Life of Maverick: In the Land of Giant Man Eaters

-Chapter 45: Decisions, Decisions-

It was another starry night inside the walled lands, and another day of dull existence for three odd youths in the outer borders of Wall Maria.

Life was a bit of a struggle for these three, especially when one of them was nothing more than a crippled and sporadic mess, prone to spastic episodes of manic anger, panic, and at times, self-loathing. And their condition was proving far from improving.

Many inside of the remote village the three resided in attempted to help in whatever way they could for the wounded teen, but their concerns were brushed away, as the two still healthy youths assured the worried people of the small village that they were more than capable of treating their wounded friend.

A lie, spoken as easily as they breathed.

Not wanting to further trouble the people of the small remote village the three would depart for better pastures, not before thanking the people for their hospitality and tolerance for their friend's frequent nightly episodes.

With that small little village in the outskirts of Wall Maria behind them the three traveled eastward, eventually setting up camp near another town close to the entrance to the Shiganshina District. It was there they could find better employments and hopefully continue their real task, the sole reason they were even in this land to begin with.

-oOo-

After a long day of labor Bertholdt Hoover returned to his and his compatriots little camp, the chirps and howls of the nightly wildlife accompanying him as he passed through the silent streets of the small town they stationed near and into the wilds of the forest beyond.

A wrapped rectangular object was secured tightly in his hands. It had taken some time, but he had finally been able to acquire the item. A small smile stretched across his face, as he was sure this would lighten his friend's spirits, as it did for him.

With light, brisk steps he made his way into their campground, stopping suddenly as he noticed the small bright glow emanating from the tent. His heart tightened, as he was rather hoping the two would be fast asleep by now.

With slow and steady movements he carefully approached the main tent, opening up the flaps to meet the blonde-haired female of their group, who was seated in one of the back corners of the tent writing something atop her crossed legs, as a single candle atop a small crate lit up her figure in the darkness.

"Welcome back Bertholdt."

With a bored tone of voice she greeted him with an equally bored expression on her face, before returning to her writing. While most would be offended or put off by the lack of etiquette Berthold had known her long enough to become accustomed to her mannerisms.

Giving her a nod he turned to the other side of the tent, seeing the sleeping figure of their third companion Reiner. His shaky breaths being just barely audible at the moment, a blessing compared to other days.

"Finally managed to get him to sleep half an hour before you showed up." Annie whispered with a hint of frustration in her voice. "If it wasn't for his screwy brain, I would have just choked him out."

Bertholdt frowned at Annie's words, not finding it amusing whatsoever.

"You'll just make it worse." He muttered out. It wasn't as if his condition was getting any better, and he was more than certain she wasn't joking.

Even during their younger years they never got along, but after his injury the two seemed to be in constant states of hostility. A passive aggressive comment here, a threat on their life there.