-Chapter 9: The Trial of the Marked Man-
The reports of the Shiganshina Districts' liberation from the titan hordes at the hands of a god-like outsider had made it to the presses, which then spread the news across the Walls like wildfire, with a variety of reactions from everyone.
To the people of Wall Maria, they saw the being as a savior, sent by God to help in their fight against the titans.
To the people in Wall Rose, there was some skepticism as the thought of an all-powerful "marked man" that could take on the titans sounded quite outlandish, however there were those who had begun to believe, as refugees from the breached district recounted tales of seeing the being before the attack, or of being saved by him.
To the people of Wall Sina, the idea of a powerful outside force was rather frightening, as some questioned the outsiders' intentions and goals. Which is why, in order to keep the peace, the central government of Mitras declared that the outsider would be put on a special military tribunal that will decide his fate.
Which is why we find our hero on route to a military court located somewhere inside Wall Sina, restrained and under the escort of this lands local police force…
Somewhere inside Wall Roses interior
Maverick was currently seated inside of a carriage under the armed escort of the "Military Police Brigade". The caravan had been travelling across the land for who knows how long. He couldn't really tell, seeing that the small holes that allowed air to flow throughout the carriage provided little visibility. At least the unicorns were kind enough to provide him with provisions for the ride, such as a large blanket to cover himself with, rations and water, as well as stopping once in a while in order for him to relieve himself, under their supervision of course. Seeing as there wasn't much to do, other than wait until they arrived at their destination, he decided to rest his eyes and let his mind wander. Towards the events that led to his current situation.
-oOo-
*Flashback, a few days after the Battle of Shiganshina*
It had been a few days since Maverick had wiped out the giants that had infested Shiganshina, well he didn't do it alone, but the people were either too stubborn or too merry to listen. Regardless of who did it, the district was free of any man-eating giants and that was enough cause for celebration. He also was finally able to properly meet and know the names of some of the members of the Survey Corps that fought alongside him.
Erwin Smith, the tall blonde-haired man who had recently been appointed as the new commander.
Levi, the shortest of the bunch, who was dubbed originally as 'humanity's strongest soldier.
Miche Zacharius, another tall, blonde-haired scout, who held the previous title of humanities strongest. Maverick had the...pleasure, to learn about a rather interesting quirk/fetish the man had.
Then there was Nanaba, a squad mate of Miche's, who he had originally thought was a man, however her slightly blushed cheeks and feminine shriek when their hands touched betrayed her calm and collected demeanor.
Hange re-introduced herself as the Survey Corps' leading and quite possibly only titan researcher as well as the squad leader of the regiments' Fourth Squad.
Lastly but most certainly not least was Moblit Berner. The assistant/handler to said squad leader, as well as the squad's vice-captain.
After introductions were made, the Survey Corps had to suddenly depart for reasons unknown to the marked man, leaving Maverick to his own devices. Which was fine as he managed to keep himself busy, between watching over the breach for any more hungry, hungry giants, and joining the people in their merriment. All in all, a very eventful day.
The following day however, the survivors found themselves having to pack up and head to the interior. Despite the fact that the titans were cleared out, the outer wall was still left with a giant hole, thus the central government declared that until the necessary funds and materials were acquired in order to rebuild the gate, the Shiganshina District would be deemed uninhabitable. The remaining residents soon began the day long evacuation, gathering whatever belongings they could and offering small funerals to their dead, while Maverick, alongside a detachment of Garrison troops, kept watch over the breach, ensuring that no giants would take advantage and wander in.
As night approached the denizens made their way towards the interior of Wall Maria, with Maverick being the last one to leave the district. On his way towards the interior gate however he suddenly felt the same gut feeling he felt before the battle and before the appearance of that sprinting armored giant. He put himself on edge, watching for whatever dangers were about to occur or emerge.
He soon found the source of the danger the moment he stepped foot into the interior of Wall Maria, in the form of a firing line.
"D-Drop the giant club and put you h-hands up!"
The soldier leading the riflemen was a member of the Military Police, who was under orders from the government to apprehend the "outsider" and bring him in for questioning. Maverick stared at the nervous looking officer for a few moments before looking to the others gathered. To his left he saw the members of the Survey Corps, who held impassive looks towards him, minus the bespectacled woman who held a small apologetic smile on her face. To his right he saw the survivors of Shiganshina, who had concerned looks on their faces, worried about what would become of their savior.
Not wanting to cause any problems with the local authorities(yet), Maverick sighed and slowly set Skullsmite down onto the floor and slowly unbuttoned the green cloak adorned around him. He held it out in front of the scouts, to which one of them understood and took the cloak with care before folding it. He nodded in appreciation before calmly holding out his hands.
