›–––––––‹
›–––––––‹
In the same cell, Eren was staring at himself in front of a mirror. His face was shaved and his hair was tied in a man-bun as some of the water dripped down from his brown locks and face.
[Eren]: Fight. Fight!..-He narrowed his gaze and repeated that one word over and over again until a voice had interjected, Hanji, who was standing in front of the cell bars-
[Hanji]: What are you doing?..
Hearing her voice made Eren instantly look away from his reflection and eyed her in the corner of his eyes, his eyebrows furrowing.
[Hanji]: Were you just saying, '' Fight. Fight '', to the mirror just now?..-She asked, raising a brow all while Eren just stared before looking back at his reflection- Hey. You said, "Fight. Fight," didn't you?.. By "Fight. Fight," what are you fighting?..If you're saying, "Fight. Fight," does that mean there're two fights?..
Eren's eyebrow twitches, but still, he keeps quiet. Hanji just stares at him, but after a moment of silence, she speaks again.
[Hanji]: Keeping quiet isn't helping. Normally, people don't talk to themselves like that..-She furrows her brows, frowns, and looks over at the mirror and overflowing sink- I know I've never talked to myself in the mirror before..By the way, I think your hair is cool..-She then pretends to mess with her hair- When it's all disheveled, it's kinda like you're hard-working and carefree. You can most certainly impress--
[Eren]: What did you come for?!..-Eren suddenly shouts, annoyance somewhat lacing his tone as Hanji lightly flinched before slowly letting her arms fall to her side-
[Hanji]: What? To talk, of course. The first time we met, didn't we talk about Titans all night with (Y/n)?..-She narrowed her gaze at him-
Eren just stays quiet, his nose scrunching as he glared at himself in the mirror.
[Hanji]: I honestly believed that you would never sacrifice Historia..
~~~~🕊🕊~~~~
2 Years Ago
The port in Paradis Island was finally built as the seagulls cawed above them. The Scouts were standing in front of the Marleyans, who were in their black suits while the Scouts wore their green jackets. Yelena looks between Eren and (Y/n) and forms a smile as she spoke.
[Yelena]: Eren, I haven't seen you since you lifted our ship a whole year ago..-She holds her right hand out- And the little one (Y/n) I saw later... I am honored to work with both..
Louis narrowed his eyes as he walked towards (Y/n), who stared at him in silence. Levi narrows his eyes up at her and makes his way to stand in front of Eren.
[Levi]: No, you won't be working together..-Levi states, putting an arm out and holding his left hand up as Eren just looked down at him- You are lucky to see their faces..-Yelena just continues her smile as she just lets her arm fall to her side-
[Yelena]: Plenty enough for me..-She then turns to her right, takes a few steps, and holds her arms out as her smile brightens- Today will be a joyous day. The port is complete and we're welcoming our first outside visitor. From Paradis Island's sole friendly nation, Hizuru--Special Envoy, Kiyomi Azumabito..
And not too far, there was a ship making its way to the island as the middle-aged woman, Kiyomi, stood still and watched as her hair flew within the gust.
~~~~🕊🕊~~~~
Within the walls and in a higher-up building, Many Marleyans were on guard with a few of Kiyomi's guards. Thre Military Polices were in the room while Levi, Louis, Hanji, and Historia stood behind (Y/n), Mikasa y Eren. The six stare at the back of Kiyomi as the woman grabs what looked like a cloak from a box and turns to the main three.
Kiyomi's arm then slides down to reveal the three-sword crest as she asks them.
[Kiyomi]: Do you recognize this family crest?..
Eren and Mikasa gasp at the same time. Mikasa holds her left wrist and brings it closer to her chest.
[Mikasa]: That's...-Eren quickly looks at Mikasa-
[Eren]: Show it, Mikasa..
[Mikasa]: But my mom said to keep it a secret..-Mikasa looks at him while a drop of sweat fell down his forehead while (Y/n), Historia, Levi, Louis and Hanji looked at the two of them in silence-
[Eren]: You showed it to me when we were little. It's a secret meant for today..-Mikasa looks away to the ground while Eren continues speaking- Go on..
