-Chapter 21: Delta Squad, Reborn-
In an unknown field, somewhere….
A calm and cool breeze flowed in the air all throughout the vast rural landscape. In this peaceful locale we find our hero simply observing his surroundings with a calm and nostalgic smile. As he eyed the odd shaped mountain ranges, he felt a sense of ease and overall calmness in his soul as he readjusted himself on the warm headrest he laid upon.
"*Giggle* Enjoying yourself?"
Looking up he was met with a very familiar face, one he had not seen in quite a long time. Despite the centuries they'd been apart it wasn't hard to recognize her eternally youthful features. Her light orange hair flowed with the wind, nearly masking the smile that adorned her face.
Maverick let out an amused huff as he locked eyes with her grey orbs. With a mischievous look he sunk his head deeper into her thighs, eliciting a few more giggles from his companion.
"*Giggles* I'll take that as a yes." The ageless beauty said as her pointed ears twitched in delight. A small but heartfelt chuckle escaped his lips as he relaxed further in his companions robed figure.
"Well, every day's enjoyable with you." She stifled another giggle at his flattery while he immediately looked away and cringed at his own remark. "Gods, that was cheesy." As he said this a sudden and strong disturbing feeling entered his mind, before slowly fading away as he felt a warm sensation on his cheek.
"Yet your words are genuine, even if they're cheesy." Looking back he was met with the soft feeling of a hand caressing him, and once again he lost himself in the eyes of his companion.
No further words were spoken as the two continued to bask themselves in the calm atmosphere and in each other's company. For these small peaceful moments they enjoyed were few and far between, especially with tensions raging across the stars. In time however they knew it would come to an end, and they would have to move on.
"The sun will go down soon." She said as she eyed the blue and purplish hues slowly overtaking the red and orange colored sky. A sigh came from the man resting on her thighs as he turned to her, as a near pleading look formed on his face.
"Do we have to?" His voice held a resigned yet somber tone as he spoke, causing her to release a sigh of her own.
"As much as I do enjoy our time here, I sense we'll be needed elsewhere." She played with his hair in an effort to comfort him, which didn't seem to work as he felt the disturbing feeling return once more.
"Not even for a few more minutes?" He asked. To which the elven beauty slowly shook her head.
"I'm afraid not…" He turned his head back in an effort to regain some of the peace. Yet it wasn't meant to be as the disturbing sensation began to increase as the sky was soon engulfed in twilight. As he watched everything begin to unfold he felt the feeling of someone poking him at a rapid pace.
"It's time to get up, Mav."
"Eh?" In the years he had known her, she had never used a nickname for him. Always preferred using his full name, even after their union, so something was definitely up. Turning around confirmed it as the face of his once longtime companion began to shift and distort, just like the world around him.
"Mav…Mav….Maverick…" Her voice began to change in pitch, to match the voice of another certain individual he knew. Knowing what this meant he resigned himself as the world around him broke apart, releasing beams of light that soon engulfed his vision, turning everything white.
-oOo-
Maverick's Room, inside the barracks
"Mav?...Maaaav?" Hange said while continuously poking her large companions cheek. Moblit meanwhile stayed a safe distance away, recalling the last time the squad leader had woken up their comrade in such a brash manner, though he was somewhat glad that she at least had some tact this time around.
Her continuous pokes seemed to have an effect as Maverick began to stir in his sleep, a discontent look forming on his bearded visage. Soon his eyes opened wide, revealing his ever familiar and dazzling glowing blue orbs. Whether he was looking at his superior or at her assistant she couldn't really tell, the lack of pupils tended to make figuring his line of sight rather difficult.
"*Fay…*" She heard him mutter in a low and deep tone. A questioning look formed on her face and that of her vice-captain as their large squad mate didn't seem to be speaking with either of the two.
"*Nnnope, just us.*" She said in a perky tone trying to get his attention. Maverick finally looked in her direction and blinked a few times, letting out a dry chuckle as he soon began to fully wake up, slowly rising up from his now reinforced bed. As his feet touched the wooden floor his superior spoke up once again.
"*You okay? You overslept again.*" She received a nod from the goliath as he slowly stretched his arms, earning him a few cracks.
"*Yawn… W-What time is it?*" He asked, scratching his unkempt beard. Hange quickly took out a pocket watch from her half jacket and squinted at the direction of the smaller needle.
"*Around six, you missed breakfast by the way.*" She replied. He let out a tired groan and rubbed away the gunk from his eyes, only to quickly smell a wonderful aroma in the room.
"We brought you some though." The aroma came from his dear friend and comrade Moblit, who had a large plate of ham and eggs in his hands. The vice-captain received an appreciative nod as he placed the plate on Maverick's nightstand. Though before he could get a bite his squad leader spoke up, with a slightly worried tone.
"You sure your feeling alright?" Hange asked again. The large man stayed silent for a few moments before a reassuring smile formed on his face.
"Yeah…just a little more tired than I thought." She didn't pry any further as Maverick took a few bites from his breakfast. Though he couldn't enjoy it as much, seeing as the continuous stares from his squad mates was getting rather awkward. "So…what's going on now?"
Seconds passed before Hange's eye's widened behind her goggles, as she was reminded of the reason they were here in the first place, besides giving their large comrade one of the most important meals of the day.
"Oh right! The cadets are getting their uniforms and their assigned squads today!" She exclaimed, a joyous expression on her face once again. For she had already conjured up many team bonding exercises inside her head, many of them relating to titan interactions.
"Ahhh, and I suppose you want to get the lab ready?" A snicker escaped the squad leaders lips as she struck a pose.
"You read my mind Bigman!" Another soft chuckle came from her comrade as he set his plate back on the nightstand and stretch his limbs.
"Righto, let me just get ready…" With a nod his two comrades made their way towards the door, the squad leader more than eager to get started on their lab renovations. "Mhm, we'll meet you in the lab!"
Leaving Maverick's room the two made their way from the barracks towards the main HQ building in silence. It didn't last long however as Moblit spoke concerning their large friend.
"What do you think he was thinking about?" Hange's smile slowly faded as the image of Maverick's resting figure flashed into her mind. The way he softly snored the day away, his hands resting on his slowly rising chest, or how he smiled in his sleep, or when his face held an almost serene look. Even after she practically slammed the door to his room wide open…
It was as if he was in absolute peace. As if the worries of the world were far away from his mind…
A part of her didn't want to disturb his rest, to simply let him continue whatever he was dreaming about, as it clearly brought him some form of tranquility. But they had a job to do, plus she didn't wish to have to reprimand him for technically missing the morning rollcall. With a sigh she answered Moblit's remark with a stern reply.
"Not our place to ask Moblit, he'll tell us on his own time." Her assistant simply nodded and dropped the topic. Though Hange still had a few lingering thoughts and concerns, particularly on what he muttered out in his drowsy state.
Just who or what in the name of the Walls was this…Fay? And what did they mean to her comrade?
-oOo-
Later, inside the Scouts Headquarters
It was early afternoon when the new recruits were gathered inside the main plaza, all adorned in their new crisp uniforms and cloaks, granted some of them had been hand me downs from previous members of the regiment, but the new bloods didn't seem to mind. They were simply proud to bear the blue and white symbols now etched on their shoulders and backs.
A small smile formed on the Erwin's face as he gave them a bit of time to admire their new uniforms before directing them to line up in multiple groups in a row. Some questioning mutters were heard as the veterans lined up in front of them, with the commander standing atop the steps leading to the main building.
"Attention!" Said the commander in a loud and clear tone silencing the small chatters and hushed whispers. "As I said yesterday, it's time to designate you to your assigned squads. You'll notice that you're all in select rows."
Looking forward the recruits were met with the eyes of their veteran members, their stern and cold gazes a vast difference from their behaviors the night before.
"As of this moment the one standing before you will be your squad leader. Your arrangements have been based upon your individual aptitude tests, skill reports, and personal notes by your instructors in the Training Corps." He continued.
"In a half hour we will be setting off for our ODM training area in the woodlands. Until then use the time to get to know your squad leader, and vice versa." The questioning looks returned once more as they didn't know what the last part of the Commander's speech meant, for it seems he took a page from the marked man's list of idioms and phrases. Luckily someone was there to clarify.
