-Chapter 43: The Triple Proposition-

It was the day following Maverick and Nanaba's little rendezvous in the Trost district, and the day after Nanaba had shown her clear affections for the man. It was all a warm, wonderous, and cherished memory neither of the two would be forgetting anytime soon.

But what should have been a wholesome moment was brought with some post-bliss concerns. For the vice-captain of Miche's squad wasn't the only woman in the regiment to have such fond and strong feelings for the man. For there was another, one whose affections for the marked man were equal to hers.

This individual was none other than one Hange Zoë. Squad Leader of the Fourth Squad, and Maverick's "handler" as ordained by the military high command during his trial.

In the past years since his arrival to the walled land a pseudo rivalry had been going on between the two scouts as they each vied for his affections. Something he was more than well aware off.

And he wasn't alone in this knowledge. For many had noticed and had already taken sides (and bets) on who would come out on top.

For many it was obvious that his squad leader was close in this romantic race. A few already concluding to themselves that she and him were already an item.

It was a claim that he couldn't fully refuse. Not after that night the two had while out in the fields.

Perhaps, no, it was because of how much time he had spent with Hange, mixed with those rumors and their own heartfelt talk regarding her late mother did Nanaba become so emboldened to conjoin her lips into his. Twice.

Not only was that a passionate show of loving admiration, but a primal show of dominance as well. It told the world that Nanaba still had a leg in this race, and what better way than to claim something Hange had yet to do.

A part of him felt greatly at fault for letting things go on like this for this long. From an outsider's perspective it looked as if he was simply stringing the two along.

But as of now that was not going to be the case.

For those two had practically given him their confessions, and he was more than ready to own up and respond to those feelings.

Following her second lip on lip contact and departure from his abode he had secluded inside his keep all throughout the night, planning his next course of actions in this little love triangle that had been formed.

It only took that single night to finalize his plans, for in all bashful honestly this wasn't the first time he had been in such a situation. The plan he had drawn was a tried and true method. On that had seen all parties satisfied, and have him come out partially unscathed.

And he would have enacted said plan the following morning, had he not gotten a surprise visit from his fellow squad mate and friend Moblit Berner.

The man had traveled all the way from Shiganshina to the secluded castle in order to ask the man a simple request. To join him in sharing a drink at their favorite hangout spot. Curious and intrigued by such a sudden invitation Maverick obliged and followed his friend all the way back to the district.

-oOo-

Somewhere in the eastern area of the Shiganshina District

We find our giant hero inside of The Hound, a local tavern situated in a little corner on the east side of the Shiganshina District. Here many a patron could relax and unwind from the humdrum of modern life in the border city with warm food, cold drinks, and pleasant company.

Its inviting and familiar atmosphere were what made this establishment one of Maverick's favorites in the entire walled land, second only to his castle of solitude.

Young Berner was the one to introduce Mav to the place, and the giant was eternally thankful.

For this was a place that Moblit was a long time regular. One could say it was his sanctuary, his Shangri-La, his little slice of heaven on earth. The place had practically been a staple of his life at this point.

For the life of an assistant of the Fourth Squad's leader brought about its own trials and tribulations.

The two were seated in one of the far off seats near the corner of the pub, with Maverick happily telling Moblit all about his time with Nanaba in the Trost district. Moblit found himself amused by his retelling of the events from their dining experience.

To think Nanaba had been so easily flustered by a child's words. Seemed the world had gone topsy turvy.

"Sounds like you two had a pretty swell time." He mused, before taking a sip from his drink.

Smirking the giant leaned back in his seat. "Heh, yeah a real hoot." Stirring the ale in his mug he continued. "Got me thinking too, we all oughta go travelling sometime."

"All?"

"Yeah. You, me, Hange, Miche, Nanaba." The giant chuckled as two more popped in his head. "Hell, even get Erwina and Levi into the mix."

His words made Moblit take pause and think. The thought of all of them going on some road trip across the world sounded pretty nice..

He could already see it now…

Hange bouncing off her horse in excitement with every location they sightsee…

Mav with a constant all-knowing look whenever they viewed every new wonder of the world…

Miche getting his nose all stuffy and runny with all the new scents and smells…

Nanaba would take in all the madness of their group with her usual cool and collected stride…

Erwin would try to unlock every new mysteries that the world offered…

And of course Levi's soul concern and reason for going along would be the possibility of tasting every new tea flavor…

Moblit sighed happily. It would make for a good memory, should they actually go through with it.

"So…*ahem* how were things yesterday?" The slight hint of weariness in Maverick's voice was heard by the vice-captain, bringing him out of his little daydream.

"Things were…alright, for most of the day." He took a sip as his eyes looked downward at the table, recalling the most noteworthy events from yesterday. "Everything's been pretty quiet on the southern front."

He rubbed his chin as he continued. "The third years from the training corps are going to have their district drills soon..."

Despite seeing the man nod attentively Moblit could see the smile on his beard look a bit forced, and the glow of his eyes a little dimmer than usual. A telltale sign of worrisome thoughts.

And as his friend he knew what was upsetting Mav, more like he knew what the big man wanted to know.

"Hange was honestly a bit off yesterday." He spoke, his eyes drifting to his mug. "She was in the lab for most of the day. Didn't really do much experimenting, just doodled in her journal."

A pang of unease struck Maverick's hearts as he listened, his grip on his drink hardening while his free hand underneath the table closed into a fist.

"Then later in the day she just…disappeared. Went somewhere after dinner, and no one saw her after that…"

A low sigh escaped Maverick's lip before he took a long swig of his ale. He had a feeling she was going to be like this, considering her initial reaction to their plans and the fact she wasn't around before he and Nanaba left for the district.

"Which brings me to why I asked you to come Mav…"

Maverick's brows raised up slightly. Not for the reveal of his companion's true, and predictable motive, but for this was quite possibly the first time he had heard Moblit speak to him in such a…stern tone.

'No wonder were not in our usual spot…'

His eyes quickly darted to the empty seats near the bar of the establishment, their usual spot. The jar filled to the brim and brine with pickled eggs was just sitting on the countertop, uneaten, waiting for him.

He glanced back to Moblit who leaned in close to him, his eyes barring up to him.

"How long do you plan on stringing them along?" He asked calmly. "I know you wanted to spend time with Nanaba, I understand that, but you know Hange is just as crazy about you." He emphasized with a pointed finger in his direction.

"It does seem like that doesn't it?" Maverick asked himself with a sigh. Christ, if this is how Moblit saw it, then just how many others did too?

"I know you just got back on the saddle after your last life, and don't get me wrong there's nothing wrong with not wanting to get into a relationship so quick…but it's been two years now Mav, I think you've had plenty of time to think seriously about this, right?" The vice captain's gaze softened slightly as he glanced at his friend, who sat in silent contemplation.

"I have Moblit." He said in a low but assured tone. Both the assurance was for his friend and to himself. "In fact I was going to talk to them this morning. Then you came along."

"O-Oh… Sorry." Moblit instinctively scratched the back of his head, to his friend's amusement.

"Nah, nah, nah it's okay. I needed this." Maverick reassured, while raising and emptying the contents of his mug. With a bit of a loud clink from the mug Maverick sighed contently, his stomach filled with liquid encouragement.

"Though if you really want to make it up…"

Leaving his sentence unfinished he reached into the pocket of his half jacket, bringing out a folded piece of parchment.

"You mind bringing this to the two?" Eyeing the piece with a curious gaze for a moment Moblit obliged him.

"Oh, sure. Part of some plan I assume?" With a smirk on his face the giant gave his companion a finger gun.

"Right you are bud."

With another round given to a passing worker the two engaged in another lengthy discussion, with Maverick giving Moblit a bit of a rundown on his plan, and generally how things would hopefully go.

Ever the worrywart Moblit gave his concerns on his idea. Not just if he was really going down that route, but if he honestly thought if the two would even agree to it.

Sound concerns of course. But with his usual and uncanny voice of confidence Maverick reassured his friend. If not to convince himself then to reassure himself that things would hopefully go well.

Then Moblit asked.

"Do you really feel that way about them? Really?"

Maverick gave his young comrade a firm nod, didn't need more than five seconds to do so. After all the fond moments shared between the two, he was more than certain that he had found that special bit of happiness again.

With that no more about this secretive topic was discussed, as Maverick now saw to it to put his plans into action. But not before he had once last task to complete.

"Now if you'll excuse me Moblit there's a jar of eggs with my name on it."

With a chuckle and a wave Moblit saw his giant friend make his way towards the countertop of the bar, where his precious jar of pickled eggs lied, waiting to be emptied.

He watched musingly as Maverick took the jar, placed some money on the counter, and told the bartender he'd bring the jar back the following day, to the nod of the worker, as this was nothing new.

As the giant left the usual calm atmosphere returned to the Hound, though a few patrons could be heard chuckling about the giant's antics.

Moblit was left with his thoughts, and the small parchment in his hands. An inquisitive feeling told him to see what was written, but the thought was quickly silenced. This was meant for Hange and Nanaba's eyes only.

Taking one last swig he placed his pay on the table before departing back to headquarters. Wishing his companion luck in his head.

-oOo-

Outside of Slayer's Keep, later in the day…

It was midday inside the lands of Wall Maria, and along the path through the thick forest of the outlands we find two individuals traveling along on horseback, their old olive green cloaks marked with the symbol of the Survey Corps flowing in the breeze.

Hange and Nanaba, the two women who had grown the closest to the Slayer, were riding side by side. Hange hummed out a tune as they rode, her mood clearly shown. While Nanaba held a more reserved expression, her eyes glancing at her companion every so often.