Mikasa just looks away and looks at her wrist before removing the bandages from her wrist and holds it up, instantly making Kiyomi and her guards gasp and have their mouths drop. On her outer wrist was the crest as she then began explaining to them.
[Mikasa]: Before she died, this symbol was passed down to me from my mother. She said I should pass it on to my child...
Kiyomi just trots her way, her heels clicking against the ground as she places her hands on her shoulder and hunches over, exclaiming.
[Kiyomi]: What an admirable deed! Over a century ago, the shogun we Azumabitos descended from had a son. He was on friendly terms with King Fritz and often came to Paradis..-The group just stares and takes this information in with silence- After the Great Titan War, Hizuru was defeated and in disarray. In the confusion, a child of the shogunate was left behind on the island..-Tears well up in Kiyomi's eyes as her voice quivered. She looks up at Mikasa and finishes her explanation- You're the lost descendant of our nation's ruler! You're the hope of Hizuru!..
Mikasa just stays silent, her eyes staring down at Kiyomi.
~~~~🕊🕊~~~~
The Garrison, Military Police, and the Scout higher-ups were now outside of the room they were just in as they were taking a break from the meeting. The four Garrisons started murmuring together.
[??]: I still don't get what a nation is..
[?? 2]: Anyways, now we've got leverage with Hizuru!..
[?? 3]: What if it's a trap?..
[?? 4]: I suppose we should ask Yelena's opinion..
That one Garrison said as, Kioymi, and two Azumabitos were sitting beside her while Yelena and most of the Marleyans stood behind the three. The Garrisons stare at the door, wither crossing their arms or putting them on their hips until a blond Garrison turns to them and shrieks.
[...]: No! That's exactly what they want!..-The Garrisons just stare at each other until a voice intervenes-
[Pixis]: One thing is for certain:..-They look over to see it was Pixis, who had his head slightly lowered and his eyes shut- The sea had joined us to the world... but we're still just a child learning to walk...-He makes his way to them- We should sit quietly and hear what others have to say..
The double doors then open as everyone began making their way inside. Mikasa watched everyone enter the room, her eyes half-lidded until she spots Historia approaching her.
[Historia]: Hey...-She looks at the corner of her eyes and raises her brows, and parts her mouth as the blond questions her with a smile- Why'd you only show Eren that symbol?..-Mikasa fully turns her head down at Historia, who continues her bright smile- You've never taken off your wrist wrap for anyone..-Mikasa just looks to the side and places her hand on her right wrist-
[Mikasa]: Well, that's..-She trails off when she hears footsteps approaching the two-
[Eren]: You seem happy..
[Historia]: I am!..-She then looks back at Mikasa and gets close, making the girl perk up- You and I were both born with a heavy burden to bear!..-Historia then gave a light punch on Mikasa's chest as both girls formed a blush- There's nobody else I'd rather rely on!..-She just giggles, which makes Mikasa's blush worsen a bit-
(Y/n) looked at them with a frown, clenched her teeth before walking away from the place while Eren turned to herwhile at the entrance, Hanji watched the four until they started making their way inside. Once everyone was seated, with the higher-up Garrisons and Military Polices sitting in tables with four chairs while the others, which include Historia, Levi, Louis Hanji, Mikasa, (Y/n), Eren, and a few others sitting at the long table with Kiyomi and the other two sitting in front of them.
[Kiyomi]: It's a historic day for both our nations..Today is only possible thanks to the one who brought us together, Zeke Jaeger. After meeting with him in secret, we agreed to an arrangement under the condition we were able to meet Lady Mikasa..-Kiyomi then rethinks back to when she was in an abandoned, ruined, building with fire lighting a barrel-
She sat on a broken couch, three of her men behind her while Zeke sat in front of her and was holding something in his hands.
[Zeke]: First, please take a look at this..-Holding the object up, it was the Omni-Directional Mobility gear as Kiyomi tenses up and gasps at the sight-
[Kiyomi]: That's...!..
