-Chapter 41: Upon the Blooming Fields of Rebirth-
It was last few days of the month of January, and the expedition would soon be coming to an end. All of the objectives the Survey Corps had set out to do had been accomplished within the first few weeks of their excursion.
Their new base of operations, newly christened as Treefort Alpha, was fully built and established, with a few more additions and earthly defenses put forward by the Slayer.
Their explorations had led to the discovery of numerous relics and ruins of interest, all showing signs of the lands previous inhabitants. Be they their ancestors or perhaps a previous human civilization was still a much-debated topic among the scouts. But nonetheless the evidence was found and secured.
And the Sentinels had proven their worth in the service as Treefort Alpha's guards, with plans to incorporate more titans into their numbers. For the first time in human history, the scouts found the titans as more than creatures to be despised and killed on sight. Well, the former might be a stretch.
At this point they were simply spending time for the sake of simply being out in the lands beyond the Walls. However, they were far from becoming the hardcore outdoor survivalist many of the younger scouts imagined themselves as, for throughout the weeks the supplies brought from the Walls were running dangerously low.
Natural edibles had been gathered and eaten nearly to the last, and game had been getting harder and harder to find, with most if not every animal in the forest having long since fled the area in fear of becoming one of Caesar's victims during its hunts.
With all this in mind it was eventually decided by the Commander that it was perhaps time to finally set their sights back to the Wall, something that while many weren't exactly thrilled about, understood. The thought of returning to a world filled with bath houses and latrines once more helped as well.
But just before their departure the Commander had greenlit some last-minute outings for those squads ready and willing to brave the wilds. Delta Squad was of course one of them.
-oOo-
Inside of the Southern Giant Forest
We find out hero joined alongside his merry band on their last field trip across the Great Giant Forest, trudging along a yet unexplored path through the southern parts of the woodlands. Their Squad Leader was adamant to make their last trip a good one, and so here they were, deep into the still-to-be charted forest.
Their trusty steeds kept a good pace behind Caesar, whom Maverick was strongly suggested to wrangle up and bring along. It's massive body served well to clear the path ahead, tossing wilted bushes and old tree stumps aside and bringing down small mountains of dead leaves aside with its massive carved tusks.
The woods were calm today, like many times throughout the weeks. Much of the snow from last month's winter storm was still around, and the sky was especially cloudy today, with a few rays of sunshine peering through the leafless trees. It all made for a surprisingly serene scene, and for a certain marked man it was a nostalgic sight.
In moments like these he'd often find himself singing a small tune or an old battle hymn, but the only thing coming out of his mouth this cool morning was a loud and audible yawn.
"*YYYAAAWWWNNN.*"
His voice echoed out across the forest, no doubt those still back at base could hear the man.
"Still feeling groggy?"
He smacked his lips before slowly turned and looked down to see Hange trotting up to Ceasar's side. His nearly half-lidded eyes started in her direction, but she could tell his focus was a little far off. Blinking a few times he let out a soft chuckle before rubbing his dim glowing eyes.
"Yeah…" He shook his head and lightly slapped his face. The cold head dunk in the nearby river streams every morning was starting to lose its effectiveness. One could only sink their heads into freezing water so many times before they'd grow resilient to it.
He sighed as he turned back to the woodland path ahead, his voice turning to a more annoyed tone as he grumbled to himself. "If I had a nice travel sized mug of coffee then I-"
He stopped mid-sentence as he realized a very important thing regarding this new life, and with that realization came a dampening of his mood. His brain had made a big mistake in reminding him about one of his most treasured fancies. The great cerebral council of Maverick's had made great efforts to suppress the memories of that wonderous drink, so as to not upset the demigod's mindscape and taste buds, but at last it was only a matter of time for certain things to slip. Granted a whole two years without it coming to mind was very impressive.
"Guuuuuhhhh…."
"Mav, what's wrong?" Hange asked, hearing her ma-comrade's dour tone and seeing him slouch in his seat. A variety of possible scenarios played in her head, ranging from a sudden painful stomachache to a bout of depressive thoughts.
"Just reminded myself there's no coffee in this place…"
…
"Oh.", she thought. Now that she put more though into it he did say something about a mug of kof-eee, whatever that was.
"Ka-ffeee?" Abel tried to say the word, as this was the first time he'd ever heard it. The others thought likewise, as the giant had never spoken of it.
"Yes Harold, Coffee." Maverick said in an almost longing tone. Rising to a proper riding position once more he lifted his head high and enlightened his squad.
"You see son, back in my world there's this certain special drink that almost everyone on the planet drank on a near daily basis." He said, emphasizing the word everyone.
"Was it that good?" Keiji asked with a raised brow. The only popular drink he'd ever heard of was either water, booze, or tea. The giant let out a reinvigorated laugh, as if asked the inanest question of all time.
"Like you wouldn't believe! For many in my homeland it was something that was practically vital to the start of every day!" He boldly claimed. "It was the key to our ignitions. Couldn't start the day without a nice cup o' joe!"
Oh, how he missed the taste of his wonderful caffeine filled beverage, so much that he tried to bury such thoughts deep into his mind, less he begin to go through a mental withdrawal, like the one at this moment. But such mental locks couldn't hold forever.
He was a man who enjoyed his coffee, be it a nice hot cup, or a refreshing iced or frozen coffee from his favorite drink and donuts shop, either when the summer months rolled around, or when he felt like spoiling himself and the family on Sundays.
He was glad to have enjoyed it in his previous existence, but now….now, it felt as if a part of him was missing.
Make no mistake, it wasn't as if he was a coffee addict, he had simply grown and nurtured a healthy reverence to the caffeinated beverage. If one were to ask the man his top ten manmade innovations, coffee would definitely be in the top three.
"Well, you make it sound very tempting Sir." The sudden snicker coming from the man atop the boar startled him, even more when he slowly turned his head to him and spoke again.
"Oh Abel, Abel, Abel. You sweet, naive child of Adam. You have your youthful vigor!" He pointed to himself. "But ancient beings like myself need coffee."
Hange began to chuckle, closing her mouth shut tight in an effort to make herself less audible. Hearing him call himself ancient had just tickled her funny bone something fierce. Good to know he was capable of some self-deprecating humor, not that had ever shown any bad reactions to it, not publicly at least.
"You don't look like you really need it." Moblit mused. His words went ignored as Maverick was still in his little manic episode.
"Once all this titan business is over and done with the FIRST thing were doing is launching expedition fleets out to the east of south!" He raised a finger to the heavens. By the name of the higher powers of this world and those beyond he would find the source once more, future hazards be damned.
His superior giggled at his sudden moment of mania. The thought and image of the two of them travelling the world was a very, very, pleasing and warm thought. She could imagine them standing on the bow of a giant boat as it cruised along the waves, their bodies close together, as they overlooked the great beyond, hands linked together.
She shook her head, getting back in focus. Best to save those fantasies for later…when they actually reached that point of their relationship.
-oOo-
Further on their travels the squad had come upon a most unusual and shocking sight. For just up ahead on the pseudo-path was what looked to be a scene of an epic fight. Giant trees had been nearly uprooted from the ground, said roots visible from the ruptured ground below, along with some clear scars and decay visible. And on the semi snow covered ground was a very large and easily seen crater, along with other smaller holes in the upturned soil.
"Woah!" Hange's eyes went wide as she began taking everything in. Without needing orders, she and the others split up to investigate the scene, minus Abel who stayed in place and quickly focused on sketching the sight. Meanwhile the giant remained positioned at the edge of the unnatural clearing.
"The hell happened here?"
"A titan brawl maybe?"
