-Chapter 26: Woodland Explorers-
It was the dawn of the second day of the expedition beyond the walls, and the site of the old exterior HQ was bustling with activity. The members of the Scout Regiment had all awoken early to start the next steps of their operations to retake their lands, that being to explore the greater areas of the old, abandoned headquarters. Despite the sun just barely rising over the treetops the commander was adamant that they should begin their tasks as early as possible, considering the current location.
Multiple squads were tasked to spread out into the woodlands to search for any possible areas that may be utilized for future supply lines and outposts. Delta Squad, being among the many sent out into the giant forest. They had set off southwards, keeping their eyes peeled for any points of interest inside the dense forest of giant trees, well…most of them at least…
-oOo-
"Ooh, ooh, look at this one! Ooh, I haven't seen this one before!" Hange said in delight, as she picked up a stick bug that begun to squirm under her grip.
While Maverick, Moblit, and the other boys were focused on their mission, Squad Four's leader was adamant to stop every couple minutes in order to admire and examine the local insect population that inhabited the woodlands. Her eyes sparkled through her goggles as she picked up a green carapace beetle, giggling as it scurried across her arm.
Her squad mates simply looked on with mild amusement, seeing her act in such a way that they originally believed to be reserved for titans. While they didn't want to ruin her fun they had to remind the squad leader that this wasn't the time to collect bugs.
"Hanji." Hearing her nickname come from the calm tone made her turn towards the marked man's amused look "Do you remember why they sent us out here?"
The beetle continued to crawl around her arm as she answered her tall comrade. "Of course I do! But I mean look at this! Have you ever seen this type before? Cause I sure haven't." She carefully took the beetle and brought it close to him, though before he could respond she spoke up again. "Oh what am I saying? Of course you have!"
As she began to laugh at her little remark she soon felt the grip on her shoulder slightly tightening. Turning back she was met with the still kind look on Mavericks bearded face, though his eyes had narrowed slightly. She had known him long enough to know it was a sign of him saying, "Were not doing this right now."
"*Sigh* Right…" Reluctantly she took the beetle and placed it on the ground allowing it to retreat into the nearby grass, disappearing from their sight. A dejected look formed on her face, for she didn't get the chance to write down any notes on the numerous insects she encountered. Turning around she continued to lead her squad through the woods.
Suddenly she felt the presence of the marked man once again as he lowered his head and whispered into her ear. "We'll go on a little bug hunt after we get this done, alright?" Her comrades' honeyed words improved her mood almost immediately as she walked with a pep in her steps, her focus now on her surroundings, though the occasional thought of her and Maverick collecting bugs side by side crossed her mind, making her smile.
"Was the commander specific in what spots he wanted?" Harold asked suddenly, bringing Maverick's attention to the junior scout.
"Any open areas for development and sources of water, if we're gonna have troops out here in the future they'll need those basic necessities."
"And you brought the large spears because?" Moblit asked inquisitively. His remark brought everyone's attention to the six large, sharpened logs that Maverick held under his left arm. He had apparently made them during the night, while almost everyone had fallen asleep. So it was quite a surprise to his squad mates to see him twirling one of the sharp wooden tubes the moment they woke up.
Maverick simply offered the vice-captain a grin as he brought the spears over his shoulder, careful not to hit anyone. "Figured there might be some game out here we could take back." His grin turned further upwards, as hi eyes turned towards their squad leader, though the others wouldn't know. "Plus, I've been meaning to do a little experiment."
Hearing one of her most favorite words emphasized, Hange's head turned towards her comrade, her goggles glowing in the light. A sharp grin formed on her face, matching that of the Titan Slayer.
The others let out a few chuckles, though one could hear the underlying worry in their voices.
Delta Squad continued on their trek across the woods, though they soon grew lax after a while of neither hearing nor seeing any signs of their giant adversaries. Instead, they begun to enjoy the sounds and sights of nature, something they never would have ever thought to actually be doing in their lifetimes. Sure there were giant forests inside the walls, but there was something both surreal and special to be out and about the outer forests, free from worry of a giant popping out and chomping down on your head.
Eventually the squad found themselves wandering into an area that was a prime example of what the commander had requested. Atop a small hill they surveyed the open field, noticing a few tress scattered about, with one seemingly toppled over, making a bridge connecting two pots of land. Overall, not a bad place to set up.