Two of the MP's slowly approached him with shackles, while two others approached the morning star planted on the floor. The shackles were placed on his wrist, only for said shackles to stop halfway through, causing the MPs to pause with worried expressions.
"Sir….his wrists are too big for the shackles." No sooner had the young officer said this did the sounds of struggling was heard behind them. Everyone turned to see the MP's that surrounded Skullsmite struggle to lift the weapon out of the ground. Despite the fact that there were four MP's trying to lift the obsidian weapon all at once, they couldn't make it budge.
"F-Forget it, just leave it there!" Trying to salvage this operation, the commanding officer turned to one of his subordinates. "Get the rope and chains."
His subordinate quickly made his way towards the carriage and returned with said items. The captain slowly approached the larger man and bound his hands with the rope first, before reinforcing the bind with the chains. "Alright let's go." He said, trying to sound intimidating. Maverick slowly followed, looking at the green cloaked soldiers as he passed by. Out of the stone-cold looks, it was Hange who tried to be supportive, as she gave him a small thumbs up and a smile, which put the man slightly at ease as the woman's smiling face was etched into his mind.
-oOo-
*Flashback Ends*
Maverick suddenly awoke from his musings by the sound of a large gate opening. Quickly sucking the drool back into his mouth, he looked out of the tiny air holes and managed to eke out the image of another wall, as well as one of the MPs on horseback, riding alongside the carriage. Curious about their destination he spoke to the rider.
"Hey bud…"
The MP looked around, trying to find the source of the voice, till his eyes laid upon the pale blue glow emanating from the window holes of the carriage. He quickly looked away hoping that the one inside hadn't noticed
"Yes, you on the horse…"
The rider's brow began to sweat as he cursed under his breath. With little choice he slowly turned his head in an attempt to give the marked one his attention.
"It seems I dozed off during the ride. Would you be so kind as to tell me which wall were at?" The MP felt a sense of relief, for the glowing voice simply wanted to know where it was. "W-Were just in front of the outer gates of the Ehrmich District, j-just outside the interior of Wall Sina."
'Jesus, how long was I out for?' Maverick thought. 'Did I seriously sleep the rest of the way? Must have been more tired than I thought.' Maverick looked out the holes to see that they were on the move once more. He readjusted his seating to prepare himself for another hour of mindless sightseeing.
-oOo-
Outside of the Military Courthouse, Wall Sina Interior
A rather large crowd had gathered outside the courthouse, as news that the caravan escorting the marked man had made its way inside Wall Sina's interior and was arriving soon. Held back by local MPs, the crowd pushed and shoved one another, wanting to get a better position to get a better view of the incoming transport that carried the illusive outsider. Amongst the crowd a man adorned with a necklace of golden shields depicting the three walls ranted and cried out in protest.
"THIS OUTSIDER IS NO MORE THAN A WOLF IN SHEEPS CLOTHING, WAITING FOR US TO TURN OUR BACKS AND SLAUGHTER US!"
"WE ARE FOOLS TO LET THIS OUTSIDER INTO OUR HOLY WALLS! MARIA, ROSE, AND NOW SINA HAVE BEEN TAINTED BY HIS PRESCENCE! DO YOU WISH FOR THE CAPITOL OF HUMMANITY TO SUFFER THE SAME?!"
"THE POWER HE WEILDS IS NOTHING SORT OF DEMONIC! I BESEECH YOU ALL, CAST HIM OUT, BACK TO THE HELLISH WORLD FROM WENCE HE WAS SPAWNED!"
"Jeez he's really going at it…" Said one MP towards another. "Yeah, they've gotten really riled up since the breach." The officers looked on in annoyance as the raving preacher continued on, trying to rally the gathered people and join in his frenzied state.
The Order of the Walls; a borderline cult whose members held the belief that the three walls were by their quotes "sacred and divine constructs" or "gifted from God himself to us mere mortals" and other such drivel. Many would normally turn a blind eye to these fanatics, however after the breach of Shiganshina their sermons and preaching's had increased, as well as a swath of additional followers to their flock.
Just as the zealot was about to start up again, the sound of a carriage was heard making its way across the road.
There, turning the corner, was the carriage that contained the man from beyond the walls. The people gathered made way for the armed military escorts and their mounts as they moved towards the courthouse. The masses talked amongst themselves in hushed whispers, all except one who decided to make himself known.
"THERE IT IS! THE OUTSIDE DEVIL THAT HAS SULLIED OUT HOLY WALLS! SEE HOW HE IS BROUGHT BEFORE US, FOR HE IS NO MORE THAN BEAST THAN HE IS MAN!"
"FOR THE SAKE OF THE WALLS, SEND HIM BACK IN A CAGE SO THAT THE TITANS AND ELEMENTS MAY TAKE HIM!"
