Chapter 19:Eve of the counterattack.
In the next morning,when the squad opened their eyes to wellcome the sunshine,then they heard a runner informed them that the test subject- the Titan that had been captured-had been slain. As quickly as they could,the special operations squad and the section commander Hange Zoe mounted on their horse and rode to the scene.
Steam was still pouring out of the dead seven meter class titan skeleton. In disbelief Hange fell on her,holding her head as she wailed at the sight.
"Oh my god,Big Gohan. How could this happen?Somebody please tell me this isn't real!"
"Why did she name it after me?" Asked Gohan, the naming of the titan bugged him more than its death,though he did concern about the latter. If she saw him in his Oozaru form,she would have not called the Titan Big Gohan.
"There is only one explanation!"Oulo answer ,to whom Gohan look at . "Your appetite preceed you. Do you know that the Regiment Command kept track on your training ?"
"What?"
"It's true. Shadis handed those report personally." Added Petra. She recalled the time the squad had had to boil some potato for Gohan when they picked him up.
Whoever had done this had done it at dawn ,sliced the titan's nape with their blades and left the scene with their ODM Gears. He,she or them must had been very skilled.
"NOOOOOOOOO,Big Gohan, YOU WERE TAKEN BEFORE YOUR TIME!" The Sectin Commander continued to weep. "Whyyyyyy?"
"How did this happen?"Asked Eren,who was still in shock
"Let it go. It's the Military Police's matter now." Answer captain Levi,then walked away codly.
"Yes,sir"Eren replied before turning to Gohan and pat him in the shoulder "Atleast our Small Gohan is still okay! Imagine how people would react if the one who was killed is you."
"I …..don't want to think about that."Replied the monkey boy.
The Titan Shifter and the Half-Saiyan's hearts skipped a beat when Commander Erwin Smith grabbed them by the shoulders and leaned down to them,to their ears.
"What is it you think you see?Who do you think the real enemy is here?" the puzzled faces of the boys quickly seen by the commander before he reassured them "Ignore me. Loaded question."
"It's hard for one to ignore something like that." Erwin was about to leave when Gohan interupted him "What you were trying to say...is that the one who did this was one of us. That explains everything,since she,he,or them has/have access to the ODM Gears." He walked to the skeleton of the Titan,where Hange was still wailing. "They've picked the moment when the density of guards was low,possibly when you were changing shift." He crouch down near the corspe,examining it "They've must been skilled,they had to be fast as they had taken the advantage of the guards being distracted,which was not very long."
With the only test subject had been killed,soldiers had been round up for the investigation of an unauthorised use of the 3 Dimensional Manuever Gears with the said equipments laid on each table. By examining an individual's ODM Gear and asking some questions ,the Military Police would know who was the culprit.
Looking at a document,a male MP decided to ask Sasha "When's the last time you change the shaft?"
"Six days ago,after the cleaning operation." She answered.
The MP turned to look at his comrade,who looked at her pad and confirm Sasha's words.
"She checks out."
"Okay,then,next!You there."The MP indicated to Krista.
"I'm Krista Lenz of the 42nd squad."
"We'll inspect your gear."
"So you can be punished for killing a Titan?"Said a cadet in the back.
"Strange as it might sound,that Titan was an important speciment."His partner pointed out a fact.
"Even,so why are they searching for the culprit amongst us recruits?"
Then the door cracked as three strangers stepped inside the room. They were not military police,nor military at all. One of them ,the six feet tall blond with a goattee wore a black suit,in his left arm was a blue armband with a white snowflake emblem drawn on it;the other two were shorter,wearing civilian clothes and their armbands were white as the emblems were blue,they were both carrying bolt-action rifles .
"Who?Who are they?"Asked Annie.
"They're Wolves,lady Winter's personal militia. " Answered Mina.
"What the hell are the Wolfpack doing in Wall Rose?" Now this was Connie's turn to ask.
"The Winters produce the gears we're using,if the MP find no culprit amongst us,then it'll be a theft by an outsider. And the Lady does not like people stealing from her." Answered Nac,trying his best to avoid eye contact with the Wolves.
