group to the right side formation.
Calian can here Jean yell to Armin, "Do us a favor, if you run into a titan don't piss yourself."
Armin, as determined as every, replies, "Yea same goes for you."
He snorts, I don't know if he was bein genuine or just tryin to cut back but that was kinda funny.
Calian stays towards the center of the formation, remembering what his assignment was. For now he will be on standby until a Section commander orders him to deliver any news to whichever other team needs to be addressed. As they ride, Calian takes a moment to appreciate how well thought out the long range formation was. A huge semi-circle with no less than five groups all within view of signal fire on all sides. He remembers Gunther explain to him and Eren that the main idea for the formation is not to engage titans, but to avoid them so as to limit casualties. Whenever any squad catche3s sight of a Titan, they'll immediately fire a flare so that all groups will see and pass on the message, and then the entire formation will move itself away without having to keep itself from getting to its destination. No wonder everyone holds Commander Erwin to a high regard. He had everythin planned to the last detail, even which flare to use to describe the Titan class, be it regular titans or abnormals. It definitely helped to limit casualties… but it's still pretty damn high.
They had been riding for almost two hours now and Calian's instincts were on high alert, the hairs on the back of his neck raising as just as he passes a tree, a Titan appears, moving on all fours. One of the soldiers near him screams, "We have an abnormal!"
Calian gripped his ODM to take out the Titan but, just as the support Squad did, two members in the group he's with hop off their horses and simultaneously cut off the titans limbs despite it lunging towards them, it's jaw clamping shut in the air completely missing them. IT tumbles to the ground as the two Scouts fly down from on high and cut off the nape in an impressive display of teamwork.
He probably should be paying attention to what's ahead of him but he's still stupefied. The level of skill displayed by the Scouts is nothing short of amazing. During the battle of Trost he had seen the Garrison tangle with the Titans and though many fearlessly battled well, it was nowhere near the level that the Survey Corp was on.
The commander of the Squad he was currently with notices the large and gaping Soldier staring at them and grunts out, "Close your trap already and focus! Head over to the right flank and see if they have anything to report."
"Pardon for askin sir but what would there be to report?"
"Am I gonna expect you to question every order I make son?" A healthy amount of annoyance was laced in his tone.
"No sir, I was just curious is all."
"Hmph, well if you must know, one of the smaller objectives we have is to scout for any areas that can prove to be a suitable location for possible resupply stations. It'll give future Expeditions more breathing room. (Scoffs) if it'll even last that long."
The teen can understand the grim outlook. During his time in the training Corp, the dangers of the Titans were hammered very well into their young minds. How dangerous an expedition is. And just how difficult it was to find any success and even when they did, it wouldn't last. The longest recorded time a base beyond the wall lasted was 3 weeks before it was completely decimated. Still, doesn't mean we have to give up.
Calian snaps his horse into full speed towards the right flank, thankful he was given a horse with such high endurance, given the nature of his assignment. The feeling of foreboding he has doesn't go away. In fact it worsens. He tries to shake it off, probably just nerves on being on in first true expedition. But then he remembers when he had gone hunting with Sasha. She would always say that when in the forest, always trust your instincts, it's the only way to keep you from going from the predator to the prey. Now not many people take Sasha seriously, but if there's one thing everyone can agree on, it's that her instincts were never wrong. Howlett encourages his horse to run faster, a new urgency pushing him. Ten minutes later, his instincts were proven to be right as in the distance he sees a black flare soar into the sky. Shit an abnormal! "Hiya!"
His horse neighs as it starts sprinting, the air making his cloak whip behind him. He leans forward more trying to keep his large frame from catching too much wind resistance. He gets closer and closer to where the smoke originates from. Soon enough, he finds himself within enough distance to see make out the situation and what he sees shocks him to his core. He almost stops his horse as he watches a Titan that has to be around 14 or 15 meters tall hovering over Armin who's laying in shock on the ground. He couldn't blame him, because this titan was different. Not just like how normal and abnormal titans are different, but its physicality as well. It looked to have the figure of that of a woman with blonde hair framing its large face. As he gets closer he can even make out its piercing blue eyes that gaze upon Armin's.
But what stuns him the most is that it's making no moves to kill his friend. It looks like it pulled back his hood to see his face. Why would it do that? No titan, be it normal or abnormal has ever been recorded doin somethin like this. He looks far behind the two and sees the dead bodies of two Scouts, their gear broken beyond repair and their bodies horrifically smashed to a pulp… but seemingly intact. It didn't even try to eat them? Either it's a new type of abnormal… or a human! He shakes his head, No don't jump to conclusions. There's no way that can be true. Eren bein a shifter, the colossal titan possibly bein a shifter and this? There's no way!
The titan takes off as it drops his hood, running ahead of them with unnerving purpose. Instead of going after it, he checks on his friend. He doesn't even wait until his horse is at a full stop, he just leaps off and lands near Armin, gingerly grasping his shoulders as he checks him, "Armin?! Armin! Armin talk to me, did it hurt ya?!"
Armin doesn't respond. He stays staring after the titan with unblinking eyes. "It… it doesn't make any sense, why didn't it kill me? It pulled back my hood and looked at my—" He touches his face, "why would it need to check my face?"
Calian shakes him lightly, snapping him out of it. "I don't know but I'm glad your alright. Can ya stand?"
His blonde friends nods stiffly but Cal still gives him a helping hand to get back on his feet. Before he can ask him anything else, Reiner appears calling after them, thankfully holding the reins of Armin's horse.
"Hey what the hell are you two doing? This is full blown titan country you can't be without a horse!"
Cal shrugs, "Oh ya know we thought this would be a great place as any to try to get a tan."
Reiner smirks but doesn't comment. He waits until the two climb back to their horses and chase after the Female titan. It was rather quick to find themselves right on it's tail. Good cause I don't want us to have to push our horses to hard for now.
"I came as fast as I could when I saw the black smoke. Nice ass for an abnormal, you gotta admit."
