A new chapter has arrived! Thank you so much to everyone who's read, favorited, followed, and commented on this story. It truly means a lot to me that people are enjoying my work. That's all I could ever hope for. Hope you guys enjoy this next installment!

It was a little difficult for Maria to adjust to her new, temporary lifestyle, especially when the Titans made their presence known to her. Having to learn how to sleep during the day and become active at night was the greatest challenge to her, seeing as she had always been used to the exact opposite. But Maria knew this would ultimately be imperative to her survival, so she forced herself to adapt to this new situation and work hard on finding her way home.

Determining her exact location was the hardest part of the whole operation, since Maria knew that there were plenty of forests between Wall Maria and Wall Rose in every direction. The trees surrounding her were like a canopy between her and the night sky, which was vital for her to determine where she possibly could be. Or, at the very least, the time of night. As Maria worked tirelessly on trying to fix the spare ODM gear, a happy memory of her childhood returned to her, allowing her a rare smile during a very somber time.

Trost, Eight Years Ago

"It must've been really dark down there," twenty-one-year-old Erwin Smith said to a four-year-old Maria as he held her, being her babysitter for the night, "Weren't you scared at all?"

"No," Maria admitted, "I had Aniki and Isabel Onee-chan there with me."

"Ah, I see. Wasn't there a third person with you, too?"

Maria snuggled into Erwin's chest and replied, "Farlan doesn't like me."

Erwin smiled and said, "Something tells me that's not true. If he didn't like you, he would've tried to get you back home sooner. He's probably a prideful teenager who doesn't want people to know he has a soft side. I heard it's detrimental down there to show emotions."

Looking up at Erwin, Maria responded, "Aniki said something like that, too."

"Then it must be true."

Unsure whether to believe Erwin or not, Maria decided to look out the window and smiled upon seeing the familiar sight of the sky, "Look, Erwin! The moon!"

Glancing over at the window, Erwin walked over to it and said, "Wow. It's full tonight."

Maria tilted her head in confusion, "The moon can eat?"

Erwin laughed at Maria's words before answering, "No, silly. The moon can't eat anything."

"Then how is it full?"

Pointing at the moon, Erwin explained, "You see how it's a complete circle? That's what we call a "full moon".

Taking a moment to think about it, Maria added, "Like how I color in a picture when I draw?"

"Yes, it's exactly like that. It's full when the circle is complete and colored in. No darkness on either side consuming it."

Looking at the moon again, Maria further pondered, "Is that how you and Daddy come home on excadaitions?"

Erwin couldn't help but laugh at Maria's mispronunciation and corrected, "It's expeditions, Maria. And no, Hunter and I don't use the moon to get home at night."

"Then how?"

Pointing to the sky, Erwin answered, "Something called the North Star. I read about it when I was a cadet in the Training Corps many years ago. If you find a pattern of stars that looks like a long-handled cup, almost like a ladle, there's a star just above it called the North Star. That's guaranteed to get you home whenever you get lost beyond the Walls."

Maria's eyes lit up in wonder from Erwin's explanation, a wide smile now on her face. All Erwin could do was smile at Maria's happiness, knowing he helped bring it to her after such a harrowing experience in the Underground two months prior. Still, she didn't lose that childlike wonder to her despite all of that and even gained some unexpected new friends. Whether or not Maria would ever see those friends again remains to be seen, though. Especially after Hunter had to serve a week of solitary confinement for going down to retrieve his own child. If he tried to bring them up to the surface, it could mean termination from the military. A dishonorable discharge. Still, Erwin knew Hunter well enough to know the latter wouldn't let the issue go that easily.

A small yet adorable yawn brought Erwin's attention back onto Maria, who was now snuggling into his shoulder, ready to head to bed. Smiling, Erwin patted the toddler's back and started walking out of the Stone family's office.

"Come on, little one," he soothed, "Time to put you to bed."

