›–––––––‹
›–––––––‹
[??]: Four years we wasted squabbling over a peninsula's sovereignty. And our two main battle Titans were nearly shredded by the enemy fleet. ''Human ingenuity surpasses and shetters Marley's Armor at last''..-A general speaks, tossing the newspaper on the table as he places his hand on the table and sits down in his chair-
Currently, Colt, Magath, and Zeke were attending a meeting in a ruined building.
[??]: The press from other nations is commending the Mid-East Forces. Does this sound like a victory for Marley to you?..-He leans his head against his left knuckle and spoke while looking to the Commander- Magath, do you care to comment?..
Magath, who was sitting by a man and Zeke, looks at the General and states.
[Magath]: General, I'm afraid the time has come. That is, humanity has eclipsed the Power of the Titans..-He stands up, eyes still on the general as everyone watches his movements- While we've been relying heavily on Titans and colonial expansion, other nations have been developing weapons to counter us..As a result, our strategy has come back to bite us on the ass. For the time being, our Titans remain unrivaled when it comes to land battles..
He then turns around and makes his way back to his seat, the General's eyes never leaving him. Colt, who was currently standing and remaining silent, listening carefully as Magath places his hands on top of his chair and looks at the General.
[Magath]: However, if aircraft keep advancing at this rate, bombs will soon fall like rain..-They look up to stare at the huge hole on the roof, letting the sunlight envelop a bit in the room- All while Titans, the devils of the earth, can do nothing but look up and watch..
The General continues to stare up, watching a few birds fly around until he questioned.
[??]: Do we not have any Titans with wings?..
[Magath]: General, I'm trying to say that the era of Titans...
[??]: I know..-The General quickly said, looking away from him- In the near future, we will lose our initiative in war. No, perhaps we already have. Though once the heroes who crushed the Eldian devils, look at what we've become..
[Zeke]:.....-Zeke suddenly raises his hand- If I may, General?..Requesting permission to give counsel..
[??]: Zeke, the wonderboy. Go ahead..
[Zeke]: We should resume the Paradis island Operation and recover the Founding Titan..-Some of the people around the table stare in awe and were left flabbergasted at the suggestion- As Commander Magath was saying, Marley needs to develop better weapons. However, the world will not stand by and wait..-The General then crosses his arms showing some sort of intrigued with this idea- Our military needs time to completely restructure. But for that, the newspapers of the world must read this: '' Marley Occupies Paradis and Wields the Power of All Titans..
[??]:....-The General hums, putting a finger against his temple, then looked at Zeke- You have one year left in your term, correct?..
[Zeke]: Yes, and I'm concerned that Colt can't inherit the full power of the full power of the Beast Titan..-He slightly frowns, which makes Colt perk up and stare at the back of Zeke's head. The General leans his head against his left knuckle again-
[??]: I see. In your last year, you wish to redeem yourself for your defeat four years ago?..
[Zeke]: That is correct..The sick exploits of Grisha Jaeger should be brought to an end by none other than me, his former son..
›–––––––‹
Lighting a cigarette, Zeke was walking up some stairs with Colt following behind. The meeting had officially ended and the two decided to chat. The sun was about to set.
[Zeke]: Sorry I bashed you to further my agenda, Colt..-The older man says, taking a puff while Colt waved it off-
[Colt]: Don't be. You were amazing..-Pushing past some white cloths, they make their way to the ledge and lean against it- To think, an Eldian being heard by the general!..-Colt looks out at the ocean, glancing at a few ruined battleship while Zeke just stared at the ground and took another drag from his cigarette- There hasn't been a Beast like you in its history..Sometimes it reminds me of the Founding Titan..-He turns around to see Zeke exhale the smoke out and forms a tiny smile- Why are you so special? It's not like you have any royal blood..
Zeke slightly shrugs, taking a smoke again as the wind brushed through his gold locks.
[Zeke]: Who knows? Guess I'll be dead before we figure it out. Oh..-He turns to Colt- But when you inherit my memories, you'll find out my big secret..