Calian looks at him with disgust, "Uh, no the fuck I don't. What the hell is wrong with ya?!"
Reiner shrugs, "I'm just saying!"
"I'm really scared to find out what else is goin on in that messed up mind of yours."
Reiner laughs, though Cal doesn't witness the quick twist in his expression before returning to a smile. "Besides Reiner, I'm not so sure it's an abnormal."
Armin agrees, "He's right. It's a person controlling a titan body."
Cal sighs, "Ya know I still was hopin ya'd say I was wrong."
"Wait what?!" Reiner asks but there was no time to elaborate.
"We need to fire off a signal to warn the others!" Armin says as he reaches for his flare. He checks the horse but it seems like there's no more flares in the pouch. Oh no, they must've fallen out when I fell off my horse!
Seeing his friends panic, Howlett quickly takes out an extra flare form his pouch an tosses it to his friend. "Here!"
Armin smiles as he catches it and quickly tries loading his flare gun but once again, something's not working. "Oh come on it's an emergency!"
Thankfully Jean catches up to them from behind and fires off a shot of his own, relieving the boys as they finally were able to warn their comrades. "Looks like Jean got you covered!"
3 more shots fire to the left, this time their color was yellow, grimly signifying the loss of Scout life. "Dammit, we've already lost a lot people!"
Reiner agrees with his larger comrade, "IF we suffer anymore casualties we won't be able to carry on that much longer!"
Finally side by side with the rest, Jean informs them, "Yea apparently most of them were wiped out by a Titan ambush. I don't know how it happened, but it was bad. Sons of bitches were lightning fast! The spotters didn't have time to react. Whoever's left is trying to hold them off but that means now there's no one on lookout." He grips his reins tighter, his teeth gritted with the same level of tension. "Talk about a setback right? If we don't watch ourselves we'll all get wiped out!"
"… Wait she came from the same direction, no way! Was it leading the Titans?"
Alarmed, Howlett looks back and forth from the Female titan to Armin, "Wh-what you're serious? Ya think it could actually do that?"
"There's no way it can be a coincidence. There's too much evidence pointing to that conclusion!"
"Why the hell's she running from us, by the way?" Jean asks.
Calian begins to think, "and why would she pull off Armin's hood to check his face… unless!"
He and Armin share a look, both can tell that they've each come to the same conclusion. "She's looking for someone."
"Please say you're not serious!"
"Why do you think that?" Reiner asks.
Cal is the one to answer, "This titan ain't actin like the others. It killed two scouts, not ate, killed. Smashed them to pieces then spared Armin. But it did only after it pulled off his hood and checked his face."
"And when she killed the others, she didn't try to stop and eat she just swatted them like flies and kept moving. It was like she was looking for someone in particular."
"the only logical conclusion to that has to be Eren." Call supplies.
"Eren? But he's with the Levi squad, they're spearheading the right-wing. Or, they were."
This gives Howlett pause. That wasn't true at all. He was there with Levi squad when they were preparing for the 57th Expedition, Gunther explained that they will be placed in the safest position in the formation, the rear center rank. But I thought that was known throughout the Scouts? Cal listens and finds that all three were given false information, Jean was told that Eren would be placed in the left wing while Reiner and Armin were told he was placed in the right. Calian growls as he begins to get frustrated. This makes no damn sense! Why would anyone give conflictin info like that especially on an expedition?! Someone must be screwin with Commander Erwin!
He tunes back just in time to be impressed as Armin correctly deduced where Eren is actually placed. But Jean has had enough, "Armin! Now's not the time to be chasing our own tails about this! We gotta get word out how dangerous this thing is and smoke signals aren't gonna cut it! At this rate she'll cut down the command squad. We let that happen, the formation goes to hell!"
"It's my job to send info between ranks. I could do it but at the rate this thing is goin, even with my horse, the both of us will arrive at the same time. We gotta slow her down her and now at least!"
"You have a plan?" Reiner asks.
"I'm thinkin!"
"Look we're gonna have to wing it or something, anything that'll distract her enough to get Cal a headstart and a chance for the platoon to retreat. If we're careful from this distance, we should be able to manage it!" he looks away with an unsure expression while adding in a lower voice, "And make it out alive… Maybe anyway."
Cal shrugs, "Maybe's bout as good as we'll get right now."
"We have to be careful though! She's smarter than what we're used to and to her we're nothing more than insects. One swipe of that arm and we're all flattened!"
Jean looks freaked by that particular statement and the larger teen gives his much smarter friend a deadpan glare, "If we make outta this alive we really gotta work on your beside manners."
Armin flinches slightly, "Sorry."
Reiner adds in, "Seriously what have you done with the real jean? The one I know could only be counted on looking out for himself."
Calian rolls his eyes, "you're next after Armin Reiner."
"Just saying!"
"is this really the time?"
"Yea my bad."
"Alright," Howlett cracks his neck and glares, "Let's do this shit!"
"Before you go, everyone put your hoods on, don't let her see your face. Id she's looking for someone specific, she won't mow us down unless she's sure we're not them." Armin advises as he places his hood on.
Reiner smirks, "I don't think that'll work for Howlett, he's like 3 times bigger than Eren, he'll stick out like a sore thumb."
"Keep talkin Reiner and I must just feed ya to her myself." He retorts half-heartedly.
They all get their hoods on and race faster to get themselve's closer. Strangely the Female Titan seems to slow down. Whether it's because she's anticipating an attack or just feeling tired is unknown to the tanned soldier. All he knows is that they all have an open window to do some damage. Armin and Calian go to it's right while Jean and Reiner go to its left, the female titans legs within reach for their ODM gear. Maybe if I go for its Achilles tendon of it's ACL it'll slow down. I can't waste time killin it though, I'm gonna have to hope the guys can handle her from there. Dammit, if only I could stay! As he rides, Armin glances at his taller friend. It's aware of the weak spot on its neck. It'll be impossible to kill. At least not by any normal human being. However… his thoughts go to Calian, Mikasa and Levi. Those three might be able to do it!