Partially stunned by the arrival of the militia,the Military Police that had asked Krista and Sasha paused what they were doing and started to stutter.
"We...we...we did...we didn't expect you to come this early,Mr Bury."Exclaimed the male MP "I've...we haven't inspected all the suspects yet."
"Inspect them all you like. You won't get shit from them anyway."The blond with the goattee spoke.
The milita turned around and then walked to each cadet,facing them,sniffing them. The rifle men picked up where the MPs left off as Bury barked out loud so that the cadets and the Mps could hear .
"LISTEN UP,LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,I'm gonna keep it brief. An unauthorized using of an ODM Gear in our Lady dictionary is considered a theft."He walked besides the recruits "I would like to remind you,Hhm,well,many of you twats may not knows,that most,if not all of the fucking money feeding you IS OUR."
A riflemen came toward Mylius and picked up his ODM gears. Aftter not finding anything suspicious,he trailed to the ones in the back.
The Beta walked toward Annie facing her,the he touched his forehead to her. "Our Lady was resting in her bedchamber when one of our Pups informed her that..." Then he leaned at Connie "...some of the fucking Guards she's paid let a test subject got killed." He then left the cadet be as he took a deep breathe "She doesn't like thieves,you see."He pointed randomly at the cadets "Nor bad investment,either." He glance at an MP.
The riflemen shook their heads before stepping back to their leader.
"Anything?" Asked the Beta.
"No,sir. They're clean."Answered one of the riflemen .
"Hhm,either this is an outsider work or these bastards are just too good at hiding it." He gave out a devilous smile "But for now ,I guess they will not be disturbed. Some cut down on their wages,thought, but no disturbance."
The door slammed as the Wolves exited the room,which was left with silence and shock. The investigation was already tense before the arival of the Wolfpack,now worsened . Their abuse of power was known by most of mankind.
"That blue haired bitch!" whispered Connie.
"That,everyone,was Peter Bury,one of the Wolfpack's Top Betas." One of the MP informed the cadets. "And a real asshole."
The room rumbled with agreement as no soldier would disagree. Lady Winters and her Wolves had never been liked by anyone.
"OK,that's set I'm joining the scout."Said Connie.
"You're in the top ten,why not the MP?"Asked Mylius.
"One,with Gohan in the Regiment ,there would be more chance of success in the expedition. Two,no fucking way I'm gonna go to Wall Sina where those assholes domain."
"You can choose the Garrison." This was Annie.
"And who watches my ass if the Titans breach the Wall?" He grunted. "Unless something impossible happens,like Gohan getting killed,The Survey Corps is the best choice for the sensibles."
This was not the first time Gohan had a meeting with Erwin in his office,but this time there was no Ilse with him. Being left alone with the ruthless commander of the Survey Corps, Gohan felt vulnerable .
The commander sat at his desk,looking through the paper,but not forgetting to glance at Gohan from time to time. His eyes were like piercing through Gohan's soul. The monkey boy's spine was like being poured over by cold water. In his mind,he afraid that Erwin and his Scouts had discover the truth that Gohan made up story were not.
"Before the attack of Trost,Gohan. The Survey Corps has executed the 56th expedition beyond the Wall."Spoke the commander,his cold blue eyes pointed directly at Gohan "We've found a tree house."
"I did bring Ilse to my shelter." Confirmed Gohan.
"But Ilse didn't not regconised that one."continued Erwin. "It was a bit further South."
Oh no,they must not find out. The boy nervously nod his head and explained.
"There were several others that I'd built down South. But then there was no supply left so I moved and built new ones in the North."
"We've found that specific tree house eventually."Before the monkey boy could let out a breathe in relief ,Erwin made his heart sunk "And two other tree houses,closer to Wall Rose."
Maybe Gohan would not have to wash his hands before dinner because his hands were soaken with sweat . All of his limbs were shaking like there was a tremor. He had feared that this day would come.
"Can you tell me,Son. Why did you come so close to civilization,but then decided to stay there?You have a horse,what his name?Nimbus. Why didn't you just ride home?Was it something I need to worry about?"
"Sir,I stayed behind for a personal reason that's been troubling me until now."The boy answered ,tearfully "But,I assure you,it will not...it will not affect the fate of humanity."
