-Chapter 27: Back to the Walls-

After receiving the news of Delta's successful experiment Erwin had ordered for all scouts who had brought hunting equipment to the expedition to prepare themselves for an impromptu hunting season. Thus, the following days were spent shortening the deer population around the exterior HQ, as well as a few other animals that were either unfortunate or foolish enough to encounter the Scout Regiment.

In the early hours of the afternoon, we find the scouts currently adorning their new pelt cloaks, securing them with bits of ODM wire or rope, and of course some with more success than others.

"Make sure those straps are secure, wouldn't want your disguise to fly off during the retreat." Said Darius, his wolf head cloak securely raised above his head. He received a few amused looks at his new appearance, but he paid them no mind, as he saw one of his juniors struggling to tie their pelt.

"Hrm, can't get the loop on right." Marlene muttered, frustration very much clear in her voice. "Hold on, let me help ya." A few short minutes and the strap was secured alongside a very thankful look from the young scout. Soon a sigh was heard, causing the two to turn to another junior, who was struggling as well.

"*Sigh* Y'know when I joined, I thought I'd just be killing titans, not skinning and wearing a deer like some deranged bandit." The scout was clearly born and raised up in Wall Rose, for their only experience of woodland activities was taking a pleasant stroll through the giant forests, with its routes protected by local wardens and other authorities. With a short laugh Darius approached his younger comrade and assisted him as well.

"Times are changing kid, and the scouts' gotta change along with it." Looking at the snout of the slain deer that now shadowed his head the junior still seemed to be unconvinced of the new edition to his uniform.

"You think this will actually help us Squad Leader?" His question was met with an immediate response.

"If Delta says it worked, then it works." The absoluteness and sternness in his tone was very surprising, it was as if the young scout had spoken out of line. The slightly tense scene was soon interrupted by the chuckles of a fellow veteran.

"Hah, yeah. Remember the squad leaders face? No way she would have been like that if it didn't." Memories of that day came flooding back to them. The sight of Delta Squad's leader frantically running about the camps, screaming out "IT WORKS, IT WORKS" at the top of her lungs while holding the bloody deer skin was an amusing sight to see.

"Plus, Mav's got more experience than all the regiment combined." Another scout added, which brought up yet another question from their younger member. "Then why didn't he say anything before?"

"The man's brains' like a big ol' library, can't imagine how many things he has to remember on a daily basis." The vet replied, tapping his own skull as if to provide an example. Getting close he spoke in a quieter tone. "Plus, the Squad Leader's been keeping him busy."

His phrasing caused the young scout to give a questioning look, as well as making Marlene chuckle. Turning his head towards the center of the campgrounds, he saw the commander and other higher up members of the regiment gathered around. More specifically at the goliath and eccentric leader of Delta Squad, who the latter swayed a little as they listened to the commander speak, the two nearly within touching distance.

The young scout still seemed rather stumped at what his senior member was talking about as the commander's head raised and shouted for everyone to hear.

"Everyone, gather around!"

In moments every member of the expedition encircled the commander's retinue, like schoolchildren surrounding a carriage carrying confectionary treats. All eyes on the deer adorned commander as he began to speak.

"In a few minutes well be returning to the Walls, now I know that many of you are still without a pelt so here's how well do it." Looking down at the map on the log provided he continued.

"Well stick to our usual phalanx formation exiting the forest. Once outside however, we'll reform to the long-range scouting formation. Those without pelts will be repositioned near the center, while those with skins will take charge of the exterior. This will hopefully allow us to traverse the land unmolested by the enemy." A few agreed mutterings were heard from the scouts seeing it as the soundest plan.

"Less we see one of the buggers straight ahead I imagine." A small smirk formed on Erwin's lips as he already had a plan for such an occasion.

"Which is why Maverick will be there to take care of any hazards in our way." All eyes turned to the giant, as he gave a friendly hand wave and a smile under his beard.

"Let's not begin to grow lax." Erwin spoke, bringing everyone's attention. "While we've gained a great advantage, we'll treat this as any other return trip, dangers and threats included, understood?" The serious looks from everyone was the only answer he needed. "Right then, gather your gear, mount up, and get ready to move out!"