Ignoring the preachers' ramblings one of the officers turned to his subordinate. "Inform the Premier, the outsider will be arriving to the courthouse soon." The junior officer saluted and quickly headed inside, while the remaining MPs stood in formation. The gathered crowd continued to murmur at the sight of the carriage pulling up, more specifically at the pale blue glow emanating from the window holes. The riders soon dismounted and brought their rifles to arms, as one of the officers nervously opened the door to the carriage.
"Come on, we've arrived." He said with force, only to receive a sharp remark from the man inside.
"Why do you feel the need to raise your voice? I'm sitting quite close to you."
The man's tone unnerved everyone within earshot, especially the officer, who quickly backed away, nearly falling over himself. Soon the carriage began to shake slightly as the being inside made his way out. The gathered masses leaned their bodies forward, wanting to catch a glimpse of the glowing figure inside. Their wishes would be granted as the marked man stepped out to reveal himself, with all standing silent in awe at his blanket covered glory, even the zealous preacher was left slack jawed as he gazed at the glowing goliath that he had spoken ill of mere minutes ago.
As the outsider was led by the MPs, he spared a few glances to the people, who backed away at the sight of his pupil less pale blue eyes. However, there were some familiar reactions, such as the women in the group, whose faces were tinted red as they laid eyes upon his hidden muscled physique and facial structure, much to the ire and chagrin of the men.
A small smirk formed on the outsiders' face, as it seemed that even the women in these lands high society could be just as flustered as any other at the sight of a muscular hunk of a man. His mood turned downward as a sigh left his breath when he turned to face the courthouse, as he hoped that this trial wouldn't take too long.
-oOo-
Inside the Courtroom
Military officials of the highest order and commanders from all branches of the military were in attendance today, seated inside the courtroom. On one side sat Nile Dok, current leader of the Military Police Brigade, while on another side sat Erwin Smith, the newly appointed commander of the Survey Corps. Seated elsewhere was the Garrison commanders of the Walls northern, southern, eastern, and western territories. While the head instructors of the Training Corps sat alongside one another. Atop the judges' podium sat Premier Darius Zachary; Commander-In-Chief of all four military branches as well as his clerk who was organizing the testimonies and other reports presented. Everyone talked amongst themselves, as they waited for their special guest to arrive.
While waiting Zachary spent the time reading over the reports and witness testimonies provided, often doing a double take at the more "outlandish" reports. Nile looked over his statement giving it a once over, while tapping his foot impatiently. Smith simply stood patiently alongside his fellow scout veterans, occasionally glancing towards the center podium where their friend was meant to stand. The previous commander, Keith Shadis, was in attendance as well, seeing as he was a witness to Maverick's exploits. Everyone continued their discussions, until the front door was slightly opened to reveal an MP.
"The outsider has arrived." He announced.
Zachary nodded in acknowledgement allowing him to return to his duties. Despite his serious outside expression, on the inside, he was rather eager to see the man brought before him. He had heard much of the outsider, this so called "Titan Slayer", and if the reports were true, then he would have quite the case on his hands, quite possibly the most interesting one of his career.
Suddenly the sound of multiple footsteps was heard, making their way towards the front doors. All in attendance watched the door with bated breaths, as one set of steps were louder than the rest. There was a pause, as muffled voices were heard outside the door, only to fall silent. The suspense held by everyone inside the courtroom was nauseating, until the double doors opened to finally reveal the subject of today's trial.
Those who had not yet laid eyes upon the man were left aghast and outright speechless by the man's appearance. Standing at nearly 7 feet in height, marked in blue tattoos, and covered in a large blanket, he slowly made his way to the center stage, all the while being followed by armed MPs. Besides his most striking features, another point of interest was the fact that he was walking bare footed along the floor. It seemed that there was a reason he was adorned in such a large blanket, as his marked shins were exposed with every step. He stopped as he reached the center of the room and simply looked around, eyeing everyone present with his eyes that lacked any pupils or iris, merely glowing a dim blue light. The officials and commanders in attendance held looks of both fear and bewilderment at the large goliath standing before them, with some rubbing their eyes as if to make sure that what they were looking at was real. They continued to whisper amongst themselves, until Zachary coughed out loud to silence the voices.
"Well then…now that the subject of this trial has arrived, let us begin…" He looked through the reports once more, before setting his eyes upon the marked man standing.
"So…you are Maverick, correct? The illustrious; Man from Beyond the Walls, the one they call the Titan Slayer? The so-called; Savior of Shiganshina?" He asked. Maverick stayed silent for a few moments before speaking in a clear voice, making sure he was heard by everyone present.