Eventually the humming ceased as Hange saw the castle coming up through the tunnel of trees that enveloped them. A content sigh left her lips as she readjusted herself on the saddle.

"Wonder why he's called us both down here.~" Hange said playfully, looking to her companion, who kept her eyes forward. She was of course referencing a note the two had received a bit ago, curtesy of her vice-captain who had returned from his visit to The Hound.

While she preferred it was Maverick himself, based on the content of the letter, it was made obvious that the man was planning something.

"Meet me at my home away from home."

Why else would he send a letter telling them to meet him at his home? His secluded home, one that was hidden away in secret, safe from prying and inquisitive eyes?

"The answer is quite obvious Hange." Nanaba spoke in a matter-of-factly tone. Hange smirked as she glanced at her companion, seemed she was still a bit miffed from yesterday.

Clearing the woods they were met with the old castle in all its ancient glory, with Hange immediately noticing the new red, white, and blue addition to the castle flowing in the wind, as well as the familiar figure waving at them from atop the castles' rampart.

"Hey you two!"

"Mav!" Hange' screamed out, the joy in her voice absolutely pouring out. Though it had only been a day, for her it seemed much longer since she had last seen his handsome bearded face and heard his deep toned voice.

"Hanji! Feels like it's been ages!" Maverick shouted amusingly, his little jest making her cheeks redden even more. Locking eyes with Nanaba he sent a nod and a wave, a gesture she repeated in kind. The memories of yesterday coming back to the two, as their blushing cheeks showed.

"So why'd you invite us all the way here Mav?!" Hange shouted in a cheeky tone. With a smirk on his face, he gave her a half-answer.

"Meet me in my study, I'll explain everything!"

That was all he had to say as he retreated back into the keep, leaving the two women curious and intrigued. With an eager look Hange gave a light kick to her horses side, making the mare go into a gallop. Not wanting to be left behind Nanaba did the same.

Arriving at the fortification they passed through the opened gates and into the interior. Dismounting and sending their mounts towards the stable and closing the main gate the two women proceeded to enter Maverick's abode. The massive double doors were left open allowing them easy entry, something Hange found very amusing.

"Heh, can you imagine if anyone either than us came here instead?" Hange asked amusingly. "Maybe some bandits looking for a quick snag and grab?"

"The poor bastards." Nanaba replied. She could imagine the scene in her head.

Some rough and tumble gang storming the keep, thinking they struck big with this isolated fort out in the middle of nowhere. And just as they're getting themselves settled in, out from the hall the glowing giant of Maria emerges, like a cryptic beast from a grim fairytale.

And like any grim fable, it'd end with the mile-long heard screams of the poor would-be home intruders, who would never be heard or seen from again.

Sharing a small chuckle between themselves the two stopped suddenly and looked back at the double doors. Staring at them for a few moments they shared a nod, and quickly shut them, the creaking from the doors sounding off all throughout the room.

With a sharp exhale the two looked back to the lit entrance hall of the castle. Hange took a moment to look around, as it had been some time since she had stepped foot in this place, not since the major cleaning and rat culling they did some months back.

"Hmmm nice to see the place still looking spiffy." She said, running her finger along a nearby table. "Hmmm, gonna have to remind him about those vines out front though, some new banners too…"

Her little remark made her companion raise a brow and give a smirk. "Already thinking about some home improvements?"

"Of course!" Hange exclaimed, raising her head up and puffing out her chest proudly. "After all, this'll be a second home for us!"

Nanaba's smirk fell flat as she looked down towards the hall of the castle, her thoughts turning to a conversation the two had the day before.

"If that's what he's decided on."

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sudden feeling of a squeezing hand on her shoulder. Turning her head she saw Hange giving an encouraging look to her.

"Knowing Mav I don't doubt it."

Her words and sincere tone seemed to help, as Nanaba clasped Hange's hand with her own, giving a soft smile. "Hmph, guess we'll see."

A bit of silence followed as the two shared a gaze with one another before continuing on into the hall. Nanaba let Hange take the lead, as she was little bit more familiar with the layout of the keep. To her mild surprise Hange quickly lead the two quickly through the keeps many halls and stairs, like a mouse expertly traversing a maze for its precious cheese.

Only Hange could have such a skill, Nanaba thought amusingly. She didn't doubt it to think that the squad leader had this keep's entire layout memorized in her head somewhere.

Their little maze run didn't last for long, for soon enough Hange had found Maverick's study. She could sense his godly aura emanating through the door.

Without a second more she opened the door wide, where the two women were met with quite an alluring sight. For there, relaxing on the massive custom recliner near a lit lantern was the man of their affections, sitting all nice and relaxed.

Turning his head their eyes all locked in on one another's. Their cheeks went red, as they noticed the giant had changed into a comfortable-looking robe, the same handmade one that was gifted to him by that sweet old lady in the district long ago. A smirk was on his face as he noticed their reddening faces.

"Evening ladies."

The deepness and sensual hint in his voice made their hearts skip a beat. While it caused Nanaba to freeze up and squeeze her thighs together it had quite an opposite effect on Hange.

"Mav!"

In the mere fraction of a second she had quickly shortened the distance between the two and lunged for him, enrapturing his massive body with her own, surprising both her rival and future mate to be.

A surprised "oof" erupted from Maverick as Hange wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed with all her might, nearly causing the giant to fall over his recliner.

"I missed you!"

Maverick's cheeks warmed as his squad leader continued with her act of over familiarity. Before long he chuckled and reciprocated with his own warm bear-like hug in return.

"Missed you too Hanji."

Hearing her beloved nickname again from the one whom bestowed it to her drove Hange to sink her face deeper into his exposed collar. Hange was in a state of complete bliss, and possibly euphoria. To feel his touch and to hear him again had her in paradise.

The moment wouldn't last for long, as she suddenly felt the back of her head being pulled back, hard.

"For Wall's sake Hange control yourself." Nanaba said while tugging her frizzy bun.

"Ahhh! Nana! No! Stop!"

Mav could see a mischievous smile creep up on the tomboy's face as soon as Hange said that, as she continued to tug and pull on her bun, causing his partner to squeal as her head was pulled backwards.

"Alright Nana, you've had your fun."

With a final pull she let go of Hange, who gave a quick glare before turning back to the giant with watery eyes.

"Mav~"

A sarcastic cooing and head rub was all she got from the man which she cherished. Unfortunately for her she would soon have to reluctantly un-straddle Maverick as he gestured to the two empty seats that were next to him.

Getting themselves comfortable the two women looked on as the giant offered the two a little drink from an aged bottle of wine from one of the castles cellar.

Taking his offer the three shared a few drinks, allowing themselves to relax and let a little loose. Of course not enough to do something they may or may not regret the next day, but just enough to ease whatever tensions had arisen.

With a rather loud sigh Maverick patted the armrests of his recliner, gaining the attention of his lady friends.

"So…" He began. "I think you two have an idea as to why I brought you here, no?"

The two nodded. While his note held little the two knew the moment it said he wanted BOTH of them to come. As such Hange showed a very eager smile on her face as she nodded vigorously, while Nanaba kept a cool and confident smile as she crossed one leg over the other, the other tapped the floor at an unsteady pace.

"Then I'll just come out and say it." He huffed. "Were all adults here after all."

Closing his eyes he took a deep breath, before opening his glowing orbs once more, ready to speak his peace.

"Hange, Nanaba. You two have been an absolute joy to be with." He said warmly. The smile on his face was one of genuine joy and…tenderness.

He clasped his hands together as his eyes shifted downward, though the two couldn't tell. The many moments he shared with the two replayed in his mind, a cerebral montage of fond memories that would forever be held played back as he continued to speak.

"From the day we all first met to now, the things we've done, the moments we shared, the memories we made, its…made me very happy." His smile faltered for a moment.

"A kind of happy I haven't felt in a very, very, long time."

The face of his late wife flashed in his mind, which caused a mixture of warm and painful sensations to run through his body, and sting at his hearts.

Her final comforting words before she passed rang in his head, strengthening his resolve to continue.

"Which is why I have had to make a very…strong decision." He proclaimed. "I'll understand if you two find fault with it bu-"

"And we won't force that kind of decision on you."

The voice of his squad leader had blindsided him, stopping his train of thought right then and there.

"Heh?"

Amused by his surprised state Hange looked to Nanaba, who gave a nod of confirmation for what they were about to do.

Grasping her rivals hand in support Nanaba looked to the man of both their adoration.

"Mav, me and Hange have been talking."

-oOo-

Sometime Yesterday…

It was the day before, when Nanaba had made it back to the H.Q that night following her and Maverick's wholesome little trip. What should have been a fine end to such a lovely day was soon turned on its head as she was met with a surprise visit from Delta Squad's squad leader inside her room. And for what reason?

A simple little chat among friends.

Practically dragged in by the goggled woman Nanaba was forced to a chair as Hange went to bring some light into the room.

"How long have you've been waiting here in the dark?" Nanaba asked, honestly curious to know how long she was just sitting there.

"Let's not change the subject Nana."

Well, guess she could go screw herself, she supposed.

Though a chill couldn't help but run down Nanaba's spine the moment that Hange looked back to her with that darn smile. She wasn't a fool in thinking it was just Hange being friendly.

Nanaba knew better than to just take her at face value. This was the same woman who could go giddy like a schoolgirl as she ripped a titan's nape to shreds.

And her eyes. The way they glistened through her glasses in the light was just downright freaky. It was a trait Hange was an honest master of at times.

It was due to these circumstances that she smartly shifted her seat close to her storage closet, where her gear was stashed. Just a mental precaution.