Maria couldn't help but maintain the smile on her face as she recalled Erwin's astronomy lesson all those years ago. He'd always been fascinated with the stars, according to him, so it made sense he would try and share that with someone.

Setting the gear down on the desk, Maria walked out of the basement and sat down on the windowsill in the main room. Catching a glimpse of the moon, she realized that it was a full moon on this night, making the memory she'd just recalled even sweeter to her.

"I wonder how everyone else is doing," she pondered, "Do they miss me as much as I miss them? They probably think I'm dead, though. Well, I hope I can reunite with them soon. Once I get this gear fixed, I can find the North Star, like Erwin taught me to. That'll guarantee me a chance at coming home somewhat safely."

For the next several hours, all Maria did was stare at the slivers of the moon she could see, basking in the light it provided to her. Her thoughts were solely focused on her family, the ones she loved the most in this world: Sylvia, Hunter, Levi, Petra, and Erwin. Granted, she loved many of the eccentric characters in the Survey Corps, but those four would forever be the ones she would hold the dearest to her heart.

"Hope everyone made it back alright," Maria pondered, blissfully unaware of the tragedy she was soon about to find herself facing.

Rain poured down over the military cemetery just outside of Trost as six soldiers carried a coffin on their shoulders to the open plot awaiting its future resident. Over the plot, two small biers were awaiting the coffin, the soldiers carefully placing the aforementioned onto the biers with as much respect as they possibly could. Three strong ropes were across the plot, ready at all times for the final plunge to be made at the end of the ceremony.

Around the plot, a plethora of people stood, Sylvia at the head of this group holding Eren and Mikasa's hands to try and comfort them. Dressed in all black and a veiled hat, she and the other spectators watched and listened as the priest gave Hunter's body the final sacraments before his impending journey six feet under. Mr. Arlert and Armin weren't too far behind, their heads bowed in respect for the final moments of the service currently being held. Every once in a while, Eren would wipe away some rogue tears while Mikasa simply allowed hers to fall freely.

Soldiers from all branches of the military were at this melancholy funeral, many of them still unable to believe that Hunter Stone was really about to be buried. Their forest green coats that bore their respective insignias were getting mildly soaked from whatever wasn't covered by the umbrellas they were holding. Nike Dok and Dot Pixis, the latter being the commander of the Garrison Regiment, had their heads bowed as well as they stood next to Erwin. The trio of commanders was rounded out by Shadis, who stood on Erwin's right, his eyes showing grief and despair for his fallen comrade and most trusted soldier.

Close to the front of the crowd, Levi stood with an unreadable expression, Petra right next to him with her tear filled eyes and hair in a semi-long braid. She knew it must've been really hard on Levi to sit through the funeral and now having to watch the man who gave him his freedom be buried right in front of his eyes. She knew that pain all too well. Having had to go through her mother's funeral alone, Petra was well aware that Levi would need someone there for him at all times in the coming weeks. And she would be damned if she let him grieve this death all on his own.

Feeling brave, Petra tried to take Levi's hand in her own as a means of comfort, but Levi pulled his hand away almost immediately. As if he was repulsed by Petra's attempts to help him. He didn't dare to look at her, but his face became noticeably tense. Still, it didn't stop Petra from taking his hand a second time, to communicate to him she wasn't giving up. This attempt made Levi turn to her, ready to shout and interrupt the service, but he stopped the moment he saw her glossy eyes. Now wasn't the time for that. Turning back, Levi silently promised to yell at Petra after the burial was over and they were back in their barracks. For now, he focused on the final parting words of the priest as the pallbearers prepared for the coffin's final descent.

"And now, we commend Hunter Stone's body back to the ground," the priest said, "earth to earth, ashes to ashes, and dust to dust. May his soul find eternal rest and peace."

The priest closed his book and stepped aside, allowing the general of all three military branches, Darius Zackly, to approach the pallbearers awaiting orders. Standing at attention, he took a large breath to calm himself before giving his orders.

"Approach." he solemnly ordered, the soldiers on either side nearing the grave in response, "Kneel."