"That is what your people have taken to call me your honor, however I cannot take all the credit. Members of your military also participated and fought bravely in the districts' defense." Few murmurs from the gallery were heard, as some were a bit surprised at the man's calm and humble response.
"Indeed. There are also reports that during the ensuing battle, you demonstrated abilities that many have classified as supernatural. Is this true?"
"Indeed, your honor." Was Maverick's response. Zachary nodded as he continued.
"Understand that word of your feats in the breach of Shiganshina, as well as your overall existence, have reached a majority inside the Walls. Therefore, we cannot hide you from the public. Which is why the central government has decided to leave the matter of your fate to the military, seeing as you are both an outsider to our Walls, and your discovery was by the hands of one of our military branches. Thus, ultimate authority has been placed unto me, to decide you fate. Do you have any objections?"
"I do not, your honor." Was Maverick's simple response.
"Your cooperation is very much appreciated. Now, as I said before, your existence has sprouted a variety of responses from the people. There are those who see you as an invasive force upon our lands, and your presence most unwelcome, as well as an ill omen to some of our more...radical citizenry. However, there are those who see you as a divine blessing, a bulwark in our fight against the titans. Which is why it was decided that you will be placed under one of our military branches, so that they may monitor your activities, as well as make the best use of your abilities."
"Your fate shall lie with either the Military Police Brigade or the Survey Corps. The Garrison and the Training Corps, for whatever reason, have chosen to stay out of this decision. Do you follow?"
"I do, your honor" Zeke nodded, glad at the man's calm responses and overall attitude.
"Good. Now, we'll hear the case from the Military Police." Everyone's heads turned to Nile, who nervously looked over his notes as all eyes were on him.
"I-I am Nile Dok, Commander of the Military Police. Upon review of the reports, we believe that Maverick poses a threat to the stability of the Walls. His actions have sparked a wave of unrest throughout the populace, which has placed us in a troubling situation. Should we cast him out, the backlash from the masses will no doubt cause a civil war, that will no doubt leave humanity in a worse state. Therefore, it was decided that the best course of action would be to place Maverick among the ranks of the Military Police. Should he be placed under our watch, he will be put into service as a combat instructor. His presence and abilities will no doubt be an inspiring force for a new generation of military police."
The moment he finished his statement, a member of the Survey Corps stood in objection.
"You can't be serious! His abilities will be wasted with the MPs!"
His rebuke was meet with a reply from one of the MP officials.
"Nonsense, his strength will be vital for the Military Police! With his skills we can raise a stronger generation among the police, too better serve the king and our citizens!"
Another scout replied with his own two cents.
"You weren't there! You didn't see the way he dealt with the titans. It was a one-sided slaughter!"
"Then let him serve as a last line of defense! If he is as powerful as you say, then there is no place better for him than inside the Walls!"
"He's better fighting on the front lines! Don't you want humanity to beat the titans?!"
The bickering between the two sides continued to escalate, until a series of loud bangs silenced everyone. All turned to Zachary, as he banged on his desk to silence the rowdy peanut gallery.
"ORDER... We shall now hear the case of the Survey Corps." All turned to Erwin, who kept a calm and collected look.
"I am Erwin Smith, 13th Commander of the Survey Corps. We believe that Maverick's strength is vital to our war against the titans. This was demonstrated both during the battle in Shiganshina, and inside the southern titan forest, where we first discovered him. We will welcome him as a member of the Survey Corps, where his abilities will be utilized to their fullest. That is all." There was a short pause, before the Premier spoke up.
"Is…that all you have to say?"
"Yes sir. The way in which he dealt with the titans was unlike anything I, nor the regiment, have ever seen. Maverick has clearly shown a capacity for combat as well as experience. He will be a valued military asset." Maverick couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as he stared at the man with a questioning look.
'Military asset, huh? Interesting choice of words...' He scoffed in his head.
"Which brings us to the next line of questioning. Your origins, Maverick." Now all eyes were on the cloaked man in the center.
"Based on a report by the previous commander of the Survey Corps, you were discovered outside the Walls, correct?"
"I was, your honor." Confirmed Maverick.
"Actually, I believe the previous commander is present here…" Zachary looked around, until said previous commander stood up in attention.
"I am here, yes." Keith said as he raised himself up.
"Ah, there you are Keith. So, care to shed some light on you firsthand encounter with Maverick?" Keith nodded and cleared his throat, as he recalled the events from days earlier.
"During our most recent expedition, we were ambushed inside the southern forest. It was raining hard; thus, reducing our overall visibility." Keith's eyes turned slightly downward, as the memories of the expedition replayed in his mind.