Adjusting the now lit lantern on the desk Hange took a chuckled breath as if remembering a funny anecdote before finding her seat again. Which just so happened to be Nanaba's preferred one.

Meeting the vice-captains eyes once more she seemingly relaxed and placed her hands together. The clap that sounded made Nanaba jump a little in her seat, as if she was caught doing something bad and was now being given the talk.

"So like I said, had a nice time?" Hange asked curiously, though the tapping of her fingers told she expected a clear and immediate answer.

"I did." Nanaba said simply. A curious hum sounded form Hange as Nanaba didn't seem to go any further than that.

"Ohhhh, do anything special hmmm?" She asked with another chuckle, failing to hide the spitefulness in her voice. "Didya hold hands? Eat some nice quality food?" Her head began to crane to the side as the volume of her voice increased.

"Tell each other sweet nothings as you looked out into the sunset? Hmmmm?"

"What's it to you Hange?" Naba spoke, her tone now equally hardened and annoyed by her now invasive questions. "What we did in Trost is our business."

Hange's eyes widened for a moment, before they returned back to a narrowed look.

"Ohhh, so something did happen then…." Hange let out a very startling giggle.

"That's our business Hange, drop it." Nanaba said, as her fingers curled harder into her chairs' armrests.

"Ohhh I wish I could, but as the one whom the higher ups tasked to keep watch over him, it's my responsibility to know." She leaned forwards, closing the distance between the two. "You remember that, don't cha Nana, hmmm?"

That smug little tone in her voice was really starting to piss her off. Much so that a less than pleasant thought ran through her mind, only for the rational part of her to keep it at bay.

Seeing that flash of anger made Hange's grin stretch even further across her face. "Oh come now Nana, don't give me that look. I'm just feeling a little gossipy is all."

"Hmph, like I said, our business and ours alone." Crossing her legs she sent Hange an annoyed glare. "You're getting really pushy about this."

"*Giggle.* Suppose I am." Hange admitted. "To think the day would come where I'd have to be separated by my dear rival."

"Excuse me?" Nanaba asked, reeling back in surprise. Her question seemingly went ignored as Hange continued her jealous filled tirade.

"Can't say I'm really surprised to be honest." She said, tapping her fingers together. "Besides me you were the only other one who really tried."

Oh there were many, Hange thought. She'd seen firsthand how women inside the Walls acted whenever Maverick graced them with his presence. As someone who held similar feelings it wasn't hard to see the signs.

Yet for all their letters of admiration, marriage proposals, and outright public outcries of childbearing, none of them held a candle to the tomboy sitting close to her. Yes, Nanaba was the only one who she could honestly call a rival.

"You were always so sneaky in your little moments with Mav." She remarked. "All the times you two spent when I wasn't around, or busy with my duties…*Chuckle* Right behind my back."

Her goggles lit up in the light as she leaned in close, her voice lowering to a near growl.

"You've certainly managed to worm yourself into his hearts."

"Could say the same about you." Nanaba clapped back. "Since the trial you've been with him almost every hour of the damn day."

Hange was reminded of a certain saying she heard some time ago, comparing her to a fly. She frowned at that memory.

"Surprised you haven't tried to follow him into the bathroom." Nanaba's snide remark made Hange's eyes go wide.

"What kind of freak do you take me for?!" Hange whisper-screamed, as she felt genuinely insulted. To even suggest that scenario was not only insulting her, but insulting her and Maverick's relationship. As if she was that depraved!

What followed was a few minutes of a quite back and forth between the two, as they jabbed and sniped one another with insults that ranged from scathing, to outright petty.

Their whispered shouting match would end with the sounds of banging from the front door, and the voice of a certain scout.

"Take your catfight outside, I'm trying for sleep for once."

Hearing Levi's stern voice from behind the door made the two shut up immediately and hold their breaths, and only when they couldn't hear his footsteps anymore did they finally open their mouths again.

"*Sigh* Sorry, got a little heated." Hange whispered as she slouched in her (Nanaba's) chair, a resigned look on her face.

The apology was a half-baked one, but Nanaba accepted it anyways. In the end she knew why Hange was acting this way, and if she was honest she would probably be like this if she was on the other end of the stick.

But she would be damned if she let this bit of happiness in her life be snatched away so easily.

For the longest time she had accepted the fact that at some point a titan would just get lucky one day and that would be it for her. While the thought of meeting ones demise so early wasn't a thought she much enjoyed, it was one she had to acknowledge.

But since Maverick came along, and with the beginning of their relationship, the dream of a better life looked so much clearer and probable. Now the thought of meeting her early end wasn't one she was looking forward to.

She wanted to live a loving and fulfilled life and by the gods of this world and beyond she would live to see it, fight for it if she had to!

"I know your fond of him Hange, everyone does."

A small bashful smile emerged on Hange's face, the light of the lantern serving well to mask her blushing cheeks. She really didn't bother to mask her feelings.

"But I'm not giving up on him." Nanaba said, her voice strong and unyielding, causing Hange's smile to disappear. "What Mav and I have now is just as meaningful and precious."

A few moments of silence followed as Hange continued to stare into her rivals eyes, only to look back down.

"I know…I know…" Hange sighed, the spite in her voice gone. In the end she and Nanaba were longtime friends and she truly didn't want this to be the cause for said friendship to shatter. But a deep seated feeling inside her just had to know how far things went. And so she asked again.

"I just want to know Nana." She began. "Did you and Mav…go far?"

A moment of silence followed as Nanaba raised a brow at her choice of words, before settling down and with a slow shift of her crossed legs she gave her response.

"What if we did?"

Another bout of silence followed as Nanaba anxiously watched as Hange's left eye twitched before she took another deep breath, her lips curving into a smile soon after. Not like her earlier eerie smiles that promised bodily harm, but a more…scheming one.

"Then I must acknowledge you then." She said. "Both as a fellow woman and rival for our dear giant's affections."

Nanaba was a little confused as to where she was going with this. Seeing her perplexed face Hange got to her main point, it was honestly the sole reason she was even here in Nana's room in the first place.

"I'll get to the chase Nana, I want to…propose something with you."

Seeing her curious face Hange elaborated.

"It's obvious we both feel the same way about him, and I'm not so vicious as to try to get rid of my competition."

"What are you purposing?"

Seemed that was the right thing to ask, as Hange slowly got up into Nanaba's personal space. With sparkles in her eyes she grasped her hands with her own, squeezing tightly as she whispered so that only Nanaba could hear.

"A compromise Nana. One that will benefit both us and Maverick."

-oOo-

Back to the present

"We came to an agreement." Hange said, while patting Nanaba's shoulder. "We figured, why let you make such a heartbreaking decision, when there's a more perfect solution?"

"Heh?" His bemused tone of voice made Hange's smile grow wider as she stood up and began to walk towards him, with a noticeable sway of her hips.

"That's right Mav! You, me, and Nanaba! All together!"

In a sudden brazen move Hange pounced the man, landing straight down onto his lap. Snaking her arms around his neck she closed in to his still bemused face, to the point where their noses were just about close to touching.

"Your a lucky man, you know that?" She cooed as she brushed her hand through his beard with a flirty gaze.

Mav was at a bit of a loss. To think they had their own little plan in the making as well. And while Hange was clearly more than onboard with this he had to still make sure. And so he turned to the second woman in the room.

"Nana?"

Hearing her name called out she took a moment to compose herself soon Nanaba stood up and made her way to him as well, a confident air about her as she did so.

"You're honestly the best thing to happen to me, besides the scouts." Taking a seat on his other lap she grasped his hidden chin, pulling him to her reddened face, as a sensual and alluring smile curved from her lips.

"And I'll be damned if I let you slip away, not after what we shared in Trost." In a swift bold move she brough her lips to his, just as she did back in Trost, to the shocking gasp of her rival-now partner.

Hange's eye twitched as she watched as her partner-rival and her lover exchanged spit, and seemingly enjoying it, as she saw his hand drift dangerously close to Nanaba's rear. With a deep breath through her nose she calmed herself, knowing this was all part of the agreement.

"Oh! That reminds me!" She said sweetly.

Hearing her Mav and Nanaba separated their lips, just as a hand smacked into the marked man's cheek.

*S L A P*

The sound of the slap reverberated all across the room as Hange put all her might into it. While Mav head turned in the direction of her hand, he didn't look very much affected.

"Hange!" Nanaba shouted in shock, but her voice went ignored for the moment.

"That's for fooling around with the hearts of two beautiful maidens!" She said in an exaggerated and practiced tone.

A low huff was heard from the man in response. "Hahhh…suppose I deserve that…"

Before he could continue to kick himself two hands suddenly grasped his cheeks and the man was pulled into Hange's direction, and the sensation of lips crashing into his was felt once more.

In what could only be thought of was a step up he felt the familiar feeling of something entangling itself with his tongue, making his eyes go wide in surprise.

'By the Almighty, got a little French in ya Hanji?!'

"Alright Hange that's enough." Nanaba said, her tone less than amused. Her voice went ignored as Hange further sunk into her kiss, a sensual moan heard from the woman as she explored and enjoyed the giant's mouth.

Parting with his lips for just a moment she looked to her comrade with an accusatory look.

"You took these lips first."

Nothing more was said as Hange went back to devour her lovers lips, moaning loudly as she moved her hand to the back of Maverick's head, and grabbed his hair tightly. She had waited for this for a very long time.

Maverick found himself amused inside his thoughts by her honestly jealous, but not unwarranted behavior. No doubt Nanaba told her of their mouth to mouth show of affection, or she just figured it out on her own. And considering they only just went as far as cheek kisses and more-than-minor flirting it was a no-brainer she was going this hard on him.

