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Akuma Ga Kita - Episode 1: Kindred Souls, Bleeding Hearts

We Begin With An Overview Of A Relatively Large Forest of An Average Amount Of Vegetation, Through Which We See A Small Town Led To Us By A Stone-Sand Path, A Not So Large But Not So Small Folk Of People Settle Here We then pan To, The Closer Look We Get At The Town’s Generic Appearance. Descending to The Towns confinements, We See A Man And Little Girl, The Man Laying On His Back and Cleaning The Chimney From The Bottom Up With His Chimney Stick While The Little Girl, Seemingly His Daughter, Keeps The Well Built Metal Entry gate to The chimney, holds it up to prevent it from dropping on her father's torso.

A Town Shop Owner, Most Likely A Butcher. Slices Up A Big Leg Of Meat of what looks like Fear And Bags Whatever Fits Of The Cut Up Meat Pieces In The Open Box Of Black Plastic Bags Just Beneath The Counter. Among other's he's already tied and boxed. He Settles The Filled Number Of Bags Down Somewhere On His Surprisingly Clean Wooden Shop Floor Despite All The Excess blood He Has accumulated By His Counter And The Spider Webs Here And There By The Center And Corner Walls.

Standing Back Up Straight From his crouch To Settle Down The Bags, He Wipes Some Sweat Off His Brow And Sticks His Knife In A Cleanly Cut Slab Of Meat He’d Forgotten To Attend To, All To Which He Notices A Dog Looking At The Slab Curiously And Bringing It’s Head In Too close for his comfort.

Swiftly, he Shoos The Dog Away And Takes A Seat On A Wooden Chair Just Behind Him as it bolts away, He Reaches His Hand Downward And Picks A Paper Off A Pin He’d Stuck To Keep It In Place, Steady, It Appears To Be A Note With A Message Inside reading The well wishes from his daughter, somewhere afar.

Once reading it over, he Brings The Note To His Chest, Closing His Eyes And Sighing Happily, However His Moment Of Piece Is Cut Off Shortly By The Dog He’d Shood Away Which Comes Back Sprinting, Jumping Up and Landing On The Edge Of The Counter, Nipping At The Meat Piece And Ripping Away Most Of It From The Sharp Knife’s Grasp.

The Man Jolts Up In Surprise And, Once Seeing The Dog already halfway down the street, he Chases After it, practically Barking Out As Viciously As even The Dog Could, As He Darts Out Of Sight. - In The Background We See The Father And Daughter Bursting Into Joyful Laughter As A Cloud Of Dust puffs out and strikes The father's Face, After He Stretches an arm further up the chimney. The daughter particularly getting quite the kick out of seeing her father's blackened mask of a face now.

We Then Cut To An Overview Of A Large Red Building, Hundreds Of Children, Early And Mid Teens Depart In Different Paths, Some Through The Main Gate, Others Through The Medium Sized Few Holes In The Large Fence Far Beside The Big Walls Beside The Main Gate. A Freed Space is Made As The Crowd Disperses, Allowing a slightly roughed up Looking Kid To Pass Through The Gate as he Shimmy’s a couple of larger individuals moving the same way as him. Now Into The free Space and Catching His Breath, He Looks Around Expectantly. Confused To See Not Much Of What Or Rather, Who, He Expected To See Right Now. ???:Kate..Daniel..Marrow...Nope.. He Then Stands taller, Continuing through a slight frown. ???: I Don't see Chad Anywhere Near Here. He sighs slightly, Dropping His Gaze Down To The Ground With A Look Of Exhaustion. ???: So Much For “Do me a solid and Lay back Over At The Main Gate, I'll meet you there for sure”.

He mutters, moving his arms in melodramatic emphasis and then, a moment later, he muses, looking pensive.

???: But i Guess He Did Ask Me To Stick Around For A Bit If He Was Late. Wonder what the hell he wanted anyways.

He Then Looks Around Surprised At The Large Amount Of People That Pass Him By. Swallowing down a hint of nervousness, He Says, Shuffling away.

???: Then Again, I Could Get Trampled On Once Those behemoths for humans come around again. Even for Chad of all jerks, I wouldn't put myself through that.

his head swivels in idle search as he moves ahead, he eventually stops as he notices a Person Of *His* own Personal Interest. Allyssa, A Girl he has Come Across 1 Or 2 Times In 1 of his combat and knowledge courses.

???: You know what…Chad’ll Find Me. Dude Can't be -that- eager to chat.

He Then Walks Over To Allyssa And Her Group Of Friends, All Of Which Are Girls, unsurprisingly to him. He Walks Up Behind Allyssa to which She Notes His sudden Presence Mid-Sentence And Cuts Herself Off As He Stops Right Behind Her. Turning Her Head In His Direction, He quickly Raises A Palm In Greeting And Says With A Friendly Smile.

???: Hey Allyssa! Noticed You From Over There And Thought I’d Come Say Hi So...uh, yeah. Hi.

She turns To A Side Position, Holding Her Notebooks in one arm, Saying To Him With A smile just as friendly.

Allyssa: Hey There. I’ve Seen You In Biology Before But Never Got Your Name. Guess I’d Forgotten To Ask. These Are My Friends.

Chepper: Ah Right. I’m Chepper. It’s Great To Meet You All. Rory, Maria, Ellie, Jackie And..Tracy I think? Yeah, that's right. Good to meet you all.

He somehow sputters. Allyssa’s friends regarding him with squinted eyes and uneasy looks as Tracy says.

Tracy: You...Know Our Names. That’s A Little Strange Considering We Haven’t Told You Yet.

Maria Nods To Her.

Maria: Yeah, That’s A Little Suspicious Seeing As We’ve Only Just Met. Are You A Spy, Chepper?

His Eyes Widen Slightly At The Absurd Question.

Chepper: Huh? No I Just-

Rory:He’s Either That Or A Thirsty Weirdo, Always Wishing To Know More About The Opposite Gender. Must have very *Keen* eyes for sure.

She puts emphasis on the word keen and Chepper Puts His Hands Up Harmlessly, alarmed at rory's words.

Chepper: No, That Isn’t Who I Am At All, I Just Caught Em During The First Week Of Our classes. Y'know. Intermission season and all.

Ellie: How So?

Chepper: I Just Sit Closer To Allyssa During Our Breaks. They Weren’t Hard To Miss. Honest.

Tracy Says Slowly.

Tracy: I...Guess That’s Understandable. Sorry About That then. We just don't see you around much so we're not used to…whatever that was.

Chepper Waves His Hand Dismissively.

Chepper: Nah, Don’t Sweat It, I Should’’ve Been Less Direct With That Knowledge I guess.

Allyssa Then Chimes In.

Allyssa: ANYway, If You All Are Done interrogating Chepper, We Need To Get Going, Don’t Wanna Stick Around The Grounds Any Longer Than We Have To.

Maria Then Asks, Slightly Surprised.

Maria: Aren’t We Studying Together For Tomorrow’s 3 hour Course? We said we'd get around to that together in the storage unit downtown..

Allyssa Gives Her A Sympathetic and Exhausted Look.

Allyssa: You’re Gonna Burn Yourself Out If You Don’t Take A Day To Rest Your Brain Maria. We Can Have An Early Morning Relay But For Now, I Miss my bed. The physical strain these courses have had on me is just killer.

She says, stretching her arms out over her head. And Chepper pretending not to notice how adorable she looks to him with her Face briefly Scrunched up as she stretches her limbs.

Rory notices where Chepper's eyes trail and chuckles, shaking her head and saying to allyssa.

Rory: Its pretty Bold of you to assume we're all early risers, Aly.

Maria: I..I am.

Ellie: Well I'm not..But i Guess that makes us attracting opposites then. Like magnects and everything. But anyways, You two have fun with that. I need to read up on Class Types and Variation statistics for my next few Private classes.

Tracy inclines her head curiously at her friend.

Tracy: Your parents are really putting it on you, huh?

Ellie grimaces, nodding at her.

Ellie: Well I mean. They talk a lot about their lineage and everything. How important it is that I gain peak knowledge of the devil's as soon as possible.

allyssa's expression then shifts from its initial exhaust and she asks Ellie, looking alarmed.

Allyssa: You still never really told us much about why your mom and dad call the titans..That Specifically.

Ellie: That's because I don't know either. I guess it's just because they're bloodthirsty monsters.

She says with a slight shrug.

Ellie: But anyways, see you guys later. I don't wanna stay out of the house too long. Buh-Bye.

Her friends wish her goodbye but all the while, Chepper's stare has turned sharp at ellie's lingering disclosure. He finds himself slightly alarmed himself but when Alyssa speaks again.

Alyssa waves after her friend as she leaves quickly enough, sighing slightly.

Alyssa: That's about good enough a call for us to leave too.

Rory slings her bag over her shoulder, saying with a notable playfulness to her tone.

Rory: Finally. All aboard, little girls

Maria chuckles at her words.

Maria: You may be 5 years older, Rory, but You're still Not a day over 5 feet.

Rory bites back a sputter of surprise at the quiet girl's words and furrows her brows, hand on her hip.

Rory: I am exactly 5 feet thank you very much!

Maria's chuckles only heighten and Tracy smiles at their antics while shaking her head.

Tracy: heh. losers.

Rory looks at her in brief scrutiny before smirking and saying.

Rory: Says the 8 year old in the Room. Still getting pampered by mom and dad. Diapers and all?

Tracy’s stare is fierce as she regards the Older girl with a disapproving snarl.

Tracy: Ugh, Stop.

Rory only giggles and gives her a head pat as Tracy crosses her arms.

Rory: Aww cheer up, Trace. I'm only kidding.

Tracy: ..I don't like your jokes.

Rory only smiles innocently as Tracy soon shuffles out of her series of head pats. Maria moving to join them as Tracy moves on.

Tracy: Anyways. I'm ready to go. Getting more sick of being in the grounds by the second.

