Chapter: 18

Heyyyyyyyyyyyyy~! Holy Crap it's been like...man...last time this was updated it was 2015...I'm so sorry! Anywho pretty much my excuse is college and lack of ideas/motivation, buuuut I ended up whipping this up this week somehow. Hopefully I can update once more before the summer ends! Hope you like the new chapter! And as usual sorry for any grammar or spelling mistakes, I'm horrendous when it comes to proof reading, but I do what I can XD. Reviewing and favoriting is appreciated.

This walk was killing me. I would have been dead by now if I didn't have to watch every turn we made to make sure we weren't spotted. I guess I forgot to tell my grandfather how many people I was bringing. Trying to hide a whole squad between rows of buildings and patches of trees is more than difficult.

I glanced over to Kiwi who was quivering in fear, but frankly I was too. My hands where shaking, my teeth were chattering, and my heart was pounding out of my chest. I can only imagine how she feels.

"Hey," I silently whispered, "It's gunna be ok."

She quickly looked up at me, but then slowly shifted her gaze back forward.

She probably doesn't know what to say.

Either way our destination is just up ahead. Hopefully grandfather cleared out anyone who might have been in there.

As we were smushed in between two buildings, I quickly glanced both ways to make sure no one was in sight.

"Ok, that's where we're going," I explained jutting a finger at the large stone building. "Since we're gunna have to cross this street we're gunna have to make it real quick."

Everyone nodded in agreement and did oppose the simplistic plan, so I dashed for it. Running across the dirt road I sprinted to the door and pulled it open. I motioned everyone to file in as I nervously darted in my eyes in random directions. This almost seemed too easy that we haven't gotten caught yet. Grandfather made it seem like he wasn't going to announce our presence yet…so shouldn't there be people in this area? Then again, maybe this entire base isn't occupied, aaaand this building is supposed to be supplies for hunting. I guess they don't need to hunt at the moment.

Seeing that the last person has scurried in, I whirled around and slid in, closing the wooden doors. The air that I had been holding in my lungs was released in a loud puff.

We made it.

I straightened myself up and turned around to face the group. They all looked relieved as well, but rather perplexed as to why I had brought them here. I took a look around myself trying to locate the nectar dispensers. They were always kept in the building with hunting supplies to mask scent….so where were they?

Were they somewhere else? I thought the last time I was in this place they had—

A creak of the door resonated through the building. Quickly turning around my blood ran cold. Two older men from my village had just walked in….and…..they didn't seem surprised.

OH GOSH.

As I opened my mouth to form words that I didn't even have, one man put his hand up.

"Don't worry Miss Catori, the grand chief has already informed us of the situation. We are here to help."

I lolled my head to the side and groaned in relief.

"Oh thank God….I think my body just exploded…" I murmured motioning them to follow me.

Despite me being more than happy for some help around here, the squad seemed hesitant about meeting the new visitors.

"Oh come one Hun-bun don't get your cravat in a twist. All of you guys are going to be around the whole village for the next 24 hours or so, so you better get used to it. At least these guys aren't gawking at you like you're some ancient relic."

Levi let out a sigh through his nose and furrowed his eyebrows, "Well what now? How do you plan to mask our scent?"

"With our own personal concoction of course. If it can mask our scent, it an mask anything."

Turning towards the two hybrid men I raised an eyebrow, "Speaking of which…where would those be located?"

"Right over there," one pointed by the far end of the wall.

There was a large cream silk sheet covering some large object.

Oh no duh Catori.

"Alrighty then, let's get started," I piped pushing past the crowd of soldiers.

Pulling off the large sheet, the contraptions came into view.

"Huh…looks a bit different then I remember," I mumbled throwing the sheet to the side.

"Yes, well, we've upgraded it since you've left,"

"Cool," I simply replied.

They were large wooden devices, with glass containers at the top. There were a few metal components, but it was mainly composed of wood. These were A LOT taller than the previous ones.

Nice upgrade.

"Alright people, I'm gunna need 4 lines to each of these bad boys," I called out, patting the machines.

"You're gunna get a bit wet, but don't worry we…one moment please."

"You brought extra clothes right?" I whispered to one of the hybrid men.

"But of course."

"We have extra clothes," I continued, with a smirk.

Levi was the first to walk forward to examine the contraptions.

"So, we are going to be doused, with this," he stated, jutting a finger at the pinkish liquid which was in the glass containers.

"Well duh."