"If you had contributed nothing,I would have doubted you." Erwin voice was as cold as his eyes. "But the number of the people you saved back in Trost was enough for me to give you the benefit of the doubt."
Gohan was determined to thank Erwin for his charity ,but Erwin dismissed him before he could say anything.
After exiting the office,Gohan leaned his back onto the wall and he collasped as he slided agaisnt the wall. The young man curl himself into a bowl,covered his face and started crying. He did not know what could he do to make up for what he had done with those people.
It was a dried well where the Squad took him inside,Hange had spoken that it would be able to hold Eren down if he lost control. Couple of minutes earlier,he had been told by Levi that he had found a way of stopping Eren in his Titan form without killing him. This method would only injure Eren when they cut out of the Titan body,it would be best if Gohan did that,but he was not here at the momment. The risk was high since Eren could kill them in the process. The boy had hesitated,but then he though about Gohan's selflessness,how the monkey boy would say 'Yes' without a second though,he agreed regardless.
And down the well,he went. With Levi and Hange giving him signals,the boy bit his hand harder than he could,but aside of bleeding and pain,nothing happened. Even until Eren chewed his hand so hard that his jacket was covered with blood,nothing was what happened.
"You're telling me that wounds on your hand show no sign of healing?" Ask Levi,to Eren ,whom they had pulled out from the well.
"No,sir."Answered the boy as he rubbed the bandages on his hands.
"No offense,but you're not much good for us in this form. This is an obstacle for us to take back Maria. Pull it together!Yes,it's an order."
"Yes,sir."
On contrary with the circumstances or captain thought,the rest of the squad however,relieved. Yes,they were relieve that they have failed. Oh,they wanted to be success,but in their hearts and minds,fighting an Titan who had human inside was the last thing they wanted to do. They were just glad that Eren was more human than they had thought.
'Why is everyone so calm?'Thought Eren 'Are they okay with me being unable to turn into a Titan?'
Eren picked up his teaspon,he meant to use it to stir his tea,but his hand stunk with pain,making him to drop it.
"You're okay?"Asked Eld,more courtly than concerning.
"I'm fine." The young soldier replied before leaning down to reach for the spoon.
As he was about to pick it up,bolts of lightning came out of his hand and then an explosion,followed by a cloud of steam . Everyone near was either blown away by the wind or froze their face by supprise.
Eren was sweating,due to the heat and and panic. The poor boy tried his best to his right hand out of the half formed titan arm that has been created. But the more he tried to pull himself out of the skinless arm,the more panic he became.
"Calm down!"He heard the captain's voice.
"Captain Levi...This is.."He turned around to realise that it was not him Leivi was talking to.
"I said to calm down!" It was the squad he was talking to "All of you!"
If their face did not show enough hate and fear,then perhaps their weapons did. They were ready for the task their had been put to,killing Eren if he went rogue and Eren before their eyes had gone rogue.
"Eren! What's the meaning of this?"Eld raised his voice as he interogated Eren. "Why now?Without permission?"
"S..sir?" Eren tried to answer.
"Eld,just wait."Pled Levi.
"Answer him,Eren!" Shouted Oulo.
"Oh no,that can wait." Gunther walked towards him,combat ready "Prove to us,Eren,that you're our enemy,humanity's enemy!Prove it,now! It's your responsibility"
"I dare you to make a single move with that arm! Off with your head it will be!"Threatened Oulo. "Don't fucking try me,I'm serious!"
"I said to calm down." pled the captain.
"Captain,get away from Eren!" Petra called out for her captain.
"Can somebody please give me an exlpanation..." As if Eren sudden transformation was not enough statling,Gohan got them by supprise as he spoke since nobody knew where he had came from. "...that WHAT THE HFIL IS GOING ON?"
"Where..where the ...you come from?" Asked Eld
"Should've put a bell on you!" remarked Oulo.
"I've only been away for...3 hour? To have a conversation with Erwin and then come back to see THIS." The boy took out a bottle of gin unlid it and took a sip before looking at it "Wait,why am I drinking this? I can't get drunk anyway!" He threw it away.
