-Chapter 37: Back on the Field-
~YEAR 847~
Another year inside the walled lands, another prime opportunity for exploration. The moment the conditions were appropriate the Survey Corps set off towards the southlands once more, now armed with the newest innovations in titan slaying weaponry.
Traveling along the main street the scouts were once more met by the people of Shiganshina who had gathered to see off the brave men and women who would once more risk their lives.
Some in the regiment responded with simple hand waves and acknowledged smiles, while others simply kept their eyes forward. Then there were some such as the leader of Squad Four and her squad mate the Demigod of Maria, who were in their own little world at the current moment.
"Been waiting for this for a while huh Mav?" She asked the giant walking alongside her. Looking up from the street the man met his superior's smile with one of his own.
"Yep. Goodbye white, hello dirt brown!" He lifted his leg showing the now adorned dark brown pants. Hange's let out a humored huff, knowing that for him this was a looong time coming. Ever since his first engagements in the uniform he had strongly requested a change for the once universal white pants. Upon the acceptance to the modification from the higher ups her companion was quick to make the change, and practically dunk the old white pair into the garbage bin, the excuse being that cleaning them would be a waste of vital military resources.
Looking among her other comrades she saw that he was not the only one. The moment it was confirmed many others rid themselves of their bottom garments in exchange for something far more appropriate for their outdoor engagements.
With a pep in his step Maverick continued to walk at a smooth pace, listening to the sounds of the people of the district. That was until the sound of a deep sigh caused him to turn and see the commander of their new artillery crew, scratching at his newly given deer pelt cloak, while tapping his foot with a quick pace along the wood of the carriage carrying the repeater cannon.
"Nervous?" He joked, receiving a chuckle from the blonde, trying to mask his visible worry.
"Used to seeing the outside from up above the wall, but now…here we are."
If anyone had told him that he'd soon take part in the operations that resulted in the near desolation of the Survey Corps, he'd call them liars, and probably deck them across the face. The future had an odd way of unfolding.
His eyes looked up at the top of the wall, seeing the small figures of Captain Woermann and those under his command atop where he once stood whenever the expeditions came and passed. A small and lingering part of him wished to be up there. But a greater part told him that this is where he was supposed to be. He knew he had to do this, not just because he was assigned to this task, but another opportunity to further grow to become that reliable soldier he once thought he was.
He was suddenly brought out of his thoughts as some of the townsfolk finally began to notice the two large multi-barreled cannons hidden among the gathering of fur cloaked riders.
"Look at that!"
"Gods above!"
"Eyyy, looks like they're finally brought out the big guns!"
"Hannes, that you?!"
Turning to the source of the voice Hannes was surprised to see one of his old drinking buddies among the crowd, pushing and shoving to get a better view. "How's it going mate?"
"The hell you doing?!" Hannes chuckled, asking himself that same question in his head.
"Didn't hear the news? Me and the boys are honorary scouts!" Hugo and the others in the crew rose up and waved in unison, to the cheers of the crowd. His old drinking bud was simply left in shock as the expedition force continued on, arriving at the large fence separating the civilian and military areas of the district.
"Behold brothers and sisters! These brave wardens of the wall have answered the call of reclamation!"
A familiar booming voice brought Hannes' attention to the gathering of individual adorned in blue robes and chain connected shields, with banners and flags plastered with the image of Maverick's spiky club of doom. And atop a crate stood the one who led them.
"Cornelius…"
Known better now as the First Acolyte of the Order of the Morning Star, Shiganshina's, and Wall Maria's for that matter, newly established religion. Though thanks to Mav's interventions they've switched to worshipping his benefactors, as other banners showed multiple images of keys, lightning bolts, twin tailed comets, a shining sun, and other symbols and iconographies. Though it doesn't stop them from singing the big man's praises, as the one who saved their lives.
"These brave soldiers have set aside their fears, and join the ranks of the Corps, to take back our lands from the titan menace!"
The artillerymen were met with a barrage of applause and cheers from the masses. Already feeling abashed earlier the Garrison crew simply smiled and waved in response. Hannes himself put up a smile as his eyes scanned the crowd, seeing the faces of those he knew well throughout his years inside the district, and straight into the eyes of someone near and dear to him.
His dear wife Amelia.
Despite concealing herself with a hood over the head, he knew those warm colored eyes were hers, no mistake about it. Realizing she had been seen she revealed herself and gave him a loving and supportive smile, though he could see the worry in her face.
Everything around them seemed to slow, and the voices around them dissipated into incoherent mumbles as the two continued to stare deeply into each other's eyes. Memories of the day before resurfaced into his mind, the sweet words they shared, the promises made, and the love for one another they displayed under the light of the moon.
