Life of Maverick: In the Land of Giant Man Eaters

-Chapter 41: Upon the Blooming Fields of Rebirth-

It was last few days of the month of January, and the expedition would soon be coming to an end. All of the objectives the Survey Corps had set out to do had been accomplished within the first few weeks of their excursion.

Their new base of operations, newly christened as Treefort Alpha, was fully built and established, with a few more additions and earthly defenses put forward by the Slayer.

Their explorations had led to the discovery of numerous relics and ruins of interest, all showing signs of the lands previous inhabitants. Be they their ancestors or perhaps a previous human civilization was still a much-debated topic among the scouts. But nonetheless the evidence was found and secured.

And the Sentinels had proven their worth in the service as Treefort Alpha's guards, with plans to incorporate more titans into their numbers. For the first time in human history, the scouts found the titans as more than creatures to be despised and killed on sight. Well, the former might be a stretch.

At this point they were simply spending time for the sake of simply being out in the lands beyond the Walls. However, they were far from becoming the hardcore outdoor survivalist many of the younger scouts imagined themselves as, for throughout the weeks the supplies brought from the Walls were running dangerously low.

Natural edibles had been gathered and eaten nearly to the last, and game had been getting harder and harder to find, with most if not every animal in the forest having long since fled the area in fear of becoming one of Caesar's victims during its hunts.

With all this in mind it was eventually decided by the Commander that it was perhaps time to finally set their sights back to the Wall, something that while many weren't exactly thrilled about, understood. The thought of returning to a world filled with bath houses and latrines once more helped as well.

But just before their departure the Commander had greenlit some last-minute outings for those squads ready and willing to brave the wilds. Delta Squad was of course one of them.

-oOo-

Inside of the Southern Giant Forest

We find out hero joined alongside his merry band on their last field trip across the Great Giant Forest, trudging along a yet unexplored path through the southern parts of the woodlands. Their Squad Leader was adamant to make their last trip a good one, and so here they were, deep into the still-to-be charted forest.

Their trusty steeds kept a good pace behind Caesar, whom Maverick was strongly suggested to wrangle up and bring along. It's massive body served well to clear the path ahead, tossing wilted bushes and old tree stumps aside and bringing down small mountains of dead leaves aside with its massive carved tusks.

The woods were calm today, like many times throughout the weeks. Much of the snow from last month's winter storm was still around, and the sky was especially cloudy today, with a few rays of sunshine peering through the leafless trees. It all made for a surprisingly serene scene, and for a certain marked man it was a nostalgic sight.

In moments like these he'd often find himself singing a small tune or an old battle hymn, but the only thing coming out of his mouth this cool morning was a loud and audible yawn.

"*YYYAAAWWWNNN.*"

His voice echoed out across the forest, no doubt those still back at base could hear the man.

"Still feeling groggy?"

He smacked his lips before slowly turned and looked down to see Hange trotting up to Ceasar's side. His nearly half-lidded eyes started in her direction, but she could tell his focus was a little far off. Blinking a few times he let out a soft chuckle before rubbing his dim glowing eyes.