Adventure Time

A few months later, southern gate of the Zhigashina District. The Survey Corps team is ready for the first departure since Levi, Farlan and Isabel were recruited. Our numbers are a bit above 30, but I've never seen such determined faces. We are strong and prepared. Maybe, this change of spirit is influenced by our new members?

"Open the gate!" we hear our commander. "Today, we will again take one step forward! Let's see …. "

The gates finally open, after a long time. We are surrounded by people with smiles on their faces and admiration in their eyes. But, not all of them are so enthusiastic. There are some who believe we are crazy, who only see death on our path. They would rather behind this walls, being trapped in a cage rather than being outside, seeing the sea, mountains and all the beauty that lies outside this cage. But, who can blame them? After all, on almost every expedition we lose men out there, while here we only lose men to blades and poverty.
"… What your training has taught you! Show them …. "

I look at the trio. Levi does not show any kind of expression. Farlan seems to be uneasy and Isabel, to my surprise, seems to be quite prepared and self-controlled. Good. This is their very first departure. I imagined they would be at least worried, they would feel fear and uncertain about the things that might happen but they surprised me, in a good way.

"Ready?" I ask them, giggling.

"I am!" replies a confident Isabel while Farlan smiles trying to hide his uneasiness and Levi has no reaction.

""… The strength of humanity! …"

"Very well. I'll be in charge of you a good fair part of the road. So stay close and listen! I do wish we will come back here together! "

"All soldiers advance!" lord commander ended his speech.

While the corps were leaving, the trio stay put.

"Time to go. What happened?"

"Hey…" starts Farlan, "It sounds like some made up story."

"A few thugs from the underground going out beyond the walls. We are ready, Ivonne." While squeezing the side of his horse with his legs.

And so we leave the cage.

The lands beyond the walls are full of beauties, which many won't ever know. This is the best part of this expeditions that we can see what many won't have the change to ever see, at least in these times. Dewdrops are hanging on the blades of grass, trees will soon surround us with their green leaves. Around us stretches the flowery meadow. The wind play with our hair, words and thoughts and bird explore the limitless sky.

"Amazing!" Farlan exclaims.

"Wow!" I hear Isabel.

"Yeah, not bad." even Levi is impressed."

"Impressed, aren't you? Even if the road is full of danger, the things I see are only mentioned in books and well… it's a big difference between seeing them in pictures and seem them in reality." I comment.

"Sigh…This is the worst...We actually went outside the walls." Starts Farlan.

"You are a sad man, Farlan. Now, let's try and keep up a bit!" I speed up.

I look at them while they were whispering something. They seem to be concerned about something. I wonder what.

"Quit screwing around!" I perfectly hear Sayram's voice. "The titans aren't the easy prey you think they are! Do you have any idea of how many excellent soldiers have been devoured by titans? You thugs from the underground … You're getting too cocky!" he yells.

"Dean?" I ask. "What happen-"

"Hey." Isa starts. "You say that but… When I take down a titan it's gonna mean all of those guys are less than some thug."

"Wh- What did you say? You..."

Just before he could come to her side, Levi puts himself between them, stopping Sayram rom doing anything reckless.

"You bastards…"

"Knock it off, Sayram!" Flagon yells.

"But… Squad leader!"

"Calm down! For now, remain in the new formation that was practiced! We don't know when the titans will appear, so don't break formation!" Flagon explains. "Once they actually fight real titans they'll change their tune. There's a difference between practice and the real thing, after all..."

He is extremely calm today. That's the man I know. And he is true, nothing compares with the terror and fight with the real monsters. Nothing. Soon, they will know and I do hope we will get back together, all of us.

"Titan sighted!" I hear the shout of the members of the squad who are in the front lines.

It is a 15-meter class titan on the left side coming towards us from the forest. I see the advance guard going after it. Lord Commander, Erwin and few others are going and slice that things.

"Remain in formation!" Farlan shouts.

