𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒍. AotxMaleOc (Attack on Titan X Tokyo Ghoul)

The 57th Expedition

Early morning Sun was beaming at the Scouts, lined up in a steadfast formation before the exalting Wall. Cloaked soldiers stood resolute, a mix of anticipation and resolve etching on their faces. Anxiety was swirling within the formation, particularly among the fresh recruits, but it was overshadowed by their clear goal of helping humanity and years of training preparing them for this moment. As they were standing there, the people of Karanes District were gazing upon them with looks of hope and determination. As the sky was free of any clouds accompanying the horde of soldiers with Wings of Freedom on their cloaks to their mission, Joseph knew that Christa and Eren were somewhere to be found in this seemingly endless highly-packed formation. His gaze ventured backward in an attempt to discern the figures of his friends, still hidden in the sea of Scouts' faces.

Miche: Hey.

Joseph's gaze moved back to the Section Commander, standing at his side, flanked by the entirety of his formidable squad.

Miche: She will be fine, Joseph. Remember: we need you right here with us.

Joseph: Yes, sir. I will not fail you!

Miche: *smiles* I'm glad to hear it!

Joseph's hands curled around the reins of his horse tight as a small smile formed on his face. The moment he had long been waiting for has arrived. The vow he had made a long time ago to save everyone, with Eren as his ally, working together with almost limitless potential. Yet, Annie's ominous words from yesterday lingered in the young Scout's mind. Instantly, it got filled with undesirable thoughts: the prospect of him showing his Ghoul-self to others, a horror on their faces to behold this 'being' in human skin, transforming and revealing his Titan form; each of these thoughts danced rapidly in Joseph's mind. He could barely contain his fear of breaking still-not-very-strong bonds of trust with his new comrades, which will cease to exist after learning his half-truths. Yet, at the moment, he could not afford the indulgence of dwelling on that fear.

Joseph: No matter what, I have to keep people safe. I don't care if it means exposing myself. And if I'm being honest with myself, I'm tired of holding back.

In that instant, an echo of his mother's words, said long ago, resurfaced to Joseph, now with full clarity.

Joseph: Never eat for pleasure, never be ashamed of being a ghoul, Always pursue what you want, and reach just as high as a human. I promise Mom, I'll never give up what I want.

As the District's front gate ascended, Erwin lifted his sword commencing the start of the 57th expedition outside the Walls.

Erwin: FORWARD!!!!!

The Scouts let out a huge war cry as they surged forth from the city gates entering into once inhabited Wall Maria territory, now pulverized by Titan into Titan territory. The sensation of uncertainty hanging in some fresh Scout's minds. However, Joseph was not one of them, in the opposite, he was filled with an odd sense of liberation after breaching the wall confines. The caress of fresh air, the wild embrace of the wind on their faces, and the expanse in front of him brought an unfamiliar, yet invigorating feeling. In the midst of this newfound freedom, a sudden yell caught his attention — a command, telling everyone to form a well-prepared and trained long-distance formation.

Miche: Let's move!

Miche's Squad: Yes, sir!

All scouts including Miche's Squad members moved to their designated positions, finally forming Erwin's formation. The air seemed to hold its breath, as an eerie stillness rose up. All noises that Joseph heard was the rhythmic drumming of hooves on earth, the faint clinking of his ODM gear, the whispers of weak wind, and a few bird calls. The landscape that Joseph observed was the scene of a pleasant dream; he turned around and saw that the walls of the district had completely disappeared over the horizon.