"Despite our efforts we were slowly being whittled down by their numbers. Just as we were on the verge of being routed, a pale blue light was glowing in the distance. This was noticed by both us and the titans. As it got brighter, we heard a warcry shout out from the woods. When suddenly, he appeared, screaming like a madman, and wielding a giant glowing club in one hand. He charged straight towards a titan with no fear, and saved one our boys, Moses. Then he went for the rest of the horde..."
He took pause as the images of Maverick's onslaught began to flash into his mind, to the confusion and concern of the assembled officials.
"The way he fought was nothing sort of inhuman, jumping high into the air, smashing the heads of those monsters like nothing. Even if they rose back up, or tried to grab him, he'd simply strike them again, with more bone crushing force." Keith gave a hardened look towards Maverick, who in return slightly narrowed his eyes.
"This man clearly knows how to deal with titans, as if he's fought their kind before." To Keith's shock a sly smile formed on Maverick's face, as if confirming everything he said.
'You don't know the half of it...'
"Hmmm...and you said he used a giant glowing club to fight?" The Premier looked to Maverick for some confirmation.
"Ahhh, that would be Skullsmite your honor, a weapon of my design, and one of my most precious possessions. I poured my blood, sweat, and tears into crafting that beast, inscribed its runes and every little detail and engraving. Makes dealing with all sorts of foes all the more easier. Can't even tell you how many times its saved my skin." Many noted the tone in which the man spoke about the weapon. Like one would speak about an old friend.
"I see...and just what do these runes allow it to do?" Zachary asked.
"They grant my weapon a variety of things your honor. An increase in its durability, absorb lightning, make it so that only I can wield it, and allows me to transfer my power into it to activate its true potential. I don't believe I need to go into further detail your honor. There's a reason I named it Skullsmite after all." Some of the officials faces paled at the talk of the monstrous weapon, while others were intrigued at the more supernatural aspects. Zachary himself nodded in acknowledgment before turning to Keith once more.
"One last note to mention. You wrote here that Maverick shouted out in a different language when fought the titans and when he first spoke to your scouts. Only to switch to our own in order to better communicate with your regiment. Correct?" Keith nodded in confirmation, which left everyone, minus the scouts, shocked at this bit of information regarding the outsider. Zachary turned to Maverick once more and stared him down, with the marked man answering the unspoken question, not before pausing to collect his thoughts.
"The language Keith and the scouts heard by me is known as English you honor." Mutterings were heard among the gallery almost immediately as they repeated the word in their own native tongue.
"En-glish?" Said Zachary, as he worked out the syllables of the new word.
"Yes, it's a rather...common language used by the people in my homeland, and Japanese, the language were speaking right now, is also well known, as I've had to learn it during my travels." Now this little tidbit caused many wide-eyed reactions. Not only did the language they speak have a different name, but that it was spoken outside their lands. Many officials looked to one another, as if to confirm what they just heard. While the MPs muttered in hushed tones, suspicious about the marked man's statements. The Scouts however looked at the large warrior with new astonishment, none more so than the commander and his circle of closest comrades.
"Then...there are others out in the world who have survived the titans? Is there still a world out there waiting for us?" Despite his controlled tone on the outside, Zachary was all but calm on the inside. If this was all true, then this man standing before him, was living proof that they were not the last humans in the world. Perhaps he could enlighten everyone with his knowledge of the outside world, of his kinsmen, of his history. Those thoughts were interrupted however, with the next few words spoken by the outsider.
"I...can't say for certain your honor..." The mutterings stopped as everyone looked to the man in confusion. What did he mean by that? Did he not belong with some tribe of superhumans outside the Walls? Was he the last of his people? Zachary continued to stare at the man with a questioning gaze, before Keith rose to speak on Maverick's behalf.
"Maverick mentioned that his homeland lies far beyond the walls. However, he also claimed that he awoke somewhere in the southern area of the land. I initially believed he was in some sort of accident, and suffered memory loss, but he says that he can clearly remember his past. We were unable to question him further, as Shiganshina was breached, and we had to mobilize to defend the district."
"Then we shall continue where you left off." Zachary looked down at Maverick with a piercing gaze that didn't seem to affect the large man.
"I believe you owe us all an explanation, and I would very much appreciate it if you spared no details."
Maverick looked down at his restrained hands, thinking about how exactly he should go about this. There was no doubt that many would not believe his story and simply cast him off as a madman, however his appearance and feats might help to strengthen his claims, he was "supernatural" after all. After a few seconds debating inside his head, he came to a decision.
'Fuck it...'
He would tell them the whole truth, even if it did sound crazy. He just hoped they wouldn't accuse him of witchcraft and try to burn him, one time was enough.
"Alright then…I'll tell you all my story…however, I ask that you suspend your disbelief, as the things I'll say will no doubt seem...outlandish, to everyone here."