"Farlan, your left!" I shout. Another on?

"Another titan appeared! A 20 meter class heading right this way!" yells a comrade.

"We will distract it! Rear guard, pick up your speed and shake it off!" yells Dean.

They go past the titan into the forest, yelling and trying to get its attention. But it was useless. Word could not reach him. He keeps skipping towards us. It must be a deviant class? The squad is scattering, the path to the supply carts is open now.

"Flagon's squad! Close the distance and defend with your life!" the advance guard yell.

"Don't let the titan get near the supply wagon!" Flagon shouts at us.

He looks concerned. After all, of all types of titans, a deviant one appears before a squad made of newbies. And the open space isn't a place to battle as the 3D is useless. But, we need to advance and hope the advance guard will handle it.

One.

The titan caught one of them in a blink of an eye with a sudden and unexpected move. The common types don't do much and their moves are easy to predict but this in a special type. If you are reckless, you die. It stops to eat out comrade. Dean and his partner see an opening and go straight to its neck. To both his and our surprise the titan start moving and …

Two.

Three.

Dean is unconscious, hanging. The titans bits the body of the guy who was with Dean and his head and feet drop to the ground. Blood drops. The first lives you've lost. Only the first. I need to do something, it still chases us.
"Flagon!" I shout. "Do something?"

He doesn't pay me any attention. His attention is fixed on the titan. I see desperation and fear in his eyes. But there is no time for hesitation! The titans comes to us and if it passes them, it's my turn. I tremble, I am scared but I need to pull myself together and kill that thing.
"Sayram, follow me! ... " Flagon commands.

"Yes, sir!" he respond.

"It must not reach the supply cart!"

They go to the titan's side preparing to use our 3DMG when Levi comes to our side.

"You… What do you plan on doing?" Farlan asks.

"Aren't you the one say the titan weren't that sweet? In that case, don't go off trying to fight them by licking them." Levi replies. "Isabel! Farlan! Let's go!"

"Dammit! I'd rather go back to drinking sewer water that dealing with this guy!" says Farlan.

"Farlan, stop being so scared and get it together!" Isabel shouts.

"Wa—Wait! You three!" Flagon shouts! They are going after it… But they are inexperienced!

"Levi! Don't do something stupid!" I couldn't help and shout.

They go after the titan, closing in fast. Levi hooks into its back, thrusting his blade in the titan, drawing his attention. The other two go and cut the legs making the titan to lose its mobility. While the titans is falling, Levi leaves the back of it, going far into the sky and then in a split second he cuts the back of the neck. Clean, fast cut.

I hear them cheering loudly. It was incredible! Even Flagon is in shock. Far away I see Erwin smiling confidently. He is proud, after all it was his idea.

A long day is over… The sunset in merely a prelude to the dawn, yet its majesty fills my mind with the most beautiful of thoughts. We are alive. I watch as the fiery red orb of light slowly sinks beneath the horizon, and threads of light lingered in the sky, mingling with the rolling clouds. We stop at what used to be a castle, but now even the walls are battered down.

We are dividing among us the supplies preparing for a long and deserved sleep. Today we've lost 3 men and one of them was a dear friend, a friend with which I've grown, someone who was important to me. His death saddens me more than I want. I've seen many people dying, but I wasn't attached to. Suddenly I see Flagon.

"Flagon, can we talk?" I ask awkwardly.

"Sorry, Ivonne, I …" he replies as he passes me, "…. need to write a report and go…", he is far away now, "… and talk with Shadis."

"But… ". Too late. "Flagon… really?" I am surprised. Is he stressed? This is a bit mean.

He is always busy with whatever. I do get it tho, he is a squad leader who has his duties but still, he should have at least a few minutes."

"Flagon… really?" I am surprised. Is he stressed? That was a bit mean.

"Ivonne, walk with me!" I hear Erwin's voice.

"Yes." I sigh.