With that everyone dispersed and set off to complete any last-minute tasks yet to be completed, though a few seemed to have some choice thoughts concerning the new status quo.

"Gonna take three baths after this…" Came the annoyed remark from Levi, who held a disgusted look as he readjusted his new wolf headed cloak, attempting to air away the iron smell still emanating from the skin, only for his attention to turn to the chuckles from the one responsible for this new addition to the uniform.

"Aww relax Levi. Plus, the smell from our pelts will help in masking our scent from the titans." Hange said with a beaming smile, which only served to sour the halflings already less than pleasant mood.

"Five baths…" Was all he said as he made his way to his dark coated steed, seemingly wanting nothing more than for this day to end.

Having enough of bothering Levi, Maverick and Hange made their way back to their side of the camp, all the while conversing about the giant's new attire.

"How's your new layer of skin?" Hange joked, tugging the back of Maverick new bear cloak. Letting out an amused tongue click he pulled back his hood, revealing his dark wild hair and glowing features.

"Certainly feel a lot warmer. Gonna be hell once were out in the fields." Hange chuckled at the last part, offering her comrade a pat on his lower back.

"*Giggle* Winter can't come soon enough." Sending a smile down her way the two continued on their way, catching a conversation between Miche and his squad.

"Squad Leader, you sure you don't want to remove the antlers?" Tomas asked holding a saw. Miche shook his head as he took his new cloak and secured it over his shoulders.

"No time. I'll sort it out when we get back." The sight of the deer head mixed with Miche's usual flat look caused a few chuckles from his squad mates. Hange sent the tall man a compliment getting a nod in return.

Finally making it back to their squad Hange began to help her vice-captain in picking up their tent, while Maverick helped his juniors in rolling up their bedrolls.

"*Sigh* Sucks we have to leave so soon." Keiji spoke, looking around the surrounding area. His fellows voiced out in agreement as they too took a few moments to admire all they had managed to achieve outside the Walls.

"Get what you mean, was honestly starting to get used to this place." Harold said. The young scout was a bit surprised to hear that come out of his mouth, but he couldn't deny that the place was turning out alright, made him wonder what it was like in its prime.

Feeling a hand on his shoulder he turned to see Hange giving him a very bright, near-motherly smile on her face.

"Not to worry, I'm certain we'll be back here in the future. After all, we've only scratched the surface of these lands." A glint shined on her goggles as she took a few steps towards the area outside the camp, staring off into the woods, with an almost longing look forming on her face.

"Who knows what awaits us beyond these woods…"

-oOo-

Minutes later…

"Are all the carts prepped?" Erwin asked. Turning to his superior Pier responded.

"Yes sir. All remaining supplies have been stored, and our injured are all wrapped up in deer skins." Turning to said cart a small, amused smile formed on Erwin's face as he saw the head of a scout pop out from the covering, spitting out hair and choice words as he wiped his mouth.

"Alright, lets-" He was interrupted as the sounds of Caesars snarls entered his ears. Turning everyone looked to see the giant boar begin to stand and turn its head towards the outer forest, pawing the ground in anticipation.

"Titans approaching! Southside!" Shouted Miche, armed and ready. Alarmed looks formed on everyone's faces, if only for a few moments, as soon everyone began to prepare for a confrontation with the mortal enemies of humanity.

"Not a moment too soon…" Erwin muttered. "How many Miche?!"

"Quite a few! A pack no doubt!" Miche quickly responded, his squad mates looking at the direction of where their enemy was supposedly approaching. Moments later the sound of birds chirping, and distant thumping confirmed the sniffers claims.

"Hmph, well that's just dandy. What's the plan Erwin?" The commander took a few moments before saying his thoughts aloud.

"Leaving immediately will give us a head start, but…" His sights turned to the old HQ and the defenses built around the area. "Will our fortifications be able to hold after we leave?"

"Probably not." Came the quick response from the small captain.

Erwin found himself in quite a predicament. Either order his men to stay and fight, risking loses in their ranks, or depart now and risk the destruction of their newly acquired future base of operations, thus loosing whatever progress they had made throughout the week.