[Zeke]: Huh? This is top-secret in Marley, but you recognize it?..-She doesn't say anything else, making Zeke look down at the gear and continued- This "Omni-directional mobility gear is an anti-Titan weapon made in Paradis..I procured this on my own, so don't worry. Consider it a gift. However, to make this work..-Kiyomi looks over at one of her men to retrieve it. to which, he nods and makes his way to Zeke- it needs special fuel..They call it "Iceburst Stone..
Zeke looks over at the man, who holds his hands out, and hands it to him.
[Zeke]: It's a unique underground resource mined only in Paradis. There should be traces of it inside the weapon..
Now in the present, Kioymi was still explaining, forming a closed-eyed smile to the group as they listened.
[Kiyomi]: Zeke Jaeger said if we cooperate with him, our nation may just helm an industry that restores it to its former glory..And yet, he hasn't even prospected your reserves..-Her shoulders then relax as she still formed a closed-eyed smile- But a resource like that in this age of modernization would be worth its weight in jewels and treasure..
Kiyomi licks her lips as Mikasa just stared at her, a shadow covering her eyes as she thought.
[Mikasa]: I'm being used as a pretext?..
[Hanji]: Yelena said the talks would go well since the Azumabitos are money-grubbers..
[Pixis]: After all, it's not worth the risk coming her unless money is involved..
[Historia]: And? What exactly is the arrangement you have with Zeke Jaeger?..-Kiyomi then opens her eyes-
[Kiyomi]: As you know, Zeke Jaeger had a secret plan in mind. To achieve it, Hizuru's cooperation is needed..-She then hands out the documents to the people around the table while the others sitting behind them already had their papers and were reading them- Here are his three points to protect Paradis with the rumbling..
The group picks up the papers, reading through them as Kiyomi continued.
[Kiyomi]: The first is a test run of the rumbling--to release a sample of its power and show the world its devastation. Next is Hizuru's cooperation. Your military must be strengthened until the use of the rumbling isn't necessary. Finally, the Founding Titan, a Titan with royal blood and a person with Clan blood (L/N) must be passed down. That's the third point..
As soon as she said that though everyone sitting at the table had their faces contorted and their eyes widened when looking at the documents. (Y/n) had a neutral look, she narrowed her eyes at Kiyomi.
Mikasa's mouth was left dropped, her brows furrowed while Eren glared at the document and clenched his teeth together along, flabbergasted all while Kiyomi continued her explanation. (Y/n) was silent, her eyes gloomy.
[Kiyomi]: Zeke will pass on the Beast Titan to someone of royal blood..-Mikasa's face just ached with worry as she looks over to her right while Pixis glared down at the paper in hand- Until their 13-year term ends, they must bear as many kids as possible..
Historia stared wide-eyed at the paper, mouth parted while Hanji had pursed her lips and furrowed her eyebrows as they twitched.
[Hanji]: Even if weaponry advances, the rumbling itself is powerful..- She thinks as she narrows her eye- Unless we get rid of it, inheriting Titans will continue for generations to come..Is it right for us to push this problem on our descendants to save ourselves now?..-She looks over at Historia to see the blonde had her eyes shut- Of course not. But...
[Historia]: Very well.. I will inherit the Beast Titan. As long as the rumbling is tied to our survival...
Kiyomi seems almost a bit shock at her answer as she slightly widened her eyes before looking away from her and frowned. The whole room was just quiet after that. All the higher-ups were frowning and conflicted at this plan.
[Mikasa]: Historia...
Eren then suddenly stands from his seat, the chair scooting away as his hands were on the table. Anger was shown on the brunet's face as his hair covered some portion of his face.
[Eren]: After years of getting trampled on, now we've gotta breed like livestock?..-He growled as his body slowly began to shake- If that's the price of getting to live..-He sends a look over at Kiyomi- Zeke Jaeger can take his damn plan and shove it!..
Historia seems taken aback at his words as her mouth parted.