Jean unsheathes his sword and jumps from his horse into the air, aiming for its knees. The female titan looks over its shoulder, seeing Jean reel closer to her, she dodges, doing a quick 180 and swiping in the air. Thankfully Jean was able to get himself back to the ground just in time to only feel the wind gust generated by its powerful limb. Calian takes this moment to hone in on her from behind. She tries to stop him but he was too quick, his time training with Levi was well spent. He dodges her hand and slices straight through her Achilles tendon, causing her to drop to one leg. Calian quickly shifts in the air and goes in low to cut the back of her knee as well for good measure then lands back on the ground, the open field making it difficult for him to properly use the ODM. His eyes widen as he sees Armin get to close and he calls out but Armin is knocked off his horse as the Female Titan slams the ground before it, causing the two to go flying. Armin hits the ground hard, his gear flying off him as he skids to a painful halt.
The Female titan limps towards the fallen blonde and Jean tries to distract her again. He gets close and unhooks the claw once the Female Titan faces him, flipping in the air to avoid the next swipe and circling up to its nape. He pauses mid air in shock as she quickly places her palm upon her nape, protecting it to all their surprise. Calian quickly jumps into action s he sees the Female titan reach for his line. Howlett flies into the air and tackles Jean out the way, the pair of them tumbling back down to the ground, with Howlett groaning in pain as he takes the brunt of the fall. The two writhe on the ground and the Female titan stalks towards them. Calian gets up despite his sore body and unsheathes both blades. She makes to strike him When Armin calls out, "Cal! Don't let that suicidal maniac die in vain!"
The Female Titan stops suddenly, much to Howletts confusion. Why did she stop?
Armin continues, "She did it! She's the one who killed him! I told him the right wing was suicide but he went along anyway! And now he's dead thanks to her!"
Him? Suicidal maniac… is he talkin about Eren? Now that she's stopped Calian can take a moment to check her profile. Blonde hair, sharp jawline, blue eyes, hooked nose… why does it look so familiar? The tension in the air is thick as the Titan slowly faces Armin. Jean groans as he sits up, watching the event unfold with trepidation. "The hells going on? OF all times for Armin to get the sense knocked out of him! What's he talking about!?"
"Shut up Jean he's doin a thing!"
The two gasp as Reiner rides past them, pulling his hood down in the process, "What're ya doin ya idiot!? Fallback!"
Reiner ignores him and jumps off his horse and shot a hook into the Female Titans neck. "He's going straight for the neck?"
Cal starts charging after them, "He's gonna get himself killed!"
Reiner flies towards her nape, ready to slice her open. Calian doubles his efforts, running so fast Jean could've swore he became a blur but it was all for naught. The Female Titan moved with incredible speed as she turned and caught Reiner in his entirety in palm. Calian stops, his chest tightening and his breathing becoming uneven. No no please no not again! His silent prays fall to deaf ears as The Female Titan wastes no time to press her thumb to Reiner's face and squeeze until a gush of blood shoots out from between her fingers. All his strength leaves him as Howlett drops his swords and falls to his nice, distraught. "No…" he whispers in heartbreak.
Jean stumbles back, disbelief clear in his face, "H-hey… come on Reiner… No…"
Suddenly blood spurts from the Titans hand as Reiner spins out, cutting off its fingers and drenching himself in its steaming putrid blood. Relief washes over Cal and he feels like he can breathe once again. Reiner flies down and grabs ahold of Armin, sprinting away with him under his arm. Calian does then same, pulling Jean to a safe distance away as the Female Titan stares at its steaming hand.
"We've bought enough time! Let's get the hell away form it! If it isn't a man-eater, it won't follow us!" Reiner yells. He takes a glance over his shoulders in time to witness the Female Titan stand up and start limping towards a different direction. Thankfully, the wound created by Howlett still hasn't healed just yet, making it very likely for the rest of the units to get to safety. He laughs, "That big bitch got scared and decided to go home!"
Calian knows he should be feeling elated as well. But the direction she's going… it's not towards the right flank anymore. His eyes widen as he realizes where she's heading, "Shit I think she's goin to the center rear flank!"
Alarmed, Armin checks, seeing the disappearing form of the Female Titan going in a completely different direction. "Oh god I think you're right! You have to go now!"
Calian whistles for his horse, just as Jean is doing for his and Armin while Reiner comes back with Armin's ODM gear. "It's perfectly intact, seems like the clasp released like it was supposed to."
"Thank goodness for that." He replies as he starts clasping on the gear once again. Reiner takes out a bandage and starts to unroll it "I'm glad, so what do we do now? Cal's the only one with a horse, if Jean's horse comes back, maybe we'll be able to move but…"
"Before ya continue that." Cal shoves him on his ass. "Don't ya ever pull some stunt like that again, else I'll break both your legs so ya can't do an encore." Worry was evident in Calian's voice.
"Heh, sorry about that. I got way ahead of myself."
Calian shakes his head while helping up his blonde friend. "It's all good. Just worried about ya. I don't want to lose any more friends."
Reiner claps his back, "Come on. You stuck with me until the end my friend."
Calian shivers, "don't say things like, it's scarier than titans."
Reiner laughs. Calian takes a look at Armin as he whistles for his horse to return, still nowhere in sight. The teen genius seems to be lost in thought as he looks on in the distance, not even aware of Reiner wrapping his head with the bandage. He tilts his head,
"Ya alright there buddy?"
Armin snaps out of it, his eyes holding a particular look. Howlett recognizes it, it's when he's connecting dots most people can't even see. He's figured something out. He clears his throat, "H-Hey! Fire a smoke round. If the formation continued straight ahead, the 4th row's 3rd team should be nearby."
Calian nods in understanding and opens up his satchel. Taking out a purple flare and shooting it into the air as the rest cover their ears. "That's the signal for an emergency," jean notes, " I can't imagine they'll understand out intention just from that though."