A pack against the entire regiment should be no problem, considering they had the advantage of their environment, but what if more were on their way? And how long could their nets be able to hold back a possible wave of titans before finally breaking? Decisions like these were never easy.

But luckily the commander was blessed to have someone more than capable of making such a decision, mostly at his own expense.

"I can give the regiment that head start commander." The confident tone and loud footsteps brought their attention to the marked man who stood over them an eager grin stretched across his bearded face. "And keep em away from the base."

While he wished to not have to rely solely on their resident demigod the commander found it quite difficult to deny his obvious request to take on the incoming threats. Plus, the look on his face was hiding a clear urge and intent to cause bodily harm on their enemies.

"Of course." Those string of words were all Maverick needed as he saluted and quickly turned on his heels and began to head off and cause mayhem.

"Maverick." The commander's serious tone caused him to turn back, to see the hardened look turn to a half smile. "Do return soon, preferably before we reach the outskirts of the forest."

A chuckle escaped the large man's lips as he saluted once again and set off to deal with the shambling threats, with their approach becoming more audible as they spoke.

"Caesar, follow the regiment!" The boar obeyed its master's command and remained in place, though it still kept its eye on the area where the titans were slowly approaching from.

He spared his squad mates a glance as he held out his right hand, Skullsmite immediately rising from its resting place, and flying into its creator's grip.

"Mav, where you going?!" Hange exclaimed, watching as her comrade jumped high into the air, grabbing onto a branch, and launching himself towards another. His gymnastics always an eye-catching sight.

"Pest control, be back soon!" His squad could only watch as he jumped from tree to tree, disappearing into the greater giant forest. Hange was on the verge of ordering the other to pursue him, only for a hand on her shoulder stopping her in her tracks. Said hand being that of Commander Smith.

"See to your squad Hange." Was all he said to her, as he turned to his regiment, who had finished in their preparations and awaited his next command.

"All squads, mount up and form a phalanx! We're leaving!"

-oOo-

Maverick leapt and swung his way across the thick forest, a smile stretched across his face as he took off his bear hood, letting the wind blow his hair back. All without the use of his ODM gear, telling himself that it was best to save as much gas as possible, for emergencies of course.

Continuing to advance he soon caught a glimpse of a tall figure through the trees, then another, and another. He had to give Michey Boy credit, when he said a pack a coming, a pack was coming.

"Found you…"

His grip on his morning star tightened, the engravings and runes lighting up, just as his markings began to shine through his clothes, catching the eyes of the approaching horde. Groans and snapping jaws filled the air as the titans increased their speed, bumping and smashing into one another, all for the chance to take a bite out of the glowing man.

Unfortunately for them, they would be nothing more than more corpses for the mound.

"HOPE YOU LIKE THE TASTE OF OBSIDIAN!" With a mighty throw he launched his weapon straight in the path of the lead titan. The morning star continued to live up to its name as it shattered the giants head like a porcelain doll, sending a bloody shockwave as its body fell limp. Other titans close by were subjected to a barrage of skull fragments and grey matter, causing some cries of pain to erupt as the shards ripped through their eyes.

Closing in on the beasts the warrior brought his own gods-given fists to bare. Both as an effort to conserve his blades, and to experience the pleasure of giving his foes a good ol' super slug to the face.

With a savage cry he delivered a brutal knuckle sandwich to the closest titan to him, breaking its neck, causing it to twist at an odd angle as it fell under. Though his hood immediately fell off from the force he didn't let up as he continued to assault the giant man-eaters, delivering an uppercut to another that rattled the creatures' bones, as well as sending it flying a few feet in the air.

One held out it arms in an effort to grab him as he descended. This would prove to be its first and last mistake, as Maverick quickly grabbed ahold of its finger and pulled the beast towards him. The titan soon found itself off its feet and was met with a drop kick to it face, being blown backwards while spitting out teeth and blood.

Soon the titan Maverick had sent into the air began to come back down. Spotting the flailing mutant Maverick winded up his arm, the markings glowing brighter as well as a blue aura emitting. Just as the giant was about to collide the warrior let out another warcry and shot his fist upwards.

"12 GAUGE SLUG!"

