The Heart of Humanity

Chapter 8: The Expedition (Part 1)

Eva spent the last days leading up to the expedition alone. Levi, Furlan, and Isabel had believed her story, but Levi had begun to hover ever since and it was driving Eva crazy. So, she started to withdraw. She put her energy into figuring out the technique she had thought of since Miche said they used gear on the horses. She used the horse's height - which of course was limited and jumped. She launched the hooks far, they caught the ground as she landed on her feet then pulled on the retract. Her feet slid and when tried to aim to remount the horse, they slipped right from under her.

"That looked like it hurt." She slammed her fist against the ground, rolling to her back. Miche looked down at her offering a hand.

"Thanks." She took his hand and he pulled her back to her feet. She whistled for her horse, and he came running back.

"You've gotten better with him."

"Erwin helped," She replied.

"What are you doing anyway?"

"You said scouts are helpless in the open field. Without the forest, and the height advantage we're basically titan food, right?" She asked and he nodded.

"Okay, well this is to counter that," She continued.

"Using the horse's height, and speed then hooking into the ground or the titan itself can give an opening to fight in the open. The boots have good traction, it's just a little difficult getting the balance right at that speed," She sighed. Miche nodded slightly.

"You do realize using a titan for height advantage can easily go wrong right? Not to mention you haven't faced one so you can't account for the movement."

"I know, but it also relies on the movement. Do you remember my first run? You said using that much gas to get that height would get me killed. So, what if we use less gas and more momentum. Use their strength against them."

"I understand what you're saying and in an ideal situation it could work, but you'll need to perfect it before even suggesting it to Shadis. It took Erwin months to get him to try the long-range scouting formation and if this Expedition doesn't go well he won't use it again," Miche explained. Although, it wasn't exactly a secret that Shadis wasn't for the formation.

"Do you think it will work?" Eva asked.

"Yes," He replied without hesitation.

"You have a lot of faith in Erwin."

"He's changed the regiment for the better, he rose the ranks quickly and many of us want him to be Commander. Erwin is a good man." Eva smiled slightly. She already knew this. He was inspiring and easy to follow, his presence commanded respect. He exuded confidence. It was all very intimidating.

"Yeah, he is," She agreed, looking over as the sun slowly rose.

"Are we leaving?"

"They're nearly finished setting up, you should get ready. Shadis is already high-strung today, we don't want to be late," He advised.

"Yeah, I need to talk to Levi anyways."

"Make it quick. I can get your horse is ready," He offered, taking the reins from her hands.

"Really?"

"It's best to have a clear head out there. Go fix whatever it is with your brother and friends," He advised and Eva smiled.

"Thanks, I owe you one!" She called behind her as she took off. The soldier's barracks weren't far, and it didn't take her long to get back. She nodded as she passed a few other soldiers. Hange said the new recruits liked to talk a big game but tended to be last to get in line on expedition day. She reached her cabin, and pushed open the door.