-Chapter 47: Ille Castrum de Lemures-
With as fast as their mounts could go Hange and Miche's squads traversed the lands beyond the walls, closely following the trail of flares that fired into the sky. All the while Maverick and Hange had engaged themselves in a very serious conversation.
"Can't keep treating that name like taboo Mav!"
"That name Hanji, is held by one of the greatest bastards of all time!"
Finding out Hange had christened Sentinel Twenty with the name 'Judas' did not quite sit well with Maverick, to say the least.
"You say that as if you knew him!"
"EYES UP TOU TWO, we got titans coming from the left!"
Nanaba's alert brought everyone's attention towards a small band of titans that were encroaching towards them. Based on their sporadic movements they were of the abnormal variety.
*BOOM* *BOOM* *BOOM*
With three shots from his wrist cannon Maverick nigh effortlessly blasted them away, like one would mindlessly swat away an annoying fly.
With the incoming threats no longer incoming Maverick returned to give his two cents on the Judas matter.
"Had the displeasure of meeting him once!" He said, with a scowl on his face and a blazing flare up from his eyes, as he recalled the distant memory. It took every ounce of his strength to not beat the man during his trip into the deep and accursed realm of the fallen traitors.
Seeing as this wasn't a topic he was very fond of Hange relented. "Then what name would you give Him then huh?!"
Motioning to the titan currently leading their group of Sentinels Maverick gave him a once over and quickly turned back to the fields ahead.
"I'll think of a decent one later!"
Hange huffed at his response, as this was his go-to saying every time she had asked him to give them a truly meaningful name.
With their back and forth eventually settled (for now) the two squads and their auxiliaries kept traveling onwards.
As the sun began to set further the group trekked further eastwards into another forest of giant trees. Some squad members were designated as impromptu flare watchers, as they quickly darted up to see the occasional orange flare appear through the forest canopy.
*BO-BO-BOOM*
Soon enough another sound would be heard. A familiar set of payloads had erupted, stirring and scattering the local wildlife.
"Was that the artillery!?" Henning shouted in an alarmed tone. His squad leader nodded, for the sounds of the volley guns three cannon bursts was a very unique and recognizable sound.
Especially to the one who brought the contraption into this new world.
Lagging behind the group Maverick and Ceasar had to make a stronger effort to move through the woods, as the spaces between the trees began to narrow, frustrating both man and mount. For every moment spent squeezing through the forest was a wasted second not dealing with whatever had halted their operations.
Their sentinels as well began to struggle, with a few of them shoulder and body checking their way through the trees and colliding into each other as two attempted to squeeze through the same gap.
Another round of volley fire sounding off, this one much closer than the last. Accompanying the guns was the distant scream of a titan.
Hange's head and ears perked up, as she recognized the war-like screech that sounded off in the distance.
"That was Viktor!" She exclaimed in an alarmed tone. She quickly rode closer towards her vice-captain and handed him the reigns to her horse. Without missing a beat, or explaining herself, she fired one of her anchors at a tree farther ahead their path and zoomed away, her with a sound of a chainblade revving up as she disappeared into the greenery above.
The younger members of Delta Squad looked to their vice-captain, who held a resigned look as he kept his eyes forward.
On the opposite side of the pathway Miche's squad kept pace, with their leader taking a whiff of the air, and unsheathing the left blade that made up Thuringians Wrath. The runic markings glowing fiercely, eager to slay the beasts of this world, as did its predecessor in the Old World.
"Blades ready and launchers primed!" Miche shouted to both his squad and his comrades from Delta. They were getting close, for he could smell a number of scents, all of which were familiar to the veteran. Following his lead the scouts brandished their enchanted blades and armed their launchers.
As they passed over a small river along the woodlands they spotted the clearing of the forest, and to their surprise they found a number of animal hooded scouts.
All gathered just at the border between the forest and a clearing further ahead.
-oOo-
Hearing the gallop of horses Commander Erwin's second in command looked back to see Squad's Miche and Hange come through the woods.
"Your squads finally caught up." Levi said aloud.
"Is Mav with them?"
Looking back Levi noticed the distinct absence of the giant oaf and his giant swine among the group, or the titans that had accompanied the squads. "Nope."
Receiving a stink eye from the squad leader for his rather impassive tone Levi continued to look over from above his rocky watchpoint, just as Erwin walked ahead to greet Miche and the others.
"Miche, keep your distance." Erwin said aloud, waving his arm in an effort to warn his comrades.
As they slowed their mounts Miche and the others were rather perplexed by seeing the command, supply, and rear groups stationed inside the forest, whereas the sentinels that had accompanied the group were currently running amok in the clearing.