For they knew not what the future held for him. For all he knew this may be his first and last expedition, and the last time he'd see Amelia's lovely face once more. If that would be his fate, then she would be the last thing he'd think of before old Saint Peter called his number, as Mav would say.
"Let us all sing their praises, and may the almighty Gods above bless them for their noble sacrifices!"
The crowds cheers brought the couple back to reality. Hannes winced slightly at Cornelius' words, wishing he could have worded things differently. Shifting to his wife it seemed she was thinking the exact same thing as she wiped her eyes and whispered a prayer.
His heart ached to see her in distress. He remembered the hours they spent simply in each other's arms as she cried her eyes out once she heard of his special assignment. It caused his heart to pang, that sense of unease beginning to return.
"Take deep breaths. You'll be fine." He turned to see Maverick who had his head turned toward him, a confident smile peeking from underneath the bear head hood.
"*Teh* You sound pretty sure of that." The giant shrugged in response. Walking around their transport he reminded the good captain of where he stood in this operation.
"You're in the center of the formation, the safest area of the trip. The only thing you'll have to worry about is watching out for bumps on the road." He said, as his lips formed into a smirk.
"You also got this little beauty remember?" He gestured to the multi-barreled cannon behind him and the other driver of their mobile transport and to the hand cannon and five rounds holstered on his belt. Hannes rubbed the back of his head and chuckled, suppose he had a point.
"Plus, the defenses I got out there have done a pretty damn good job keeping the giants in check." Yes of course his 'defenses'. Throughout the many strategy meetings with the Survey Corps he and his crew had been made aware that Mav had installed some counter measures in the event that any wandering titans should try to take the outer H.Q. back, which had the double effect of drastically decreasing the number of titans approaching the southern wall.
Seeing that he was in a much better state Maverick turned back and got into a runners' stance ready for when the gates would open, just as the mechanisms for the front gate roared to life and began to lift the massive exterior gate. In response the interior dividing gate was opened to show the path towards the single bridge that led to the outside world.
Hannes resigned himself to mentally prepare himself and seeing to his crewmates who prepared themselves for the most high risk assignment of their lives. He looked at the other horse drawn carriage, giving a thumbs up to Hugo, who gave a thumbs up in kind.
He turned to see his wife, burning the image of her loving gaze into his mind as she mouthed a few love filled parting words before kissing her hand and blowing the kiss in his direction. Catching it he held it to his heart, earning him a smile from his beloved.
Soon the gate began to rise, with light form the outside seeping through the opening. While it was a common sight for the scouts, for the Garrison in their company it was as if a gate into the realm of Oblivion was opening right before their eyes.
"PREPARE YOURSELVES!" Cried the commander. All present went silent as the gate continued to rise at a slow pace, before at last it fully rose.
It was at that moment did the commander of the Survey Corps brandish his blade, to the awe of the citizenry. For this was not the usual standard ultrahard blade, but instead it was a blade of alien design, marked with glowing symbols that shined just like the eyes and body of Shiganshina's Savior.
Erwin ignored the mutters and whispers from the Order as he pointed his blade towards the open gate. Taking a breath he shouted at the top of his lungs.
"THE NEXT GRAND EXPEDITION STARTS NOW!"
To the further surprise of the gathered denizens many a scout raised their blades in response, each just as exquisitely crafted and marked with equally shining runes.
"SURVEY CORPS, ADVANCE!"
He tapped his white steed into action. With a resounding neigh the mare galloped towards the front gate, his soldiers and artillery following close behind. Passing the many barricades, watchtowers, and bunkers the Survey Corps departed from the semi-safety of their last bastion and into the still untamed lands once more.
-oOo-
Hannes continued to take deep breaths as the fresh air of the outside world blew into his face, trying to keep his deer head atop his head. Nothing but the sounds of the horses' gallops, wheels churning, and the slight pants from their mares could be heard.
The captain observed his surroundings. Nothing but the rolling hills and vast forests beyond as far as his eyes could see, nothing different to the view from atop the Wall.
The initial trip was a calm one, to the garrison's relief. But the fur cloaked scouts knew better than to relax under these seemingly pleasing conditions. For anything could happen when on these expeditions, be they changing weather patterns, sudden titan ambushes, a faulty wheel from their supply carriages-
"CAESAR!"
…
…
…
"SKREEEEE!"
-Or the sudden appearance of a boar of unusual size showing out of the blue, and straight towards them at high speeds.