"Certainly possible. But to think they were strong enough to nearly uproot the trees! Maybe it was one of the Abnormals!"
The scouts continued to talk back and both and asks questions after questions. All the while the Slayer remained mounted on his boar, simply staring at the area around him, his own mind coming to a very clear conclusion.
'Is this where I….yes, by the Elder Gods it is….'
He chuckled to himself. Who would have thought they'd reach this place so soon. This only meant that they would soon be arriving at a certain other place, to his surprise and honest joy. If they kept this going, then maybe they might just make it before nightfall.
It was exciting. He had hoped to one day show the gang the spot. Seemed like Fortuna was smiling upon him once more.
"What do you think Sir?"
Brought from his thoughts he looked down to his left to see his junior squad mate hold up his map to him. Leaning further to get a good look he saw the new addition to the map's southern area.
"Hmmm, looks about right." The young man smiled at his small praise. He wasn't much of a cartographer, but he wasn't one to half-ass things.
"So, any thoughts on this place Sir?" A sly smile appeared on the giant's face, while running a hand through his beard.
"Heh, well the giants here put up semi-decent fight, but they all fell in the end."
Abel's look turned to one of surprise as did the others who were within earshot, who now looked to him.
"So, all this?" Maverick nodded, glad to know they were catching on.
"Yep. All this? All me."
The scouts looked back at the scene with a new sense of awe and a little bit of foolishness. For this was yet another battle spot between their giant comrade and the titans. In hindsight it should have been one of the first conclusions to come up into their minds.
A few more moments of awed silence passed before Hange's head quickly popped up from inside the crater. "So, wait! Are we really close to where you first woke up?!"
The others looked to the man, their expressions ones of pure excitement, from the younglings at the least. Maverick ran his fingers through his beard once more, pondering while looking out into the middle distance.
"Should be, if we keep going straight." His calm response only got the Squad Leader even more excited, judging by the sparkles in her goggles, and the grin stretched across her face.
"Then let's go! What are we waiting for?!" In a heartbeat she quickly scrambled up from the crater and dashed to her horse. Seeing her nearly fall over trying to get herself mounted was an amusing sight, topped off with just how resigned her horse looked, this clearly wasn't the first time.
"HIYAHH!" With a bucking start Hange was off in the direction Maverick had pointed to, leaving the others to simply watch on completely bemused. The vice-captain tried to call her back.
"We still need to mark the point Squad Leader!" Moblit shouted.
"WE'LL GET IT LATER!"
A sigh left his lips. He turned to his fellow veteran, who simply gave a knowing smirk before kicking Caesar's side. The others followed but not before Moblit placed down a marker, that being a small olive-green banner with the Survey Corp's symbol. Both to symbolize the length of their travel but also as a waypoint in the off chance they got lost.
-oOo-
Catching up with Hange it was quickly made that Maverick should be the one to lead, considering HE was the one to have passed through here the first time around.
From the front he steered and maneuvered his mount through the tight spaces of the woods, all the while trying to recall and retrace the steps he took throughout the beginning of his journey, an effort made slightly difficult. For both the passage of time and his lack of focus on any specific landmarks being the two biggest factors.
But as luck would have it the marked one had managed to successfully lead them in the right path, something he completely intended to do from the start. For there was one notable factor about the path he took, that being he remembered taking stock of the land while atop a branch of one of the most massive and most likely oldest oak trees of this forest.
A massive oak that was now in full view.
"Yeah, this is the one." Maverick said, looking up at the tree with a nostalgic eye. "Were definitely on the right track."
Looking back to his comrades he noticed just how amazed they looked, no doubt this was the biggest they've seen. As for Maverick, while this was no Teldrassil or Great Deku this tree was a definite strong contender. Even with the lack of those luscious green leaves from before there was still a lingering sense of majesty that made it different among the other trees that surrounded it.
Sending a silent order to Caesar he dismounted and slowly approached the oak, his superior not far behind, who quickly dismounted and caught up to join him by his side, the others not far.
Stopping in front of the massive tree he began to walk around it, running his hand along the bark. His eyes trailed towards the branches up along the oaks body, reminiscing on that day long ago.
"Two years already huh?" He looked down to see his superior's brown eyes peering from her goggles to his, and that ever present and honestly adorable smile on her face. Like many times before she spoke aloud what was on his mind.
"Seems like only yesterday *Sigh* where's the time gone?"
That got a little giggle from her, her warm expression that followed making his hearts tingle. He found himself placing his hand atop her shoulder instinctively, an action the young woman didn't seem to mind. It honestly wasn't unexpected at this point, considering what occurred between the two last Christmas.
"I'll never forget that day." The two turned to Moblit, who was joined by the rest of Delta Squad. "Seeing you pop out of the bushes screaming like some drugged up highwayman *Chuckles* just when I thought I'd seen everything the world had to offer."
A warm humored laugh was shared between the three as they placed another marker before setting off once more towards one of the stopgaps of Maverick's trip after his "rebirth". As they traveled the two veterans found their thoughts wandering back to that day.
For their Squad Leader it was a day she would never forget for as long as she continued to live and breathe. Never in her wildest dreams did she ever believe the events of that day would play out, and those that followed. Their first real victory over the titans, the improvement of the scout's reputation, and their new and improved weaponry, were just multiple layers of icing on the cake.
But the most unexpected for her was the discovery of a certain warm and tender feeling now coursing through her blood pumping organ. Said feeling directed at a certain special someone that had popped into their lives.
She placed her hand over her chest in an attempt to soothe herself. Not helping was her looking in Mav's direction for a few split seconds when thinking he wasn't looking. As much as she wanted to chastise herself she couldn't quite help herself. He was a true joy to have around.
Even as a certain memory regarding a certain notebook entered her mind and stung her heart she simply recalled the words of her old friend and felt her resolve return once again. She just had to find the right time to do it, this last expedition was hopefully a good opportunity.
For the vice-captain, it was all still so surreal. Even after two years it still surprised him to think that he had somehow made friends with a literal demigod, a being he never thought could have truly existed, only for one to just up and arrive at their moment of need. Not to mention the idea he introduced about worlds beyond worlds was certainly an enlightening and inspiring concept. Especially knowing they, as a species, continued to persevere and thrive.
He was also glad to have someone to back him up whenever he had to deal with Hange's eccentricities, and join him for a late night drink at the local bar, and just generally hang out after duty. Though he'd like it more if Mav didn't often indulge her with stories of all marvels he'd learned throughout his long life. He had to know it'd inspire her to try and bring them to reality, but something told Moblit that was the point.
Looking at the two he also wondered just when they would decide to get together. He and many others saw what kind of relationship was growing between the two, mostly through Hange's attitude and behavior towards him, which seemed to have escalated since last winter. Something clearly happened, yet they seemed adamant to keep it to themselves, as if it helped.
Then add on that she wasn't the only one who had eyes on him, both in and outside the regiment. Made him wonder how his giant friend was going to deal with it. One idea passed through his head, but he wasn't quite sure about it.
There was no way such a compromise would actually work out, would it?
-oOo-
Moving past the elder giant tree the squad continued their little game of follow the leader through the woodlands for another half hour or so, keeping the monotony away by telling small humorous stories about some past events, or prod their guide with questions regarding their destination.
His answers about it were rather cryptic, simply responding with "You'll see" or simply saying it would be the most beautiful sight they ever saw in their young lives. Such responses only served to make them even more curious, and in their leader's case impatient.
Her impatience would soon dissipate. As just some distance away she and the others could see the edge of the leaf barren forest, and with it the ever expansive lands beyond.