"Means we'll get to know you brats, see if you actually got what it takes to be here." Corrected Levi, to the collective "Ohhhhh" from the recruits, much to his annoyance.
"Does everyone understand?" He received many nods from the gathered mass of recruits, confirming him. "Then, dismissed."
With that the groups of recruits made their way towards their individual squad leaders, either receiving firm and welcoming handshakes, or for one squad's case, being sniffed by the resident third strongest soldier in the regiment. As this all went on one group remained in place. Since the beginning they had noticed that their designated squad leader was not present for the entirety of the Commander's speech.
Among the group of lost little rookies were the duo Abel and Keiji, the former raising his hand to get the Commander's attention.
"E-Excuse me. Commander. B-But where is our squad leader?" Erwin tried his absolute damnedest to keep a straight face as he made eye contact with the goggled recruit, who had the pleasure and honor to be assigned to her squad.
"Ah yes, your squad leader requested for you all to report to the main building." He gestured to said large building behind him. "In the western wing you will find a door with a sign. That is where you'll find her."
Giving a grateful nod Abel proceeded up the steps leading to his destination, with the other recruits following shortly after him. As Erwin heard the doors to the main building close, the short statured captain made a passing remark concerning the new members of the Fourth Squad.
"Poor brats…"
The commander stifled a chuckle, having to close his hand over his mouth to contain his humors. As amusing the captains' remark was, he could at least give them some benefit of the doubt. They needed the numbers after all, plus this would give him a chance to see how their marked comrade would perform as a newly promoted team leader.
"I'm sure the two will do their best to ease them in." Levi gave the tall blonde a flat look in response. He would have agreed with him, but with Maverick having both entertained and encouraged Hange's whimsies for the last few months, it made him question his commander's statement.
'Those poor, poor, brats….'
-oOo-
Main building, West wing
The small group of rookies walked along the long hallway eying every door that crossed their path, with Abel as their unofficial group leader. Though the word leader may be too much of a stretch, seeing as he wasn't exactly in a calm state of mind at the moment.
"Cmon Goggles, quit shaking like a leaf." Said Keiji, as he gazed at his friend who looked to be on the verge of a panic attack.
"Can't help it. We're going to be part of the same squad the Titan Slayer's in! Don't you feel the same?" He exclaimed with a nervous tone in his voice. Keiji simply smirked at the immature buffoonery displayed by his squad mate.
"Yeah, but you don't see me looking like I'm about to faint." Abel deflated at his response, before turning to the others in the group. "W-What about you guys?"
The other two recruits following along looked to one another for a few moments, before the brown and long haired recruit to his left spoke up.
"W-Well…I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous…" The one to Abel's right, a short haired young man, offered his thoughts in return.
"He seemed friendly enough at last night's dinner. Heck didn't you two sit with him?" He asked pointing at the two. Abel's eyes widened behind his goggles, as he was honestly reminded that he did indeed sit next to the marked man, hell the two shared a few stories back and forth. "Y-Yeah…"
"Oh here we are." Keiji suddenly said as he spotted a door with a sign hanging off of it. Eying it close he said aloud the written passage.
"Zoë Laboratories…Making dreams come true since 846..." He knocked on the door, only to have said door to fly open in seconds.
*SLAM*
"Ha Ha! Welcome, Welco-Oh!" Exclaimed Hange as she looked down at the poor recruit that just got his face slammed by the door and was now lying on the floor, his forehead completely red.
"I'm so sorry! I-I heard you down the hall and got so excited to meet you all…" She said in an apologetic tone as she tried to lift up the dazed Keiji, whose only response were a series of groans. Just then another voice sounded from behind the woman.
"Could you show at least some restraint squad leader?" Moblit said as he waved the other recruits hello.
"It was an accident!" She shouted getting up into her vice-captain's face, surprising the small group of scouts by the sudden tone shift and volume of her voice.
"I-It's fine, s-squad leader…" Keiji replied with a pained voice, soothing his aching forehead and nose. Hange's apologetic smile returned on her face as she eyed the other gathered recruits and tried to get things back on track.
"W-Well anyways come in, come in." She gestured for them to enter the room. The recruits followed suit, with the still dazed Keiji supported by his dear friend. Though his pained state seemed to almost disappear once he caught a glimpse of the squad leader's lab.
First and foremost was the sight of the marked man who was reclining behind one of the tables, who smiled at the sight of the new bloods, both familiar and unfamiliar. Which was then followed by a large banner hanging over the wall of the lab.
Welcome to Delta Rookies!
The rookies had little time to fully process the meaning as the marked man spoke to the recruits from the previous night.
"Well, well, well, guess we'll be seeing each other much more often, eh?" The two nodded in response, though Keiji got a bit of whiplash for moving his head two quickly. Taking him to a nearby chair it left Maverick with the other two unknown recruits. "And you two must be…"
"H-Harold, Sir!" The one with brown shaggy hair said quickly, while straightening his posture and greeting Maverick with a salute. The other did the same and spoke in a much more confident tone. "Rashad, it's an honor."
Maverick's smile stretched a bit further across his bearded face at the sight, for it reminded him of the many wide eyed recruits from his olden days. He held his hand out to formally greet them, that was met with the eager responses from the two. Which of course led to them receiving a most spine tingling meeting.
"Harold, Rashad." Maverik said, getting the names and faces of the two etched into his memory. "Read some good things from your instructor, it'll be nice to have some more skilled people on this team, makes my job easier." The two recruits were left speechless and a little flustered by his compliments, to the amusement of everyone else.
After introductions were made Hange let the new members explore the lab a bit, to take a gander at the many notes, writing, and sketches plastered on the walls and boards, both depicting their giant foes and their resident superhuman.
Hange's sketches and notes on Maverick were the true eyecatchers. The recruits found themselves taking pause at one sketch depicting the goliaths full body with the multitude of strange and utterly foreign symbols and markings drawn on separate pieces of paper which were all connected to different areas of his body.
Alongside these drawings were notes and descriptions of their individual meanings as told by Maverick himself, leaving the new members amazed and curious.
"Hey, what's this fancy one all about?" Keiji said pointing at a drawing which had a string connected to the Titan Slayers' left pectoral muscle. The drawing was of a cross symbol, with smaller crosses on four sides, alongside some sort of runic writing formed in a circle around the cross.
Still unmoving from his spot Maverick eyed what he was talking about. Upon looking at the symbol a small nostalgic, yet somber smile formed on his face, as he unconsciously rubbed his left pectoral.
"Ahhh, that's the symbol of the Holy Sepulcher." Upon the confused looks from the recruits he further elaborated. "It was the symbol of my knightly order during the Crusades."
"Crusades?" Rashad asked, for this term was completely new to both him and his peers. With a slow nod Maverick continued.
"A very long story son. In short, they were a…series of religious wars, shall we say. All for the sake of the Holy Land."
The recruits listened inventively as he spoke a little more of his time in this so-called Holy Land. Mostly of his years defending a city known as Jerusalem, which was a land of great importance for his knightly order.
"So…you were like one of those Wallist back then?" Keiji asked with a raised brow, for this was all sounding quite similar to how those oddballs spoke so fervently about the Walls.
"Oh Gods no. You won't ever see me making an ass of myself like that." A few chuckles erupted as his alarmed tone. "Never really considered myself overly religious back then. To be honest I just…got really swept up with the whole situation." He explained to the returned confusion of the recruits.
"So you just went along with everything?" Rashad remarked, in a slightly scrutinizing tone. The others looked at him as if he had just delivered a grave insult, though Maverick let out a short laugh as he expected such a question, to which he had an answer for.
"Well, when you're essentially living in the time of one of the most famous events in human history, wouldn't you like to be a part of it?" The young recruit went silent as that was a bit of a thinker. The idea of living through an important event in history sounded quite nice. The more he thought about it he couldn't help but hold his breath as he suddenly came to realize, that he was living through an eventful moment right this second! Looking back at the marked man he was met with a knowing grin.
"So what does the mark do, for you exactly?" Harold asked to which Maverick responded with an unusually peppy tone.
"Well, it reminds me that wherever I go in my seemingly never ending travels, God is always by my side, filling my heart with righteous vigor and strength." Silence filled the room as everyone was taken completely off guard
"It also wards off demons and other nasties." He added, making the cadets go wide eyed yet again. Though before they could pry further the squad leader interrupted their story session.
