-Chapter 4: The Man From Beyond the Walls-

Somewhere inside the Forest of Giant Trees

The ride back to the Walls was not a peaceful one, as the retreating Survey Corps were being pursued by yet another group of titans. The wet terrain made it difficult to fully outrun the giant beasts as no scout wanted to find themselves tumbling off their horse and straight into the hands of their hungry pursuers. Luckily for them, their most recent edition was proving himself to be more than capable of watching over the rear.

The moment a titan was getting within arm's reach it found itself headless as a glowing mace went hurdling towards it, popping its head like a rotten fruit, and then returning back to its wielder, only to be thrown again at another, and then another. Other titans would find their shins blown off completely turning them into roadblocks for other titans to stumble and trip over, giving the retreating scouts a bit more breathing room. Many found themselves looking back at the man who was protecting them in utter bewilderment. Among them a certain trio of veteran scouts.

Erwin Smith, a captain in the regiment, observed the marked warrior through quick glances and still found himself stunned by what he saw. Seeing the warrior toss his weapon at a titan and retrieve it with a simple hand gesture was simply supernatural. What impressed him even more was the complete focus this man had in his task, even as a titan closed in on him and reached down, while some scouts in the cart panicked, he showed no signs of nervousness. It's as if he had been in this situation many times before. A veteran in his own right.

"Such power will be useful for the scouts, especially now." Erwin muttered to himself. Their losses on this recent expedition were great, but with the discovery of this powerful newcomer, then perhaps the lives lost will not have been in vain.

"What are you thinking Erwin?" A monotone voice said beside him. Erwin looked back to see his squad mate ride beside him. Levi, a man dubbed humanity's strongest soldier, looked at him with a questioning gaze. A small smile formed on his face as he answered.

"I am merely thinking that perhaps you may have lost your title as humanity's strongest." Erwin said as the shorter man gave him an unamused look.

"Tch, as if I cared about that. I'm more concerned about how the folks back home will react to a giant naked man, covered head to toe in glowing tattoos, and armed with a giant spiked ball on a stick, walking straight through the district." Levi said as he eyed the marked man taking down another titan.

"He'll certainly turn some heads yes, but you heard his response when he spoke with Shadis, he was eager to help us in any way he could." Erwin replied.

"After he spoke in some other language, he's a complete unknown Erwin, what makes you think he won't just start slaughtering the district, maybe even take the whole Wall for himself?" Levi questioned as he furrowed his brow.

"Quite the colorful scenarios you've presented. However, I'm sure that after we explain our situation, he'll be more cooperative with us and our cause." Erwin assured his subordinate. The short man looked at him for a few seconds before sighing.

"I'll trust your judgment, but the moment he tries something I-." His thought was interrupted by a series of giggles from a certain bespectacled individual.

"~*Giggle* You'll do what exactly?~" came a voice by Erwin's side. Levi looked to see the third member of the trio with annoyance. Hange Zoë, the Survey Corps' resident titan researcher/maniac, was riding along backwards, her focus entirely on the marked stranger that was watching over their rear. Her mouth drooling and face blushing red at the sight of it all.

"You keep riding like that, and you're going to hit a tree." Levi told the giggling woman.

"Pshhhhhh relax, Moblits' got me covered." She waved her hand nonchalantly as another scout came into view. Moblit Berner, Hange's ever dutiful assistant, rode alongside her, carrying her reigns as well as his own simultaneously, all with a nervous smile on his face.

"S-Squad Leader, I understand this is all very exciting, but p-please take the reins back." Said the poor assistant as beads of sweat ran down his face.

"And miss the opportunity of observing our new friend?! Never!" She said with a childlike wonderment. "Besides, we've done this plenty of times. I trust you can handle this." Hange quickly turned her head back to see Maverick perform more awe-inspiring feats. Leaving Moblit to turn his head forward and continue steering both his and Hange's horse, with a rather pained smile.

"So, as I was saying. What exactly will you do to our new friend, Levi?" Hange asked again. As if to prove her point, Maverick swung his morning star boomerang style, obliterating the heads of three titans. Their collapsing bodies collided with the rest of the pursuing horde, causing them to fall and pile onto one another, the trees creating a bottleneck which increased the gap between them and the retreating regiment.