[Colt]: Secret? What is it?...
[Zeke]: The special way I wipe my ass. Hope you don't tell anyone..-Zeke muttered, tossing the cancer stick to the ground and stomp on it-
[Magath]: Too late. I want a report..-A voice said, making the two flinch to see Magath emerging from the drying cloths-
[Zeke and Colt]: Commander!..-They salute, standing tall as Magath approaches them-
[Magath]: Everything down to the hairs on your ass. Do you think Eldians get privacy?..
[Zeke]: No, sir!..-Zeke replied as Magath brings the stick to his mouth. Zeke quickly digs in his pockets and pulls out a match, lights it, and lights the Commander's cigarette-
[Magath]: You can conquer Paradis in a year?..-Zeke lets out an inaudible chuckle and rubs the back of his head-
[Zeke]: It's more like I only have one year left to try..-Magath then walks over to the ledge and stares out at the ocean-
[Magath]: These past three years, every scout ship we've sent to Paradis hasn't returned. Zeke, what do you think of that?..
[Zeke]: Considering 32 ships were sunk, I can't imagine a single Titan was responsible..At least three Titans, including Eren Jaeger and (Y/n), must have blocked their escape..-Magath gazes at the sea for a bit before turning his body to Zeke-
[Magath]: I agree. If we attack the island, our ships will need support..
[Zeke]: Yes. But it's more than their Titans that pose a threat..-Memories of the attack on Shiganshina reflect on Zeke's head-
›–––––––‹
In these memories, Reiner, who was asleep, was rethinking back on them. He can remember Mikasa flying toward him, ready to strike him down with a Thunder Spear as a deadly glare was sent to him. He then remembers the Thunder Spear getting launched at him, making him wake up startled and shriek.
[Reiner]: Wai...
He reaches his hand out to the roof, but slowly relaxed when he remembered where he was. In a cold sweat, he sighs and covers his face with his hand before sitting himself up.
[...]: It seemed like you were having a good dream, so I didn't wake you..-Reiner held the side of his head and glanced over to see a young man with a blond undercut and hazel eyes writing down on a notepad and munching on a sandwich-
[Reiner]: I still haven't thanked you for back then. Galliard..-The man, now known as Galliard, turns his body around to see Reiner looking at him- Thank you..
[Galliard]: Don't thank me..-He went back to writing- If I inherited the Armored Titan nine years ago, this wouldn't have happened..-He took another bite from his sandwich while Reiner's jaw locked at his words- My brother wouldn't have protected you and been eaten by a Titan, either..-The blond perked up from that sentence and glanced at him-
[Reiner]: You saw Marcel's memories?..
[Galliard]: No, but I learned enough from that girl before me, Ymir. What an impressive name for such a pitiful woman..-Galliard could remember staring up at Ymir's bounded form. She looked miserable out of her mind and already she looked lifeless- Isn't it thanks to her that we goy my brother's Jaw back?..-He asked, going back to writing and eating-
[Reiner]: Yeah, that's right..-Reiner muttered, turning his body to the side of the bed and leaned his chin on his left knuckle. Galliard stopped writing once again and looked over at him with furrowed brows-
[Galliard]: What the well were you doing on that island? Getting saved by someone new every day?..
[Reiner]: Yeah...
[Galliard]: I saw how you acted through her memories. What's with that? Pretending to be a reliable guy, huh?..-But Reiner doesn't say anything but stare at the ground- I'd say you were imitating my brother!..-Galliard exclaimed when suddenly, the room door opens-
[Pieck]: Pock, let's not pick on people who just took cannons to the face..-Looking over at the entrance to see a woman with long disheveled shoulder-length black hair and gray eyes. She holds a crutch on her left arm as she smiles at the two. Galliard groans at the nickname and mutters-
[Galliard]: Quit calling me that, Pieck..