Maverick quietly breathed out a relieved sigh. By the many forest spirits they had made it, any longer and he would have started thinking the forest itself had come alive and was expanding just to mess with them.
"D-Did we…reach the end?" Abel spoke aloud, his voice filled with a slight sense of unbelief. His friend and comrade rode alongside him, arms stretched behind him.
"Looks like it. Was starting to think this forest didn't have an end…" Keiji chuckled at his own joke, an attempt to mask his own shock.
The Squad Leader and Vice-Captain were simply frozen in place. No words were spoken nor shared between them, the only sounds coming from any of them being Hange's slightly hitched breathing, their breaths showing though the cold air.
She covered her mouth further with the deer pelt, masking her quivering lips that slowly formed into a smile. So many thoughts and feelings racing through her body, as she couldn't believe they had made it this far. Slowly she turned to her longtime comrade, and by the look on his face, he was thinking the exact same thing.
It was moments like these that made her wonder if everything up to now was just a dream. That at any moment she'd wake up from another long night at the lab, and everything she had experienced would disappear from her mind.
But no, this was really happening. They had truly made it this far, with the rest of the world just a short ride away.
"Should we proceed Squad Leader?"
Hange was brought out of her stunned state and turned to Rashad, a questioning look on his face. With a small headshake she quickly recomposed herself and coughed, finding her voice once more.
"O-Of course!" Hange exclaimed. She raised the reigns, ready to have her mare set off towards the world beyond, only to stop and look to her fellow goggled comrade, who was scribbling down on the map, using his horse's neck as a support.
"Ehhh, just as Abel gets this all down, heh-heh."
-oOo-
After a few moments of mental preparation Maverick lead the group out of the giant forest. The clouds above began to clear at the same time, allowing the shining lights of the afternoon sky to seep further and further through the trees. It was as if the heavens above were opening to them all, dispelling the shadows and enveloping them with the warm rays of the sun. The light continued to shine brighter and brighter until fully enveloping them once the passed the divide between the forest and into the fields of the unknown.
"Hooohhh…" Hange's eyes went wide as she stopped her horse and took in everything, from the vast endless fields, to the sky-reaching mountains way beyond the horizon. She took noticed that much of the winter snow had still yet to completely melt, leaving many white hills that glistened thanks to the rays of sunlight.
"Different from just looking up from atop the Wall eh?" She nodded to Mav's remark, her eyes never leaving the scenery. "It sure is Mav…"
"Doesn't even begin to compare…" Came Moblit's voice from her left. His expression was equally amazed, for to see such a sight from where they stood was a vastly different experience. "The forest was just the tip of the mountain."
"And were the first in the entire regiment's history to see this…" She took a deep breath in as she reflected. Her mind thought of those that were no longer here.
Mav had spoken about of how much more peaceful things were on the other side. Did they ever use that peace to explore the world truly and freely? If so then maybe they weren't really the first to be here. The though made her audibly laugh.
She felt the sudden need to dismount, and so she did. She took one small shaky step, and then another, and another. Till she made a bit of distance between her and the squad, chuckling all the way.
Her hiccupped laughter stopped as she heard a certain someone walk up behind her, their gear jostling about as they joined her. She soon felt a large and warm hand press down on her shoulder, followed by a soft squeezing feeling. Looking up she saw her dear giant comrade, those godly, yet kind eyes calming her as he patted the shoulder he held.
She slowly lifted her free arm to grasp and squeeze the large hand, feeling the warm eye shaped rune. It was always both a strange yet soothing feeling.
"S-Sorry. Just…" A chuckle escaped the giants lips before shaking his head. She didn't need to explain nothing to him, for the man had been in such states many times in the long distant past, both before and after his great journey began.
"So ready to keep going?" The smile and rosy cheeks was more than enough of an answer. With a renewed pep in her step she mounted up and soon the squad set out to find the location of Maverick's reawakening.
-oOo-
"Right here, this is the one!" The big man exclaimed, pointing at something unseen to the rest of the crew. Following where he was pointing Hange and the others saw a frozen river from below the raised section of the riverbank where they stood.
"You sure?" Maverick didn't respond as he quickly jumped off Caesar and landed near the river, looking down and up towards the forest. "Positive."
"So how far away are we from your spot?" Moblit asked. Maverick took a moment to think while scratching the back of his head.
"Not entirely sure to be honest. I let my mind completely wander when I was flowing down." While his answer did little to fully assure them, what was certain was that their destination lied along the river's pathway, that much Maverick did remember. As he recalled there was still a bit of land that had to be covered before finding their spot of interest.
Back on their mounts the squad followed the river. With a clear path set the scouts allowed themselves to take in a good view of the land around them. Maverick smiled as he heard them speak, the excitement and joy in their voices was heartwarming. It reminded him of whenever he participated as a chaperone during his kids' field trips, or when he and the family themselves took trips to exotic and faraway lands in the summer.
"Something wrong Rashad?" His musings were cut short by Hange's voice. Looking behind him he saw her look to their junior, who didn't seem so excited to be here at the current moment. Come to think of it he didn't hear much of Rashad's voice among the others.
"The open fields worry me a little Squad Leader." He noticed one of his hands was on the grip of his holstered flare gun turned hand cannon. "Not a lot of spots for our gear to latch onto."
His concern was a valid one, the veterans thought. No doubt the skirmishes from the last expedition had left him quite concerned about open spaces, an engrained and universal worry among the regiment.
"Relax Rash." Keiji voiced, while holding out his own hand cannon. "We got these remember? No titans gonna get the better of us."
Maverick heard a low sigh come from the later, and couldn't help but agree. Sure they might have better weaponry now (thanks to him) but they shouldn't allow that to dull their senses and skills. He'd seen that kind of hubris bring down even the mightiest of individuals, from both friend and foes alike.
After all a powerful weapon, was only as powerful as the one who wielded it.
He soon focused on the path ahead. As he recalled the spot where he awoke wasn't exactly a straight and narrow path, as he recalled having gone up a few hills.
-oOo-
The more they traveled the more daylight they were losing, as the descending sun engulfed the sky with hues of red, yellow, and orange. Despite that the scouts continued on, remaining calm and keeping their explorative attitudes about them. If anything low sunlight was a positive, both as it served to weaken their enemies, but also provided a far more stunning view of the land, now coated in warm colors. At this point the journey was far more enjoyable than the destination.
But the Slayer was certain that the sight that would soon be presented to them would make those thoughts turn a one eighty. And they were getting close, he could sense it.
For soon those senses picked up a certain divine energy not too far from where they were currently. A bit faint, but it was very familiar to the demigod.
"Caesar, stay." The beast obeyed the sudden order and stopped in its tracks allowing its master to descend and continue the journey on foot. The others followed his example and dismounted their horses.
"Don't eat them Caesar!" Hange quickly shouted as she passed the boar by. The beast snarled and patted the ground in response as the others passed by, keeping their distance.
Seeing as they would remain out here for some time it looked out towards the vast fields illuminated by the descending sun, the fragments of its still savage mind curios of the new prey it would find out here.
Back to the scouts and their demigod companion they followed him as he walked up a small hill, the squad leader quickly rushing to his side, a bright and wide smile on her anticipated face.
"Are we here?!" Her voice held so much regained excitement, an amount not heard since the first time she laid her eyes on the giant. Maverick didn't seem to feel the need to respond, only giving her a small but noticeable smirk as his eyes remained forwards. She chuckled at that, he didn't need to say anything for her to know. She would just have to see it all for herself.
And soon that moment would arrive. For once they made it to the top of the hill the scouts were gifted with a most beautiful sight. Just as Maverick described it.