"What's happened?" Miche asked with a raised brow, as his eyes wandered over towards the scene up ahead. Steaming corpses were scattered everywhere, with the Sentinels currently ganging up on the last standing titan.
A few among the group winced at the sight of them tearing the titan apart, an arm and a leg flying out from the mass, and soon enough the steaming titan head was lifted up by one of the sentinels, followed by what could only be a classified by the regiment as a unified victory screech from the enraptured titans under Mavrick's wicked spell.
And then, to the confusion of Miche and the others the titans suddenly went quiet and looked out towards the massive fortification that laid at the center of the clearing, or what was left of it.
It looked to be the remains of a once mighty castle, with withered yet still standing defensive walls, A large building rose above the ruined walls, serving as the main center piece. Despite the clear breaches along the walls the place still looked to be in decent condition.
As Miche made his horse go nearer into the clearing he suddenly found himself having to keep control, as his horse began to back pedal and neigh, nearly rearing back into its hind legs.
Shocked at his mount's sudden behavior he attempted to calm the animal down. With a few slow and steady strokes to its neck his equine companion managed to settle down, albeit it still displayed hints of nervousness.
Something a horse of its distinct breed should neither be feeling, or at the very least display so openly.
"An odd situation to say the least." Erwin said. "I was hoping Maverick was with you to get his opinion."
And just in that moment the sounds of a grunting hog and thunderous footsteps soon made itself known, as Maverick and the other sentinels had finally caught up with the rest of the group. Squeezing himself through the trees Caesar stationed himself near the rear of Miche and Hange's horses, letting out a huff as the stress from having to maneuver across the tight woodlands had left him frustrated and hungry.
With a command to calm himself the boar settled down, its glowing eye unnerving the nearby MP's and Garrison squads. The sentinels as well stood at attention in the rear, ready to receive whatever commands their master decreed.
"I swear I was THIS close to releasing my inner Paul Bunyan on this entire forest!" Dismounting from the boar Maverick made his way towards his fellows, giving his legs a shake to get the blood flowing back to his lower body.
"It'd be a waste of god lumber." Erwin remarked with a bit of humor. Sharing a nod with one another the two walked side by side to the others. "But it's good you're here now."
Hearing the urgent tone of his voice Maverick looked down to the commander. "Oh? Found some more relics?"
He figured that was the main reason for the recall order, though Erwin's reaction to his question made it seem there was more to it than what he believed.
"We certainly found something of interest…though we ran into an issue."
He gestured to the clearing up ahead, piquing Maverick's interest.
As he began to make his way the giant was about to press what this issue was, but soon he found himself slowing down, as he felt a familiar presence in the air.
A presence that was more than enough for him to know the sort of issue Erwin and the others had come across.
With no further words of acknowledgment the demigod walked further towards the clearing, the presence of incorporeal forces growing stronger with every step.
"Mav?"
The words of his goggled beloved went unheard as he ventured on, completely in focus to the forces that claimed this land.
His eyes drifted towards the Sentinels that had stood in the clearing, their frozen forms still looking towards the ruins of the dilapidated, ancient fortress.
A bit curious by their current behavior, he focused back to the familiar bizarre energies that drifted along the grounds
Even from where he stood, he could feel a strong force of unrest, as his sixth sense flared up a storm.
There were powerful forces at work here.
Releasing a chilled breath he performed a prayer, before retreating back towards the forest.
Hange, Nanaba, and the others of Delta were there to greet him as he stepped back into the fold.
"Everything alright Hun?"
Nanaba's question earned her a hardened look from the man, who only placed his hand on her shoulder. A bit perplexed Nanaba attempted to offer some comfort to her seemingly troubled partner by placing her free hand over his.
Only to quickly retract her hand, in reaction to the chill she felt from his usually warm skin.
"Do you know why you're all here?"
A few questioning glances followed his odd question. He couldn't help but notice just how the group had stationed themselves at the point where the forest bordered the clear open area. From the distance he could see a few other squads who as well had stationed themselves along the trees, as if the clearing was some sort of hot zone, a place to steer clear from.
And it was, in a sense.
"The horses."
Turning his head, he was met with the concerned look of Dieter Ness, the regiment's equine expert. His beloved mount and companion Charlotte was by his side, seemingly looking quite uneasy.
"Theres something about this place…it's spooking them. They don't like it."
Taking one glance at the mare was obvious. Raised head, wide eyes, tense legs. The poor thing looked as if it wanted to be anywhere but here. As did the others, as he noticed a few horses sticking close near or behind the trees, as if the forest would protect them.
"She's never acted this way." Deiter continued, tenderly rubbing Charlotte's neck as he spoke. "They've been bred to deal with titans for Wall's sake."