Howlett shrugs, "it's better than nothin at least."
Jean does a double take as he sees someone in the distance, "Hey look someone's coming! And they got our horses too!"
Armin squints, "That's Christa!"
Said soldier stops before them, gracefully calming the rest of the horses. "Is everyone ok?" she asks.
"That's my horse! Whoa whoa calm down Buchwald!" Jean pats the horse calmingly as he approaches.
Christa smiles, though she still looked concerned, "They all ran towards me, terrified. Did you engage the Titans?"
She gasps, "Armin what happened to you? Are you okay?" a hand hovering over her mouth.
He gingerly touches the wound on his head but he stops himself from flinching from the sting, not wanting to look weak. "Yea I think so."
"I can't believe the smoke round brought you here." Reiner says.
"Tch a big purple cloud would get anyone's attention Reiner." Calian mutters, earning a glare.
"I was nearby and already had the horses." She answers with a bright smile.
Calian shakes his head, "I don't understand how ya got all of them to listen to ya. My horse still kicks me off its back sometimes."
"It's cause she's an extremely nice person. You saved our lives!" Reiner praises.
Tears well in her eyes at the praise, "I'm just so glad that the worst didn't happen to you." She wipes the tears away before they fall, "I really am glad you're alive and well!"
Her smile is further enhanced by a ray of sunlight, perfectly bouncing off her golden her, giving her an angelic look. The three boys are mesmerized as the 3 gape at her.
Goddess… Armin thinks to himself.
Truly an angel… Was Jeans thought.
I gotta marry her. Reiner decides, a blush creeping on his face.
The only one who is seemingly unaffected by Christa charm is Calian. Who looks back and forth between the group with a confused eyebrow raised. "… The fuck are ya'll starin for?"
The 3 boys uikcly shut their mouths in embarrassment as they shuffle to their repective horses. Christa giggles at Calians shaking head as she says, "Well, we should rejoin the formation as soon as possible."
"Not me." Cal takes out a map displaying the open field past wall Rose. "I gotta beat that Titan to the Center rank to warn them about her, or else Eren and a whole lot of our guys will die."
Jean looks at the map then back at him, "What you got the map at for you know where it is?"
"I do but by this point I'm sure the Female Titan has already healed and is runnin again. I gotta figure out where the formation would be goin and a shortcut to it if I wanna catch them before she does." He explains.
Armin Gets near and takes a glance at the map. "If I'm right, they should be heading towards the forest of giant trees. From where we are now, if you leave now and hug along the river for a few kilometers you'll be able to reach center rear formation 5 kilometers before the forest."
Impressed, Calian smiles; "Damn you're brain really works fast. I'm kinda jealous."
Armin elbows him good-naturedly, "You're pretty smart too. Now go, we'll catch up!"
Calian doesn't linger, he kicks his horse into action and races towards his destination, still hoping he can get to them in time.
Captain Levi is the picture of calmness as he continues to lead his squad to their destination. Though the atmosphere was tense, it always is during an expedition, his squad had full faith in him and they continued to follow his lead. Eren is right in the center of the squad formation, being surrounded by the special operations squad with Levi directly in front of him. The titan shifter constantly checks his surroudnings, his heart racing due to the anxiety that's eating at 's because of the weight of responsibility that is placed on his shoulders. Everything hinges on him; be it finding a way to retake Wall Maria… and finding out just hwat secrets was hidden inside his fathers cellar. He gripsthe key subconsciously, felling comfort in the gesture. But his grip tightens significantly as he sees at the right green flares being shot in the air.
Levi notices as well, "Smoke round. Green. Oluo you fire it."
"With pleasure sir." The Levi squad member quickly does as he's told, covering his ears as he fires the shot.
For now, everything seems to be going fine, Eren thinks to himself as he watches the green cloud expand in the air, but is it really? We, may already have casualties on the front lines.
"Reportin in!" The sound of his friend Calian's voice knocks him out of his stupor as Calian gets himself right next to the Captain as he delivers the news. "Attack from the rear, right flank recon has been destroyed by a Female Titan leadin a horde of Abnormals."
The squad murmur to themselves, a female titan?
Eren's heart drops and he stares at his friend in horror, The right flank? That's-that's where Armin is! As if sensing his thoughts Calian quickly glances back at Eren then Levi, "Fortunately many soldiers were able to make a retreat to safety, like Scout Artlet."
The last part was directed to Eren who visibly looks pleased by the news. "Understood." Levi replies.
"Our recon system is partially inoperative. Pass this on, to the left."
"Did you hear that Petra? Go." The captain orders.
The redhead starts veering to the left, "Yes sir!"
Calian is about to return when Levi surprises him by ordering, "You stay here Howlett." He doesn't elaborate further.
"Um, yes sir." Not even bothering to ask for an explanation, even he knows nows not the time to ask.
"what a mess. They managed to reach this deep into out formation." Levi grumbles to himself.
Flares are shot behind them, black rounds this time as the dark smoke tises to block the sun forebodingly. "Abnormals!"
"Tch, Eren you fire it."
"Y-Yes sir!" Fumbling slightly, he fires it off, notifying all who can see, the titans were closing in, a battle was inevitable. The black smoke was thick, so thick it seemingly blocked out everything behind them, it was unnerving. It amplified the terror of the monsters that could be hiding in the shadows, waiting to pounce on them. But the squad keeps moving forward.
Up ahead of them, at the very front of the Center formation rank was Commander Erwin. Thanks to being at the front, he was already well within reach of the Forest of Giant Trees. His cool eyes scan the horizon, instantly noticing the trampled path before them, a path that has not been touched by human feet for a very long time. But, "Titans have sued this path. Lack of vegetation is a giveaway."
They're already at the mouth of the entrance leading in when he makes a decision, "Should be a cinch for the wagons. In form Everyone behind us, only the center wagon defense squad is to enter the forest."
"Yes sir!" The two soldiers behind him answer and drift into a 180 turn before heading behind to inform the rest of the formation.