The Others Nod In Agreement, Chepper Then Saying As The Group Prepare To Leave. Almost like a dwindling bulb in a darkening room. Chepper: Well, I Guess I’ll See You Guys When You See Me. I’ll Go Join My Friends Now That You’re About To Go. Allyssa Turns To Him, Almost As If Being Woken Up From A Short Dream. Allyssa: Oh Right. Yeah. It Was Nice Seeing You Chepper. Maybe, I’ll See You Tomorrow? You Looked like you had something you wanted to talk about. He Sparks Up Slightly As She Asks. Chepper: Oh! Well..it wasn't really much but uh..Definitely, I’ll Be Sure To Ask If You’re Up To Hang Or Not. I Get You’re A Busy Girl And All So.. She Lingers Her Gaze On Him For A Moment Before Smiling And Saying. Allyssa: You’re Sweet, Chepper. Hard coming across guys as considerate as you, I'll admit.

Tracy: Do you even talk to boys that much? You're usually with me, Ellie, Here at the resort with us all or at home.

Allyssa: I have a few in my knowledge and combat courses. But that's not important right now. Point is I'm more used to guys being complete Douchebags.

Chepper smiles slightly, Relishing in a twinge of pride as he then says to her.

Chepper: Well..I guess it's good that I'm different then huh?

Allyssa’s lips quirk and she regards him with a thoughtful stare, hand on her chin.

Allyssa: Mhm..And who knows. Maybe you'll be my new best friend one day. I'll try seeing if hanging out tomorrow's possible.

Chepper can't help but blurt out. Caught-off by her words.

Chepper: cool but..just...just your friend though?

Allyssa’s eyes Spark at his Words and asks with an instinctive up-turn of her lips.

Allyssa: What do you mean?

Chepper pauses for a moment.

Chepper: I just mean. There’s more we could do together than just casually hang out and stuff. Y'know?

Allyssa: Oh. That's what you meant.

Allyssa seems to mull over something for a moment before then Saying.

Allyssa: I think..I may be a little too old for you.

She says, looking him over slightly. Pausing only in spurts of the Moment that Chepper actually would be very mistaken for a 10 year old boy, given his toned stature, she deciphers.

Allyssa's friends huddle together as they watch the two. Talking amongst themselves and unknowingly having shuffled away from them, leaving the two some privacy momentarily. Chepper stares down at Her slightly in consideration before saying with a scratch of his head.

Chepper: I..don't think I care all that much. It's only 2 years right? That won't even have any weight when I'm like 20 in a couple years. You'd only have 2 over me.

She chuckles at his words and takes another pause before sighing.

Allyssa: Look there's..Alot I have on my mind. With the admissions of these schedules from the school. The amounts of work they put us through. I can't imagine putting as much effort into anything else, especially with how dangerous the risk the titans pose to every thing so maybe..hold off on that for now? I just have a lot to consider. You're a sweet guy I promise and I don't mean to put you off but..I just need to think. Time to myself.

Chepper nods slowly at her words.

Chepper: Yeah I..I get it. I'm in the same boat I just thought I'd give it a chance maybe. Felt right somehow. But it obviously wasn't sensible for me to like….think it wouldn't be wrong.

She sighs, looking him over, putting her hand on his comfortingly once his expression turns slightly conflicted.

Allyssa: it's not wrong, Chepper. It's just..complicated..

Chepper nods his head solemnly and allyssa puts a gentle hand on his shoulder.

Chepper: I got it..Well. I'll wish you the best then. Hope you figure things out and all.

She smiles.

Allyssa: Thanks. And..sorry to leave you hanging like this.

Chepper then brightens and gives her a grin of reassurance, making her incline her head, pleased at his reaction.

Chepper: don't sweat it. Quite frankly I just thought I'd never tell you..We'll hang some other time maybe?

She Gently taps him on the nose as she retreats to her friends, on their way.

Allyssa: Mhm. See you tomorrow!

Chepper: heh. aight.

Chepper waves after her with a renowned smile now as she joins her friends just before he loses sight of them in a semi-crowded lane. Then, as quickly as it came, his enthusiasm deflates and he kicks at a rock on the floor in irritant manner.

Chepper: Ugh..nice going, Genius..

His shoulders droop then, rambling for a bit but as lightly paces back and forth. He jumps as he sees Chad right in the corner of his eye. Chepper Almost Instantly Turning To Him To See Chad Who Seemingly Hasn’t Left his still Position For Quite A While now. Chepper wonders, Slightly Creeped Out whilst Chad’s Got His Hands In His Pockets, Looking Rather Intimidating with his unusual yellow eyes. Eyes that Pretty Much Pierce The Soul Of Chepper.

Chepper: Just How Long Have You Been Standing There?

Chad Shrugs, Averting His Gaze Out To The Distance For A Quick Moment, Hands Planted Still In His Pockets.

Chad: Not Important. Just Long Enough To Witness That Sad Showcase Of Interaction You Had With, Allyssa.

Chepper Hardens His Expression, Staring His Friend Down With A Cooler But More Intense Look.

Chepper: You May Be Smart, Chad But You Have No Idea Just How Much And Long It Took Me To Work Up The Courage To Just Walk Up To Her, So What Do You Mean “Sad”?

Chad Sighs, Expression tensing Slightly. Chad: I Didn’t Mean To Seem So Aggressive With That Approach, But You Need To Understand That If You Ever Want A Shot With Her, You’ll Need To Let Her See That You Can Be Mentally Stable When You Try To Start Conversation. Chepper Looks At Him In Confusion. Chepper: There's Probably not much of a shot anymore to be honest with you…but what do you mean? She was Friendly And Said I Was Sweet. All seemed pretty normal to me.. Chad Nearly Laughs But Suppresses It With A Small Grin. Chad: You Were Being Nice Throughout, Chepper, Not Normal. Plus. You barely got acknowledged in the grand scheme of things. Replaying The Conversation In His Head, Chepper Internally Cringes At Just How Utterly nervous and stunted He felt But Refuses To Give In To Chad’s Surprisingly Precise Inspection, Crossing His Arms And Turning His Head Away Whilst Scoffing. Chepper: Tch. You Say All This Like You Know Even A Single Thing About girls Chad, Don’t Lecture Me If You’re wasting away in the exact same lane.

Chad Pauses To Process Then Says Shortly After. Chad: Eh. You're kinda reaching there don't ya think? I mean, I'm 5 years older, can have any girl I want, am not a virgin and am long done with my academic Transactions and Mandatory Physical Training. So Even as A Ghost-town citizen, You're still a rookie. Chepper Says And Faces Him Directly. Chepper: You Know What I Mean Damnit, Don't rub all that in my face. Chad Smiles In Response, Eyes Sparking Slightly in amusement. Chad: Surprised You Didn’t Lash Out. But even if you did, You'd get floored so good on you. you're actually getting wiser.

Chepper: I’m No Longer 8, Chad. I Know pretty damn well A Guy Who Uses His Age, as A Crutch To Lean On Is Just Not Worth Pummeling.

Chad's brow quirks.

Chad: Pummel? Heh. That Would Be A First for you.

Chepper Grins dangerously In Response.

Chepper: You Know How Capable I Am In A Street Fight. don't play dumb now.

Chad scoffs.

Chad: Yeah. If Throwing Your Arms Around Like A Mad Man And Getting Beat up In The Process By A Drunk Daniel Says “Capable”? Then Sure, You’re A Very Capable Fighter, Kid. Not even sure how the heck you happened to scrap with your friend that night. And lose for that matter.

Chepper Frowns At The Response And Says As He And Chad’s Friends Finally Notice Them And Come Over.

Chepper: Tch. Well He asked, Duh. Who cares if he was drunk. And forget that! You Can’t Be Any Better, You Barely Beat Gowski.

Chad sighs, Grimacing at the memory with his former task-mate.

Chad: One, I Was Injured When Gowski Decided To Start Harassing Kate. Broke my Wrist. And Two, He Literally Shanked Me In The Leg when shit got real. And I Still Won and had his ass exiled to wall Sheena or whatever. So you’re not one to talk. You haven't even won a fight before.

Chepper snarls.

Chepper: Hey! I fought Daniel, Remember! Didn't even get stopped.

Chad looks surprised as he looks at the younger boy and shakes his head.

Chad: Damn it Hijo, You were in a bloody heep on the floor. Which Kate had to mop up. Sigh...I will admit You're an idiot though. You love the thrill of a Fight so much you won't even get knocked unconscious. So I guess You're tenacious.

Just then. Dereck, One Of Chad’s Two Best Friends Wave To Them In Greeting As The Older Group, With Chepper's Friends, Approach. Dereck: Yo, Chad, Chepper! Thought we talked about the clandestine conversations already. Heh. You'll give a guy ideas if this keeps up any longer.

He says, moving up to greet his friend and chuckles as he's punched in the shoulder. Chad: ugh. Shut up already.

Chepper: Seriously.

Chepper says, angling towards his group and Huffing slightly as Kate moves toward him. Kate Pulls Chepper In For A Hug, Giving Him A Light Squeeze Before Letting Go For Chepper To Greet Daniel And Marrow With a hand-held gesture. Marrow: Dude, I Saw You By The Gate But You sorta Disappeared Afterwards, Where'd you go? Trying to pick up allyssa again?

Daniel Chuckles.

Daniel: yeah. Sweep her Off her feet like last time, You Scrawny bloke.

Chepper Scrunches his nose in anguish at the memory and waves his hands in forceful dismissal, looking partly red.

Chepper: That was one time, you idiots, leave me alone-! Marrow Speaks In A Chilled Indian Accent While Daniel. A More Aggressive Irish-British Mix. Daniel: Heh. Sure thing. But jokes aside, Good Question, Lad, where the bloody hell where you mate? I can stand not seein you around for about even 30 minutes But Once I Realise Yer Not Lettin Us Know Where You’re At, We Get Anxious. Try to disappear less, ya thirsty bastard.

Chepper Smiles Awkwardly From All The Wary Attention And Says.

Chepper: Chill Out. I Was Actually Just Over Here With Allyssa Before She Had To Go.