[Reiner]: You all right?..-Reiner asked her and watch her sit down on the other bed across from him-
[Pieck]: It's been two months since I've been a human. I kinda forgot the whole bipedal thing..-She lightly chuckles, setting the crutch aside before putting her hands on her lap- By the way, Reiner..You oughta see Gabi and the others. They're worried about you..-Reiner curtly nods and slowly stands-
[Reiner]: Think I will..-He lets out a small groan while the woman, Pieck, just smiles and watches him leave the room-
Once he was gone, Pieck let out a long sigh and fell on the soft bed with the same smile.
[Pieck]: I'm pooped...-Galliard, who was drinking out of his cup, looks down at her and says-
[Galliard]: Feels like ages since I've seen you..
[Pieck]:....-She chuckles lightly and looks over at him- Really? Even though we've always fighting together?...
[Galliard]: Well, we might not have to for a while..-He looks away and sets his cup on the table-
[Pieck]:....-She stares at the side of his head than at the ceiling- Let's hope so..
›–––––––‹
Outside, many people and soldiers were walking around as Zofia, Gabi, and Falco were sitting by some crates and staring out at the orange sky and blue sea. Udo was walking his way to them, tossing and catching a rock he found as he said.
[Udo]: Hey, if Titans lose their usefulness in battle, what will happen to the Warrior unit and us Eldians?..
He tosses the rock into the water as the other three remain silent for a bit before Zophia turned her head up at him while Falco moved from sitting on the crate and to Gabi, who was sitting on the floor with her knees pressed against her chest.
[Zophia]: A guy that lives near me said the sea is so salty 'cuz he pisses in it..-Zophia said nonchalantly-
[Falco]: Mr. Braun will be fine..-Falco frowns seeing Gabi's face-
[Gabi]: I know..-She whispers. Falco continues to frown until something catches his eye and makes him lookup-
[Falco]: Huh? That's..
Zophia, Udo, and Gabi look at him then over at the dock with wide eyes to see the Mid-East soldiers handcuffed were making their way on the ship while the Eldian soldiers watched closely.
[Udo]: They're probably enemy soldiers that survived the Pure Titan attack..-Informed Udo. Hw then places a hand on Zophia's shoulder and goes on a rant- Once they get home, they'll talk about how inhumane Titan warfare is!..-He gets close to her face and lightly shakes her shoulder before he walks off and throws his arms in the air- It'll just make things even worse for us Eldians!..
He then crouches down and places both hands on Gabi's and Falco's shoulders, who were still watching the enemy soldiers board the ship.
[Udo]: ''People of the world! Let us kill the Subjects of Ymir!''..-He lets go of them and stomps off. Zophia watches him go over to a pilling and aggressively stomps at it- Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit!..
[Reiner]: Cut it out, Udo..-The four quickly turn their heads over to see that Reiner was approaching them- Don't beat up the city..-Seeing Reiner makes Gabi brighten up and grin as she stands up and runs up to him-
[Gabi]: Reiner!..-She grabs onto his coat and shrieks. You're okay to walk?!..-Reiner gently smiles down at her as Zophia and Udo approach them-
[Reiner]: Yeah. Are you guys all right?..-He turns to Gabi and pats her head, which makes her smile and blushes a tad bit- Gabi...
[Gabi]: Yup!..
[Reiner]: Udo..-He then pats Udo's-
[Udo]: I guess..-He smiles bashfully-
[Reiner]: Zofia...
[Zofia]: Same old..-She smiled-
[Reiner]:....-He then looks over at Falco and smiles- Falco..-The boy just waves at him-
[Falco]: Hello..-Gabi then blocks Falco and looks up at Reiner, still a smiling mess-
[Gabi]: Hey! They said we're going back to Liberio!..-She then grabs his hand and starts dragging him away as Udo and Zophia follow- Let's walk around till then!..
[Reiner]: Hey!..
[Gabi]: We never get chances like this!..