"This looks promising. Abel, mark this spot on the map." The goggled scout quickly brought out his charcoal stick and got to work. "Right, let's see…"
Keiji approached and leaned in on where he was marking, and immediately raised a brow. "You sure that's where we are?"
"Of course, you're doubting my map marker skills?" Lifting his head Abel was met with a cheeky look he had always dreaded from Keiji, as well as the upturned head and crossed arms.
"Considering what happened last time you had the map…" He began, to his friends immediate and expected reaction.
"W-Why are you bringing that up?!"
While the two juniors reminisced of their cadet years the veterans continued to inspect the large opening in the woods.
"What do you think Moblit?" Maverick asked his shorter squad mate, who rubbed his chin while inspecting the possible points of interest.
"Hmmm, well there's definitely enough room for a frontline base. A tower over there, supply tents further back…" He began to point towards certain spots, to which Maverick agreed. The two could almost see how the area would look in the future, as the scenery changed before them.
"Definitely will need to have some defenses, then again, doubt anything we got will do much. And we can't have you staying on the defense." Maverick tapped his foot while the gears in his brain began to turn. Looking down at his hands an idea soon begun to form, only to be interrupted by the growing argument between Keiji and Abel, which had been escalating for the last few minutes.
"Oi! What's the issue you two?" Hange spoke in a raised tone, to which the two juniors immediately shut their traps, stood firm, their backs straighten out, and eyes forward, looking into the unamused faces of their superiors, and their fellow juniors.
"A-Apologies Squad Leader! / Sorry Ma'am!" The embarrassed tone of their apologies eased the slight tension in the air as the veteran scouts eased back on the two.
"Look boys, I get being out here is exciting, believe me, but ease back on the shouting yeah?" The duo nodded apologetically earning them a small thankful smile in return. With the matter settled the squad decided to continue on their tasks, all the while Maverick kept an eye on his junior troublemakers with a reminiscent smile on his face.
'*Sigh* Just like my own…'
-oOo-
A few minutes later….
After marking their first spot the squad continued on their woodland journey at a calm pace, with the only sounds around being their footsteps and the sounds of distant wildlife, including the faint squeals of the Colossal Boar. Throughout their little walk in the woods, they discovered a multitude of interesting sights and landmarks ranging from two trees conjoined at the roots, a boulder resembling a face, to a mother bear and her cubs wandering in search of food.
After a while of walking one of the junior members of the squad spoke aloud.
"Squad Leader, permission to use our gear to get a better view?" Rashad suddenly asked, to which Hange placed a finger to her chin for a few moments, before turning to him with a smile.
"Granted, but be sure not to use much gas, don't know when we'll need to make a hasty retreat." At her approval Rashad and Harold nodded to one another and hooked their anchors on a nearby tree, soaring off ahead of their squad mates.
"Were not following them Ma'am?" Abel asked, two which Hange chuckled.
"Were scouts, scouting ahead is in our job description." Her jest earned her a laugh from Maverick. "Plus, they know what to do when one of them shows up." The confidence in her tone went unappreciated by her juniors, glad to know she trusted in their abilities.
"Now that you mention it, haven't heard or seen any titans for a while now." Able said, looking around the sea of trees. He was right, ever since they began their little excursion there had been absolutely zero sightings of humanity's most feared and hated enemy.
"Heh, Maybe Ceasar really did clear out the entire forest." Keiji joked, a sentiment felt by the other members of Delta. While it may be a bit of a stretch the thought brought comfort to the scouts, considering the beast had wandered off in the night, more than likely going after both food and prey.
With that in mind Maverick took a deep breath and exhaled, with Hange noticing the relaxed tone in his voice. "*Chuckles* Happy to not be punching a titan in the face?"
"Gotta enjoy these little moments of peace whenever we can Hanji." He said, a content smile on his face, which soon fell slightly as he continued, his head shifting towards the great oaks.
"Especially when the trees aren't coming alive to smack you…" The group didn't show much surprise at his remark, for they had become quite familiar with the concept of living forests and the existence of treefolk, thanks to his tales of Athel Loren, the Deku Tree, Dryads, and of course, the Ents.
