Heartfelt Respect
Shortly after the Survey corps arrival, the titans within the district are wiped out, but no rest are given as the cadets were tasked to assist the clean-up with the Garrison. A gruesome task as the titans don't actually digest their meal, they vomit it out in huge bile sacks, sticking to sides of the buildings, it's red liquid sways within, visible to the faces of dead soldiers that have the misfortune to be in their grasps. Some appeared to have been alive while they drown inside them.
The thought is sickening, if Garrus's opinion of the titans can't get lower, pairing up with Jean, Bruno and Izzy.
"Now that is just wrong" Garrus repulsed at the sight, muttering through the masks provided, they don't know enough of the titans but wouldn't risk of disease from the decaying corpses, not even a day old. "Jean, dare you to kiss it" Garrus joked.
Jean look more repulsed at the words coming out of his mouth "What are you a child Garrus? These are dead soldiers and your cracking a stupid joke" Garrus only reply is a shrug before hoisting a body onto the nearby cart.
"Pay him no mind Jean, it's one of his ways to deal with all of this" Bruno patting jeans shoulder, there's only one reason Garrus willingly do this horrendous job is to hope he find Marcus's head, the words Sasha spoke haunted the two of them, if in honesty Bruno hopes he doesn't find the head preferring it to be mushed to mince.
"Still shouldn't joke about it" Jean muttered, looking at the bile "How do you propose we handle this?"
"We have to let the Garrison soldiers know and they handle this, maybe watch them do it so we know how to when the time comes" Izzy piped up, she may not like the job but she owed a lot to the people beside her in keeping her safe.
One Garrison soldier, wearing long gloves, pierced the bile with its knife, allowing the red liquid flowing easily "Don't get too close, we still don't know what it will do" The soldiers eyes squinting as the smell started to devour their nostrils.
"Fuck me, did they eat shit as well" Garrus exclaiming as the stench reached to his position, their masks may protect their breathing but they sure as hell do not protect their nose of the smell. Soon as the fluids drained into the drainage nearby, the bodies that wasn't turned into mush, the group revolted at the sight as there was more than what appeared to the eye to begin with.
Izzy feeling unwell, went around the corner to throw up, Jean and Bruno watched in sympathy, poor girl, trying her best to be brave at the sight of all this death only for the bodies to decorate the spot where the puke once been.
"Me and Garrus got this one, you head down that way" Bruno spoke, his eyes fixed on Garrus as he tossed and rummaged through the body parts "As I said pay him no mind"
"What is he hoping to find?" Jean asked, curious why this crazy man would rummage through desperately as if trying to find the grand prize.
Bruno's eyes dimmed, lowering to the frantic Garrus emptying the sack "Let's say he prefer to see something with his own eyes first" cryptic but seeing the pain in both of their eye's Jean did not press any further, walking down the street, as he stop dead in his tracks.
His eyes stared into shock, looking down on a half-eaten corpse from head to waist, its left leg bent backwards as if broken. The Half face of Marco, staring empty. "M... Marco?" Jean whispered, time stood still as Jean looked at his only best friend, not too long ago Jean saw Marco alive and well, heading out to help others before Eren sealed the hole, yet now here he is, hunched over and dead, no one knows how he died, no fitting story just dead, like so many others. Clenching his fists, Jean can only watch.
"Hey Jean, Bruno asked me to see if you need any…." Izzy going silent looking at the half-eaten Marco, "I'm sorry Jean" is all she can say, she may not know Marco, but she knew that Jean and Marco was best friends.
"Don't be sorry" Jean spoke solemnly "I… I need some time to myself" As jean lifting his best friend up, taking him to the cart where the other dead were dropped off. Izzy can only watch, her eyes turning to Annie nearby as she heard her mutter her apologies, Izzy thinking nothing of it, she would be in her shoes as well. One would think if they have been quicker or stronger, they could have saved a lot of them, now they have to carted off to burn.