His glowing fist made contact with the titans chest, resulting in the utter destruction of its entire backside, as it exploded in a bloody discharge, with giblets and bits of bone flying in all directions, leaving the area and other titans behind covered in bloody splatters.

That was when the Slayer had a wicked idea. It had been a while since he'd demonstrated his special moves to his comrades. Perhaps it was time to let these titans have a taste of his abilities. Now normally he wasn't one to shout out his attacks, but he decided that no harm would come from doing it this time. Besides, not like the giants were smart enough to understand, nor would they live long to tell.

As more of the pack approached he stood firm and brought his together in an "x" formation, and then….

"SEI!"

He fell backwards, performing the Tombstone Drop with great ground shaking force, causing the titans to be lifted into the air. Maverick cackled, as he watched the pack of giants land flat on their backs and struggled to lift themselves back up. Taking the initiative he lunged at them, stomping the heads of those who were still grounded. A few managed to rise and continue their attacks. Bringing his palms together he began to form the shape of a sphere. In moments he launched another special move.

"HUU KAI!"

Gathering godly power and energy inside of himself he shot his hands outwards, releasing an orb like projectile. Despite being only a fraction of its size, the orb held more than enough power and speed to punch through the flesh of its target, as well as striking three more, leaving gaping, burning holes in its path.

The titans remained motionless before beginning to quickly dissolve and fall apart. Their fellows cared little for this as they attempted to grab the marked man, some even shambling through the ashes that remained. The warrior jumped back, evading their swipes, giving himself a bit more breathing room.

Eyeing two of the lead titans he prepared another special attack, as his arms began to glow brighter, celestial energies flowing through him. Performing a "V" salute he shouted in foreign tongues.

"SIGMAR VERDAMMT NOCH MAL!"

Winding up he delivered the mighty Twin Comet Special, to each of the man-eaters, their faces lighting up with azyr energy. Their entire bodies began to glow and in seconds they began to expand and explode with a thunderous boom, discharging bolts of living lightning. It didn't end there as the arcs began to seek out and strike the other titans in the pack, giving them the shock of their lives.

Despite their losses the remaining giants continued on, pushing asides corpses left suffering the effects of the chain lightning. Maverick himself remained dauntless as he charged towards the pack, dodging the hand of a seven meter in front of him, grabbing its leg, and proceeding to use the beast as a makeshift club.

He swung his screaming weapon at one on his left, with enough force to send it back and slam against a tree, as well as silencing his club. He swung at another on his right casing it to spin on its heels.

"COME ON! AT LEAST TRY TO FIGHT!" He shouted, disappointed in the giants' lack of any form of self-defense or preservation. They simply continued in their vain attempts to catch him, even the few oddballs had become highly predictable. He chuckled in his head for they reminded him of many of the mindless and feral monstrosities he had slain in the past.

Eventually his weapon finally gave out as the moment he slammed it against the head of another giant, the upper body of his club exploded in a bloody mess, for he had put far too much strength and force into his swing. "Oops…"

Falling back on the ground he quickly evaded the grasp of one of the beasts which had dived in his direction, hoping to catch him with his mouth. Not even a second and another had tried to crush him as it slammed its palm down, as if it were trying to kill an annoying fly.

"OHHH, SO CLOSE!"

The giant scout spun out of the way, only to be in the path of a ten meter which swung both its arms in yet another attempt to squash him.

"NOPE!"

Jumping at just the right moment he evaded the slamming palms allowing him the chance to run up the titan's arm and deliver a kick to its face, sending it flat on its back. This little game of cat and mouse would have continued for at least an hour…had Maverick not remembered what the commander had asked of him before he went off. Holding out his hand his morning star returned and soon he quickly began to lay waste to the remaining titans.

"GAAAHHH!"

Every one of his strikes struck home, as he aimed for their heads, and with more than enough force to smash their weak points, putting them down for good. In a few short moments the remaining pack was reduced to only a few, then those few were cut down to the last.

"Alright, that's that."