Chad: And Getting rejected in the process.

Chepper: IT WASN'T EVEN A- Ughh…I can't with you, Jerk-face. Marrow Eyes Him For A Short Moment, then Chuckles. Marrow: I See. The Ol’ Confession Biz Eh? You seem spooked. Chepper: Uh...No. No. It was just unnerving with all her friends there. I Couldn’t Imagine laying my feelings on so thick, so soon. On the first week in the academy for that matter. But..doesn't look like time'll do me much good now that she's left me hanging.

Daniel quirks a curious brow. An eerie candy red pupil widening as his brow raises.

Daniel: So What’re You Waitin For? For our teachers to give the okay? Screw the lab rats mate, get in her pants already.

Chepper Looks Slightly Caught Of Guard As He Responds Almost Instantly.

Chepper: What? No..no Nothin’. I’m Just Not Sure There’s A Big Enough Chance She'll actually be into me in the long run. Dunno what it is….And what the Hell is up with you And that crap? Ugh. Go to Audrey or something, jeez. Sex isn't always sweet Y'know.

Kate Then Chimes In. Kate: Well Do What I Did With My Boyfriend And Write Her A Letter. Just letting it all out there. Those Always Seem To Be The Sweetest Form Of Communication If You Ask Me. I've even got a quill.

Chad Actually Laughs And At That Suggestion, To Which Dereck And Chisel Have Already Cracked Two Amused Grins. Kate Asks With A Puzzled Expression, Looking up at the older Group. Chisel being the Tallest of them by far. Infact, the Tallest in the entire centre of them, Given he seems to tower over every single boy there. At a rough estimate she guesses he’s at least 6 foot 8. Though she regains her train of thought and shakes her head.

Kate: W-What?

Chad Recollects Himself After A Moment And Says With A Smirk.

Chad: Nothing. Just realising just how corny that letter confession shtick really is.

Chisel: So how'd that all work out then? “Oh my days, I like you too” and then an agreement to meet up and hit it off? Rainbows and all?

Kate waves her hand non comically at the older boy, saying.

Kate: Oh Please, Chisel…...We Did All That Minus The Rainbow Part. That Was just Ridiculous.

Chad Groans. Muttering something about how the irony of what she just said is while Dereck Immediately Goes Stun-Faced Just Before He Can Get A Bite Out Of His Gluten-Free Ration Bar. The 3 Seniors Staring At Kate With Shocked Expressions As She Smiles Back Innocently. Daniel Then Turns His Head Down To Her, Looking Only A Little Disgusted As He Asks.

Daniel:Christ...that indirect Love back and forth actually works?

Kate Answers Happily.

Kate: Ofcourse! Most of our affectionate communication is spoken through letters. So he's both my pen-pal, and my soulmate.

She pulls out a Feather Quill and Grins as she says.

Kate: Observe! Same one I always use.

Chad Lets Out A Low Whistle, Utterly Flabbergasted At What He’s Just Learned, Heard And Seen.

Chad: Hot Damn. Well it's only fair to say whoever the lucky guy Is, isn't getting laid for a while, if he's all for this Shit.

Chepper Adds, Finishing The Bizarre Moment.

Chepper: hey, At Least She Has A Healthy Relationship. Not our place to judge.. I think.

Chisel chuckles.

Chisel: Heh. You’re right. Its Fair Enough. Anyways, the Hell's that sound?

Something In Dereck’s Pocket Starts chiming, A Wave Of Loud Static Goes By With A Voice Along With, Calling “Dereck?” The Static Wave Causing Almost Everyone Except Marrow, who's stood a farther distance in the huddle, To Cover Their Ears. Dereck Quickly Pulls The Black Coloured Object Out And Lowers The Height Level Of The Antenna Which Decreases The Noise, Allowing Everyone’s Ears Some Peace As He Then Answers The Strange Object. Dereck: Huh..This Hunk of junk actually works? ..Dad? You there? The Static Lightens Increasingly And The Voice From Before Can Be Heard Clearer.

Dad Dereck: You know it.

Dereck: Huh. So This Actually Does Work..Thought you said you screwed up the wiring, what with the old tech and all.

Chisel looks Dereck over and says, looking pensive, to Chad, While Chepper and His friends Bicker amongst themselves regarding Kate's affairs and Dereck briefly converse with his dad through the miniscule device, being held close to his head.

Chisel: Is that like those walkie talkies the anti-personnel had all those years back?

Chad: No idea. But They were from the World afar and as we were told, they Had Really tough stock so whatever communicator this may be probably isn't as effective as what they used to navigate the areas back then.

Chisel nods, looking back.

Chisel: Makes sense.

Dereck Seems to Nod in understanding as his dad and mother's voice chime at the end of the father and son's exchange and Dereck excuses himself as the interaction of his parents ensues with no regard for his remaining presence over the device so Chad Lowers the antenna to it's interior and the Device shuts off with a Firm click.

Chepper then Asks, Curious.

Chepper: Crazy. I’ve Never Heard Or Read Of A Device That Allows You To Talk To Others By Simply Speaking Into The Thing.

Daniel Chuckles.

Daniel: Guess you don't do enough research then, you Scrawny bloke. Back when the Sanctity Operation was carried out who knows how long ago, Anti-personnel Used communicative equipment called “comms” or something like that. I dunno. It's in the storage unit's note hatches, if you’re keen to take a look. Though Audrey knows more bout all that than me though.

Chepper nods in understanding and rubs his neck, saying with an uncomfortable wince.

Chepper: Ugh. This Wound on my neck's been real annoying lately. Jeez.

Kate eyes him Quizzically as she then says.

Kate: You still haven't told us how you got that. You were pretty angry when we asked the other day.

Chepper pauses before Looking sheepish, Marrow inclining his head in agreement with kate.

Chepper: yeah..sorry about that. It's just. My dad gave me this performance enhancing medicine that day. What with him being a Former Medical Specialist, He's Paid more attention to our Physical Training exams and Thought I'd need it.

Chad raises a brow as he hums in interest.

Chad: Huh. Well what the hell caused you to lose to Daniel then if that's the same day you got that super medicine then? Sounds a little iffy if you ask me.

Marrow: Not only that but You were rubbing your neck, complaining about it. Why the hell would your dad need to inject the fluid into the back like that?

Daniel, Who's been listening intently, and having allowed himself an Amused chuckle of the recollection of his Friend’s and his own scrap, now Seems alert at marrows concerns, looking at Chepper with a pensive look. Chepper then saying with a troubled look, seeming lost slightly.

Chepper: I dunno. Just lost I guess. But I honestly don't know if it even worked immediately. Which could be why But I've been Needing more sleep lately and Focusing better in My Knowledge courses so I think it's helped. Somehow at least.

Chad looks slightly sceptical, looking Chepper over but leaves it when Kate changes the subject, Brows furrowed in worry for her friend.

Kate: Anyways, this clearly isn't something I think Hijo wants to discuss so if you guys would please indulge him on how your days were, that would be more Preferred I’m sure.

She says, fixing most of them with a Stern glare. And surprisingly. Everyone shudders under her critical gaze. Even chisel, who gulps nervously looking away before Dereck Chimes in, sounding uneasy at first.

Dereck: Uh..thanks for the Suggestion..Kate but..We Better Go Get A Bite To Eat Down At The Red Shack. Ol’ Navy’s Selling out this week so uh…

Chad nods his way.

Chad: Yeah..Plus Our Physical Training Courses are in the Mountains so we'll need um. The energy.

Kate Glares for a second longer before she relents. Saying grimly.

Kate: You may go.

The older boys Make to leave before she even gets her words out and Daniel Laughs in Response to the whole ordeal

Daniel: Hah! Bunch of Pansies, those lot.

Marrow Inclines his head In amusement as he then Says to him

Marrow: Bet you wouldn't Say that to their faces, eh Dan?

Daniel scoffs.

Daniel: They’re seniors, lad. I'm not looking to be ripped apart just yet.

Marrow: Even if you are the main fighter of our Clique.

Daniel: Eh. Sure. But Fighting skill only goes so far when you're dealing with guys as tanky as Dereck and Chad. They can take shots.

Chepper Huffs a Calmed breath as Kate massages his temples and Looks At the two curiously.

Chepper: What about Chisel though? You don't think he's tanky? Dude's huge.

Daniel thinks for a moment while marrow shakes his head. Daniel then grinning and saying.

Daniel: Eh. Haven't tried fighting him like I have Dereck or Chad.

Marrow chuckles.

Marrow: You'd be Stupid to try. You're like 13. And He's like three times Our Sizes.

Daniel Chuckles in return.

Daniel: Oh Dear Lad. You sure don't know the benefits you have in being shorter than someone else.

Chepper Reprimands his friend before he can get his next word out.

Chepper: Nut-Shots are Criminal you idiot. And even you know that.

Daniel frowns at the interruption and then shrugs.

Daniel: All's Fair In these Streets, Hijo. I don't give a toss, Heh-heh. Heh.

Kate Then Chimes in as Chepper rolls his eyes at daniel, stepping forward, While tugging Chepper's sleeve.

Kate: Well if you boys are done puffing out your chests at one another, it's Getting Late and Chepper should get his rest.

Chepper winces as she tugs him forward.

Chepper: Jeez Kate, You don't gotta be my mom about it. Dang.

Daniel and Marrow Follow after them.

The Four Childhood Friends Walk along the Sandstone Lanes. Talking amongst themselves with Daniel, The more Outlandish and Aggressive of the bunch Ranting on and on about the contents of their lives and kate, The more jolly yet fierce, Chiming in to Reprimand his Vulgarity and Marrow Silently Nodding and Chuckling at the humour on display by Chepper, who's Very well playing both sides to keep things interesting between them all.

Eventually the first stop comes Soon and Marrow Signals his Friends to halt as he Steps to Walk down his Block, home.

Marrow:Sun’s About To Start Setting. I Should Probably Get Going, I'll See You Three In The Morning, Okay?

Chepper nods.