"I think its best we saved this topic for later Mav, we only have half an hour." Hange said eliciting a nod from her large comrade. The cadets let out a few disappointed sighs, but soon found themselves eying the notes once again.
"So, guess I'll ask. What's with all the titan sketches?" Kaiji said, making Hange grin from ear to ear.
"So glad you asked! You see, the rest of the squads are more than comfortable with killing every titan they see. I however, see the value of studying our man eating foes! As you can see by my studious notes." She once again gestured to the note covered wall, though it would seem her male counterpart had something to say.
"Our instructors always said the main weakness was the nape, what more could we need to know?" Abel said with a curious tone. Moblit head turned rapidly to the goggled eye boy with a shocked look, for the foolish boy had entertained the squad leader.
"*Chuckles* Long ago I made a very interesting discovery about our giant foes, and that discovery soon lead to many, many questions…" Hange began, her eyes still on the multitude of doodles and hastily scribbled writings.
"And those questions soon lead me on this path. To find out the mystery behind the greatest threat to our species' existence. A path that you've all now taken." She said while turning her head to the new members of her squad. The glow emitting from her goggles and the slight edge in her tone put the recruits a little off with the ones closest to her backing away a little.
"Why they act the way they do….How they function….What other weaknesses might they hold…." She continued.
"In this room, we'll find those answers, to find out how they tick, and to finally wipe them from existence. To a point where the only time we'll ever hear about titans ever again is in the history books…" Everyone remained silent as it seemed their squad leader was slowly slipping into a more intense persona, her cheery tone completely disappearing. Though it didn't last for long as she reverted back in seconds, a gleaming smile on her face once more.
"Not to mention thanks to a certain someone, not only do we have a credible theory, but our operations have expanded to other prospects!" Hange spun towards the marked man, and presenting him as some exotic and expensive present, earning her a smirk and a pat on her noggin.
"As were essentially the RD department of this entire regiment, I suggested we should consider the development of anti-titan weaponry." Maverick continued, to the immediate confusion of the recruits.
"R and D?" Abel repeated, though much slower as he still tried to deduce what that meant exactly.
"Research and Development." Maverick said eliciting a couple nods and an "Ohhhh" from the goggle eyed rookie. Hange then took control of the conversation once more.
"With the commanders blessing we've managed to develop this little beauty!" She gestured for Maverick to step aside, finally revealing to the new team members just what the large man was hiding behind his large build.
The recruits were yet again baffled at what they saw on the table. Held by a stand was an odd looking gun of some sorts. Its barrel like body, mixed with the narrow tube in the back made it look almost comical, and with the repurposed controller grip installed at the bottom made the entire think look completely alien. As if this was made by someone who had only minimal knowledge of firearms.
"What am I looking at, squad leader?" Abel said, voicing the question on all the rookies' minds in the moment. With a smile stretched across her face Hange was more than happy to answer.
"Allow me to present the Survey Corps Titan Restraining Device!" She took it off from its stand and held it to her fellow goggled eyed squad mate, who held out his arms. Upon receiving it he was surprised by the bit of weight the weapon had and further examined it with his fellow rookies surrounding him.
"It's still a prototype, but in the future we hope to have this be a standard issue weapon." Hange explained as she and her fellow veterans watched as their new members continued to admire the weapon, often passing it to one another, like children gifted a new toy.
"What does it do?" Harold asked while eying the inside of the barrel. With a chuckle Hange took the weapon away from his hands and gave the rookies another unsettling look, as that was just the question she was hoping to hear.
"Why simply tell you, when we can show you…"
-oOo-
Titan Ranch, inside Wall Maria
"Here is one of my absolute favorite places in the world!" Hange exclaimed at the sight of numerous titans restrained and held inside a makeshift encampment, all guarded by a few select members of the regiment and a few artillery crews.
The Titan Ranch, as some in the regiment had taken to call it, was the Fourth Squad's personal stock of subjects for their eccentric leaders' titan research operations. Over the months they had amassed quite a few specimens, all of varying sizes and shapes, all completely manageable mind you. As much as Hange wanted to get one of the larger ones for study, some restrictions had to be placed, for the safety of those guarding the area and of the denizens of Wall Maria.
Looking back to her squad Hange was met with the apprehensive looks from the newest members of her squad. Understandable, for this was their very first time getting close to the creatures responsible for nearly wiping out their species. However fighting titans was exactly what they signed up for, and as far as Hange was concerned this was simply getting them used to what will be a common sight for them in the future.
"Come on now, no need for cold feet! They're restrained after all." Hange reassured her new recruits, pushing Abel and Keiji along inside the tent and closer towards the nearest of the restrained subjects. Their feet however started to dig into the ground the moment the goofy looking titan turned slightly in their direction, its drowsy looking eyes slowly zeroing in on the gathered scouts.
Soon the other corralled man eaters began to eye the newcomers as well, voicing out a wave of anxious groans and guttural moans, putting the guards on edge and cannon crews taking aim. The sound of them made the recruits go stiff, watching the creatures they had only one seen as simply wooden forms now in the flesh, their disgusting, foul, and abominable flesh. As Hange went towards the nearest of them she turned and saw that the group was more comfortable with staying right where they were, with Moblit trying, and failing, to encourage them.
She turned her sights onto Maverick and gave him a smile, masking her true pleading look. He understood immediately and stepped away from the group and towards the titan Hange was close to, which so happened to be the first one they caught so long ago.
The titans teeth chattered as its bulbous eyes focused on the large glowing man. It soon started to shake its arms, trying to free themselves from their tight bindings and grab the superhuman. Maverick simply gave it a flat look as he watched its pathetic display. Knowing what was going to happen the guards turned away as the glowing man closed in further towards its restrained left foot, and finally made the creature calm down, like he had done many times before.
*CRUNCH*
In a quick motion Maverick raised his foot and stomped on the titans', eliciting a sickening crunch that made the rookies turn and flinch. Looking back they saw and were went pale at the sight of the bloody mess that was once the titans left foot. Even as it began to steam Maverick continued to dig his foot into the gore, keeping it from regenerating. Even more startling was that the titan showed no pain filled reaction to what just happened, though it did go silent as the marked man spoke out to it.
"Shut your fucking mouth…I see you even twitch, and I'll tear off your limbs and shove them down your throat."
The venom in his voice made the scouts go wide eyed. Their shock went up to eleven as they watched the titan go stiff as well, even the sickening grin on its face fell to a downward frown as it continued to eye the seven-foot man.
Whatever it was seeing was clearly spooking it as it's pupils shrunk, and it's mouth began to quiver, making the recruits a bit nervous as well. The marked man then turned his attention to the other restrained man eaters.
*"THAT GOES FOR THE REST OF YOU FUCKING TROGS! THE MOMENT I SEE ANY OF THOSE BINDINGS GO LOOSE, YOUR DONE! DON'T THINK YOUR SAFE HERE, OR THAT SHE'LL SAVE YOU. YOU FUCKWITS ARE ALL EXPENDABLE!"*
Besides Hange and Moblit no one knew what in the Walls Maverick had said, for the English language was still a mystery to all. Even the guards, who had heard him speak in his foreign tongue many times before had still yet to understand. Though they didn't need a translator to know that whatever he said to the corralled beasts was not exactly friendly.
Like its fellow the other titans went silent, their demented smiles and grins now forming into frightened looks as well, some even tried to turn away from Maverick's sight. Though Maverick had his back turned to the rest of his squad, they could almost see the pure malice emanate from his now terrifying presence.
Even those who stood guard could feel chills run down their spines, even though the man's wrath wasn't directed at them.
Seeing the titans had calmed down the marked man straightened his posture and spoke in a calm voice once again.
"Alright, they shouldn't be too hard to handle now." Turning the squad was met with the calm and non-hostile look from Maverick, as if the last few minutes hadn't occurred at all. His features softened as he eyed the new recruits who were understandably nervous and spooked from the ordeal.
"Sorry you had to see that. It's the only way to get these cretins to behave." Nodding heads were the only response he got, which though slightly disconcerting was completely understandable to him. It wasn't the first time his gifts had spooked someone out of their wits, wouldn't be the last.
As Moblit went to try to comfort their large comrade Hange continued on with what they had originally came to do, that being providing the rookies with an informative live-fire testing of the restraining device.