"Ah yeah, I remember…" Hange spoke, recalling the story of the "shepherds" of the trees. Out of the stories told she was quite fond of them the most, for theirs was both a fascinating and saddening tale. One she felt relatable.
"Mav." Looking down he was met with Hanges downward look, surprising him. "Treebeard and his friends…you think they ever found their wives before they all…you know?" At the mention of the elder Ent he looked back at the giant trees surrounding them, trying to find the answer to her question.
"*Sigh* I can only hope Hange." His answer, while not quite reassuring, was honestly what she expected. From what he told he didn't live long to witness the fate of the Ents or their people, only that their numbers were declining. Like Maverick she too hoped they had managed to find their other halves and continue protecting their cherished homes.
"Squad Leader!" Rashad's voice brought Hange out of her thoughts, just in time to see the two scouts soaring across the tree branches. Even more surprising was the rather expressive look from the usually calm Rashad. "Weve spotted a stream, just up ahead!"
-oOo-
Following their comrades, the members of Delta maneuvered around the forest till Rashad and Harold descended down, leading the others to the stream they located.
Surrounded by the foliage lied the flowing stream of water, passing over or around multiple rock formations, towards an unknow destination. Walking closer towards it Hange could see her reflection rippling in the fresh-looking water.
"Nice work you two." Hange praised her two squad mates. "Flowing from the east, gotta be a lake or a greater river close by…" While Hange continued to think Moblit's reflection appeared beside her as he stuck his hand into the cool water.
"Looks fresh enough." Just then Maverick's reflection appeared towering over the two all the while chuckling at his friend's statement. "Looks can be quite deceiving Moblit. All sorts of critters are swimming about that water, ready to mess up your insides."
"Yeah, we gotta boil the water first." Harold added, to the surprise of the seven-foot man.
"They teach you that in basic?" The juniors held looks of pride as Harold answered. "Wilderness exercises sir, had to prepare us for any situation." The sight of the lad in a heroic stance made the marked man smile. Just then the sound of moving bushes brought the squads attention to the sight of another of the forests' local inhabitants.
"Hoh? Looks like were not the only ones…" Appearing from the bushes were five deer, that didn't seem to care about their presence, which was just fine and dandy as far as Maverick was concerned.
"No one move, or make a sound, this won't take long." Slowly he began to rise, and ever so carefully he stuck five of the six spears into the ground, his eyes never leaving the direction of the deer that were still drinking from the stream, their ears weary of any sounds and dangers.
"You really going through with this?" Moblit whispered as Maverick slowly aimed his spear at the closest deer in the pack.
"The acts I commit, I do for the sake of the regiment Moblit."
Without any warning Maverick launched the spear towards its intended target impaling the deer, sending it crashing down into the water, spooking the others. Before the bucks could even begin to move another two were taken out with a single spear. The remaining two began to prance about in a panic wanting to get as far away from the danger. Unfortunately the one hunting them was not keen on letting them flee and quickly grabbed two spears, and chucked them straight toward their trajected path.
In a matter of a few seconds all five deer lied dead, their bodies impaled and bleeding.
"Holy!" Was all that young Abel was able to shout out as no true words could express his shock. A sentiment shared by his comrades.
"Ha, Ha! Jeez Mav, this how you usually hunt?" Hange asked.
"*Chuckles* Used to hunt with a rifle, and a bow on the occasion, but you know…they don't make firearms my size." With that he began to make his way towards his slain quarry, as the others followed alongside him.
"Abel, mark this point on the map." Hange said, a request immediately fulfilled by the googled eye scout. "So what's this experiment of entail exactly?" She then asked, finally wanting to know what his plan entailed.
"Remember those reaction test we did on the giants way back when?" Hange nodded, for it was one of her most often remembered moments in her life. "Well, if I'm correct than these will give us quite the advantage." He said, lifting the deer corpse close to his companions.
His squad mates were taken aback at first, for what use could dead animals provide. Though soon the gears in their heads, especially Hange, began to turn. Soon her eyes widened as she finally realized what he was going with all this.
"Mav, a-are you suggesting we-"
"Utilize these animal pelts to confuse our already dim-witted giant adversaries? Yes."