At the sight of the beast approaching the scouts in front of the formation cleared a path for Maverick as he sped off to meet the boar and wrangle it with the ropes tied to its large tusks. Some had to swerve out of the way as Caesar rose in his hind legs to let out another savage squeal before being steered by its rider to follow the group.
All the while the artillerymen looked back in awe at the sight of the largest boar in history as it ran alongside and passed many horses to get into its assigned position, right behind their transports.
"Maria's Tits! The hell are they feeding it?!" One garrison asked aloud. For this was his first time seeing the mythical Boar of Maria.
"Hell if I know!" Another responded, to the humor of Hannes and the other older soldiers. For his youngins had never heard of the legends of this now properly classified pre-historic swine. Its grunts, snarls, and massive cloven hoofs trudging the earth filled the air as they continued on the path.
After close to ten minutes into the ride the commander held his arm out and signaled for his men.
"LONG RANGE SCOUTING FORMATION!"
At his command all riders set out towards their given positions in the formation, spreading out towards the east and west, while those in the center continued on.
For the next half hour or so the formation continued forth, the slight excitement and fear of being outside the Walls shifting to a rising sense of boredom from the garrison. No activity or sight from their great enemy had been encountered or seen, besides some few flares from the western units.
Hannes leaned back into his seat while driving the carriage, his deer head now flowing in the wind exposing himself to the elements. He didn't think he'd miss the sight of a titan in the distance, but at this point he was hoping for something to happen, it'd make his initial worries justifiable at least.
His crew fared little better, as he shifted his eyes towards the carriage armed with the volley cannon. Hugo had his hands placed over his stomach seemingly taking a little rest, while the others looked rather relaxed, with one of them looking back to him and giving a lazy handwave.
He sighed. At this point he had to ask.
"Oi Big Man! How long till we reach the base?!"
Mav looked down from above his mount and smiled.
"Got about an hour and a half at most!"
He sighed once more and turned back to the view of greenery, keeping a good grip on the reigns. He thanked his wife for the lunch she had the foresight to pack, for the next half hour was going to be a long one.
-oOo-
Roughly a half hour later…
After what seemed like an eternity of riding the trip looked to be nearly at an end, as the sight of the great southern forest appeared just beyond their path.
Upon noticing the distant sight of the tree line Hannes had to rub his eyes, to make sure that it wasn't some sort of mirage. Fully realizing he wasn't dreaming he shook his crew mates into attention.
"Eyes forward boys! Giant forest up ahead!"
The other Garrison members looked both elated and relieved.
"Finally! Was starting to get bored!" Hugo joked, eliciting some further laughs in response."
"Your say that now. But the moment a titan shows up you'll be wishing for another half hour of this!"
Their jabs and jokes continued for a while until the snarls from the massive boar right behind them made them shut their traps and focus on the path head, to which they were subjected to a disappointed sideways glance from the short scout whose wolf head seemed to look almost equally as unamused, somehow.
The commander fired a flare into the air signaling for the formation to regroup. Further flares from the east and west formations signaled back in acknowledgement. As they neared the forest the artillery crew were stunned to see the forest increase in height the closer they got.
Their attention turned to the sounds of more galloping hooves gathering. The scouts that had gone further distances were now returning into the greater fold. To the Garrison's surprise it seemed that all squads had come back in one piece.
Just in time as they were mere moments from entering the Giant Forest. The soldiers craned their necks upwards as they watched as the massive eighty foot trees nearly engulfed the sun. Only a few rays of solar light peered through the now green colored sky, but still visible enough to see the path ahead.
"Be prepared for rougher terrain Captain!" Erwin shouted. Hannes was brough out of his wanderlust and nodded, strengthening his grip on the reigns of his carriage. The horses had no trouble in roughing through the terrain though the ride through the forest proved to be far more bumpy than the plains, didn't help that they had to maneuver around the trees themselves, as a full carriage driven by two mares wasn't exactly ideal.
"*Whistle* Big damn trees, all around us…" Remarked one of the artillerymen.
"Nothing we've seen before, the Walls are filled with them." Hannes said. His crew gave him a questioning look, for there was a clear, and far more dangerous difference to this forest compared to the tourist traps in Maria and Rose. Whether he was just sounding tuff or actually believed in his own words was only known to him.
Most likely the former.
'Still daylight, bastards aren't that sneaky…' A soon as he thought that he felt a slight pang in hist remembered hearing some tales spoken by some scouts back at the bars after an expedition, how titans could just pop out of nowhere at the worst possible times, mouths wide open or outstretched hands. With those images in mind he was sure to keep his eyes peeled, and a hand on his holster.