Doing as commanded, the soldiers kneeled and took either side of the rope in their hands, trying to remain as strong as they possibly could for this final portion of the funeral.

"Up," Zackly commanded, the soldiers standing straight at attention, "Lift."

Lifting the coffin, the six pallbearers waited as two other soldiers took the biers out from under Hunter's coffin, now leaving it ready for burial.

"And lower."

Slowly and carefully, the soldiers slid the rope down the awaiting hole, Hunter's coffin slowly disappearing from the sight of the crowd. A few sobs could be heard from onlookers as the soldiers completed their task, throwing the ropes into the grave to be buried as well.

"About face," Zackly commanded, the soldiers turning to face the crowd, "March."

The soldiers returned to their regiments in the crowd, relieved that their final task for the day had been completed. Zackly then took a Survey Corps banner, folded neatly into a triangle, and walked over to Sylvia, presenting it to her.

"Hunter Stone was one of the finest men I've ever had the good fortune of knowing," he said to Sylvia as she took the banner from him, "I know he'll be dearly missed by many in all the regiments."

"Thank you, Zackly," Sylvia gratefully responded.

"I'll be praying for Maria's safe return as well. She's Hunter's girl, after all. Knowing her, she'll find a way to come home, even if it takes her years to do so."

Sylvia smiled and nodded in agreement, deep down wishing people would stop mentioning her missing daughter. It had only been a week since Shiganshina fell and Hunter's death, but her heart couldn't bear to think of her child while mourning her husband. It only meant having to consider the possibility of Maria's death and potential burial as well. And that was the last thing she wanted on her mind.

A tap on her shoulder interrupted her thoughts, turning her attention to the person who had sought to earn it…Mr. Arlert. His smile was small but humble as he reached out to Eren and Mikasa, urging them to come with him.

"I'll look after the children while you take condolences," he offered, Eren and Mikasa walking over to him and Armin.

"Thank you, Mr. Arlert," Sylvia thanked, appreciative of his gesture.

Mr. Arlert nodded in understanding and took the children away so mourners could come and say goodbye while Hunter's grave was being filled. One of the first to offer condolences was a woman in her mid twenties with chestnut brown hair in a messy ponytail and eyes that matched her hair perfectly. Glasses adorned her face, not doing much to cover the tears that had been falling for over an hour.

"I'm so sorry, Sylvia," she said, embracing Sylvia tightly, "We should have been there to help him."

"Oh, Hange," Sylvia replied, fighting tears once again, "There was nothing any of you could have done."

Pulling away, the woman, Hange Zoe, added, "Still, we should have gone back with Erwin! He told us to ride on ahead!"

"What's done is done. Hunter was probably already dying by the time Erwin made the call. I don't blame him, the Garrison, or anyone else for his death except the Colossal and Armored Titans."

"Yeah. Those bastards really did a number on us. We lost over ten thousand people when the government abandoned Wall Maria."

Shaking her head in disappointment, Sylvia said, "I still can't believe they did that. All those innocent lives, gone."

Hange put a hand on Sylvia's shoulder and said, "Don't worry. Erwin's goal as Commander is to try and reclaim Wall Maria. It'll be in small steps, but he believes we can get there."

All Sylvia could do was weakly smile, even if her heart wasn't really feeling it. Moments later, a second soldier, a man in his late twenties with dirty blonde hair and light brown eyes came and hugged her, which she accepted.

"Moblit," she muttered as the man in question patted her back and pulled away.

"I know you've heard the same condolences for the past week, Ms. Sylvia," Moblit Berner said, his voice somber, "With all due respect, I don't want to be repetitive with it."

"Don't worry, Moblit. I'm going to be hearing that for months, so just go ahead and say it."

Sighing, Moblit conceded, "Alright, if you're sure about it. I'm sorry for your loss, Ms. Sylvia."

"Thank you."

Nodding, Moblit took his position next to Hange and took her hand in his as Hange inquired, "Will you be okay, Syliva?"