Taking a little breather he looked around, watching the corpses begin to steam and dissolve. The sounds of the sizzling flesh surrounding him brought some form of comfort as he cracked his neck and back, relaxing a little after this ordeal. He soon spotted his pelt cloak that had flown off during the initial fight. Recovering and dusting off the dirt he soon picked up the sounds of rustling trees and groans in the distance.

"Heh, of course…"

He began to soon make his way towards the sounds, only to stop as he recalled what Erwin had said concerning the outside HQ. If let alone there was no doubt the lumbering idiots would bump their way towards the base and make a mess of the place like delinquents after a night of drunken tomfoolery. Thinking of how to amend this worry he looked down at his left hand, staring at his markings, and soon the gears in his brain began to spin.

Thats when he had another wicked idea…

-oOo-

Meanwhile…

The rest of the scouts rode along the natural path out of the forest, all the while having the pleasure of hearing the absolute chaos that was happening far away, the wailing from their giant adversaries and the thunderous explosions going off every couple of seconds keeping them on their toes.

Though eventually the cries ceased, and a silence followed making some look back, questioning what had happened, while others assumed Maverick had finished the fight and was now on his way back to them. The leader of his squad kept her eyes back at the woods while riding her horse backwards, both slightly worried what had occurred, as well as a bit upset at missing whatever happened back at the old HQ. She hoped to catch sight of their large comrade and know he was alright. However, that would not be the case, as soon everyone was subjected to a most horrid of sounds.

"UUUUUUUUUAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGAAAAAHHHHHHH!"

The forest had erupted with the pained wails of a titan that rustled trees and scattered birds. Which was followed by more horrible screams. Many found themselves having to cover their ears as the screaming continued for a couple more moments, before the forest fell silent once more.

"Christ Mav…" One scout muttered, many more voicing similar statements. Zacharius too held a surprised look as he took a whiff of the air, and smelled something akin to burning flesh.

"Never heard titans scream like that…" The pure terror in those screams could be compared to squealing pigs being butchered. Members of the Fourth Squad look to one another, wondering just what their companion was getting into. Moments later their questions would be answered as Hange spotted a distant glowing figure swinging through the forest.

"Mav!" The others turned and couldn't help but give relived smiles as they saw the goliath swing and jump his way from branch to branch, eventually making his way towards his mount, landing and saddling the large boar.

"Miss me?!" He shouted with a cheeky grin. Soon voices erupted welcoming him back, but were soon interrupted by the leader of Delta.

"Mav, what did you do?!" She screamed. Turning to his superior he was met with a hardened look, though he heard the hints of excitement in her voice. "Eh?!"

"Those screams! I've never heard a titan scream like that!" Maverick remained silent at her question as he simply grabbed the reigns and readjusted himself. However, Hange was able to catch a sight of his left hand, which had a bit of steam coming out. Immediately she figured out what had happened and continue to pry.

"Your hand! Did you-"

"Oi, cut the chatter! We're reaching the end!" Came the voice of Levi who had slowed down to match their speed, just to yell at them. Seeing the light of the outside world closely approaching Hange decided to focus on the return trip, though she gave one last look to Maverick, telling him that this conversation was far from over. To his credit he nodded, a sentiment much appreciated by the squad leader.

At last the scout regiment made it out of the giant forest, heading back to their walled bastion further north. The moment the last of the riders exited the forest the commander signaled for his men.

"ALL UNITS, FORM THE LONG-RANGE FORMATION!"

By his command the regiment began to reform themselves into the large semicircle with the scouts adorned with pelts riding towards the outer sections, while the rest formed the interior. Once again Maverick waved to his fellow squad members wishing them luck, with his fellows reciprocating the sentiment.

Though it seemed that this return trip would be a calm one, as the scouts faced no giant threats for more than an hour and a half since they left the forest. It didn't surprise any of them, considering that they had dealt with any titans that approached from the south for nearly a week, thus making the area further north titan-free, a successful operation all around.

Breathing out a sigh Erwin allowed himself to lean back in his saddle and relax, at least for a bit. It had been some time since he had felt any feeling or sensation of relief. Not since the appearance of their larger-than-life comrade he couldn't recall a moment in the past decade where he didn't feel on edge, especially not since that day.