Not wanting to be completely lead on he took some initiative and raised his hand, lowing it towards her lower back and giving a quick pinch to her rear, eliciting an exited and pleasured moan from his partner.

Their kiss lasted for a few minutes, yet it felt almost like an hour or two before Hange and Maverick parted, a visible string of drool stuck to their lips.

"*Giggle* Guess you're on board with this hmm?" She said with a half-lidded gaze. Feeling the sensation of her hand along his chin the giant responded with a pat to her backside.

"Heh, well I'd be lying If I said I wasn't planning on this sort of thing."

"Oh! So you were thinking about this too?" She asked excitedly, as she turned to give Nanaba a 'I told you so' look.

"Yeah." Gesturing for the two to get off him they did so, allowing the giant to rise and head towards one of the bookcases in his study. From behind said bookcase he pulled out a large blackboard, the large title written in chalk in the language of the land gaining the attention of the two women.

-Polygamy and You!-

Underneath the title the two were presented with all manner of percentage charts, graphs, statistics between monogamous and polygamous pairings, heck there was even a little bit of history on the subject, along with a few examples of some apparent successful parings throughout history.

There was even a little chart with the seven days of the week, with each day marked with either the initials H day, N day, or HN day.

He had clearly planned for this possible outcome.

"I was going to bring this up in hopes of convincing you two, but guess ya beat me to it!" Maverick exclaimed while reaching for a certain book from the case.

"I even managed to dig out this little piece of info." Presenting the piece of literature the two were surprised to see it.

It was the most recent edition of The Wall Codex, the written laws of the lands inside the walls. His trump card in order to convince the two of this multi-partnered relationship.

Flipping to the page marked with a bookmark the two began to read through it. It was a section listing off the very first set of laws their ancestors established, with a certain one regarding partnerships catching their eye.

In those days of old, since much of human population had been dangerously reduced it was decreed that a man, if dependable enough, could have multiple wives, all in an effort to raise and continue the human species.

While this law saw much practice in the past, as many family ancestries could contend to, nowadays it had been practiced ever so-rarely, the majority of those who could still maintain tradition were the nobility, though many still seemed to forget the whole marry the other woman part of the law.

Suppose they couldn't handle it, much less keep it up.

"Hah! See Nana? I told you the law was on our side!" Hange said with glee, wrapping her arm around her partner's neck, all while Nanaba had a blushing look of surprise. In all honestly she didn't think such a law was even real, not that she really bothered to read up on those laws at all, at least the older ones.

But here they were written in black and white, on the most recent copy.

"Guess you were right." She agreed, earning her a giggle and an amused huff from their shared lover. "So what now?"

"Now? Well, there's really only one thing left to do."

Handed back the book Mav made his way to place it back in its proper place.

"And that is?" Nanaba asked again.

Turning back to his partners, the giant looked down to meet their eyes, and with a smirk on his face he told them simply.

"It's time for you two to meet a few folks."

-oOo-

With his two lovely new partners by his side the giant led them out of his study and through the halls of the lowest levels of his keep, all the while he continued to be elusive to his girls as they asked him for details regarding these 'folks' he was bringing them to.

Soon enough they realized they weren't going to get a straight answer and simply let themselves be led along. Though Hange, her ever inquisitive mind, refused to surrender so easily and began to brainstorm on the possibilities as to whom their beau had so eagerly spoken of.

Passing by the many framed portraits of long dead figures of the Survey Corps, weathered banners, and armors of ages past the three would arrive at a double doored entryway leading to one of the many cellars the castle held. Raising the doors open with a loud creak he guided his two gals down the stairs, the glow of his body providing a guiding light to their descent into the darkness.

"Watch your steps, the last few are a doozy." He warned, recalling a moment one day when his face nearly met the hard ground thanks to a misstep.

His gals carefully followed suit, both of them keeping one hand on the walls, and the other grasping his robe, tightly.

It was in that moment did Hange's brain conjure up a familiar image, one that caused her eyes to go wide, though she managed to keep her shock to herself. For she had come to a conclusion, the only thing now was to see if she was proven right.

The answer would come soon enough, as the three finally reached the cellar floor. The light of his markings only lit a small area around them, for the cellar was far too massive to be fully enveloped by his godly marked body.

The giant took a quick glance around the darkened room before turning to his partners.

"Righto, now if you two don't mind standing here for a bit." Maverick said suddenly while side stepping away from the two and into the darkness.

"This isn't some sort of ritualistic prank is it?" Nanaba asked while placing her hands on her hips. Maverick only turned to give a wry smile in return.

"Just you wait and see…"

The two watched as their man instinctively maneuvered his way towards the right corner of the near pitch black room, his figure getting a little farther and farther from their sight and reach, his very footstep echoing.

Arriving at a certain spot the man took a knee, in which his glowing body revealed a small, half-melted candle on a plate.

With a snap of his fingers a small flame was formed around them, lighting the candle once more. And with a well-practiced gesture he directed the flame with his glowing hand, splitting it apart in order to move it along the air.

Hange and Nanaba looked on in idle wonderment as the small flame dashed across the room, hopping along like a pebble skipping across a lake. Each time it jumped to light another candle it separated into smaller flames, lighting up numerous other candles inside the cellar.

In moments the entire place was lit in a bright, warm glow, gifting the girls with a wonderous and breathtaking sight.

"Ohhh my…"

Nanaba's words fell off, as she and Hange were completely mesmerized by what they were seeing. Too stupefied to speak or think of any words that could describe the view that had surrounded them.

For this cellar was home to a massive collection of drawings, each one framed to the walls of the cellar, or gathered in numerous groups placed upon crates and shelves.

Flowers of varying types and colors were placed in numerous vases and pots, which either littered the floor or were placed near the framed pictures.

Handmade icons of the many faiths in Maverick's massive pantheon were also proudly displayed, some familiar to the two, and others completely alien.

And offerings and trinkets were placed close around the photos. It all gave the place a truly hallowed look and feel.

The two quickly realized this was a massive memorial, and the reason they were brought down here for.

Nanaba found herself enraptured by the sight of it all, for this wasn't just a 'few folks' as he said. As a whole sea of faces surrounded them.

Hange, meanwhile, was equally surprised, for different reasons.

"Right on the money Hange…" The squad leader muttered to herself. Her mind was on point once again, for she had deduced that the drawn headshots in the journal she discovered during his trip to the factory city would be related to all this.

"No wonder he asked for so many journals back then…heh…"

It all came together, to her amusement. She recalled him asking for a few more sometime after he had made himself at home inside the Walls. As well as his expenses on glass and wood every other week.

Figured he was up to something as remarkable as this. Those drawings she saw in his journal back those months ago were just the tip of the mountain.

"Quite a sight aren't they."

The giant's words brought her attention to him as he approached them, looking out towards the photos with a warm smile. Taking slow steps he circled around the first row of photos.

"The moment I stepped foot in here, I knew this was the perfect place…"

Everyone that the man had befriended, fought alongside, and held dear rested here in this isolated and well protected part of his keep.

Their memories, and that of those lifetimes, were forever honored and remembered in these framed hand-drawn portraits. To see them again brought a sense of comfort and warmth into his soul, no matter how many times he ventured down here.

Besides his dreams this was a place where he could find some true solace from the trials and tribulations of his new life. For where else could one feel at peace, when in the presence of family and friends.

Hange and Nanaba soon joined Maverick's side, the lit candles providing a comfortable warmth and almost serene feeling inside them.

"Is this everyone Mav?" Nanaba asked while wrapping her arm to his. To her it was as if the pictures spanned forever on, seemingly with no end. To her surprise he shook his head, a soft chuckle leaving his lips.

Mav grasped her hand into his and gave a light squeeze.

"Ohhh, not even close Nana."

His response left the two women stunned. All of this, and it still wasn't complete? Just how many more journals did he have to go through to complete this? How many more faces were to be remembered? Would this cellar alone be able to house them all?

Their mental queries went unanswered as the giant gestured for the two to follow him on a little tour, allowing them to meet the many people from Maverick's storied past.

Their pace was a slow and comfortable one, as Maverick introduced them to a few faces, sharing a few tid-bits on who they were, their lives, and his relationship with them. As he did he eyed Hange a few times, as she didn't seem as enthused as he believed.

He was honestly surprised to see Hange react to all this so calmly. He had expected her to run off ahead and start firing off question after question. Yet reality proved otherwise.

In fact she looked rather…apprehensive.

"You okay Hanji?" He asked with a smirk. "Figured you be bouncing off the walls with all this."

Hearing her name, but not acknowledging his jest, she quickly turned to him with a beaming smile that definitely didn't look forced at all.

"Y-Yeah! I'm just…taking everything in."

Just then out of the corner of her eye she spotted a few portraits that made her stop in place. For she felt she had seen them before.

Her eyes soon went wide, as she soon realized and recognized the woman in the center of the, for she was the same alluring gal with the singular black dotted eye she had seen in Maverick's journal while he was out in the factory city!

Making her way closer she took notice that the picture looked far more refined compared to how she last saw her, and the white on her skin was far more visible, suppose Mav got his hands on some white charcoal for that effect.

And now she had a name to this mysterious abnormal individual.

-Neena Henderson-

And by both her left and right sides were the children, her children.

-Reman Henderson-

-Robert Henderson-

-Beatrice Henderson-

Quite the bunch, Hange thought. She could only wonder how Neena and Mav met.

Her idle thoughts were soon interrupted as her eyes once more spotted another familiar face.

