Kare shuffled through the stack of papers on his desk, his sharp eyes scanning contracts, requisition forms, and supply lists. His role within the Scout Regiment had shifted dramatically since his return. He wasn't just a soldier anymore — he had also become officially the man, ensuring the Regiment didn't fall apart while Hange and Levi were preparing the scouts in their own way... which honestly was somewhat the same before he got left behind.
Looking back, his work had always been scattered across different fronts. He'd been involved in everything from covert training to the eccentric Animal Building Week to efforts aimed at improving base construction. His time with R had been particularly demanding, where he pestered engineers into experimenting with sturdier sheathes and blades. Somehow, between all that, he'd still found time to join expeditions, throwing himself into the chaos outside the walls.
But the Scout Regiment wasn't the force it once was. What remained was a skeleton crew, at best twenty healthy active soldiers who could join them on springtime to the journey to the ocean, with most still recovering from injuries or trauma. The burden fell heavily on the few who could still work, and Kare was at the center of it, juggling roles that no longer had dedicated officers to handle them. He wasn't just helping to plan the next expedition. He was negotiating trade, arranging supplies, and trying to prevent the Regiment from going bankrupt.
His most pressing task had been reestablishing contact with the Merchant Association. Dimo Reeves had been a key ally, but his death left his son, Flegel Reeves, in charge. Kare had carried contracts and agreements to Flegel Reeves, hoping the son would honor his father's commitments. To his surprise, Flegel Reeves had been more than agreeable, even admitting he owed the Scouts a favor. After several rounds of discussion, they'd secured a supply chain to support the Scouts stationed in Shiganshina.
Despite this small victory, Kare barely had time to catch up with his comrades. Jean, when he can, found every opportunity to pester him, while Armin frequently visited, clearly brimming with excitement over the prospect of seeing the ocean. Procuring equipment, negotiating exchanges for Iceburst Stones, and trading unused iron bamboos were his focus. His effort to replace their battle-worn gear felt like an easier task compared to his days outside the walls, where survival had hinged on little more than ingenuity and luck.
The day slipped by unnoticed. By the time Kare leaned back in his chair, rubbing his eyes, the lamps in the hallways outside his office had been lit. A warm glow cast flickering shadows on the walls as he continued his work. He didn't hear the door creak open, but he recognized the familiar rhythm of Jean's footsteps and the faint sloshing of liquid from a bottle.
"Yo," Jean greeted casually, leaning against the doorframe. "Knew it was me?"
"Heard you a mile away," Kare replied, his lips quirking into a small grin.
Jean clicked his tongue, shaking his head. "That freakish hearing of yours is still terrifying."
Kare chuckled. "Give it time. At this rate, I'll be able to copy Miche and smell you guys a mile away, too."
"What a creep," Jean snorted and lobbed a bottle at him. Kare caught it with one hand, his reflexes automatic. He pushed the stack of papers aside and motioned for Jean to sit.
The two settled into an easy conversation, the kind born from shared experiences and unspoken understanding. Jean leaned back in his chair, taking a swig from his own bottle before speaking. "You've been through hell, huh? Titan territory, all on your own."
Kare exhaled slowly, his fingers tracing the rim of the bottle in his hand. "Yeah. I was scared out of my mind half the time, Jean. I won't lie about that."
Jean scoffed, though there was no malice in it. "You? Afraid? C'mon, man. I always figured you were the one guy, besides Eren, who hated titans enough to not give a damn."
Kare shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Hating them doesn't make me fearless."
"I don't believe you," Jean's expression then turned somber as he stared at the floor. "Honestly? I wish you'd been around. When Reiner and Bertholdt…" He trailed off, taking another sip. "We could've used you."
Kare's smile faded, guilt creeping into his voice. "I'm sorry, Jean. I—"
"Don't," Jean interrupted, his tone sharp. "Don't apologize, damn it. We should've known a bastard like you wouldn't go down that easily. And we left you in that place. Alone."
Kare looked at him, surprised by the sincerity in his words. "I see."
Jean rubbed the back of his neck, his tone softening. "Ever since you've been back, morale's been high. Especially with the guys who were always in the rear. You were always the one saving their asses back when we were just getting started."
Kare tilted his head. "Is that why you brought me this?" He held up the bottle with a raised eyebrow. "Feeling sorry for me?"
Jean chuckled. "Maybe. But don't get used to it." He paused, his gaze steady. "Seriously, though. Thanks for coming back. Things are going to get harder from here, and it's good to know we've got you to help us through it."
Kare nodded, his grip tightening around the bottle. "I'm not going anywhere, Jean. You've got my word."