"What is it?" he snapped, clearly not liking the sass.

"It's mixture of different herbs and plants. Mainly the hymunda flower. It's pretty abundant in our village."

"And is it safe?" Erwin questioned.

"Well, yeah. I mean none of the ingredients are poisonous. Worst case scenario is one of you are allergic to something."

That comment didn't seem to sit well with everyone.

"Ughhhh, it's FINE. We use if for hunting all the time. Here I'll go first. It'll be nice to just smell purely like myself for once."

Walking up I stood underneath the nozzle, where the liquid was going to be released.

"OH wait for me!" Kiwi exclaimed running up to set into the one beside me.

When she was finally situated, the two men cranked the lever to release the contents. Gobs of hymunda liquid splurged out. It trickled down my hair and completely drenched my clothes. I let out a few airy giggles for I didn't expect it to be this cold. Running my hands through my hair I made sure, the human scent was rinsed out.

As I slipped to the side away from the nozzle, the man shut it off. I squeezed my hair out as my tail shook the liquid from its fur.

"Eh, still not a big fan of the feeling of a soggy tail, but what are you gunna do," I joked, taking a towel from one of the men.

"Alright who's next?"

*******************line break****************

Sitting on a wooden box I leaned my elbows on my thighs. My body was still pretty soaked, but thankfully in the meantime I was given a towel for my hair.

I'll just have to wait to change until everyone is done being de-humanized so to speak.

Taking a glance over I saw they had ushered in a couple more cadets to be soaked. Roy was one of the first ones to step up and be showered in our herbal mixture. It was good to know that he still trusted me. Soon Erwin and Levi followed along with Hanji who seemed rather excited. She had the most intrigued face as the pink liquid ran down her body. Afterwards she kept sniffing herself and even licked her skin a few times.

That's Hanji for you.

Eren seemed a bit hesitant before he went it. Although after giving me a quick glance and me giving him a nod of reassurance, he walked in.

Now that I think about it, it was rather adorable how he squirmed and shivered as the liquid was poured on him…and the way his messy brown hair clung to his face. The cutest thing had to be how his hair stood up on end after he towel dried it. That kid has this innocence about him.

"Miss Catori?"

"Huh?"

Looking up I saw one of the hybrid men, who I now know to be Kirmuth

"What Kirmuth?"

"Your friends are done being cleansed from their scent."

"Wow. You guys sure work fast," I smiled, standing up.

We made our way over to the others. Levi didn't look pleased at all. He was completely wet. His glossy slick hair clung to his forehead as he wore a cold scowl.

Clearing my throat, I waved my hand to get everyone's attention.

"Well looks like everyone has been cleaned, soooo ummm….yeah, so what do we do now?" I said realizing I was just a clueless as they were.

"We are to lead you to the main circle. That is where the chief instructed us to take you."

"Alright then, let's go," I chimed. "Lead the way."

Walking out the back entrance the two men led the massive group down a dirt path.

"Catori?" Erwin's deep voice resonated from beside me.

"Yes, Erwin?" I replied trying not to show how nervous I was.

Truth be told, I was still completely terrified as to what Erwin had to say about this whole situation. He hasn't gotten a complete detailed explanation and I'm not sure if he's taking that too well.

"What is going to become of our carriages and horses at the main gate?"

"Oh," I piped in relief, "Um don't worry, they'll be taken care of. They're probably bringing them to the main circle as we speak."

He gave me a nod and looked forward.

Geez…I hope this tension doesn't last any longer.

Looking ahead of the dirt trail, I saw we were taking a little detour. Well not a detour, but we sure weren't taking the shortest path to get to the main circle, at least according to my memory.

"Uhhh you guys know that there's an easier way to get there right?" I commented as we turned a bend and neared the edge of a grassy slope.

Down the hill I saw there was around 3-4 small houses with a garden out front. The lush plot had a small vineyard with hanging grapes and rows upon rows of various vegetables.

"Yes, but your grandfather informed us that there has been someone waiting to see you."

Scrunching up my face I directed by gaze back down below. There was no one but a young gardener. He was tall, lean, had short black hair and tan skin. Nothing more than an ordinary villager.

But….there's something about him….something…that feels familiar.

Taking a few steps closer to edge of the slope, I narrowed my eyes.

"Oh…oh my gosh."

Biting my lip I looked down to my feet. I've never felt this feeling before. My heart was swelling.

It's been so long…3 years…what if—what if he hates me?

