Attack on Titan: Reluctant Hero's

Akari wandered over to the table and got a plate full of food before sitting back down next to the king. She was quite happy with all of the food, her eyes going wide as she tried to decide what she wanted to eat first. Akari could be mature when needed, and she was quite intelligent, but if there was any one thing that made her look like a simpleton it was when food was presented before her. Akari loved food, in case it wasn't obvious. "It all looks so good" she said simply, before taking a big mouthful of what appeared to be mashed potato, or at least that's what she assumed it was. "How did Adelina get so good at cooking?!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled a little due to all the food she was cramming into her mouth.


Drake was shocked, to say the least. So it wasn't humans that had attacked, but it was in fact a titan bigger than the wall itself? A titan that big was something Drake had never heard of, and the idea of it was one that sent a shiver down his spine. He was about to create some sort of fake story to get them out of there quickly, but something in the elderly man's voice caused the scout leader to re-think his plan. If what they said was true, and it was in fact some abnormal-acting titan, they were probably pretty desperate. Desperation turned even the kindest person into a rampaging monster if they got frightened enough, and while Drake wasn't part of the city anymore he by no means wanted it destroyed. He put a reassuring hand in the older man's shoulder and gave him a small smile. "I do indeed have good news, friend. In our scouting efforts, we did in capture several titans. Three of them, actually, subdued and tied up some distance outside of the wall. In fact, we weren't due to report for another two days but after an incident like that we thought it best to let people know as soon as we were able. The creatures are simply too heavy to move though, so there's little chance of us bringing them inside here. We can run tests on them outside, and then deliver the results here. Would you be able to pass on the message for us?" the leader of the scout regiment asked, creating a suitable story.​

 

Henry pov:

He enter an area everyone was eating in. Should he stay alone. stay by himself other talk to others. He spent most of his life helping but that didn't mean he was fir to talk to them. It was a good thing this place was hidden or maybe he was start to wonder other things. As the very lest people would probably assume he was some sort of wizard. Maybe he wouldn't get asked to many questions. He then finished the one peace of bread he was eating and looked around. There was a strange assortment of people here. "Hmm"

 

"Why are you so friendly to everyone, Tessa?" Griffin sounded so sad as he pushed the plate back to her that Tessa stopped eating, setting her silverware down and looking at him gently. "I guess I think that everyone deserves a little kindness, at least. I would want to be treated the same way." She looked down at her plate, and sighed. "Well, I think the training will start when Zack and I finished eating. So....here." Tessa pushed her plate back to him. "There's a door to a closet back there. I'll guard it and you eat. I'm not stupid. You hide your face. I don't get why, but that's okay. Just eat before you come with us, or you'll be too weak to help us, okay?" Tessa waited, hoping he would take the food at least. Regardless of whether he chose the closet as a hiding spot or not was another story.


Zack also set down his silverware, but for a different reason. He blushed when Adelina committed to their date that night, and then watched with amazement and admiration as the little bird fed itself right next to her, and well....him. "That's awesome." He breathed, afraid to move in case the little animal got frightened and fled. "Can you do that all the time?" He asked, watching as the bird took flight and escaped out the open window.


Veera turned to face Flame, smiling gratefully at the ruler in training as she hid her face carefully and followed her direction. "They still hurt, but I think they're doing well." She responded. "Thank you, you're a great friend. I would never have escaped if it wasn't for you." She hoped it was enough to keep their true purpose here hidden as she carefully listened to the old man's explanation of what happened, and Drake's excuse. She sighed with relief, hoping that this would be the end and they could escape....or at least get away from whoever had called her name.

 

Griffin's pov:



After he asked his question regarding why she was so friendly to everyone. He just looked around. 'I guess I think that everyone deserves a little kindness, at least. I would want to be treated the same way.' "Are you sure that everyone does? Kindness does not go everywhere. kindness should go everywhere, but kindness should." He was speaking from experience more then anything. He had grew up with out a single person being kind to him. "Everyone should have kindness given to them, but that is not the way the world works. It like someone once said to me. Do onto others as you would want done onto you." (bonus points if you know what rule that is. No looking it up) Then Tessa said, 'Well, I think the training will start when Zack and I finished eating. So....here.' and handed him back the plate. Then she said, 'There's a door to a closet back there. I'll guard it and you eat. I'm not stupid. You hide your face. I don't get why, but that's okay. Just eat before you come with us, or you'll be too weak to help us, okay?' "There a reason people hide their appearance. All of them different. All of them judging. "None of then seing a person for who they are. A persons a person no matter what, unless they are a titian." He then let out a sigh. "That what the last person said before..." His voice trailed off. He could not tell her what had happen what everyone thought. He could not tell her the countless name people called him for his unusual eyes. He went back in time kind of. People use to call him cat eyes. The would sometimes call him yellow eyed monster. This was all because he had yellow cat eyes. The list of names went on and on. "I have gone a whole day with just eating one meal, this will not be any different." He stood up and walked to the window over looking the many trees and other buildings around. He could smell the air and feel the breeze. There was a balcony just outside the window. He wish could just be normal whatever that met.

 

Drake was relieved when the man promised to deliver the report. He felt a little bad for lying, but he had found out what he needed and he wasn't about to risk anyone being caught out there. However, something about the woman towards the back was a little off. The way she'd kept her eyes glued to specifically Flame that entire time made him uneasy, as though she knew something. "Is there something I can help you with, miss?" he questioned. He may have been risking exposure, but if this woman knew something that could prove useful, it would make the report even better and they could certainly return calling it a success...well, partially.


Gulping down the rest of the food hastily, Akari stood up and began walking towards the stairs. Before she got there though, she stopped and turned to face the back of the hall. Taking a deep breath, she cupped her hands to her mouth and bellowed "THANKS ADELINA, THE FOOD WAS AWESOME" before going downstairs. She made a quick stop by her house where she grabbed the 3DMG sword she had, and then made her way to the training ground. Not surprisingly, there were plenty of people sparring and practicing. Always fighting. Men. All the damn same. "Alright, I'm here to watch my genius in action" she said, paying very close attention to the equipment she'd given the king.

@Aelin FireHeart ​

 

Tessa blinked, then shrugged. Apparently Griffin didn't want to talk about it, that was fine. She pulled back the plate of offered food and shoveled the rest of it into her mouth as quickly as she could before standing up. "Zack." He didn't turn to speak to her, still talking to Adelina. "Zack." She said a bit louder. Still nothing. If this is how he's going to act, we're going to have a serious talk. She thought to herself before smacking the back of his head. "ZACK."
She waited until he turned around. If her plate and silverware hadn't been in her hands, she would have crossed her arms in frustration at the blank look on his face. "I'm going to go to the training. Catch up when you're done." She glared at him, hoping he felt sheepish at least, before offering a smile to Adelina as she passed the girl to put her dishes on the counter. "Thanks Adelina! Good as always!"

After that, she walked down the hall, hands clasped behind her back as she bounced from one foot to the other. If Griffin chose to come with, that was his choice. She couldn't keep the king waiting, however.



Zack listened attentively, barely eating as his hand rested under his chin and he watched Adelina. She was so fascinating. "That'd be a cool ability to have. Useful too." he said thoughtfully, playing with his fork with his other hand. "I mean, you could have a whole network of spies that no one even knows about. Not to mention you're a great cook." He added with a smile aimed at her. "I can't even boil water. I worked in the kitchens for a while, you might not have noticed me. I wasn't really good so....I did the dishes." He admitted shame facedly, staring down at his plate now. That was when Tessa smacked him across the back of his head. He knew it was Tessa, because only she could make it hurt quite like that. Turning around, he could only stare at the petite girl as she admonished him before telling him she was leaving for training.
He turned back around, ducking his head as she passed. Man...."I guess I should go in a bit too." He said, a little glumly as he put his fork down.



Veera acknowledged Flame's words with a nod. "Thank you." She added, following her princess's actions and picking up discarded weapons or tools. These went into the bag that she had until now forgotten was strapped across her chest to secure any goods they managed to "procure". "That girl was eyeing you up." She said softly, knowing the princess would be able to hear her words on the abandoned street. "And I'm not sure who called my name. But I'm worried that we shouldn't have come." She didn't add that it wouldn't matter if she died, but if Flame went, their entire kingdom would be thrown into chaos. Just the same if something happened to Drake or the king. It was both risky and necessary for them to leave on missions such as this.

"What's it like?" She asked suddenly, her tongue making the words before her mind had time to analyze them. "Shape shifting, I mean." She would never admit it, but she had always been jealous of people like Flame, who could become something else in the blink of an eye.