Suddenly a familiar noise disturbed his musings, as he turned to his left and saw the black flare, just as Beirer shouted out an alert that made him tense up all over again.

"We got an abnormal approaching from the left!"

-oOo-

Left flank of the Long-Range Formation

Squad Leader Ness, Team Leader Moses, and a few others were in hot pursuit of a titan that had approached from the far-left fields. It had spotted the formation and immediately ran for them on all fours, like some form of possessed animal. Fortunately, the cretin had passed them without a second glace, unfortunately the same couldn't be said for a specific few further in the formation's interior. Shooting a black flare, the group gave out a warning to the rest of the regiment, hoping they react soon.

"Keep going! We got this!" Ness shouted as the group kept pace with the beast which was pursuing a few un-cloaked scouts. The squad leader kicked his mare Charlotte into high gear, reaching the titans face. It kept its eyes forward as Ness loaded his flare gun, and fired into its eye, causing it to sputter and collapse onto the ground.

The scouts continued to race off leaving the titan to its own devices, only to see it rise up again and give chase once more, and once again it completely ignored them as it went off to continue its harassment.

"Delta was right! The bastard ran by us like we were nothing!" One shouted, grasping the snout of the deer atop his head.

"Yeah, but now our juniors are in trouble!" Moses replied eyeing the quadruped that tried to go after a few scouts without any pelt cloaks. Ness had seen more than enough, as he would be damned if he was going to let another titan get ahold of one of their own again. "We gotta kill it now!"

"You mean-"

"Got no other choice! Ready?!" The others looked surprised at what he was suggesting, before they steeled themselves and brough their blades to arms, ready to take the abnormal down.

Catching up with the speeding titan Ness signaled for two of his comrades to ride ahead of the titan, taking of their hoods revealing themselves. The titan took immediate attention, looking at the both of them as if it couldn't decide which one to go after. The beast decided to try for two as it swung its arms at them, only for the scouts to steer out of the way at the right moment, allowing them to use their gear to soar above the titan and blind it with flares.

"Aim for the tendons!" Ness and Moses stood atop their saddles and fired their anchors into the titans legs and reeled themselves closer. With swift strikes they cut the abnormals tendons causing it to crash down into the ground, leaving itself exposed as it wailed and clawed at the ground.

"RAAAHHH!" The squad leader cried as he soared above the titan and swooped down to go for the killing blow, hearing the oh-so satisfying sound of ultrahard steel cutting flesh. Unfortunately the good squad leader didn't quite stick the landing, as he found himself taking a misstep and tumbled on the ground, quite hard.

"NESS!" Moses shouted. The other scouts on the squad saw what had happened and quickly set off to help their fellow veteran. Only to stop as he held out his arm to them.

"Keep going! I'll catch up!" The others remained in place for a few moments, before turning their horses back and riding off to catch up with the rest of the regiment, though not before Moses waved at him. Seeing them off Deiter began to pick himself up, only to crouch as he felt a stinging pain in his ankle.

"*Cough*Gahhh, gonna feel that in the morning." Slowly getting up he began to walk a little, glad to know and feel nothing was broken. A neigh from behind alerted him of his trusted partner returning to him. "Heh, hey girl." Charlotte, his dear equus companion for over five years, had returned to his side, nipping at his hood, eliciting a chuckle from the veteran. "Right, back on the saddle."

Mounting up he lightly kicked her sides making the mischievous mare take off with great speed, nearly making Deiter fall off said saddle.

-oOo-

High above the outer all of Shiganshina…

It was late in the afternoon. Members of the Garrison, alongside some of their newly initiated recruits patrolled the outer wall searching for any signs of the Survey Corps. Days had passed since their departure, with some starting to grow a little bored at looking at the calm field beyond.

"Anything to report?" Captain Woermann asked, staring down the back of Ian's head. Deitrich turned and shook his head. "No sir, everything's still rather quiet." His tone signified this had been a constant question asked by his superior, for which he had responded multiple times.

Woermann let out a sigh and nodded before informing Ian that his shift had ended. Making his way to a couple of crates nearby he took a load off and dug into his rations, alongside Mitabi who was also on break.