With a sigh of her own, Sylvia admitted, "I don't know. Not having Maria here is really hard. She'd help me get through this a little bit better, I'm sure. What hurts the most is her not knowing about Hunter. They were so close to one another. How's she going to handle learning that her father's dead?"

Before Hange or Moblit could respond to her, Pixis approached and said, "Mrs. Stone, I'm sorry we have to meet again under such unfortunate circumstances."

Sylvia replied, "It was inevitable, Pixis. Hunter was going to die prematurely, we just didn't know when. Neither of us expected this, though."

"No one expected what happened in Shiganshina. What doesn't surprise me is that Hunter went out protecting the people." Pulling out a flask and taking a sip from it, Pixis continued, "I hope you don't find offense to that."

With a small shake of her head, Sylvia confirmed, "Not at all. Hunter wouldn't have been."

"Good. Well, I shouldn't hold you up, Mrs. Stone."

Turning to start heading back towards the cemetery entrance, Pixis then commented, "Mrs. Stone, I know Maria's out there. She's Hunter's girl. If she could survive an expedition surrounded by three Titans, then she's going to be just fine. After all, she's got the heart of a true soldier within her."

Sylvia, Hange, and Moblit all remained stunned by Pixis' words, unable to believe he had that much faith in a twelve-year-old girl. Hange was the first to speak up after a few more seconds of silence.

"But…Farlan and Isabel ensured her survival," she nearly whispered, "They sacrificed everything to make sure Maria made it home."

"That's why Maria has a soldier's heart," Sylvia responded, her voice stronger than it had been for the past week, "She never forgets the sacrifices of the people who came before her. It's why Hunter was so determined to bring Levi and his friends to the surface. A life for a life. Hunter repaid his debt to those three when he brought them into the Survey Corps. Now, Maria's in Farlan and Isabel's debt for the sacrifice they made to keep her alive. And I know Maria's going to repay it even if it kills her."

"And you're just going to let it happen?" Moblit demanded.

Turning to look directly at Moblit, Sylvia answered, "Yes, I'm going to let my daughter join the military when she returns. Pixis is right. She's Hunter's daughter. Her resourcefulness knows no bounds. If anyone can find a way out of a tricky situation, it's Maria Stone."

Sylvia's inspiring words made Hange smile, even if Mobit was still a little skeptical of Sylvia's words. Regardless, it didn't stop a single ray of sunshine from peeking through the clouds and surprising all of the mourners. Erwin couldn't help but smile at the turn of events.

"I think this is Hunter's way of letting us know things will be alright," he quipped to Nile.

"Hunter was always an optimist," Nile agreed, holding out his hand, "Still, it's time for the mourning to end and for the rivalries to resume. Don't you think so, Erwin?"

With a lighthearted chuckle, Erwin shook Nile's hand and said, "Whichever regiment finds Maria first, they're owed drinks by the other."

"Deal."

For the first time in an entire week, Sylvia smiled a genuine smile at the estranged friends' light bantering, happy to see some sense of normalcy was starting to return. Glancing back at the sunlight, Sylvia's eyes sparkled with hope as she made a silent prayer she hoped would reach her daughter.

"Come home, my darling," she prayed, "Everyone's here waiting for you. Let your father's spirit be your guiding light. Protect her at all costs, Hunter. Protect her."

Not long after the refugees settled into Trost, they were ordered to help cultivate land so that crops could potentially be grown. This included Eren, Mikasa, and the Arlerts. Still, despite their best efforts, a food shortage would eventually come to pass in the months that followed. Eren, Mikasa, and the Arlerts never had to worry about being homeless, as Sylvia allowed them to stay with her like she promised them in Shiganshina. While they were grateful for the hospitality and kindness, all of them felt a hint of sadness at being so fortunate while others suffered as the winter months fast arrived.