We walk for a while, he is in front of me and I'm following him with my head down. Silence. He does not say a word and I wonder about the reason of this walk. We hardly ever talk, not to mention spend good time as a family.

"You are out of your depths. It's because of Dean's death?" He asks. Not to be mean, but I didn't expect him to be concerned and even more know the reason. Like I said before, he never is around.

"Yes…" I silently reply.

"I saw that you two were close. I'm sorry. But he did die for the greater cause, didn't he?" Is he comforting me?

"You are right. But all this deaths, Erwin! I want them to stop! I don't want know the pain of coming back without you or Flagon. It will kill me." I snap. "Mother, she would be very sad."

"I know. But, the cause is more important, Ivonne. We need to escape that damn cage and explore. You know, at one point, we won't be safe behind those walls, right?"

"Damn that cause! How can you? I would rather die than live without you and Farlan! A life without you would be miserable. I can't even imagine… the pain. On every expedition somebody dies, a brother dies! I know death and I will embrace it when my time will come but…. "

"Ivonne …" he is now facing me, "I can't guarantee that I won't die, but I promise you that one day I will make our dreams real. So you can truly open your eyes."

"I… "…don't find the words. He smiles.

"Ivonne, I know we are not as close as we used to be." he pauses," But I do have a purpose and I will accomplish it. And, even if I might not be able to live through that, I will die happily if I know you will."

"Brother, I… Hope to live it together! At least, all three of us!" Thank you, Erwin.

I hug him tight. I lean my head against his shoulder with my check brushing up against his face. I gently clutch a little tighter for 2 or 3 seconds. With his right hand he gently strokes my hair. It's long since we had such a nice brother-sister moment. I missed it.

"Want to join me for a cup of tea?" he asks.

"Yes!" What's up with him?

Just around the corner in distance I see Levi lean of the right wall. He seems both surprised and irritated of our presence. Erwin is surprised as well.

"What are you doing here?" Levi asks.

"Your subordinates aren't with you?" at the same time Erwin asks.

"… They are not my subordinates." Levi replies.

"… I see."

"…."

"…."

"So, Levi, what do you think so far? Have you gotten used to the corps yet?" I ask breaking the awkward silence.

"Everyone is hot-faced and won't shut up about titans." He replies on an irritated tone.

"Well of course! The survey corps appeals to and is made up of those kinds of people." Says Erwin a bit disappointed.

"Really now? You must be first on that list then." Levi is now looking away.

"You did really well in today's fight!", I continue , "You even managed to take down a deviant type! "

"Your teammates can rest easier knowing that they have someone as talented as you around." Erwin praises him.

"There was another soldier ahead of me who fought and got eaten. When that happened I watched the titan's movement and figured out a way to fight. " he explains.

"… I see. Just as you've said, the survey corps has made innumerable sacrifices. There are still too many things that we don't understand about the outside world. ", I can feel his tone changing from a gentle one to a serious one, "But if it means that humanity can take back the world, there's no one here who wouldn't offer up their heart for that milestone. There are no regrets for the sacrifices that have been made, not a single person."

They look at each other and I can feel spark flying. Levi seems surprised by my brother's reaction and for a brief moment I can see in his eyes admiration. But still, why is he here, all alone, doing nothing, just leaning on a wall. Even more, why does he look like he is buying time?

"Levi, why are you here?" I ask with a very serious face.

"Big bro!" We see Isabel waving at us. "Sorry! That took longer than I thought! I'm done changing so you can come back now!"

"Changing?" I skeptically ask.

We watch them leaving while whispering something to each other. I don't buy what had happened and neither is Erwin. But, what can we do? At the end of the hallway is Erwin's room and she did come from that way. Maybe?

"Erwin, I-"

"Neither do I." he cuts me off.

He go to his room and we don't see anything out of place. Maybe it is in our imagination and they are innocent but still it is strange. Erwin doesn't mind our encounter with Levi anymore and pours me a cup of tea.

"I hope you like it. I especially brought this from home. "

"We haven't spent quality time for a long time. I got unused to this. But I'm glad."