[Eren]: It's too dangerous to gamble on having the rumbling..-Eren continues, his voice quieting a bit- We need to spend our time exploring what other options are available to us..
Historia just continues to stare at him, pursing her lips together as she formed a frown and began to tear up.
Hanji looks to Eren's side, seeing (Y/n), who was silent. She felt a chill run through her body as (Y/n) stared at her.
~~~~🕊🕊~~~~
A droplet falls from the faucet as Eren remained standing in front of the mirroring, still staring at himself while Hanji was talking to him.
[Hanji]: You should know I felt the same sense of urgency. But I still don't get why you went on your own and put the island in danger. Don't you care about Historia?..
[Eren]: I ate the War Hammer Titan..-Eren suddenly blurted out, leaving Hanji a bit confused- It has the power to harden through the ground and make whatever it wants..-He turns his head to her, his brows furrowed- In other words, there's no prison deep or strong enough to hold me. I can leave whenever I want..I have the Founding Titan and you can't kill me..You can't kill Zeke either, even if you threaten to..And you can't kill (Y/n) either..-Once he approached the bars, he stares down at her with a narrowed look- So, Hanji... What is it you can actually do?..
He suddenly reaches out of the bars and grabs Hanji by the collar of her shirt, pressing her body roughly against the bars as the commander felt a wave of fear rush in her while still staring up at Eren. Eren just glares down at her, his voice escalating at each word he spat out
[Eren]: Tell me, Hanji! If you've got something up your sleeve, let's hear it!..-Once he finished his sentence, the red titan markings suddenly appeared under his eyes as small electricity ensued-
Hanji lets out a loud gasp as she managed to push herself away from Eren's grasp and back away. She holds the collar of her jacket and has her right arm out, narrowing her eyes at him as she shrieked.
[Hanji]: Eren, you perv!..-She turns to her left and begins walking away, still exclaiming- Still in a rebellious phase?! You moron! Idiot!..
Eren just remains standing in his spot, his hand still up as he watched her eventually leave the cells.
[Eren]: (Y/n). I hope you are well..-He murmured to himself, thinking of her and his son- (Y/n)..
Hanji then leans her body against the wood door, her head lowering as her body began to slide down then sat on the ground. She then holds the side of her head as she muttered to herself.
[Hanji]: Erwin, you only made one mistake in your life...-She closes her eyes and frowns- Why did you make me commander?..
Meanwhile, the sun started to set in the background as in the middle of nowhere, a small house, and a farm was able to capture this beauty. Sitting on a rocking chair on the porch was Historia, as her once tied-bun was now let loose as her long blonde locks were down. Her eyes were half-lidded and her eyes seem almost emotionless as she stared at the sun.
She then heard the front door open and slowly looked over to see a farmer approaching her.
[??]: Come on inside, Historia. You've gotta take care of your body..-He says while Historia just stared at him and placed her hands on her pregnant stomach. She then looks at the baby in the man's arms, remembering two people-
›–––––––‹
At a restaurant, five Military higher-ups and Nile were gathered around a table as one of them poured themselves some red wine. Nile intertwined his fingers together and had his arms propped on the table as he listened to one of the men speak.
[??]: We should've stuck with our plan and fed Zeke to Historia as soon as he got to the island. Who would've thought?!..-That man then lets out a scoff as the other just watch- She played around and got pregnant! In the end, she's a low-bred girl who's Queen in name only..
[Nile]: Hey! Quit it..-The man's smirk falls and he raises a brow at the commander, who states-The Queen is free to choose a partner. We've already confirmed the guy isn't anyone's lackey. They grew up in the same area. Back then, he apparently threw rocks at her trying to get her attention. He started helping at her orphanage out of guilt. He worked with his head down for years, but the one who approached the other... was the Queen..
[??]: Who cares about their love story?..-The same man scoffed once more- The problem is, why did the Queen decide to get pregnant all of a sudden?! Someone told her! "If you're pregnant, they won't make you a Titan!..-He quotes, placing his red wine down and grabbed the wine bottle to pour more in, but to only realized a few drops fell from the bottle- I bet it was Yelena. That woman is nuts, but she's smart enough to be dangerous..If the Queen is pregnant, Zeke live another day!..-He exclaims as one of the men shushed him-
[?? 2]: Hey! You're drunk, Roeg..