Chepper: Sounds good. But be ready for tonight, yeah? I think the towns gonna Evac. My mom said I should mention that, I think.

Marrow's brows raise as he says.

Marrow: Wait that’s tonight? ..shit. I'll have to talk to my aunt then. See you guys later, yeah?

Kate Smiles and Says as He turns to go.

Kate: Tell Your Aunt We Say, Hi! Haven't gotten the chance to see her since the last quarantine.

Chepper: Uh, Yeah.

Daniel nods in agreement with her, grinning usually.

Marrow looks Back to them and offers a smile and nod before turning around.

Kate Waves after him as he walks off, hands in his pocket and a notebook on peculiar Class Biology, Chepper waves all the same, Daniel Lifting a hand to wave lazily but energetically nevertheless.

Chepper: Sounds Good, Man.

Daniel: Yeah, see you around, lad.

Kate: Yup! Sleep Well, row!

Giving Them All a Thumbs Up, Marrow Breaks Into A Light Jog Down The Stone Stairs Afar, Calling back as his figure disappears.

Marrow: I'll Get Back to You Guys at Nightfall. Take care till then!

The three friends Chat and banter idly till their Over Northern Downtown, Where Daniel Hops Into the pathway of his property and exchanges quick goodbyes for the time, with Chepper and Kate.

Chepper Then Looks Over To Kate Then Offers With A Smile, Watching as she shifts uneasily, Watching Daniel enter his woollen covered Home.

Chepper: I get you're a little anxious. But hey. It’s Still Not Dark Out, I Could Walk You Home And Be Back Here Before Then.

Kate: Thanks, Hijo..But I Think I’ll Be Okay This Time. Actually trying to be a big girl for once. Though this assembly the town is having at Nightfall is unsettling to think about.

Chepper sighs and Looks at her worryingly.

Chepper: You Sure, Kate? There’s A Higher Risk Of…The Titans Roaming Around Where You Crash In The South. I wouldn't want you to panic about anything.

Kate Gives Him A Wary Frown As She Says, Elbowing him in the side.

Kate: Hey, Don’t Joke Around Like That! You Know I Have Trouble Sleeping Whenever I Hear about those things. Are you Trying to give me a heart attack!?

Chepper Frowns As Well, wincing at the pained spot in his abdomen.

Chepper: Kate…I'm not screwing around this time..Look out south. Not at the tree's. Look at what's directly under them.

Before she can turn her head. Chepper grasps her hands in his and Says with an intense expression.

Chepper: Don't..don't freak out kate. You've never seen one before and…I need you to stay calm.

Kate was too caught off guard to speak and when Chepper turned her head to look out into her home's Block, Kate's Heart skipped a beat as a Humanoid Giant Stood Awkwardly among 3 other's, Ogling the town like it was a Succulent Snack. Though they make no move to approach.

Kate gasps and tries to get away but Chepper encircles his arms around her and keeps her still. She freaks out for only a moment before clinging to him and steadily processing what she's seeing.

Kate: Titans…..I..don't get it..we study these exact things. How they behave, they’re Very Biology, The Classes of Them and The Dangers they pose but…I didn't think I'd Actually see one..they're huge..

Kate then Grips Chepper's Shirt and Glares at him suddenly.

Kate: Hijo…What the heck were you thinking showing me this!? I thought we were friends. You're…supposed to protect me. You promised me..How the hell will you do that from the likes of *Them*!?

Hijo doesn't answer and Looks at her, starstruck. To which annoys Kate and So she yells.

Kate: Answer me! Think about my Frickin parents' hijo. What will I do if these things decide to Trample over the town and kill us All!? And you…you just….How-

Hijo then yells in kind.

Hijo: Kate Relax for fuck sake! We've been through this. Many times over. You can't just think about “what ifs” all the Damn time. Our town is special. That's why they don't attack us.

He Looks Out to the Titans, Looking Stern.

Hijo: I don't know The details but something happened long ago that's kept them bound away from thinking we're food. My dad mentioned something..

Hijo Lightly touches the tender wound at the back of his neck. Looking troubled.

Hijo: Something about a coordinate..when he gave me the serum.

At the mention of that, Kate reaches out to him with a worried gaze but Hijo gives her a smile and shakes his head.

Hijo: I'm alright. Just a little spooked. Lets get you home though okay? We'll talk about everything tonight, I promise. But You're safe, trust me. Even Dan and Marrow know.

Kate Lowers Her Head And Nods In Understanding.

Kate:Okay..I Understand. Let’s Get Going Then. I’ll Be Sure To Let My Mom Know I’ll Stay Behind To Help You And Anybody Else Who Stick Around To Defend The Town If Anything Gets Bad.

Chepper Smiles, Giving Her An Encouraging Look As He Says.

Chepper:Now THERE’S The Kate I Know And Love So Much.

She Chuckles At His Remark And The Two Proceed To Kate’s Home.

Several Minutes Later,Upon Reaching Kates Home, She Looks Out To See The Large Figures Which Are The Titans, Moving About The Night Not Giving The Small Town A Noticeable Glance, Almost As If Done On Purpose, Or Something That Holds Them Back From Ruthlessly Massacring The Town. Kate Soon Snaps Out Of Her Thoughts And Pulls Chepper In, He Hugs Her Tightly, Letting Her Know He’ll Watch Out For Her No Matter What. With That, She Thanks Him, giving him a Smile And then Heads Inside Quickly, Chepper Putting His Hands In His Pockets As He Walks Back, In Deep Thought As He Walks Past Various Households.

Chepper: Sigh, Kate’s Right To Be Worried, I Can’t Imagine What I’d Do If A Man-Eating Titan Got To Her Or Allyssa..Anyone Of My Friends Actually. I’m Not Even Certain The Town Has Enough Firepower For Us To Keep Those Things At Bay.

…Our Archery training only goes so far. There can be dozens of these things swarming us if the escape isn't done right…Damn it…

…Titans Come Swarming A Number Of Humans. Even a single one….ruthless assholes…So Everyone I Know And Love Would Be Devoured……Ugh, No Hijo! Look On The Bright Side Of Things. At Least We Have Profound Knowledge On These Things. We Know Their Vital Points And Capture Point Locations, Kill Point And Behavioural Instincts And Reactions Toward And Around Humans And Fellow Titans Alike.

He Then Takes A Deep Breath, Coming To A Halt At His Front Door, Saying To Himself As He Puts His Hand On The Door Knob. Feeling his hand still as the anxiety leaves his boy. Taking a breath.

Chepper: We’ve Got This.

He Then Enters The Brightly Lit Interior Of His Home And Shuts The Door Behind Him.

We Then Cut To A Land Far Away, Deep In Marleyan Grounds We See An Overview Of An Extremely Well Built Training Facility, The War Chief, Eren Kruger, Scout Commander And Scientist Tom Xaver Watch On As They Join in Keen inspection of The 9 Warrior Candidates within the security post, Having Their Late Afternoon Physical Training Session.

Each are Already Breathing Hard But Not Taking A Second To Rest Before They Need To Stand Alert Again. The Warriors, Dess And Jabbot Go At It Back And Forth, Jabbot Blocking A Fast Flurry Of Straight Punches And Hooks From Dess Who Comes Forward, Bringing His Head In Range To Be Hit, Looking To Force Jabbot Open For A Liver Shot But Jabbot Shakes His Head As He Maintains His Distance Away From Dess, Keeping A Full Guard.

Realizing he's Not Falling For The bait, dess exclaims in annoyance Slightly Then, Grits His Teeth And Brings His Hands Low, Bursting Forward To Unleash A Quick Paced Fast Punch Combination Of Straights/Head Hooks And Dropping Lower For Quick Extension Uppercuts And Fast Straights to the abdomen.

All Of Which Jabbot Defends Well Against and Prepares to counter attack with a knee after parrying an uppercut to the body and throws his knee out to hit Dess in the solar plexus in retaliation, But he Is suddenly Hit By Liver Shot Which Sends him On On One Knee, Eyes Wide As He Gasps For Air.

Dess Grins,Happy About The Knockdown And Rushes In To Finish Him With A Running Kick To The Face But Jabbot’s eyes turn from wide to sharp and he Weaves His Head Under It, Causing Dess’s leg To fly Over His Head, Allowing jabbot To Make A Fast Turnup And Sweep Dess's Standing leg, go airborne and slam To The Floor.

Before He Can Touch The Ground however, Jabbot Grits His Teeth And With, the immense Leg Strength He Has, Cuts His Momentum In Half And Jerks His leg upward In A Quick Surge and locks it around Dess's body and Grabbing His Shoulders with his arms, Rolling The Both Of Them Across The Floor In Quick Motion.

Jabbot, In That Time Lets Dess’s Body Settle By His Lower body And Once rolled over, Jabbot Locks Dess In A Fierce Submission, Legs Locked Tight Around His Throat As Jabbot Squeezes Tightly, Quickly Restraining Dess’s Free Arm From Resisting, He Locks It Tight Under His Left Arms Elbow, Biceps Forcing It Down With Jabbot’s Other Arm Keeping The Lock Secure. Painfully secure as Dess's muscles stretch and bend in ways they’re not supposed to.

Jabbot then Adds More Pressure To The Choke And Soon, Dess’s Right Arm, Which Was Trying To Pull Jabbot’s Right Leg Away Desperately, Falls As Dess Begins To Lose clear vision, Jabbot Then Lets His Friend Go a moment later And Acrobatically Rolls Back Onto His Feet. Dess Letting Out A Couple Coughs As He Gets Up, Jabbot Walking Over To Him And Placing A Hand On His Shoulder As Dess Catches His Breath.

Jabbot: That was pretty good. Caught me good there. Though your ground-game needs work, I'll admit. You'll be killed on the warzones with no ability to wrestle.

Dess Regains His Breath And Nods Whilst Exhaling. Holding Out His Hand For A gesture of Respect.

Dess: Yeah…good one dude. That hurt like hell.