"Good." He smiles.

We start talking about various things, unimportant of course and not all of them related to titans or survey corps. We remember the times when we were kids and dreamt about going beyond the walls, in an adventure. We remember mother's gentle smile and her warm hugs, father who was always there with a good piece of advice or joke. Sure, I don't remember much of him. His death marked our family a lot. From that moment Erwin became a cold person and our relationship changed a lot. But the sweetness of this very moment remind me of the old days.

"Now, I should prepare for the presentation. If you don't mind. " he says.

"See you there!" I say happily.

It is time we went to the room which resemblance a classroom. Erwin is about to expose his ideas, his plan of fighting just before departure. This new expedition will be a bit different, as we will try and cover a longer distance. Suddenly I see Flagon.

"Flagon, wait up!" I call.

"Ivonne, what it is?" he asks.

"Let's go together and see Erwin's idea. We can find Sayram and-"

"I won't come. I have paper work to do but I will see you soon." he says this and leaves.

"Flagon… really?" I am surprised. Is he stressed? That was a bit mean.

"Ivonne!" I recognize the voice. It is Isa. "Come and sit with us! I've kept you a sit right next to me."

"Sure! Thank you!"

As soon as I sit, Erwin starts to explain.

"This is the "Long distance scouting formation"." Starts Erwin.

"Ohh…" says a corps.

"It's really quite extensive…" comments another.

"The difference from the existing form is that each squad will be arranged into division. The main purpose is to enhance our scouting ability. With soldiers spread out equally, there is a reliable arrange of vision in all direction. Our scouting ability and sphere of communication will be at their peak even as we advance." Erwin explains.

"Gotcha. So the advance guard serves as the eyes for the whole unit." Comments Farlan.

"By sharing the locations of the titans as a unit…. We can avoid the possible of direct contact as much as possible." He is so confident. "Our primary method of communication will be to use these flare guns. Based on the color of the smoke round that is fired, we'll be able to properly convey the situation at hand. It will, of course, come with some exceptions…" he pauses to gain our attention. "I believe the ones who will be using them the most are the front-row scouting units. The unit that catches sight of a titan first will fire a red flare. The units in the immediate vicinity that confirm the smoke color will then promptly set off a red flare signal of their own continuing in turn until the message is relayed to the center. When the signal reaches the center the command unit will fire a green flare signal in the direction which they decide the entire unit should proceed."

"I get it now. It's much faster than reporting by running around on horses… "Says Farlan.

"Furthermore, a black flare signal should be used in the event of an emergency."

"Let's see if we see a deviant type? Or can't handle the situation?" I ask.

"Yes, very precise. Now, if you don't have any question I will leave the squad leader to explain further more. Ivonne, you will ride with the command unit this time, but please go with Flagon as he will explain again. "

"Yes, sir!"

"Why does she have to be in the center?"

"Why do you even ask? She's Erwin's sister after all."

"Yeah, he wants to protect her. How lucky. And we are to say in the front lines and die."

I try and ignore the mean words I hear behind my back. It's true… I don't deserve to be there and I'm sure Erwin want to protect me. But, I don't want anyone to die. That is the porpoise of this new formation, to minimalize the deaths and casualties. And it will work! I know it will. I kno-

"Come on, Ivonne. I'm glad you will be there." Flagon tries to comfort me.

We go to Sayram, Levi, Isa and Farlan. Flagon takes from a bag the paper with the design of the new formation and prepares to explain what his unit will do.

"Our position is here. We will relay to the next row: row four. We'll run the spare gorses side by side while focusing mainly on relay. However, no matter how superior this formation may be, there's no guarantee that we won't run into a titan at any given time. Don't forget, we're outside the walls here. We should always expect the unexpected because anything can happen. This squad in particular lacks a sense of unity."

"Hmph." I hear Isabel.

Flagon continues. "Then again, it's also blessed with some capable, talented people."