The two fell into a more relaxed rhythm, sharing stories and jokes as the hours stretched on. Eventually, Jean rose, his steps unsteady as he swayed slightly. Kare couldn't help but laugh as a nearby scout caught Jean by the arm, guiding him back toward the barracks.
"Don't trip, Jean!" Kare called after him, shaking his head.
"Shut up!" Jean slurred, though there was no heat behind it.
The office grew quiet again, and Kare glanced at the mess of papers strewn across the desk. He sighed, gathering the documents and sorting them into neat piles. There was still so much to do, but for now, he let himself enjoy the fleeting peace. He extinguished the lamp on the desk and leaned back in his chair, letting his eyes drift shut.
The morning sun was just beginning to crest over the walls of Shiganshina when Kare mounted his Palomino. The horse shifted beneath him, its golden coat gleaming in the light. He adjusted his gear — a full set, freshly prepared for the day's journey and glanced back at the five scouts accompanying him. They were securing the last of the wagons, their chatter subdued but steady.
"All set?" Kare called out.
"Yes, sir," one of the scouts replied, giving him a quick nod.
Kare tapped his heels lightly against the horse's sides, and the group began their trek toward Trost. The hours stretched long as they crossed the terrain, the landscape rolling out in a vast expanse of grassy plains and dirt paths. Kare led the group in silence, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of danger. Though the titans had grown sparse, the habit of vigilance was one he couldn't shake.
By the time they reached Trost, the sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the bustling streets. The group wound their way through the district, drawing curious glances from passersby. The Wings of Freedom emblazoned on their green cloaks carried a weight of recognition and respect, though Kare could sense the lingering sorrow in the eyes of those who watched them pass.
Their destination was the warehouse, a large, sturdy building nestled near the district's southern wall. Kare dismounted, his boots crunching against the gravel as he helped direct the wagons into place. As the scouts began unloading, a familiar voice called out to him.
"Kare? Is that you?"
He turned to see Rico Brzenska striding toward him, her platinum blonde hair catching the light. Her expression was a mixture of surprise and relief.
"Rico," Kare greeted, a small smile tugging at his lips.
She stopped in front of him, her arms crossed. "How in the hell are you alive? The last I heard, you were out there—" She gestured vaguely toward the horizon. "—left behind and dead."
"It's a long story," Kare replied, his tone even. "But I made it back."
"Well, I'm glad you did," she said, her expression softening. "You look like hell, though."
"Do I? I thought I cleaned up already," Kare chuckled. "Better than I felt out there, trust me."
Rico's gaze shifted to the wagons and the scouts bustling around them. "What are you doing here? Not that I'm not glad to see you, but you look busy."
"Supplies," Kare explained. "We're preparing for the next expedition to the ocean."
Rico shook her head, a wry smile on her face. "You Scouts. Always working too hard. But then again, what else can you guys do? You're the ones leading the way."
Kare didn't reply immediately. Instead, he watched as the scouts carried crates and barrels into the warehouse, their movements efficient and practiced.
"You're not wrong," he said finally. "But it's the job we signed up for."
She studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Still, it's good to see you again."
The corners of her mouth lifted into a genuine smile, and before he could react, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. The hug was warm and brief.
"Take care of yourself, Kare," she said as she pulled back. "You've been through enough. We all been."
"You too, Rico," Kare replied.
"Maybe when you come back, we share a drink?" Rico smiled demurely.
Kare grinned. "I'll hold on to you that."
As the last of the supplies were secured, Kare mounted his horse once more. He gave Rico a final wave as the group turned back toward Shiganshina, the wagons creaking softly as they began their journey.
The return trip was slower, the weight of the supplies dragging the wagons down, but the scouts pushed forward with quiet determination. The sky darkened, stars blinking into view as they crossed the open plains. By the time they arrived in Shiganshina, the district was bathed in moonlight, the streets eerily still.
Kare dismounted, exhaustion pulling at his limbs as he directed the scouts to unload the supplies.
The Scouts have what they needed for the expedition.
Next day, the officers' meeting room was somber, the air thick with tension. Kare sat at the long table, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp, watching as Hange and Levi exchanged quiet words. Across from him, Eren sat slumped in his chair, his face somewhat odd. The fire in his eyes, once so fierce, was dulled, replaced by a hollow emptiness that sent a pang of unease through Kare.
Eren spoke, his voice flat and distant as he recounted what he'd seen through his memories. "There was… a wall," he began, staring blankly at the table. "They took Eldians there. Injected them with a serum… turned them into titans. And then… they were left to roam Paradis." His words hung in the air like a heavy fog.