Jabbot Returns Dess’s Hand Casually And Then The Two Notice Xenon’s Body Come Flying Toward Them, to which They immediately Dash To Their opposing Sides, Xenon Hitting The Ground With A Loud Thud.

Xenon: AGH!

He Lays There, Motionless For A While Before Beginning To Twitch Profusely And Then He Coughs Out A Spurt Of Blood, What Of Which Falls and Trails Down His Neck, Dess Asking, Wide Eyed.

Dess: What in the- Xenon are you alright?

Xenon Takes A Couple Breaths And Says Energetically.

Xenon: Wonderful.

Jabbot inclines his head in amusement and then crosses his Arms.

Xenon's Eyes Then Widen In Sudden Realisation Of What Just Happened, Then He Sits Up Almost Instantly And Shouts Out.

Xenon: ANNIE!

Annie, One of the Candidates and close friend of Dess, Stands A Good Distance Upfront Of The 3, Putting A Hand On Her Hip And Asking With A Curious Expression.

Annie: I'm beginning to think I wasted my time accepting your request to train. You've hardly put up a fight and I'm pretty sick of dropping you like You're some fly.

Xenon looks genuinely offended by her comments and Says, Eyes Wide.

Xenon: Dropping? YOU THREW ME, YOU SHEMALE! With Your Freakish Man Strength….

Annie Looks him over with a bored glance but with a gaze Hinted with malice of some sort as she huffs and Clenches one of Her fists, other hand on one of Her hips.

Annie: Sure seems like You're good and raring to go for the next round then, xenon.

She Then Takes A Fierce Kickboxer Stance, Crystalline blue Eyes sharpening.

Annie: Bring It on.

Xenon’s Critical Look Then Turns To One Of Utter Terror.

Xenon: Wait! No, I’m Sorry! You’re Not A Shemale! You’re..You’re Just…A Freakishly Intimidating Ox Woman- I-I Mean Hot Woman!

Annie’s Caught Quite Off Guard By His Last Sentence, Staring At Him, Quite Surprised For Such a long Moment he’s left wondering if He’s Off The Hook Or Not, Dess And Jabbot chuckling at the stuttering mess she leaves him to at first before he raises a shaking hand in defence and unsurely asks.

Xenon: So... Am I Free To Go..?

She Shakes The Deep Out Of Her Head Away And Turns Around Looking To Dess And Jabbot.

Annie: Whatever. So, Do Either One Of You Two Clowns Wanna To Go At It With Me Before I’m Done here?

Dess Smirks challengingly at her. His Hair soaked in sweat as he shakes it at her.

Dess: Clowns Eh? Alright. I Guess I’m Down.

Jabbot Looks to him and then at her and Shakes his head.

Jabbot: this won't end well, considering the styles on deck but go nuts.

Jabbot Moves Over To Help Up Xenon, The Two Moving Over To The Area Where Iro And Index Train Their Body Strength With With Body Guard Vests While Pieck Works The Bag, With J Holding The Back Steady For Her, Teaching Her A Couple Punching And Kick Power Techniques, J Keeping Her Focused And Confident Throughout The Session.

All the while, Dess And Annie begin to Square Off. Circling each other and sizing one another up. Now With a Dash step froward, Dess Rushes In And Throws A Couple Shortly Timed Straight Punches. Annie Swiftly Dodging; One, Two, One, Two, One, Two, Short Uppercut, Then She Counters With A Swift Body Kick Which Makes Dess Wince And Adopt A Half Guard Stance.

Annie Surges Forward To Him And Throws A Sharp Kick Which Brings His Hands Up To Block But The Kick Cuts Right Through His Defense And Hits Him right behind the ear, Rattling Dess, Making Him Stumble Back And Cover Up As She Begins Throwing Punch after kick, Punch, Kick, Punch, low-Kick and then A Twisting sweep into a looping Roundhouse Kick which Sends him tumbling to the floor but quickly getting up. Dazed heavily, but backing off with arms up as annie idly assumes her stance and watches his movements.

Once Recovered From The Head Kick He Sustained, He Finds An Opportunity Whilst Stalking forward And Swiftly Throws An Uppercut As Annie Opens Up To Kick him in the Body again But She Halts her attack and Slips It, The Punch Grazing Her Jawline, And Dess’s Arm Moving Up And Above Her Neck, Annie Swiftly Grabbing His Arm And Throwing Dess Over Her Shoulder, The Male Warrior Fortunately Finding Some Ground To Perform A Safety Roll And Turnup On One Knee. However, Annie Rushes Him Quicker than he can recover and By The Time He Sees Her,, Annie Hops Up On His standing Knee And Performs A Lunging Whip Kick right to his temple That sends the Male warrior candidate Faltering and Falling in an unconscious Heep on the floor, Dess. The Male Warrior’s Pupils Dart Back Above His Head As His Body Rockets Backward And Hits The Ground With A Loud Thud, Commander Magath’s Eyes Widen And Mouth Goes Slightly Agape As He Says In Complete Shock.

Magath: Holy shit. Leonhart certainly is no pushover When it comes to hand to hand combat. I heard she was good but Seeing It for myself..

He composes himself before saying with a steady voice.

Magath: I'll admit I'm impressed. Although, like the rest of them, her firearm technique needs some improvement.

Scout commander Haddon looks at him curiously as they review the scene, what in which is now being tended to by the physical exam coaches assigned to the warrior's from the scouts.

Haddon: What for? These are Our Warrior Candidates For The Inheritance of The Titan Powers. Guns won't Mean much when they have a whole lot more power under their belts, Magath.

Xaver seems to hum in thought at the words of The commander and Magath looks to him, somewhat sternly.

Magath: Something you have to say, regarding that, Mr. Xaver?

Xaver shakes his head as He responds, Gaze distant.

Xaver: I've had my fill of Experience on the field for decades now. Marley is in safe Hands with these kids on the frontlines now.

Magath and Haddon Nod at his Words and Eren Kruger Watches a Moment Longer before leaving the Post, Saying back to them all.

Kruger: The Ceremonies are in a Couple hours from Now. Ensure you’re all Prepared. We don't want to risk casualties when we begin.

The firmness to his tone prompts a nod from his Fellows before the war chief is gone and out of earshot. To which The three look back to the scene to see The Training ground mostly empty now but Xenon and Iro sticking back with Annie and Dess who are escorted out of the Room By their Examiners. Annie Supporting dess's footing and seeming rather annoyed at the pestering of the Older Men. Xenon and Iro Sticking Close behind To make sure nothing gets out of hand.

A Few minutes later, The Examiners have Escorted the Warrior Unit Back to their internment Zone, Where their guardians are usually awaiting their arrivals.

Though The Unit, Being Respectively Young as they are. Much preferably, Banter amongst themselves and Lounge about As they Take an independent Lane rather than part ways so early. Taking A longer lane to their parent's usual waiting post. Xenon and Pieck stick close to each other. Speaking together about their casual affairs and their trainings as well as the many things to come with what they have left as warrior candidate's entail. The two actually holding hands almost as a casual gesture among them as the group dispersed somewhat within the mid-day sunlight. Most of the Others Are Just being casual with one another and not steering in very drastic ways. Although;

Dess and Annie Are in a similar predicament albeit less affectionate and more intensively conversative. In the subtle sense. Dess Directs the Conversation easily and Maintains the focus around their fight. Annie's Slightly more spirited talking about her Fighting style and How it Derived from her father's teachings.

Dess listens to her words and seems pensive before His expression is one flushed in pure boredom.

Dess: I know all that Annie. If anything I've seen you train all those years back. The time I stumbled upon your house with my dad and all.

Annie’s eyes Spark for a moment before reverting to their cold posteriors.

Annie: Listen if that's not a subject you're keen to hear about anymore, you could've just said something.

Dess doesn't budge at her accusatory tone.

Dess: You said it, not me. What I *did* ask you why your kicks strike a lot harder than they probably should. You sort of trailed off after that.

Annie blinks.

Annie: Huh?

Dess seems confused at her reaction. Finding it odd she didn't pick up on where he was getting at.

Dess: you're a small girl So, Being able to generate that much power in your leg is pretty impressive.

Annie pauses before scoffing at his comment.

Annie: Even if you did mean it to come off that way before, I wouldn't know what to tell you.

Dess scoffs in return.

Dess: Tch. Just telling me that cause you battered your old man's leg and aren't comfortable talking about it?

Annie Snarls at him.

Annie: I don't give a damn about that. I’ll never regret doing that. All he ever did was work me to My last breath. Didn't care for anything else but rebellion. Not even if the line stretched as far as his own daughter.

Dess grimaces.

Dess: I could see that. That's why I stepped in. That's why my dad made him that deal. But even then. What's one right gonna do for all of the junk that happens in Marley?

Annie Shrugs, but most of the fight seems to have left her. Her shoulders then tensing as Dess looks at her again as the group trail off.

He stares at her for a bit before she asks, somewhat irritably but with a hint of unease.

Dess: does it still bother you? The memories?

Annie takes a Moment and inclines her head to him, Crystalline blue eyes shining as they're exposed to the sunset.

Annie: Listen. I don't like talking about him all that much, you know that. But if it’'ll get you off my back, Yes, Yes they do still bother me. And I have to go on about living knowing All of that torment ended all out of…what..necessity?

Annie Grips the Sleeve of her Uniform with her other arm with a vice grip as she Glares into the horizon, The Group having taken the farthest turn and Dess Taken the time to wave them goodbye already. Annie Huffs in annoyance but also slight pain as she Exhales, furrowing her brows.

Annie: It's bullshit. Only when he was confronted did he lighten up and actually consider me and my feelings about..All of this. I’m so tired and sick of feeling like a damn guinea Pig. I Worked So Hard every fucking day just..to make him proud. To make him actually see the ounces of effort I was putting in to show him I wasn't as insignificant as he insisted I was…I’m..

Dess: Hey. Cut it out. You won't do yourself any good with all of that plaguing your mind.

Annie looks at him with furrowed brows. Lips pulled back in a Snarl but Eyes deeply troubled as she says her next words. The utterances coming out in a tone he almost misses.