Everyone inside the courtroom stood silent as they waited in anticipation for the marked man to reveal his origins, among them the titan researcher, who awaited with bated breath. The glowing goliath took a long breath as he began to spin his tale.
"While it is true that my homeland lies beyond your walls, it is more…complicated, to say the least. As my homeland is not only located far from these Walls, but it lies far beyond this world…"
Everyone held looks of both surprise and confusion. Another world? This was something completely unheard of. It was already difficult for almost everyone to accept Maverick's existence, but the idea that he hailed from another world beyond their own, was far too impossible to imagine.
"Can you…clarify?" Zachary asked, as he wiped the fog from his glasses.
"For lack of better words your honor, I am a traveler, gifted with the ability to traverse across different worlds and realities." A few murmurs among the military officials sprung up, bewildered by the marked man's revelation.
"I see…and how have you achieved this ability?" He asked with genuine curiosity, as he was eager to figure out the alleged source of his supposed unique power.
"That…is something I have yet to figure out myself. Throughout my time I've come to believe that through some sort of…divine intervention, I was given this gift…I apologize, but that is honestly the only way I can explain it."
The murmurs and silent conversations continued, as everyone processed these new bits of information.
"And how did you become aware of this...gift?" Zachary asked.
"When I died." Was the marked man's rather blunt response. Needless to say, everyone was left silent and wide eyed. Even Zachary and the clerk had to do a double take as they eyed the man with renewed shock and awe.
"I-I'm sorry, I believe I may have misheard. Did you say…died?" The Premier asked.
"Yes, your honor. When I first died, back in my homeland, instead of an afterlife with my friends and family, I simply woke up in a field, in a completely separate world, like I was reborn anew."
The Premier remained silent, as he allowed the traveler to continue his tale.
"From then onwards, I would live my life in every new world, with all the ups and downs that comes with life itself. Some worlds were rather peaceful, some mundane, some were fantastical even…while others were nothing sort of perilous and daunting, real 'hell on earth' situations."
Maverick's eyes glowed brighter, as memories flashed before his eyes, memories of his previous lives, of the people he's met and loved, and of the foes he's faced throughout the different worlds he's awoken to.
"I've seen lands that I thought could only exist in the storybooks I read and in the myths of the old world..."
"I've met and faced powerful beings that were equal to God himself..."
"I've been to worlds where our species expanded beyond the stars, and to others where our species was fading to a distant memory..."
"I've seen history be made and legends be born right before my eyes..."
"I've faced countless trials and tribulations that have shaped me into the man I am today..."
"I've faced the crucibles of war, as I've fought in countless battles, and I have faced foes and adversaries that make your giants look tame in comparison..."
The gallery, including the Premiere, were left speechless by Maverick's tale. However, Zachary didn't fail to notice the tone in which the man spoke about the titans. Looking into the 12th commanders' report confirmed his thoughts.
"Hmmm…Based on a report by Keith, you showed a habit of calling the titans giants, as if they were lesser beings. Am I to assume that you've encountered similar creatures in you travels?" Maverick nodded.
"I have your honor. The creatures that I have faced in my travels were worthy to be called titans."
"From reaching heights greater than the tallest mountains, to wielding weaponry that slayed millions in seconds."
"The Titans I faced held the powers of the elements on their side and ruled the lands as living gods."
"I've seen Titans who could shift their bodies into living cities, and into ships that traveled beyond the stars."
"Titans who wielded unimaginable strength and could shape and alter the land, for they were the living definitions of the word TITAN..."
"I do not mean to insult your people, or make light of your situation, or insult your fallen, truly I don't...but these giants, these mindless, feral, dopey-eyed, man-eaters...they don't hold a candle to any of the ones I've faced."
This statement caused a sudden uproar of voices to erupt as they spoke out their disbelief at the absurdity of the marked man's words, only to be silenced once again by Zachary.
"ORDER!...*Sigh*….You speak of a large variety of Titans...if I may ask...which of them proved to be the most powerful?" Maverick remained silent as he closed his eyes, recalling the many titanic foes he's encountered. Minutes passed before he opened his eyes once more and spoke of one in particular.
"There was one among a group of twelve by the name of Atlas, who had the strength to carry the world upon his shoulders…"
Nearly everyone was left slack jawed at the thought of a giant lifting the entire world, even the titan enthusiast in the scouts couldn't help but shudder at the thought. The Commander-In-Chief stared downwards in disbelief, before reverting to a calmer state. As he regained his thoughts, he turned to the subject of their trial.
"You've had….quite the extraordinary life it seems…" Muttered Zachary loudly. Maverick snickered at that, for extraordinary was certainly one way to describe his life.