The squad stood silent processing what he said and soon all their faces had looks of sudden realization. It sounded so simple, making them seriously wonder why they hadn't thought of this before.
Titans don't attack or eat any and all animals, why not wear their pelts and disguise themselves as said animals? They had the tests to prove it, and now they had the means to utilize this new stratagem. Maverick couldn't help but smile a little as he watched their faces, only for that smile to drop at the sight of Hange, whose look of surprised realization morphed into one of anger. Before he could say something she began to scream.
"GAHHHHH!"
The others nearly jumped out of their skins at the woman's shriek, as she grasped her head and pulled at her hair.
"S-Squad Leader?!" Moblit shouted as he approached her, only to back away as she smacked her head in utter hysteria.
"WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT SOONER?! GODS ABOVE! AHHHHH!" The squad simply remained in stunned silence as she continued to mutter and curse at herself. Though eventually Maverick stepped in to stop her from hurting herself.
"Easy Hanji-"
"NO! WE COULD HAVE THOUGHT OF DOING THAT YEARS AGO, HOW COULD I BE SO STU-"
Her rant was interrupted as the large man put both his hands on her shoulder and gave her a hardened look, immediately calming her down, though her troubled look persisted. Upon making eye contact his look softened.
"Don't beat yourself up over it, it's not worth it Hange." His calm tone seemed to ease her, as well as making her cheeks go slightly red, yet he could tell she was still upset. "Look, the scouts of the past didn't think of this before either, or maybe they did, and it didn't work." He continued.
"And considering the giant mutants seem to have a lock on us every time they even get a glimpse of us, then maybe it wasn't worth it to try." Hange began to shake her head and grasped his hands. For that was the problem, in the years that the Survey Corps was active why hadn't anyone thought of or tried this tactic? How many would still be alive or have survived their first expeditions had they done this sooner?
"But we could have, should have. I-I just can't believe it took us having you around for the thought to even cross my mind. I'm supposed to be the lead in titan research dammit!" He could feel her shake as she emphasized the last part. He rubbed her back in an effort to comfort her, for this must have truly been a blow to her pride as the sole researcher in all things titan related. All he could do at this moment was offer her some comforting words.
"Well, it's not too late to try." Looking up he was met with a still upset look. "Besides I'm just as guilty for not thinking of this sooner, considering I've done stuff like this before." Her eyes widened. He wasn't wrong, he could have told them months ago, especially when they had done the experiments, just like when he told them about the titans possible origins. She should be upset with him, yet for some odd reason, she couldn't find it herself to chastise him.
"H-He's right Squad Leader." Moblit said as he approached the two. "I'm at fault as well for not considering the possibility." Hange looked at her longtime assistant with a shocked look, just as the others joined in.
"Neither did any of us." Keiji added. Hange remained silent as her comrades surrounded her, as Maverick gave his them all a thankful smile. Only for that smile to drop as he heard the faint sound of a gun going off.
"You all heard that?" He said, turning his head northward. The other looked in the direction of the sound and soon saw the faint blue through the trees. "The retreat signal…" Moblit said, watching the blue flare disappear from sight.
"Well, guess exploring time's up." Letting go of his superior Maverick picked up his deer's on a stick while the others gathered their belongings and supplies, ready to head back to the exterior HQ.
"How long have we been out here?" Harold asked. Looking up at the sky the others noticed that the sun seemed to have gone down. "Almost all afternoon, judging by the sun." Maverick replied while keeping in step with Hange who still seemed a bit down in the dumps, patting her shoulder he gave her a reassuring smile, which was reciprocated by the squad leader. "Wow, and still not a single titan in sight." Abel spoke up, causing a few chuckles from the gang.
"Don't jinx us Goggles."
-oOo-
Exterior Headquarters, late afternoon
Following the retreat order the commander had returning squads gathered around so that they may report on their findings during their woodland explorations Minus Delta who had yet to arrive, but he figured they would return eventually, hopefully before sundown. In the meantime, he had Darius start off with his report on the western front.
"Weve spotted a few areas that look promising here, here, and here. As well as a large cave further west, didn't spend too much time exploring, but believe me sir its bigger on the inside. Possibly an entire underground system in of itself."
"An underground system? Interesting." Erwin said before turning to the next squad leader to his right. "Dirk?"