Nearby was Sasha as she watches the Center wagon entering the forest while, to her confusion, there was nothing but trees in her line of sight ahead of them. Nervously, she asks her Commanding officer, "Excuse me, sir. It looks as though the center rank is heading straight into the forest. Won't we run smack dab into the trees if we follow them?"
For a few moments, Sasha received no answer. By the time she gave up waiting, he finally ordered, "We're going around."
"Y-Yes Sir!"
She turns her horse to follow the commander but looks back, wondering where Calian could be. Stay calm Sasha, he'll be alright, he promised you.
Throughout the formation many were confused by Erwin's order. Why send on the center line into the woods? Would that not leave them vulnerable to any attacks from hidden Titans? Could Erwin have read the map wrong?
None were more confused than Eren and Calian, with Eren making it known.
"Captain! Captain Levi!"
"What?"
"What do you mean 'what'? We're in the middle of the woods! If the center enters alone, we won't know if Titans are approaching! It seems something's approaching us from the right. How are we supposed to dodge the Titans or protect the carts!?" Eren demands to know.
"Don't go on and on about the obvious. We can't do that anymore, of course." The Captain grumbles.
Now even Calian has to ask, "Then why?"
Levi side eyes him, "Aren't you normally smarter than this Howlett? Look at these big ass trees. It's the perfect environment for 3D maneuver gear."
Howlett pauses and feels somewhat embarrassed, he should've made the connection. Since this terrain is very similar in nature to that of where he had trained as a cadet. That does make sense… but why can't I shake the feelin that it's still not good enough?
He takes a moment to observe the rest of the Squad. Oluo seems to be muttering to himself, "What the hell is going on here?"
Petra is staring ahead, her hands gripping the reins so tightly her already pale hands were an even paler white. Eld and Gunther, though they weren't as visibly anxious as the previous two, still looked uneasy. Why are they all nervous?... unless, they don't know either… Calian stares intently at the Captain beside him but his look is unanswered as Levi calmly stares ahead, his demeanor never changing from the ever present scowl he is famous for. A cold feeling creeps up Calian's spine, not a single sound is heard other than the rhythmic beat of the horses hooves hitting the ground. The squad jumps slightly as the shot of a flare gun cracks through the air. Howlett looks backs, "It's a black smoke round!"
"Coming from directly behind us!" Gunther confirms.
"Shit that thing got here faster than I thought!" Calian snarls.
"Draw your blades!" Levi orders as he does so, "If that thing decides to show itself, we won't have any time!"
His comments does nothing to ease his squads nerves but they do as they're told. Cal watches above as a scout flies out from the trees, seemingly searching for any dangers that're hiding in the trees. A danger that makes itself known quickly as the Female Titan finally makes itself known as she materializes before the Scout, swatting him out the way with fearful ease as she instantly makes for a B line towards Eren. Said teen gapes as he can see that the Titan is looking directly into his eyes.
"Go move it!" The Captain yells.
The Squad push their horses to the brink as the Female titan sprints forward, demolishing a tree in it's first attempt to grab Eren, who successfully evades it's bone like hands.
"Holy shit!" Gunther curses, "Howe the hell are we supposed to do evasive maneuvers in here?!"
"Dammit it all," Calian curses under his breath, scowling fiercely as he watches two more Scouts be completely demolished by the Female Titan, their bodies becoming nothing but a cloud of red mist. He makes to stand on his horse, "I'll engage!"
"No!"
"What!? Cap it's gainin on us and tearin through all our support!"
But the Captain remains silent after his initial order. Becoming more and more frightened, Petra tries but fails to keep her voice from trembling as she aks, "Captain! Should we engage with ODM gear!?"
Again nothing but silence, "Captain your orders!"
Even Oluo has to speak up, "It's dangerous! Let's take it out!... Tell us to engage!"
Becoming fed up, Eld readies his blade, "I'll cut the bitch down!"
But he still awaits the orders from their superior who still remains silent. Calian growls, "Cap for gods sake say somethin anythin! That thing'll kill everyone! Believe me!"
"Captain!"
"Your orders sir! Please!" Oluo asks, with not so subtle desperation lacing his voice.
Finally Captain Levi decides to end his silence, "Everyone cover your ears now!"
Their fear momentarily leaves as bewilderment sets in, of all things to order, that's what he says? But they all do so anyway. Levi pulls out a flare gun and fires. No smoke comes out, only a loud high pitched bang that still makes their eardrums ring despite the protection their hands offered, "A noise grenade? A noise grenade!?"
Levi glares at him, "What is your job?"
He looks at the rest of his squad as well, "To just let your emotions overwhelm you? No, it's not. Our squad's job is to keep the brat from getting a single scratch on him. Even if it costs our lives."
He turns himself to face forward, "WE keep going on our horses, got it?"
He glares meaningfully at Cal who grits his teeth, his features twisting in controlled anger. "Yes. Sir."
Of course he wants to rage and go against his orders. But he needs to control himself. Levi is right about one thing, he can't let his emotions get the best of him. He looks back at Eren while he demands to know more. He's distraught as he watches behind them more and more of the reinforcements fall victim to the Female Titans unquenchable bloodlust. Many times he had spoken with Ymir, both agreeing that when it comes to the Scouts, they may very well be cannon fodder for the Titans. He thought he had accepted that fact enough to not be so bothered by it. But he was wrong, it affected him greatly as he watches more and more comrades be completely obliterated, paste against the tree bark. Everything in him screams to do something, but he can't. As cold as it may feel, he has to trust that their deaths are necessary. No matter how much it shreds his heart, he has to trust that there's some justification for this. He feels Levi's gaze still on him and they lock their eyes. Levi can see that Calian understands and nods, thankful that at least one brat is capable of acting like a soldier when the time calls for it.
"What're you doing Eren!?" Petra yells.