Luckily for the regiment there was no surprise ambushes. The only danger this forest held was the occasional tree in their path, which were easily maneuverable, for the scouts at least.
After a few near collisions they were approaching their destination. An opening in the woods revealed a series of fortifications, such as the large wire nets surrounding the area, guarding what looked to be some sort of tree house in the center.
"We're here…"
They had made it, they had actually bloody made it. This realization filled Hannes with a great feeling of relief. He thanked all his lucky stars, and to whatever deity was up in the heavens.
"Captain!"
The celebratory moment was cut extremely short as his junior crew mate pointed forwards, as near one of the net defenses was the familiar sight of a titan.
Hannes' eyes went wide. The beast stood roughly around ten to eleven meters in height. Even worse was that it wasn't alone, as nearly a dozen more titans stood alongside it, each of varying or similar sizes.
But to his surprise they didn't seem to notice them, much less make any movements as they arrived. Usually, they'd be on them the moment they even got as in hearing distance.
'The defenses!' He surmised.
These had to be the defenses Mav and the others were talking about. He looked back to Hugo who gave him an equally shocked look. They'd heard stories from some garrisons about a titan ranch the scouts got somewhere deep in Maria's countryside, suppose they were true after all.
Pulling up on the base the scouts and their garrison crew dismounted and got to work on assessing the state of their exterior headquarters.
-oOo-
"Heh, heh…he,he,he,he,he,he!"
The sounds of Hange's giddy laughs could be heard across the H.Q as she was standing next to one of the many titans guarding the base's perimeter, motionless and completely silent.
"*Settle down you loon.*" Said her large squad mate as he tried to keep her in place.
"How can I?! Look at what we're standing right next to!" She gestured to the ten-meter giant right next to them. Before he could even respond she aimed and fired her anchors and ascended towards the titan's shoulders.
"Hange, don't!"
She ignores Moblit's worried cries as she neared the titan's face, taking in everything. She waved her hand near its face, getting no response at all. She examined the glow in its eyes and the equally glowing handprint on its forehead, just like Caesar, and the other titans back at the ranch.
Her eyes then darted to the large piece of lumber firmly grasped in its hands. Looking at the others they too held their own pieces of improvised weaponry. Be they club-like, spears, or even sharpened dagger-like pieces of wood in both hands.
As Delta's leader continued to gawk and examine the regiments newest allies, others among the base simply watched the titans while maintaining a very healthy distance.
"Now I've seen everything…" Hannes remarked, observing the motionless giants standing at attention. His eyes stayed on one that held its spear log, looking like a model soldier. 'Bastard actually did it…' He began to chuckle to himself, holding a hand over his mouth so as not to attract too much attention. "Un-bloody-believable."
"It surprised us as well."
Hannes turned to see the commander walking towards him and his crew, a knowing smile on his face. Something he'd never expect to see on a scout commander's face.
"Some in the regiment doubted him when he said he could control them…" A small, humored hum left his lips before he continued. "But we've known Maverick long enough to know that his abilities nearly know no bounds."
"Nearly?"
"He says he refuses to raise the dead. Had to many experiences dealing with God-forsaken necrophiliacs. His words not mine." That got a small, worrisome chuckle from the captain. Suppose the giant had his limits.
Erwin stopped to stand alongside Hannes, who still looked in awe at the titans. "To think that there would come a day we'd be protected by the ones who drove our species to near extinction."
The captain scoffed. "Hmph, not out of the goodness of their hearts."
As the two continued to converse the members of Delta watched as their Squad Leader continued to examine her newest titan subjects, with Maverick having followed suit, as to assure she wouldn't take a misstep.
"Just how many titans do you think you can control Mav?"
He thought about it for a few moments, as he didn't quite know the true answer himself. "Mmmm, bout a couple hundred, maybe more."
"Any specific number?" She asked, not entirely satisfied with his answer. With a half smirk on his face he explained.
"Never had a need to control so many Hange. One man army remember?"
She stood silent before chuckling. Of course, when you have the strength and powers of multiple gods why need any sort of force other than yourself? With that line of questioning answered she continued to admire the titan they stood on, staring deep into its glowing orbs.
These titans were, as far as she knew, a now vital asset to their current and future operations. Supply line protection, settlement sentries, walking ODM anchors, mobile transport, or even just sending them out on their own scouting expeditions! The possibilities were near endless in Hange's mind!
"You're amazing you know that?" Her companion gave a sly smile and chuckle while patting her shoulder.
"Please, you're just feeding my already massive ego."