"Heh!" Isabel is happier now.

"If even one single unit in the formation screws up, the consequences will be dire. So I want you to proceed with caution."

"Alright!" Isabel screams. "It's my time to shine!"

"Hey, Isabel! This isn't all about you and how hard you can try on your own!" Explains Sayram. "Do you even properly understand the essence of this formation?"

"Duh, obviously! Anything that was too hard for me to get got beat into me during practice."

"Alright, alright…." I try and calm them down.

"Whatever, just listen up. I don't think you three know this, but… " Flagon pauses "In all honesty, the situation we in the survey corps find ourselves in is pretty disgraceful."

"You refer to money, am I right?" I comment. "This expeditions are costly."

"Ivonne is right. For taxpaying citizens it goes without saying. The expenses surveying beyond the walls requires a significant amount of money. The scrutiny put upon the survey corps by the other military branches and the center is relentless. "He then explains.

"Seriously? So I guess not everybody in the military gets along with each other…" Farlan has no idea how true is this.

"It's because we still haven't been able to bring back any groundbreaking information about titans. However, one thing is for certain. " He clenches his fist. "The outcome of this new formation has the potential to change our future! We will absolutely make this a success and bring about a new order!"

"Yes, sir!" Sayram and Isabel make a confident salute but…

"What was that, Magnolia? Can't you do a proper salute? Do me a favor and don't humiliate me like that anymore." Flagon is a jerk.

Isabel turns to her friend who are looking at her with a straight face. She looks a bit surprised but I don't know if it is because of what she did and what Flagon said or about her reaction.

"Flagon, don't be mean. Really. I mean I like that she is motivated and confident. She does feel the mission. I'm proud, Isa. I really am. And I'm glad that I am a part of this team. Hope on our way back we will ride together."

"Uhm. Dismissed." He says irritated.

"Flagon?" I run after him. "Do you have anything else on your duty list?"

"Yes. I'll see you later." He leaves, again with Sayram following him.

"He is kind of a jerk, you know." Farlan puts his hand on my shoulder.

"Yeah, he doesn't treat you well! You are so nice and kid and beautiful and…. " Continues Isabel.

"Thank you. It's ok. He's just under stressed. People of his squad died today. I get it… "

"That's no excuse." I hear Levi commenting while leaving us.

"If you want company, you know where to find us." Farlan tells me in a gentle voice. Pity, right?

He's right. It's not excuse but maybe I should go and sleep. In the morning I should feel a bit better, more like I won't have time to feel more. Tomorrow is a big day and I need to focus. I could go and hang with the others and hopefully I will meet him later in his room.

"Isabel! Farlan! Wait for me!" I run to them and I can see them smile, except for Levi who still has a poker face.

"Thank you for the kind words, Ivonne! I like you so much! You are the kindest here and I'm glad we are a team too! It's such a pity we won't ride together tomorrow!" starts Isabel.

"Isabel, you are too hyperactive." Says Farlan.

"No, she is nice. Her personality gives me energy and I feel a lot better. Hope you won't mind if I stay with you for a bit."

"I'm so happy! Right, big bro?" Isabel asks Levi.

He does not reply nor does his face expression change. I cannot help but feel a bit disappointed. I will not reach him soon, won't I? Does my presence irritate him? Farlan sees that I now walk with my head down and cannot help but feel a bit sorry.

"You know, that's how he is. Don't mind him. If he didn't like you, he would have told you." He scratches his head.

"It's ok if you stay with us." To my surprise, Levi says. Did he hear us?

After a while I go to Flagon's room. Yes, I am mad at him but I like a comfortable room. Advantage of being a squad leader: you really get the good stuff. Moving on, I still can't shake off the idea of the trio getting themselves into trouble. But at the end of the day, we really did spend some nice time together. Isabel really seems to like it here. And Farln is nice too. But still, there is something off but I cannot understand what. Were they in Erwin's room? Why were they there? Where they looking for? Who do they work for? These question keep popping out in my mind.