She closed in to get a better view, eyeing and admiring how the familiar photo in the frame was surrounded by a few light green posies and white lilies, with a small statue of a dragon's head by its side. And there, marked in English was a name of this once mysterious and enchanting looking woman engraved to the picture frame.

-Rhea Henderson-

And she wasn't alone either, as the photos of the pointed eared children were placed alongside her, their names too etched into their photo's frames.

-Isaiah Henderson-

-Rohan Henderson-

-Samantha Henderson-

-Ringo Henderson-

-Ishtaa Henderson-

"Hange?"

Hearing her name she turned to her now beloved man and her partner, the two giving her curious looks.

"Ahhhahah…" She scratched her frizzy bun, thinking of how to respond to them. Soon enough though she felt it was finally time to tell him, considering where they were maybe he wouldn't be too upset. "It's just….I've seen this picture before y'know."

Maverick raised a brow, while Nanaba crossed her arms with a suspicious look. "Oh?"

"Yeah…remember when you went away for a couple months?" Nodding to her words she continued, twiddling her thumbs all the while. "When I was placing the hand cannon in your cabinet…I may have taken a little peek into your journal…"

Seeing his brows lower and eyes narrow at her wasn't the greatest feeling to her, made only worse when she heard the clicking of a tongue.

"*Tch* *Tch* *Tch* Looking through Mav's personal and cherished belongings while he was away? Shame on you."

She added a little finger wag in Hange's direction, not bothering to hide the smug smirk as she did so.

Vehemently ignoring Nanaba for the moment she gave her giant a genuinely apologetic look. "It was a really scummy thing to do. I can't make any excuse for it."

Maverick remained silent, just simply looking down at her with a seemingly disappointed expression. In a sudden moment Hange felt the sudden stinging sensation of a hand chopping her on her noggin.

"OWWW!"

She clutched her stinging skull, to the amused giggle of Nanaba and a snide smirk from Maverick. This was a definite payback for the slap she gave him. Eye for an eye, a favorite universal law of Maverick's.

She felt a familiar massive hand reach down and rub her head, a warm and soothing sensation enveloping her soon after, taking away the stinging pains.

"All is forgiven Hanji." He said calmly, giving her a reassuring smile. "Though I think it's only fair I get to rummage around your personal stuff in return, no?" He said in a joking manner.

"Hah! Go ahead Mav I got nothing to hide from you!" She replied with gusto.

She made a mental note to burn all her risqué journal entries once they were done here. She may be unashamed in her affection for the man, but there were some things best left hidden, for now at least.

-oOo-

With that little matter settled with the three continued on through the cellar, the two scouts taking in every new face that their eyes landed on, occasionally asking their guide about them.

Passing by a group drawing of him and his squad mates from his days in the terran marines, Hange took a notice of four individuals.

"Who are these odd fellows Mav?" Hange asked curiously. Stopping mid-step he looked down to meet where her gaze had landed, the faces drawn recognized almost immediately.

"Ahhh." He voiced as he crouched down to her level. Before them was a crew he had been a part of since the end of the Second World War and beyond.

While they didn't meet under…pleasant circumstances, the many times they stood side by side against the horrors that the world threw at them time and time again had made them brothers in his mind.

-Tank Dempsey-

-Niklolai Belinski-

-Takeo Masaki-

There was another in their group, but he didn't feel the need to add him, much less remember him.

Instead another photo took their place, one who more than deserved it. As his eyes drifted to the individual, he felt his hearts sting, as the bittersweet memories came back.

"Sweet Abby…wished we had more time together…"

"You okay Mav?"

Blinking rapidly he turned to see the curious and slightly worried eyes of his dear squad leader peering through her glasses.

"Yeah…just, reminiscing of the old days."

As the two continued to speak Nanaba went a little further ahead, loosing herself as she gazed at the many faces surrounding them.

She shook her head in disbelief, it was just a bit too much to take in. There were so many photos, far too many for one man alone to both draw and frame.

A sudden chill ran down her spine in that moment, as her mind began to trick her into thinking that the eyes were following her, like those blasted porcelain dolls she once saw back in Sina.

Attempting to stem those thoughts away her eyes soon caught a group of photos that caught her interest. She gazed up to the shield shaped plaque on the wall that was placed on the wall.

-Razak's Roughnecks-

She wasn't very well versed on the English language, but she could safely assume this was the group's name.

Taking a gander at them they all looked like quite a bunch of hard shelled fighters. Her brows rose curiously as she spotted a few unique individuals in the group. One of them was clearly one of those aliens Mav liked to talk about, and the other was…something else.

Picking up the photo she tilted her head, fascinated by the person pictured…at least she thought it was a person.

It seemed to be one of those famed 'machine men' Mav had spoken of in his stories. The shading on certain parts of its body emphasized the beings steel-like sheen, such as its face and neck joints. Its name was as odd as its appearance.

'CHAS…a Roughneck till the end…'

Once more her knowledge English was pretty rough, but judging from the additional words and black ribbon around the photo she knew this CHAS was an honored member among their group.

"When did you ever find the time to draw them Mav?" She said aloud, getting the man and his partner's attention.

"Usually at night before bed, or during my off time." He idly answered. "About a couple hours was the most I could manage before duty called."

He leaned in close to Hange, a forced smile on his bearded face. "Our long night sessions in the lab certainly cut into it."

She sent an apologetic look, whispering an assurance to give him some additional R&R, followed by a quick peck to his lips. Reuniting with the two Nanaba took up his right flank as they continued their slow and comfortable pace, admiring the faces of the remembered.

"How have you've been able to keep this up?" Nanaba pressed.

"What 'chu mean Nana?"

"Just…all of this." Nanaba emphasized by gesturing to the photos. "I can't imagine it's been very easy to keep them all in your head."

Maverick's smile disappeared, Nanaba's words causing him to look around at the hundreds of faces he had drawn.

Worried she had caused some sort of troubled memory to arise Nanaba was about to apologize, but a sigh from the man stopped her.

"It's a grind to keep at this, I'll be honest." He began, looking towards the gallery. "Lord knows how much paper I've gone through to get them all here. *Chuckle* And how many tree spirits I've pissed off…"

The image of a disappointed Treebeard and a very, very, displeased Durthu flashed in his head in that moment. He wasn't sure which of the two he'd feel worse about.

"But what kind of a man would I be if I completely forgot the faces of those who have helped shaped me into the man I am today." He continued, his voice becoming firmer and resolute. "Of those who I've met in my travels, joined my adventures, fought by my side…shared my life with…"

He looked into the eyes of one of his beloveds, her stern but loving gaze looking back at him. Just as he remembered her.

"Gave me a purpose…"

His two lovers were left to process his words as he walked towards the small group of photos, of the members of his family back in a land once cursed by a vile and vindictive witch. His eyes softened at the drawing of his beloved Glynda, and their four children.

Eira, Maya, Arthur, and of course his youngest Maverick Junior (the 56th).

"God forbid I forget the faces of my own children." He picked up and caressed the drawing of his youngest son of that now distant world. "The universe will implode before that happens…"

His two lovers stood silent, giving the man some space as his mind began to fog with the memories he so cherished and held dear.

"I made a promise Nana. To never forget them." He said firmly, placing the photo back. "Even if my mind grew weary or damaged, I would always have something, anything to remember them. To know that they were real."

He recalled his early lifetimes, and how desperate he was to remember the faces of his family, his answer as seen would be to draw them. It always felt as if at some point they would soon disappear from his mind forever, like a wonderous and lucid dream one could remember and recite events with absolute clarity, if only for a few seconds.

While those fears had long been unfounded, he had made himself a solemn promise to do it. Didn't matter how large the task became, for as long as he had the ability to draw and remember he would continue to memorialize and honor them all for as long as his odd existence continued.

"I'm sure they appreciate your efforts Mav."

Turning he was met with the caring gazes of his newest beloveds. Leaning close to her boyfriend Hange gave a supportive look as she placed a hand on his chest. "Takes a couple hearts as big as yours to care for all these people."

A small bit of silence followed before a low chuckle escaped the man, as he realized the small little play on words.

"*Chuckle* Thanks Hanji."

"*Giggle*"

Her words seemed to make his day as Hange was soon lifted up and enveloped in a hearty hug. Her heart and cheeks warmed at his touch, even if his long beard made her face all scratchy.

She'd bear it all, if it meant having these moments more often.

After that little wholesome moment the three continued on, with Hange somehow becoming the lead. Ahead of her other two partners she took a gander at the multiple women that he had drawn, and the children beside their photos.

A smile was on her face as she read each and every name. If there was anyone who embodied the term 'family man' then Mav was the clear winner, no contest.

Her cheeks warmed as that thought ran around in her head, only for one photo to make her stop in her tracks. She had to take off and rub her glasses as she had to make sure she was seeing clearly.

It was of another group of individuals, four in total, unlike some of the literal platoons she had seen. One among them standing out that caused her to take pause.

Moving aside the potted lily's slightly aside she studied the drawing. It depicted a woman with a dozy smile and half-lidded eyes. The most notable aspects were her round glasses and ponytail that caused Hange to grasp her own set.

"She looks just like me…"

Looking down at the frame she read the name of this mysterious and familiar beauty.

"Fiolina G. Henderson…"

She swore it was as if she was seeing double. Though the glasses were much rounder and not strapped to her head, the frizzy ponytail and general look of this woman was almost on point with her. Her eyes then drifted to the two children by her photos.

"Matteo Henderson…"

"Gianna Henderson…"

If she could imagine Mav in his younger years then young Matteo was the case. The young man was depicted with a wide, confident grin inside of a dark beard with a small knot at the end.

And like her mother Hange was stunned to see how similar the young Gianna looked like herself in her years in the training corps.

