Fukushū e no kōgeki

Chapter 3: The Fall of Wall Maria

2 years later... Year: 845

Mika and Tano were walking back to their house with wood when they were stopped by one of the Stationary Guard Soldiers.

"Heyy Tano, been gettin into any fights lately?" The man said. It was obvious he was drunk.

"Yeah of course, someone has to teach those kids a lesson because some people don't know how to do their job." He replied with a sour tone in his voice.

"I have no clue what you're talking about!" The man laughed.

Before Tano could say anything Mika grabbed his arm and began to drag him away. As he was being dragged, he heard the soldiers talking down on the Scouts which made Tano upset. When they got far enough away, Mika let his arm go.

"Why do they always talk down on the Scouts? They're so cool and brave! That's exactly why I want to join them when I get older!" Tano stated excitedly.

"Tano don't be stupid, get that idea out of your head. You know your parents would never allow you to go and I don't like the idea of you going either." Mika replied.

Suddenly the bell began to ring.

"It's them! They're back, we have to go see! Hurry!" Tano grabbed her arm and quickly dragged her to the main street.

He stood on a box to get a better view but didn't see what he was expecting to. The Scouts looked more defeated then ever. Tano was confused until he heard a mother cry out. She was asking where her son was and a scout walked up to her, handing her what remained of him. He apologized profusely. Evetually the Commander cried out and rambled on about how the expedition had failed. Mika stared as Tano shook his head in disbelief. Soon enough, Mika snapped Tano out of it and they went back home.

Shortly after they had eaten lunch, Grisha began getting ready to leave on his trip when suddenly Mika spoke up.

"Tano wishes to join the scouts-" She said quickly and quietly. She hadn't realized what she had said until a couple of seconds later.

"Why'd you snitch?!" Tano cried out.

"There is absolutely no chance that any son of mine is joining the scouts!" Carla said as she grabbed her son by the shoulders.

Grisha sighed. "I'll  be off now." He stated.

"Darling, scold the boy for heavens sake!" Carla cried out.

Grisha sighed again before pulling out his key. "Tano if you behave, I'll let you see what I've been working on in the basement." He then put his key away and walked out the door.

Eventually the three followed to say their goodbyes and with that, Grisha was gone.

"I meant what I said Tano." Carla stated.

"SO WHAT IF I WANT TO JOIN THE SCOUTS! ITS GOTTA BE BETTER THEN LIVING BEHIND THIS WALL IN FEAR!" Tano yelled before running off.

Carla looked to Mika and smiled. "Please make sure he doesn't get himself into any trouble-"

Mika nodded and ran after Tano. Eventually having found him wandering the streets with tears running down his face.

"Tano-" Mika said quietly.

He turned around quickly and pulled her into a hug. "Mik, I'm so sorry I called you a snitch I jus-"

Suddenly, they heard some older kids yelling. Tano and Mika rushed to the sound and when they turned the corner the kids ran for their lives. The two spotted Chris on the ground and ran towards him.

"Chris! Are you okay?" Tano said quickly while helping him up.

"Yes, thanks again for helping." Chris replied while Mika and Tano sighed, knowing that he was lying.