[Roeg]: We should do it anyways. Make her a Titan, pregnant or not..
[Nile]: Her child might die. And if something happens to the Queen, it's over..-He lowers his head and shuts his eyes- Giving birth is risky enough as it is..
[Roeg]: That sound argument might just ruin our country!..-Roeg just rolled his eyes. He then looks at the empty bottle and over at a Marleyan worker cleaning the tables as he shuts to him- Hey! Bring another bottle, Marleyan!..
[...]:.....-The Marleyan just turns his head to him and replies as he picks up plates- Certainly...
After the Marleyan had finished cleaning that table up, he made his way to the wine cellar as the room was dark and only had a small lamp lighting it. He walked down the stairs, eyes staring down at the ground until he heard a voice.
[Nicolo]: Greiz..
Greiz raises the eyebrows and looks over to see it was Nicolo looking up at him and holding a wine bottle in his hands.
[Greiz]: Nicolo...
The blond then holds the bottle up to Greiz, eyes staring dead into his as he mutters.
[Nicolo]: This one, right?..
›–––––––‹
~~~~🕊🕊~~~~
A year ago...
Connie and Jean were wearing hats as Connie wore a short-sleeve white shirt with rolled-up pants with a towel around his shoulder while Jean had his sleeves rolled up to his elbows and wore long pants. The two were hammering down wooden planks as those two and the main group was building a railroad.
[Connie]: Hey!..-Connie grunt, using a heavy hammer against the blank- Is this.. something... they really needed us... to do?!..
[Jean]: Nope! We wouldn't be doing this..-The two then try to regain their breath, their face dirtied and sweat rolling down their faces as they look over at Eren, who wiped his sweat on his right sleeve and went back to hammering- but that idiot opened their mouth..-Jean muttered-
In the background, Armin, was working until Armin spotted Sasha holding the water bucket for the group to drink. (Y/n) turned to see Sasha sink her face into the water as Armin chased after him and yelled at him. Jean and Connie still staring at Eren, watching him hammer down with grunts as Jean hissed to himself.
[Jean]: " We can develop the island and our muscles at the same time," my ass..- He grumbled, letting out a loud sigh as Connie wiped his face with the towel-
Connie looks and watches Armin yell at Sasha while continuing to chase her while the girl just continued to chug down the water.
[Connie]: We can't do much but wait for Hizuru's answers anyways...
Meanwhile, Mikasa, who had her hair tied in a ponytail, was casually holding four steel railways on her right shoulder with ease as she walked past Jean and Connie.
[Jean]: Yeah. And hope they can be our mediator to the world. We're grasping at straws here trying to avoid the rumbling and save Historia..
[Armin]: (Y/n)!..
She looks over her shoulder at him, confused. (Y/n) saw Sasha approach her with her face in the bucket. Sasha got closer and closer, and finally the two collided.
The two fell to the rocky ground, (Y/n) felt the water fall on top of her, wetting her clothes and hair, unfortunately the bucket fell on her head. Eren stopped hammering when he saw her fall to the ground abruptly while Sasha rested her body by a cart and by the shade, shut her eyes, and smiled blissfully up at the sky while Armin fell to his knees and let out heavy breaths.
(Y/n) took the bucket off her head and tossed it aside. Eren quickly approached her with a small smile, he extended his hand towards her so he could help her up from the ground.
Back with Jean and Connie though, Connie eventually rips his eyes away from those three and turns back to Jean, still wiping the sweat away, and grunted.
[Connie]: Yeah..
The two then were about to go back to work, but a shrilled voice makes them stop.
[Hanji]: Hey!..
The group looks over to see in the distance that it was Hanji, Levi, and Louis on their horses making their way to them and once they were close, the three adults jump off their horses and look at the gathered teens.