 

Griffin's pov:



Tessa did not say much if anything at all and he was find with that. He was still looking out the window. A small bird flew by. Was that what it met to be free? To fly to do what you wanted to be not tied down. He walked out the door by the window. A small balcony was outside. He took a seat with his feet handing off the edge. He would not fall due to the safety rails, but could a least hand his feet of and look around. Would he be free would he be able to ever show himself? People were always the same. He did not think that anyone would ever change. He was so different from everyone else. He looked down to the grown below. He could see in every direction. The forest that the town was built on went on forever. He knew that this was not the case. Nothing is forever. The unknown loomed over him. He sat there for a few moment before decide that it was probably time to set off. He stood up then took on last look out at the view. He then opened the door to the café walking back in. He then heading down the stairs that were hidden within a tree trunk. Then made his way to the training ground. He kept looking around as he walked. He spotted the king along with what appeared to be 3D Maneuver gear. There were some people fighting, sparring and practicing. Fighting did not really interest him all that much. All he wanted to do was help people, but how could he? There was one question that came to mind, well he should not say one, but a few. He decided that he would go talk to someone that he has not talked to in awhile. He walked over to Akari, she seemed nice enough to ask questions to. It was time. "Excuse me, Akari. I have some question for you. The 3D Maneuver gear, Who makes it and how is it made?" Then there was one question. "Tell me some fae can turn to animals, but I have yet to see any. How many are there? How can you be sure of is a fae when you see an animals?" The fae could be the key to everything.

 

Henry's pov:

It was almost a relief no one notice him. Everyone went on there way doing various things. Everyone mostly done eating. Almost a relief he wouldn't put it past someone to want something from him. The moment was nice. It would end eventually. He would have to go on a mission or do something of importance. Being so high up and hidden from some people was nice for a while. Even though he still wanted to help people.

 

Akari was a little surprised by the king's words. Her, supervising how the gear was going? Sure she knew the fundamentals and she was proficient with the 3DMG, but she was an inventor, a scientist, certainly not a soldier. She was still trying to recover when Griffin came over and asked things. Things she didn't actually know actually. "Wouldn't know. I tinker with them, I repair them, I don't go and outright make them" the girl said, shrugging her shoulders. "And as for how to tell who is a fae and who isn't, you can generally tell by their pointy ears. Even as animals most seem to keep some resemblance to their regular appearance. Although a pretty big indication is if they do this" the half-fae inventor said, turning into her wolf form and barking once, then turning back. "If they do that, they're probably a fae, or Hunter probably snuck some kind of drug in your food when you weren't looking" the girl stated.


Drake, being chivalrous and having some actual respect for women, turned away the moment the wardrobe malfunction happened. "No, I didn't see anything I swear" he said rather quickly, his face going a little bit red. Gods, the others wouldn't let him live this down for a long, long time. He didn't even notice the other woman leaving and sneaking off due to Gabi being super sneaky and doing the one thing that would allow such a thing to happen. After a moment, Drake spoke up. "Is it safe?" he questioned, intending to cut the conversation off if he was able to maintain eye contact.​

 

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Tessa strolled into the room, pausing to salute the king and Akari before taking her place at whatever side she needed to. She crossed her hands behind her back and waited, slightly impatiently, until Zack stumbled in, out of breath and cheeks flushed. She raised an eyebrow before turning her attention back to the king, waiting for her leader's orders.

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Zack hesitated as Adelina turned away. Now or never, man. He could practically hear Tessa's voice in his head, and he decided to run with what could be possibly the worst advice of his life. He swooped in and gently planted a kiss on her cheek before turning and running out of the dining hall, as fast as his legs could carry him, thus keeping him from seeing her reaction. Despite not having taken very long, he was way behind Tessa, and didn't catch up until he nearly skidded past the door, hastily saluting the king and trying to keep it subtle that he was out of breath.

"So sorry, Your Majesty, ma'am." He tried to be as honorific as he could to soothe the irritated look on the king's face. Akari didn't seem to mind, she was chatting with Griffin, who had also beat him here. Well....now he looked bad. But it was worth it, he thought to himself with another blush. At least.....he hoped it was.