"To have our horses show any hesitation out here is nothing short of dangerous." Erwin said aloud, looking out towards the area. "We had to positioned ourselves here, while our auxiliaries and cannons dealt with the threats that permeated here."
"Is that why you fired the recall?" Hange asked.
"With such a bizarre occurrence, we figured Maverick might have some knowledge." Turning to the giant Erwin pressed him. "You do have an answer, right?"
All eyes were on the man who silently gazed back at the land and the ruins of the ancient fortress just a few yards away. His fingers curled and uncurled as he still felt the chill of the wind while he was out there.
"The horses have a right to be spooked Deiter." Maverick said, in a tone that brought no comfort to the man, or his horse.
"W-Why?"
With no comfort in his voice Maverick gave a grave answer to the gathering.
"This land is unhallowed ground."
-oOo-
Uncharted woodlands, after hours...
At Maverick's behest, and the fact that nightfall had soon enveloped the sky, the expedition force had established their campsites across the woodlands surrounding the ruined fortress.
By that time any returning scout forces were ordered to remain in the forest for the night, while Maverick set about performing numerous rites and rituals to ward off any wayward spiritual forces that wished to do harm.
The news of the apparent existence of spirits out in the land was cause of some debate and intrigue among the expedition, especially from those who were witnessing Maverick's odd abilities for the first time.
"Look at him." Whispered an MP to his fellow officers. The trio watched as the giant engraved a stone near their site. The rapid *tick tick tick* of his chisel and hammer were heard as he carved into the rock.
By his side a number of people, including Commanders Nile and Pyxis observed him as he worked. The speed at which he carved the stone was phenomenal, they could only guess how long it had taken to perfect such a skill.
The design was as alien as the man himself. At its center was a cross shaped icon, with runic writings carved around it in a circular, swirling formation.
"So how will this rock protect us exactly?" Nile asked aloud. While the designs on the rock were truly fanciful and creative he couldn't quite see how they would prevent any spectral assaults.
"It'll ward them off. Think of it like bug repellent." Finishing his work Maverick blew out the remaining bits of rock before making his way to his boar.
Taking out a few bottles from a satchel attached to his saddle he made his way back, as curious eyes wandered to the small bottles in his hand.
Taking out the cork from one he spoke a prayer before cupping some of the water and splashing it on the stone, to the befuddlement of the crowd. Their looks turned to surprise as the water was absorbed into the engravings, with a faint glow emanating from the carvings.
"W-What kind of water is that?"
"Holy water." Maverick replied simply. "Blessed it some time ago. Been saving it for such an occasion."
An inquisitive look formed on Nile's face as he pondered his words. "You're a priest?"
"Warrior of the faith." He corrected. "Though I've had the honor of serving as a spiritual leader to some."
Putting the cork back in the half full bottle he set off to set up the other ward stones at the other sites, only to be stopped again by another question from the commander of the MP.
"Are there really ghost haunting these grounds?" He asked. There was no humor or suspicion in his voice, he was generally curious to know the answer to something that was always such a source of mystery in the world.
"When you've worked with the paranormal as much as I have Nile, you gain a…sixth sense, of sorts."
Pointing towards the fortress he added on. "And that old fort out there is absolutely teeming with activity."
Hearing the absolute assuredness in Maverick voice Nile offered no rebuttal, only raising a brow as a chuckle from the elder Garison commander filled the air.
"A sixth sense *chuckle*." Commander Pyxis raised his flask to Maverick, taking all this talk of the supernatural with his usual jovial stride. "And pray tell, how experienced would you say you are in this field of study?"
Taking a short moment of pause, and a long strum of his beard, Maverick looked back on the many events in his life that had exposed him to the other side.
"In short? Very well versed."
His thoughts turned to specific events that had truly reinforced his beliefs. There was of course his experiences serving as an exorcist and demonologist.
Then there was his encounter and entanglement with the antics of the Soul Society. There was his travels to the soul blighted Sylvania as well, and that time when the Spirit Realm became entangled with his beloved Republic City.
And he could never forget his own moments of speaking to the dead, be it in the search for hidden knowledge…or to reconcile and settle matters.
"Hell, even before all…this." He gestured to his altered body and markings. "I had my fair share of paranormal activities occur back in my homeland."
"Oh? Do tell."
Looking back at the clearing Maverick answered with a single word.
"Gettysburg."
Seeing the peaked looks he continued. "In my nation's long storied past there was a conflict fought. Historians call it the First Civil War."
He gave a short crash course on this storied conflict of old. Due to a plethora of reasons, be they political, economic, and personal, the northern and southern states that made up his homeland would come to blows.