"Besides some old titan stomping grounds we located some old ruins here." Pointing to the area on his map Erwin was a little surprised to see that the alleged ruins were that far into titan territory.
"*Sigh* Remains from our predecessors no doubt…" He deduced, only for Dirk to say something rather surprising.
"I don't think so sir." Erwin's brows raised as he quickly turned back to the squad leader. "Explain."
"The structure my team found looked quite old, not to mention the material was made of stone. We also realized we were walking along an old pathway alongside the remains." Erwin interest was piqued, but he allowed his comrade to continue. "My guess sir, is that this was an old outpost, from before our ancestors retreated into the walls."
Erwin remained quiet as his mind processed the information. A possible relic from before humanities time in the Walls was quite the extraordinary find. Though he didn't get much time to think as Miche began to sniff the air, causing some scouts to tense up.
"Miche?" The tall blonde continued to sniff the air for a few moments before he finally responded.
"Delta's coming back. Bringing back some game." He said in his ever-stoic tone. A couple minutes later Hanger and her squad had appeared from behind a couple of trees, and just like Miche said they had brought something back.
"Only a guy like him could hunt deer like that." Levi voiced, watching the large man carrying said animals over his shoulder, still skewered to their large stakes. All with a content look on his bearded face.
"Heyoo!" Hange exclaimed while waving her hand at the gathered scouts, her mood seemingly recovered.
"Delta, nice to see you've all returned safely." Erwin said, though he was certain he didn't need to worry, considering who was in their squad.
"No doubt we've had some help along the way." Hange said, looking towards an open area of the HQ where Ceasar was currently resting, for he had grown tired of hunting easy prey. The others turned and looked at the great boar with humored looks.
"Indeed, we've gotten numerous reports of titan corpses scattered about." A sharp laugh came from Dirk in response. "This keeps up, then that swine's gonna put us out of a job."
"Hah, might as well give the ol' boar a medal after this." Darius added earning him a few chuckles. They were soon silenced as Erwin gestured for the goggled woman to speak.
"Hange, your report?" Coughing into her hand she put on her serious face as she looked to her fellow goggled scout, who understood and gave her their map in order to detail what her squad had found during their excursion.
"We found a few spots that looked suitable for development, as well as a river flowing down here. Considering it's the southern area I'd recommend we get some armaments installed as well, preferably the explosive kid." She emphasized the word, to which many understood.
"Doubt the Garisson would be willing to provide us the firepower and men, much less bring them outside the walls." Levi countered, a sentiment felt by everyone present.
"Indeed, they'll want assurance the area is safe from titans, but considering they tend to appear from the south…" Nothing more needed to be said as the commander finished. Getting back on track he turned to Hange once again. "Anything else to report?" Shaking her head he nodded before finally turning to the marked man who still held the bleeding carcasses.
"And the deer staked?" The large man smiled as he brought them forward, causing the others to immediately back away, none more so than the halfling who nearly had some blood droplets land on his jacket.
"Figured I'd pick up some dinner along the way Commander." He smirked presenting his deer-on-a-stick, like some prized trophy earned through some treacherous ordeal. Some were stunned by the fact he had managed to kill two bucks with one spear, especially those scouts with hunting backgrounds.
"Don't mind some venison with my rations." Miche spoke with a smirk a sentiment many could agree with. Seeing as the sky was turning orange the commander decided it was best to end things here and allow his men a much deserved rest.
"Well then, suppose this meeting is adjourned." With that the squad leaders began to head back to their individual squads, though not before a few final words from Erwin. "We'll update our grand map once we return to headquarters, so make sure your maps are in a safe and secure location." Nodding and saluting everyone began to disperse back to their encampments. Delta as well made their way, until the largest was stopped by a recognizable voice.
"Need help with the deer Mav?" Turning and looking down he was met with Miche's second in command staring up at him with an expectant smile, something he had noticed she had done more often, especially when she was around him.
"Sure, more the merrier." Removing the spear from one of his hunts bodies he slowly lowered it down allowing the blonde to get a good grip on the corpse. "You got it?" His answer came as she brought the buck's body over her shoulder, securing it in a fireman's carry,
"I'm tougher than I look Mav." A dry chuckle escaped the mans lips, at her smirking face.