[Falco]: Shouldn't Mr. Braun be resting?..-Falco asked, making the group look at him and remembering he was there. The three candidates just stare at him while Reiner smirks and lets out a chuckle. He makes his way to him and crouches to his level, patting his head-
[Reiner]: I'm all right. Don't worry..-Gabi watches and nearly rolls her eyes as she crossed her arms and sassed-
[Gabi]: You go home and rest!..
[Falco]: I'm coming, too!..-Falco called, running up to the three as they began walking. Reiner just watched from his spot as Udo calls out to Gabi-
[Udo]: Hold up, Gabi. Commander Magath said that's not a place kids..
[Zophia]: But I just saw him walking that way..-Zophia retorts a little smile on her face as Udo stares at her and slowly feels his face turn red-
[Gabi]: You worrywart..-Gabi teased Falco as soon as he had finally reached them. He blushes at the comment, both boys left embarrassed from both girls as they chatted-
As Reiner stares at them for a bit, he gasps when he sees a younger Bertolt, Marcel, Porco, and Annie all together and chatting. He can see Bertolt's younger self look at Reiner for a moment before the four turns around and walk off-
Reiner]: Wait!..-The blond yells-
[Gabi]: Huh?..
The four look over their shoulders as Reiner snaps back to reality and realizes it's Gabi, Falco, Udo, and Zophia. Reiner, who had his hand reached out, lowered it and frowned, reminding himself how much they resembled his fellow Warriors at his age before standing up and walking off, making the four kids hurry on over to him-
[Reiner]: You kids are too young for that store..-He states, which makes Gabi groan-
[Gabi]: Aww!..
And as the five walked together, two figures, who were looking down at them. A boy and a girl, who were looking at them with frowns.
›–––––––‹
That night, the Eldians were on a train back to their hometown. Colt, who was wasted and holding a bottle in his hand, was yelling to the groups of Eldians whilst slurring his words.
[Colt]: Did you guys witness the bravery of our Eldian goddess?!..Gabi took on the armored train in place of 800 Eldian soldiers!..-He places a hand on the girl's shoulder, red coating his cheeks as the kids just eyed him-
[Gabi]: Man, Colt! You stink of booze!..-Colt just chugs more down and looks down at the girl, slightly shaking her shoulders as he exclaims-
[Colt]: Why'd you do it, you big idiot?!..-He then goes to hug her, making Gabi push his face away while Udo had his hands up and Zofia backed away- Comrades!..-Colt shrieks, despite being pushed away- Do you have any idea why this idiot risked her life?!..-Gabi had an embarrassed blush and looked away while Colt continued his mini-speech-
[Colt]: Well, I do! She did it to save all your asses in the Eldian unit!..-He stands up and places his hand on his yellow armband as the soldiers all stand and soon enough let out loud cheers-
Their cheers were so loud, that the Commander and the Titan Shifters can hear in the next department.
[soldier]: I'll go shut 'em up..-A soldier said, standing up and approaching the train door, but Magath waves it off-
[Magath]: Let 'em have it..Just this one night..-Their cheers make Pieck form a smile while Porco remained to have his neutral face and Zeke forming the tiniest smile-
Currently, in the next department, Gabi was hoisted on Colt's shoulders as she and the rest of the Eldian soldiers all began cheering her name.
Gabi! Gabi! Gabi!
[Gabi]: Me! Me! Me!..
Udo just stares at Gabi with raised brows and Zophia just closes her eyes and tries to tune out the loud noises. Reiner, who was with them, smiles at the scene and makes his way to Falco, who didn't' seem so happy.
[Reiner]: They're lifting her up again..-He crosses his arms while Falco just grumbled-
[Falco]: They shouldn't let my brother drink. And Gabi gets carried away too easily..
Reiner, continues his amused smile as he watched.