"Among the many battles fought was the great Battle of Gettysburg. A battle that cost fifty seven thousand souls overall."
Paled looks stared back at Maverick, mostly form the younger scouts, and those of the Garrison and Military Police.
"After the war the site became a memorial ground, free for tourist to wander about, and war reenactors to teach our nation's young and curious minds."
Looking back at the gathered soldiers with a narrowed gaze he continued.
"But it also became an anchor point for many of those lost souls."
He spoke of a few of the most well-known sights from the old battlefield. Such oddities as the ghostly drums of the Phantom Regiment to the sorrowful Lady in White, from the remains that surround the Devil's Den to those who linger around Iverson's Pits.
The manner in which the giant spoke of these sightings was noted among the group to be very personal, with that in mind Pyxis curiously asked.
"And where do you come into all this?"
A short silence followed before Maverick answered, a nostalgic tone in his voice as he recalled the old and haunting memory.
"Took a trip to the area with the family when I was around fifteen. Throughout the entire day we visited every spot we could. Even during the day there was this…feeling about it. Even more so during the night."
"We visited the Devil's Den late in the night. We waited a bit, watching for any sort of activity, before going back."
A low chuckle escaped his lips as this certain memory resurfaced, one that would stay with him for so many years. "I turned around for a second, just to see if anything would happen….and wouldn't you believe it, someone was looking back at me."
A short gasp erupted from someone in the group, but Maverick was too into his little tale.
"On the graves of my parents I swear I saw one of those soldiers, standing on top of the rocks, looking back at me."
He could still remember the chill that ran down his spine, as he watched the specter tilt his head, before he quickly turned back to catch up with his family.
Overall a giddy and spooky memory. One that would be retold many times during family gatherings.
After his recount the old commander simply let out another amused chuckle. "Well, with a record as grand as yours, this issue is in good hands."
With one final swig of his flask the commander of the southern garrison took his leave, for his old bones were calling for rest. With the assurance the matter would be settled he bade his fellows a good night, with his aides following by his side, to ensure his safety in reaching their tents.
"Jeez titans, ghosts, what else is next?" One Garison member remarked.
"Giant flying birds maybe?" Hannes jokingly answered, getting a few chuckles from his mates.
"Don't jinx us Hannes. Giants are bad enough, I don't wanna have to juggle thunderbirds into the mix"
Leaving the group with that disturbing thought Maverick went off to the other campsites to set up the other ward stones.
Seeing him off Nile glanced back at the ruined fortress. Though their horses had calmed down considerably, a small bit of uneasiness lingered about.
Yet that wasn't what was on his mind. Another troubling thought ran in his head. It made his stomach churn a bit.
"Are you well Nile?"
The MP looked back to see his old friend Erwin approach and stand by his side. Nile didn't respond for a few moments, seemingly ignoring Erwin, before turning back to speak to him properly.
"You think they're watching us as well?"
Seeing Nile's oddly worried look he attempted to figure out what he meant. "The spirits that dwell here?"
Shaking his head Nile corrected himself. "Our friends…from the training corps…"
Erwin' didn't answer immediately, for he took a moment to think about it himself. There were many times in private when he felt the icy stares of those scouts who were no longer with them. Though whether it was his own mind playing tricks or the genuine thing was always a matter of debate.
Even now, with the revelations, he still wasn't sure. Maverick himself seldom expressed any strong feelings of spectral presences until now. Did it mean that his companions who fell were long and truly gone?
Were they up in that illusive kingdom in the clouds? Had they found peace? Did whatever happen down here mean nothing to them anymore?
"I don't know…" Erwin finally answered. "If they are, then I can only hope we are doing right by them."
-oOo-
Sometime later…
Maverick had just set up the last of the ward stones. Wiping his brow he craned his back, getting a few good pops and cracks.
"So how haunted is that pile of ruins exactly?"
Looking to the source of the voice he saw Moses leaning on a tree nearby, as his juniors ogled the glowing stone.
"They're an active bunch. Though I've seen far worse hauntings in my time."
"Did we disturb them?" Maverick turned to see a concerned-looking young scout, her big eyes reminding him of a young child he raised.
"Most likely sweetheart." Securing his tools in a satchel he began to make his way back to his main campsite.
"So what's the plan then?" Moses pressed. For the last thing he wanted was to allow some spooks to keep harassing his squad mates.
"Simple. I'll wait for the witching hour, and see if I can send these wayward spirits home." Turning back to Moses he pressed. "While you and the rest of the expedition stay posted here."
"You really expect us to just wait this out?!" Moses barked aloud. It got the attention of both his group and a few other scouts who lingered nearby.