Down the hill they stood on was something that made everything else they had seen from the landscape completely pale in comparison.
Flowers. The slope was absolutely blooming with flowers of all shapes and sizes, all of which seemed unperturbed and unbothered by the cold winds, or the snow that still covered the soil from which they rose from.
Their coloration was equally beautiful and bizarre. From glowing blue poppies, sparkling golden daffodils, and even white lotuses with splashes of crimson red, not to mention those that were completely alien to the scouts, such as a patch of unknown flowers that the scouts swore was emitting a low chiming tune. All were brought together by an outline of untouched soil surrounded by white and black roses.
But the most bizarre part of these flowers was a strong aura they seemed to emit, like their giant comrade. While unseen by the naked eye, they all swore they felt a certain indescribable feeling about them. A feeling too complex and alien to form into proper words, if there were any.
"Right here. This is where I woke up."
He heard nothing from his companions in response, most likely they were to stunned to speak, an understandable situation. But there was one among them who quickly grasped his free hand, squeezing tightly.
"You knew it would be like this didn't you?!" Hange said accusingly while shaking his hand in all directions. The giant looked down to the smaller woman and smiled. Taking it as a clear 'yes' she let out a snort before giving him a light gut punch.
"So this always happens when you wake up?" Moblit said slowly approaching the flower field, but stopping just short of where the flowers were.
"Pretty much. Taken to call it my Little Eden." His giant friend responded as he crouched down, his hand lightly caressing the nearby honeysuckles with a familiar smile. "You could say they're my mark. Let's the world know that I was here."
What once began as a small patch of flowers surrounding his body had bloomed and grew throughout his lifetimes. Each adventurous life into the great multiverse and blessings by the earthly deities had added more species into the mix, be they born from multiple alternate earths to bizarre alien worlds where he called home. Each of these exotic flora's offered a small glimpse into the demigod's life and psyche.
"They're certainly…pretty…" A few chuckles erupted from Abel's choice of wording, but he wasn't exactly far off. The rainbow of colors was a bewitching.
They continued to admire them from a distance, not wanting to disturb them whatsoever. Circling around they continued to observe until Hange looked to see the flowerless patch. Squinting her eyes she tried to close in and get a better focus.
"It's fine Hange." Hearing his voice she turned to Maverick who had stood up and began to walk over the otherworldly flowers. She wanted to shout but found herself speechless as the flowers that were stepped on look none worse for wear. "See?"
She slowly raised her foot and took a small, light step. Followed by another, then another, and another. It was an almost breathtaking feeling, like walking on clouds, if it was possible. But such thoughts would be interrupted as she finally got a good look at the clear patch of land surrounded by the roses that she had eyed.
"Hoooohhhh!"
Hearing her the others joined her and were equally surprised. For the shape and size of the outlined figure matched a certain someone standing not so far from them, a knowing smile still stretched on his face.
They all realized that this was the precise spot where Maverick's body first materialized into their world, and where his new life had begun.
"M-Mav." She turned to meet his gaze, staying on him for a bit before going into a fit of joyous laughter. She couldn't help it, for this was just far too much for her mind to handle at the moment. Joy, delight, excitement, all sorts of positive emotions enraptured her spirit in that moment. Whether it was the field's influence or her own true feelings pouring out was of no concern to her.
Before she knew it she suddenly wrapped her arms around his waist, enveloping him into a warm and strong bear-like hug. She didn't care that the others saw her be overly intimate with him, she wanted him to know how thankful she was for bringing all of them here.
"I-Its…it's beautiful..." She muttered before burying her face, her muffled giggles heard from. He didn't mind this one bit as he simply kept ahold of her as she lost herself to her emotions.
"Sooo, I take it well stay here for a while?" Keiji asked aloud.
-oOo-
Later that night…
To no one's surprise Hange wanted nothing more than to stay near the now named Little Eden for the rest of the day.
Prepared for the occasion the crew set up their camping spot atop the hill, just as the sky began to darken. Much merriment was had as they enjoyed the last of their rations while Maverick recounted a tale of his time with their squads namesake.
By the stories conclusion and awaited continuation it was quite a few hours into the night. With the knowledge that they would have to roll out at the crack of dawn the squad quickly tried to get a few hours of rest at the least, something that was made simpler than usual as their close proximity to the small chiming plants from Little Eden gave the added feeling of serenity and calmness to their minds, allowing their minds to lull into slumber.
Even Caesar found the chiming to be more than relaxing enough to fall under, his calm snorts and resting position on his side a clear indication he was out like a light.
However not all were so keen to rest. For their squad leader and humanities champion saw fit to stave off the sandman's spells by gazing up at the starry night sky and engaging in some lighthearted talk some distance away from the camp.
"Tell me about your constellations again Mav." Hange said in a soft and quiet tone. For she didn't wish to wake their comrades.
"Which one?"
"Your favorite."
The man let out an amused hum as he continued to look up at the foreign stars. Such a simple answer for a simple question.
"Ahh, that would be Taurus. The Great Bull of Heaven." He began. "One of the oldest constellations ever conceived by the gods and mankind."
His squad leaders sudden low snickering made him stop and turn to meet her grinning face.
"You mean the most ancient?"
His blank stare made her giggle and tease him even more. He however didn't mind it one bit. Let the girl have her laugh at his greatly advanced age, as the famous saying went 'with age comes wisdom' and he had more than plenty of years' worth of it.
Even if he didn't show it at times.
After her giggles died down he continued to speak on the bull shaped alignment. He recounted small tidbits of the starry figures origins, such as the stars that made up the constellation itself, and the myths surrounding it, some of which he had the joy to bear witness to, such as his journeys in ancient Mesopotamia, and other variations in the lands where the ancient mythologies reigned supreme.
Hange was once more found herself completely enraptured with his words. Hearing the passion in his whispered voice as he recounted all he knew was absolutely heartwarming. Just as passionate as she got whenever the subject of titans was involved.
The two were very much alike, she thought. It was no small wonder that they clicked so easily.
With such warm thoughts and bovine imagery swirling around her head she once more found it in herself to tease him again.
"Y'know Mav, I've noticed you seem to have quite a thing for bulls." He looked down to her direction with a raised brow and shrugged. For he had no idea what she was going with this.
"Bulls are cool, what can I say?" He said shamelessly. "They've been around as long as we humans have. Plenty of cultures and religions around the world hold the bull in high regard." He listed off such examples.
"From the bullfights of Spain, the running of the bulls, rodeos, coat of arms, mascots, hell even my own battle spirit's a bull!"
Her ears perked up at the mention of this 'battle spirit', noting it in the back of her head to grill him later on it.
Maverick meanwhile continued to ramble on, his glowing eyes still glued to the sky.
"Plus I was born under the zodiac, gotta represent." His left hand moved towards his chest as he spoke. Trailing his hand Hange's mind cycled through the numerous images of his markings that she had memorized and noted in her studies.
"That little symbol over the omega right?" She asked, recalling the image of a small glowing English 'O' shape with a 'U' shape atop it. His nod made her smile. "Hmmm, you were marked early."
"Were all marked Hanji." His sudden deeper than usual tone of voice made her take pause in both voice and breath. "From the moment we take our first breaths and open our eyes to the world. Whether were marked for greatness or failure, blessed or cursed, for better or for worse, we all receive that powerful touch that will shape our destinies."
Hange was left in bewildered silence. Only for a moment as Mav began to snicker to himself, with Hange joining in soon after.
"Heh, we'll aren't you insightful~." The man stretched his arms to the sky before bringing them behind his head.