I reach Flagon's room and not to my surprise the room was empty. I change my clothes and get into bed hoping to fall asleep. But I feel lonely and I remember seeing Dean die. For a time, I have forgotten about him and his tragic death. At least he did not suffer like the others. I need to shake this feelings off. We all know the risks, we all know that we may not come back. But like my brother said, we all fight for the same cause. I just need to keep that in mind. He died for the greater good.

Flagon is still not here and it is getting late. We haven't talked since we have arrived here and this things bothers me. A lot. I can go and join the others but I will feel alone. Or…. I can go and stay with Erwin. Like old times? Heh, it's too much for a day. I put on a dressing gown, get my clothes and leave the room. Brother's room was close by so hopefully no one will notice me.

*Knock, knock*

No response. He is not in his room. But it is late, strange. Should I enter? Should I go back? I do not think it would be a nice to find me in his room. I mean, the bounding we did today was enough. Contemplating on what I should do I do not hear someone coming. Not wanting to be seen by anyone I go in the room, hiding myself behind the door. Such a childish reaction. I go and climb into the bed hoping he will come soon. The voices pass the room and I soon get very tired and sleepy. But, as I was about to fall asleep, another set of voices echoes in the hall.

"Have you seen Ivonne?" Is that Flagon asking?

"Yes. We drunk some tea and she went to your room about an hour ago. " That must be brother's voice. "Why?"

"She disappeared from the great hall. She seemed quite off. I assume it's because of Dean." He explains.

"Idiot." Erwin whispers so that Flagon doesn't hear. "I believe she is in need of your attention and company. You know she can be fragile. And after all, Dean was a good childhood friend."

Flagon is an idiot. I swear. I cannot believe that brother had to explain him that. Really. But, that is why I love him, right? Because he knows how to clean his mind of everything and finish what he needs too. But sometimes it's too much and I am too tired to get out of the bed.

"Tsk. I'll go and find her. Good night."

But you won't find me there.

"Good night. I am surprised he is that bold. He should take more care of Ivon-", he stops seeing me. "Ivonne, what are you doing here?" he asks surprised and confused. "Flagon was look-".

"I know." I respond. " But I felt lonely and came here. You weren't here, as well."

"I see. You know Flagon will get worried if you aren't there." He comments.

"If you want me to go, I will. He won't die a night and he deserves it." I say this a bit upset of Flagon's actions.

"Very well. As you wish." Did I just see a small smile?

He changes his clothes and comes in bed with me. I am half asleep but still feel a bit awkward. I mean, we are grown-ups or at least he is more than me. I missed this but it is a bit strange. He is just in a pair of PJ pants and I can see his built body. His eyes are very beautiful too.

"Brother, why don't you have a girlfriend?" I ask.

"Uhm. I did not expect this kind of question. Now it's not the time, I assume. But I'm glad you have the courage start a family. You are a grown-up woman after all. A beautiful one, indeed."

"Hehe. Being all sweet and nice. Are you tired? Where's my big brother? The last time you told me something nice was when we were with … "And I remember again.

"You are still thinking about your friend?" he asks.

"Yes… but that's not all. I … Sometimes I imagine how it will feel without you, without Flagon. And, it makes me sad."

He pulls me to his side. This feels a bit wrong but so good at the same time.

"Don't cry. I will try and be always by your side and so will Flagon. Ride with me tomorrow. I don't think he will mind. "

"Yes…" I am falling asleep, fast. "… It will be nice."

"Erwin!" I hear from far someone shouting and knocking on the door. "She is not in my…"

I fell brother going out of bed and opening the door.

"Ivonne. I don't know where she is!" he is a bit desperate.

"She is here. She's already asleep. Please don't …. Let her sleep …. Tonight."

I do not get much of what they are talking about. I just feel Erwin coming back to bed, to my side and putting his hands around me in a protective way. I'm sorry, Flagon.