The two began to chuckle, quite close in proximity to one another. The two shared a small moment atop the titans shoulders, before a visible tint of red showed on Hange's cheeks. Noticing that he possibly noticed her flustered face she tried to think of something else to discuss.
"A-Anyways, ahhh…have you give them names yet?"
"Uhh yeah this is titan one. Titan's two, three, four-" She stopped him there.
"Aww come on now, we need to give them real names!" She looked back to the titan's enthralled face, her mind scrambling for the perfect name.
"They're not pets Hange." He said, his voice clearly showing his general distaste for the creatures. He planned to have them all killed once they outlived their usefulness, but he was smart enough to not voice this thought aloud.
"*Sigh* Naming them also helps the higher ups to identify them Mav! How many times do-UGH?!"
Hange took a misstep from the giant's shoulders causing her to trip. Her hands waved wildly failing to balance herself, resulting in her beginning to fall off the side of the titan.
"Hange!" Moblit shouted, causing everyone to stop and watch in shock as the titan enthusiast was in free fall. Fortunately, gravity would not be claiming her life today, as she was suddenly halted in midair.
Sensing she was no longer falling she opened her eyes, and was stunned to see that she was floating in the air. She looked down to see Moblit and the others with similar looks. Seeing Abel point to her she looked and was even more surprised to see the sheath that contained her chainblade was floating as well, held in the air by a glowing blue aura.
'Mav…'
She looked to her comrade, seeing him hold his hand out, a familiar glow emanating as well. With a look of pure concentration he brought his hand back, pulling the sheath, and her, towards him.
She let out a small, embarrassed chuckle as she dangled in the air. Once she was near he held out his left hand, to which she slowly grabbed and was pulled into the safety of his chest. "T-Thanks."
"We're getting off." His tone told her there was no room for negotiation. Holding her tight he stepped off the titan and let himself drop the whole twelve meters down. A few gasps were heard as the two neared the ground, only for those gasps to turn into relived sighs as Maverick safely landed.
Only then did he release Hange from his strong hold. She remained in place for a few more seconds before finally letting go and steadying herself. Her eyes darted to meet his, giving him a thankful look.
Suddenly the sounds of multiple ODM gears became audible to everyone in the base.
"Squad Miche's back." Shouted one of the scouts on sentry duty. The atmosphere in the H.Q became tense as the commander moved to meet the returning squad.
"How many?"
"Quite a few dozen, at the least."
Nothing more needed to be said as Erwin ordered everyone to cease whatever they were doing and prepare for defensive counter measures. His blue eyes turned in the direction of the artillery crew, a small and unnatural smile curving.
"Captain, I believe you and your crew are up to the task." Hannes nodded and turned to inform the rest of his crew, though not before taking a deep breath and saying a few motivational words to himself.
"Right. You heard the commander, get those guns ready!" His crew let out a few boisterous cheers, for they were finally going to see some action, and be the ones first to step up to the plate. Watching the crew ride off Erwin turned to Miche and the other squad leaders who had assembled around him.
"We'll cut down any they fail to kill on their own." All nodded and prepped their squads to face the incoming invaders.
-oOo-
Hannes and his crew rode across the forest until the sounds of heavy footsteps became louder and louder.
*thump*…
*Thump*…..
*ThUmP*….
*THUMP*…
Upon seeing the enemy some distance away he ordered for the drivers to maneuver the horses to retreat back, turning the carts that housed their artillery in the frontal position.
"Pick a target boys!" Hannes shouted. Choosing the titans at the lead of the pack the crew got their cannons in position and waited for their captain's signal to commence the barrage.
That order wouldn't be made for at least a few more seconds as Hannes continued to stare the titans down. Small beads of sweat formed on the foreheads of Hugo and the others, anxiously waiting for Hanne's word. Even as the distance between the two forces was getting a little close for the Garrison's comfort.
But that was just what Hannes wanted exactly.
'That's right you freaks, huddle up.'
Once the monsters were in a nice couple of bunches he finally gave the order his crew had been anxiously waiting for.
"FIRE!"
*BO-BO-BO-BO-BO-BOOM!*
The sounds of multiple explosions and wailing titans filled the forest! The leading titans were subjected to multiple high explosive payloads causing massive damage to their upper bodies, with the force of the blasts strong enough to strike their weak points. The blast also had the additive effect of causing the other titans to become blinded and topple over one another.
Not one to let the chance pass Hannes ordered another barrage.
"NEXT RACK AND FIRE AT WILL!"
The Helblaster's crew unloaded the rest of their payload before being depleted. The crew of the repeater cannon picked up where they left off and fired a whole magazine into the squirming and steaming pile of titans.