Kare listened in silence, his brow furrowed in a deep, stoic frown. The revelation wasn't new at least, not entirely anymore, but hearing it from Eren's lips, with that lifeless tone, made it feel more real. He said nothing, letting the weight of Eren's words settle over the room.
Hange broke the silence, her voice brisk but tinged with an edge of sorrow. "That's that, then. Everyone, gear up and get ready. We're moving out soon." She stood, her movements sharp and purposeful, a clear signal for the others to follow.
The officers dispersed, and Kare rose with them, falling into step beside the others. Sasha and Connie flanked him almost immediately, their grins wide as they clapped him on the back.
"Can't believe we're riding with you again, Kare!" Connie said, his voice brimming with excitement.
Sasha nodded eagerly. "It's like old times! I hope you haven't gone soft after all that paperwork."
Kare smirked, shaking his head. "Don't worry. I'll keep up."
Jean joined them, his tone teasing. "Good. With you back, maybe I can finally slack off a bit."
Before Kare could respond, a quieter presence stepped forward. Floch Forster approached cautiously, his eyes flicking between Kare and the others.
"Who's this?" Floch asked, his tone neutral but curious.
Jean grinned, throwing an arm around Kare's shoulders. "This? This is Kare. Our Man. The one who keeps saving our asses back then. Turns out this son of a bitch was alive and just got back from outside the walls."
Floch studied Kare for a moment, then nodded once, a curt acknowledgment. Without another word, he turned and headed back toward the other scouts.
Sasha and Connie suddenly burst into loud laughter about something they thought funny, drawing an irritated glare from Levi, who was walking ahead. "Shut it, brats," he snapped. "Get ready, or I'll leave you behind."
Soon, Kare stood in the armory, his fingers deftly fastening the straps of his gear. The familiar weight of the ODM harness settled against his frame, grounding him. He shrugged into his brown jacket and fastened his green scout cloak over his shoulders, the emblem of the Wings of Freedom stark against the fabric. Fully equipped, he headed out to the stables, where his Palomino waited patiently.
"Old friend, we might get to see the ocean," Kare whispered.
The others were already gathered, their voices a low murmur of anticipation. As Kare approached, the atmosphere shifted. Someone clapped him on the back, and then another, until the group broke into a cheer.
"Our man's back in action!" one scout called, their voice cutting through the hum of activity.
Kare smiled wearily, shaking his head. Their enthusiasm was contagious, even if the weight of the mission pressed heavily on his shoulders. He swung onto his horse, the familiar rhythm of the saddle beneath him steadying his nerves.
Hange's voice rang out, sharp and clear. "Form up!"
The scouts fell into position with practiced ease, their expressions hardening. The camaraderie of moments before gave way to a grim determination. They rode out of Shiganshina in a steady procession, the sound of hooves clattering against cobblestones mixing with the cheers of the townspeople.
The district's streets were alive with activity, the people rebuilding homes and businesses. Shouts of encouragement followed the scouts as they rode by, their presence a beacon of hope for the resettled community. Kare kept his focus ahead, though he couldn't help but feel the weight of their expectations.
Once outside the walls, the formation shifted seamlessly into the Long-Distance Enemy Scouting Formation. Kare took his position as rear commander, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of danger. The group moved southward, the landscape changing gradually as they crossed into familiar terrain.
Hours passed, and as the sun dipped lower in the sky, the towering silhouettes of the Forest of Giant Trees came into view. Hange fired a flare, signaling the group to halt.
"We'll make camp here," Kare instructed the rear soldiers, his voice calm and steady. "Climb to the branches and stay alert. We'll keep watch from above. We'll do shifts!"
The scouts moved quickly, their ODM gear hissing softly as they zipped into the trees. Kare followed, the Iceburst gas-powered cables launching him upward with ease. He landed on a broad branch, his boots making barely a sound against the wood. Below, the others were already setting up camp, their movements efficient and practiced.
Kare stood for a moment, his gaze sweeping the forest. The towering trees stretched endlessly in every direction, their canopies casting deep shadows over the ground. It was a familiar sight, one that carried both a sense of unease and a strange comfort to him.
As the scouts settled into their positions, Kare allowed himself a moment of quiet reflection. Tomorrow, if all went as planned, they would reach the ocean. It was a thought that filled him with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. He had seen so much, fought so hard to survive, but the idea of something as vast and endless as the sea still felt like a dream.
Leaning against the trunk of the tree, Kare closed his eyes briefly, letting the sounds of the forest wash over him. He trusted his ears more than his eyes these days. The quiet hum of the scouts below, the rustle of leaves in the breeze, the faint creak of the branches, the tiny creatures not watching the camp. There was no titan from a mile away.
If things go well, then tomorrow, the ocean awaited.