Life of Maverick: In the Land of Giant Man Eaters

-Chapter 20: Choose Your Regiment-

The Spring Maiden had finally awakened, bringing an end to Old Man's Winters' spell upon the Walls. The last of the snow piles had melted away and made way for green and healthy grass to rise upon the ground. Trees across the walled lands were reborn as new leaves began to grow just as the flowers bloomed. Wildlife began to reemerge from their hibernations and roam the lands, as the birds returned from their travels beyond the unknown southlands. And the people from all three Walls opened their windows allowing the spring air to fill their lungs and absorb the rays of the bright sun.

For the military the spring season was an important event as well. For it marked the day the most recent batch of trainees from all eight Training Corps divisions would be graduating, and finally join one of the three military branches. Of course those who made it to the top ten of their classes were given the privilege to apply for the Military Police, and have the skills they learned over the last three years and overall training be absolutely wasted. But at least they would be safe in the confines of the interior... mostly.

-oOo-

Scout Training Yard, inside Wall Maria

A large number of scouts from all squads were gathered inside the training yards, but not to keep their skills in top condition, ohhh no, instead they were bearing witness to a most grand spectacle, provided by humanities first and third strongest soldiers.

How did things escalate to this point? Well like many situations it began with the marked man, who was questioned by his peers on why he always left their headquarters so early at the crack of dawn. His response was that he was heading to a secluded area in the nearby woodlands in order to practice his martial arts routine.

Immediately this peaked their interest as some scouts recalled how Hange had demonstrated one of his moves so many months ago, and wished to see it as performed by a "professional", to which Maverick was more than glad to demonstrate. What started as a few people soon turned into a much larger crowd, who were left in awe at his performance. The way he moved was unnatural for a man his size and stature, and the multitude of forms and stances he performed were unlike anything the scouts had ever seen, minus his squad mates who had the pleasure to see him beforehand. Things got more interesting when he decided to do a mock fight, as to show off his more special moves.

Who better than the scouts resident sniffer as the sacrif-volunteer.

Miche, to his credit, accepted the duel with no hint of nervousness or weariness in his movements, even as Maverick's glowing eyes peered into his own and a nasty grin stretched across his face. He maintained his usual composure as he removed his half jacket, to better allow himself some additional mobility. He formed a combat stance, recalling his hand-to-hand combat training from his cadet days, which earned him a chuckle from the marked man, seemingly amused by his efforts.

"Come on Michy-boy, let's test your might..." He gestured with his hand for the tall blonde to approach, whom eyes narrowed with great focus. Within seconds he was upon the large goliath with a series of quick punches which were deflected with equal if not greater speed. The squad leaders' expression only hardened as his right fist went for another punch, while his left aimed for the ribs.

Both were intercepted, eliciting a chuckle from the marked man as he held the two fists in place. Miche responded with a kick to Maverick's stomach, causing him to let go. Maverick showed no signs of pain or discomfort, only the smile ever present on his face.

"Go Miche! Don't let him spook you!" Shouted Dirk, a fellow veteran and squad leader. His favored side in the fight made clear for all. It was followed by a few more scouts showing support for humanities third strongest soldier.