[Hanji]: Man, you're all working hard in this heat!..-Hanji grinned, sweat trickling down her face as Jean and Eren look at her. Jean just clicks his tongue in annoyance-
[Jean]: Yeah, well..-He turns his head to his left and looks down at Eren, who just stays quiet- we're stuck watching this idiot..
Connie just watches the three while beside him were Levi and Louis. Levi had his arms crossed while Louis had his sleeves rolled up and had his hands in his pockets as the captain narrows his gaze up at Connie and grumbled.
[Levi]: Unbelievable. You're all growing so damn big..-He looked at Connie, arms crossed. Louis then glances down and forms a smirk-
[Louis]: That's what you get for sleeping in that horrible chair...-He spoke, putting his arm around Levi. The Ackerman looked at him with a frown, Louis smiled at him while Levi looked away with a slight tone on his cheeks-
[Levi]: You're really asking me to smack your ass, Louis..-Louis looked at him with a blush, Levi looked away- Tsk!..-He looked to his right, seeing how (Y/n) stood next to him while comparing her height with his-
[Eren]: Is it about Hizuru?..
[Hanji]:...-She quickly turns to him and forms a firm look- The Azumabitos sent their reply..-Eren instantly perks up and furrows his brows-
[Eren]: And?..
[Hanji]: No good. Looks like we can't turn to Hizuru..-She replies, making Eren's eyes shrink a bit before pursing his lips and narrowed his eyes as he lowered his head- It seems they want to monopolize Paradis Island's resources. They won't help us trade with others..-The group just furrow their brows while Armin's mouth was just dropped- The world wants Paradis Island to be the root of all evil. It helps to unite all nations and brings stability to the world..
[Eren]: So, we've got no choice but to rely on the rumbling and sacrifice Historia?..-He clutches his left hand into a fist as Levi looks over at him and confirms-
[Levi]: That's right..
[Y/N]: So that's the only solution..
[Armin]: You're kidding! They decided we're devils without knowing our intentions?..-He then looks to the side and shuts his mouth- Why won't they consider a path of peace?..
[Mikasa]: I think... because they don't know.. They fear us because they don't know what we are...-Hanji forms a smile over at Mikasa and nods-
[Hanji]: That's right. They won't trust people whose faces they haven't seen. So let's meet 'em! If you don't understand something, go figure it out!..-Levi and Louis seem surprised by her words as the group just stared at her- Isn't that what we Scouts do?..
›–––––––‹
It was now the evening, the group was sitting in a cart except for Armin, who was standing by the steam engine as the machine was making their way back. Connie and Jean were sitting on the side, their elbows resting on the ledge while Mikasa and Sasha sat together. Armin looked over his shoulder as the group looks over at Jean when he speaks.
[Jean]: Make a base in Marley and infiltrate, huh?..-Sasha just smiles and lifts her right hand as everyone looks at her-
[Sasha]: Hanji sure has a plan for everything..I'll be able to chow down on real Marleyan cuisine!..-She continues her smile, nearly drooling at the thought until Connie lets out a small chuckle, making her lower her hands as Connie looked up at the orange-pink sky-
[Connie]: Yeah? What should I bring? It would stink to get the runs..
[Sasha]: Stomach medicine, toothbrush, a taste of home...-Sasha started to list out-
[Mikasa]: Did you even hear Hanji's plan?..-Mikasa questioned with a raised brow while Armin turned his head away and went back to operating the steam engine-
[Armin]: If the world knows that we want peace, maybe something will change..
Everyone just remains quiet after that. They slightly frowned and looked around their surroundings. Eren looks down at his lap and speaks up, gaining everyone's attention.
[Eren]: If only we had more time. (Y/n) and I just got over five years left..We're gonna have to decide who inherits my Titan soon..
Everyone stared at him. Eren's face was firm, glancing at each of them as Mikasa was quick to jump in.
[Mikasa]: I will...-Jean quickly turns his head over to her and protest-
[Jean]: Not you..-He holds his right hand up and waves his hand to the side- We still don't know what the Ackermanns are. And won't it hurt any plans with Hizuru if you become a Titan?..-Mikasa just eyed him- No, for many reasons..