"That I have your honor…that I have. And you want to know the best part?" Maverick leaned forward as if what he was about to say was a grand secret. There was a short pause as Maverick wanted to build up a little bit of suspense before spitting out what he wanted to say.
"I remember. Every time I wake up, the memories of my past lives flow back into me. Whether I pass from age or meet my end, the moment I take my last breath and close my eyes, I wake up, and it all returns in a flash. All of my past experiences, everything I've ever learned and memorized, the people I've met, the places I've seen, they're all in here." He pointed at his head, despite his restraints.
There was silence as everyone was left speechless at Maverick's claim. If what he was saying was true, then the man before them was probably thousands of years old! Who knows what kind of knowledge he held. Zachary spoke again, to ask another question concerning Maverick.
"I take it that the markings on your body are more than just a series of highly detailed and extravagant tattoos, no?" The man in question let out a chuckle before answering.
"Right you are your honor. The symbols and markings engraved on my body represent the lives I've lived and the many factions and banners that I've fought under, as well as my deeds and achievements. Some blessings too, for some extra protection of course." The military officials were once again left stunned. For what they had on their hands was not only a traveler who has lived for possibly hundreds of years, but also a warrior blessed by divine forces. With this in mind, Erwin stood up once more.
"Your honor I want to reiterate my proposal. Based on Maverick's testimony, he is more than qualified to deal with the titan threat. With his experience and strength on our side, reclaiming our lost territories will be more than a stillborn dream." Before Erwin could continue, he was interrupted by Nile.
"Hold on, how do we know he is not fabricating any of this Erwin? Do you honestly believe all his talk of other worlds? Of past lives? Of these sentient, God-like titans? He could have thought of all this during a drug induced fever dream. He was found outside the Walls after all!" Members of the MPs spoke in agreement with Nile's suspicions. However, Smith was prepared for such a question, as he offered a rebuttal.
"During the short time I and our members have interacted with him, he has shown no behaviors nor symptoms related to drug use. I also highly doubt that there is any known drug that leads to glowing eyes and markings on the body. He has been aware of his actions since the first moment we encountered him, said actions have shown him to be nothing short of helpful in our endeavors and to the protection of humanity." The scouts seated around Erwin nodded in agreement with their commander. The MPs however, remained unconvinced, if anything, they seemed more suspicious of the marked man.
"How do you know his actions are genuine? He could be plotting to overthrow the government and rule over us like a tyrant! If the reports are true, then he has the strength to do so. Do you have a contingency plan, should he go rouge?" Nile asked.
"I do, should he be accepted into our ranks, Maverick be placed under one of our squads. There he will not only be involved in our operations, but also be watched and monitored at all times. Should his goals stray from that of the Survey Corps, then he will be dealt with accordingly." Erwin narrowed his eyes toward Maverick, who only offered an unintimidated look in return. Zachary spoke quickly once more, in an effort to erase any growing tension inside the courtroom.
"And who among your regiment will be chosen to watch over him, should I decide to entrust you with him?" As soon as he said those words, the resident titan researcher lifted herself from the wooden railing with an exited look on her face.
"I WILL YOUR HONOR!" Hange shouted as she raised her hand high into the air, her eyes sparkling all the while. The scout veterans couldn't help but give knowing looks to their comrade, as they all thought in unison; 'Of course she would.'
"Ah, Hange Zoë, do you believe you are capable of monitoring our marked friend?" Zachary asked with a questioning glance.
"Yes, you honor. I have interacted with him the most out of anyone in the regiment, so I am confident I can keep him in check. With his knowledge and cooperation, I am positive we can find out a sure way to beat back the titans." She gave a sideways glance at Maverick who in return gave out and amused huff. The Premier placed his hands in front of his face, as he spent a few moments alone in his thoughts before coming to a conclusion.
"Well then, I believe our inquiry regarding Maverick has reached an end, and I have made my decision." All in attendance stood silent, patiently awaiting the verdict.
"Based on the reports as well as the both the testimony and assurance given by our 'Titan Slayer', I hereby place the outsider Maverick, under the branch of the Survey Corps, where he will serve as a valued asset against the titan menace."
Cheers from the Survey Corps side erupted, while disappointed grunts came from the MPs. Maverick meanwhile was just glad that the trial was over, he wasn't very fond of them, even when he was the one giving out the sentences.
"Well, glad we could come to an agreement." He said before looking down at his bindings, and with one almost effortless move-
*CRACK*
*SNAP*
Everyone went silent as they witnessed the glowing man break through the rope and chain that held his hands in place. The Scouts held shocked looks, while the MPs and some officials looked on in complete panic as they watched the man massage his wrists. They looked more panicked as the man's glowing eyes looked in their direction. However, the movement of Maverick's arms caused the blanket over him to drop to the floor, unintentionally exposing his naked physique to everyone inside.