Filled with such joy and fear, my feet were glued to the ground. My body didn't know how to react.

He's right here. Only a few feet away—

"Catori?!"

Snapping my head up, I immediately looked down at my lifelong friend. His eyes were so wide I thought they were going to pop right from his sockets. The shovel he was once holding slipped from his grip and clunked to the grassy plane.

"H-hi," was all that my dry throat could choke out.

Without a moment's hesitation I sprinted down the sleek peak. The hill was so steep I stumbled in the process, but my legs didn't care. My body kept on moving. Nothing was going to stop me. Finally rolling to the flat ground I continued my journey ahead.

He was running toward me. His expression was indescribable. Joy, sadness, fear, but his open arms were more than enough to tell me he missed me as much as I missed him. As we finally collided, I wrapped my arms around his torso and hugged him until there was no room left between our bodies. I could feel my feet being lifted off the ground. We slowly spun in a circle as he cradled my head with his free hand.

"I-it's y-you! It's r-really you!" he sobbed in my shoulder.

"Y-yeah, it's me Miko," I sputtered, happily laughing.

"You're alive—Y-you are alive," he continuously repeated.

He kissed the side of my face multiple times before finally letting out the air he had been holding in his lungs. Releasing me from his grip, I was set on the ground.

"Y-you could have been killed. I was so worried…I just—I-I missed you so much. You w-were gone and I'm sorry that I—"

"No Miko. No," I said holding his face in my hands. "I'm sorry. I'm SO s-sorry! I never wanted to hurt you, but I just didn't know what to do. I-I missed you more than you could ever imagine. It was so lonely—"

"I should have gone with you," he breathed wiping the fallen tears from my face as well. "I should have gone."

Sniffling a bit, I pulled him back into a hug. Giving a quick kiss to his cheek, I rested my head on his shoulder.

"What matters now is that I'm here. That you here," I whispered trying to keep back my sobs. "Y-you have no idea how happy I am to see you! I missed you Miko...I m-missed you so much."

"I missed you more," he choked out pulling me closer.

"…..I'm sorry I got you wet," I laughed, realizing the herbal mixture I was still covered in had sunk into his clothes.

"Heh, it's alright. A small price to pay to hold you again."

"Wait," he mumbled pulling away.

"What?"

"Where's Kiwi?"

Turning my head to the side I pointed to the top of the hill. As if on cue, Kiwi came running down, although a little less clumsily as me. Miko held one of his arms out ushering her in. Sliding into the tight hug, she happily laughed while shedding a few tears.

"You scared me too ya know," he said resting his head against hers. "I-I thought I lost you too."

"N-no," her voice quivered. "I'm here! I r-really missed you Miko."

The joy I felt was overwhelming. It was as if I had never left to go and join the scouting legion. I was back home again. With Miko, Kiwi…my people. There was no more destruction, horror, gore…Everything was normal.

It took me a moment to realize we weren't the only people in the vicinity. We had an audience. Lifting my head up I saw everyone was still up at the top of the hill.

Guess they didn't want to ruin the moment, huh?

A few giggles escaped my lips as I awkwardly stood up. Taking Miko's hand in mine I motioned them to come down.

"This is Miko. He's been my best friend since I can remember. Miko, these are my comrades from the scouting legion."

Miko was rather surprised to see how many people were in my group. You can't get a proper judgement when everyone is at the top of a hill.

"It's nice to meet you all," Miko responded with a small smile.

I could tell he was nervous from his twitching tail. He could put on a confident smile, but I always knew better.

Erwin stepped forward and offered his hand, "The pleasure is all mine. Your friend there is quite the star soldier. She's saved this team countless times."

"I'm sure she did."

Taking it upon myself I started to introduce everyone.

"Um, well that is Erwin, my commander. And that little man is Levi. He likes to make poop jokes."

"I'm also your superior brat," Levi growled crossing his arms.

"Poop jokes?" Miko whispered leaning toward me.

"Yeah, pretty much."

Miko raised an eyebrow, but still wore his signature smile.

"Well from the vibes I've been picking up I'm sure Catori likes to be the thorn in your side huh?" Miko stated.

"You have absolutely no idea."

"Well I like to be more like the pebble in his shoe," I added in.

"Oh yeah those suck, well if you wear shoes that is," Miko said lifting up his bare foot.

"OH MY GOSH YES! Now that I'm here I don't need these death traps anymore!" I exclaimed starting to pull off my boots.