"Garrus, we been through so many streets, maybe we have to consider what Sasha said could be the illusion of her own mind" Bruno groaned, they have been picking up and searching through body parts, Bruno decided that it was eaten and forever lost. Garrus on the other hand would not relent.
"Sasha is a fucking hunter Bruno! There's no way she would make a mistake like that" Grunting as he thrown another body into the cart, Garrus believes Sasha, hell he trusts her, even if Sasha denies and constantly told him to forget about it, the way she examined the corpse and said it was not bitten off, he had to find the head. Nearing the building from HQ where bodies are now scarce, maybe Bruno is right, it was a figment of their imagination, yet couldn't help but shake the feeling. Dusk is setting in quickly as the streets are becoming more clearer, yet the feeling of death haunts the streets, every corner, faces of those devoured haunts their memory.
Daz squeamishly carrying a head, not wanting to do the job in the first place, but at least Daz isn't sent to his death against titans. Proceeding to the cart a hand laid onto his shoulder, causing the man to yelp in fear, nearly dropping the object in his hands. Daz's scared eyes turned to a haunted look of Garrus, his eyes transfixed on the head.
"Hey, Garrus, are you ok?" Daz squirmed under the tense atmosphere, not enjoying the sight as Garrus carefully took the head out of his hands, its hair covered in blood, his face contorted in fright, Garrus finally dreaded the moment he find the head of Marcus.
Garrus stared into its dead eyes, the base cleanly cut same as the corpse they found. Closing his eyes, holding into the rage within, before his grief took over as he threw his friends head into the cart, before stomping away. Leaving Daz frightened and confused.
"Pay him no mind Daz" Sasha spoke calmly "He lost a lot today" her hear bleeding to the retreating figure, one of those moments they have to have the time to be alone with their thoughts.
The night came as square pillars rose as the flame flickers as it devours the flesh that was placed within, ash rose as bone crumbles, Jean holding onto one of the ash bones in his hands, his thoughts in turmoil, Connie just cradling his head on the floor, Garrus, Garrus is just watching as the flames flicker, his eyes sullen.
"I'm going to join the Survey Corps" Jean announced, causing surprise to everyone around. Garrus blinked and looked back to the flames, these sacrifices must have meaning, he doesn't want it to be for nothing.
The next day came quickly as Eren have his trial before the Survey corps and the Military Police, both wanting him for their own reasons, why Alan is standing with Mikasa and Armin well apparently jumping into the steam of the titan made him one of the group, also his actions in retaking Trost as he was part of the elite team. As to say Alan never really enjoyed listening to military discipline or hearings, but he understood both sides, the military police wanting to cut him open and dispose of him since he is one of the biggest threat to humanity but due to his display in Trot, the survey corps wanted to use him to retake wall Maria on their next expedition, all went well until they called out Eren's ability to control his titan form.
Zachary the supreme commander, the judge, the jury and the executioner sat at his desk, listening with his up most attention, the old bearded, quite well rounded man sat patiently, only to ask questions when needed, this man has a patience of a god! Which would explain why he would be the leader of the military 'I wonder how much he drinks at night' Alan wondered, until Mikasa nudged him, to pay attention.
"Say what?" Alan glanced over to Nile, the military police commander, only to receive a few sighs and eren's worried look as if to say are you taking this seriously.
Nile's cleared his throat again to repeat his question "Did Eren lose control and attacked you?" 'Oh that's a good question', Alan glancing to his right to see Mikasa's eyes peering into him, they may have made up last night on their travels to the courthouse in Stohess district, right on wall Sina, yet something is still troubling her as she still looks away from his gaze.
"He knocked himself out to prevent further loss of control" Alan casually spoke looking to Eren "I think he wasn't accustomed to the titan as of yet" hearing an amused grunt from Levi nearby.