"Been quiet for the last few days…" He muttered, before taking a swig of his canteen. Ian could only nod as he watched his fellow garrison go about their duties or make themselves busy. He could see in some of their faces that the monotony of looking at the silent hills was starting to take a toll on some.

"Maybe they're still killing titans, or-" Ian knew what he was going to say and immediately rebuked him.

"Don't even say it. Remember who's with them." A small smile appeared on his friend's face. A bit surprising to hear him say such a thing, suppose he held some faith in the giant. Though the question still remained, where were the scouts?

"Just a sign, anything…"

As if his words were heard by the powers above a sign was given in the form of his platinum-haired friend who let out a gasp while overlooking the field.

"Sir, spotted something coming over the hills!" Everyone immediately surrounded the young woman and looked in the direction she was looking, spotting something appearing in the distance.

"Titans?" Kitz asked aloud, alarm clearly present in his voice. Extending the spyglass a little further Rico was able to get a clue about the mysterious figures. In a rare moment a smile appeared on her face as she saw

"No sir… It's the Scouts!" Surprised looks formed on everyone, even a few cheers erupting from the back. Ian looked to Mitabi, who smirked as he rolled his eyes already hearing the "I told you so" in his head.

"They look to still be in full strength-eh?" Rico stopped speaking as she had to do a double take at what she was looking at, even resorting to taking off her glasses and rubbing her eyes.

"What is it Brzenska?" The young soldier said nothing, only handing her captain the spyglass. Confused by her actions he extended the scope and looking in the general area she had been seeing, and immediately his mouth opened at the bizarre sight.

"What in the Walls…?"

"They're getting close sir." Rico spoke, snapping the captain out of his thoughts. Trying to regain his commanding tone he turned to the interior and looked to the stationed men near the rebuilt belltower.

"SOUND THE BELL!"

By the chimes of the large bell every denizen of the district was notified of the return of the scouts, and of the demigod. Already Kitz could hear the cheers and shouts from the Order far in the civilian side, no doubt they would soon amass to welcome their idol.

"OPEN THE GATE!"

-oOo-

A large crowd had already been amassed the moment the bell had been rung. Some of the Garisson stationed atop the Wall'O'Guns were surprised to see that many people had arrived in such short time, especially the elders of the district. But who could blame them, it had been nearly a week since the Scout Regiment had left the relative safety of the Walls and ventured off into titan territory, if anything the people seemed to have prepared themselves for this moment as banners and flags were waving in the air, courtesy of the Order of the Morning Star.

All were waiting anxiously as the sounds of the gate mechanisms rang in their ears. Till finally one of their number shouted out the words that would throw them in a near frenzy.

"The gates coming up!"

Cheers and claps filled the air as they watched the gate rise through the dividing gate and the distant figures were soon seen entering the district. This only made the crowd even more excited.

"They're back!"

"Hail the Slayer!"

"Praise to the Gods, for they have returned!"

Among the crowd stood the Yeager and Arlert families who were visiting the district when the bells sounded. The young Eren had been swept in the madness, with the rest of the family group having no other choice but to follow him. While she couldn't do much Carla still managed to try to wrangle her son.

"Careful Eren." She said sternly, while grasping the bottom of Eren's shirt while he stood atop a crate.

"I'm fine Mom, not my first time." He said while standing near the edge. Luckily Mikasa was right next to him, holding on to his shirt. She gave her mother a nod assuring her she had the young Yeager under control. Armin stood alongside them as well, with the assistance of his grandfather.

"Can you see alright from there?" He asked. The young blonde gave the elder a thumbs up and a smile that warmed his old heart.

"Never seen a crowd so happy to see the scouts come back…" Carla's father remarked, eyeing the many people that were gathered. His wife let out a small chuckle as she rubbed his arm

"No doubt because of that man dear." Ah yes, that man. The one responsible for saving his little girls' life. He had yet to fully thank the man for that, maybe one day he could invite him over for a dinner.

"Here they come!" The shout brough the elder out of his thoughts as everyone laid their eyes on the scout who had emerged from the dividing gate, which soon caused everyone to go silent at the sight of their current appearances.

"W-What are they wearing?" One muttered, with many others voicing their thoughts.