All the while the scouts sat above atop the branches of the many trees surrounding the crew, watching with a mixture of pleased and surprised looks at the carnage below them. Delta's leader had the biggest grin among the regiment, watching with glee as she saw a screaming face pop up through the fiery smoke, before descending back into the bloody mists.
Maverick himself looked on with an almost nostalgic look on his face, for the sounds and smells from below brought him back to the days of old. When booming cannons, powder filled muskets, and valiant charges across the battlefields were the rule of war. Quite similar to the life he lived now, he mused.
He returned to focus on the now once he heard the guns go silent. His brows raised in amusement once he saw the full impact of the barrage. The titans in front of the pack had all been decimated, reduced to nothing more than piles of steaming gore. Those in the rear, while horridly mangled and mauled from the many explosions still looked to be kicking, albeit in no condition to move. Out of the dozens in the pack, a few handfuls remained.
"They've softened them up, now's our turn!" Erwin cried. All scouts unsheathed their enchanted and pack-a-punched blades, ready to finally sink them into the moaning mass below. The glow the blades emanated was easily noticed by the still living titans, causing them to struggle to rise back up.
"Move in!"
*B A N G*
Maverick was way ahead as he had brought K'boom to the gathering. Choosing his targets he lifted the massive handheld cannon and began to fire upon the titans below.
*B A N G*
*B A N G*
*B A N G*
Those targeted by the Slayer suffered the same fate as those in the front lines as their heads met a head-on collision with a highly explosive cannon shell.
"Haha! Get those blades roaring boys!" Upon her words the other members of Delta Squad unsheathed their chainblades and descended down as the blades roared to life.
The rest of the regiment took that as a sign to commence the cleanup operation as they all dropped down from the branches above and into the mass of titans, like feral predators falling upon their wounded prey.
Many a titan were still recovering or were bemused by the glowing blades when they were set upon. The fur cloaks still functioned to mask the scouts as they easily began to cut down the titans.
"GUUAAHHHHHH!" One screeched as the cut by Miche's blades caused a horrid, searing pain to run through its body. Even as it fell it continued to scream in pain. Miche looked at his blades in mild surprise before smirking. He made a mental note to buy Mav a drink after this expedition.
The others in his squad felt similar thoughts as they were making good use of their enchantments. His captain looked especially happy, noticing a clear smile on her face as she hooked her blades into the titan's neck, digging her khopesh's deep into its neck and ran across its back slicing the nape wide open.
"GAGAGAGAGAGA!" Another titan received the shock of its short life as Levi cut through its nape with his usual deadly precision. Upon touching its skin arcs of living lighting coursed from the katanas and into the titan's body, frying it from the inside out. Spotting a few more rising the halfling soared across the woods and delivered another slash across the nearest beast's skin. As it was in close proximity to two others the lightning connected to them creating a chain lightning effect that lit up the forest and the titan's bodies, their skeletons visible through the flashes.
He felt a sense of satisfaction, as the increased length of these blades allowed him to distance his body from the blood that would spray from their foes. He also felt an odd sense of nostalgia from these blades, a feeling that told him that he was meant to wield them. He brushed it off, seemed that Mav's stories of samurai and sword saints were getting into his head.
Across the forest the roars of multiple chainblades echoed as the razor-sharp teeth cut through their enemies usually tough skin, showering Delta Squad with hot blood. While they showed clear disgust and shock from being coated with steaming crimson fluids-
"HaHaHa! Like a hot knife through butter!" Hange seemed perfectly fine, as she screamed in delight while continuing to cut through a titans nape, as blood continuously splashed across her smiling face and goggles creating a very frightening scene, one familiar to her vice-captain.
'Pease don't turn back into the old you Hange, the others have seen enough horror for one day!'
Maverick, who was close by, looked back and shook his head in amusement before taking aim at another rising titan.
*B A N G*
All the while the Garrison looked on with awe and slight horror at the scene before them. It was as if a fantasy book was brought to life. Some wondered if they were even truly awake or had died some time ago during the breach and were in some sort of limbo or warrior afterlife.
*KFWOOSH!*
Hannes had to rub his eyes to make sure he was really looking at a titan being set ablaze by a scout plunging his blades into its eye. Seeing the others look back at him with looks of shock only cemented that they were now in an age of might and magic.
He looked down at the bomb launcher in his holster and felt that he and his crew got the shorter end of the stick.
-oOo-
"Last ones' dead Commander!"
The engagement had been short lived with few serious casualties on the scouts end. In the end nothing but the steaming corpses and now dissolving corpses remained from the packs.