"I try. *Sigh* Never was much of a warrior philosopher, leave that stuff to people like Tai."
She smiled as she looked back to the distant stars above, left in wonder at the mention of his old battle brother from the war-torn world of Sera. The more he spoke of him or any of the others, the more she wanted to meet the squad that inspired their new name. Especially that Baird fellow.
Of course with Mav's unique situation, there wasn't much hope of that. Best she could hope were his memories of them, and make her own assumptions. Though maybe with Mav's abilities they could make their own little Jack to follow them around.
A brief moment of silence came as the two continued to admire the stars. They were more than content to enjoy the comfortable and warm silence between one another. Moment like these were ones to fully enjoy, before going back to the grind.
At some point Hange had started to moved ever so closer to the Maverick, if he noticed he didn't remark or mention it. A positive in her book.
"So you think you can actually find any of them from here?" She asked, leaning close to him. Glancing at her for a quick moment he looked back up to the nightly heavens and sighed.
"No, and believe me I tried." He spoke. "All the alignments here are completely new to me." Her mood soured a little, once she heard the slight dejectedness in his voice. She chastised herself inside her head for even asking that sort of question.
"Sorry. I remember you saying that a lot of worlds had them, so I-"
"You have nothing to apologize for Hange." Turning she saw the edges of his mustache raise up, a familiar sign of a smile form the man. "Besides, it gives me the chance to learn some new ones. Like your favorite perhaps?"
Her cheeks reddened as his glowing eyes gazed into hers. That ethereal look of his always found a way to make her insides feel oh so tingly and her legs feel like jelly, as her mind just had to remind her of fond memories, like that night after he had gifted them their new blades.
Calming her heart she entertained him with said favorite that just so happened to be in the sky at that moment, a formation known to many in the walled lands as the Twin Sabers.
Pointing to the formation of the crossed swords she recited how its original discovery and creation was made by none other than two members from the Survey Corps during its earliest if not initial years of the regiments' establishment. As the tale went two scouts, Elias and Emil, had seen the pattern on the night before the regiments first expedition. A sign they believed would bring good fortune.
Of course, like many in the regiments history, the two wouldn't live to see their next expedition. But the survivors who had heard of the new constellation would honor the twins' memory by sending a request to the Walls most renown astrologists to have the formation officially recognized. A request that was honored with the constellations official introduction and addition to their own zodiac some years later.
She recalled how she had found out about it in her young academic years, and later on found it as a strong source of inspiration on her path to joining the Corps. And once she did she would use the starry blades as fuel for her desire to see every titan in her path dead.
"Moblit did say you were quite the berserker in your early years."
"Oh did he now?" Her eyes and head turned to her vice-captain who was well into his slumber, as the snoring that erupted from inside the tent conveyed. She huffed in slight annoyance, if anyone was going to tell her near and dear Maverick about her past it was going to be her.
"Well its true." She began. "When I first joined up I cared more about turning every titan I saw into steaming corpses, nothing more nothing less."
The memories of those bloody days returned in her head. She remembered the copious amounts of anger she felt in her soul at their mention, the near primal rage she'd express at the actual sight of them, and the near maddened frenzies she'd fall under when she sliced their napes to ribbons. In those days the sight of their sizzling bodies was the sole cause for satisfaction.
Her deeds in those early years were the stuff of many a wild tale in the tavern after hours. She cared not for whatever they had to say, or for the recognition. A day where they no longer had to live in fear of them was the only drive she needed to keep going.
She clutched her heart as that familiar sensation course through her body, if for only a few moments before receding. It was a side of her that loved to remind it was still very much alive, simply waiting for a chance to slip through and enrapture her spirit once again.
Taking a calming breath she continued.
"Then of course I kicked a head, noticed how light it was, and found something more in them. Found a better reason to keep living." She looked down at her twiddling thumbs, chuckling to herself as she felt her heart twinging again.
"Then you come along and turn everything upside down." She humored while throwing up her hands. Her choice of words were quite true, for the man's appearance in their lands brought about all manner of changes that turned everything they could possibly have known about their world entirely on its head.
But the greatest and most wonderous thing he brought to all of them was hope. A hope for a better and brighter tomorrow, hope that they might see an end to the centuries long blight to their species, and a hope that they will all see those who they've lost once more once they passed the mortal coil. It was something that brought an honest sense of comfort and assurance to Hange's mind.
She could imagine her old comrades looking down from above, happily watching over them and awaiting them on the other side. Lucky bastards no doubt they had the pleasure and satisfaction of exploring the world, free from their mortal restrictions.
Turning from those thoughts she looked to the giant and gave him a thankful and tender smile.
"Even if you didn't mean to, I'm glad you came charging into our lives. I honestly can't think of a life without you with us, and frankly Mav I don't want to."
The sincerity and warmth in her voice was more than palpable to her companion. Meeting her warm and affection filled eyes, his hearts skipping a few beats as he began to lose himself in those brown pupils illuminated by the glow of his markings.
He shared an equally warm smile on his lips. It was always a nice feeling to know you had made a positive impact on another's life. For the multi-traveler it was something that always made his odd life a life truly worth living.
"The right man in the wrong place can make all the difference…in the world…"
Those raspy words from an individual from many lifetimes ago rang out in his head at that moment. For all his oddities that creep was right on the money.
As another round of silence followed Hange racked her brain on what other things they should talk about as she still wanted to keep things going. One certain thought formed in her head, one she began to think about very hard, debating with herself about if she should really push it.
Despite her clear fascination and desire to know all about him she always made a conscious effort not to bring it up early on, but with the passage of time, and her growing relationship with him she felt that maybe, perhaps, he was more willing to talk about it. He had shared much about his other past lifetimes, why not that specific one?
Coming to a conclusion within herself she took a deep breath she bit the bullet and spoke up.
"Y'know I never really asked you Mav, a-and I'm sorry if I bring up any bad memories-" She stopped speaking as she felt his gaze on her. At the sight of his supportive smile she recomposed herself before getting straight to it.
"What was your previous life like, before coming here?"
She watched as he slowly looked back up to the stars. With slight nervousness she rubbed her hands together, while Maverick's mind went back to the life he lived before this one. She saw him slowly close his eyes and heard his breathing slow down. After a few moments of almost heart wrenching silence he spoke once more, a smile still on his face as he began.
"It was almost paradise."
-oOo-
Inside the Slayer's Vault of Memories…
A literal flood of memories poured through Maverick's mind vault. Centuries of his storied life in the lands of Pangia raced through with every second. Moment by moment, from the day he breathed his last surrounded by friends and family, to the day when he first took his initial breath in the fields of Everautumn.
"The first time I woke up, I was in a field, just like this. But something that made them special was how all throughout the year they were always bathed in the colors of the fall season, and the sky was always flashing in all sorts of colors and dancing lights."
His smile widened as he remembered. It was always one of the many joys to see when awaking every morning. He and those few in the world who studied the stars believed that they must have been near a nebula or some other celestial body for such a sight to be seen every day.
"Wow….a-and what were we up to?"
"From what I learned, humanity was far more…young, shall we say. The most populated areas were these hub towns near the great lakes and oceans. There everyone would go to bargain and trade whatever they had to offer. Others settled in these small colonies on the coasts, or inside these massive trees deep in the woodlands."
"Hmm, they don't sound all that different from us."
Indeed they weren't, Maverick thought. Though their level of technological advancement was a few centuries behind those of the Wall, their simpler lives were no less valued and loved by the giant.
What he'd do to go back and return to such a life.
"There were actually traces of older, far more advanced civilizations too, ruins and old scraps of tech. But no one really bothered with it."