Howlett looks back to see Eren, with his mouth open and his hand hovering insdie, ready to bite. Ready to transform. He falters as he looks between Petra and Calian. Calian isn't sure what to say, but he's rendered truly silent as Levi addresses Eren without even turning back. "If you want to, do it."
The whole squad is startled by their Captain. He continues, "Eren, listen. You are not inherently evil. You're ability to change doesn't make you a monster. That said, it could be the other way around. How're you supposed to know where to draw the line? Whether you lose control or freely give it up. Maybe it's the same."
What the hell is he going on about?
"Look Eren. We don't agree because our experience brings us to opposing views. That's life. At the end of the day there's no reason to ho against how you see it. The choice is yours. You can trust yourself. Or you can trust the people willing to put their lives on the line for you. I don't know which way is better. I never have. Should I act on my own instincts or put myself in the hands of my comrades and trust them. Either way there's no guarantee. In the end, you choose what you choose. If afterwards, your regrets are at a minimum, good for you."
"… What the actual fuck?" Cal says under his breath.
What the fuck does he mean by all that? First he was tellin us to follow orders to the T and now he's tellin us to do as we please? He groans, Just give us a fuckin straight answer!
He's dumbfounded though, as he suddenly hears Eren yell, "I'm with you!"
He stares at Eren, once again dumbfounded but follows Levi's orders when he tells them to move faster, "We will outrun it." He promises.
"Cap it ain't lookin like that, it's right on our heel!"
But he notices something, two men hiding behind wooden slats. As they ride by, he sees that most of the tress are littered with the same wooden slats. Wait, is that?...
The Female Titan senses something is different and skids to a stop, directly in the middle of all the wooden slats. Cal's sensitive ears picks up the Commanders distinct voice as he hears Erwin order, "FIRE!"
All the soldiers in view cover their ears and yank the ropes that're in their hands. Multpile explosions litter the greenery as hooks fly and imbed themselves into the Female Titans flesh. She had covered her ears at the loud noise from the numerous explosions leaving her vulnerable to all the steel hooks that continuously pierce her body.
"I don't believe it. Ya'll actually had a plan." Cal says breathlessly.
Levi grunts, "Advance a bit further, tether the horses, and switch to maneuver gear."
He jumps off his horse, "You guys will be off on your own for a while. Eld, lead the squad, once you're at a good distance away from the Titans, hide Eren. Take my horse."
Satisfied that he covered all bases, Levi flings himself higher and higher into the air above."
"So that was the plan huh? Capturin that bitch alive."
Gunther huffs out a shaky breath. "Well see Eren? We caught it!"
"This is the power of the Survey Corps! Don't underestimate us, you fools!" Oluo gloats.
"Ok Oluo let's nip that in the bud right now cause, old man or not, I ain't in the mood for pompous speeches." Calian warns, not caring in the slightest that he's talking to someone of higher rank.
"What did you-?! I am not old!"
Eren, despite himself, starts laughing loudly, thankful that the horrible events have finally ended. Calian watches with grim satisfaction as the Female Titan clearly struggles to free herself, her teeth gritted and one frantic eye visibly darting from one direction to another.
"An Abnormal… Or is it like the colossal Titan?" Eren asks.
"Definitely like the colossal Titan. She's way to smart for an abnormal." Calian regrettably confirms.
Eren nods slowly but stops, "Wait, did Commander Erwin actually—"
"Hey enough with the chit chat!" Oluo scolds.
Cal sighs loudly. He glances at his friend, "one day I'm gonna shut that guy up."
"I don't think that'd be a good idea."
"He shrugs in return, "never said it was."
Atop the tree branches, the Levi Squad waits far away from the Female Titan, awaiting their Captain to return so as to give them new orders. "That was Commander Erwin's goal from the very start wasn't it?!" Eren exclaims, "Still, I can understand keeping it from us rookies, but you guys too?! You've been Scouts a long time!"
"Hey shut up! You're annoying!" Oluo yells.
This guy seriously got no idea what self awareness is. Howlett thinks with an eye roll.
"Are you suggesting the commander and the Captain don't trust us!?" Petra yells, offended.
"Petra, knock out his teeth! Switch his front teeth with his back ones!" Oluo commands as he points a sword at Eren.
Growling fiercely, Calian quickly grabs Oluo by the wrist holding the sword and lifts him off his feet by the collar. He glares intently into the Scouts eyes, "Don't even think about it."
His grip tightens painfully on Oluo's wrist, making him cringe. "Howlett that is enough, drop him!"
Eld commands. Taking a calming breath he drops Oluo unceremoniously to the tree branch. "Sorry." The word was very hollow.
Eld grunts, "Oh don't give me that look Bozado you had it coming! Besides, he's right. The Captain must've had a reason for not trusting us implicitly."
"Like what?" Gunther asks.
There's only one reason he couldn't trust his comrades. There's someone in the regiment who can either turn into a Titan or is working as a sort of spy for them."
Alarmed, Gunther asks, "A spy? Are you sure?"
Calian rubs his chin, "It makes sense. I mean the two titans boss used for experiments were killed on purpose. Someone doesn't want us to beat the Titans. (sigh) much as I hate to admit it, I don't blame them for bein so cautious."
"Mm. In that case, it couldn't be helped." Petra admits. "Five years ago was when Wall Maria first fell. Do… do you think they could be using that fact to narrow down suspects on the assumption that's when the spy got inside?"
Calian remembers the question Erwin had asked him a month ago, What do you see here? Who do you think the enemy is?
"It's possible."
Petra narrows her eyes, "He asked you too didn't he?"
Calian raises an eyebrow and she elaborates, "Erwin asked you who you think the real enemy is."
"Yea, he asked ya'll too."
Murmurs of agreement resounded and Calian admits, " I still ain't sure what the answer to that question even is."
"Well I do, but I decided not to say anything." Oluo says, "Do you guys know why?"
"Cause ya bullshittin right now?"
Oluo glares at the oversized teen but keeps mum, not wanting to taste any more of his fearsome strength.