"Didn't doubt you for a second Nana." Waving at his squad mates the two soon made their way towards a prep area that had been made for such an occasion. All the while the leader of the Fourth Squad kept her gaze on the two.
-oOo-
"And you're sure that this kamo-flaj will actually help us?" Nanaba asked while skinning a deer. For the last couple of minutes Maverick had explained to her his theory on his future experiment with the pelts, as well as this new up and coming tactic he had in mind.
"Camouflage, and yes. Used it plenty of times in past conflicts, as well as hunting to. Hell, we had suits made for such an occasion."
"Oh?" Nanaba spoke, her interest very much piqued.
"Mhmm, called them ghillie suits, made us a part of whatever environment, or season, we found ourselves in, putting a couple actual leaves and twigs helped too. Nearly invisible to the naked eye, whether from afar or right under your nose." A suit that could make you practically unseen by everything? Nanaba couldn't decide whether to be impressed or frightened by the concept. Looking back at the near removed deer skin she continued.
"And you think, with these, we can fool the titans?" She asked with a hint of hopefulness in her voice. Maverick picked up on it and responded as truthfully as he could, with a little bit of optimism.
"That's the theory to be honest. But I got a hell of a good feeling." That earned him a half smile and a pat on the arm from the tomboy, who hands were still bloody form her task.
"Well, good luck with your crazy endeavors." She handed him the skinned deer she had finished, chuckling a little as quite a bit of blood got on his clothes.
"Hmph, you say that now, but when you're wearing a deer skin and a giant just walks past you, you'll know which squad to thank." He rebuked, pointing his large bloody finger near her face, and giving a stern look. She however saw through his little act, as she slapped his finger away causing him to return a smile.
"*Chuckles* We'll see." Thanking her for her assistance the two departed back to the center area of their HQ where the rest of the regiment had gathered and ate their dinners, with Maverick carrying the skinned deer, while Nanaba carried the pelts.
"So Mav, Hange says you have a possible method for masking us from the titans." Maverick made sure the deer weren't too close to the fire before answering. "Indeed I do sir."
"And you've kept it to yourself all this time because?" Levi quickly said, his eyes staring up at Maverick's glowing orbs. Sighing he told the halfling strait up, not bothering to make excuses.
"Not gonna lie, with the late night experiments, training the new recruits, building the net guns, smashing giant skulls, it honestly just slipped my mind." There was a bit of silence as many waited for the captain's response. In the end all Maverick got was a hardened look and a slightly irritated sigh.
'Scatterbrain' Was the word in his mind. He would have voiced it out to the glowing buffoon, yet he knew he really had no place to say. He'd been part of the regiment longer than him, yet the idea never crossed his mind, just like everyone else.
"Well better late than never as the saying goes." Erwin said, trying to decrease whatever tension brewing between the two, only to look back at Maverick and notice a slight issue. "Though I see you only gathered five pelts."
"Eh I'll hunt more before we leave, besides these will barely cover me." Maverick responded, placing one of the pelts on, which of course was far too small for his build, eliciting chuckles from his fellows.
"Yeah, think a bear might suit you better." Others agreed, for the idea of the large man adorned with a pelt of such a beast to be quite appropriate, or hardcore, as he'd sometimes say.
"Won't that piss off your bear god?" A scout asked, pointing at the markings on his right arm, causing Maverick to go quiet for a bit, before he waves his arm nonchalantly.
"Ahhh Ursun won't mind, didn't give a damn when I killed and skinned one of his descendants." Silence filled the area once again, for his statement left everyone quite unsettled by his blatant admission.
"You…skinned him?" Moblit asked, emphasizing the word, wondering if what he heard was right.
"Yep, him and the rest of his furry chaos gang." The mention of the world chaos was a familiar term to the scouts, in part to his many tales of fighting said forces of chaos.
"Ohhhh, one of those worshippers of the ruinous powers huh?" The scout said in an uncaring tone. Nodding in confirmation made everyone deflate, bringing the tension in the camp down immediately, for the scouts cared little for the fates of such individuals. After all, why pity a group of deranged troublemakers that worshiped the violent, manipulative, disgusting, and sinful aspects of humankind, that wished to cause discord and bring about the literal end of the world?
