The Scout Regiment's primary function was to establish bases of expansion. Acting as the spearhead for human knowledge, theirs was a solemn, and dangerous, honor. Thanks to the resourcefulness of some of its members, the regiment's survival rates had improved, but excursions into Titan territory still commonly resulted in a death toll exceeding 30%.
"Make way for the main unit of the Survey Corps!"
This thought weighed heavily in Victoria's mind as she watched them march out of Trost. It was early morning, shortly after dawn, and she had risen early to see them out. Eren, and some others, had joined her. The energy in the air was exciting, but the faces of the soldiers told a different story.
Many were tired, worn expressions gazing down at their horses. But not the man leading them.
Commander Erwin Smith sat atop a pale, white mare, her coat gleaming like freshly fallen snow. His posture exuded a decisive determination, shoulders squared with unwavering resolve that shone through his piercing gaze. Dark, formidable eyebrows arched over his eyes, while his sharply defined cheekbones lent a chiseled quality to his visage. His golden blond hair was meticulously parted in the center, and slicked back with precision, completing the image of a leader ready to face any challenge.
His lips were pulled tight as he continued forward, hoof beats echoing on the cobblestone, refusing to meet any citizens' gaze.
"Will you give those ugly bastards a thrashing, Commander Erwin!?"
Victoria felt a rush of admiration as he rode past her. Instinctively, she shot up into a salute, and she noticed his gaze flicker in her direction for just a moment. His expression remained completely unchanged.
"Look, it's Captain Levi!"
The man trailing behind Erwin was noticeably shorter than the Commander, yet he exuded a similar aura of intimidation that made it hard for anyone to underestimate him. His cropped black hair fell into his eyes, creating a disheveled look that contrasted sharply with the sharp lines of his jaw and the cleanly shaved back of his neck. The way he carried himself—shoulders squared, posture rigid—suggested a confidence that was almost palpable, as if he were a coiled spring ready to pop at any moment.
Levi Ackerman's dark gray eyes, cold and unyielding, sent a chill through Victoria, accentuated by the shadows that lingered beneath them, giving him an almost predatory appearance. It was as if he could see right through her, peeling back layers of pretense to expose her vulnerabilities. The intensity of his gaze made her heart race, and she found herself instinctively stepping back as if trying to distance herself from the weight of his scrutiny.
Despite this intimidating presence, there was an air of disinterest about him, a nonchalance that seemed to contradict the tension he created.
This juxtaposition of intensity and indifference left Victoria unsettled; it was as if he were a storm cloud looming overhead, capable of unleashing chaos at any moment, yet choosing to remain still and silent.
As the group moved forward, she couldn't shake the feeling that he was more than just a shadow of Erwin. She wondered what lay beneath that cool exterior—what experiences had shaped him into the man who rode silently, yet powerfully, in the Commander's wake.
The questions swirled in her mind, but she knew better than to voice them; some mysteries were best left unsolved.
"They say he's like an entire brigade unto himself!" The crowd murmured with rumors of his skill.
Victoria faintly heard Levi scoff at the comment. "Spare me, please," his voice was low, eyes the same intensity.
Riding alongside Levi was the Research Section Commander, the person in charge of Titan research in the Survey Corp; Hange Zoe, their face lit up with a cheerful grin as sunlight danced off their goggles. Their tousled brown hair was hastily gathered into a ponytail, showing little regard for looks, which made their teasing remark to Levi even funnier.
"Your frown is going to scare off your fans," they murmured playfully. "Just a thought, but maybe you should consider brightening up a bit for the sake of your public image."
To emphasize their point, Hange raised a hand and waved at Vic, who responded with a warm smile and a salute. The conversation faded as they rode away towards Trost's outer gate, leaving Victoria in awe.
Eren was equally as excited. "It's like the crowd just has a different energy!" He commented to her as the Survey Corps continued past them.
"Well, we are going on 5 years without incident now," A skinny girl with ginger hair replied, her green cloak pulled around her. What was her name? Victoria struggled to remember. Hannah, I think?" It's like a good omen."
"And you should see the cannon upgrades the Garrison has done, that sight alone should be enough to scare them off! No way the Colossal Titan will try to attack now!" The tall cadet, Franz, that was with her had a shaved head and calm brown eyes. He smiled down at Hannah lovingly, not even trying to hide it.
"That's a load of crap," Eren snapped back, spinning towards them. "You're just in denial cuz you're a couple!"