Her hope renewed, Sylvia continued to work with the Survey Corps in order to try and find a way to disguise an expedition as a rescue mission for Maria. But the one thing standing in their way was the government and their refusal to sign off on the expedition. With the situation as severe as it was, it made sense that expeditions were put on hold for a while as things with the refugees were sorted out. But Erwin Smith made a promise to bring Maria home no matter the cost, even if it meant his own life was lost in the process. Erwin didn't know it, but Nile and Pixis had also made this promise in secret, not for the promise of drinks later. Rather, it was the hope that Maria's survival granted them to believe in…but getting drunk at another friend's expense was a big plus, also.

Maria continued to work on the broken ODM gear night after night, using her memories of learning about the gear alongside Levi, Farlan, and Isabel as her guide. It ultimately took her two months to fix the gear and start to learn how to properly use it, with some flubs that Maria was sure Levi would've found rather hilarious. Every night, she would find the North Star the way Erwin taught her and stare at it, hoping that it would one day give her the strength to find her way home. But, in the meantime, she could, at least, try and get a message back to her parents and friends in Trost. So, one windy winter's night, she released a letter folded in the shape of a bird and watched as the wind carried it away, hoping and praying that it would reach Trost and the ones she loved without being destroyed.

Survey Corps Headquarters, Trost District; December 845

"The wind sure is sharp tonight, isn't it?" Petra asked Levi, the two of them sitting on the roof of the Survey Corps headquarters stargazing.

"At least it's not a cold sharpness," Levi said, trying to find some form of positivity in the darkness surrounding him.

"It's still cold, though. Thank goodness we brought blankets."

Levi simply hummed at Petra's words, not really hearing them or caring that he hadn't heard them. In truth, he hadn't really felt anything since Hunter's death two months prior. All he'd been focusing on was training and getting stronger so he could carry on Hunter's title of "Humanity's Strongest Soldier". Even though he detested the title with every fiber of his being, Levi still wanted to show Hunter his late mentor hadn't made the wrong choice in naming Levi as his successor. No matter what, Levi would train until his limbs fell off, even if it killed him.

Unfortunately, this meant that he would push everyone who cared about him away thanks to his grief induced training. Erwin couldn't get him to relax, Hange threatening to not bathe for a week didn't work, nor did Mike Zacharius and Nanba making out right in front of him (Levi likes to pretend that last one never happened, he was so horrified). But he made the biggest mistake in pushing Petra away from him the most, since she was the one trying her hardest to try and get through to him. This would only push Petra harder to try and get Levi to notice just how worried she was about him and it annoyed the hell out of him.

Having once again noticed Levi's lack of attention, Petra's face scrunched up in annoyance and she yanked on his ear, earning a yelp from the man next to her. Levi grabbed his ear and then turned to face Petra, now rather pissed off at her presence.

"What the fuck was that for?!" he shouted, severely irritated.

"Finally, you talk to me," Petra retorted, "How long has it been now?"

"Listen, Petra, I'm getting real sick of you hovering over me like I'm some lost kitten! I'm going to say this one more fucking time. I. Don't. Need. Any. Help."

"Do you even hear yourself, Levi?! You're so obsessed with training and don't even want to talk to me anymore! I miss my best friend!"

"Isn't Maria your best friend?"

"Yes, but that doesn't mean I can't have a best friend who's a boy, Levi! I'm seventeen now, not seven!"

"Well, stop calling me your best friend, because I'm not! I don't want any best friends and I don't need any best friends! So, do me a favor and leave me the fuck alone, Petra!"

Levi's words stung Petra harder than a Titan's slap could ever hope to achieve. Her eyes immediately began filling with tears, which made Levi regret his choice of words as soon as he said them. Nodding stiffly, Petra stood up and wrapped her blanket around her tighter.

"Fine, then," she said, her tone the harshest Levi had ever heard it, "If you want me to leave you alone, I'll leave you the hell alone. Don't come begging me for help when you need it, because I tried to give it to you and you wouldn't accept it. Good night, Levi."