Levi lands atop the The Female Titans head and stomps on it, "Hey, Just come out already will you? We don't' got time for this. Say, what do you think is gonna happen to you now? Do you really think you can get out of this situation?"
He gets no response from the stoic Female Titan. He glares, "I eish you'd pay some thought to the trouble you've caused us. You killed our soldiers in all sorts of different ways." His face darkens considerably, the deaths of all the Scouts who came to their aid replaying in his mind.
"Was it fun?" He snarls, "Well I'm having fun now. I take you're the same way. If there's anyone who knows how I feel, it's you. Oh, right. There's something I need to ask. Will you be fine if your arms and legs get cut off?"
He smirks in satisfaction as finally, the Female titan expresses an emotion. Fear.
"They'll grow back right? I'm talking about your actual body. Can't afford to have yo die on us, after all."
The Female Titan remains silent before slowly inhaling. Levi is startled but is completely caught off guard as she abruptly opens her mouth and roars. Her roar is so powerful, waves in the air were visible to the naked eye, forcing all the Scouts in the forest to cover their ears. Even Calian and Eren could here the roar ringing in their eardrums, "What the hell?!"
But as soon as it happened, it ended. Everything was silent once again. "what the hell was that?" Eld asks, as he opens and close shis jaw to pop his ears.
"Nothin good on the horizon Calian says as he wearily peaks around their surroundings, "What do you mean?" Eren asks.
"Sasha once told me that when an animal is cornered, it makes a certain sound that means it's ready to give up everythin. That's when it's most dangerous. Somethin tells me that the blonde bitch did somethin similar."
A rumbling nosie starts to fill their ears as it gets louder and louder. "Titans!" A Scouts announces.
"Multiple Titans from all directions!"
"Shit!" Gunther exclaims as they watch a huge horde of Titans run underneath them. Curiously, they completely ignore all the humans above them, as if they don't care for their usual source of nourishment. Sounds of explosions and fighting are heard in the distance and Cal makes to join the fray but is stopped by Eld, who seems to struggle against Howlett's strength. "No! Our mission is to keep Eren safe, we have to trust in the abilities of our comrades."
Calian is clearly conflicted but relents, sheathing his swords reluctantly, "fine."
The sounds of fighting slowly die out, the explosions ceasing as well. A few tense minutes pass before a blue flare is fired into the air, signaling the end of the Expedition. "Looks like it's over." Gunther comments, "Let's get back to the horses! Prepare to withdraw!"
"Guess so,", Oluo stretches as he stands, his back cracking slightly, "Let's go see what the bastard riding inside it looks like."
Howlett snorts, "Don't go fallin in love."
"… I really hate you kid."
He smiles cheekily in return while Eren taps his canister, "Did they really find out who it is?"
"All thanks to you!" Petra confirms with a warm smile.
"But I didn't do anything?"
"That's what I was gonna say." Cal comments, earning a withering glare from his friend.
Petra giggles at their antics, "You trusted us remember? Things turned out this way because you chose to stick with us. Making the right call is a pretty hard thing to do you know!"
Oluo makes to open his mouth but Calian points a finger at him, daring him to say something smart. Wisely, Oluo stays quiet, focusing on checking his gear. Eren is impressed, "Wow, you must really not like him."
"I just don't like what he's tryin to be. I hate smug bastards and their shitty attitudes, makes me want to knock the smirk right off their face."
With that, the squad all fly into the air, gracefully swinging between the large tress as they make their way back to their horses, "Oluo! Petra!"Eld calls over his shoulder, a shit eating grin clear on his face, "For a couple of soldiers who cried and pissed their pants during their first battle, you've really grown!"
Petra cries out as Howlett instantly starts guffawing, "I knew it! I knew it! Ya'll actually pissed yourselves!"
"Sh-Shut up!" Oluo screams, clearly embarrassed.
"Don't say that! Are you trying to make them lose respect for me!?"
"Wait you really did?" Eren asks incredulously, making Calian laugh even louder.
She groans as she admits, "Yes it's true."
Gunther cackles, "Just so you know I've never pissed myself!"
Oluo makes a face like he was sucking on a lemon, "You idiot! I'll have you know I have the highest kill count! I'm the best!"
"The best at pissin yourself apparently." Calian retorts, still snickering.
"Shut up!"
Eren turns to the red head, "Wait petra does that mean it sprayed everywhere in midair?"
"OH MY FUCKIN GOD!" Calian almost falls from the renewed laughing fit.
"Alright enough of that." Gunther orders, still smirking though. "WE're still outside the walls so keep sharp."
A hooded figure in a survey corps cloak raises their arm and fires a shot into the air. This catches Gunthers attention as he quickly sees the green smoke. "Oh, that must be a message from Captain Levi. We're rendezvousing with the Captain! Let's go people!"
They all follow him as he changes direction. Hidden in the branches, the hooded figure drops the flare gun and takes off after them, pulling out their swords as they do so. Slowly but surely, the hooded figure catches up to them. It keeps itself parallel to the group but Gunther still notices them. He squints his eyes, "Captain Levi?"
Calian follows his line of sight. Why's their blades out? His eyes widen as the hooded figure changes makes a 90 degree turn and dashes towards Gunther. Thinking quick, Calian dashes forward, successfully knocking Gunther out the way but he grunts as he was not fast enough to avoid being sliced along the side of his torso. The two tumble in the air and crash to the ground.
"Gunther!"
"Calian!"
They shout after them, Eren staring in horror as his comrades fall from the air. Calian groans in agony as the wound stings. He writhes on the floor but still checks the wound. He bites his lip as his fingers dance along the wound. Thankfully it wasn't that deep, but he'll definitely need to get it treated as soon as he can to avoid infection. He looks to his side to see Gunther, laying unnervingly still on the ground. Calian scrambles to him and places his ear on his chest, letting out a breath he didn't realize he was holding when he hears the strong heartbeat. Thank god you're alright."
