*
SHIGANSHINA DISTRICT - (Ronin's POV)
The warm sun setted behind the mountains, as the sky grew overcast.
Though things have calmed down since the two shifters fought it out, the teen finally came to his senses. I understood his frustration, but right now we don't have anything to cover up our mistakes, but to move on.
Sitting around a small fire, the embers crackle quietly with silence.
Reiner brought the mug to his lips and drank his warm drink, while his eyes stared disappointingly into the flickering flames. Bertholdt keeps glancing up to make sure his comrade was alright, but knowing the kid, he had nothing much to say as Reiner expressed most of it already.
"Like I said, Annie should be fine," Zeke assures him, though there was no telling if it was true or not. "Trust me, she's not being tortured.....so calm down and consider how unlikely that sounds. If they so much as scratch her, she'll turn into a monster that can take on an army all by itself......."
He scratches his ear, while his eyes tiredly meet Reiner's
"......don't forget, this is Annie we're talking about here," He adds. "I bet she's hiding somewhere, practicing her kicks and whatnot. She's fine."
Furrowing my eyebrows, I chug down my hot beverage before exhaling deeply.
"Seriously, think ahead before jumping in recklessly," I scoff, swirling my drink to stir the contents up. "Even if I knew she was okay or not, I would still tell you kids to wait patiently."
Reiner's jaw clenches lifting his head, "Still, there's doubt that her identity was revealed," he assumes.
"Annie's smart, but...." Bertholdt trails off, with a worried expression.
"It doesn't sound like you're fully committed," Zeke admits, coldly. "The hells your problem? I thought that all four of us came to an agreement, did I got to all that trouble for nothing? We can fight again, if you want too...that said, the next time you lose to me....."
His eyes darken, his tone shifts more callously.
"....I'll make sure you give up your armoured to another warrior," He threatens, causing the young teen to choke on his drink. His eyes widen, taken back by the sudden threat that he seems to fear.
"What? No....." Reiner lowers his head, sheepishly. "....I'll do as you tell me to."
"Then pull yourselves together," Zeke demands, sternly. "We have one objective, recover the coordinate....do that, and we can bring this cursed history to an end...and you.....Ronin......you might have one more chance in fulfilling your mission."
A sigh draws from Zeke, while holding hot beverage tightly.
"It's gone on too long," Zeke sighs, as I nod with agreement. "We can be the ones to end this, so let's do it...."
Bertholdt lifts his head, "Understood sir!" he complies, finally taking the initiative that we must cross off what's personally important. "Till this is done, I'll keep Annie out of my head.....this is a living hell, but we shouldn't put anyone else through it........you're right.....this needs to end."
Confidence slowly brews between the teens, as Reiner faces his comrade.
"Then it's settled then,"
Silence soon drifts between the four of us, as I lift my mug to my lips lazily. Eyes lidded, I gaze into the flickering flames. Though I kept dwelling the past, I can't could back down after everything I've put my effort towards. Her blood will be spilt, by my own hands, and my own hands alone.
"That reminds me......oi, old man,"
I grimace by the name while turning Reiner, giving him a glowering expression
"What?" I bitterly reply, while sipping my drink to the last drop. Licking my lips, I sigh heavily while waiting for him to reply.
"I've got some vulnerable points on Corporal Akira, I think might help," He informs me, as I lift my head up slightly intrigued. "But you're always being an ass to me, so I should--"
Seething through my teeth, I slam my mug down forcefully, "Just spill it!!!"
He flinches, "'Kay.......well, she seems to be rather close to her assistant who seems to follow along anywhere," He began, as I listen closely. "She deeply has a weak spot for us, in the 104th regiment.....she's the one who trained us from the beginning."
"Trained you? Well, you definitely became such a weak dumbass," I retort sharply, earning a scowl from the boy.
"She's humanity's strongest soldiers, which I will warn you both about Captain Levi," Reiner turns to Zeke, who seems unfazed by the warning. "Those two are the walls strongest, which will be the two main major threats you'll face if we go along with our plan."