Before Petra could take two steps forward, she felt something hit the back of her head with the howling wind, prompting her anger to return tenfold. Turning back to Levi, she was about to shout at him when she noticed he had a paper bird in his hand.

"What's that, Levi?" she demanded, still very much annoyed at his previous behavior, "Something to try and get me to stay?"

"No," Levi admitted, "It came flying in with the wind and hit you in the head. You really think I know how to turn a piece of paper into the shape of a bird?"

Petra tried to retort, but found that she actually couldn't. Dammit, she hated it when Levi was right. Even when she wasn't mad at him, his small victories did get on her nerves a little bit. Still, when Levi patted the space next to him, she found that she couldn't deny his request and sat down next to him, being sure to leave a little space between them.

Levi began unfolding the meticulously folded piece of paper, wondering how the hell it had even been folded so well in the first place. Still, he was rather patient with himself as he unfolded the papyrus bird, finally unfolding the whole thing after five meticulous minutes of trying to make sure nothing tore.

"What does it say?" Petra questioned, her curiosity getting the better of her.

As he read the contents, Levi's eyes widened in shock, unable to believe what he was reading. It was from Maria! Taking a minute to compose himself, Levi read the letter aloud to Petra, the girl moving in closer to read along as he spoke.

"To whoever finds this letter,

My name is Maria Stone. I'm twelve years old and hail from Trost District in southern Wall Rose. I'm currently taking shelter in the Forest of Giant Trees to the southeast of Trost after the Fall of Shiganshina two months ago. At least, that's what I'm guesstimating, anyway. Should you find this letter, then please give it to my father, Lieutenant Hunter Stone of the Survey Corps, as fast as you can. If he's unavailable or (heaven forbid) deceased, then please give this letter to Commander Keith Shadis of the Survey Corps instead. I have a functional set of ODM gear and blades at my disposal, but limited gas, so making the journey home is still quite dangerous, even at night. Even without the gear, I doubt I could make it back to Trost by sunrise on horseback. If it's at all possible, send a rescue party as soon as you possibly can and fire a flare so I'll be able to find the party's location. Everything should be smooth sailing from there.

I don't know if this letter will even make it to anyone, but I really hope the person who finds this will do the right thing and not ignore this. Please do the right thing and alert my father or Commander Shadis. Should you do so, I know my parents would reward you handsomely. Thanks again and good luck. Shinzou wo sasageyo. - Maria Stone"

Petra's eyes filled with tears, this time happy tears, while Levi's remained widened in shock. Neither of them said a word for a minute until Petra finally managed to squeak out a sentence from her lips.

"She's alive, Levi," she said, before exclaiming, "Maria's alive! I can't believe it! She's alive!"

Levi had no time to react to Petra tackling him to the ground in a hug, which he wasted no time in returning. Finally, after two long months, they had the confirmation they were waiting so long for. Maria Stone was alive and it was time to bring her home. He really couldn't have asked for a better birthday present than this.

"I can't believe this," Erwin breathed out, his shock evident on his face as he read the letter just delivered to him by Levi and Petra, "Maria really was alive all this time."

"We need to tell Ms. Sylvia as quickly as we can," Levi urged, "She needs to know that her daughter's alive."

Setting the letter down, Erwin agreed, "Yes, she does need to know, but it's very late. I'll send a messenger right at dawn to deliver the letter to her. While that's going on, I need to start working on plans for an expedition that will be disguising a rescue mission within it."

"How are you going to do that, Commander?" Petra inquired, genuinely wondering what Erwin would do next, "The government won't allow the Survey Corps to go on any expeditions right now."

"That is true, Petra. However, I can make the argument that the Survey Corps is ready for a test run expedition to try and make a path back to Shiganshina to reclaim Wall Maria. All we've been doing is training since Shiganshina fell. I do feel confident we are ready for a trial run, at the very least."

"And how many lives would that sacrifice, Erwin?" Levi demanded, "Maria's already got two lives she has to repay. Don't give her any more to feel obligated to."

