WINGS

Four

Minutes after exiting the gates, there's already a Titan approaching the formation. From what you can guess, it's about 10 meters and the support squad launches into action.

"Woah!" Isobel exclaims from behind you. "A Titan already?"

Wind blows past your face as two members of the support squad zip by. "Guess so. They're sure here bright and early." You shake Domino's reigns and she picks up the pace a little.

"That cut was too shallow," you hear Aimee say. "They need help!"

"Oi!" You turn back to her. "Stay on your saddle, soldier. The support squad will be fine. Focus on your job."

Aimee grits her teeth but turns back forward. You sigh and face forward as well. Aimee has always been the one wanting to jump in and help. You remember when you were young like her, always wanting to do the same thing.

You scoff. Back then you were young and naïve and didn't want to follow orders. You know better now.

As soon as the regiment is clear of the city, you see Erwin's left arm fly out. Over the rumble of hooves, you hear him shout, "Deploy long-range enemy-scouting formation!"

Just as the order is given, the regiment begins to fan out. You pull Domino's reigns to the right and your squad follows you. Normally, squads don't stick together, but yours always does. Of course, you ride further apart to get a bit more distance, but your squad works best as a team and worse when they're split up. Besides, you're the only one who can actually get them to do anything together.

"Split into groups of two!" you shout to them. "Zak, you're with Isobel. Kris will be with Aimee. I'll be slightly ahead. Remember to use your flares. If you spot a Titan, fire a red one. Do not engage unless you're about to die. However, if you spot an abnormal, fire a black flare and call me. I'll help you."

"But, Captain--"

"Do not handle it on your own, Zak." You turn and give him a playful glare.

He frowns. His hair is blowing backwards and it's getting all messy.

"Stay alert. Move out!" You whip Domino's reigns and she gallops forward. You slow her down just a bit and look behind you. Your group are set up into their teams about a field length's apart from each other. Good. Your team is good at following directions.

That leaves you alone for the moment. Normally, you're not too worried on expeditions. But on this one, you've still got an eerie feeling. That uncomfortable knot in your stomach is back and you're still not sure why. It's starting to freak you out.

As the minutes pass and your mind wanders. This is a new area with new terrain. There's more trees in this area. More hills, taller grasses. You pass several old, decaying building and you make sure there's not any Titans hiding in them. Nope. None.

You're just about to wonder why things are so quiet when a green signal catches your eye. Erwin is having the form change positions.

"My squad!" You shout back and see them still together, though a bit more spaced out. Aimee's hair is messy again and there's sweat on Zak's brow. "Change position!"

"Aye!" they shout back and follow you as you drift to the left.

"Any of you seen anything?" you call over your shoulder. Hopefully your voice is carrying enough over the wind.

"Just a few stupid ones, sir!" Aimee shouts back. "Child's play!"

You chuckle. That's your squad.

Something in your stomach lurches at the same time you hear distant rumbling. You turn and see something in the distance. You can't see what it is, so you call to Kris. They've always had better eyesight than you.