"Really?" He nodded.
"Everyone was content to leave it be. Some tried to research it and see if they could be of use, but whoever built the stuff made it so that it only worked for them. Made for good home decorations."
Hange chuckled a bit. Sounded a lot like his spikey stick of doom. Many an afternoon was spent watching scouts in the H.Q. try and lift the great morning star. A small betting ring was formed, but Levi soon put an end to that.
"And how'd they react to you?" She asked. A quiet chuckle was heard from the marked man.
"Ohhh they were absolutely spooked. Everyone and anyone I passed by completely froze up or ran away from me. *Chuckles* Not every day a seven foot tall man marked in all sorts of glowing tattoos comes wandering into the wheat field asking for clothes and directions."
She joined in his chuckling. It certainly wasn't something you'd see every day, nor would have ever thought of seeing in her lifetime.
"Soon enough I was pleasantly greeted by a small militia in the first town I wandered into, a small little place called Windvale. Just some old farmers, fathers, sons, and a few local tough guys gathered at the gates. Formed a decent frontline."
Faces of those who had stood that day flashed in his mind. He remembered them well, recalling just how hard of a front they put up, trying her hardest to keep their composure in the face of the 'glowing goliath' whom many had warned about.
Brave men. Good men.
He remembered the elder of the town who stood alongside his fellows, his aged hammer held high as he yelled at him, screaming at him to stay away and leave his people be. His merry militiamen saw it as a rallying cry, as they too began to hurl screams and insults.
"But there was one who wasn't afraid to walk up and greet me. She was the first to make me feel welcome into that world."
Hange's ears perked up at the mention of a she. She had a feeling about this person, as her mind quickly went to the memory of a notebook in his cabinet.
"And who was she?" She didn't really need to ask, for she knew the answer herself.
Upon those words did the memory in his head continue. Like a storybook the scene played out as the townsmen continued to make their threats and brandish their sharpened farming tools. Then those shouts would soon turn from anger to horror from those in the back as he saw a woman push the militiamen aside, her voice calling for a cease of hostilities.
Hearing her voice the elder turned, his face aghast with shock as the young woman passed him by. Maverick took a serious notice as the woman slowed as she approached, for her hair color was very much similar to the elder, who shouted her name, his voice a mix of anger and distress, as if it would be the last he would ever see her.
Her name, he recalled. It was a name that would find a place in both his mind and heart, now and forever.
"Willow…her name was Willow."
-oOo-
Willow Rosewood, daughter of Windvale's tenth elder William Rosewood, was the brave soul who approached him, the charitable soul who offered him fur pelts from a recent hunt to clothe himself, the wonderous soul who saw more to him than his altered exterior, the resolute soul who pleaded with her father and the others to lower their weapons, and the loving soul who brought him into their lives.
He described her as an earthly angel. Fair skinned, gingered hair, and eyes a near bewitching color of amber. Hange couldn't help but feel a little…intimidated. For this Willow sounded like the ideal woman in many a man's eye.
Those feelings would morph from a perceived sense of jealousy to sympathy as he soon recounted to her a few anecdotes about the elder's daughter. Each little story about the life the two shared causing her heart to ache, for her comrade had truly lived a wonderous life before waking up to this one.
Earning her father's respect through a series of trials and feats, to becoming Windvale's spiritual leader…
Their confession of love and admiration during the summer festival, leading to their supported and celebrated marriage under the great oak…
Their lives as husband and wife, and the birth of their children Malon and Ella, whom they loved with all their hearts…
Watching them grow to become their own adults, leave the nest, and form their own.
Their twilight years spent watching the town prosper, and their family grow and grow…
Her passing to the great beyond….and his remaining centuries thereafter spent with his remaining family, mourning not just for her but for the eventual fact that he'd wouldn't be able to rejoin her again…
Hange raised her goggles up to her forehead and quickly rubbed away the tears that were beginning to form in her eyes.
A sad smile formed on her quivering lips. It was an absolutely wonderful yet bittersweet tale, all told with a smile from the one who left it all behind. Not by choice clearly, as she heard a slight hitch in his voice as he retold of his last moments on that world, resting in the bed he and his wife had shared for many years surrounded by his loving family who spoke comforting words as his consciousness slowly faded from the world.
"And when I closed my eyes and breathed my last, I… heh well, I'm sure you remember my spiel back in my trial." Hearing a few sobs he turned to see his squad leader, her tear-filled eyes filling him with concern. "You alright?"
"Mhmm." She muttered, stifling a sniffle with a shaky smile on her face. "J-Just can't imagine how hard it is for you."
In a heartbeat she closed the distance between them to give him a heartfelt and comforting hug. "I really hope you'll see her again."
Her conflicting feelings aside she meant those words. In response the man placed his hand over her shoulder, bringing her close.
"I've had my time to grieve Hanji." He replied, calmly. "The life I shared with Willow was, and still is, a part of me that will always hold a place in here and in here." He directed a finger to both his head and his chest.
"But that was then. This is now." Hange looked up to meet his gaze, even without her goggles she could see the smile on his slightly blurry face. "She knew I would leave the world once I passed, told me it was alright to move on." She wiped the tear that was rolling down her cheek.
"I'm not gonna let my old-world blues stop me from finding that same joy and happiness in the world that come after. Spent more than enough time doing that after the first go around."
"What do you mean?" She asked while drying her moist eyes.
Maverick's eyes went back to the stars, letting go of Hange, to her hidden disappointment. His head sunk further into the ground below as he once more took a very deep breath, for he would finally be divulging to her a little more about his earlier past lives, lives he was neither quite fond of remembering or held with little joy. Not with the worlds themselves, but with himself.
"In my earlier years…I wasn't exactly the most sociable man around." His face hardened as the memories unconsciously began to form and swirl in his head.
Memories of a man that wandered the world, with no real direction in mind or purpose. A man who would voluntarily join all manner of conflicts and adventures regardless of the perils that awaited him, regardless of the risks, and regardless of the damage he'd do to himself.
He'd suck it up and trudge along, going through the motions of life. His soul burning with a desperate hope that the next passing would be the last.
"Not like I tried to purposefully be a jackass, but people were able to read my mood pretty well. Kept their distance." The many faces of those whom he'd met in those lives reformed in his mindscape. His hearts twinged with every pity-filled gaze or despondent looks they'd give him.
"And no one tried to get you out of that uhh, mindset?" He nodded.
"Some tried…but I burned those bridges before they got too far…" He sighed, as the face of a young woman from the British isle and a gorilla appeared in his mind, making him clutch his free-handed fist in regret.
"Wasn't really in a good head space those days. Convinced myself there wasn't much point in trying to make friends or find that special someone. What was the point if I couldn't join them in the end, you know?" Hange's couldn't help but give a very concerned look.
"Mav-"
"I know, I know." He stopped her, knowing where she was going. "I knew deep down that I was poisoning myself thinking like that…it's no way to live." He sighed while letting out a soft chuckle to himself. "Were social creatures by default after all, it's how we were made to be."
He took a breath. "There were often times where I thought of trying. I knew my family wouldn't be very glad to see mee live like I did back then…"
"H-How may lifetimes di you live like that?" She asked tepidly.
"*Sigh* More than enough." The number of lifetimes, while less than staggering, was still something he wasn't very keen of sharing with her. That would be something he would take to his grave, as he'd done so many times before.
"W-Well, if you knew it was poisoning you, then-."
"It hurt Hange." He said, stopping her in her tracks. "When I died, the first time, I thought I'd see my family and friends again. But no, instead I wake up, naked and alone."