"You drink?" Gaped Petra. "Where did you get that?"
"Well,my biology won't allow me to get drunk anyway, such stimulants are useless to me." he answered "About how'd I get it, I'm kinda in a bad mood today so a guy from Mike's squad gave it to me. He said that it'd help."
"Gelga?"
"Ja. That's the guy."
"Were you crying?"Asked Petra
"No,just tired ."He lied,crossing his arms.
"You?Tired?Really?Then we must be exhausted." Mocked Oulo.
Gohan ignored him,it seemed that he would not get any explanation from the squad,so that he had to find one by himself. By looking at Eren,he could deduce that he had transform without warning,causing the squad to overreact. He could also see that Eren's right hand was trap in side the giant power level of an arm,connected with some kind of joint.
"Eren,stay still,I'm gonna cut you out." The saiyan drew out his sword.
Just as he was about to press the blade on the joint where Eren hand was trapped in,a femenine shout from afar interupt him.
"EREEEEN!"
Hange sprinted toward Eren,shoving aside Gohan as she approached Eren,she was blushing due to the greatness of her excitement.
"Can I touch it?" She drooled her mouth as she asked him "It's okay right?"
"I'm recomending against that!" Warned Gohan.
Warned but did not heed,she was,Hange touched the arm regardless,and inmediately retracted her hand thanked to the heat.
"Warned you."
"It's hot! Without the skin it's really hot!"She reamarked before asking Eren "Hey,don't you fell it hot,Eren?How does it feel where the hand connects?"
"To late to ask,I'm afraid."Gohan answered the question as he pressed the edge of the sword on the place that connected Eren hand to the skinless arm and gently sliced it. Got freed from the Titan arm,Eren leaped out of the thing in a heartbeat. As a result the arm was blocked with steam as it slowly decayed.
"Nooooooo.!I haven't even inspect it yet!" Screamt Hange out of pure disapoinment,she would have continued to do so if she had got a glimse on a spoon that the arm was holding.
Petra was not a very honest person,when she said that she would give Gohan some refresh,Gohan thought it would be a bar ,some dinner or meal or whatever that was not helping Erwin to convince the recruit to join his branch. She did offer him drinks and food,but he ended up behind a stage talking with Erwin eventually.
"Sorry for what happened before,I hope you're not bothered." spoke Erwin,tapping his fingers "Words have spreaded,about your habitant in Titan teritory. I'll confirm it in my speech. What the speech is about?I will have to convince the cadets who attend this meeting that is about to take place to join our regiment. I need your help,your strength was proven in Trost and they had bare witness to it,not to mention you've known them long enough as much that they've known you." The commander patted his shoulder "Gohan,would you mind finish my speech for me after I have started it?"
The half-saiyan was confused,but then he came to comprehend the commander's words and saluted . "Who am I to disobey?!"
"I appreciate your spirit. Get ready. It'll start in the evening."Said Erwin before he departed.
"It always challenging,the recruitment." said Petra when the commander had gone. "We never have many new recruits joining the Survey Corps."She was holding a guitar.
Hearing ginger's voice,something came up to Gohan's mind he turned to her and ask.
"Can you guy tell me what was going when I've been away."
"Well,due to the death of 'Big Gohan' ,Hange shifted her attention to another test subject,'Little Eren'." It was Eld whom he got the answer from "He didn't transform when we told him to,despite his effort. But then the boy decided to turn without permittion."
"So you guy felt it'd be right by overreacting?"Replied Gohan,showing off dissent "You guys don't how science works, do you?You conduct experiments,those ussually end up fail,but you have to conduce more experiments until you succeed by learning from previous mistakes. And accidents,accidents happen all the time when you do your job,that doesn't mean giving up or trying to kill your test subject. Science is about learning and fixing mista...Why are you holding that?" He interupted himself to point at the guitar Petra was holding.
"Oh,this?Uhm,uh..." Petra was getting redder and redder as she was trying to answer.
"The captain said you was homeschooled..."Helped Oulo.
"...so we took a risk and assumed that you might have learned music." Finished Gunther.