The teenagers were visibly startled, their cheeks turning deep shades of red. Although they attempted to play it cool, their body language gave them away. This girl and her boyfriend had come to watch the Survey Corps.
Victoria felt a pang of jealousy but was making an effort to keep her mind focused on the wings of freedom on the back of the Scouts' cloaks instead of getting lost in the thoughts of Reiner.
Last night had been a restless one for her, plagued by unsettling dreams that all seemed to revolve around Reiner. These weren't the typical nightmares she was accustomed to, filled with the familiar fears of Shiganshina either. This dream felt different, as if some presence was trying to warn her about something.
In the dream, she had found herself standing in a fog-laden forest, the trees towering above her like silent sentinels. The air was thick with an eerie stillness, broken only by the distant sound of rustling leaves. Shadows danced at the edges of her vision, and she felt an inexplicable pull toward a clearing bathed in an otherworldly light. It was there that she saw Reiner, his face obscured by the mist, yet his presence was unmistakable. He had stood as if waiting for her, a mixture of urgency and sorrow etched into his features.
Victoria reached out to him, her heart racing, but as she did, the ground beneath her began to rumble. The earth cracked open, and a chasm formed between them, swallowing the light and plunging her into darkness. She could hear Reiner's voice calling out to her, but the words were muffled, distorted by the void that separated them. Panic surged within her as she strained to bridge the gap, to grasp the meaning of his words, but they slipped further away, like grains of sand through her fingers.
The dream shifted then, and she was suddenly back in Shiganshina, but it was not the Shiganshina she remembered. The streets were empty, the buildings crumbling, and a heavy silence hung in the air. She wandered through the desolation, searching for Reiner, but he was nowhere to be found.
Instead, shadows loomed larger, and the familiar fears of her past began to creep back in, intertwining with the sense of urgency. Suddenly, a man appeared, emerging from the smoking ruins of a cellar door. His long, dull black hair obscured most of his face, but his eyes...
Vivid and glowing, his green eyes pierced through her.
As she watched, the earth rumbled again, this time the Armored Titan rose from the ashes of Shiganshina. Towering over Victoria and this mysterious man, there was almost something familiar about it as it stared down at her with pale glowing eyes.
"Victoria," her name echoed from the man, his gravelly voice bouncing off of the ruins and Titan above them, drawing her attention back. He was pointing at her, and his mouth was moving like he was speaking but no words came.
As time seemed to slow down, it felt like her brain was abruptly shocked by electricity. It began to spread through her body, agony causing convulsions.
"WAKE UP!"
When her eyes shot open, she practically jumped out of bed. She struggled to catch her breath, with the remnants of the dream clinging to her like a shroud, leaving her with a sense of unease that settled deep in her bones. The warning she felt had been there, just out of reach, and it gnawed at her mind.
What was it that the man had tried to tell her?
Why did it feel so important?
The questions swirled in her head, even now.
"Hey, hey, lookie here!" The familiar voice cut through her brain fog.
"Mr. Hannes!" Eren exclaimed, eyes widening with excitement. Even Mikasa seemed to perk up.
"Heard you graduated today," Hannes appeared different; he seemed more composed and focused, with the redness in his cheeks noticeably absent. "Either you've grown up, or standards have plummeted"
Eren laughed, joy glittering in his eyes. "Oh yeah, you're one to talk. You used to be a drunk, but now you're chief of the Corps of Engineers."
Hannes tilted his head slightly and gently tapped Eren on the forehead, a playful warning in his eyes. "Watch it, you."
Yet, as the joke faded, a solemn expression took over his face. "I realize this might come as a surprise, but I need you to understand that your mother's passing has weighed heavily on my heart. I've carried the regret of not being able to save her with me, and for that, I sincerely apologize."
Victoria watched as Eren's smile slowly faded away, his expression shifting as he wrestled with a surge of emotions. For a moment, he appeared so affected that Armin couldn't help but display a hint of worry. However, after a fleeting instant, the storm of anger passed, leaving his features resolute.
"It wasn't your fault. At that time, we were just guessing. We won't allow anything like that to happen again," Eren proclaimed with a serious demeanor and a calm yet determined voice. "We will conquer the Titans."
A faint smile began to form on Victoria's lips, feeling a sense of pride in how far he had come.
~o~
With some time to spare before her scheduled shift on the Wall, Victoria took the opportunity to locate Chisaki at headquarters and persuaded him to join her for breakfast. He was preparing to go back to the inner Wall that afternoon but she was eager to talk to him about the members of the Survey Corps, and practically dragged him away from his bags.