Many of the scouts were left slack jawed at what just occurred, the trio included. As he retrieved his mace Maverick turned around and caught sight of the three senior scouts eyeing him. He waved his mace as a greeting, receiving an eager handwave from the titan maniac.

"With that power, we'd be fools to make him an enemy." Hange said as her goggles fogged up. Ideas for possible experiments with the glowing warrior already forming in her mind. "Besides there's so much I want to ask him!" She continued, her eyes sparkling as she spoke. Levi could only sigh while Erwin let out a small chuckle.

-oOo-

Outside of the Forest of Giant Trees

Despite reaching the outskirts of the forest the Survey Corps did not slow down. Even in the open plains there was still the very possible threat of roaming titans. However not everyone in the group felt the need to stay on alert.

Seeing as there were no immediate threats, Maverick turned to the still conscious scouts that rode on the cart and decided that now would be a good time to get a handle on the situation.

"So, what's the story with those giants?" He asked the group of injured scouts. Many looked at him with both surprise and apprehension. What kind of a question was that? Had he been living in a cave somewhere out in titan territory? Was this his first time dealing with titans? These and many more questions popped into the heads of the injured scouts, until one among them had the courage to answer the marked man.

"Those titans are mankind's enemy." Said Moses, the young scout Maverick had saved not too long ago. His furrowed brow emphasized the serious tone in his voice as he explained.

"About a hundred and seven years ago, nearly all of humanity was wiped out by them." Said the young scout. This certainly got the warriors' attention as his eyes slightly widened in surprise.

"However, our ancestors managed to construct three great walls to provide humanity with a final bastion against the titans. Walls Maria, Rose, and Sina…For years, the Survey Corps have set out on expeditions to try and take back our lands…This tends to be the usual result." Moses said looking downward. The other scouts showed downtrodden looks as well. Maverick could only look at them with sympathy, as he had seen these looks many times throughout his lifetimes. The silence continued until he spoke up once more, now with a less than despondent tone.

"You know…there were a hundred of us, now only half of us are left, but…I think we would have lost more, had you not showed up." Moses looked at Maverick straight in the eyes/glowing orbs.

"So, thanks for…showing up when you did." He said calmly. Maverick looked at him for a few seconds before offering him a small smile.

"Anytime." He said simply. He turned around to look at the giant forest shrink from view, as the Survey Corps sped towards their destination.

-oOo-

Outskirts of Wall Maria

After what seemed like hours the sight of a great wall finally came into view. Wall Maria, humanity's first line of protection against the titans stood at a height of 50 meters, larger than any titan in known recorded history.

"An outer wall?" He asked out loud. Moses looked up from his seat to provide the man with another explanation. "Thats the southern district of Wall Maria, Shiganshina. There are four districts that surround each wall and since titans are attracted to people, having all those giant freaks gathering in select areas along the wall makes it easier to defend."

Maverick processed the information as he looked to the massive structure with slight amazement, however it changed to a more critical look as he began to see the severe lack of defenses installed. As he did, Erwin was sneaking glances at the man from far in front of the formation, despite the distance, he was able to spot his glowing features.

"Erwin, what's the status of our new friend?" Keith asked. Erwin looked back to see the commander giving him a sideways glance.

"He's looking at the wall sir, judging from here, he seems rather...disappointed." Erwin replied. Keith's eyebrows raised in surprise.

"Disappointed?" He asked.

"Yes, as if he was expecting something more" Erwin replied. Keith was left with his thoughts until the sound of a bell chiming brought him back to reality. His features along with the rest of the scouts hardened in preparation for the jeers and looks from the townsfolk they were going to receive at the sight of another failure.

"Well…not a complete failure..." He muttered as he took one last glance at the marked man that came out of nowhere to help them, a man from beyond the walls. He couldn't help but be reminded of another similar encounter he had long ago.

Maverick looked up to the wall as he heard the bells echo out. He assumed this was the way the people were notified of the scouts' return. He looked down to see them and their expressions. He felt they were not going to receive a warm welcome, if the looks they had was anything to go by. As the gates opened a green cloth was handed to him by Moses.

"It's not much, but it'll keep you covered...somewhat." He said as he gave the marked warrior his own cloak.