"So like I said earlier well be showing you all just how the Survey Corps Titan Restraining Device functions. As its name implies it will allow us to capture titans, which we'll bring here for testing." She continued.
"It functions just like any other firearm, though instead of steel balls this beauty is armed with one of our special made ODM wire nets, which will launch towards our intended target. The net itself has little hooks installed as to prevent our target from easily freeing himself." She received a couple of intrigued and awed looks from her new members, who saw the weapon in a more revered light.
"Once the target is restrained Mav will carry them back here to give it a new home, just like everyone here." With a smile she watched their curious looks turn to ones of surprise. "Any questions?"
Rashad slowly raised his arm. "S-So he's carried all of them here?" He asked pointing to the large glowing superhuman standing behind the group. With a vigorous nod she responded.
"Sure he did! Hell he even threw Gimpy here over the wall!" The new members looked to their squad leader with baffled looks.
"Gimpy?" Keiji repeated, to which Hange snapped her fingers, as she suddenly remembered something.
"Oh! I forgot to formally introduce them all!" Running close to the still spooked titan she presented it once again to the new squad members
"So this is Gimpy, he was our first! Then there's Gein our second, followed by Hannibal, Greasus, Gutsy, Skinny, Shortcake, Gordo, Nero, and last but certainly not least Excellus!"
The new members were utterly baffled at the overall behavior of their superior. Their squad leader had honestly taken to naming each and every one of these man eating monsters, even odder was how she sounded when she listed them off, as if they were her own children! Some looked back to see their other superiors and the guards give them either resigned smiles or pity filled looks in return, was this some sort of joke?
Turning back to their now kooky looking squad leader, their googled comrade voiced out something that they had all thought but slightly dreaded to actually ask.
"So a-are we going to…" He didn't get to finish as Hange immediately responded.
"Release one of them and test our new device? Yes!" Their eyes nearly bugged out of their sockets. First it was naming them, now she wants to let them loose? Inside Wall Maria? Which was nearly overrun nearly a year ago?...Was she mad?
"S-Squad leader! A-Are you sure we can d-do this?" Harold exclaimed, to the approving look from the woman.
"Of course! I have faith in all of you!" Her response was met by the boy shaking his head, for she clearly misunderstood what he was saying.
"N-No that's not what I meant ma'am. Can we do this?!" He emphasized gesturing towards the encampment. Hange looked back to the ranch, to see the apprehensive and nervous looks from the guards and artillery crews stationed. Considering they were armed with spears and outdated cannons they had a right to be on edge.
"Ohhhhh….." Hange voiced out, now fully understanding the situation.
"Of course!" The rookies nearly collapsed, to the chuckles from everyone around. Moblit and Maverick however offered the boys a few supportive pats on the back, for stuff like this would soon be the norm for them.
"Well then let's start wi-" Whatever she was about to say was interrupted by the sounds of shouting and hooves.
"HANGE!"
Turning around the Fourth Squad was met with the sight of scouts on horseback making their way towards them at breakneck speeds, and leading them was the newly promoted team leader.
"Moses?"
Seconds after she muttered his name he and the rest of his team made it to them, their horse kicking up dirt as they slid before steadying themselves. "Titans are getting near the Wall, Garrison say it's a big pack of em this time!"
"R-Really?!" Hange shouted out with a mixture of surprise and excitement, with the recruits going wide eyed as well.
"Positive! The Commander wants squads one through six on sortie." Turning to the new members he tried to mask his worries with a smirk "Hope your ready rookies, your about to get a taste of the Survey Corps Experience!" He tugged on Buckley's' reigns directing him to turn. "We'll see you in the interior!"
Saying all he needed to say Moses and his squad mates sped off back to where they came from. Hange let out a sigh as she kicked the ground a little, while Maverick and Moblit looked to one another. With an expectant look he lowered his head towards the vice-captain.
'Pay up …' Maverick whispered to his colleague, to which Moblit fished out roughly twenty coins from his jacket pocket. With a satisfied look Maverick pocketed the betting money, just as Hange spoke up once again in a disappointed tone.
"Well, guess we'll have to…save this for another time I suppose…" A few relieved sighs were heard from the group, only to grow anxious once again at the sight of Hange's smirk.
"Buuuut, that doesn't mean we can still show of our prototype!" She soon rushed to mount her horse nearly ripping the rope that held it in place.
"S-So where actually going to bring another titan inside?" Abel asked with a nervous tone, which seemed to go ignored as Hange strapped the prototype onto the back of her saddle and rearing to go.
"Yep." Able deflated at the peppy tone of their squad leader, earning him a supportive back pat from Keiji, while the others mentally prepared themselves for the coming battle..
"Boys." The calm, and father like tone of the Titan Slayer brought the groups attention to the large imposing man. "Remember, you've trained three years for this moment. You know how to outmaneuver them, how to wound them, and how to kill them." Nodding heads were their responses though he could still see a bit of doubt in their eyes. Luckily Moblit was there to back him up.
"You won't act alone either. As a squad, we'll have each other's backs." Moblit added, earning him an appreciative nod from the marked man. The recruits as well soon began to feel their resolves returning, knowing they had the support of their superiors. Plus they had the Titan Slayer on their side, the odds were very much in their favor.
"We won't let you down sirs!" Abel spoke out with a salute, his previous nervousness now replaced with a firm voice. The others followed suit showing their own strengthened resolves.
"We know you won't, your no namby pamby unicorns, right?" Maverick asked with a smirk, which was met with a resounding…
"NO, SIR!"
"Damn right you're not!" Now psyched up the rookies went off to mount their steeds, while Maverick stretched his legs, prepared to go on another miles long jog across the land.
"Couldn't have said better myself boys!" Hange exclaimed giving and appreciative look towards her vice-captain and her demigod team leader, though Maverick raised a brow as she sent a wink towards him before she spoke out.
"Let's go catch ourselves a live one Delta! HIYAHH"
It was followed by the rookies voicing out their own mix of responses, either resounding warcries or nervous laughter. Maverick could only offer a small chuckle as he let his squad have a bit of a head start.
'Heh…Guess she likes the name…Hope none of you mind…' Maverick thought as he watched the squad ride off, just as some old faces flashed in his head. From the hero of Aspho Fields, the bombastic all-star, his grub killing in-law, his large statured and spiritual warrior brother, his own dear flesh and blood, his road raging daughter in-law and of course…her.
'*Sigh* From fighting grubs, swarms, and now to giant dopey cannibals…Deltas' got its work cut out for em…'
"We'll be back in a bit lads!" He shouted to the small garrison of the encampment, which was met with resounding replies and salutes.
"Stay safe Slayer!"
"Give those titans a good thrashing for me!"
"Keep an eye on those newbies, lord knows they'll need it with that squad leader in charge!"
With a couple laughs shared amongst the soldiers Maverick soon turned back to see his squad had made quite a bit of distance. Making sure his gear was properly secured he went into a running position before quickly setting off to catch up with the rest of Delta, kicking up dust and dirt as he sped off.
-oOo-
Later inside the Shiganshina District
The detachment of scouts was amassed near the outer wall of the district, waiting for the moment they were given the signal to head out and face their foes. All stood with hardened gazes as they heard the barrage of cannon fire atop the outer wall go off every couple of seconds. For those in front of the formation they could catch glimpses of what was going on outside thanks to the breach, seeing the distant forms of titans being pelted and felled by cannonballs, only to slowly rise once more.
The short statured captain simply paid no mind, his sights instead on the abandoned equipment the laborers left behind near the breach, shifting to the still yet to be completed bunkers and towers stationed around the outer gate.
"What a waste." Levi muttered as he rose his head to see the smoke from the cannons engulf the top of the wall. Turning to the commander he raised a brow as he saw him simply staring forward. "Oi Erwin, we just gonna sit here and wait for them to blow through their ammo?"
Turning his sights to the captain Erwin calmly responded. "We aren't all here Levi, surely you've noticed."
The captain clicked his tongue in response, of course Four Eyes and her merry band were late, she just had to build that little freak farm far away in the west. Moses' team still hadn't returned either, much to his displeasure.