Unperturbed by the looks Maverick leaned down to meet Moses at eye level.
"Do you have any experience with the paranormal Moses? Cause let me tell you, dealing with giant flesh eaters and angry spirits are two different things."
Taking a breath his gaze softened. "I don't mean to sound insulting to you or the others, but its best if I deal with this myself. I don't want to take any chances."
With nothing more to say he gave his goodnights to Moses and his squad before heading back to his campsite.
Waving to his squad mates he let out a yawn as he headed to where his boar had made itself home. Taking out his sleeping gear he attempted to find a good resting angle along Caesar's warm body, until a voice stopped him.
"Gonna get some shut eye Mav?"
Turning he saw his gals making their way towards him, both dressed in their own individual nightwear. Attempting to ignore the slight, and most likely purposeful, reveal of Hange's midriff Maverick refocused on his task.
"For a bit. I don't wanna oversleep, but I don't want to do this while I'm trying to fight off the sandman."
"Do what exactly?" Hange asked, her glasses shining and an intrigued smile stretching across her face. Despite the already exciting day she had of recording the Sentries sleeping times and behaviors she still had enough fuel in the tank to see what her other half was up to.
"Going to appease the spirits that are bumming around the old fort, but I gotta do it at a certain time." He explained.
"Ohhhhh!" Hange exclaimed. "So what time are we going?!"
A short pause followed before Maverick placed a tender hand over Hange's shoulder "I'm going off around three. You, Nanaba, and the others are going to stay here and sit tight while I cleanse the area."
The shine of her glasses faded the moment she heard those words leave his mouth, and a very sad look twisted on her face, bringing her mood down.
Nanaba herself didn't show much shock or sadness, as this whole business with the other side was more Maverick's level of expertise, and such she trusted him to have the matter settled.
"B-But Mav…"
Giving her shoulder the most gentle squeeze he could he interrupted her attempts to bring out the puppy dog eyes.
"I would never forgive myself I something happened to either of you, and the others."
"Not that I mind the chivalry, but what can ghosts do to us exactly?"
Maverick looked to his blonde beauty with a raised brow. "Didn't I ever tell you of the time I had to exorcise a family home in Old California?"
"You didn't."
The three turned their heads to see Levi atop Caesar's saddle, sitting nice and comfy as he leered down at them. "You told that story to a bunch of kids at your cults little church story time."
"Oh yeah, right…" Rubbing his beard Maverick recalled the memory, before swiftly turning back to the matter at hand. "Also, how long have you been there?"
"Since you got here. The swine's a good source of heat."
He gave the boar a soft pat, getting a snarled grunt in response.
"What time do you need to be up again?" He suddenly asked the demigod.
"Between three and four in the morning."
Nodding Levi fixed his jacket before sliding off Caesar's body. "I'll give you a kick when the time comes."
Maverick, Hange, and Nanaba were all three more than a bit caught off by Levi's sudden charitable words, even if they were worded in his usual gruff manner.
"You really willing to stay up that late for lil' ol me?"
"Theres nothing lil about you." He remarked snidely. "And if it'll help us in moving on from this road block faster, then it's worth a couple hours."
With that the halfling went off on his own, his form mixing into the trees. Maverick swore that the short man must have been a shinobi in a past life.
"Such a considerate soul isn't he?" Hange cooed as she snuggled up to Maverick's side.
"He has his moments." Nanaba answered as she as well took a seat by Maverick other side. "I still remember how he was back when we took him in."
"You mean he always wasn't the brash but loveable insomniac I know him today?"
"*Chuckle* Yeah...but I think that's a story he'll have to tell you one day."
Understanding what she meant Maverick took his current predicament as a good time as any to get some shut eye, only to have a finger stab into his side.
"Did you really think you could just go to sleep like that?"
Turning to see Hange giving him a narrowed look he cocked his head to the side, before he amusingly realized what she wanted.
"Of course how could I forget? What little tale do you want me to spin?"
"You did mentioned an exorcism not too long ago." She mused. "Since we're not going to join you on your little ghost hunt we might as well hear a story about ghosts."
He should have known she would still be a bit miffed, if the bit of sharpness in her tone was anything to imply. Turning to Nanaba he got a nod in reply, as she too had her interest piqued.
"Alright then…It all started when I was tasked to accompany one Tangina Barrons…"
-oOo-
Around the Witching Hour…
The soft snores of the demigod sounded as he rested comfortably, basking in the warmth of his boar and his beloveds by his resting body.
All that would be abruptly interrupted by a sharp stinging sensation to his lower rib that jolted him awake. While his altered body took no real damage it had ruined what was a very happy dream.