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"Well...you've got Drake to protect you. And all of us." Veera replied lamely, kicking a rock with her shoe. The sound echoed across the empty street, and she felt a pang in her heart as she glanced at the ruined houses. All the streets looked similar, all the houses looked the same to her mind. Had she played on this as a child? Unaware of the atrocities her parents would allow, the people she was supposed to trust would commit?

"Not that you need protecting. But it stands to reason that with your skills and the rest of us backing you up, you wouldn't have trouble with much of anything." She added trying to make Flame feel better, reaching down to take a piece of twisted metal. It didn't necessarily do any good to bring back, but she liked the feel of it in her hands, and without being able to draw her own swords and raise suspicion, it felt good to have a weapon in her hands. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

 

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Veera stepped in front of Flame in one fluid movement, raising one of her swords up just as the woman brought hers down. The clang echoed down the alley, and she winced. That was going to get the wrong kind of attention. "You know nothing." She hissed at the woman, pulling her sword away and stabbing at her. "You never knew anything, and you'll die knowing nothing." She was surprised at the vehemence in her own voice, but then again, compartmentalizing had not really been her strong suit.

"So f*ck you." Veera decided, stabbing at woman with both swords in an effort to catch her off guard. If she died, she died. One less person to try to sneak past.

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Tessa did what the king said with ease, wondering what had become of Hunter and Olivia as she did so in only one sentence because her creator is a lazy sh*it right now.

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Zack did the same as Tessa, only much better then she did because for some reason he was better then her. His thoughts were focused solely on Adelina because he was a guy and his creator apologizes for her awful post.

 

Griffin's pov:



Akari said that she did not have a clue to who made the 3d Maneuver gear. That was interesting. One such as Akari one would think she would know. That said someone had to make them at one point right. It was not like it dropped out of the sky or came in a current from that waves from the sea. Who would know if it was not Akari? Maybe it was something that they always had and anything to do with how they got it or how or by who is was made by was lost over time. He was unsure about the record keeping so anything was possible. Then Akari went on about fae. He really wanted to know about them. She went on about how they had pointy ears and as even as animals most seem to keep some resemblance to their regular appearance. Did that mean that when fae was born they do not have a choice? Everything was coming back to what he was. His eyes were always yellow always the shape if a cat's. "Do fae choice their animal or are they born into it? With something like that it would seem that the do not have a choice in what animal they turn into." Then Akari did something that he did not foresee, she turned into a wolf form. He was shocked. "You are a fae." he said with surprise in his voice. "That does not make sense. You seem far to happy and carefree to be a fae. People judge fae that can turn. Do people ever judge you? Treat you like you are less then you are? That you can never be what other people are? Make you feel like you are less then them? I have seen it and it is really a sad thing. The fae and everyone that is different. Sometimes I wonder if they will ever accept it. It is nice to met a fae just like you Akari." There was a smile there, but no one could see it. Then there was something about a drug that could turn you to an animal. He had to say he had never herd of such a thing. Then several people showed up ready to do training. Then the King told them to go get 3d Maneuver gear, he did not bother he was not going to fight anything besides he was here just to watch. He had seen 3d Maneuver gear before, but never used it there was not really a reason to. He watched as the others got ready. What would be next?

 

So at some point while Drake was talking to the village people, Gale had noticed that both Veera and Flame had gone off somewhere so he decided to go see where they went. At the time he decided to do thing, Drake looked like he could handle the situation on his own thus there shouldn't be much problem with him going off on his own.

 

"Very well then. I'll let you get on your way, thank you for conveying the message in advance" Drake replied, not noticing that someone was missing. He turned and prepared to leave, when something caught his eye. It was only for a brief second, but as he'd spun around he was sure he'd seen someone brandishing steel. Looking off to the side slightly, his suspicions were confirmed as he saw Veera attacking a woman who seemed to be assaulting them. What on earth had happened? Had she recognized Flame as a Fae? Or recognized Veera as someone who had once lived there? Or did she know that Drake himself was the son of the great general Daniel Famoye and had a grudge against him? His father, while he had been incredibly powerful and respected, had once had a reputation for being ruthless and endangering lives to achieve results.

Immediately, Drake fired his hook at the building ahead and began swinging towards the trio. He could see Gale nearby, and he hoped that Gale would be able to get there faster than he. He knew that Veera was capable of defending herself, as was Flame, but he'd never forgive himself if either of them got hurt, especially the princess. He only wished that he was faster. Damnit, damnit! he thought, swinging as fast as he was able to towards the two women. If he was a little closer he could attempt to help with one of the 3DMG swords by using it as a projectile, but at the distance he was at he'd just as likely hit one of them. It was far too risky.