[Mikasa]: Then who will?..
[Jean]: Me. First of all, I'm way smarter than Eren..-The group just raises their brows at Jean's statement- Instead of a suicidal maniac, you'll have a gifted leader who shows good judgment in all situations. In other words, me..-He then turns to Eren and grumbles- I hate getting an Eren hand-me-down, but who better than me?..
[Connie]: Someone that amazing we don't wanna lose in 13 years, moron..-Jean just jerks his head over to him and furrows his brows-
[Jean]: Huh?!..
[Connie]: You should aim to be a regiment leader..I'll inherit Eren's Titan. It works out good, right?..-He looks towards Eren with a smile-
[Eren]: Connie...-Eren trailed off while Sasha sent a look at Connie and uttered-
[Sasha]: That's not good at all. You're an idiot..-Connie just turns his head to her-
[Connie]: Huh?..
[Sasha]: Don't "eh" me. We can't leave such an important role up to an idiot..
[Connie]: Huh?..
[Sasha]:...-Sasha just sighs and close her eyes, rubbing the side of her head as everyone looked at her- Doggone it...-She places her hands back on her hips- I'll inhereit it..I've got combat experience... I'm someone you can trust... By process of elimination, it's gotta be me..
[Y/n]: You guys...
Sasha then starts mumbling to herself, holding her hands up.
[Sasha]: I dun wanna. I sure dun wanna though..-She continues mumbling to herself until Connie looks at her with furrowed brows and shrunken eyes-
[Connie]: Wait, huh? Isn't that weird?..
[Sasha]: What?..-She looks at him confusedly-
[Connie]: Well, you know... You said an idiot's not fit for the role..You're more of an idiot than I am, so you're contradicting yourself..
[Sasha]: Huh?..
[Connie]: Huh...?..
Everyone just looks between the two until Eren was the first to rip his gaze and stare down.
[Eren]: I don't want any of you to inherit it..-The group turns their attention to him, a bit surprised at his words-
[Jean]: Why not?..-Jean asked as Eren kept his gaze on the ground and mumbled-
[Eren]: Because you're important to me. More than anyone else. So, I want you to have long lives..
They all just stare at him with raised brows in complete silence. The steam engine continues to move forward as the group eventually looked away from Eren and began to form blushes at his words. Jean rubs the side of his face and lowered his head, trying to hide the pink on his cheeks until he looks over at Eren and shrieks.
[Jean]: Huh?!..-The group shoots their heads over to Jean then to Eren, eyes widening when they see Eren was also blushing. The brunet kept his eyes on the ground still, pursing his lips together as his face started to grow hot while Jean continued to shriek- What are you turning red for?! The hell kinda mood is this?!..-Eren's shoulders stiffen-
[Eren]: Sorry..-He muttered out while Armin just smiled at him and look away and over at the setting sun-
[Armin]: Jean, it's the sunset. It's making our faces red..-The blond says, making Jean glance at him then at the ground as he lowered his hat to cover his eyes as he grumbled out-
[Jean]: Oh. Nothing we can do about the sun..
[Sasha]: (Y/n)..-She calls her, causing (Y/n) to turn to her- And what about your Titan? are you not going to inherit it to someone?..
[Y/n]: Well, my Titan will not be heir to anyone.. The Titan that I own is not one of the 9, nor is it special.. The important thing about me is my blood and nothing else. When Grisha gave me the Titan serum, It did not take effect until I was eaten by a Titan. I only have a normal Titan, but I'm still a shapeshifter..-She clenches her hands into fists, staring at the ground with a frown as everyone stares at her in silence-
[Sasha]: So if you have a child, the boy or girl will have the same blood, right?..
[Y/n]: Yes...-Eren looks at her in silence-
›–––––––‹
And as the sun was slowly disappearing behind the wall, Mikasa was staring out a window and gazing at the orange-pink sky, reminiscing on that day as she pursed her lips and furrowed her brows. She was out of her uniform and wearing her casual clothes as she continued to stare out the window before ripping her gaze away and started heading up some stairs.