[Reiner]: Still, it's looking like she'll be the one who inherits the Armored Titan..-Falco looks down at the ground when hearing those words and mutters to himself-
[Falco]: Yeah. The girl who adores you will inherit your Titan..and will live till she's 27..-But Reiner heard, and when hearing this, he jerks his head down at the boy, and his smile drops- If cannons don't shred her first, that is..Are you fine with that?..-He asked lowly, eyes still trained on the ground as Reiner's arms fall to his side. The older blond then places a hand by Flaco's head and stares at him dead in the eyes-
[Reiner]: What did you say? Are you insulting the honor of inheriting one of the Nine?..-Immediately, Falco gasps, and his pupils shrink with sudden fear. Reiner gets close to his face as the boy starts sweating bullets- If I report this, you and your whole family will become Titan weapons..
[Falco]: W-Wait! Let me rephrase what I said!..-Begged the boy as he quickly salutes- I, Falco Grice, hope to be freed from the evil blood of Ymir and my ancestors! I pledge my life to Marley..
[Reiner]: And what about the honor of inheriting one of the Nine?..-Reiner states as an intimidating glare was at him-
[Falco]: I would be proud to be an Honorary Marleyan and be given the chance to display my loyalty to our motherland!..-Falco's voice cracked-
[Reiner]: Do you want to inherit the Armored?..-Reiner asked, then looked over at Gabi to see her screaming and cheering with tears in her eyes-
[Gabi]: Thank youuuuu!..
[Falco]:.....-Falco stares at her, his once fearful expression gone, and was replaced with a firm one when he turns back to Reiner- The one who should inherit it..is me!..
[Reiner]: Yes..-Reiner places a hand on his shoulder and leans close, whispering- You have to rescue Gabi from the dark future that awaits us.
›–––––––‹
Morning soon approached as the train had finally reached the Eldian's hometown. Once the train doors open, Gabi was the first to jump out, her body high in the air.
[Gabi]: We're back!..-She lands staggering a bit as she grins and fist bumps the air with both hands- We made it back alive!..It's our baloved hometown, Liberio! We're home!!..
[Colt]: Gabi..-Colt groaned, who was being supported by Porco, rubbed his head, and muttered to the happy girl- Could you please tone it down?..-She stops yelling and looks at Colt, who stumbles with his footing before being walked off- Ow, ow..-Porco sets him down on a few crates and sighs-
[Porco]: You should've know you can't hold your booze..-Porco crosses his arms as Falco made his way over to his brother and rose a brow-
[Falco]: Who's the one who gave him the drinks?..
[Pieck]: He looked like he wanted some..-Pieck answers, walking over to the three with her crutch with Zeke following behind-
[Zeke]: Unbelievable. How dare you spew Pieck's kindness all over the train..-The older blond semi teased, walking past them along with Magath-
[Magath]: We should've shut 'em up last night..
Gabi makes her way to Pieck, Colt, Porco, and Falco, staring at Colt for a bit until she felt a hand on her head. Looking up, the hand belonged to Porco, who smiled down at her.
[Porco]: I heard they kept hoisting you up..
[Gabi]: Because of Colt!..-The girl retorted as Porco's hand fell to his side. Pieck approaches behind her and places both hands on her shoulders and smiled warmly down at her-
[Pieck]: I think it's fine. You deserved a bit of fun. What you did was impressive..-Gabi perks up-
[Gabi]: Pieck!..-She then looks away, her cheeks turning red as she smiled while Falco just stared at her then looked over to see Reiner staring ahead in silence-
[Falco]: Vice Chief Braun..-He looks away and at the ground- What if he's thinking the same as me..and he wants us Eldians to be free from war?..-He looks back at him- Can I..trust him?..
Eventually, the Eldian soldiers had made it to their hometown where all the Eldian families were waiting on. The Marley guards pushed open the gate as the soldiers and their families just gazed at each other.
But they soon start walking to their families. Porco approaches Falco from behind and places his hand on top of his head, smiling again.
[Porco]: Later. Take it easy and enjoy the break..-He then walks off while Falco shakes his head-
[Falco]: Not me! It's back to training tomorrow!..-Gabi, overhearing this, walks to his side and rolls her eyes-
[Gabi]: Trying to boost your grades? Gimme a break..