Akari stood there, bewildered as she listened to Griffin's words. He'd said it was nice to meet her, so she knew he hadn't meant what he said as an insult, but even so...the king, who was fae, was right there. "Too happy and carefree to be a fae? Do fae have to be sad and mopey? The hell is wrong with you? Nobody thinks that! You are living in a small colony of creatures that have nowhere else to go, a colony that the vast majority of it isn't human!" The girl yelled as she pulled back her arm, but rather than just slap his face she sent a knuckle sandwich straight at it. She stopped herself just an inch away from where she imagined his nose to be, her arm shaking a little. She wanted to hit him. She wanted to hit him so badly. He reminded her so very much of the way people had spoken of her mother, before she...she..

"Don't ever make it sound like we're anything less than we are. I know you're saying what you believe others think, but if it bothers you so much you should put in an effort to change it, and if it doesn't bother you than you are just as bad as them. They hide behind others, but you hide behind that mask of yours" Akari spoke, clearly seething as she slowly put her arm next to her side. ​

 

Griffin's pov:



Akari was different then he was. She was better in every way. He could just leave and they would be fine. He was just some bum living in town with nothing to do. He wanted a reason why he should be here. Being a fae did not bother Akari at all. Why? She not made fun of like he was. He was made fun of because of his appearance. He had to hid it. Gone were the days of waking around as a person. No one thinks that. "Yea they do. They make me feel like a plastic bag, just blowing in the wind and just another peace of garbage that can thrown out. I have never met a fae before." He always thought that they were treated like him. Maybe find something that they shared. He wanted to help people, but why try when Akari could do it without being judged. She was free of the shame. 'Don't ever make it sound like we're anything less than we are.' Akari said. So did she think he was a fae? He never said that fae were. "Fae are great they can turn and soar flying though the wind being free." 'They hide behind others, but you hide behind that mask of yours.' His grip on his staff tightened. That what people always wanted to see his face. Why hide it? "I hide myself to protect others. People normally figure out I am different. Those that do..." he voice trailed off. They died. The ugly got them. "It not the only thing I hide." He changed name to hide his fate so know one could pick him out by his true name. "They is a reason why all the doors are closed it so you can open up one and it will lead to your goal. I have tried for years, but you can do it. Maybe I am just a waste of space not original, can be replaced. If you only knew what the future holds you could see a perfect world that you can shape." Maybe he was better off feeding himself to the titian. He spent years looking for someone to call a friend. He could not start again. Not even a fae wanted him around. What hope was there for him if not even a fae wanted him around. He let his staff fall to the ground. "Do what you want." After this could leave.

 

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Tessa saluted the king once more, her face flushing. She knew Griffin hadn't meant any offense, but it still hurt her a little. She shook it off and righted herself, unbuckling her gear before heading over towards Akari. Glancing at Zack, she sighed with a smile. He was still in dreamland, probably with Adelina. That was fine with her. She didn't need him trying to defend her honor.

"What should we do, Akari?" She asked the girl quietly, letting her hands fold in front of her.

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Zack only unhooked himself when he noticed Tessa standing in front of Akari. He really should start paying attention, he decided as he hurried over to her. Especially because one never knew with Akari's experiments exactly what was going to take place. For now, he put the thought of Adelina out of his mind. There would be time for that later.

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Veera was distracted by Flame's cry of pain, and turned, taking her attention off the enemy for just a second too long. She knew this, and jumped to the side just as the sword pierced her arm. The tip smacked into her tibia, pain radiating up her arm as what sounded like a crack resonated through her body. It would have been far worse if the sword had run her through, but she yanked the arm back, sword still impaled in it. It would be better to leave it in, she knew, in case it struck an artery, but that left her completely open and unable to defend herself as the weapon weighed her down.

She swung her sword, managing to cut the woman through her armor. Whether she actually made a wound, she had no idea. She just needed to keep her back, as her own sword dropped to the ground and she gripped the hilt of the weapon impaled in her arm. She had no choice, she realized as the woman came at her again. Ripping the sword out with an accompanying spray of crimson liquid, she turned it around and ran the woman through before stumbling back, her hand pressed against the opening even as blood seeped through her fingers. I might need an adult.