With that the scouts continued to enjoy their meals, all the while they began to tell tales of their individual explorations into the deeper parts of the woods. Suddenly Ceasar ears perked up, causing the boar to snarl and rise from its resting place, just as Miche began to sniff the air.
"Where's it coming Miche?" Erwin asked. While the smell of cooked meat made it slightly difficult, it wouldn't deter the sniffer as he turned his head southward.
"South, slowly but surely. Ceasar's got a lock on it to."
Seeing the boar paw at the ground was a clear sign that a titan was in the vicinity. Many scouts began to rise, their training kicking in as they prepared for an incoming attack. Maverick couldn't help but let out a sigh, as he hoped they could go another day with no gigantic interruptions.
"Mav!" The goliath was brought out of his thoughts as Hange began to shake his arm. Turning to her he saw she had a deer pelt in her hands, with the other members, minus Moblit, having adorned the furs. The determined look on their faces was all he needed to know they were ready to get this on-field experiment started.
"Right!" Arming themselves with their ODM gear they began to head out, though not before Maverick gave a command to his mount. "Ceasar stay put!" Immediately the boar stopped moving, remaining motionless.
"Alright lads, let's put this theory to the test!" Delta Squad wasted no time and fired their anchors at the nearest tree soaring over the heads of many scouts, and flew off towards the location of their foe.
"Be careful!" A scout cried. While unnecessary, considering who made up the squad, it was nonetheless appreciated.
-oOo-
In the southern side of the Giant Forest…
Delta Squad had traversed the forest, heading towards the alleged location of the titan smelled by the sniffer and boar. One they heard the stomps they descended and continued on foot, while getting their pelt ready.
After a short sprint they spotted their target, and hid themselves behind the trees, avoiding its sight. Taking a few short glances they spotted the giant, in all its disturbing glory. It moved on long skinny legs, with equally long arms. Its ribs were quite visible as well as visible hip bones, with an equally sunken face, displaying a toothy grin.
The sluggishness in its movements was clear to see, for the setting sun had taken away much of the beasts unnatural stamina, giving Delta Squad an advantage.
"Heh, getting sleepy are we?" A chuckle escaped Maverick's lips catching the attention of his squad mates. "Alright, looks like smiley over there is about to pass out, so let's get this done quick."
"So, how are doing this?" Moblit whispered, while the others kept silent, keeping watch over the titan.
"Simple my dear Berner, one of us will have to go out there and present themselves to the giant, and see if it reacts." Nervous looks formed on the gang, minus Hange who giggled like a schoolgirl at the prospect.
"H-How will we decide?" Rubbing his beard Maverick thought for a moment before answering his worrywart comrade.
"Well normally I'd suggest rock, paper, scissors. But unfortunately, were short for time so…." Grasping the vice-captain's shoulder he gave the big smile, immediately unnerving the shorter scout.
"Go get 'em Moblit."
"W-What?! Why Me?!" He sharply whispered. In a calm tone the large man responded.
"Well Hange needs to document this, The pelts' too small for me, and our juniors are the future of the regiment." Moblit remained silent and in utter disbelief. For his friend was starting to speak much like the Squad Leader.
"It's getting closer…" Keiji whispered, as he saw the titan slowly, but surely, getting close to their position.
"C'mon Moblit, if this works this will help save lives! Besides, we'll be right here ready to take it out, trust me." Moblit remained silent for a few moments, before sighing and placing the deer skin over his head. While he had many reservations about this, the possibility that this may decrease the scouts death toll was truly a chance worth taking, though he wished someone else would take the chance instead of him. Patting his shoulder a more sincere smile formed on the goliaths face. "I'll buy you a drink when we get back."
"Heh, get ready to lose three months' worth of pay then." Taking a deep breath the vice-captain bravely stepped out and wandered about, poorly simulating a lost buck. Though he stopped in place as the titan had slowly stopped and glanced down at him.
The others drew their blades as they watched the lanky titan continue to look down at Moblit. To the surprise of everyone the giant didn't attack him, instead it simply watched the pelt adorned scout, letting out a gargled moan in what seemed to be…confusion.
"Gods above…" Hange said, nearly dropping her charcoal stick. The junior members muttered amongst themselves as well, in utter disbelief at the scene before them.