"In my personal opinion, I think Section Commander Hange is insane."
Victoria sputtered with laughter as they settled into their favorite cafe. Chisaki nodded as he set his plate of eggs and toast down. "I do," he insisted, chuckling. "They're... something." He made a face at her, causing more laughter.
"Can you be more specific?" Victoria asked as she shoved a forkful of sausage into her mouth.
"No," Chisaki smirked, eyes glittering. "I don't think I will. They're a force of nature, and it's best if you experience it first hand. Don't worry," he assured when he saw the face Victoria began to make. "I think you'll like them."
"Now, Erwin," Chisaki exhaled, blowing on his tea. "Erwin Smith has only been Commander of the Survey Corps for about 5 years. But in that time, he's managed to drastically change the public opinion of the Scouts. And significantly increased life expectancy for his soldiers in the process-Ouch, too hot!"
Chisaki frowned after sipping his tea. He set the cup down before continuing, "He's a driven and fearless man, and expects the same from his soldiers. You better be ready, Victoria."
V smiled, "Oh, I'm so ready." She was nearly bouncing up and down with excitement. "We get to choose our regiments tonight, and I can't stop thinking about it."
Chisaki smiled, but Victoria could still see the worry in his eyes. She could tell he was trying to work through it for her sake. "So, where was I...? Oh, yes! Erwin, I agree, I think you will be okay. Now with Captain Ackerman... Watch your tongue with him."
"Shadis ran that out of me," Victoria replied, but Chisaki just narrowed his eyes at her until she burst into giggles. "No, literally."
"Levi is an incredible soldier; none compare to him in terms of raw power. But he is still rough around the edges, and very unforgiving. Given his history it's understandable, I suppose."
"His history?" Victoria thought back to the stoic expression Levi had worn when she saw him.
Chisaki shook his head. "It's not my place to tell. I'm sure, if you ask, he might tell you. Or he might not, and make you clean something instead. Heh, hard to tell with that one."
Victoria pouted, "I hate it when you're vague, Hano."
Chisaki laughed, his belly jiggling beneath his jacket. "I'm sorry, my dear, it's part of the job unfortunately."
As they enjoyed their breakfast, the conversation took on a more casual tone, with Chisaki evading any further inquiries about the Scouts. His main desire was simply to cherish these moments with his daughter, to bask in the warmth of their shared laughter and the comfort of their connection. The aroma of freshly brewed tea mingled with the sweet scent of pastries, creating an inviting atmosphere that wrapped around them like a cozy blanket. Chisaki skillfully redirected the conversation to lighter topics, reminiscing about their training together and the silly antics of her fellow cadets, which made Victoria giggle uncontrollably.
As they exchanged stories, the clinking of cutlery and the soft murmur of other patrons faded into the background, leaving only the sound of their voices and the occasional burst of laughter. Victoria's heart swelled with joy as she watched Chisaki's eyes light up, his smile infectious.
She cherished these moments, knowing that they were fleeting and precious, a reminder of the bond they shared.
However, as the meal came to an end and the last sips of tea were savored, a bittersweet feeling began to settle in. Reflecting on this time later, Victoria couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for having left that café.
The memory of their laughter lingered in her mind, a stark contrast to the weight of the responsibilities that awaited her outside those doors. She wished she could have bottled up that moment, preserving the warmth of her father's presence and the simplicity of their conversation. The café, with its inviting ambiance and the sense of safety it provided, felt like a sanctuary from the complexities of the world.
As they stepped out into the bustling street, the noise and chaos of life rushed back in, and Victoria felt a twinge of longing for the tranquility they had just shared. She glanced back at the café, a small part of her wishing they could retreat back inside, to the laughter and the warmth, if only for a little while longer.
~o~
Anticipation grew in the pit of her stomach as the lift creaked up the side of Wall Rose. The thick, solid stone was so close that Victoria could reach out and touch it if she wanted to. This was going to be the first time she stood on top of the wall.
She couldn't wait, excitement buzzing among the group of cadets, no, soldiers now, as they made their way up 50 meters of stone.
Victoria smiled at Eren, who was too busy looking down at Trost with wide eyes.
When they finally reached the top, the two of them could barely stand still as they received their orders. It was redundant, of course, and Victoria could tell that even the officer before them knew that. She could see the smirk in his expression as he watched the teenagers practically run to the edge as soon as they were dismissed.
The view took her breath away.