[Falco]: I am not!..-Falco retorts-
[Pieck]: Hey, you two..-The two kids look behind them to see Pieck- Don't push yourselves too hard..-She then walks off and the kids soon follow-
Everyone was filled with happiness seeing their loved ones again, all hugging and smiling, but there were a few who didn't see them and were filled with sadness. Zeke was looking through the crowd, looking for his grandparents until he heard his grandpa call out to him.
[...]: Zeke..-Looking over, he saw his grandfather remove his hat as both of them smiled at the blond man-
[Zeke]: Grandpa! Grandma!..-Zeke smiles, his gaze softening as he walks up to them and hugs his grandma tight- I'm home!..-His grandmother smiled, closing her eyes as Zeke looked at his grandpa's proud smile-
[Grandpa]: You achieved great things, Zeke..-The man continues his smile and looks away to the side-
[Zeke]: No, not yet..
[??]: Colt! Falco!..-The boy's mother shrieks, a big smile on her face as she placed a hand on her younger son's shoulder while Colt was trying his best to fight the oncoming migraine-
[?? 2]: Colt!..-His father exclaimed, making his way to him as Reiner and Gabi surveyed the crowd until Gabi spotted her parents. Her eyes brightened as she grinned and waved at them-
[Gabi]: Dad! Mom!..-Her parents turn to her, smiling when they see her run-up to them and hug them-
[...]: Gabi!..-Her parents had tears in their eyes, relieved that their child was safe and sound while Reiner just watched-
[Mother]: Reiner..-Turning around, he saw his relatives and his mom looking at him with warm smiles- You must be tired. Come home and rest..-His mother said-
[Reiner]: Mom..I think I will..-Reiner softly smiled as he made his way to them-
Meanwhile, Colt was being supported by his dad while his mom was watching with worry. Falco was carrying his brother's bag, watching in silence before looking to his right then back at his family.
[Falco]: Go on ahead!..
He then approaches Koslow and the injured Eldian soldiers while Koslow and another Marleyan soldier were helping an Eldian soldier up.
[Koslow]: For crying out loud! Do you know to stand?..-Koslow mumbled. Falco looked at the injured soldiers for a moment then over at Koslow, who had a cast on his left arm-
[Falco]: Are they injured soldiers, Mr. Koslow?..-He asked as if it hasn't obvious enough-
[Koslow]: Huh? Stay outta the way, brat..-He hissed- They're Eldians with emotional trauma..-He informed as the other soldier walks away from helping the Eldian soldier up-
[Falco]: Even our guys?!..-Falco exclaims. Koslow puts his free hand on his hip and looked at the Eldian soldiers lined up-
[Koslow]: It's from digging trenches on the front lines too long..All those bullets and bombs do it to you..-There was a moment a silence after that. Koslow started to make a low whistle before screaming- Boom!..
The Eldian soldiers all scream and fall to the ground just from hearing that one word. They begin to whimper and cry as Koslow and the other Marleyan soldier laugh at their dilemma.
[Soldier]: Look! They fell over again!..
[??]: Hey..-A girl quickly approached them, looking at Koslow with a frown- You can't do that!...
[Koslow]: And why not?...- He asked her with a frown, the girl looked at a man before looking back at Koslow-
[??]: Because one of them is my husband...-She replied with a small blush, Falco looked at her in silence- I work in the hospital and my job is to take them...
[Koslow]: Well...-He nodded with a smile while the girl looked at one of the men with a small smile-
Falco purses his lips and gently places Colt's bag on the floor and makes his way to the soldier Koslow and the solder helped back up.
[Falco]: You okay? It's all right!..-He places a hand on his back before turning his head over to see a man with a crutch beside him. Half of his left foot was gone as Falco made his way over to him and crouched down to his right side- Your armband's on the wrong arm..-He goes to remove the armband from that side and frowns- It's okey. I'm sure you'll get better. You don't have to fight anymore..