Yet as he was thinking those thoughts the sound of galloping hooves was heard. Turning around Levi was met with the sight of their titan fanatic maneuvering her horse, followed by her new brats and the aforementioned team leader. "Excuse me, pardon me, sorry, so sorry…"
He could feel his eyebrow slightly twitch as the absolute buffoonery before his eyes. That stupid looking grin on her face, as if the entire regiment wasn't waiting for her dumb ass.
"Phew! Glad we made it!" Hange exclaimed as her and her squad mates arrived.
"You know you've kept us waiting right?" Levi spoke in an irritated tone, which was met with Zoë's carefree rebuttal.
"And now we're all here!" She said with a smile. Levi could only sigh in response, it wasn't the first time she'd pull a stunt like this, wouldn't be the last. As he stared at the rest of the members of the fourth squad he immediately noticed they were one member short.
"Where is he?" He said, expecting an answer. Knowing who he was referring to Hange tried to speak in his defense.
"Oh he went to go-"
As if on que a sudden sound was heard by everyone in the regiment, making them look around for the source. That is until one scout pointed upwards for everyone to see a figure descending from the sky, towards the forward formation. As he landed the ground shook by the sheer force of his decent, creating a small crater around the area and spooking their mounts. The figure was none other than Maverick, now outfitted with his green cloak and armed with his signature morning star.
"What'd I miss?" He asked, as he stepped out of the crater he created. With a dry cough the halfling responded.
"Not much, just waiting on you so we can actually do our duty." Levi snidely remarked.
"Oh come now Levi, you know I had to bring Skullsmite along." He shook his spiky club around, nearly in the vicinity of the captains face.
"Oi, you trying to poke my eye out?" He remarked, moving his head away from the engraved spike that nearly poke a hole through his eye socket. A chuckle from the goliath was all he got in return.
While their banter went on many of the recruits were left stupefied and downright speechless at what just occurred, none more so than the rookies of Miche's squad.
"D-D-Did that…just h-happen?" Gelgar stuttered out. He turned to his comrades in hopes of getting some confirmation. "Y-You guys saw that right?"
He of course was met with nodding heads and wide eyes from his fellows. They all had heard the tales spun by their superiors regarding the large man's supernatural aspects and abilities. So to see it with their own eyes was nothing short of shocking.
"Y-Yeah." Henning said, unconsciously staring at the sight of humanities two strongest soldiers conversing.
"How are his legs not broken?" Lynne muttered, with a bit of concern in her voice. Falling from a height like that would have crippled someone for life, if not outright killed them. Suppose their otherworldly comrade wasn't lying when he said he was protected by divine forces.
All the while Tomas simply remained quiet as he rubbed his necklace, when yet another loud sound shook the rookies to their cores.
"SQUEEEEE!"
"Gah, my fucking ears!" Henning shouted, covering his ears from the horrid squeals. Many followed his example as they too tried to protect their hearing. Soon though the sound subsided leaving the recruits with questions and worries.
"W-What the hell was that?!" One cadet shouted out the question on all the rookies minds. Some talked amongst themselves, while others asked their superiors.
"What kind of titan was that?!" Gelgar asked aloud, which was met the flat toned response by their stoic squad leader.
"Caesar."
The new squad members looked to one another, making sure they all heard the same thing. Caesar? What in the Walls was a Caesar? Was it something they had to know? The way their superior said it made it sound as if they should know it by now. Which of course they didn't.
"I-Is it some kind of special titan squad leader? Should we be worried?" Lynne asked with a slightly alarmed tone. She was surprised however as the sound of her two superiors sharing a chuckle before turning to her with a small smile.
"Don't worry, he's on our side." Nanaba reassured, only confusing the young woman even more.
"O-Oh…good."
Her thoughts, alongside those of her companions, were soon rattled as the commander's voice rang out for everyone in the assault squads to hear.
"ATTENTION!"
Everyone in the interior of the district, both scouts and garrison defenders alike remained silent, awaiting the words of the 13th commander.
"THE CANNONS HAVE CEASED, THAT MEANS THE TASK NOW FALLS TO US!"
Turning his head Erwin was met with the eyes of his men. The senior veterans he had fought alongside for years looking back at him with hardened visages, while their newest looked to him with tense yet hopeful eyes.
"TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS, THIS SHALL BE YOU FIRST FORAY INTO TITAN COMBAT! THIS IS WHAT YOUR THREE YEARS OF TRAINING HAS LEAD TO!"
Many a rookie found themselves gripping the reigns of their mounts a little tighter and muttering prayers under their breaths. Though slowly but surely, they soon found their resolves and hopes rekindling.
"SHOW NOT ONLY YOUR COMRADES, BUT TO HUMANITY ITSELF, THAT THOSE THREE YEARS HAVE NOT GONE TO WASTE!"
The commanders inspiring words began to take a hold on the recruits. Their initial worries and doubts soon replaced with feelings of assurance and pride, like a fire had been re-lit in their hearts, reminding them of how far they had come.
"SHOW THOSE WHO WATCH US FROM BEYOND THE MORTAL PLAIN, THAT THEIR SACRIFICES WILL NOT BE IN VAIN!"
Like their seniors the looks from the recruits hardened, their minds now resolute and more than prepared to give it their all. For as the commander said, eyes from those who came before them were now on them, the next generation of scouts.
"LET OUR ENEMIES HEAR YOUR RESOLVE! LET THEM HEAR YOUR DEFIANCE! LET THEM HEAR THE VOICES OF THOSE THAT WILL BRING THEM THEIR DOOM!"
Almost immediately the district was engulfed with the warcries from the newest members of the Survey Corps. Their seniors could barely contain their proud smiles at the sight, the commander included. Though for some this might be the first an only fight of their lives, they allowed the recruits to have their moment. Besides they doubted a certain superhuman would let any casualties happen under his watch.
With nothing more to be said Smith unsheathed one of his blades, raising it high into the air. Taking a long breath he shouted out at the top of his lungs the very first order towards the new men and women under his command.
"ALL UNITS, ADVANCE!"
With that the commander sped off towards the breach his squad leaders following suit, the rookies soon after with raised blades and warcries echoing across Shiganshina. The members of the Garrison simply waved off the scouts, wishing them luck and prayers, though there some who couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of some nearly falling into the marked man's crater, that they would have to soon fill up.
Speaking of which many a rookie were surprised to see Maverick not only running alongside the regiment, but keeping a steady pace. Seeing as he was larger and bulkier than the average man they wondered if he actually had a mount of his own.
Their questions would be answered soon enough. As they became the first in their generation to step outside the Walls.
-oOo-
Outside the District
The moment the regiment rode outside Shiganshina's outer wall and onto the smoking crater filled field they were met with the most bizarre of sights. Of course the sight of nearly two dozen titans of all shapes and sizes, still damaged and steaming from the barrage of cannon fire was already quite startling. However, what truly took the cake was the appearance of quite possibly the largest boar in history, kicking and biting into the horde.
"SQUEEEEE!"
The colossal boar let out another guttural shriek as it used its hind legs to kick away a titan before using its massive body to slam into another's shins, bringing it down to its level.
The veterans of the regiment had long since grown used to the sight of a titan getting mauled by a giant prehistoric boar, much like the existence of their superhuman comrade, but to the fresh faced recruits this was a once and a lifetime experience.
"H-Holy shit…" Lynne muttered, with some in the squad looking back at her, surprised by the profanity coming out of her mouth, of all people.
"What is that?!" Gelgar shouted while blinking rapidly, thinking he was dreaming. For a giant swine definitely wasn't something his instructors had taught him of, much less how to fight.
"That's Caesar." Miche responded, silencing the squad of rookies. Though the greaser still had to be sure.
"You said it was on our side, right vice-captain?!" Nanaba turned her head to give him an affirmative look
"As long as we stay out of his way we'll be fine!" Her response did little to assure the pompadoured recruit, who simply gulped down his worries and continued to steer his horse towards the amassed horde.
Meanwhile in the front of the formation Erwin and his retinue observed the ongoing melee between Caesar and the horde of titans.
"We have little anchor points out here in the open sir!" Peer spoke out, with Erwin giving a nod of acknowledgement. Indeed, the severe lack of any sort of ODM support in this vast field was concerning. With no place to secure their anchors they would be at a severe disadvantage.
"What about the titans themselves?" Beirer's suggestion was immediately vetoed by the commander.