"I don't intend to, Levi. When I say a "trial run", I mean only three squads or so will go on this expedition. One squad will serve as a lookout, one will take out any Titans that come near us, and the third will be the rescue party to secure Maria. If done correctly, we can pull this off and bring Maria home in the next month or two."

"Next month?! Erwin, she's out there alone with only ODM gear as her primary source of protection! We have to get her home now!"

Standing up, Erwin responded with a near thunderous tone, "And I want to bring her home as soon as possible, Levi. But we can't just go to the government and ask them to prioritize the life of a preteen girl. We're only going to get one shot at this and it needs to be planned out to perfection. Trust me, Levi. I'm not leaving Maria in that forest to die."

Even though Levi felt the urge to tell Erwin to fuck off and rush out after Maria himself, the feeling of Petra's hand on his shoulder managed to relax him a little bit. Still, he didn't like the idea of leaving Maria out in that forest all by herself.

"You two need to get some rest," Erwin said, breaking Levi's thoughts, "I'll get everything started first thing in the morning. From there, we can start planning the rescue mission and see what happens. Like I said, we're only going to get one shot at saving Maria Stone and it cannot go off without a hitch. Is that clear?"

"Sir!" Levi and Petra replied, saluting to further confirm their understanding.

"Excellent. Now, head off to bed. We've got a busy time ahead of us. Dismissed."

Despite Commander Erwin's best efforts, the government refused to allow a normal scouting mission to take place to secure Maria's safety. However, a tragic alternative was offered that Erwin had no choice but to accept: send soldiers and refugees on a suicide charge disguised as a mission to reclaim Wall Maria. The mission would send two hundred and fifty thousand people out beyond Wall Rose…twenty percent of humanity's remaining population. And it would happen in the early spring months so that the harsh winter wouldn't cause any complications with the mission itself. It took three long months to plan, but the mission to retake Wall Maria was underway before anyone knew it. And with this mission…came the survival story no one could have ever anticipated witnessing or hearing had they not been there themselves.

The sounds of screaming were prevalent, almost deafening, as the mission to retake Wall Maria fell into complete, uncontrollable chaos. Civilians who weren't trained to fight the Titans were almost always the first ones to be devoured by the dreaded creatures. Some were bitten in half, their blood staining the ground a dark crimson; others were swallowed whole while the Survey Corps soldiers tried in vain to save them from their despicable fate. Even soldiers could be heard shouting for their lives as they pleaded with their comrades to save them.

Erwin hated that he had to hear this all around him as he rode towards a nearby forest, but he knew that it would be inevitable that sacrifices were going to be made in order to secure Maria's safety. Riding in his temporary squad were Levi, Petra (at Levi's insistence), Hange, Moblit, and Mike; all of them had their soldier facades on and were ready to start their true objective at any time.

"Alright, everyone, this is it!" Erwin exclaimed to his soldiers, "The rescue mission of Maria Stone is in full effect! Hange, Mike, Moblit, stay and guard the entrance to the forest! Levi, Petra, come with me! We're bringing Maria home today!"

"Sir!" Hange, Mike, and Moblit responded, the trio turning around to head back towards the Titans near the entrance to the forest.

Erwin, Levi, and Petra's focus skyrocketed as they travelled through the forest in front of them hoping to find any sign of Maria in the nooks and crannies of the trees. They kept their eyes open in all directions, not wanting to miss a second of movement in case Maria or a Titan showed up.

"Nothing so far, Commander!" Petra reported, still glancing around often.

"Keep moving forward!" Erwin ordered, "Maria has to be around here somewhere!"

"Hunter mentioned there was a house hidden in the forest before he died!" Levi alerted, "If we find that house, we find Maria!"

"Excellent! Just keep your eyes open for any Titans that may appear! Today is the day we bring Maria Stone home from Hell! ADVANCE!"

"Attack on Titan" and its characters belong to Hajime Isayama. Maria and Sylvia are my own creations. Constructive criticism is welcome.