"You can not just make assumption that a person who recieved home education to be a musician." The boy answered with a minimum anger "It's an unreasonable stereotype."Then suddenly the boy realised that he would have to explain what 'stereotype' was to them "You know what? Just give me that thing."
Petra giggled before handing the monkey boy the guitar,she and her comrade wondered what song would he sing.
"Came up with something yet?" Asked Petra.
"Let me check." The boy answered.
"We don't much time,please." Begged Petra,it been a long time for her and her comrades to listen to a song.
"I think I've got one." The boy came up with one of his favorites,the boy plucked and strummed the strings "How-can-you-see-into-my-eyes-like-open doors?Leading-you down-into-my-core , where I've-become-so numb..."
Erwin was standing on the stage,facing the cadets below him. Some of these cadets would be joining the Survey Corps if he did things right. Only an idiot could not sense the tension from the crowd ,these cadets had been through so much.
"Good evening,I am Erwin Smith,Commander of the Survey Corps. Today,you will choose a branch of the military. Putting it buntly,I'm here to persuade you to join the Survey Corps."The commander begun his speech "During their recent attack,you learned how terrifying the Titans can be,as well as how limited your power level is."He look to his left,where Gohan emerge from the curtains. "But what if I tell you that there is a man who know about it more than you do?" The cadets started whispering "Yes,the rumor you've heard is true. Gohan had spent three years in Titan's territory,longer than the Survey Corps could've ever done,making it the most remarkable feat a man could ever do. More remarkably,the first thing he did when he returned to civilization was to signing up to the Survey Corps, right before his training,by which means he would return to the hell he was in,along with his fellow Scouts,you can be one of them."
Standing only two meters from Erwin, Gohan response with a smile,which cause a train reaction as a commotion could be heard from the cadets.
"Eren Jaeger and Gohan Son have given us hope for the future that lies ahead,especially when the Titans secret is contained under Jaeger's basement."Once again,the cadets whispered. "But with the route from Trost is sealed for good," Petra and Mike showed them a map with markers on it ,illustrating Erwin staement "we'll have to take the long way around from Karanese district. Four years,four years that we have wasted just because we don't have the person who knows the terrain like the back of his hand." He then turned to Gohan "It might be best to let the one who has more insight to continue the speech."
This was the cue,the boy stepped forward as he closed his eyes. This was the first time made such a speech,at his calm state. He took a deep breathe and tried to memorize the rhetoric book his mother made him read,it could be handy.
"Comrades,you all know me and I know you. I'd bet that you do remember what during night of the closing ceremony ,I've asked you that what would happen if the wall broke again." Then he use his right hand to point aimlessly at a direction. "And it did happen again. You were there. I was there. We all saw what happened. How many people have die. What those creatures capable of. But you and I saw a different result,we've won."
He could sense their ki,they getting their hopes on. He could also see many of cadets had nodded theirs heads.
"I thought that we did it thanks to me,or Eren and me. But then I come to realise,that was thank to you." He open both his palms toward the audiences "Without you,we would be standing in Wall Sina by now,if we could afford such luxuries." He waved his finger "But we might not get so lucky next time if we keep on the defensive. The less territory we secure,the higher the risk waiting for us in the future. But if..no,with your help it'll be a 'when' . When retake Wall Maria we'll be retaking the initiative and humanity won't have to live in fear anymore."
The cadets cheered and clapped their hand. Gohan thought it would be best not to get their hope up so hight.
"Our way will not be easy,I'm telling you." The monkey boy put his hands on his hip "It will take us through hardship and pain,most of you might not make it to witness our victory,but it's always been the cost and it is certainly better than no one would see day light again at all." He pointed his index finger to the ground. "All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. So there are two paths that've been laid in front of you." He opened his palms again ,but closer to each other. " Fight or flight. Doing what is right,or sitting duck and waiting for the innevitable. Chose the path with a low rate of survival or the one that's thought to have more but none at all. "
He stayed quiet for a long time,which gave a sign that he had finished. Erwin came to him and pat him on the shoulder.
"Fine speech,Gohan, fine speech. But you sort of gave them false hope there."
"No,sir. On the contrary,I've said the truth."Replied Gohan "We'll be cattles waiting out for our slaugther if we cower ourselves."