Annie: Then what do I do, Sol..?

Dess's Eyes Widen as She Addresses him by his True Name. His Birth Given one. It catches him by quite the surprise he takes a while to respond to her question but eventually he manages, Resting his Hand on her Shoulder.

Sol: Annie..

He shakes the brief Distortions out of his head before continuing.

Sol: I..Know it's messed up. I know it's not how you hoped things would turn out or even how you wanted your life to steer but..look. you may not have been valued and appreciated by someone who should've seen your worth and How special you were from the day you were born but…shit Annie..Think about the good things, alright? You may not be very good at it but you're a very light-hearted girl. Listen, The Good things *You've* Forged in your life. Like Us. Your friendships with us all. With Pieck. With Xenon. We all love and Care for you like you're our own. And listen, I'm not Bullshitting when I say That, I've been through enough to know when lying is necessary. It's Not when it comes to you guys. Not even you. You're enough. More than enough. And if your deadbeat dad doesn't realise that then screw him.

Annie's expression is a Mixture of both disbelief and open relief as she hears Sol's words. In all her recent years all she's ever heard were harsh critiques on her poor fighting technique, form, striking power and Finesse. Everything she Made a routine to improve to maybe appease to her father even a little but it never came to pass. All she was every deemed as was a disappointment and failure. A disgrace to his homeland.

At Least..Until Solìder Found her Crumpled up by a Tree, Crying to herself one evening. Her secret place invaded by someone she barely even knew by then. They were barely over 7 but she remembers those memories very fondly. She's always been a shy person around people and never prefers to approach anyone and remain detached from social groups but when Solìder came around he was an awful radiance of relief she couldn't describe. That evening he wiped her tears and fed her fruits from his fruit basket to cheer her up. It wasn't something Annie understood at all. Why anyone would just go out of their way to do something like that for another person would just never make sense to her. But he did it anyways. He showed her..care. even if the some of the jokes he made were off-base she found them amusing. And overall..Sol has always just been a really big part of her life in recent years. Exactly what, she couldn't determine but she knew it was big. And she couldn't do without these pep talks every now and again.

Now with her thoughts centering back to this, she can't help but feel overwhelmed by her emotions and look to her feet In what, Sol almost interprets as shame and his face contorts in worry for her but it's bashed away as she raises her head to give him a Joyful smile.

Dess responds with a grin of his own almost instantly as she presses into him, hugging him firmly and Sol Hugging back.

Dess: I've..always got you, Annie. Hope you know that.

Annie Mutters into his Woollen fabric Softly.

Annie: I do…Thank you.

Through The Darkness Of An Alley An Older Male In Combat Uniform With Similar Design to the Warrior Unit, Stands Corner-Front Of The Scene. Smirking as he Watches the Young pair have their moment. But his oversight is averted as Someone steps up beside him. Resting against the opposing wall and saying, somewhat casually at first, Looking slightly irritable. Zabi Regards him casually as he settles in though.

Zabi: Didn't expect to see you here at least till before the ceremony, Manga.

Manga's brows pinch as he hears His friends words.

Manga: Yeah, I didn't plan on coming around the internment Zone either. Was too busy trying to make reason of losing my dad to these corrupt bastards but..

Zabi's eyes Spark in surprise slightly and he stares at his friend.

Zabi: What're you implying? The only way the ceremony can take place is If the current wielders of the titan powers are devoured. The warrior unit will be turned into titans and eat them to gain the Titan Powers to serve Marley.

Manga Scoffs.

Manga: Right yeah. And I say screw that. I’m not giving my dad up by any means. I get these kids trained and prepared themselves to Do this kind of work and one of them is chosen to get my father's titan but I refuse to have him be eaten. I'll blow this place to dust if i have to, to keep him.

The Two stare at eachother then as Manga says his last words, Zabi with a sense of indifference and manga with an intensity that burns so deep it draws a smirk out of His friend.

Zabi: That fire sure isn't something I expected to see any little of after they made the call for this charade.

Zabi Pulls A Paper slip from his pocket and hands it to his friend. Manga takes it gratefully and looks it over.

Zabi: That's the Layout of the place it's gonna be done. One of the kids'll be knelt down and a Soldier will take it from there. The host they have up there Will await the transformation and be devoured. They're binded by chains as precaution I guess.

Manga inclines his head, in thought.

Manga: given the firepower the soldiers in the Room are carrying, I don't imagine it would be worth it trying to struggle. It's be eaten or be killed, isn't it?

Zabi pauses for a moment before shaking it's head.

Zabi: The marleyan military are power-hungry and proud but not stupid. Killing a titan-shifter would mean losing one of their titan powers. And that's the only trump card they've had to reign supreme like this the last couple years.

Manga: Fair enough. But my Dad is the War-chief. He takes charge in the frontal conflicts and shit. Beating enemy countries down with His Attack Titan, I wouldn't be foolish in assuming they'd just put him on that pedestal as well and leave Him for the next Heir. Right?

Zabi grimaces unpleasantly.

Zabi: Knowing Marley? You probably would. We have strong stock In this new unit so Vice Commander Awaki Might Pull Calvi's Strings enough that they have it done against Mr. Krugers Will.

Manga's Fists Clench and His Eyes Turn a Burning Orange.

Manga: Yeah? Well fuck that. I'll be in my father's barracks 20 minutes before they March in and I'll make it clear I'm not letting them put him up.

Zabi hums in thought as Manga's eyes revert to their standard dark colour.

Zabi: I get you. Your Dad sees it necessary though. He grows a lot less efficient with the power as he ages and the kid deserves a shot. That Xenon? As clumsy and subdued as the red-Head may be, He's strong. I've seen it.

Manga: I know that, damn it. I agree all the same. I'm just not letting them do it the traditional way. I'd rather they drain his spinal fluid. That way we can bargain. And from what Tom Xaver's Studies have revealed. A Host’s Fluid can kickstart unknown drastic changes.

Zabi thinks for a moment before rolling his shoulders together, Chuckling.

Zabi: Heh. Guess it's worth a shot. Either way, I'm not worried. If you make your standing plain and clear and they take charge to restrain you, We'll be fine.

Zabi Looks to his hand and Clenches it a little rubbing over his neatly-cut finger tips as he says.

Zabi: I'm an Eldian. And as the Very Devil I Am, I stole the Sky-Titan from these People. You did the same thing. Took the Colossal and left Their Operations Asunder.

Manga Crosses his Arms.

Manga: They'll be in for a rude awakening if they want us captured after this. But even then. We've fought for this country 4 years now. Done enough that they can at least respect our wishes.

Zabi snorts.

Zabi: You wanting to think sensibly about this now is kind of comical now, I won't lie.

Manga rolls his eyes and Punches his Friends shoulder lightly but with no little amount of force before walking off.

Manga: Whatever. We have to get going though. We’re making our way off on boat tonight so keep up later.

Zabi Calls to his retreating figure, Going back to occupying the alley silently.

Zabi: Sure. Bet Frieda Can't wait to see you.

Manga just flips him off as he turns and leaves him chuckling to himself.

7 whole hours Pass, And Our Respective Cast Go about the ordeals of their lives accordingly, the lives of Some; Very Hectic. Almost Jarring.

7 Hours Later

We Cut Back To Chepper, Quickly Stepping Down The Wooden Steps Of His Home To See His Mother, Packing Things Securely In The Kitchen, Father, Who's Finishing Up With Packing Their Stuff In The House. Chepper Goes Over To His Mom And Shows Her A Notepad, Informing The Reader That They're Okay And That They Should Be On Their Way To Wall Rose's Entry Point Soon, Not To Think About How We'll Get There And Just Know That Chepper And His Friends Will Be There In A Few.

Kota: You..Aren't Coming With Us, Hijo?

Chepper Shakes His Head With A Smile.

Hijo: No Mom. I'm Staying back to ward off the titans. The Carriages aren't enough to fit us all and My friends have Reserved one to make it to the wall once we get a sweep of the town. There could be injured.

The Calmness In His Voice Reassures her But she Still looks somewhat troubled.

Kota: I Remember Assigning You For Archery Training A Few Years Back And I Know Very Well You Can Handle A Titan Or Two But What About Your Friends?

Hijo: Daniel, Marrow and Kate are with me as far as I know. And we all went on the same program so we should be okay..it's just…those titans mom.

Kota frowns and looks uncertain slightly, as Does hijo.

Kota: I don't trust our Chances truthfully, Hijo. The Carriages are harbouring at least 2 people in each crib and the horses are unlikely to outrun a horde of titans so..We might not make it. But-

Hijo puts a hand on hers and hushes her, eyes pleading.

Hijo: Don't say that mom..You'll make it. You have to. You and Dad.

Kota shakes her head and sighs.

Kota: I'll try my best to think positively.

Just then, Hijo's Father Comes downstairs and shuts out a lamp. Hijo Grabs his Bow and Arrow from a Near Cabinet As His Father says.

Hanzo: Townsfolk look like their Gearing up. You have all you need Dear?

Kota Hoists her Sack onto her back and Nods to him. Hanzo gives a nod of approval and Hijo's parents then give each other a look before glancing at hijo.

Hanzo: I'm not all for this idea of leaving you In a place Man-eating giants could eat you in seconds but there's no where safer than the walls. Son, Are you sure You have a Reserved carriage?

Hijo Nods affirmingly to them, Explaining That They'd Salvaged an incoming one to the town from Northway. Likely from The Wall's Survey Unit.

Kota Gives hanzo a look and The Two speak amongst themselves a while longer before the Towns Commotion Kicks up. The two then looking out the window and Kota Hurrying to her Son. Hugging him tightly and Pressing a kiss to his forehead.

Kota: We Love you. Be Safe, Hijo.

Hijo Nods and Returns the Gesture. Demanding his Mom and Dad make it safe and promise he'll do everything to keep so too. Kota Steps Outside the Door as she and hanzo then make to leave but hijo's father stops after her and looks to hijo.