The cloaked figure doesn't seem too chagrined by it's failed attempt to kill the Scout and continues in the air after Eren. The teen is still calling out to his friends, "Calian! Gunther!"
Oluo pulls him roughly, "Eren! Don't stop! Onward!" and shoves the teen ahead of him.
"but what about Calian!? And Gunther!"
He gasps as he sees the hooded figure appeaer from behind the trees.
Oluo growls, "Protect Eren Dammit! What do we do eld? Where should we go?"
The blonde steels himself, "There isn't time to reach the horses, head to HQ as fast as you can!"
"Damn you!" Petra snarls and takes out her swords, "How dare you!? Come at me! I'll defeat you myself, even if it kills me!"
Instead of taking on the challenge, the hooded figure falls back, confusing the rest who wait with baited breath. A yellow bolt of lightning creates a huge explosion that shakes the trees around them and from the smoke emerges the Female Titan.
"I knew it! It's coming! The Female Titan!" Eld Exclaims.
Angry at the apparent loss of his friend, glares hatefully at the titan shifter, "Damn you! How dare you! This time, I will defeat it!" He makes to bite his hand, but once again he's stopped.
"No!" Eld orders. "The three of us will kill the Female Titan. You continue to head straight for HQ at top speed!"
"I can fight too!" He protests but they're not having it.
"No this is the best move, you're powers are too risky!"
"Do you doubt us?" Oluo scornfully asks.
"Do you Eren? Do you find it that hard to trust us?" Petra asks apprehensively.
Clearly conflicted but willing to place his trust in his comrades he lowers his hand and pushes forward. Satisfied, the three all turn back and head straight for the charging Female Titan. Eld roars mightily as he comes straight for the Female titan. She makes to grab him but is stunned as he suddenly pulls back, the excess gas providing cover for Petra and Oluo who appear from either side of him and shoot their hooks into her eyes, blinding her. Petra and Oluo attacks simultaneously, further damaging her eyes and she leans against the tree, both hands covering her nape for added protection.
We've blinded her! That should give us at least a minute before she can regenerate! Eld thinks to himself as he gives hie two friends the go ahead to attack. They shoot their hooks into either arm and loop up into the air, their swords raised above their heads pointing down to the ground. Then reel in, slicing through the shoulders of the Titan, blood sputtering everywhere as they exchange slides over and over, each slice getting deeper and deeper. They move with incredible precision and unity, never getting into each others way until finally, the Female Titans arms fall uselessly to its side, leaving the nape open for attack.
"They're down!" Oluo screams.
Eld redirects himself and heads straight for its nape from it's right side. "Say goodbye to your nape!"
He prepares to attack but then it's eye moves, focusing completely on him and it turns it's head quickly, it's mouth open and ready to chomp down. Eld can only watch as he slowly gets closer and closer to his demise when a vicious battle cry rips through the air and Calian appears, slicing his ODM gears cable just in time. Eld drops barely below the titans chin and it bites the air hard. He continues to fall but is caught by Calian who beings him up and into the safety of the branches above. "Howlett? U thought you were dead!"
He groans, clutching his wounded side. "Neither of us," His voice strained, "Gunthers knocked out but he's safe above. Sorry I cut your cable, I couldn't think fo anything else."
"It's alright just get back in there now! It's after Petra!"
"On it!"
Calian vaults off the branch and fires off his ODM gear for all it's worth, willing it to push faster, to reach the red head in time. Come on come COME ON! His heart races faster and faster as The Female Titan closes in Petra's eyes getting wider and wider with fear as her doom closes in on her. "Petra!" Calian calls out.
"Petra snap out of it we need to regroup!"
She is unable to respond, fright clinging to her heart tightly as the Female titan is upon her. Calian Reaches out with his hand, knowing he's too late. "NO!"
The Female titan stomps on Petra against the tree, blood smearing the bark. Calian cries out in distress, guilt and anger coursing through his veins, I should've been faster! Oluo overcomes his grief and shoots a hook into the base of the Female Titans exposed Nape. "DIE!" He bellows.
He goes in for the kill but suddenly her nape crystalizes, shattering the blades on contact. "How?" He says in disbelief. "My Blade can't pierce it…"
The Female Titan wasts no time, she kicks him destroying his gear and killing him in one go. At first Calian is completely expressionless. But suddenly, his eyes white out and he bellows a nearly animalistic roar as he shoots towards the Female Titan with renewed sense. The Titan crystalizes its nape but Calian goes towards the front, cutting its throat open. The Female Titan is shocked and coughs, blood pouring out like a water fall as Calian dives down and cuts it's achilles tendon in one foot but heading back up as it crystalizes the tendon, dragging his sword through its leg causing it to tumble. He falls forward and Calian rears up in front of her and bellows once more, charging himself through the open wound of its throat and shooting straight through. Her bursts out the other side of its neck, clutching the Titan shifter and purposely using their body to take every blow as they fall back to the ground. He roars viciously in their still hooded face, blood covering his entire body, making him look all the more horrifying to the Titan shifter. She tries to scramble back but he grabs both of her knees and crushes it in his hand. She cries out in pain and he raises the blade to stab down but suddenly another bolt of lightning crashes down and he's flung back and hits a tree hard, his head spinning as he slides down. Black spots appear in his vision as he slowly begins to lose consciousness. The Female titan appearing and slowly stalking towards him. He slowly begins to slip into the darkness, the last thing he sees is a brilliant explosion of golden-orange light and the sound of the rogue titan roaring in the distance.
Authors note: Wow that's possibly the longest chapter i've ever written. Honestly jsut could not stop going lol. I hope ya'll enjoyed it and enjoyed the small Ackerman rage Calian accessed here! And as i said he did save some people in the Levi squad, sorry it couldn't be PEtra but i personally believe it was her death that pushed Eren into action so i had to let her die, Oluo too but thats to give Calian a little more turmoil later on. Anyway i hope you all enjoyed it and next up we'll see how Calian can help in recovering Eren. till the next one guys!