And just like their father their eyes looked otherworldly as they held a distinct ring of pure white, and unshaded unique markings etched to their faces and exposed skin. A clear sign of their divinity.

Her hand reached out to the framed drawings, her fingers drifting across the glass that sealed and protected it from the elements. It was honestly a little startling, though there was some clear differences she felt a small, indescribable feeling as she continued to stare.

"Someone catch your eye Hanji?" The voice of her partner caused her heart to nearly jump and look back to meet the curious gaze of her lover.

A bit startled he looked to see which photos she was looking at. And sighed as he understood her reaction.

"It's almost like looking in a mirror." Hange remarked as she traced her hand along the photo of her 'doppelganger'. She supposed in the vast worlds beyond her look was bound to have similarities.

Maverick gave a comforting shoulder rub as he crouched next to her. "Yeah, I'll admit it was a bit of a shock to see you when we first met." He gestured to the photo of his late partner. "It was as if you came back to me."

"But I know better." He quickly added. While a part of him had desired such an outcome, he knew, deep down in his hearts, that Hange wasn't Fio.

Nor was she good ol' Dr. Naomi, or his old handler back in the New World, not even Raifort, though the latter was a near on point resemblance.

Hanji was Hanji. Simple as that.

"What me and she had is something I'll hold onto forever. And while I might have…entertained the thought, I knew it wouldn't be fair to you, or Nanaba."

Hearing her name the blonde turned to give the man a smirk.

"You've met others like me too?" She asked while gesturing with a hand to her hip.

"People with your looks and…personality, have all come and gone Nana." Maverick replied, earning him an amused scoff from the two. "You live as long as me, and you start to see the patterns."

"So how do you describe this?" Hange asked as she held up the framed image of Fio close to her own face, giving a questioning and cute look to the giant.

"Cosmic coincidence." Was Maverick's answer. It was a term he had long used for moments such as this. Besides a few instances and encounters in his multi-world journeys most of the time whenever similarities like this occurred, it was simply nothing more than a 'cosmic coincidence'.

Taking his words at their value Hange looked back to his drawn lover of lifetime's past, wondering what sort of life they lived, the adventures they went on, the foes they faced, so on and so on.

"Cosmic coincidence, heh…"

Setting the photo and the potted flowers back into their original position she followed the giant as he led them deeper through the cellars framed walls.

As they walked Nanaba too found her eyes wandering towards the other women in Maverick's long and prosperous life.

Gazing at one after the other she read off the names inscribed in the small plaques on the picture frames in her head, trying her best to memorize them.

-Sadayo Kawakami Henderson-

-Rosalina Henderson-

A bit easier said than done, as more than a few names were written in his native English, then there were the more unique names in the bunch.

-Ulrika Magdova Henderson-

-Samara Henderson-

-Juri Han Henderson-

Along with their exotic names they were extremely beautiful. Whether this was actually their looks in life or just Maverick's rose-tinted memories of them she couldn't tell.

-Chifuyu Orimura Henderson-

-Ghislaine Henderson-

-Baiken Henderson-

She was thinking the latter, as she took notice of something peculiar. Something that made her cheeks go a little red.

-Claudia Henderson-

-Chifusa Henderson-

-Franceska Mila Henderson-

-Owari Henderson-

For there was another aspect some of these drawn women shared, for their beauty was only outmatched by their…very…bountiful…large…

-Melpha Henderson-

-Eliza Perlman Henderson-

-Aina Winchester Henderson-

-Roxanne de Henderson-

-Cathyl Henderson-

Well, supposed she should be glad to know his children did not go hungry as newborns.

Said children that numbered in the near dozen with some of these women.

"And here we are ladies, the folks I wanted you two to meet."

"*GASP!*"

The sudden gasp from Hange made Nanaba twist her head back quickly to see what had made her partner let out such a noise, and found her eyes going wide and her mouth open up in bedazzlement.

"M-Mav." She eked out of her still shocked mouth. "A-Are these?"

His smiling face was all she needed as an answer as he introduced the dozens of faces to them.

"Yep. Hanji, Nana, meet my family!"

Adorned on the wall at the deepest reaches of this underground memorial, was a grand tribute to his family. His first, blood born family.

A family whose bloodlines had lived and persevered for generations.

A family who raised and shaped him into the strong, confident, and at times bull-headed man that laid at the heart and soul of the demigod.

A family whom he missed oh so dearly, and prayed that one day he would see again, if he was ever truly granted that privilege.

As their dearest brought them close Hange and Nanaba took in every face presented to them. Both sides of his family were represented, the Hendersons and the Abdullahs, with the two main members of importance placed right smack in the center, circled by a ring of blooming flowers of red and orange petals.

The two women took to admire it all, while Mav dipped his thumb into a few of the potted plants that were looking a little wilted.

Their attention so focused the two women didn't see the man whisper a few enchanting words, that caused each dying flower to rejuvenate and spring back to life.

Just one of the many gifts bestowed to him by the earthly deities of yonder lifetimes.

"Hooooh." Came an odd sound from Hange, as she eyed the patriarch of the Henderson family, Matthew Henderson XCII.

The man was drawn in his late forties, from what Hange could tell from the bit of wrinkles on the man's aged, but still handsome visage. The gray shaded streaks along the sides of his hair and beard also spoke of his age, yet still looked to be a very able bodied individual, if his proud looking smile was anything to go by.

"Quite the strong resemblance." Hange said, with an agreeing nod from Nanaba. There was no doubt in the two's mind that the man drawn was destined to be Maverick a few decades from now. Eyeing the names of two other men she realized they were her boyfriend's brothers, Matthew Henderson XCIII and Malek Henderson

"Your brothers aren't half bad looking either." Hange voiced. "O-Of course they don't compare to you dear!~

Her flustering earned a chuckle from her two companions, much to her chagrin as Nanaba shook her head at her.

With a reassuring head rub Maverick joined the two as they admired the images of his eldest and youngest brother.

He'd drawn Matt as he looked during his wedding day, his dark hair slicked back and his beard nice and trimmed. One part of him urged to draw him with that goofy faux hawk haircut he got one time during spring break, but his more rational and respectful side won over…eventually.

Malek's appearance was far less of a headache for the marked man. Since returning from his tour of duty in the eastern theatre his dear baby brother had always stuck to just shaving his hair every time it got a little too big. 'Helped to beat the heat.' He always claimed.

But like any Henderson man he let his facial hair grow wild. Inspired by old illustrations and tales from their mom's side of the family, he'd go and fashioned his beard in a style that'd make their kin from Ol' Mesopotamia proud.

Another thing the two women found interesting was his shaded skin. Like Maverick, the youngest of the trio had inherited the olive skin tone from their mother.

Speaking of which…

"She's beautiful Mav." Nanaba said, as she gazed at the drawing of the matriarch of the Henderson bloodline, Rachel Abdullah Henderson.

Her dark skin was shaded in a lighter tone to compensate for the much darker shade her hair sported, which had been drawn fixed with lighter streaks to mark the few braided knots that hanged down loosely from the sides of her head. Her eyes were drawn half lidded, fixed with a tender, loving smile that mixed her motherly and alluring side. The small beauty mark below her right eye was the cherry on top.

"It's the face that my dad fell in love with." Maverick said fondly. He had done his best to recreate the photo his father took of her during their twentieth anniversary. "And loved until his last breath."

A sharp moment of silence followed as Hange and Nanaba watched as he slowly and calmy wiped the framed photo, clearing a bit of dust that had begun to form around the edges of the photo frames.

The two could see the smile on his face twitch downwards, but only for a split second, as his eyes glowed a bit brighter while turning to them.

"Did I ever tell you two how they met?"

Another short bout of silence followed before the two shook their heads. While it obvious he was trying to think of less depressing thoughts they were adamant to humor and offer him some attentive ears, as they always did when he spoke of his past.

With warms smiles the two stood shoulder to shoulder with the man as he looked back to the photos of his parents, recalling the tale his father used to tell him in his youth.

"A long, long, long time ago Dad got into a serious accident while out on a carpentry job and had to be hospitalized."

"What kind of accident?"

"Severed his left thumb." Hearing the hisses and recoils from his girls made him chuckle a bit.

"Yeah…nasty I know. But luckily, the work site was close to a hospital so they were able to get him in quick and get it reattached. Plus the medical care was pretty top notch."

Looking back to the memorial the edges of his beard covered lips curved upwards. "And take a guess as to who was the one to help in treating him."

His little question was a no-brainer, as the two women turned to the photo of his mother. Nanaba couldn't help but smile a little wider, as she remembered her talk with Mav the day before when he mentioned his mother's medical skills.

Listening oh so intently Hange and Nanaba were left enthralled as the man continued with his small tale of the first meeting between the Henderson and Abdullah bloodlines.

It was a simple yet wholesome little love story. Recovering from his operation his father was left to relax in his room, just in time for one of the practitioners of his quick little reattachment to come by his room to see if he had awoken yet.

Though the drugs to numb his pain still coursed through his body his mind was still lucid enough to see and acknowledge the lovely woman who seemed to have materialized into the room.

In that moment Matthew Henderson XCII had been struck by Cupid's arrow.

"He always said that it was like he was being cared for by one of God's angels." The storyteller chuckled, recalling how his mother's cheeks would redden every time that part came up.

With his numb and drug addled mind the man would apparently go on to compliment the young medicine angel. Though his words were half slurred and stuttered the young woman was left both flustered and amused by the compliments.

She would entertain him, if only until the drugs in his system wore off. Yet what had originally been meant to be only just a few minutes of small talk had become a half hour of pleasant conversation, as Matthew's mind returned to its natural state.