"Yet a Garrison soldier Rico witnessed that it was the intervention of one Cadet Ackerman that he flew said fist into his face, apparently you barely got her out the way before impact" Mikasa death glare rounded onto Rico as the young woman avoided it's gaze.
"Least we stopped him from killing anyone, no big deal, he pulled through in the end and sealed the hole" Alan again shrugged, the military commander not amused with his casualness, another amused grunt from the small soldier nearby.
Levi, amused with how casual the kid is about this whole shit show, straight to the point, and to get under the Military police skin, all that disappeared when Eren screamed at them all, calling them cowards and to put their faith in him, sighing knowing that a gun will soon be pointed him, climbed over the barrier and strolled to the tied up mouthy brat.
If Alan thought he seen worst kicks from Annie, Humanities strongest soldier roundhouse Eren's face as soon as the gun was aimed. Could have sworn a tooth just went flying, then an intense beating as Levi grabbed his head to thrust his knee once more, blood flying in every direction as Eren's face swell and his nose gushing with blood. In an instance his hand met Mikasa's, allowing their hands to be entwined and feeling her rage seething, her hand squeezing around his tightly, Alan prefer it to be this way, if she leapt over now then she would be meeting a firing squad and Eren would be executed, Armin's concern look turned relax, nodding to Alan in thanks in stopping Mikasa, even though her dark look as the death glares now hounded onto the Man beating the living crap out of Eren.
The beating stopped as Levi's foot laid on top of Eren's head "It's just my personal opinion, but I find pain is the best tool of discipline" Levi's eyes digging into the back of Eren's head "You can't do things with words, you need training, look at you, so low that your easy to kick around anyway" the proceeds to stomp on his head, few more times.
The room filled with sounds of Levi's kicks and the groans of pain from Eren, Alan casually looking around seeing how the survey commander just watched, his face serious but not even tensed, looking to the few others, not flinching at the scene, either they got balls of steel or this Levi tends to kick the shit out of everyone, the only person flinching at each kick is Mikasa, her eyes winces at each kick, never missing a beat, squeezing her hand, her eyes met his, her face in pain at the sight but calmed at looking at his. Mikasa now concentrating onto his dark blues, blocking out the sounds of the kicks, even when it stops, she still focused on him, her little world of comfort that she can retreat to. Their attention drawn to the rising hand of Commander Erwin.
"Supreme Commander, I have a proposal" Erwin asked for permission to speak, the Supreme commander giving him leave to speak "Eren's titan power has a multitude of uncertainties and unknown elements. It is indeed extremely dangerous." Pausing for effect once more "Why don't we put Eren under Captain Levi's command and send them on a mission outside the walls" Piquing interest of all Erwin continued "Whether he uses his power and whether he maybe a benefit to humanity, should be based on the results on that mission alone"
Zachary contemplated on the proposal "Watch over Eren Yeager… can you do that Levi?" the spotlight now on the captain
Without missing a beat "I can definitely kill him no problem, the problem is that it won't be done half measures" glancing to his right to see to his interest, the Asian girl glaring darkly yet not putting up any fight, to see the man next to her, casually watching him silently. He can tell that he's the reason why she isn't attempting to fight.
The supreme commander spoke "I have made my decision, Eren Yeager will be turned over to the Survey Corps where their next expedition will determine his benefit to Mankind, court is adjourned" announcing his dismissal of everyone present.
Being ordered to return to Trost district, only Mikasa, Alan and Armin returned while Eren is being held personally by the scouts in some location they have not been disclosed of, worry is obvious with Mikasa, as her thoughts are currently of Eren, after that beating she witnessed, she wanted nothing more than to kill that Levi, but she was held back by a simple touch of her hand and his eyes calming her dark thoughts.
Mikasa couldn't help but remember the last two days, since the battle, his dance with death twice over, the sight of him rushing inside the titan's mouth, her heart stopped at that moment, her world collapsed as the person who is her life line after Eren, the man she have given her heart freely to. Twice he saved her life without hesitation, always nearby in case she becomes unable to give strength. She regretted hitting him when he was alive, but he just took it and carried on that she hadn't even done such a thing.