Hanzo: Son. Whatever happens. I want you to remember The people you fight for. That defined purpose..is what will get you past the titans.

Hijo's brows furrow in slight confusion at the pragmatic words of his father but Hanzo continues, snapping hijo from his thoughts.

You're A Kuzurio. And our family doesn't back down from a fight. So keep your friends safe.

Hijo Grins at his Dad, who sports an almost mirror like one in return and Gives him a thumbs up before hijo nods sharply. Gripping his Bow a lot tighter at his dad's encouragement.

Hanzo is then out of the Door and into the outside As Hijo Gathers the last of his Ammunition. Once done he makes his way to the Door but he notices something that slipped under the radar of his mother furiously swiping the counters for valuables of theirs.

Chepper Picks Up a Paper slip. Which seems to be a drawing of He And His Family, one his Dad made, Funnily enough to him. Chepper Being Only A Year Or Two Old, With His Parents Kissing Him On Either Side Of His Cheeks, Making Him Laugh And Smile Joyfully As They Hold Him In Their Right arms, On His Mom's Side And Left, On His Dad's Side.

Chepper Smiles Seeing The Picture But A Loud crash Outside Causes Him To Look Out The Window And then See 3 Titans, A 13, 9 And 18 Meter Staring Curiously At The Dozens Of People Who Swiftly Move Out To The Rows Of Horse Cribs Just Outside The Town's Exit Point, But The Titans Don't Move In To Kill, Strangely Enough, Chepper Thinking So As He Pockets The Photo And Walks Off Further Into His Home, Away From The Window.

Chepper: ..Weird….

Stepping away Chepper Then Quickly Manoeuvres Over To The Door and steps Outside, Saying as He Runs A ways Farther Up-hill.

Chepper: I Should Meet Kate. Dan and Marrow are Probably already on the Move.

We Then Cut To Solíder, Who Stands In A Hot Air Balloon, Hair Flowing With The Calm Wind Above, Clouds Dispersing As The Warrior Looks Down At The Dozens Of Titans Beginning To Surround A Small Town.

Sol Hums to himself and Stretches his Arms, Muttering.

Sol: Plan is to Draw these Titans All the Way to Maria And Deport there in 3 Days For the founder….huh..The hell is going on down There?

Sol's attention is caught by a Number of carriages Ride North. And the focal point of His Being The Titans That Chase after them, Gaining on them rapidly and get dangerously close to stripping whatever person inside of their lives.

It's not like Solìder cares. No. Not at all. He doesn't care for the Lives of Anyone that Aren't his beloved people in Marley. What He's faced with now are enemies. Harborors of Paradise Island. An adversary against he and the world.

The Thoughts filling dess's Head Cause his Fists to Clench tightly and His snarl turn manic as 2, 12 Meter Class Titans break apart a carriage and Eat The Broken contents inside, the People crying out in agony as Their Legs are Ripped apart and Chewed into until their Unrecognizable. The other 2 people attempting to Run away, Among many others in the Fray of Fleeing carriages, but Are met With approaching Titans, only increasing in numbers and Some having already scooped them up and Brought them to their bullets.

The Scene is horrific. Over half of The Carriages don't make it halfway north and Are feasted upon by titans. The Giants Knelt down and Chewing apart, Lifeless Bodies incapable of screaming any More and others, already down the hatches and certain people Fought over by the titans as they Grind and pull arms till they drop apart or entire bodies till they’re only a head or torso.

A small number of Carriages manage to slip under the Radar of the Bloodthirsty Giants and Make it Farther away but..with the damage already having been done, They left Safe. But not completely unscathed.

We Cut to Hanzo and Kota Watching through a Gap in a curtain. Watching the titans Through Wide, Glassy eyes and Blood Covered Bodies. Blood that isn’t theirs. Blood of Their friends. The Children they watched play. They're long Time Neighbors. The Yoshimura’s…

Kota's head falls in her hands as Her Efforts to Stay Unnoticed leave her and She Let's out a Heart Wrenching Cry Hanzo Clinches at and Immediately goes to her Side for. His wife is distraught, In serious shock and Likely scarred for life but Hanzo…his eyes are sad and Empty but Also Distant in some way.

Hanzo: (..This isn't anything I haven't seen before..You must be strong Hanzo. For both of them…)

A Violent Flash Of Golden Light And Golden Electricity Fill the Dark Sky's Centre. The Sound of It all Thunderous and Booming as well as illuminating far into the surrounding area before it fades and the Boom Lowers to silent wind.

In the Distance, A Large Humanoid Wolf Raises it's Muscular Arms and Roars out in what seems like challenge to the surrounding Titans. But rather than attack they turn around and Walk away. All of them In Fact. Even the one's the Imposing Wolf Like Titan are not facing.

After it's battle cry, The Wolf like Titan Crouches Idly. It's posture Rigid and It's Lips pulled back slightly to reveal rows of Jagged and Pointed Teeth. The Titan Swivels it's Head one direction and It's Ears start as it Spots something.

The Wolf like Titan Halts it's Crouch and Begins Walking. Slowly. With An odd Laziness About it. The Entire plane now is just an Open forest with not a Titan in sight, but still it seeks out the Indication of its scent. A Chapel not far. Near the Abandoned town of the Dead People Now. The Titan Starts and Walks forward there.

-*Step.

Step.

Step.*-

And eventually The Titan Stops. Looking around. It sniffs the air. Standing. Almost as if waiting expectantly for something but then it never comes. Only silence.

The Titan then leaves the Way it came. Off into the distance and into the night.

At the Previous however, A Group Of People Leave A Door to the Chapel Opening to Reveal Hijo and Friends. All looking Terrified as they stare at one another. Kate looking the most shaken and saying as She Peaks out past Chepper.

Kate: What the Fuck was that..!?

Hijo Gulps and Says, nervously to her.

Hijo: A titan….And it's different..Very different.

The Two Stare at the Footprint The Titan Left in Utter shock and Kate only clings to Hijo tighter as they linger there. Kate eventually manages, Looking shaken.

Kate: How can you tell..?

Hijo: It was…Quiet. Calculated. Waiting…titans don't Stand idly like that…I honestly hope we never encounter that thing again.

Within The Chapel, Daniel and Marrow call for the Two, wondering if the coast is clear and Kate takes one final glance out before Hijo Nods and Opens the door.

Hijo: Let's Find the carriage.

Daniel: The hell did you even leave the thing Blud?

Hijo looks around.

Hijo: Just down this lane. It was horded with titans before but i don't know what the hell happened now.

Marrow furrows his eyes as he Takes in the scene.

Marrow: Didn't you hear that call from before? Sounded like a predator chasing away prey. I don't think we should be surprised that the Titans Got the hell out.

Daniel frowns as he regards his friend, The Group now making their Way down the Grassy lane, carefully.

Daniel: You're Suggesting Titans Work like Dear and Wolves? Heh. I'm not buying it. There's Probably more to it. ‘specially because we didn't even see what roared out here.

Kate: sigh - Or if it's still out here.

Hijo: Well, let's be quick about this then. Try looking out farther and Hope we find the carriage where I left it last.

Daniel Grins At the Words, Nodding to chepper and Darting Forward, Marrow Quick after Him and Kate Speedwalking after the Running two to not get left behind and Hijo Looking to Do the same but Something Catches his eye that steers him from their current objective. Kate looks back at him and Asks what the issue is and Hijo Calms her worries with a wave of his hand and promises he'll meet back up with them at Northway.

Kate seems unsure at the proposition but eventually relents.

Kate: Just Come back please. See you soon.

Hijo Nods at her and smiles as she does the same and leaves. As he turns his attention back to his focal point on the ground, Hijo's Eyes grow sharp, seeing a Crimson red splurge the Over the Grassy Intersection up-hill.

Hijo: …Someone was hurt..

Without saying more he dashes Forth, Following the Ground and Spotting more blood stains along the way.

12 Minutes Later, Hijo Finds His Way to A Remote part of the forest where he hardly recalls he last was with his Friends but he does see a Up ahead and Comes to a stop ahead of it. He walks around a little, taking in the Home's condition and concludes it's old.

Hijo: Doesn't look like anyone lives here. But..that last drop of blood led me here so who knows who's in there.

Hijo's Fists clench and he Swiftly pulls an arrow from his Sheathe and breathes out, seeming nervous as he cautiously approaches the front door.

Hijo: Just to be safe….there could be a titan in there. Although small. The house can fit a 2 Metre probably.

Hijo reaches the door and touches the door knob. The object cold to the touch, Raising hijo's Awareness and causing him to pause and take another breath, Saying silently to himself.

Hijo: Here goes.

Then, with a bit of force, he turns the knob and Opens the door. It's hedges creek a little but Hijo gets inside before he makes any more noise.

Inside is a standard layout of a rug, Plain rooms without furniture and Windows. No curtains. Hijo’s boots lightly clack over the floor as he moves but he manages to look around the 1st floor without much trouble and; thankfully not much trouble either as he opens certain doors with a jolt and raises the head of his arrow but finds no one.

He makes his way back to his original position and Then walks toward the stairs, To Which his eyes then widen as a Slight, Faint Trail of Smudged blood follow.

Hijo: Shit..Doesn't look like I was wrong about this place then.

He Casts a wary eye upstairs and eventually moves upward. And as he does, Hijo's surprise only lengthens as voices from one room become apparent. He Approaches the slightly creeked door and peaks in to see two men, one seated on a stool, over a girl laid down and tied up, to Hijo's Shock. The other is stood a distance away, bearing an Axe that seems to drip with the blood that led Him here.

Hijo watches as the Two idly converse and, Upon hearing them angrily bicker at each other for a moment About the troubles of getting here with all the blood, The Leader, Apparently, says as he casts the girl a bored glance.

Leader: To answer your question before, The Girl is of Asian Descent. And the family from which she descends is a Big Deal in the walls. So if we just whore her out in the underground, we'll make somewhat of a fortune. Be alright from there.