"I'd rather not have the recruits resort to such risky maneuvers so early, especially with the numbers here!" Shifting his view he turned back to the sight of the wall and soon an idea formed in his head.
"All squads, lead the titans towards the Wall!" With complete trust in his orders the individual squad leaders sped off towards the horde, before splitting off in separate directions, gaining the attention of some titans that were far from Caesar. Though it seemed there were still quite a few that chose to go for the giant boar.
The leader of Delta Squad noticed the titans continued focus on the boar and turned to the marked man. "Mav, bring Caesar here!"
Nothing more needed to be said as Maverick nodded his head and turned in the direction of the horde, picking up speed with every step. Shaking off his surprise Abel and the others were about to join their team leader, until Hange ordered otherwise.
"Abel! You and the others stay put!" She said with an authoritative tone. The squad was taken aback, were they truly going to let him go alone? Weren't they supposed to watch each other's backs?
"B-But squad leader-" Abel protested, only to be shut down by surprisingly Moblit of all people.
"Maverick can handle himself, you should all know that by now." He said in a shockingly stern tone. Taken aback once again the rookies soon relented as they encircled the titans from a distance and simply watched their team leader go off towards the horde. Though they were soon reminded of the reason for his many titles.
For the sight of a titan receiving a jaw breaking uppercut caused the new members of Delta squad to drop their own jaws, getting to see just how the Titan Slayer fought his battles, and they were not found wanting in his performance. The moment the first titan was on the floor he set upon the others gathered. He jumped high into the air to meet the head of a fifteen meter and brought Skullsmite down upon its head, sending a discharge of blood and gore in all directions.
He didn't let up as he shot his anchor towards the head of another giant, which managed to lodge itself on the side of its neck. Maneuvering around to the back of its neck he was met with another giant suddenly trying to grab him. In response he swung his morning star, destroying the hand entirely, making it go into a wailing craze. With that nuisance dealt with for the time he continued to reel himself towards the nape of his original target. With a boost of speed form his gear he closed in on the nape before the beast got a chance to counteract, and with yet another swing from his spiky club, he decimated the giant's nape, sending its head flying high into the air.
"G-God…" Rashad muttered, as he watched the team leader go to town on the titans. Hearing how'd he fought the titans off at Shiganshina was exciting enough, but to get a front row seat to see him do a similar feat in action was breath-taking. The speed at which he dealt with the titans was only matched with the sheer brutality of his attacks. All with minimal use of his ODM gear, which was pretty much the only way to kill these man eaters.
Not him though, no sir. His glowing archaic weapon and fists were more than plenty to bring them and keep em down.
The boar, Caesar, was no slouch either. As the marked man continued to make his way towards the swine it had already claimed four titanic opponents, the ten meter currently getting its nape ripped out making five in total.
Just before it could get its tusks on another a glowing figure appeared in front of it. That being none other than its rider.
"Playtimes over Caesar, gotta corral these fuckers." Obeying its master it lowered its head allowing the marked man to mount its back. Grabbing the rope reigns, still miraculously tied to its tusks, he steered it towards the direction of the outer wall. Though not before getting the attention of the giants around him.
"COME ON KIDDIES, FOLLOW THE LEADER!" He shouted with all the might his lungs could give, his warrior voice echoing across the fields. It had the needed effect, as the titans near him all started to rush for him with rapid fervor. Their movements like that of starved animals, with some falling over themselves and trampling over one another as they tried to reach for the marked man.
'Heh, like moths to a flame…'
He kicked Caesars side, making the boar go faster, but not enough to completely lose the titans. Though he still had his fun with them as he had Ceasar slow down making one of the giant oafs leap towards him, only for the great boar to pick up speed again making the giant eat dirt, to the delight of the Titan Slayer.
Catching up with the rest of Delta he was met with the surprised and awed looks from the rookies, and the pleased looks from his superiors.
"That was amazing Sir!" Abel praised, seeing his team leader in a whole new light. Mavrick couldn't help but chuckle at the compliment, for Abel's face resembled that of Hange's when she first saw him in action.
"Made that titan eat fucking dirt!" Keiji added to the chuckles of the others. Though they were soon silenced as Hange made her voice known.
"Settle down boys, were still not out of this yet!" With renewed vigor they kept riding towards the wall alongside the other squads, all the while leading the mass horde of titans.
-oOo-
Atop Shiganshina's outer wall Captain Woermann could only look on with shock at the scene below him. The appearance of a giant boar had already put him on edge, but now recent developments had nearly made him hyperventilate. The scouts, alongside the famed Savior of Shiganshina were now leading the titans near the wall. Just what on earth were they hoping to achieve?
"They-re bringing them back towards the wall Sir!" Turning he was met with one of the recent graduates from the 100th Training Corps, whom he couldn't seem to recall the name for the moment, his mind still in a tizzy.
"I can see that recruit." The young garrison flinched at the captain's tone, deciding it was best to keep his trap shut for the rest of the day. "All crews! Fire off all remaining salvos on the horde!" Shocked looks met the eyes of the captain.
"B-But sir, the Scouts-"
"Then aim for the ones lagging behind!" Kitz exclaimed, staring down at the poor soldier. With a meek nod he rushed out the orders to the cannon crew, who were already loading up the cannons. Keith simply returned to observe the scene below, just as the artily fired off once again.
-oOo-
The sound of cannons flying filled the air as the scouts raced towards the wall, which was soon met with the sight of said cannon balls heading straight towards the backlines. Many a scout had to either duck their heads or cover their ears as explosions went off, striking the titans hot on their tails.
"What the hell are they doing?!" Moses screamed as he tried to keep his horse steady. "Don't they see us?!"
"Captain up top got spooked no doubt!" Dirk responded. Looking up he was met with the sight of a multitude of cannon balls flying over their heads and into their foes. One shot hitting the head of the closest titan chasing them.
Dirk quickly ordered his squad to steer out of the titans way, just as the creature was hit and came crashing down on the spot they were previous on.
"Fuck, that one was close!" Moses shouted once again looking back at the collapsed man eater, which was soon trampled on as the others continued to chase the squad down.
"PUSH ON MEN, WERE ALMOST AT THE WALL!" Erwin shouted at the top of his lungs, seeing that they were on the final stretch. The scouts kicked their mounts into high gear while the wall artillery continued to rain down upon their giant pursuers. At the squads closed in on the outer wall the commander shouted out once again.
"ALL SQUADS, DISMOUNT AND GET TO HIGHER GROUND! USE THE WALL AS YOUR ANCHOR POINTS!" Some recruits looked surprised before those looks hardened, for they finally understood the commanders reasons for dragging the titans so close to the Wall.
The squad leaders lead their teams to separate sections of the outer wall, with the titans not too far behind. As they neared the fifty-foot-tall fortification they dismounted and shot their anchors on the surface of the wall, while their horses simply ran off to seek safety, as they were trained to do.
Soon all squads were anchored atop the sides of the Shiganshina's outer wall, safe from the clutches of their hungry foes…well, almost all of them.
To the shock of the recruits Maverick seemed more than comfortable staying down below while the titans clawed at the wall, though soon they turned all their attention to the glowing man atop the glowing boar.
Despite the dangerous situation he put himself in, Maverick still displayed a strong and confident face as he grasped his morning star with both hands, similarly Caesar huffed and pawed at the ground, eager to slay more giants. The glow emanating from both rider and mount grew brighter as the titans closed in on them. Their salivating mouth and outstretched hands on all sides.
With a defiant warcry the glowing duo charged forth into the fray, each going after their own titan. Maverick smashed the face of his giant foe, while Caesar sank his tusks into the stomach of his, using it as a makeshift ram. For the next few seconds the sounds of wailing giants, and the tearing of flesh filled the air, as the squads of scout simply looked on.
'Maverick has them distracted…now's our chance!' Erwin thought as he watched the carnage below. Turning to his aides he was met with assured nods, for they had a rough idea as to what the commander was thinking. That was all the confirmation he needed as he turned to the other squads.
"All units engage! While they're still distracted!" Unsheathing his blades, the commander descended down the wall, his aides and the halfling captain following suit. Soon the rest joined the commander as they swung down towards to meet their foes, some more eager than others.