As they wait inside the building everyone sitting about, talking of what they would do. To Mikasa's dismay, Alan left to see Reiner, only to promise he would return to her after talking with his brother. She couldn't get jealous over something that was forged, as is hers to Eren's. Still she was content to have Armin for conversation for the time being as she glance now and then to Alan. Her mind mulling over something, they have been together for a month or two, yet felt like forever; her cheeks brightened into a shade of red as her other thoughts come into play, it was a first for her to entertain such thoughts but after seeing him in battle, it made her think, when they come to join the survey corps, the risks of death is higher, the thought frightens her as she can imagine Alan taking on a gang of titans by himself and perishing. She, just now feeling the time is right, for the next step, but how to procced with it is a new problem, returning to Armin before he could question her absent mind.
"So, Alan, what happened now since you got carted away with Eren?" Reiner questioned, more interested on the forthcomings surrounding Eren.
"He's with the Scouts and under command of mankind's strongest soldier" Alan stated, his thoughts on what happened.
"Strongest solder?" Bertholdt asked, curious on the strongest soldier.
"Yeah, you think Annie kicks are dangerous, that guys is crazy" Chuckling but sooner settled seeing Annie's face looking distant "Besides I'm joining the survey corps just to make sure everything goes smoothly, you guys could still join the Military Police like you guys always talked about"
Both Reiner and Bertholdt looked at each other for a brief moment, before Reiner sighing "I'm joining too, I can't let my brother go alone in this one, besides someone got to slap some sense into your suicidal charges" Reiner grinning, causing Alan to laugh as well.
"Yeah, same here" Bertholdt spoke, before glancing to Annie, who in return look up nonchalantly.
"I'm still going to the Military police, you guys do what you want" Annie simply spoke, before eyeing Alan once more, indicating another private chat. Nodding Alan and Annie walked up to a corner, Mikasa eyes watching intently, jealousy grappling her stomach and twisting it.
When they got out of earshot, which was hard to find Annie simply turned to Alan "Alan I want to thank you for helping me with you know and also another thing" huffing at the signature eyebrow raising from the man, she will miss that idiot.
"Annie? Thanking me? Are you ok?" Alan joked.
"I'm not, we been tasked to carry bodies yesterday and I want to thank you…" Annie suddenly got cut off from Alan, his face stoic but his eyes wanting none of it.
"Don't mention it Annie" Alan spoke "What done is done, it's not like you could have done anything to save them anyways, just do what I do. Keep moving forward" Annie lowering her gaze.
"But…" wanting to continue yet shot down yet again from Alan.
"Keep moving Forward" Alan said one more time, before holding onto her shoulder for a brief comfort he could give "If it makes you happy I name a titan for you" Alan joked before Annie could grin, sadly the irony was missed by him, which concerned her more.
The door above opened as a Garrison soldier called out for them to head to a nearby warehouse for their ODM to be inspected, apparently someone was running a foul and killed two titans captured by the survey corps, apparently someone didn't took to kindly to have live titans about.
Mikasa was close to coming to ask Alan for a private conversation, but silently walked with Armin to where they ordered to be inspected.
During that time Garrus, Jean and Bruno sat in silence just simply listening as Izzy and Sasha ate food together, amusingly wolfing the food down like it is their last, at least they share their love for food all the same, sighing before signalling the group to head out, wanting to get this over with, amused that Jean now becoming a member of their little group.
All passed their inspection, although they may have questioned Alan further to having been recently used but due to Mikasa's and few others vouch of favour that he has his moments of flying about, a verbal warning was only given, not that he cared anyways. Soon after they was ordered to head to the stage prepped by the survey corps to whether they decide to join within their ranks.