›–––––––‹
[Gabi]: Boom!..-Gabi shrilled.
Currently, she was at home with her family and relatives, including Reiner and his mom as it poured outside. Gabi was currently telling her experience from the war as everyone listened with interest-
[Gabi]: Just like I planned, I blew the armored train right off the tracks!..-She started to exaggerate her hand movements with excitement- It actually worked! But as I ran away, they fired a machine gun at me!. And just before I ate lead..Galliard protected me with the Jaw Titan!..
Her parents send her a proud smile and laugh as her mother cupped her hands together while her dad placed a hand behind her head.
[...]: Amazing, Gabi..
[...]: You and your bravery saved a bunch of our soldiers! You're the savior of Eldia!..-Gabi giggled as her mom continue to grin-
[Mother]: I'm so proud of you!..
The whole family let out laughs and smile at each other while the relatives remain silent. Reiner's mom formed a small smile before turning to her son and asked.
[??]: Reiner. Do you think Gabi will become a Warrior?..
[Reiner]: Yeah. It's almost a given she'll inherit the Armored Titan..-His mom's smile brightens-
[??]: That's good to hear..-Hearing this, Gabi blinks a few times before smiling softly to herself- To think our family would have two Warriors. I'm so proud..-His mother says, but her smile drops as she speaks with hatred laced in her voice- If only those island devils disappeared, we Eldians could finally be happy..-The blond frowns when hearing his mother speak-
[...]: But, Reiner..-He looks over at Gabi's father, who questions him- Even you barely escaped from the island devils, right?..
[Gabi]: Don't, Dad!..-Gabi scolds- He survived on that island of rotten devils for five years! Even if it wasn't classified, it's stuff wouldn't wanna talk about..
[...]: You're right..-Her father said, turning over at Reiner again- Forgive me, nephew..
[Reiner]: I infiltrated their military. Every last one of 'em was a savage, heartless devil. During the entrance ceremony, one of them started eating a potato. The instructor yelled at them, but they hardly seemed to care. Said they stole it 'cuz it looked tasty. Realizing they crossed the line, they said they'd share half with him. But the piece of potato they offered wasn't even close to half. Being considerate doesn't even cross their minds..
[Reiner]:....-He takes a breather and lowers his arm- They're truly beyond all help. There was an idiot who forgot why he went to the bathroom... An insincere jerk who only thought about himself... An uptight oaf who only cared what other thought... A single-minded fool who charged ahead and the chumps who followed him...There were all sorts of people there. And we were there, too..-He leans on his left knuckle again, staring at the table then stands straight- My days there was true hell..
The window covers outside burst open from the harsh wind as Reiner's mother stared at him with horror and mortified. Seeing her face, Reiner lightly gasps and looks down.
[Reiner]: I've said too much. Forget it..-His mom stands up and makes her way to the window while Gabi stares at Reiner in puzzlement-
[Gabi]: What do you mean, ''all sorts of people''? They're bad people, right..
[??]:....-Reiner's mom closes the window cover and slides the window back down, her eyes shrunk- That's right, Gabi. Those island devils turned our world into hell..-She turns around and makes her way to the little girl and placed a hand on her shoulder- There's no knowing when they'll attack with giant Titans and flatten the world. It's uo to good Eldians like us to make sure they never do..
[Gabi]: Mmm..-Gabi nods while Reiner's mom continued on her rant-
[??]: Those who left us and fled to the island deserved to be punished..-She then gives her son a look- They're the ones who abandoned us..
Later on that night, a man stood on top of a roof, staring at the ground before pushing himself off when he heard the thunder play not too far.
›–––––––‹
The next morning was here. The ground was still wet from the harsh rain and the air was humid. Reiner was walking with Gabi, the two remaining silent. Reiner glances down at her to see her staring at the ground and decides to speak up.