The lush green fields rolled endlessly across the horizon, their vibrant hues dancing in the gentle breeze, interspersed with towering evergreens that stood like sentinels, their dark silhouettes contrasting beautifully against the bright landscape. Graceful windmills dotted the scene, their white sails turning slowly in the wind, adding a touch of charm and whimsy to the picturesque scenery. Each blade of grass seemed to shimmer in the sunlight, creating a living tapestry that stretched as far as the eye could see.
Up here, the sky appeared to be a deeper shade of blue, a rich cerulean that enveloped the landscape in a tranquil embrace. Fluffy clouds rose high like soft, inviting pillows, their edges kissed by the golden rays of the sun, casting playful shadows on the ground below. The air was filled with the sweet scent of wildflowers, their colors splashing vibrancy against the verdant backdrop, while the distant sound of a babbling river added a soothing melody to the serene atmosphere that Victoria could hear even here.
With the sun at its apex, the fields transformed into a canvas of warm golds and deep oranges, the light filtering through the leaves of the evergreens, creating a dappled effect on the ground. Birds flitted about, their cheerful songs harmonizing with the rustling leaves, while the windmills continued their slow, rhythmic dance, standing tall against the backdrop of a sky that seemed to stretch on forever. In this idyllic setting, time felt suspended, inviting all who beheld it to pause, breathe deeply, and soak in the beauty of nature's masterpiece.
"Lift your jaws off the floors, soldiers," the officer barked at them. "Get to work!"
Victoria and Eren eagerly set to work, making their way to the closest cannon to start the necessary maintenance. The afternoon unfolded slowly, with the rhythmic sounds of screws being tightened and oil being applied filling the air.
As time passed, the soldiers engaged in light-hearted conversation, their camaraderie evident as they tackled their tasks together.
"Wait, what the hell do you mean you're joining the Scouts?" Victoria stared at Connie in surprise, pausing with her rag. "What happened to the Military Police, that was like your whole thing?"
Connie was one canon down, frowning as he tightened the screws on its hinges. "Don't make a big deal out of this, okay? A guy is allowed to change his mind." He was refusing to make eye contact with them.
"I think your speech lit a fire under him, Eren," Mina smiled as she walked over, wiping sweat from her brow. Her dark hair was in her usual pigtails.
"You were pretty inspirational," Victoria agreed, glancing at Eren through the mechanisms of the canon. He was smiling.
"Mind your business!" Connie snapped back, but even as he turned away from them, Victoria could see the faint blush of pink on his cheeks. He was trying to be stoic, but everyone could hear the embarrassment in his tone. "I decided this on my own! His tantrum had nothing to do with you!"
"Take it easy, Connie," Thomas Wagner walked over as well, a bashful look on his face as he scratched at his fluffy sideburns. "It's not like you're the only one he inspired."
Victoria's jaw dropped, "Are you serious?"
Thomas offered a hesitant smile and opened his mouth to begin to speak, but Sasha interrupted him before he could get a word out. Her eyes sparkled with an intense energy, and there was something bulging from the side of her jacket as she scurried over. Victoria's expression shifted to one of concern.
"Can you guys keep a secret?" Sasha asked the group, as she pulled out her 'secret'.
It was a foot and a half long, cured and smoked, log of beef, wrapped in twine and herbs. Victoria could even see the salt crust flaking off as it swung around.
"I totally just helped myself to the officer's pantry," Sasha giggled wildly, drool dribbling down her chin.
Victoria could hear Sasha's stomach rumbling from where she stood, and even though fear had started to trickle into her, V's stomach grumbled in protest too. She had spent so much time at breakfast talking to Chisaki, she hadn't really eaten much.
"Dude, are you kidding me?" Fighting back hunger, Victoria's voice dropped to a whisper, even though there weren't any officers on this stretch of the wall at the moment; she knew the consequences of thievery. "Do you want to end up in solitary confinement?"
"Are you crazy?" Thomas just stared at Sasha. "What is wrong with you?"
"What isn't wrong with her?" Connie scoffed with a chuckle, rolling his eyes.
"We can all share it later," Sasha continued, unbothered. Her eyes had rolled back and glazed over, imagination running wild. "Can't you imagine it, all sliced up, between some bread and cheese?" Sasha shivered in pleasure, drool staining her shirt.
"You need to put it back," Mina insisted, "Do you have any idea how rare meat is nowadays? After we lost all that pasture land in Wall Maria, we haven't been able to raise animals properly!" She looked south over the Wall, eyes wide as she took in the greenery.