"Yeeeahhhhh!" Gelgar screamed as he descended faster than the rest of his squad. With his sights set on one he shot anchors to its back. Quickly reeling himself towards it he swung his blades with all his might, earning him a clean cut across the beasts' nape.
"Ha! Suck it!" Gelger cheered as the grinning beast went down. A feeling of great satisfaction filled his adrenaline filled heart. His first kill as a scout, he couldn't wait to tell his folks back home.
"Gelgar, stay in formation!" Nanaba scolded as she flew by his side. The young greaser flinched at the sight of the vice-captain's scowl and sharp tone.
"Y-Yes captain!" Fearing a slap Gelger followed the captain as they shot their anchors towards another distracted titan.
The squads soared across the grounds, taking on the titans that either lagged behind the initial chase, or were out of Maverick's sights. Following the leads of their superiors the scouts crippled their titanic foes before finishing them off. Even if a few struggled to slice through the napes completely the assistance of their comrades pulled them through.
"Gryah!" Came a cry from Tomas as he sliced the fingers of a titan that tried to grab him, with Henning coming up from behind to deliver the final blow. Covering himself from the steaming blood Henning wasn't able to see the incoming set of hands from below, but one scout was.
"Don't even think about it!" Lynne came soaring to the rescue slicing the 5-meters' outstretched arms, before quickly attaching her anchors to it and slicing the nape. Henning finaly uncovered is eyes to see the steaming titan corpse and the smiling woman standing atop it.
"You're welcome!" The absolutely confused look from Henning was a priceless reaction. Soon though they saw the sight of both the veterans of their squad team up against a 13 meter.
"Woah…" Henning muttered as he watched the two soar high into the air, before quickly descending down, slicing off the titans arms at the shoulders.
"Finish it off!" Miche shouted at the recruits. With their heads back in the game they were about to engage, only for Tomas to swoop in and take the kill for himself.
"Alright Tomas!" Gelgar congratulated. The young man simply nodded, his eyes still on the ongoing battle.
"Keep the momentum going!" Nanaba shouted. Flicking the blood off their blades the members of Squad Miche set off again.
Meanwhile Delta was having its fair share of titan slaying, with their new members already having their first kills under their belts. Despite some hiccups and weak slices along the way the team maintained their composures and spirits, especially since many of the kills were assisted by their god like team leader who had left behind a trail of near dead titans.
"We are absolutely killing it!" Harold exclaimed as he sliced the nape of a limbless titan.
"What you talking about, it's the team leader who's dealing the damage, were just the cleanup crew." Keiji chided as he wiped the blood off his blades on a steaming corpse. "Still a respectable profession." Rashad added.
"Scatter!" Came the panicked voice of the vice-captain as the sight of a lunging titan heading towards them. Clearly an abnormal seeing as it was one of the surprising few that didn't go for the marked man, even after he baited himself.
The recruits aimed their anchors at the closest surfaces and reeled away from the incoming giant, unfortunately Abel wasn't quick enough and had his leg caught in the titan's grip.
"Abel!" Keiji shouted as he watched his friend be lifted into the air, as if he were some grand prize. Left dangling the titan brought the scout close to its waiting mouth as he tried to slash at the fingers holding him.
"Keiji go for the arm! Rashad, Harold, legs!" Hange ordered. However before they could act a spinning weapon flew across the sky, heading straight for the back of the titans head. On impact the weapon caused the front the titans face to blow outwards showering poor Abel with blood. Released from the monsters grip the recruit was sent down to the ground with a wet splat.
With minimal damage to his person Abel slowly stood back up, only to see the sights of the steaming remains of what was once his would be killer and the weapon responsible.
Moments later the weapon shook and dislodged from its resting place, flying back into the hands of its creator, standing atop the decapitated head of a giant. He waved at his squad mates before tackling a 3 meter that was close by.
"Abel?! ABEL!" The goggled scout turned to see his friend rushing to his side, oddly showing a considerable amount of concern. "You alright?!"
The young man simply readjusted his goggles, his mind still processing the events that just transpired. "Y-Yeah…Yeah, I-I'm okay…" His squad mates helped him up as he took a few absent minded steps."
"How you feeling?" Moblit asked, as Abel still had a far off look. "S-Saw my life flash before my eyes…Sir" Moblit patted the recruits back, giving him a supportive smile. "It happens to all of us at some point." A dry laugh escaped Abel's lips as he stared at the steaming corpse once again.
-oOo-
After the Skirmish
Erwin observed the corpse filled battlefield. The titan horde had been reduced to a few stragglers, with thankfully few injuries on their end. He released a relived sigh he didn't know he had, they had all managed to survive this encounter, though for how long they could keep the casualties at zero was still up in the air.
"The rookies did pretty well…" Turning his head he was met with the sight of Levi, standing atop a titan skull. He was surprised by the near sincere tone in the captain's voice. "So it would seem…"
The two chose to simply observe as the remaining titans were taken down, though soon the captain set his sights on one squad that made his brow twitch. That being Hange's little band of misfits, or "Delta" as he heard her shout out a few times.
"*Sigh* Can't she just go one day without risking their lives?" A chuckle escaped the commander's lips as he watched the Fourth Squad lead the remaining titan along. "I gave her the green light for these operations, no surprise she'd take every moment she could." Levi pinched his forehead, already he could see that little ranch of hers getting overflowed with titans, an accident just waiting to happen.
Meanwhile Hange and Moblit watched from a distance as their squad mates lured the last surviving titan towards them. She could barely hold her excitement as she clutched the prototype in her hands, body shaking in anticipation.
"They're getting close squad leader." Moblit said, watching the seven meter be lead along, with Maverick atop its head, keeping it from grabbing any of the rookies.
"Just a little more boys…" Hange said, completely ignoring whatever Moblit just said. The vice-captain sighed as he got back on his horse, ready to assist if needed. Soon the loud thumping from the titan's footsteps started to shake the ground they stood on, causing Hange to giggle with glee.
"Thats good, disperse!" Upon her order the recruits steered in opposite directions. With the marked man pulling its hair, he kept the beast moving forward, straight into the trajectory of Zoë and the barrel of the device.
"Now Mav!" Nodding he let go and dismounted the giant, not before giving it a swift kick to the back of its head, disorienting the man eater.
With a crazed smirk Hange aimed the device towards the stumbling beast, flipping open the installed sights. Taking a deep breath she squeezed the trigger and...
*B A N G*
The recoil nearly sent Hange flying back as the net was launched from the barrel. As it soared across the sky it unfolded and expanded, just big enough to envelop the titan's upper body. It attempted to free itself, though all it did was tighten the net as the small installed hooks sunk deeper into its flesh. In its dizzy like state, it slipped on its own two feet and went crashing down onto the ground, shaking the earth.
The members of Delta remained at a safe distance, watching with anxious eyes as the titan still tried to struggle out of the net. Eventually it stopped moving and remained still, the only sound being its exhausted moans.
"Holy shit….We did it…" Keiji muttered aloud. Seconds later they overheard the squad leader begin to cry out and cheer in happiness.
"IT WORKED, IT WORKED, IT WORKED! IT ACTUALLY WORKED, HAHAHAHAHA!" She kissed the weapon repeatedly before setting it down and giving her assistant a near bone crushing hug, with poor Moblit giving a pained smile as he felt his lungs being constricted.
Dropping him rather unceremoniously Hange began to run towards the rest of her squad, all the while screaming and shouting with joy.
"HA HA! DID YOU SEE THAT BOYS?! DID YA SEE, HUH HUH?!" She began to shake poor Rashad around, his comrades slowly backing away as beads of sweat formed on their foreheads.
"Y-Y-Y-e-e-e-s-s-s S-s-s-q-q-q-u-u-u-a-a-a-d-d-d-d L-l-l-e-e-e-a-a-a-d-d-d-e-e-e-r-r-r!" The poor lads vision went completely blurry, but a savior soon came to his rescue in the form of the marked man.
"Oi Hanji, settle down." Hange dropped the recruit and quickly turned her head towards her large statured comrade.
"YOU! C'MERE YOU!" Maverick's eyes slightly widened at the sight of the fast-moving woman, who practically glomped him, nearly making him fall on his back.
"BLESS THAT BIG, BEAUTIFUL BRAIN OF YOURS!" She exclaimed while kicking here dangling feet. The shock soon left Maverick's face as he let out a light chuckle at her behavior.