[Reiner]: What's wrong, Gabi? You seem down..-The girl doesn't glance at him and just says-
[Gabi]: Aunt Karina's worried about you. She says you changed after coming back from the island alone..
[Reiner]: Her 12-year-old son came back a grown man. You can't really blame her..
[Gabi]: It feels like you're lying..
[Reiner]: Lying? About what?..
[Gabi]:....-She looks up and gives him a worried look- I don't know, but I think Aunt Karina does..
The two then walk past a group of Eldian civilians, who were whispering and staring at the man's corpse from last night.
...
Later on the morning, Porco enters a room where he sees Reiner and Colt sitting in a chair, tea in hand while Pieck was laying on a long couch all to herself. Zeke poured a cup for both Porco's and Pieck's. Galliard greets as Zeke turns around and holds Pieck's and Porco's cups.
[Zeke]: Everyone's here?..
[Porco]: It's not every day we meet in the war chief's room..-Porco sits in a chair. Zeke places the cups to them and stands straight, staring down at Porco- Where's the brass?..
[Zeke]: Not in this room. Can't we just meet for some tea?..-He asks as Proco raises a brow and gives him a skeptic look-
[Porco]: Right..
Zeke then walks over to his chair and sits down. He grabs his cup, takes a sip, then glances at everyone.
[Zeke]: Now then, the last battle made it clear that normal weapons will overtake Titans in the near future. The weaker Marley becomes, the more the Eldian race is threatened. Our existence is in danger. To rectify this, Marley must obtain the Founding Titan and Paradis' resources, and the blood of the Clan (L/N)..-He walks his way over to a globe and touches it- The world must be strongly reminded of the threat that island poses.To tell that story, we need a narrator..
[Zeke]:...-He digs in his pocket and pulls out a photo- The Tybur family will fulfill that role...
[Colt]: The family holding the War Hammer Titan?..
[Pieck]: It's said the Tyburs have never sent the War Hammer Titan to enemy soil. They're influential abroad for driving away King Fritz the Great Titan War..The world will listen to them..-Pieck informed, making Zeke smile and point-
[Zeke]: That's Pieck for you! Precisely!..
[Porco]: But the tyburs have been living the life in their huge mansions..Why come out of the woodwork now and pretend to be heroes?..
[Zeke]: I know how you feel, but the tyburs are concerned about Marley, too..
[Porco]: But we--
[Reiner]: If it saves our motherland Marley, I'll be grateful..-Reiner suddenly speaks, catching everyone off guard- Our Warrior unit can cooperate with the Tyburs..-He turns to Zeke with a serious look- and serve as the backbone for restoring Marley..
[Zeke]: Indeed. Here in Liberio, there will be a festival soon..-He looks out the window as Reiner raises a brow-
[Reiner]: Festival?..
[Zeke]: VIPs from abroad will be invited to hear an announcement from the Tyburs: ''Within a years, we'll control Paradis Island''. The fate of Marley and all Eldians rests in this plan. It cannot fail. For the future of our motherland Marley, we must join our hearts as one..
As Zeke spoke, his voice echoed through a phonograph as Magath and a few others were listening closely in a dark room while taking notes.
[??]: Galliar seems to have some complaints, but he always gets the job done..-One of them said, stretching his arms before rubbing the back of his head-
[Magath]: Except that one line of Zeke's..
Later, when the group had left the room, Reiner was leaning against a wall, watching the four candidates train as he thought to himself.
[Reiner]: Not in this room,' huh?..
He watched Falco and Gabi push each other by using fake guns. They struggled for a bit until Gabi got the upper hand and pushed Falco down. The boy groans and goes to stand, but he stops when he sees the fake gun pointing at his head. Gabi takes in deep breaths as Reiner looks away and starts to walk off.
[Reiner]: Am I going back...to that island?..
›–––––––‹
Preview..
Honorary Marleyan. Esteemed Warrior.
What he wanted to be. What he couldn't be...
Is the path that he's walked down truly the right one?
Next episode: "The Door of Hope"