While plopping on the ground and removing the first one to only have it chucked in a random direction, I continued my unorganized introductions.

"Oh yeah, and that's Eren, Jean, Marco, Hanji my BFF, Armin, Mikasa, ummmm…."

"Connie," he said crossing his arms.

Slipping off my other shoe, I set it down, "Right. And that there is Roy. My right hand man. Couldn't have made it through without him. Aaaand he knows how to make a mean cup of tea."

"And there's also me too," Ohan said pushing his way through the crowd of soldiers. "I'm the one that found her by the way, no need to thank me."

"I knew where I was going Ohan. I wasn't lost," I grumbled.

"Whatever cutie."

"Ohan," I warned.

Ignoring my comment, he walked forward and stood next to Miko, "I'd keep an eye on the stoic short gremlin…"

"I can hear you," Levi said shooting a death glare at Ohan.

"Oooookk, how about we all head to the circle," I said starting to tug on Miko's arm.

"Sure, sounds good to me."

"OH OH CATORI!" Hanji exclaimed running up with her hand waving frantically in the air. "Would you mind if I examined you're Ohan friend here?"

"Uhhhhhh…."

"He said he wouldn't mind," she chimed, taking hold of Ohan's arm and shaking it with excitement.

Slowly looking over at Ohan I narrowed my eyes.

"What? How can I say no to science?" he innocently replied, "And especially such a cute scientist."

Rolling my eyes I waved him off.

"Ok sure if you want to. But be careful he's a perv."

"HEY!"

Taking Miko's hand in mine, we led the way.

"So I want to hear all about what you've been up to for the past 3 years," he said swinging my hand back and forth

"Uhhh ok, if you want to. But don't worry I'll leave out all the death."

"What?"

Roy's POV:

Nothing felt right. Everything was wrong.

Catori wasn't human. We're in a place that we didn't even know exists…and right now I don't feel like I exist. Ever since we've got here it's been like I'm a shadow. Nothing more than a silhouette lingering in the mass of people.

It wasn't even like we were close anymore. I felt tossed aside….I just feel this distance now. A distance that never thought I would feel between Catori and I. It's not like I'm mad. I'm not angry. I know why she did what she did, but the look on her face…when those doors opened, when her eyes met the trees, when she saw the huts and teepees, when she saw her village, when she saw him….There was this light in her eyes I've never seen before. It's very similar to the light she only lets me see. But now I realize I'm not her right hand man. I know she still cares, I know she loves me, but the role I thought I once played in her life has been shifted. Before I thought I was the closest friend she had. I was the only person she came to when in need. The only person that was able to hold her that close without question. I see now that she already has that…and one who is closer than I'll ever be.

I feel selfish. In hind sight the moment she ran to him, I should have felt happy. She was seeing a friend again after 3 years of pain and suffering. He didn't know whether she was dead or alive. He didn't even know if she was coming back. But there she was.

As she ran down that hill in pure joy I felt a pang in my chest. It was bittersweet. In all honesty I was happy for her. Anything that brings her joy makes me happy. But it felt as though I was watching my replacement before my very eyes. Or more like, he saw his own replacement—

NO. Don't you even Roy. You are Catori's best friend. Nothing will change that. You're her right hand man. She said so herself.

But that's nothing more than a title, "The right hand man who makes a mean cup of tea." She didn't mention how we spend day and night together. How she hugged my pain away. How….

This needs to stop. You can't fall into this pit of jealousy. You just can't. If she truly came from this village before coming into the walls it would only be normal to think she had friends. Catori loves you Roy and just like any other normal person, she had a best friend.

Looking out at the green scenery, my eyes grazed the teepees.

There's so much I don't know. So many questions…but I suppose that's what everyone is thinking.

Glancing back over to Catori, my eyes widened.

They're holding hands.

Soooooo what do you think?~ Thought I'd add some Roy jealousy in there. Not sure what it is going to turn into yet, but it will be something XD. Also next chapter there's going to be A LOT of information as to what excatly Catori is and who her people are, how they came to be, etc. AAaand some more of Miko and Eren. Other than that I hope you liked the chapter! And as usual any comments or suggestions are always welcome! I love hearing what you guys think! C U in the next update!~~

Cly****

**************shoutouts*************

...i just checked and saw no one reviewed last chapter XD. Ehhh still gunna leave this here~ Again hope you all liked the chapter! ^-^