"*Chuckle* Can't take all the credit. You thought of the design after all." He replied, giving her a few pats on the head. A bright smile formed on her face in response. Ever so humble was her friend from worlds beyond. She could only bury her head in his chest as she strengthened her hold. The scene brought a few exhausted chuckles from the other members of Delta, simply glad to have survived their ordeal
From a distance the other squad leaders could only look on with smiles on their faces. The sight of the two was a bit odd, but wholesome none the less. Even if Hange received a few envious looks from a choice few in the squads, but that was neither here nor there.
Deciding it was best to wrap things up Erwin retrieved his flare gun, launching a yellow flare into the air. With the signal the detachment of scouts began to mount up and head back to the relative safety of the walls, with a new prize being dragged along with them.
"So boys! What should we call our latest hmmm?" Looking back she was met with the tired looks from her squad members who took a few glances at their catch with little interest at the moment.
"Let's decide on a name till tomorrow squad leader, the recruits just went through quite the ordeal." Moblit spoke up in their defense. Hange let out a sigh as she quietly agreed with her assistant's statement.
"Ah, suppose you have a point Moblit." With a thankful nod the Fourth Squad continued on their way, with Hange humming a tune as the rode. Though soon their sights turned back to the field, specifically the colossal boar that was now heading off to God knows where.
"Sir! Is it alright to leave the boar alone?" Abel questioned, turning his head to the one dragging the netted titan along. Maverick simply offered a smile and a nonchalant wave of his hand.
"Ah don't worry about Caesar, he knows how to behave." That was pretty much all the young lad needed as he turned his head back, retreating into his thoughts once again.
"Ehhhh Sir." Turning his head he was met with Keiji who slowed his horse down in order to speak to the goliath. "Been meaning to ask since this morning..." With a nod from his superior he continued.
"You and the squad leader called us Delta, what does that mean exactly?" The others looked back, as they had the same question on their minds. Maverick slowed down a little as his eyes glowed a bit brighter. A few uncomfortable minutes passes as the young rookie waited for an answer from his superior, whose face remained ever so stoic. He was starting to get a little worried, thinking he may have upset his team leader, till he blinked a few times, eyes returning to their usual calm and low glow.
"Ahhhh, well….that's a bit of a long story." Turning to his new squad mate with a small smirk he continued. "Why don't we get back and refresh ourselves. Then I'll tell you all about it, yeah?"
With a nod they continued on at a steady pace, bringing along their newest resident to the titan ranch, who started wailing and fussing about.
"SHUT IT!"
The inhuman tone in the marked man's voice made it take pause, before settling down, resigning itself to its fate.
-Maverick The Titan Slayer A Study-
Protective Blessings: Among the many gifts bestowed to the Slayer are the multitude of godly runes and symbols etched across his body that provide him with protection against all forms of harm, ranging from physical, magical, and spiritual. Many of these wards have their power further increased with additional blessings from deities with similar positions among their individual pantheons. Such examples include...
-The Crusader's Cross: Located on his left pectoral muscle it is a blessing bestowed upon Maverick by the Almighty Father himself, earned during his time serving in the Crusades as a knight of Jerusalem. Further encounters with other Gods have further elevated the strength of this particular cross shaped symbol, not only granting him superhuman strength and vigor, but also to serve as a ward against the presence and sway of demonic entities.
If his stories are to be believed it has caused many a demon and wicked soul to be greatly uncomfortable in his presence, to the point of nauseousness.
-Isha's Tear: Located in his chest area lies unique blessing among the many The Slayer has obtained. It has granted him the gift of great and divine healing, effectively making him immune to many illnesses and diseases, both natural, man-made, and demonic in origin. What makes this blessing unique is that it was bestowed upon the Slayer by a foreign goddess, not worshipped by humanity.
Based on his own words he received the tear as a thank you after rescuing the goddess from the clutches of a fowl and ruinous god while traversing a chaotic realm, by complete accident to boot.
A/N: Another long one. I hoped to get this out a few weeks back but last week was a bit hectic, that and I got really sucked into watching clips of Hell's Kitchen. Good thing about it though, is that I had my last class on Monday, so as far as I'm concerned, my college days are over! Which means that I'll be able to devote more time to my hobbies, until I start job hunting of course.
Hopefully I can get the next chapter rolling, cause I got a special chapter planned for next month, and I want to make sure its on a specific date, so look forward to that.
Moving on, a lot happening in this chapter. Starting with the introduction to yet two new characters Harold and Rashad. Like many of the new cast they were OG scouts with little screentime in the manga and anime, now here they are as fresh-faced recruits. It was a bit of a struggle having to divide the attention amongst the old and new members of the cast, but I think I managed. Was thinking early on in this story's creation about having some "character spotlight" chapters in the future, kinda like those specific missions you have with certain characters in the game. That sound like a good idea?
Regarding the squad's new name, I though it appropriate and a bit cheeky, considering Delta is the fourth letter in the Greek alphabet, and Hange's squad is the Fourth Squad of the Survey Corps. Plus a nod to Maverick's life on Sera, and the friends and loved ones he made in the COG.
Anyway, thanks for reading and for continuing to support my story, hope I can keep it up for the remainder of this year and so on. Till next time…
Oh, almost forgot! Seeing as were kinda in the second half of the first season I think a new intro is in order!
Idea for a Season 1 Second Half Opening
Opening theme: Die Flügel der Freiheit
As the song begins we see numerous doves flying overhead, straight towards the Shiganshina District. Their altitude decreases, just over the heads of the many mounted scouts gathered in the district, now reopened with civilians, cult members, and garrison cheering them on. The doves fly back up, soaring above the newly repaired outer gate, now adorned with a new symbol and visage of Maria. As the gate rises beams of light shine out, showing a bit of the outside world. The camera soon flies into the sky staying on a view of the sun, the title fades in, formed by the beams of light.
Scene flashes to a raining battleground filled with steaming titan corpses and some that are barely alive. Those still kicking are shown slowly dragging themselves towards one specific point, camera shifts to what they're going towards, revealed to be a blackened figure with glowing blue markings armed with a morning star, standing atop a pile of slain titans. Close up on his face shows a blue trail emanating from his eyes, just as they narrow and a white toothy grin stretches across the figures face.
Jump cuts to many a titan getting the absolute shit kicked out of them, either from the glowing figure, scouts, and even a few shots of them getting pelted with cannon fire.
Scene fades to Erwin in a forested are firing off a blue flare, followed by Maverick wrestling and smashing at titan's head into pieces with Skullsmite, before throwing it at an unseen foe.
Miche appears and nods at Maverick. Taking his two guillotine blades they perform Miche's buddy action (Those who know will know what I mean).
Nanaba is next as the two smirk at one another, before performing her move, taking a titans arms clean off.
Jump cuts to flashes of the ODM gear in action.
Back to Maverick Levi is next as the two perform his buddy action, with Maverick finishing the titan off with a swift decapitation.
Hange and Moblit soar in, giving Maverick a wink and a nod respectively. Taking out their restraining devices they fire and catch two titans heading for them, while Mav simply kicks the third titan out of the way, leaving a trail of blood and teeth fragments.
Camera stays on Maverick as he grins, eyes and markings on his hands glowing brighter, as the camera turns to a sight of a horde of titans, with gaping mouths and outstretched hands.
Jump cut to more scenes of scouts facing titans, with shots of cast sprinkled in.
Scene then turns to show the backs of a multitude of scouts giving salutes to the cast. Scene changes to reveal them to be their new members. Abel, Keiji, Gelgar, Tomas, Lynne, etc. are seen front and center, their faces hardened and full of resolve. View changes to the main cast, giving salutes of their own.
Scene then changes to the outer gate opening once again, the army of scouts start pouring out, blades raised and cloaks flowing, with Maverick running alongside them at a quick pace, before noticing something in the distance.
Scene changes to a forest, with Caesar suddenly bursting out letting out a snarl before charging towards the scouts. Maverick smirks and picks up the pace. Seems as if the two are going to duke it out, only for Maverick to grab one of Caesar's tusks and swing himself atop his back. The Great Boar goes on its hind legs and lets out another cry, before charging alongside the Survey Corps.
Camera pans to an open view of the fields outside the walls, as the army of scouts ride off into the unknown, with a few doves following from above. Credits