"After he was discharged they stayed in touch. Whether it was outside of work or if he had come to visit the hospital."

Said visits would be the result of further injuries on his part. Now whether accidental or done purposefully would be something only Mr. and Mrs. Henderson would know, a cherished secret they wouldn't tell a soul, not even their own children.

Maverick's hand drifting towards the photos, his fingertips tracing the glass. He had heard this story countless times from them, and yet it never failed to warm his hearts.

"Eventually they got together and…well, the rest is history."

"They were real sweethearts, eh?" Maverick smiled at Hange's remark.

"They were, and there's no doubt in my mind that they still are."

He remembered his father's last days. Despite all of the wonders of advanced medicine, the one thing it could never truly cure was time. And time had at last come for dear old Dad.

He remembered the day he got a call from Mom. How his heart sank as she spoke about his collapse at their summer home and what the doctors had told her. Informing his brothers the three practically put their own lives on hold in order to see to it that the father's remaining days were spent as comfortable as could be made.

He went peacefully in the end, knowing he wouldn't need to worry about the state of his now expanded family. While he had his fair share of regrets and still yet to be completed desires, he was content and more than ready to be with the rest of the family up above.

Mom would join him the following year, and would be buried by his side in the family cemetery. As together they were in life, they would be joined in death as well. Til death do us part didn't seem to apply to the two.

His hearts stung at that memory, both in joy and sorrow. To him their love was always one that was the living definition of 'storybook'. While there was plenty of romances like theirs in the millennia's of humanities existence, theirs was a special one, and one that served to inspire and guide his own romances in life.

Even in those times where they never always saw eye to eye, or found them arguing over adult-related topics in his younger years, one thing they always did was assure him and his brothers that they both still loved them and each other.

'Never go to bed angry' was an often saying in the Henderson household.

Sensing his moist eyes he quickly steeled his hearts, an act gone unnoticed by his two loves.

"They would have loved you two, you know." Maverick said, his hands on his ladies' shoulders and a warm smile on his face.

"Really?"

"Ohhh yeah. They would have made you feel like part of the family." He replied. "Would have sat you two down on the sofa, put out a nice full plate of dolmas on the coffee table. And once they eased you in with their pleasant smiles and delicious food, they'd get down to grill ya. *Chuckles*"

"Grill us?"

"Y'know, asked you two how we met, your hobbies, how soon the grandkids would be coming, etcetera, etcetera."

"G-Grandkids?!" Nanaba shrieked amusingly, her face reddening. Hange meanwhile had a dreamy look as she began to visualize how their possible children would look like.

"*Giggle*"

Truly his folks sounded like absolute joys to be with. While regretful they couldn't truly meet the parents of their beloved giant in the flesh, at least they could meet them in spirit and receive faces to their names.

But there was still some among the family that the two were most curious about. They had seen the decorated tribute to these individuals as they arrived to this wall, yet Maverick had yet to make any mention. Whether he was trying to avoid them or was saving them for last was up in the clouds.

Which is why in a moment of relaxed silence after another story of his parents did Nanaba, with an approved nod from Hange, gesture to the photos.

"And they must be…"

A low, almost silent sigh escaped the giant lips, for he knew where Nanaba was pointing at. Slowly turning in her finger's direction his eyes met the framed photos placed near the wall.

His two gals remained silent as the man slowly approached the spot where the small collection of photos were, his eyes never leaving their sight.

One was of a woman, her lightly shaded hair fashioned in a sort of messy bob style, with a few strands sketched in that masked her eyes a little. Said eyes looked to have a sparkle in them, all matched with a smile that could make butterflies erupt in ones stomach.

The other two were of a young man and woman, both unmarked and with visible pupils. The young man was of a similar dark shade and hair, and a beard proudly growing on his face. The young woman too had a dark shade of hair, yet held lighter skin, similar as to the woman.

They were special, among all in his family, the numerous cool colored flowers surrounding the portraits making it very, very clear. For the woman portrayed in one of the photos was always fond of such flowers.

Maverick was elated to have found them in this world, and so had purchased a large sum of them, placing them around the borders of her portrait, to the point of creating a small section of the family wall in their honor.

For he wouldn't have settle for less for the first love of his life, and their children.

"Nadia…Junior….Evanna…."

Hearing the names from the man eased and satisfied their curiosity. Yet a strong feeling of guilt began to quickly fill their hearts as they watched the man slowly kneel down to where their pictures lied.

"They were the first…."

And now they knew who they were to the man, though they already had a feeling. She was the first among her equals, the first to have caught his heat, his first beloved wife.

And the younglings were the children they had brought to the world. Their love made manifest.

"So how'd you two meet?" Hange asked in a tender and curious tone, all the while giving him a little shoulder rub. Nanaba joined her in comforting the man as she took a knee by his side.

The sides of his moustache curved upwards. It was both an odd and relieving feeling to see them so accepting of all this. It just reinforced the notion that these two wonderful gals by his side were whom he definitely wished to spend his days in this walled land.

And so, with a hand on his chest he began his little tale. One that he held the nearest and dearest to his main heart.

"We met on the moon."

Those first words gave the girls pause, before the looked on with smiles as he began to speak in a low, but warm tone, as he looked into the eyes of his first love.

Their first meeting, as he said, was on the surface of the celestial orb high in the night sky. Humanity in his time had achieved what their ancestors could only imagine through stories, films, and dreams.

Expansion into the final frontier.

He had earned a job in orbital construction, a dream job for many. He, alongside many others, were tasked in the expansion of the lunar colonies, specifically its agricultural sector.

It was while out in the void of space, building the foundations for the new agri-pods did he accidentally bump into another worker.

Apologizing at the same time he turned to at least give his fellow the decency of looking them in the eye. And in that moment of meeting her eyes...

Well, like father like son. It happened.

Maverick Adad Henderson had been smitten.

Even with the gear and suit he could still remember her beautiful face through the visor of her helmet. But looks were only one half. It was her personality that would be the judge.

Like any budding romance, they would begin as simply work associates. A little hello there, a passing glance there. But in time, once they both grew accustomed to one another Maverick would ask her that often nerve wracking, heart racing, question.

"Wanna go out sometime?"

Nadia Pánek would, to his relief and joy, accept.

He remembered the days they spent together fondly. Their little dates on and off orbit specifically. From lunar walks on Armstrong path, to having a nice little lunch back in his hometown.

They shared a love for old world tunes. He was a Eurodance guy, she was a Future Funk girl.

She also had a small passion for bug collecting, something she picked up from her father.

He'd come to learn she had a bit of a temper too. Though she was slow to anger, once she got heated it was…certainly a sight to see.

One learned to never anger a woman with exo-suit training.

But besides those quirks to Maverick she was the one. The one his father would always tell him when he was young that he would one day find in this great wide world. Never did he think it would be outside said world.

For three years they spent together as partners. And three years was all it would take until he finally had gained enough courage to say those four simple, little words.

"Would you marry me?"

Maverick's hearts would begin to ache again, as he remembered the teary eyed but joyous look on her face as Nadia smashed her lips into his, her decision more than obvious.

They would marry inside Apollo Memorial Church, right in view of the earth over the lunar horizon. It was a memory that he held the dearest, and stung his hearts the most.

But that memories' place in his mind would only be contested by the birth of their children. How small those two bundles of joy were in his hands, he could almost feel them again.

Just as he was about to continue on he felt the familiar stinging sensation surging through his eyes. His breath hitched, as he tried to fight the urge, yet his eyes grey misty.

His eyes drifted to his two now lovers. Seeing the concerned looks on their faces cause a surge of embarrassment to rile up inside him.

"Sorry you have to see me like this." He said while wiping his eyes, chastising himself in his head. It's one thing to start the waterworks while in the presence of others, but to do it with your girlfriends by your side, while talking about your late wife was quite embarrassing, in his view.

It was a view that he seemed to only share, as the two were quick to comfort and reassure him of the opposite.

"Don't be! You have nothing to be ashamed about!" Hange reassured the man with a warm hug. Wrapping her arms around his neck she brought her body close to him, nestling his head on her chest. "As if we'd think any less of you for it."

The sensation of a womanly chest brought the demigod out of his apparent funk as he released a muffled chuckle, making the squad leader giggle in return. It was something he hadn't been subjected to in a while, not since his last late wife's first pregnancy.

As Maverick remained in his lovers bosom the two women looked back to the photo of his first wife. An odd sensation of being observed was felt through the two. Even though it was only a photo it felt as if Nadia was right there with them, watching the two new lovers with judgmental eyes.

It was for that belief that the two felt the need to reassure the long departed woman.

"I know we can never hold a candle to you…" Hange thought.

"But we'll do our damnest to make him the happiest man in the Walls." Nanaba finished.

Nothing more was needed to be said or thought, as the two continued to provide their giant love with whatever comfort they could provide. Even after he had quickly recovered from his near lapse of emotions the two continued to stick by his side.

As the day continued the three continued to stay inside the cellar, listening to the giant as he told more stories regarding his family. Out of all of them it was that of his adventurous uncle Yusef that the two enjoyed the most.

By the time night had rolled around the three were still down there in the underground memorial, for they didn't feel the need to leave any time soon, especially as they began to celebrate. And not just for their new three-way union.

For not only had Maverick memorized the faces of his dear friends and family, but also remembered their birthdays and the anniversaries of all his loves.

And with so many folks having a birthday on the same day there was no doubt that the three would be down there for quite a while. But did it bother them? Of course not.

For both Hange and Nanaba had now become a part of this massive multi-universal family. And they were more than happy to celebrate these special days with the one they both loved.