Sun setting, giving way to the night creeping in, what remains of the cadets stood at ease at the base of the stage, the banners bearing the wings of freedom drapes across the columns, one would say it is a majestic sight, Erwin standing at the top arms behind his back as he looked at the cadets in front.
"Today you choose which Division to join. The reason I'm here is to invite you to become part of the survey corps" Commander Smith introduced his introduction of his speech "I am Survey Corps Commander Smith to which the King have granted me authority over all survey corps activities"
Silence lingered before Commander Smith continued, his eyes reaching to each and every one of them "But I should warn you in the recent Titan attack. Everyone here experienced just an average excursion outside these walls, I'm sure nothing else in your lives came close to it although your trainees, you have experienced sacrifice"
Dread have born upon the crowd, the memories born anew of the titans devouring their friends and allies in the battle of Trost.
"As a result, I'm sure you came to know your own limitations and the terror of the titans." Erwin is really being honest here Alan mused, suddenly realised his light blue eyes rested into his dark ones "Wile it's true we suffered heavy losses in this attack, the human race advanced towards victory like never before" The speech have gone long enough for Alan to grow increasingly bored, he never liked military speeches, what caught his notice how the path between Trost and Shinganshia four years and losing ninety percent of their soldiers to making it all for a secret in the basement? Alan's mind working like a clock thinking what secret could be held in Shinganshia. Yet he couldn't help but not break eye contact with Commander smith, it's like the man is sizing him up, it's unsettling yet he can do the same. Making a new path to Shinganshia from Karanes District that would be a lot of sacrifices to be made, something Alan is prepared to do.
Commander Erwin asked if they were to leave do so now, only those that want to join can leave freely, one by on cadets turn to leave.
The urge to leave overwhelmed Garrus, by glancing to his side he saw Bruno, Sasha and Izzy standing their ground, they too are tempted to turn and leave yet they remained rooted, the memory of the fire as the ashes of those they lost burned within him, Dorian, Marcus. Two best friends, he would be damned if he left Sasha and Bruno, or maybe they are looking at him standing his ground. Damn he hates being the leader of the group. Noticing Jean's face mortified by those that are leaving, Marco's death had a huge impact on him, there's no lie about that, Garrus want this to be over and done with, just to be with Sasha privately before heading to their new home tomorrow.
Alan's facing forward his eye contact not breaking with the Commander, it's like a battle of wills stormed between the two, neither knowing what the other is thinking. Mikasa behind stared intently she had remembered the moment she wanted to join the corps for Eren, now she wanted to join because of him.
Erwin waited until only those stood "If you were told to die, could you do it?" his eyes looked at Alan, as if the question was for him. Would Alan die for it? The question would be yes but then again, what would he achieve if he die just by being told to do it.
"I would refuse to die" Alan bellowed shocking the group.
To Alan's shock Erwin gave a small smile "I see" before slamming his right fist onto his heart giving the salute "I welcome you all as the newest members of the survey corps. This is my true Salute" Erwin bellowed "DEVOTE YOUR HEARTS TO THE CAUSE!"
In Unison those that remain, saluted. The group facing forward only for Bertholdt to look back at Annie walking away not to look back.
"I see twenty-two 104th survey corps given their hearts" Erwin announced, "You have withstood your fear well, you are all brave soldiers." Looking to Alan once more "You have my heartfelt Respect" Erwin keeping his salute at attention "Tomorrow you will be heading to the Headquarters of the survey corps, take this time to rest, dismissed" at that murmurs spread.
Sasha crumpled down crying then to proceed to blow her nose on Garrus's jacket sleeve. "What the fuck Shit Breath! Use your own sleeve" Garrus pulling away in disgust, eliciting a few laughs, the mood getting lighter.
Bertholdt looking to where Annie left, until Reiner pulled him out of it "She be ok Bertholdt, she do her duty and we do ours" Reiner spoke breaking Bertholdt's stupor.