The axe wielder hums in thought before His Eyes narrow oddly and he asks.

A.W: That's not a bad call. But I'm pretty sure this girl's dad didn't even look Asian. You took him out first right? I got a damn good look at the puss.

The Leader than grits his teeth, Looking annoyed as he responds.

Leader: Yeah, But her *Mother* Was you dumbass. Thats who I planned to sell to the underground but you had to go and chop at her face!

The Axe Wielder retorts in defense, slightly uneasy.

A.W: Hey, it's not my fault! She was all over me, with that knife and shit. What was I supposed to do? Let her swing? I just reacted, my bad.

The Leader facepalms and calms himself before saying.

Leader: Well anyways. We got something here.

The other Man nods in agreement and wipes off the blood from the axe with a cloth as the leader begins to look outside.

Unbeknownst to them…

..Hijoshiki is Fuming…His Jaw Has shut so Tight he Feels the Tension Raise to his head. His Eyes are Wider than silver plates and He's Gripping his Arrow with a Vice and rage he Can't relieve And, very Fiercely, he Curses and Rushes Into the Room. Alarming the Two Males But the Leader isn't Fast enough to React as A Boy Comes Racing At him And Drives an Arrow into His Neck Before Stomping into it to drive it in Deeper.

Hijo: You mother;fuckers!

A.W: What the SHIT-!?!

The Axe Wielded Turns Around to See Their Leader’s Chair Fall over Him Getting Stabbed and Punched In By A Kid, His Eyes Widen at the Suddenness of Events and The Absurdity of them and He Quickly Runs Up And Kicks The Kid in the Head Before raising his Axe.

Much to His Shock, The Kid Avoids Getting his head cleaved Off and Jumps Onto the Man And Jams His Eye In, Causing the Man to Scream in Agony and Try prying the Kid off But something Sharp Is Driven into his Neck and he Feels his Blood spurting out as The Kid Grabs his Axe and Then Says, Through his One-Eyed, Vision.

Hijo: This is For Her Parents, You Pigs. ~ AARGHH!!

The Man tries to Guard against the Blade but As Hijo Swings, He Cuts right through and cleaves into the head of The Axe Wielder Before Kicking him away with the weapon in his head.

Hijo: Tch.

Now, with his Adrenaline dumbing down, Hijo looks Around and Sees the now-dead corpse of the Leader, laid on his front and the girl, Still laid On her side, unmoving, but shifted slightly. His Senses come back to him and he Soon blurts out in worry, Moving after her.

Hijo: Shit, Hey, are you okay!?

He Hurried over to her Side, Sidling up next to her and turning her over.

Hijo: Damn, you’re looking pretty pale. Looks like you haven't eaten in days..can't say i blame you though. Can't imagine the kind of crap you went through..oh shit, did they hit you? Fuck..I woulda hoped they didn't lay a finger before I gave what was coming to em. You got a name?

Hijo Pauses his inspection of her to see if that's prompted a response but she doesn't utter a word. Only looks slightly distant. Responsive to him but distant. Hollow. Hijo’s brows furrow sympathetically and he nods his head.

Hijo: I get it….here. I'll get you free.

The girl shifts her body to a sitting position as he settles his hands on the binds of rope around her. It takes a while, as the ropes were tied with unexpected finesse but hijo gets them loose eventually and Throws the ropes aside, albeit a little angrily.

Hijo: Ugh. Damn laces. Never liked the thick ones.

He mutters as he rubs his hands, Then stands before reaching a hand out to The girl, rubbing her Tender wrists for a moment.

Hijo: Here. I got ya.

The girl looks up at his hand. Seeing the face just over the helpful gesture and noting her rescuer’s eyes are green. She manages a hum of approval and takes his hand shakily. He doesn't budge at the slight start she gets when he helps her up and helps her to her feet happily enough.

Hijo: So..about that name-

Girl: There were 3.

Hijo's eyes Spark in surprise at the sudden words from her.

Hijo: Huh? 3 what?

Girl: The bad men..

She continues, Looking up at him and seeming even more uneasy.

Girl: There were 3 of them.

Hijo's Eyes Widen and His Anxiety flares as the door then opens just before them. It takes a Moment for him to register what happens next but when mikasa is Smacked across the face and knocked to the floor, Hijo Doesn't Think and Cries out angrily, Throwing A Punch at A Head in the Room but only gets a sudden tug of present time as his arm is Twisted and His Legs are Kicked under him. A Weight pressing against him as his front hits the floor hard as a voice hisses at him.

3rd man: Was It you!?

Hijo Struggles beneath the Man but to no avail as his arm is churned further and he only cries out in pain at the man's aggression. He shouts again.

3rd man: WAS IT YOU, YOU FUCKING BRAT!?

Hijo’s Anger Flares as His Arm reaches a Critical Edge and He shouts back, Teeth Gritted.

Hijo: What's It To You…You..…Damn Monster!

The 3rd Man Grits His Teeth And Hurls Hijo To His Feet. slamming his Head Against The Wall And Punching Him In the Gut. Hijo Coughs Out and Grunts painfully But Manages to Grip the Man's Shirt and Bite His hand. The Man tries to get him off But Hijo Sinks His Teeth In And The Man Yells in Pain But Then Shoves Hijo to the Wall again and Boot Kicks Him in the Head, grabs him up off The floor and Begins Strangling him.

Hijo's Body begins to feel weightless. He Glares into the Eyes of The man, Although Half Lidded and Groggy, He Tries his Angriest stare as He's lifted into the air and Is Then restrained of all his breath.

…He's dying..

..He's Dying with nothing to show for it.

Hijo: (...All my life, Dad's Spoken about how our family's as strong as they come. A Kuzurio Doesn't Fall at the face of their enemies. only illness. So this…)

He remembers the faces of all his Friends individually.

Hijo: (..This…)

He then Sees the face of mikasa, Looking on with her Dark, Gentle eyes. Quivered lip. Pale mask…

His Eyes suddenly Flare open. His Hands Go from his sides to the Kidnappers strong arms. Gripping against them, And Squeezing. Hijo then locks eyes with the girl and he Says through a burgled breath.

Hijo: Kill..

The girls eyes widen at his Words. Watching the scene of her rescuer meeting his assured demise, she thought.

Hijo: Kill..

Still she watches.

Hijo's eyes flick to the Knife at the side of her and back to her, His own widening in indication.

Hijo: Kill!!!

The Girl's senses suddenly flare and She Looks at the knife, Then at Hijo, Looking unsure.

Hijo: It's….Take.…Or Get Took In This Game…..So the Only Way to on top.…To Keep Living…IS TO KILL!!!

The Girl's Eyes Widen At his Last words and She jolts up, Knife in hand. She Grips The handle tightly. Eyes Locking with Hijo's once more before His Begin to fade slightly. Everyone of the Girl's Senses Visually Electrify her and Suddenly, she looks up with the Gaze of a Killer.

She Grips The Handle Tighter than before and breaks the wooden material of it before she Dashes Out. The Man is too busy strangling Hijo to Turn around and When he Does, Hearing a shift of feet behind him, The Girl Shoves a 15cm Kitchen Knife In His Chest. One that Goes directly through his heart and slightly out his other side.

(Exodus)

A While later (at least 10 minutes); The Girl and Hijo Step out of the house, Hijo closing the door behind them and The Girl Moving a Distance away that initially confuses Hijo, but one he doesn't question. Perhaps she just Needs space after what happened.

He Looks her over now and their recent predicament floods his head and Hijo Rubs at the back of his neck. Painfully hedged bruises across it but he gives her a smile and Says, Looking embarrassed.

Hijo: Hey. You really saved my neck..heh. no pun intended. Thanks for helping me back there.

He Says, a few steps closer. The Girl Inclines her head to him and Nods, Making the same approving sound of hers from before.

Girl: Ofcourse..

Hijo's eyes widen slightly at the surprise of her speaking. He smiles a little at the exposure of it and Then takes in how Cold it's Getting. Then looks her over once more.

Hijo: Hey. I’ve never enjoyed nights like this. When it's cold out and every thing. Thought you might be cold so.

He wraps his Woollen jacket over her Shoulders and Kindly smiles as she hugs the fabric against her. The wind picks up and he asks, Raising his arm to shield against the wind in his Simple tunic Tee.

Hijo: Where..where do you plan on going after uh..after This..?

The Girl lowers her head. Thinking briefly before responding, voice quiet.

Girl: I'm going back to my home..that's the place I belong..It's where I've always been.

Hijo Pauses at her words. Considering He should just respect her wishes but after what He's learnt. The Girl wouldn't be having much to go back to. No less the fact that there a probably titans out. A fact which prompts hijo to blurt out.

Hijo: Nonsense. You’re..all alone right now. And after what those guys did to you and your family, I can't just let you wander out there with the chance of a titan scarfing you down.

He reaches out, Giving her a Gentle smile as he says.

Hijo: I'm meeting back up with my friends in a little. Why…why don't you come with me? I can ride the tide with you from Now on. And we're all taking a carriage to Wall Maria so you'll be safer with us.

His gaze goes from her hand to her Dark Eyes then. Light green locking with Grey-ish Black.

Hijo: What do you say…?

A pause forms between them before Hijo's relief Flares as her touch encircles his and She Says, looking thoughtfully at him, surprisingly.

Girl: Mikasa. My Name Is Mikasa.

Hijo Gives her a nod and Says in kind.

Hijo: Nice name..I'm Hijo. Hijoshiki Kuzurio.

She nods politely at him before saying to him.

Mikasa: That is also a nice name.

Mirroring his compliment warrants a spark of surprise, to which hijo Rubs at his Neck and thanks her briefly before suggesting they head west to where he reckons his Friends will be awaiting him. Or searching, give or Take.

With the pleasantries over, Hijo Makes his way out of the Cabin/Huts Vicinity and Into the Lane of Trees, Seeking out Hijo's Brigade of Friends and the Carriage to Lead them to The Wall's.

(-)

#thriller #action #supernatural #tragedy #post apocalyptic

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