"Excellent work everyone!" Cheers from many of the young scout echoed through the forest, some even waving their enchanted blades in the air.
'Bastards didn't stand a chance…' Hannes remarked in his head. While he hoped to have his crew pop off a few more rounds from their cannons he knew better than to pull a Woermann. He spotted the Commander approaching them, lifting his deer hood to give the men a satisfied smile.
"You and your crew performed well Captain." He complimented. The soldiers gave nods and gave their appreciations to the scout commander.
"Appreciate it Commander. And may I say that your blades made quick mincemeat out of them." Erwin smirked as he rested a hand of Lizzie's grip. While he would say that it was his men's own strength he knew he'd be lying.
"We have Maverick to thank for these." He turned to give Hannes a pat on his shoulder. "Hopefully soon the entire army will be outfitting these blades."
That was all he said as he left to rally the scouts back into the H.Q leaving Hannes and his boys to mull over the commander's words. The thought that they'd soon be able to get their hands on such weapons was very exciting. Soon enough all reconvened inside the forest H.Q, still safely guarded by the titan guardians that had yet to move a muscle.
-oOo-
Meanwhile…
While the Scouts were off on their expedition a certain trio of youngins were currently working on the lands of their new temporary home. Long had they moved from the isolated village in the southlands of Wall Maria and settled in a small little farming community in the western area of the land.
Here the three toiled in the fields. Well, two of them, for the third among them attempted to uproot a tree stump, with little success.
"So the kings a fake ruler?" Said the tallest of the three. The young blonde next to him nodded.
"Not just him, the entire family are frauds." Her comrades eyes widened in surprise. She eyed their so called leader, who let out a hissed curse as he failed to make any headway in his work.
"Probably a different race that allied with the king long ago." She continued. "Can't imagine how hard they had to suck up to the real king to be in such high positions."
Her dark haired comrade rubbed his chin, pondering over this new information. Ever since their "leader's" unfortunate accident the two had to do much of the heavy thinking and planning. The young girl frankly believed that their mission had long since failed, but she still decided to go along, if anything to not give their disabled teammate an excuse to go on another rant, or mindless threat.
"So I guess all we need to do is find a way to get inside that family's good graces then?" She shrugged.
"Won't be so easy." She'd heard that the royal family had ceased hiring any new servants after their breach into the Walls. It was more than likely an attempt to keep any outside forces from infiltrating their inner sanctums. And cozying up to one of those Sina bachelors was out of the question. She wasn't much of a looker anyways.
The young man continued to think as he worked. Two years on this island nation had been spent, and only that much information was all that had been gathered. It was something that greatly worried him. For they wouldn't accept it. They would declare their mission a failure, and themselves failures as well.
They needed to do something soon. They needed to get more information about their targets without raising too much suspicion. Less they bring the entire nation down on them, including the seven-foot-tall titan slayer.
If only he was still around then maybe things would have gone differently, but it seemed that the world was adamant in throwing them a curve ball that was both the titans and the man-no, the living god that resided on this island.
What were they gonna do about him? What could they do? They were never debriefed about a man with the strength of a thousand titans and supernatural powers that rivaled their own! Did they even know about his existence? Considering they didn't even bother to provide any information.
That's when he got an idea. The spring season was only a few months away, and with it came the opportunity for many young men and women to enlist into the military! They could use that opportunity to get info on both the whereabouts of the true king and on the Slayer.
The boy purposed the idea to his two comrades. The young blonde gave him a questioning look before begrudgingly agreeing, seeing it as better than nothing.
"What do you think Reiner?" He asked, only to receive no response from his teammate.
"Reiner?" The young man continued to be unresponsive to his name being called. He simply stood about near the tree stump, a slight but noticeable uneasiness in his stance.
"Reiner." The tall boy slowly and carefully approached, for this wasn't the first time this had happened. He gave him a slight tap on his right shoulder which caused the boy to spasm back into reality.
"W-What?" He turned to see them with his good eye. The dark haired boy gave an ever worried look, while the young girl stared with a usual uncaring gaze.
"Did you hear any of what we just said?" She asked. He continued to give them that deer in a hunter's sight look, causing her to sigh and go back to making herself look busy, while their comrade explained his plan.
A plan that made the young Reiner scoff almost immediately.
"Heh, you think the Demon won't know what we're panning?" He closed in and spoke in a hushed tone. "He'll sniff us out Bertoldt. He'll know the difference."
A concerned look formed on Bertoldt's face. A part of him wanted to just brush off his claim as another of his inane ramblings, but another side couldn't help but not completely disregard him. The cult always spoke about his fantastical abilities, so maybe being able to sniff out specific people wasn't completely off the table.