"Reiner is right she be fine" Alan agreed, only to feel a tug on his sleeve to see Mikasa, her face stoic but her eyes wished for something else.
Sensing the air Reiner grinned "We leave you two to it, don't forget to rest up before your done" leaving Alan confused for a while.
Turning his attention to Mikasa, his eyes rose in amusement at the cute sight of her cheeks glowing red "Garrus and Jean Huh? Thought they would join the MP's" only to receive a slight agreement from Mikasa, her eyes lowered in thought.
"Hey what's up?" Alan drawn concerned, as he held her chin up to see her face, her pale white skin with her lips parted, her grey eyes in thought as it sparkles.
"May we go somewhere more private?" Mikasa simply asked, 'Huh?' the thought came to Alan's mind, quite intrigued that she ask fro privacy, not that it's bad, just uncommon. She never really asked just drag him along, meaning this may be serious.
"Uh sure, lead the way" Alan simply spoke, unsure where to head to, only for Mikasa to hold his hand, allowing him to be directed. Armin watched with a smile on his face deciding to turn in with the others. Noticing that Garrus and Sasha have wondered somewhere.
Then woods not so far from where their sleeping quarters are, the tree's giving way to the stars above, quite beautiful, bringing her scarf to her face, debating how to go with this, her insecurities showing, what if he pushes her away.
Sensing this Alan raised her head again, giving her a smile, before kissing her, the warmth flooding through her, the spark reigniting from the few days of hell, it has been three days since she felt his lips touching, travelling to the hearing and returning back to where they were stationed.
Smiling Mikasa stutters in her move "Alan, I want…. I need" unable to form the words, this was a lot harder than she thought, amused at his smile as if trying to guess who next words.
"What you want a shit? Or need it?" Alan rose his eyebrow in question, receiving an unamused expression from Mikasa "Hey, I'm no mind reader"
"I'm not Sasha and your are definitely not Garrus" Mikasa spoke, mood slightly ruined but still feeling right, taking a deep breath she spoke again "I have been thinking a lot lately, the near death experiences, the fear of losing you, it was too much. It made me realise ever since I saw you get eaten, my world fell apart" her heart broke seeing his expression grew tense at the thought, he didn't want to hurt her, Mikasa stopping him before he can say anything.
"And since we be joining the survey corps that risk of death is higher, I know you will protect me and Eren, but no one would be able to protect you" slowly she removed her jacket, amused how Alan stared blankly at her, not getting the hint.
'Is she getting hot?' Alan thought until Mikasa unbuttoned her top button, slowly the next, her blush intensifies. "Alan, I want to do this with you" Mikasa finally blurted out.
Alan froze for a moment, his eyes widening in realisation 'Oh, OH, OH' words now fumbling out of his mouth, making Mikasa to giggle, how he love that giggle, it never comes out enough from that beautiful woman, clearing his throat "Are you sure, I mean not that I'm denying you, being such a beautiful, sexy…" before he continue, Mikasa placed her hand on his cheek staring into his eyes.
"Just shut up" Mikasa simply smiled before bringing him into a heavy kiss, as they fell to the ground.
A/N: Well this took a while to do, my apologies, I do appreciate if I get Levi and Erwin Smith right as I do not want to do their Characters injustice,
so if you guys feel if I strayed from their characters let me know in the reviews.
Myzor King of War: Quite a few reviews, very appreciated of your opinion, I always thought what Alan have done was original, hence why I
thought it was cool, Mikasa isn't in my opinion to be show too much in public, so subtleness is their kind of thing.
Tyrese: I understand your confusion and I very much appreciate your honesty, The MC did do something stupid in Annie's opinion hence the kick,
he didn't really get his ass kicked, more like accept his punishment and allow it to happen.
Why he allow Annie to do that, well that's something that can be explained in future chapters when I get around to doing them.
But non the less I appreciate your honesty and hope to have more like it.