"My thanks." Maverick replied as he brought the cloak over himself and secured it. It didn't cover his lower body, but at least it was something. He decided to walk the rest of the distance to give his legs some exercise. As they neared the entrance, Maverick could only wonder how the rest of the folk would react to him.

-oOo-

Inside the Shiganshina District. Outside the interior of Wall Maria

"Come on Mikasa, I want to get a good view!" Shouted a young boy as he practically dragged a young girl by his side. Eren Yeager, a young lad living in the district, alongside his adopted sister Mikasa, raced towards the outer gate in order to see the Survey Corps return from their expedition. After a rather one-sided heated conversation between him and Hannes, a local Garrison soldier and family friend, seeing the heroes come home was exactly what he needed to renew his spirit. As they neared the gate, they maneuvered around the back of the crowd that had amassed to see the scouts return.

"Can't see squat with all these people!" Eren said as he jumped in an effort to look beyond the crowd. He noticed a few stacked crates and while pulling along his sister, hopped up on the crates to get a better view, and what a view he saw. Despite their hardened and forlorn looks the young boy still had a look of awe as he met the eyes of a tall blonde-haired scout, who deflated at the sight of the child's wonder. Eren look confused, before that confusion turned into shock at the sight of the rest of the regiment.

Faces covered in bloody bandages.

Wounded being carried on stretchers and carts.

The missing limbs and gouged eyes.

Arms resting on makeshift casts.

The destroyed and damaged gear that gathered in small piles on carriages.

The looks on the scouts pretty much told everyone gathered how the expedition went.

"Looks like another beating this time." Someone muttered.

"Hmph, more like a slaughter." Another snidely remarked. Eren continued to look on in shock as the townsfolk continued to mutter insults.

"Out of the 100 that left, looks like about half came back." A townie said as he took a headcount of the remaining scouts.

"I expected more to get eaten, honestly." Remarked another with crossed arms, causing the boy to look down from his spot and to the people below him.

Eren couldn't believe what he was hearing. How dare they say that to the people who were brave enough to venture outside the walls?! His hand motioned towards a loose stick from the pile of firewood he gathered earlier, until he heard some murmurs and shouts in front of the outer gate. Wondering what was causing the commotion the boy raised his head, and instantly his eyes widened at what he saw. Hell, everyone was left silent and slack jawed, as they laid eyes upon the odd-looking newcomer.

There, walking alongside the last cart that entered the town was a man. A very tall and muscular man, covered in blue markings who's only form of clothing was a green cloak. He carried a rather heavy-looking spiked weapon that rested on his shoulder with ease. The townsfolk were left speechless as they continued to stare. Mothers covered the eyes of their children, other women, both young and old, found themselves blushing and covering their mouths at the sight of his nude physique, and men found themselves with feelings of astonishment, and a little bit of envy. Questions were asked among the people gathered as they watched the absolute unit of a man pass by.

"H-He wasn't with the rest of the scouts, was he?"

"No, I sure as hell would have noticed someone like that leave the wall."

"Did they find him out there? Are there people actually living outside the walls?"

"Well, that spiked club he's got doesn't look like it's for show."

"Those tattoos, you think they mean something?"

"The hell's up with his eyes?"

"Good grief, he's naked!"

The murmurs continued until one voice rang out amongst the crowd.

"Moses? Moses?!"

Everyone, including the scouts, stopped to look at the distraught woman shouting out a name. Many of the scouts recognized her as the mother of the aforementioned Moses, her face was wrought with worry as she tried desperately to search for her only son. She soon spotted and ran up to the commander of the scouts, grasping his cloak as she steadied herself.

"E-Excuse me sir, my son Moses, where is he? I-I don't see him here. Please tell me he made it back, PLEASE!"

Keith looked at the woman with surprise before trying to answer her as calmly as he could.

"Uhm…I believe he's in the back of the group ma'am" Keith answered. The woman gave a quick "thank you" to him and shuffled off to the back of the group.

"Moses! Moses! Where are you Mo-O-Oh My!" The woman slowed down as she caught sight of the large man staring at her with his glowing eyes. She came to a complete stop as she eyed the man head to toe, before suddenly raising her head again due to his lack of clothing. The man looked at her for a few seconds before turning to the cart.