"He's far too busy killing titans to pay attention to a couple of kids." The girl remarked. Reiner's eye shifted to her with and scowled. Oh Annie, poor deluded, stupid, and borderline unlikeable Annie.
She didn't really have any grounds to speak so casually about the Demon as if he wasn't a threat he thought. After all, she wasn't conscious when they breached the Wall. She didn't see the how easily he dealt with the dozens of titans they brought into the district. She didn't see how his weapon crushed his armor like nothing! In short, she couldn't just assume what she didn't fully know herself. Stupid dead-eyed cow.
"He'll run out soon, doesn't matter how many more they send here." He said. "And once he's done with all of them, he'll come for us…he always does."
Bertoldt managed to hear the last muttered words, which confused him. 'What did he mean by that?' He asked himself. He didn't get the chance to ask as Reiner quickly got up in Annie's personal space.
"Have you bothered to find out more about him. What he's actually been up to?" Reiner prodded, his exposed musculature and teeth on his face's left side slightly showing through his hood. The girl gave the malformed boy a sneer before Bertoldt managed to pull him away.
"Heard from some MP's that he went on a trip some months back." That go the attention of both boys as they remained completely silent. "And just so happens that the Corps left today with some members of the Garrison with some new artillery guns in tow."
Bertoldt let out a small gasp, while Reiner lowered his head and began to mutter to himself, his teeth chattering and grinding in frustration.
"He's advancing their weaponry. Damn Demon…"
They were doomed, he thought. If the Demon continued to share whatever forbidden knowledge it knew to the rest of the devils here then they'd soon become far too powerful for even their homeland to handle. At this point it wouldn't matter if they brought back the objective of their mission, the people here, armed with weapons like the Demon's club would annihilate them all, just like in the old stories!
The damaged boy began to mutter out curses at an ever-increasing volume.
"Keep it down." Annie said, but to no avail. The boy just went on and on, eventually getting some looks from some nearby farmers.
"We need to kill him." He snarled, clutching his damaged limb as he continued to rant. "Before he can further improve this islands defenses. Before he has a chance to turn his sights to the rest of the world!"
"Reiner-"
"We know where he is, where he goes, where he sleeps!"
"Stop-"
"We just need to-"
He didn't get to finish, as his body went into a sudden series of spasms. Knowing what was about to happen Bertoldt quickly grabbed him to brought him away from the fields and onto a still unfertilized patch of land. Just in time as Reiner proceeded to vomit out the contents of this morning's meal onto the ground.
"Oi, is he alright?!" Shouted one of the farmers that had been watching the trio. Annie didn't bother to respond, leaving the tallest of them to respond.
"Y-Yeah were fine! He just needs some time out of the sun." Waiting for Reiner to finish he soon tried to lead him away, only for his comrade to swipe his arm away from him.
"Get away from me."
He soon began to limb his way towards their encampment by himself, though Bertoldt was adamant to stick close by, in the event he should collapse or lose consciousness, which had become very common as of recent months with the boy.
Annie simply watched the two walk away, getting some worried and pitied looks from the farmers. Once they were some distance away she let out a deep and despondent sigh that she was holding for a while.
He was getting worse. That blow he received that day had done a serious number on both his physical and mental health. She held a small amount of pity for the boy, for no one deserved to be reduced to such a sad state of being.
It horrified her to be honest. One strike from that "man" and they'd be forever crippled, not even the full might of their powers could fully save them. And she wasn't too keen on fighting him either, doubted she could even stand a chance, even with her father's training.
And running away wasn't an option either, not like she could just leave this rotten island and go back home on her own, no doubt Reiner would blow a gasket and do something that would jeopardize their already near compromised cover.
So no matter how much she hated it, she and the others were stuck here, on an island on the verge of a divine industrial revolution, and either they would complete their mission, or die trying.
"What a mess…"
A/N: Hoped to get this out much earlier in the month, but I honestly found myself stumped for a bit when writing this chapter. I had an idea about what I wanted to write but found it difficult to actually type it down. Had to take a break for a few days, just to get my thoughts together.
And you know its also summer, and with that comes all sorts of family related activities.
Anyways, for this chapter I decided to have it mostly go through Hannes perspective, as he and his crew are now semi-official members of the Survey Corps. We also get a little insight into what the titan trio have been up to, and the struggles they currently face.
This chapter is also a sort of introduction of sorts for future chapters set in this expedition. As in the next chapter we'll see the scouts explore the areas of interest they originally mapped out in their previous trip to their exterior H.Q.
Hope to see you all in the next one!