"*Who the fu- Geughhh…right.*"
Slowly rising from his resting position Maverick readjusted his companions, before turning to the one who kicked him, and lowered his head to meet them at eye level.
"Up an at 'em Maverick."
With deliberate slow blinks Maverick readjusted his eye to see Levi standing in front of him. Remembering their talk some hours ago he slowly rose up from his resting position, careful not to wake his two beauties. Fully rising to his height he craned his back and began to rummage through a chest on Caesar's saddle.
"What time is it?"
"Three." Levi responded, even showing a pocket watch displaying the time.
"Perfect."
As Maverick continued to gear up Levi couldn't help but give a fascinated eye at said equipment the giant deemed necessary for his cleansing. Most of it was stuff that had been procured by his cult once they drove the Wallist out of Shiganshina, and retrofitted to suit Maverick's needs.
A massive book secured in wax seals and wrappings in an unknown language.
A stole and black vestment, made from multiple other smaller vestments, with the stole marked with bizarre symbols.
A set of rosaries and bead necklaces, with glowing ward stones glowing a pale blue hue.
A massive silvery cross shaped icon, made from a multitude of melted down Wallist necklaces and miniature statues of the three goddesses (or the three whores, to some).
And a retrofitted censer, with bigger and beefier chains that wrapped around the glowing goliath's arm and hand.
"You going to exorcise ghosts or preach to them?"
"Might as well be both."
Once he was all geared up he thanked Levi for the wake up kick, and with a cheek kiss to his sleeping beauties he set off towards the clearing.
"Best to get some extra shut eye, Gods know you need it."
"I've had my four hours."
He stopped mid-step, giving a concerned look to the halfling, taking note of the bags underneath his eyes. "That's not enough Levi."
Levi just shrugged in response. It wasn't the first time he'd heard such concerns. "I've learned to adapt to it."
"It's gonna kill you one of these days."
"Hmph, less the titans get to me first."
Seeing as this wasn't going anywhere Maverick nodded to the man and continued on the path ahead. Once he reached the borders of the forest, he took out an incense stick and planned to burn it.
"Maverick."
Stopping just as he was about to place it in the censer Maverick turned to meet his half statured comrade. Fixing his posture he gave a salute to the giant.
"Hope whatever gods we have watch over you tonight."
Hearing the almost sincereness in Levi's usual monotone voice Maverick smirked and gave a salute and a prayer to his comrade before continuing where he left off with the incense.
With blue flames igniting from his finger he lit the incense and placed it inside the spherical censer.
With slow methodical swings the incense continued to burn, emitting the scented aromas. Taking a deep breath Maverick's spine tingled at the familiar and nostalgic scents, recalling a peaceful and wholsesome moment he had at a church long go one winter.
Refocusing he began to walk into the clearing, the sounds of the night life and the cinders of the incense his only companion now, as he crossed into the unhallowed land.
As he felt the familiar chills in the air he took out his book, flipping to the right page, and began to pray; reciting in a most ancient tongue.
"Pater noster, qui es in caelis. Sanctificetur nomen tuum."
As he began the prayer he felt his sixth sense flaring up again. They were here, and they were certainly hearing him.
And they were most certainly agitated.
"Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo, et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie."
As continued the glow of the ward stones hanging on his neck brightened, as did his markings as they began to shine through his dark garb.
His blessed body served to counter the increasing intensity brought on by the spirits that roamed the land, driving them back into the distance.
For no wicked soul could stand the presence of one he who was touched by the Almighty and the Divine.
"Et dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris."
Soon enough he felt a very warm sensation envelop him, like being covered in a warm blanket during a cold winter day, or when one was enveloped in the warm hug of a dearly beloved or a cherished family member.
While he continued his prayer a smile was on his face, as he knew this feeling all too well.
"Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo. Amen."
Giving his thanks he continued forwards onto the fortress, unmolested by those wayward souls as he spoke more prayers. Soon enough he had reached the stone walls, gazing specifically at the arch shaped entryway.
Unlike the forts and castles that darted across the Walls, this one's architecture and style was of an earlier age, one he had lived through himself long ago.
He ran his hand along the wall as he made his way in, his eyes soon examining the interior damage. Besides the main headquarters every other building was in a state of disarray. Nothing but heaps of rubble, ruined walls, and bleached bones and rusted scraps.
Along with this came the returned chilled feeling, though not as invasive as before. They were keeping distance, now weary of the divine power that emanated around him.
As he walked along the now regrown pathways his eyes glances down at the skeletal corpses that littered the area. Many had become one with the earth, sprouting weeds and other greenery through their forms.