"Hhm,interesting." Said Erwin,but it was not to Gohan, however.
The cadets was walking away,which was to be expected. The unexpected however,was the people who stayed. Unlike most time,this time there were at least fifty percent of the cadets decided to join the Survey Corp. Gohan regconised some of the faces,Mikasa,Armin-of course,Reiner,Bertholdt,Sasha,Connie,Ymir,Krista,Mylius,Nac,Mina ….and Jean.
'You always have a way with words.' Though Jean as he stared at the Monkey Boy.
"It. Was. Amazing. Gohan."spoke Petra,she tried to settle herself in her seat but she just couldn't. "I don't have any more word to describe what you just did but...it was...beyond perfect!"
It had been non-stop since they was heading back,the squad's action was to complement and complement Gohan ,even until when they had return to their HQ,in their meeting room. To be honest ,they were turning Gohan into Vegeta with their neverending complements.
"I've never seen so many recruits joining our regiment like that since...ever!"Oulo remarked,he did not dare to hold his cup as his hands were shaking.
"You sway people as good as you sing,man!" commented Gunter,he had trouble breathing since the recruitment.
"And I worried that no one would join us."Eld scratched his head.
"Levi would not like what I am going to say" stated Hange "but I think people are considering that you are about if not already have ,bested Levi. That's why so many people have signed up for the regiment."
"I've heard that."The door cracked as Levi opened and Eren followed him inside. "How long the shit were you taking,anyway?"
"Oh long enough to get the job done thanks for asking." answered Hanged,unoffended. "You missed all the fun."
"I've heard Gohan turned the recruit into sheeps." Said Levi.
"Yeah,having mutton for dinner does do a number on your bowel." She placed down her handkerchief which was wrapping around something. "Feast your eyes,on this." She unwrapped it,revealing a teaspoon.
"A murder weapon?" Asked Gohan,he had read about people being killed by a spoon before.
"No,it's a spoon!" corrected Eren,saring at Gohan 'The fuck he getsthat from?'
"The very one spoon." Hange lifted the spoon so everyone could see. "Your spontaneous titan arm erupted into being while holding it like so: Resting between the thumb and the index finger."Her statement caused Eren to gasp "The world opperates on chance so this is expected.."
"Basically science in a nutshell." Added Gohan,before Hange continued
"But this affects something more." She took a closer look to the object "This utensil wasn't warped by the heat or the presure. Any though on the matter?"
"All I know that I went to pick it up." Answer Eren,Gohan 's neck cracked as the monkey turned his head to him "When I did the arm came out of no where!"
"I get it now. This explains why you couldn't change in the well. I'm certain of it."The squad widened their eyes as Hange explained "Slaying titans,blocking canon fire,lifting the boulder. Each instance,before assuming titan form ,there was a goal in mind. I believe that self-harm is not the only catalyst of transformation, but also a clear objective."
Staring at his arm,Eren stood up from his seat.
"But that's insane,you're saying that I turned into titan because of a damn spoon?"
"Calm down,that's why it called an experiment."Said Gohan.
"So let me get this right,you mean that the previous ruckus was not on purpose?" Asked Gunther.
Eren nodded his head. The next thing happened confused Gohan and Eren as the squad looked at each other and nodded as well. To create more confusion in the room Petra,Oulo,Gunther and Eld,in that order,bit their hands.
"An appology should've been enough!" Said Gohan,jumping off his chair.
"Ow,that's really hurt." Remarked Eld "I'm impressed that you can sink your teeth in that deep without shrieking,Eren."
"You know what else is impressive?" The whole room statled when they heard Gohan speaking "You guys,not eating anything since this morning and mentioning mutton,spoon and bites without a sound from your stomach."
The entire room,with the exception of Levi,dropped their jaw in realisation. They had forgotten to feed Gohan,the one that ate more than normal people,for the whole day. And they made him did a lot of things to day,making him hungry,and no one liked it when Gohan was hungry.
Next chapter: The 57th expedition
Legends: to anyone who has trouble imagining what the Bolt action rifle looks like,it's a Arisaka Type 38.
And appology to Evanescence for using your song without permission.