For a time, the Slayer believed he was being tested by God, or perhaps it was some form of penitence for the sins he committed in his life. Those reasonings and theories would only be blown away once he died the second time, followed by the next life, and the next life afterwards.
"Out of the trillions of souls in my old world, I for whatever reason, was chosen for this."
If that wasn't enough, then the fact that he'd came face to face with the gods of each respective world that showed themselves was another great punch to his gut. Especially when they held no answers or solutions to his plight.
"The worst part was knowing, Hange." She raised her brow in response to his words.
"I know one of humanity's greatest questions Hange. I know the answer to a question trillions of people in my old life so often debated, theorized, and fought wars over who was right."
He looked to the woman in his arm, his eyes shining brighter than usual as if responding to the intensity of his words.
"There is an afterlife. Through my journeys across the worlds, I've learned there is something waiting for us once we leave these…mortal shells." He grasped his arms, pinching his marked flesh. "Ascension to a higher plane, reincarnation, limbo, the worlds to come, spirit realms, it's all there, waiting." His eyes suddenly went dim.
"Yet it's a place where I can't truly tread…" He took a breath and exhaled. "In those rare moments where I'm gifted that opportunity, they're only temporary."
He rubbed his head, feeling a slight headache come and pass. The Elysium Fields, the Underwolds, Valhalla, Mictlān, the Gardens of Morr, the many realms of Aetherius, and of course God's own heavenly kingdom. All of them places where he could only dream of truly steeping in, and those times he did were during a grand adventure or quest given to him by the divine forces.
"In those early lives I didn't socialize with anyone. Cause I knew in my heart that in the end whatever relationships I made with whoever wouldn't continue after the end. They'd all move on to their afterlives, see their friends, be with their families again…and I'd…" His breathing slowed in an attempt to control himself as the memories of his first life came up. The faces of his dear father and mother, his brothers, the first love of his life, and their children.
"I just…couldn't go through all that again."
He stewed in his memories while Hange was at a loss as what to say. She always imagined that he had gone through much in his life based on all his stories, but this, this was a whole new layer. She couldn't even imagine how much of this he had stowed deep inside himself.
Yet like he said this was all way in the past before he met them, with that knowledge her next question was an obvious one.
"What changed then Mav?" His lips curved into a smile.
"I spoke with my father."
-oOo-
Flashback: Jerusalem, 1187, in a distant old world
It was the Siege of the Holy City of Jerusalem, a historical moment in history where the famous capital of Christianity would eventually fall at the hands of the forces of Saldin. Despite the staggering odds the besiegers were pushed back time and time again by the defenders. While much of this was credited to the brave crusaders in whole, one among them was the clear star fighter, a seemingly young man at arms, and recently knighted warrior of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre.
After a well fought battle in the defense of the Holy City, young Maverick had found himself outside the city's walls, finally coming to from one of his renown and infamous berserker states.
Bodies were strewn about and cut in halves, siege equipment destroyed, weapons broken and shattered, all across the crimson-colored sands. The bloodied axe and scavenged scimitar in his hands shaking violently as he took deep, agonizing breaths.
With his adrenaline giving out the sensation of pain from his own wounds started kicking in. Backing up from the scene he collapsed against the wall of the city trying with pained movements to remove the numerous arrows that had covered the shields strapped to his arms, and his body.
Somehow finding the strength to lift himself up he saw through hazy eyes the dark figures of Saladin's forces retreating off in the distance, no doubt regrouping for another go at them soon. Just another day in the Holy Land for this elevated world traveling knight.
He was tired, however. Tired of fighting, tired of the blasted heat, tired of everything pretty much. If he were a weaker man, then would have jumped off the wall and onto the weapons of the enemy on day one of the siege.
But that wasn't him, for all his pained existence he wasn't one to take the easy way out so quickly. No, if he was going to leave this world, then Ol' Saladin himself would need to come off his lazy ass and take him himself, hopefully soon before the blood loss did its job.
It was in that moment of semi peaceful respite when he came face to face with someone he didn't ever think he would see again.
In what he believed in the time as a near death hallucination he saw a shining light flash before him. Blinded for just a few moments his blurry vision cleared to see a man standing before him. The moment his eyes meet the man, his heart stopped beating.
"How it goin, Son?"
Matthew Henderson the 92nd, his father, was now standing before him. Looking as young as he had remembered him throughout hi young days of boyhood.
Maverick's mind was utterly lost at the moment. Was he dreaming, was this nothing more than some illusion meant to trick him? Was he that close to death's doorstep that he began to finally go mad?
There was a little voice that told him that this wasn't the same man. This being only wore his face, nothing more. This was simply another trick by some foul celestial parasite to trick and deceive him.
It didn't matter. For with seemingly renewed vigor, he rose from his position, ignoring the pain in his legs, and rushed to hug his dear old dad.
Lifetimes of sorrow and pain flew out from him, he had seemed to devolve into a young boy again, a boy who had finally found their parent after a near infinite time of being lost.
His father embraced him and held on lovingly, stroking the back of his head as the young crusader poured out his heart and soul into his chest.
"Why do you keep doing this to yourself?" He asked, a hint of grief in his voice, something Maverick recognized. "You think me, or your mother enjoy seeing you live like this?"
Maverick, still stunned at the appearance of the man, attempted to defend himself. The look on his father's face changing from grief-stricken to disappointed the more and more he heard from the young man.
"*Sigh* Son…" He placed a hand over Maverick's shoulder as he spoke, the smile on his face gone in exchange for a stern look. It was something Maverick knew he father would always do whenever he or his brothers had screwed up. This time it was no different.
He chastised his behavior and actions across his journeys, claiming this wasn't how he imagined nor wanted his son to cope with the situation.
Any chance to explain was cut off by a narrowed look form the elder Henderson. Any possible reasoning's and excuses were refuted and treated as excuses.
"You think Nadia and the kids like seeing their Papa mosey on through life like this?" Maverick's words were caught in his throat. "The man you've described isn't the same one she married, much less the same man she met in that station overlooking the world."
His father struck a chord inside his heart, causing him to nearly collapse. Only to be stopped by his father's strong grips. "I didn't bring her up to bring you more pain Son. You know yourself that this isn't working for you." Once more he held him close.
"I know it pains you." He spoke. "I would never want this for you or any of my children."
Maverick grasped the older Henderson as tight as he could, thinking he would disappear at a moment's notice. In that moment he asked his father why. Why was he chosen to go through such a life. Why couldn't he go and join the others? What made him so special among the many others back home?
"I wish I knew myself Son. I truly do." He answered solemnly, for he was honestly just as befuddled at his appearance to this world. His response wasn't what the young crusader was hoping, his sobs a clear response.
The father simply continued to hold his son, his voice losing the sternness as he comforted him.
"While I don't know why or how you've wound up in this mess, I do know one thing Son." He raised his boy's teary-eyed head, wiping off the blood and tears, which spontaneously evaporated at his touch.
"There is a beginning and an end to all things." He could hear a shift in his father's voice, the mask slipping ever so slightly. "Your journey may seem far and never ending, but their will come a day when you'll reach that destination." He looked into his son's still doubtful eyes. "And once you do, we'll all be there waiting. Believe you me."
His words seemed to reach his son, who gave a nod and a small, but noticeable smile.
"And hey, sometimes it's the journey itself that's worth it, am I right?" He chuckled. "Like that time we took that trip to Acapulco."
…
"Our flight got delayed three times and you nearly decked one of the TSA officers."
"They all deserve one Son, you and I both know it." The two men shared a small laugh at that. Mav knew what he was doing with that little story, but felt better nonetheless.