"OH SHI-...Ummm...Well...Eh-Heh...Opps."
Silence filled the courtroom for a few moments before it was suddenly engulfed with the sound of panicked and flustered voices from nearly every military official in attendance.
-oOo-
Inside a guest room, somewhere in the Courthouse
Inside a guest room rested the figures of Miche, Hange, and lastly Maverick. Maverick and Hange were seated on the sofa, which somehow, was capable of supporting both the scout's and the marked man's weight. Miche however, found himself seated on another chair across the room, lost in his own thoughts.
"Well, besides my minor clothing malfunction, I'd say that trial turned out pretty well." Said Maverick as he held the blanket tightly in his hands. Hange snickered as she scooted closer to the marked man.
"Heh, heh, heh. That's one way to put it, I mean, did you see their faces? Everyone was trying so hard not to look down." Maverick laughed alongside the woman as he continued. "Saw a couple of them faint too, heh, heh." Their laughter died down into a more comfortable silence as they relaxed. Hange soon turned to Maverick to probe him further. "So...a man from another world huh? Jumping from one world to the next...Still having trouble accepting that." Hange looked at the markings that made up his right hand. "And yet...the proof is written on your entire body."
"Not something you really thought of before huh?" Maverick asked, receiving a nod from the scout. "Not at all...well, I may have thought of the concept once or twice, b-but not at the point where I actually believed. Even for me it was just too...too" Hange struggled to think of the right word, lucky for her, Miche was there to help.
"Outlandish? Far-Fetched? Ridiculous?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Try all of the above." She said in a jovial tone.
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of the door opening, to reveal both Erwin and Levi, the latter holding a set of large clothing in his hands.
"Apologies for the delay, after the stunt you pulled with the bindings, I had to reassure the officials that you posed no threat." Erwin said in a slightly annoyed tone.
"I do apologize." Maverick muttered, with no remorse whatsoever.
"Don't make it a habit, your no use to us behind bars." Said Levi, as he tossed the ragged clothes onto Maverick's lap. "Don't get too excited, that's all a bunch of stitched up rags. Until we get you some actual clothes, you'll have to make do with these." Maverick lifted what seemed to be the shirt, the makeshift stitching and patchwork clearly noticeable.
"Well, better than nothing." He spoke. Levi nodded as he leaned against one of the walls, while Erwin immediately stepped forward to regain control of the conversation.
"What matters is that we succeeded in getting you into our ranks. Regardless of the outlandishness of your statements, the Commander-In-Chief, as well as the other officials, seemed satisfied with your tale." Erwin kept eye contact with the seated goliath, as a genuine smile formed on his face. "With that in mind Maverick, allow me to wholeheartedly welcome you to the Survey Corps. I look forward to working with you for many years to come." He gave the man a look of utmost respect as he held out his hand, to the surprise of the marked man. Maverick stared at the limb for a few moments, before offering the commander a smile in return as he held out his larger hand in response.
"Likewise, Smith." As the two men shook hands, Erwin couldn't help but feel a slight shock pass through his spine.
-Maverick the Titan Slayer: A Study-
The Gift of Rebirth: Revealed during his trial in the year 845, this divine ability has granted Maverick the ability to, in a sense, cheat death. The catch to this ability, however, is that upon his death, Maverick will be sent to another plane of existence. A boon to this ability is that all the experiences and memories he gains in each world are carried onto the next, thus making him an archives worth of knowledge and wisdom. It is unknown how many times he has done this, as the Slayer himself can only confirm that the amount has surpassed the hundreds mark. Whether he's lying about the number is yet to be certain.
Markings of the Past: This term refers to the symbols and patterns that decorate Maverick's skin. From head to toe, these tattoos detail the many lives that Maverick has lived. Many of the larger symbols and iconographies represent factions that Maverick has fought under. Alongside the symbols are his achievements and tales of his exploits, all written in a runic language that as of this moment, still has yet to be fully translated. One note of interest is that during downtime, the glow in Maverick's eyes, as well as his markings, seem to dim. When in battle however, the markings will glow. It is also noted that the longer Maverick fights, the brighter they glow.
AN: God this took longer than I thought. A weeklong stay in Cancun can be both fun and exhausting, hopefully this chapter was worth the wait. So, to no one's surprise, Maverick has been placed in the Survey Corps. Does he have what it takes to roll with the best soldiers this worlds humanity has to offer? Find out next time, as Maverick is brought into the fold.
Edit 7/31/21: Upon repeated readings, I felt that there were still some details left out that should have been addressed during the trial, such as Maverick speaking English and an explanation of Skullsmite, so I included some more bits into the trial scene, as well as rewritten some parts after.