›–––––––‹
In a room, Armin, Mikasa, Jean were sitting on a couch while Connie made his way over to a window and stared out. Jean had his thumb under his chin, his brows furrowing as he thought out loud.
[Jean]: To think Commander Pixis would go so far as to detain the volunteers..
[Armin]: Since they and the Scouts are so close, we weren't told in advance..-Armin, who sat across from him, looks down at his lap and frowns. Jean lets out a sigh and leans his back on the couch cushion-
[Jean]: Yeah. I'm sure he didn't have much choice..-He looks back down at Armin- Until Zeke's intentions are made clear, it puts us in a real pickle. And suddenly Eren and (Y/n) are aboard Zeke's plan. Whatever the three of them talked about is something only they know...
[Connie]: Hey. Did that look like (Y/n) and Eren to you guys?..-The three direct their gaze towards him- Not me. They were neither (Y/n) nor Eren..If they made up his mind to side with his half-brother over us...
[Mikasa]: And if they have, then what?..-Mikasa asks him as this makes Connie's expression becomes firm-
[Connie]: We're gotta be prepared to kill them if necessary..
[Mikasa]: I won't let you!..
[Connie]: Huh?..-His eyes then shrink as they begin to twitch- Are you siding with them, too, Mikasa?..-Mikasa seems a bit surprised by his words as she quickly looks away and looks at her lap-
[Mikasa]: I don't think they come to that..Eren and (Y/n) care about us more than anyone. You guys should know that..-The group just stays silent from her words and looks to the side- Maybe that's why they are so hostile to anyone other than us. They care too much about us..
[Jean]: That's not it..-Jean blurts, his head lowering as he stared at the ground before looking up- No matter how strong you two were, the old him tried to keep either one of you off the front lines. But the two of them made Armin destroy the port and pulled you into the fight. All of us, too. The ones he called important..
[Mikasa]: I think that's because he trusts us. If we hadn't gone, he couldn't have done it..
[Connie]: And Sasha wouldn't have died..-Connie retorts, his hands slightly forming into a fist before turning his head down at her. The three looks over to see Connie's eyes had dilated and his brows furrowed as he spoke in a low tone- Mikasa... When Sasha died, what did Eren and (Y/n) do?..Did they cry? Did they regret their actions?...
[Jean]: Connie, stop..
[Connie]: He laughed.. and (Y/n) didn't show any expression on her face..-Anger laced Connie's voice as Mikasa and Armin's eyes widened and they frowned at the information- What part of it was so funny to him?..-His brows started to twitch as fury was spat at each word he said- What part of Sasha dying? Explain it to me, Mikasa. Why was Eren laughing?.. Why did (Y/n) show no expression at Sasha's death?..-Mikasa slowly turns her head away from him and looks over to see Jean looking at her before looking to the side- You know everything about them, right?..
[Armin]: We'll talk to Eren. Just me, Mikasa, and him..We'll find out his goal..Now we can't talk to (Y/n), because he left with Levi and Zeke..
[Jean]: But will it help? What if his goals are the same as Zeke's?..-Armin doesn't make any contact with Jean's as he narrowed and looked at the left corner of his eyes-
[Armin]: Now that the military has Titan serum, we've got options...
[Mikasa]: You don't mean--!..
[Armin]: The option of making someone we trust into a Titan, who would then inherit Eren's Founding Titan..
And as Armin spoke, Eren was sitting on his cell bed, his shirt was now back on as his right arm was propped on his knee and his eyes narrowed as he stared at a wall.
Meanwhile, in the Forest of Giant Trees, the bright moon shined down on the Scouts that were assigned to watch over Zeke as they poured themselves cups of red wine and drunk them as some of them chatted to one another and laughed.
[Levi]: (Y/N), you ran away from me..
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Preview...
Gabi and Falco escape from prison. Alone and lost, they receive a helping hand from a devil they're meant to hate.
Next episode: "Deceiver"