A tingle went up his spine, as the thought of these eco-corpses rising up had been entertained in his head. Not the first time it had happened after all.
He soon shook those thoughts out of his head, reminding himself that such level of necromancy was beyond the people here.
"*You all deserved a better end than this.*"
Offering a short prayer he made his way to the only building that had managed to survive both the onslaught of giants and the natural forces of time and decay. The Headquarters.
For it was here he could feel that the sprits had congregated in great numbers.
-oOo-
Inside the Fortress Headquarters
*CRRREEEEAAAKK*
*CRASH*
Facing some resistance from the entry door Maverick put a bit more force into his push, causing a wave of furniture to topple over onto the ground.
He took a quick glance of the place as he moved in, the light of his body illuminating the dark hall. Besides the attempt at fortifications much of the first floor was empty, save for a few empty fire baskets, garbage, and heavily rusted weaponry.
A sigh escaped his lips, he had seen such castrums in their heyday. Yet here it was again, once more serving as a ruin of a long dead empire.
Inhabited by the restless souls that once manned its walls.
The chill in the air was palpable now, for said malevolent spirits trembled at his intrusion, even more so that they couldn't bring him harm.
Undaunted he stepped into the center of the floor, lighting another incense into his censer as he sensed the incorporeal beings circle around him from the darkness. Their mass negative energies began to make manifest as the furniture began to rattle and shift.
"…APAGE…"
Hearing the faint yet hateful voice in the air Maverick began another prayer, which served to only irritate the spectral inhabitants.
"Superius creator exaudi orationem meam."
"Da mihi vires has devias propellere animas."
"APAGE!"
A sea of voices erupted from the room, as the riled spirits attempted to harass the glowing interloper. Some dared to go near him, only for his blessed aura and his tools of the faith to dismay them, further angering the specters as they retreated into the safety of the dark hall.
"Permitte mihi eos ab inferis vivorum mittere. Ad aeterna regna permittere."
"EXPEDIO!"
With their combined might a table used to barricade the door shook, before being launched in the demigod's direction at hauntingly rapid speed.
Sensing the incoming danger Mavrick quickly spun out of the way of the flying table, a resounding crash erupting as it collided with a wall. It was now that he knew he was dealing with the worst kinds of incorporeal entities.
In the ancient days of Rome they were known as Lemures; malevolent spirits of those who died without the proper rites.
He knew it was the right call to go in alone, for these roman styled poltergeists would have been a pain for the scouts to deal with. Though he also kicked himself for not coming armed with more anti-ghost weaponry, like exorcist rounds.
From the shadows more pieces of furniture were thrown, as the voices of the lemures grew in ferocity and volume. Not one to simply take any abuse, he swung his chained censer around, utilizing it like a ball and chain to smash empty bottles and molded furniture with ease.
'*I will suffer no trespass.*'
Having enough of these spectral shenanigans he yelled out to the spirits that hid in the darkness.
"Audite me spiritus devium! Caesi milites et defensores huius veteris castelli! Haec abs te peto ut dispergas ac frequentes!"
"Per nomen omnipotentis Domini et Patris! Per nomen domini inferi! Peto a te ut discedas!"
Another set of chairs came flying at him in response to his words, and a few rusted swords for extra spitefulness.
"Ministerium tuum ad finem venit! Praelia hic finivi!"
"Propinquus tuus, fratres tui, et familiae tuae omnes te exspectant illinc!"
"Aeterno coniunge regno!"
*CRASH!*
"FOEDUS…MENDAX!"
"Quid hic pergisne?! Nihil hic vobis restat!"
"DI TE PERDUINT!"
*CRASH!*
"Respondete mihi spiritus! In virtute Omnipotentis, ecce ego praecipio tibi!"
"PRODITOR!"
A frustrated sigh escaped his chilled lips, for the spirits were far too deep their own negative energies to listen to any sort of reasonings. While he could exorcise them out by force, he wished to at least make an attempt to settle them down and see what they knew.
For dead men can tell many tales.
As he evaded another chair, he began to tap into the powers bestowed unto him by a divine traveler, and quickly shot out his arms outwards, creating a spherical shield to protect himself and allow him some breathing room.
In the relative safety of the light crafted dome he went into a praying position, speaking in tongues once more he channeled more power unto himself as his barrier was assaulted by the spirits. His body began to shake as he held the divine energies into himself as individual markings on his skin began to glow, each one gifted to him by those gods who held dominion in their worlds.
As the power flowed through him the barrier soon began to give way, as the spirits felt that this was their chance to finally deliver harm unto the one who had intruded into their grounds.
With his body glowing ever brighter, and the shield sphere finally giving out he released the pent-up energies into a violent vocal release.