A/N: It's been a few months but I finally got this chapter done! Like I said, life's been getting a little busier than usual for me. Fortunately I finally managed to get this one out. And on the anniversary day of this fanfic too, woot woot.

As we see in this chapter Maverick's relationship status has finally changed. Took a couple dozen chapters but here we are! Hopefully I was able to do it both justice and satisfying to reach.

This romance upgrade also means I can finally update the pairings on the site! At long last!

Its honestly been a serious long time coming. Don't mean to toot my own horn, but I'm 80% certain I'm one of the few on either FanFiction or Wattpad who has made Hange as a main love interest for a male OC. Though I'm 100% certain I'm the first to make Nanaba one.

We also get to see a couple of faces from Mav's past in the form of his massive memorial, including his folks and his very first dearly beloved. I plan to have the cellar memorial as a recurring location in this story so get ready for more easter eggs from the past.

Such as the numerous gals I name dropped in this chapter. I implore you dear readers to try and guess to which series and universes each of them resided in.

Still in the air whether I'll add more women into this little threesome, though I'm honestly leaning on just having Hange and Nanaba. Sure I've said this before, but I'm not a very big fan of massive harems, as it just leads to one big headache in my opinion. (Though in my little headcanon Mav's often been the living embodiment of the phrase 'harem king' throughout a couple lifetimes.)

There is at least one other possible love interest that's been in the back of my head, but since most of my romantic attention was on Hange and Nanaba there wasn't really much room for another. Maybe I'll add them in the future, if I can think of a decent method of inclusion.

With the conclusion of this little Romance Arc we'll be going back to our usual expedition antics, though not before checking back on a certain couple of characters, who I honestly should have been keeping tabs on more frequently in this story.

As always I offer my sincerest thanks to all my readers and those who have been for sticking by this story for what is now three years, both on FanFiction and on Wattpad. It's honestly surprising to think it's been that long since I started this little tale of an overpowered demigod in a world that wasn't honestly ready for him.

I can only hope I can keep you all entertained and invested in Maverick's tale, as I do have a sequel to this story in the works, but that's a long ways away. As always thanks for reading and hope to see you all in the next chapter!

Also, since this is another special chapter…Well, you know the drill.

Edit 8/9/24: Included the other mysterious woman Hange saw in Maverick's room, who for some reason I completely forgot. For those who are well versed in Marvel Comics you'll know the name. I also switched up some of the names Nanaba reads through cause I'm an indecisive bastard.

-Special Closing Credits: Romance Inside the Walls Edition-

-Closing Song: Wonderful! Wonderful!-The Tymes Version (Altered lyrics sung by Maverick, Hange, and Nanaba's English VA's)

Maverick: How sweet it is, to be young and in love…

The following scenes shown in this ending credits show the following days after the three have resolved their little love triangle. As the music begins the scene shows the three lovers walking along the Wall, admiring the land beyond their bastion.

Maverick: Sometimes we walk hand in hand by the Wall.

And we breathe in the cool breezy air.

You turn to me with a kiss in your eyes.

And my heart feels a thrill beyond compare!

While walking near the edge Hange takes a misstep and nearly falls over, only for Maverick's large hand to grasp her shirt. As he pulls her back she begins to chuckle and give her lover a cheeky grin. Her savior and partner in romance can only shake their heads in response.

The scene changes to Maverick, Hange, and Nanaba announcing their relationship to the scouts in the mess hall, earning them numerous smiles and congratulations of their peers and closest companions.

The scene quickly shifts to Marlene and Lynne at a lone table looking at one another, shrugging as it seems their bet has come to a draw.

Another scene shows Maverick walking down the district streets, holding up his tow gals over his shoulders to the amusement of the citizenry.

Embarrassed yet joyous looks are on the two women as the man continues to parade them around, with few members of his cult throwing flowers at the new couple.

Maverick: Then your lips cling to mine!

It's wonderful, wonderful!

Oh, so wonderful, my love!

Maverick finishes his verse with the scene showing Mav with a very content look as he looks up to the sky, which soon shifts to all three resting atop a hill in the fields of Wall Maria.

Hange: Sometimes we rest on the top of a hill.

And we gaze at the Earth and the sky.

I turn to you and you melt in my arms.

There we are, darling, only you and I!

The three point to numerous clouds, pointing out their forms and shapes, ranging from animals to utensils. Hange soon spots a certain shaped cloud and point to it.

A cloud that strongly resembles a newborn child.

Noticing the shape Nanaba laughs with a reddened tint to her cheeks, while Maverick gives a curious look to Hange, her heartwarming smile very clearly shown as she holds his hand, intertwining her fingers to his.

Hange: What a moment to share!

It's wonderful, wonderful!

Oh, so wonderful, my love!

The view then switches to the three walking along a path through the giant forest in Maria, with Hange at the lead with the other two looking on with amusement.

Breaking off from the tourist path the three explore the massive woods, until they discover some old ruins, similar to those found during the expedition. Hange observes one of the stones, noticing a carving of sorts resembling a sort of shape with nine points.

Hange: This world is full of wondrous things, it's true.

Nanaba: But they wouldn't have much meaning without you!

The scene shifts to the three enjoying an outside meal at the Breakfast Barrel in the late evening. Maverick's meal consisting of numerous plates compared to Hange and Nanaba's.

The scene follows them by the canal, watching as a boat floats by with some aboard waving at the three.

Nanaba: Some quiet evening I sit by your side.

And we're lost in a world of our own.

I feel the glow of your unspoken love.

I'm aware of the treasure that I own!

The scene shifts to the interior of Slayer's Keep, with noticeable boxes strewn about the halls. Scene changes to show that Hange and Nanaba have essentially moved into the castle, as Hange is seen making a new lab, while Nanaba adds a collection of books to the keep's library.

Nanaba: And I say to myself!

It's wonderful, wonderful!

Oh, so wonderful, my love!

The final scenes show the cellar memorial, with the view spanning to the many faces filling the wall.

Nanaba: And I say to myself!

Hange: It's wonderful, wonderful!

Maverick: Oh, so wonderful, my loves!

The last scene shows an empty spot on one of the walls, which is soon filled with a framed sketch of Nanaba's mother. Along with the photo Nanaba places a potted flower, trying her hardest not to cry as she looks over at her late mother's face.

Seeing her shaking shoulders Maverick and Hange hold her in a tight embrace, a a teary-eyed but smiling visage is the blonde's response. The final shot is of the three surrounded by the many faces of lifetimes past.

Including a figure in the background looking over the trio with a warm and motherly smile, their face having a strong resemblance to the memorial's most recent addition.

-After Credits Scene:

We find our hero resting in his king-sized bed inside Slayer's Keep, idly looking up at the ceiling, as he recalls everything that has transpired in the following days, a giddy smile stretched across his face.

And who could blame the man, when by his sides rested the figures of Hange and Nanaba, sleeping soundly and peacefully.

He could hear their steady heartbeats and feel the slightest movements of their bodies as they readjusted themselves, their arms often either splaying across his chest or around one of his arms.

He stifled a chuckle as he heard Nanaba mutter his name, no doubt enjoying a pleasant dream.

And speaking of dreams, he supposed it was time to visit the realm himself, for he and his beloveds had a long day ahead.

Closing his eyes he eased his mind with calm, soothing, thoughts to relax his brain, and lull himself to sleep.

But just as his consciousness began to fade and go into rest mode…

He felt his body go stiff as his mind was soon assaulted with a series of bright flashes. Which meant either of two things.

A, he was having a non-drug induced vision.

B, his paralysis demon had somehow come back with a vengeance.

It would be the former as soon enough an image began to form, of a certain place that was very familiar to the man.

A beach. A warm, and sunny looking beach.

He was about to question himself as to why of all times his mind was mocking him with such a wonderful view, only for two others making themselves known.

"Oi, look who's awake."

"Oh, is he? *Giggle*."

Hearing the familiar voices he turned to their direction, and felt his hearts stop for a moment.

For there was Hange and Nanaba close by his side enjoying the scenic coastline, adorned in some very, very, fetching summer wear.

With a water bottle in hand Hange lifted a pair of sunglasses atop her head and looked down to him with her usual bright smile, which was only made even more alluring as her green two-piece swimwear displayed more skin than he was used to from the squad leader.

Close by was Nanaba, a towel draped over her shoulders as she dried herself. Like Hange she too was in a lovely white and blue bikini top, but instead of a matching bottom she had on some cute navy-blue short shorts, which were just short enough to display her fine legs.

Once more he wasn't entirely sure as to reasons why he was seeing this, but he wasn't exactly complaining either.

"Take them to see the sea like this…they deserve that much…"

A distant voice was heard by the demigod. Didn't take him long to realize it was the same voice that he heard back in the factory city, and no doubt it was the same one who had visited him while he was dreaming with his old partner from Kanto.

"At least…she does…"

He didn't know why but he felt the voice was talking about Nanaba. And didn't like it one bit.

"A day at the beach sounds real nice…" He said indulging the voice. There was no doubt that the voice knew there had to be some body of water somewhere in this land, seemed it was eager for them to find it.

It was already something he was planning on doing with the two anyways, once they settled the score with the giants, and their creators. With that thought he gave a nod out to the voice, assuring it that it would give his girls everything they deserved and more.

It seemed to do the trick as soon he felt his consciousness begin to fade out again, with one last ounce of his will he turned to see his two girls smiling faces as the edges of his sight darkened more and more.

But before his mind completely shut down for the night another voice made itself known, though Maverick was a little far gone to completely hear and make any sort of sense of it.

"Enjoy your happiness, Champion…may you endeavor in this cruel and beautiful world…of my creation…"