"Um yeah," Sasha smirked, her eyes refocusing to make a face at Mina. "Just think of it this way," she walked over to a crate and popped open the lid, sliding the log of beef inside. "Soon, we'll take back that land, and be able to raise cows again! And pigs..." Sasha started to drool again at the thought of fried bacon.
"I'd really like a slice please!" Samuel, one of Sasha's friends, chimed up first. Victoria didn't know him very well, but if Sasha trusted him that was enough for her.
"Me too!" cried Connie, hands shooting up to plead with Sasha.
"And me!" Mina smiled as Victoria glanced at her, surprised by the change of heart.
"Don't just stand there," Samuel joked as he walked away. "Can't let the officers see us slacking." He whistled as he went, tall frame lanky.
"See you at lunchtime," waved Mina as she walked off too. Victoria couldn't help but laugh a little as Sasha scurried away. As they went, silence filled the air once more.
For a brief moment, the only sound was the wind that blew through Victoria's hair.
"Can you believe it's been five years already?" she asked softly, her voice rough when she glanced at Eren. He was lost in deep thought, gazing intently at the distant horizon. After a brief pause, he acknowledged her with a subtle nod.
"Yeah," his eyes shone with determination as he turned his gaze towards Trost. "Humanity is finally regaining its dignity. We're ready to stand tall again.
More damning words couldn't have been said.
As Victoria pivoted to look at Eren, a warm smile gracing her face, a sudden burst of brilliant yellow light erupted, momentarily blinding her.
The intensity of the light was so fierce that she instinctively raised her hands to shield her eyes, her heart racing with a mix of fear and confusion. The force of the wind surged around them, nearly sending Victoria sprawling off the wall, her feet struggling to find purchase on the uneven surface. The overwhelming shock wave left her momentarily stunned, her senses reeling as the world around her transformed in an instant.
Just moments before, the sun had been shining brightly, casting a golden hue over the landscape, illuminating the world. But now, that familiar warmth was replaced by an eerie chill as the light was obscured by a vast, dark shadow looming overhead.
It was as if the very sky had been swallowed by an unseen force.
Victoria squinted against the afterglow of the light, trying to make sense of the chaos unfolding before her. Eren's figure was silhouetted against the brilliance, his expression a mix of rage and concern. She could see the way his brow furrowed, the way his body tensed as he instinctively tried to move closer to her, as if to shield her from whatever was happening.
The wind howled around them, carrying with it a cacophony of sounds—distant Titan roars, the crackling of energy, and the rustling of debris being swept away.
As her vision began to clear, Victoria's gaze was drawn upward, her mind struggling to process what she saw. The air crackled with electricity, and she could feel the hairs on her arms stand on end, a primal instinct urging her to flee.
No... this was... too familiar...
This light, this blast. Victoria saw them in her nightmares.
She saw him in her nightmares.
From the swirling steam, a massive and unsettling head emerged, looming larger than life, its features grotesquely exaggerated. The mouth twisted into an eerie frown, a grimace that seemed to mock the very essence of joy. The vivid crimson of muscles, raw and pulsating, contrasted sharply with the stark whiteness of bone, creating a jarring tableau that sent shivers down her spine.
As V stood frozen in place, the overwhelming number of teeth glinted menacingly in the sunlight that filtered through the steam, each one a jagged promise of danger.
They were not just teeth; they were weapons, sharp and glistening, ready to rend and tear. The head, with its dark hollow eyes that seemed to bore into her soul, exuded an aura of malevolence, as if it had witnessed countless horrors and was now eager to add her to its collection of memories.
The steam swirled around her, thick and suffocating, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and flesh. It clung to her skin, making her feel as though she were being enveloped in a shroud of dread.
The world around her faded into a blur, the vibrant colors of nature dulled by the oppressive atmosphere. All that remained was the monstrous visage before her, a nightmarish apparition that seemed to pulse with a life of its own.
With each passing second, the head grew larger, more defined, as if it were drawing strength from her fear. The muscles rippled beneath the surface, a grotesque display of power and ferocity as it snarled at them, clinging for dear life on the edge of the wall. She could almost hear the low growl emanating from its throat, a sound that resonated deep within her chest, echoing her own racing heartbeat.
In that moment, time stood still.
The air crackled with tension, and she felt an instinctual urge to flee again, to escape the clutches of this nightmarish creature. But her feet remained rooted to the ground, paralyzed by a mix of terror and fascination, her knuckles white as they dug into stone.
The Colossal Titan had returned.