Soon reality began to rear its ugly head, as a few horns sounded off in the far distance. A sound familiar to every defender of the Holy City.
"Ah, they regrouped." A sigh escaped Matthew's lips before looking to his sone once more.
"Listen to me Son." He spoke grasping Maverick's shoulders. "Never forget that you don't have to wander this journey alone. We didn't raise you to be some antisocial loser."
His words stung him, but he knew deep inside this was what he needed to hear. "What you and Nadia had was wonderful, and I couldn't have been happier for the two of you. But you need to accept that you and she have parted, for now." He emphasized the last part.
"Know that you aren't dishonoring her memory, or the memories you two shared. They will always have a place in here." He pointed to his heart, earning him a nod from the crusader. The sounds of the approaching army soon began to grow louder, informing that they were running out of time.
Quickly Matthew lowered his hand onto his sons' left pectoral giving him a warm fatherly smile. "And know that we'll always be with you in spirit and memory, wherever you go."
The two men hugged, Maverick giving the tighter squeeze compared to the two. Tears began to form and run down his face once more.
"I love you…" He manage to say through his nearly breaking voice. His father's eyes closed,
"And I you, my Son. Always."
Parting from his fathers arms, with much difficulty, he picked up his weapons and turned to face the incoming hordes, the voices of is fellow crusaders shouting from the ramparts of the wall.
He looked back to see empty space, his father having left before he knew it. Despite the heartache it was truly wonderful to see him again. Even if the figure was wearing his facers face like a mask.
Stifling his tears he took a few deep breaths, getting himself psyched for the battle to come. In that moment he realized he wasn't in much pain as he was before, if anything he felt fine, better than fine.
Looking down at himself he noticed his bleeding had stopped. Inspecting some of the cut up parts of his tunic and mail his eyes widened to see that all his wounds had been healed.
His mind stopped for a moment, before he began to chuckle, which turned into full blown laughter.
Some of the defenders looked sown with perplexed looks. For this was the first time they had heard that man bellow out a laugh so joyous, much less laugh at all. Some offered their prayers to God, for they believed the man was finally losing it.
Falling into silence once more Maverick looked out towards the sky, waving his weapons high into the air.
"Deus Lo Vult!" He shouted at the top of his lungs. He shouted it again, and again, each time louder and louder, until his voice was soon joined by many others across the besieged city. A rallying cry in the face of what was certain doom. But the outcome didn't matter, for Maverick would give it his all from now on.
The siege would continue far longer than it had originally. True to his words the new knight of the Holy Sepulchre had made the siege much more costly to the Muslim forces, who struggled to put the crusader down, despite the knight's many headlong engagements.
Wasn't until a checkup did both he and the still living defenders figured why. For on the left side of his chest was a glowing marking, shaped in the form of the symbol of the Holy Sepulchre. Many in result would see Maverick as a divine champion of God. A much-needed boost in their morale.
But of course, all things must come to an end, for Maverick would eventually fall during the last great battle for the city, a smile on his face, and the head of the great Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub held firmly in his cold hand.
-oOo-
Back to the Present
"Since then, I've tried to live the best life I could." He whispered. "While I have suffered a few relapses here and there,." An image of the Pyramid flashed in his head for a quick second. "I like to think I've improved; all thigs considered."
While she didn't have the pleasure to know his previous self Hange was more than certain that the man resting beside her was a certain improvement. She honestly couldn't imagine what their first meeting would have been like had he been in such a depressing state, perhaps they wouldn't have met at all.
At that moment something about his story caught her interest, as if seemed to conflict with some previous telling.
"Wait, didn't you say the God of that old world gave you that mark on your chest?"
"Mhmm." He agreed.
She stayed silent, perplexed by his smile. Only for her eyes to widen.
"Oh…Ohhhhhh!" Upon her realization she began to laugh. Only for the dreaming snarls of the giant boar to make her quickly pipe down.
"Heh, well I'm glad you got the sense knocked back into you. Our time with you wouldn't be very fun if you were a grouch all the time."
"Yeah, after all someone's already got that position filled." His mind conjured the image of a certain tea obsessed scout always at the side of the commander, only for a sensation of pinched skin to bring him out of it.
"Don't be mean." Hanji said with a pout, while pinching and pulling the side of his stomach. "Levi just shows his care in a very special way."
Unaffected by her scolding the man simply let out a low chuckle, masked by the distant snort from his mount.
"I know. He may hide it well, but I see it in those sleepy eyes of his." Another pinch that did absolutely nothing to the man as he stretched his arms out and let out another yawn.
"Alright I'm calling it." He reached to his still rolled up fur blanket and laid it out over his body, its warmth immediately doing its job to make his eyes heavier. "We stay up any later and we'll see the sunrise before we know it."
The sight elicited a yawn from his companion. "Yeah…see you in the morning."
As much as she wanted to, they were still due to report back to Treefort Alpha, which was a certain way away from their current spot. They'd have to roll out at the first cracks of dawn. Part of her didn't want to leave this place, but duty called.
Perhaps when their battles with the titans were over, she and Mav could…well, best leave those though for another day. If she thought about it more then she'd never fall asleep.
But before she would surrender her consciousness there was something she most definitely had to do. To remind the man that
"Mav." She said confidently.
"Hmmm?" Maverick muttered, already falling under. However, the sensation of his left side being squeezed jolted him awake. "H-Hanji?"
She had hugged him. Her arm extending over his stomach while the other managed to snake around to his back. Even if they didn't fully reach one another, it was more than enough to give him a squeeze.
He was about to ask, only for his words to be caught in is throat as she lifted her head and gave him a quick peck on his cheek, saying nothing else as she retreated back to her spot and covered herself.
There was much she wanted to say to him throughout the day especially once they arrived at Little Eden, but in the end after everything she found it best to show her thoughts through her actions. As she'd done that night. Actions spoke louder than words after all.
Besides, Maverick was a smart, and widowed man. Should be no trouble for him to figure things out. A thought that proved true, his endearing smile the response she was looking for, despite being nearly hidden by his facial hair.
Satisfied she made herself comfortable and was about to remove her goggles, only to catch sight of the moon shining up above. For some reason it looked especially beautiful this night.
"Pretty moon tonight, huh Mav?" She whispered. Maverick's eyes went wide for but a moment, before calming himself and turned his head towards the moon. Many fond memories had been made on that celestial sphere, and on this night another would be made.
"It sure is Hanji, it sure is…"
Nothing more was said as the two finally fell under and found a few hours of peaceful solace, each of them finding their dreams especially comforting.
But they could not stay in those blissful realms for long, for like clockwork they would all arise at the first cracks of dawn, Maverick internal clock kicking him awake, to his slight dismay. Quickly packing up they mounted up and raced at full speed back in the direction they had gone, retracing the steps the giant had taken on the day he first woke up to their world.
Though not before Hange placed a marker on the hill of which they rested upon. The banner made from an old, tattered cloak of a long-fallen comrade. Hange had been saving it for a special occasion, what better spot than the place Flagon's mark where their brightest hope appeared, upon the blooming fields of rebirth.
A/N: Glad I could get this out before the end of the year. Wanted to release this chapter early in the year but unfortunately suffered from "knowing what to write but can't type it down" syndrome. The chat between Mav and Hange out in the field was something I was constantly thinking about throughout the year, trying to figure out how'd it plays out in my head. The version you've all read is probably the third iteration of the draft.
Next chapter will have Mav and Nanaba go for a little grand day out and spend some quality time, but before I get started on that I think I'll be taking the rest of the year off. Gotta clear my mind and whatnot.
As always thanks to everyone for reading, hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
See you all in 2024!