"SATIS!"
-oOo-
Back at the Expedition campsite
Levi observed the fortress with a weary gaze, his hand drifting to his sheathed blade.
Though the ward stone was working he still felt a sense of unease in the chilled air. As if something was still watching them from a distance.
He didn't like it. Not one bit.
Suddenly the old fort was enveloped by a bright prismatic light. Though it was for only a short few moments it had caused that cold feeling in the air to completely dissipate.
"Tsk."
Rubbing his blinded eyes he looked back to see the glow had dissipated into a dim glow, though its sudden appearance still had the effect of waking up many people from their rest.
Even the Sentinels opened their eyes in unison, before falling into slumber once again.
"Levi what happened?!"
Looking back he saw Hange stumbling over to him, adjusting her crooked glasses as he nearly tripped over the roots of a tree. Turning back to the fort he could only guess as to what had just occurred.
-oOo-
Back at the old H.Q.
The spirits, blinded by the sudden flash of light that enveloped everyone and everything, recovered from the ordeal and now bared witness to the one who had intruded upon their lands in a new and frightening light.
The giant marked priest stood levitated above the ground. The glow from his body poured through his vestments, as did the cross shaped icon in his hands. His eyes blazed with fiery light.
And a stern scowl was marred on his bearded face.
"*HEAR ME FALLEN SPIRITS. CEASE YOUR ACTIONS AND LISTEN.*"
His voice spoke with a thousand other voices that rumbled the air around them, further kowtowing the lemures. And for some inexplicable reason, despite the clear alien tongue he spoke in and their still stewing malevolence, the lemures found themselves compelled to follow his words.
"*I HAVE NOT COME TO DO YOU HARM, I HAVE COME TO BRING YOU HOME.*"
The glowing demigod took their continued silence as a spiritual understanding and continued to speak.
"*YOUR TIME IN THIS MORTAL PLAIN HAS LONG REACHED ITS END. THE ISLE AWAITS YOU ALL.*"
The confused and awed look from the specters morphed to more suspicious and scornful expressions. Despite the authority the priest held in his voice and body there was still that deep seated feeling of hatred that consumed them all, and saw him as a liar.
"MENDAX!"
A ragged yet powerful voice spoke out what the spirits felt.
Turning his head Maverick's flaming eyes narrowed as he tried to find who spoke out.
"*PRESENT YOURSELF!*"
The sea of gaunt faces and mutilated forms parted to reveal the one who spoke. With all eyes on them the figure floated towards the demigod, for the lower half of his body was missing completely.
Despite the mutilation Maverick could see that the figure still presented himself with a sliver of authority. From the medallions on his armor, to the horse-hair crested helm, and of course the symbol of his badge of office; a vine staff.
The figure was none other than a Centurion. A shadow that led these eighty to one hundred malevolent shades in their incorporeal limbo.
Looking down at the spirit of the officer Maverick's eyes flared up as he peered into the centurion's defiant soul.
"*YOU CALL ME A LIAR AND A TRAITOR. EXPLAIN YOURSELF.*"
"Explicabo ipse?" The centurion repeated, seemingly stupefied at the demigod's query. That look soon morphed into one of anger as he enlightened the interloping priest.
"EXPLICATO QUID TU HABECO TRILINEUM CUM EOS!"
A new sea of voices rang out, as the legionnaires voiced out in support of their brother. Ignoring the voices from the gallery Maverick questioned the soldier again.
"AND WHO MIGHT 'THEY' BE?"
His question only served to infuriate the spirits. For in unison they all shouted out a word with all the hated, vitriol, and scorn that every lost soul in the old fortress held in their warped forms. A single word that to them was the root cause of all that was wrong in the mortal world.
"ELDIANS!"
A/N: First chapter of the new year, hooray.
So originally this chapter was meant to be last years' fall/late spooky month chapter, but as I said in the last author's note I got incredibly sick around November so this chapter had to be pushed back into the new year.
I would have gotten this out a little sooner in the year too, but I really needed to get back into my groove after my body tried to kill me.
I also sorta-kinda got hooked on this little game called Zenless Zone Zero back in January, which pretty much took up all of my free time.
Worth it though. Managed to get Evelyn. YOUR NEXT JANE!
Anyways, this chapter is essentially the introduction of the AOT worlds' more supernatural aspects, as we see Maverick make contact with the lands ancient and unrestful souls.
I always felt that the series should have kept those spookier aspects a little longer before going straight for the war drama angle.
And these souls have plenty of things to tell our hero, as he will come to learn more about the land that he has found himself in. What will these angry souls reveal to him? You'll just have to find out in the next chapter.
See you next time!