"Are those deer pelts?"

"Wolf pelts too…"

"Glorious…" This one came from the cultist at the sight of their idol, whose bear pelt made him stand out even more among the sea of deer and wolf heads, truly a god among men.

"Our indominable Slayer, I beseech you, tell us! What feats have you and the Scouts accomplished outside these Walls?!" Came the theatrical voice of Cornelius, standing atop a crate alongside other members of the cult, all with hopeful and expectant looks upon their painted faces.

Maverick looked in Erwin direction with the commander giving him a simple nod. Taking a deep breath, he began to speak.

"I can only tell so much, what I can tell you all is that we came, we saw, AND WE KICKED EVERY SINGLE GIANT ASS THAT DARED TO TRY AND STOP US!"

His bombastic tone brought the district to life once again, as the people began to cheer and cry out with praises and congratulations.

"How many did you slay?!"

"DOZENS!"

"W-Were you frightened?"

"HA! I'VE TAKEN DOWN CRETINS FAR MORE IMPOSING THAN THESE SHAMBLING KOALABRAINS!"

"What's with the pelts?!"

"DISGUISES! GIANTS ARE TOO STUPID TO TELL HUMAN AND ANIMAL APART!"

The moment they heard the reasoning for their new cloaks did they go silent once again. Though once they processed what he said, they started t cheer once again to greater volumes.

"Praise the Slayer! Praise the Survey Corps!"

The crowd continued their chants and praises as the scouts continued on their way, with some approaching the scouts or the cart that held their wounded family and friends. Amongst the crowd Maverick spotted three recognizable children and waved at them. Eren's reply was a big ol' wave, while Armins was much more subdued, Mikasa simply resigned to give the large man a smile.

Moving on the regiment made their way further into the interior, all the while being followed by the cheering masses.

"Certainly knows how to rile them up." Levi muttered, watching the celebrating rabble surround the giant. Erwin chuckled under his breath before responding.

"Would you prefer the usual disappointed looks?" Levi didn't respond but for Erwin it was more than enough of an answer.

"It's a first for all of us." The flat tone caused the two to turn to Miche, who still had his antlered stag hood raised atop his head. "The cheering, the smiles, feels almost…unnatural."

The two stayed silent as they pondered this. He had hit the nail on its head with that remark. Like the day they left many were surprised to see the people cheer for them, suppose they just got used to the disappointed and scorn of yesteryear.

"Indeed. Unnatural, but certainly not unwelcome." Miche nodded in agreement while Levi didn't seem to care at all. Eventually the crowd began to disperse, and the scouts were soon on their way to HQ, though not before seeing off those who had been hurt during the expedition, wishing them swift recoveries.

"So Mav, you ready to tell me about what went on back in the woods?" Hange asked, nudging his arm. Multiple eyes turned towards him, curious to what Hange was talking about.

"Oh, well I just-"

"He'll have plenty of time to tell once we deliver our report. But for now, let's head back to HQ for some rest and recovery." Erwin spoke suddenly, eyeing Hange with a look that told her "Not here." Her eyes darted left and right a couple of times before her cheery smile returned and motioned for the rest of her squad to follow. The commander's tone was quite familiar with the goliath, and so Maverick followed along, his eyes observing his surroundings. Thankfully his ever-glowing eyeballs were useful in cloaking where he was truly looking at.

Which served to allow the marked man to spot a few choice figures from among the sea of citizens in the district. One of them catching his eye, for the man's fashion sense was a bit more upper class, compared to the simpler garbs and attires of the local Marians, even with the shadows concealing him.

And something in told him that the figure knew he was looking at him, if the grin on his face was anything to go by.

A/N: And thus, the expedition comes to an end, with the scouts' first successful expedition. Struggled a bit to think of how to make a return trip interesting, hope the action in this chapter was enough to satisfy. I plan to do one more chapter of this little expedition arc, before moving on to the next plot point, and with the little tease at the end I'm sure you all have at least an idea of where I'm going.

Also got me a chance to show some of Maverick's other special moves, which he will certainly show off periodically throughout the story. Just gotta think of the right moments.

Not much else to say other than thanks for reading and hope to see you all again soon.