"I-I-Its…just s-staring at him…"
"L-Like it has no idea what to make of him…"
"Just like Ceasar…"
"Huh, guess titans really are that stupid…"
These were but a few short words the squad had to say about what they were witnessing. For this was quite possibly the most important tactical discovery the scouts had made in years.
All the meanwhile Moblit remained completely still, a constant stream of sweat running down his face. He held his breath as he felt the titans heavy breaths flow down to him, as if it was trying to psyche him out, which was slowly working. Images of being in the titans grasp began to fill his mind, filling him with dread. Muttering prayers he remained in place, his fight or flight instincts going off like crazy.
But suddenly, as if hearing his prayers, he sensed that the titans haggard breath and smell had grown distant, followed by the loud thumps. Gulping he slowly looked up and watched with wide eyes as the titan slowly continued to trudge on its path, ignoring him completely.
"H-H-Holy…." He stuttered, his mind completely baffled and surprised. No words could describe what he was feeling right now, the only thing his mind was to shut down after the ordeal. Continuing to watch the titans back his legs began to buckle and collapse in on themselves.
Seeing his friend and comrade on the ground Maverick decided it was time to end the experiment. As the titan passed them he dashed towards it, slashing its Achilles heels. He didn't wait for it to come down as he jumped towards the back of its nape, and ended its life.
Leaving the steaming body he rushed to his friends side, picking him up and onto his shaking legs, caring little for the antlers on the pelt poking at his arm.
"Easy Moblit, easy. Deep breaths." Doing just that the vice-captain began to slowly recover, controlling his breathing and eventually getting himself steady once again.
"*You owe me…big time*" Moblit spoke in a sharp tone towards his large squad mate. Looking up Maverick was met with the near teary eyes of his comrade, Giving an understanding look Maverick patted his shoulder. "*You just name the time and place bud.*"
Turning to Hange he saw she was rapidly scribbling down notes into her journal. "Think we got enough info for today eh?" Madly giggling she looked at him with sparkling eyes. "Definitely! This may be perhaps the most important discovery we have made yet!" Soon she calmed down, her smile shifting to a more neutral look. "*Sigh* If only we'd done it sooner…"
"Better late than never Hange." Nodding in agreement she decided it was best to stop dwelling on the past and think of the future and the many possibilities. "Well then, let's go deliver the good news lads, sure everyone will lose their shit after this."
Getting a chuckle out of his remark the squad made their way back to the exterior headquarters, armed with new knowledge that would prove to be invaluable for the future expeditions to come.
A/N: Back from my vacation with the family. Was nice to see my relatives and unwind from the trudge of day-to-day life, but the good times can't last forever. So, to be honest this chapter was a little bit of a slog to finish, think I'm starting to finally feel the burnout. This doesn't mean I'm going to just give up though, believe me the last thing I want to do is abandon this story, but I'd be lying if I say there haven't been days where I haven't written as much as I originally wanted to. Plus, I've found myself with less free time than before, what with now actively searching for a better job, as well as other responsibilities.
But enough of that, instead let's talk about a little something that happened in this chapter, that being the little experiment made by Delta. I remember way back when, when AOT was at the height of its popularity, that I asked myself when watching the first season.
"Why don't the scouts wear animal pelts?"
Think about it, really. The titans don't even bother with any other animal besides humans, other than a few special hairy cases. They're also not very bright, like the titular zombies of modern media. Would it really be a stretch for someone to try to fool the titans with pelts?
Admit it, you're now thinking the exact same thing.
Of course, titans don't behave normally, they don't need to breath or require actual sustenance from the people they eat, I'm sure we all know that. So maybe the pelt thing wouldn't even work, maybe they have an instinctual knowledge that makes them able to discern humans from animals.
But as far as I'm concerned, I'm the first person to even think of this. Haven't seen any discussions related to this possible tactic, nor have I seen or read any mention of this from Isayama, less there's some interview of him out there where the specific question was asked.
Then again this is a fanfiction, so anything goes I suppose. I want the Survey Corps to nit only fight harder, but also smarter. Like I said back in another A/N the scouts will be a whole nother beast by the time Eren and the gang join. That's the plan at least.
Welp nothing more to say, like always thanks for reading.