"Moses, your ma's calling ya." He said startling the woman with his deep tone of voice. A few seconds and Moses slowly rose from his seating position to greet the startled woman.

"H-Hey Ma." He responded with a slightly pained smirk.

"Moses!" She screamed as she hugged her son's neck, almost throwing him off the cart. Maverick couldn't help but smile a little at the sight of the elderly woman unintentionally choking out her boy.

"*Uwwwwagh* Moses, my sweet darling Moses, you came back, your safe!" The frantic mother continued to cry and caress her boy's head, until her son managed to pry her off of him.

"M-Ma, stop! Please! I-I'm not in the best condition right now!" He said as he nursed his wounded stomach. Moses' mother was going to ask what ailed her baby boy, until the marked man next to them answered.

"Your son was in the hands of a giant ma'am. I'm sure he's got busted bones right now." He explained to the woman. She backed away in shock for a moment before looking at the man again.

"W-Who are you?" She questioned. To which her son answered for him.

"This man saved my life ma. I'd be in a titan's stomach if it weren't for him." The mother looked to the man once more as tears began to streak down her face again. In moment she rushed and grasped the man's cloak and began to sob as the struggled to stay on her feet.

"B-Bless you sir! I-I cannot t-thank you enough! You brought my son back from those wretched monsters! From the b-brink of death itself! BLESS YOU!" She began to cry once more as she continued to hold onto the green cloak. Maverick looked down at the woman with an understanding and somber look, before setting his weapon down and comforting the woman as best he could in his current condition.

"Your most welcome ma'am. I was simply there at the right moment at the right time." He said as the woman continued to cry on his cloak. The people gathered stood speechless at the odd and yet wholesome sight, including the scouts, who marveled at the rare sight of gratitude. Despite not being directed at the regiment, seeing a small glimmer of hope shine on, despite the failure of the expedition, was a slight boost to their morale.

"Alright, enough gawking. Still have to make a report about this." Keith said as he trudged his horse along the path towards the inner district. The scouts followed suit, alongside the weeping mother of Moses who refused to leave her sons side, and their newest edition. As Maverick observed the faces of the townsfolk, he noticed two children, a boy and a girl, standing atop the crowd, looking at him with wide eyes, most likely startled by his appearance. He offered the two a small smile and a handwave, a motion which the boy repeated as well, albeit slowly. Satisfied he continued to walk, observing his new surroundings, eyeing the rather familiar pseudo-European architecture and back at the wall again, as a cheeky thought ran through his mind.

"Hmph, I've seen bigger..."

-oOo-

Eren watched the Survey Corps, as well as the stranger, move on down the path, leaving the townsfolk to talk among themselves about the strange events that just transpired minutes ago.

"He saved a scouts life, did he..."

"Didn't you hear what that crying mother was saying idiot? She practically screamed it out for the whole district to hear."

"Seems like this trip outside the wall wasn't a total waste of our tax dollars."

"What do you mean? They lose half their fighting force, and all they have to show for it is one strange looking naked guy? What can one man do in the face of the hordes of beasts out there?"

"Did you see the muscles on him? Or the giant spiked club he had in his hand? Or those glowing eyeballs?

"He certainly looks like he could handle himself in a fight..."

"Makes ya wonder if there aren't others like him out there, fighting those monsters..."

"That's some serious wishful thinking, everyone knows the titans wiped out everyone in the world, minus us."

"Then how do you explain that guy, huh?"

Eren ignored the voices as he looked to where the man left, and then back to the wall. The thought that there was someone out there wandering and exploring the world, not giving a dam about the titans, excited him greatly.

"Did you see that Mikasa? The Scouts found someone outside the walls. There are others out there!" Eren looked to Mikasa to see her still stupefied face. He quickly shook her to get her attention.

"H-Huh?" Mikasa murmured. Eren jumped down from his crate and grabbed his sisters' hand as he ran behind the crowd towards their home.

"Come on, we gotta tell mom and dad about this! Let's go!" Eren said excitedly, as Mikasa tried her best to keep up with the giddy, wide-eyed boy.

AN: This took longer than expected but I got it done at last. So, it seems like Maverick has made quite an impression on the people of Shiganshina, especially a certain boy. Will he continue to impress the people of this new world? Perhaps he will get the chance, when humanity is reminded once again…