Zeke shifts his glasses, closing his eyes with a sigh.
"Captain Levi," he repeats, cleaning the lenses calmly. "I'll remember that, and that girl........I know you'll take care of her. One less thing to worry."
"What's more, Captain Levi and Corporal Akira appear to have a much closer relationship," Reiner adds, which makes me furrow my eyebrows with anger. Recalling the chase within Trost, I definitely could identify the man. Rather short, but rather strong for a man like him. It was as if he wasn't human, but even I was surprised by my niece's abilities.
She surpassed more of our previous warriors, than they ever could achieve.
That's why she is more of a threat to me, as she was bound to figure out about her clan's history anytime.
*
(27 years ago - YEAR 823 - MARLEY)
"How can you do this to me?!"
Slamming the fusuma doors forcefully, Ronin storms towards his father.
"How come you're going through with this, I don't understand! Choose me to--"
The chief slams his hands sharply upon the desk, the papers flicker beneath the force while he eyes his son with a calm demeanor. "For the last time, no!" voice dripping with assertiveness, although the tension slowly builds within the room.
Ronin had nothing much to say, but only another argument to cover up his questioning.
"....Akira will be the candidate for Marley's new project, in a few years time..." The chief explained, further. Eyebrows furrowed with frustration, his jaw clenched trying to maintain his composure as a father and chief. "....not even you will be able to inherit those abilities, as you have no trace of Eldian blood in you!"
Ronin's eyes were filled with repulsiveness, glaring down upon his father who stared directly into his eyes with such disappointment.
"Our Military has reduced to merely a hundred," the chief lifted a brush, carefully holding is sleeve while dipping the brush into the ink. "Expenses are growing higher, and time is becoming shorter by the days. Though we might have to wait til Akira is at least sixteen years of age, she will eventually become one of the inheritors of the nine titans."
"Tch......sixteen years, my ass," Ronin cursed under his breath, the bitterness drips from his raspy voice.
The chief arched an eyebrow, "I beg your pardon, language....isn't tolerated in this home,"
"I don't care, you treat me as if I'm just your lap dog," Ronin scoffed drly, his breathing becoming heavier with rage, profusely building in his chest. "So, what does it matter that a dog can curse, if that all you see me as....hmm?"
The chief was becoming more agitated with his son, the more he kept babbling on about pitying himself. He saw a darkness in his son, the moment he was born. He knew he can't help it, and he tried many things. However the outcome was the same, only becoming a cycle of hatred and anguish.
"For nineteen years, I've watched you grow," The chief spoke up, writing down a letter while also maintaining his attention to his son. "Not once have you proven your trust, only the hasty crucial behaviour you've inflicted on our family.....as the Vice General of our Military, just accept it and prove your strength through our forces."
Ronin eyes narrowed with animosity, as his hand drifts to his side.
His fingertips trails along the hilt of his katana, lingering upon the weapon while his anger begins to cloud his eyes. Gripping the handle he went to step forward, readying to sheath his sword when a knock interrupts the heavy tension.
"Chief Yamasaki, it's General Mihara!"
"You may enter!!"
The doors slide open as the young general approaches the Chief, before bowing respectfully before his presence. "Commander Reinhardt, wishes to speak with you now,"
"Right, thank you,"
This message soon sets the Chief to his feet, delicately placing his brush down carefully before making his way out the door. Though there was much to be said, he pauses just behind his son who kept his eyes towards the desk.
"Just become a strong General, that's all I ask," He lowered his voice, not wanting to argue any further with positions, ranks or titles. His son was an imbecile, and still too young to understand the responsibility in becoming the chief of a powerful clan.
With that he leaves the room, as Ronin's eyes were dark and stormy with anger boiling inside.
'Tch, I deserve better,' he thought to himself. 'What good can a small child do, if there is sixteen years to wait?'
*
COMMANDING OFFICE
"Thanks for coming, on short notice,"
The Chief bows in respect before the Commander gestures to the seat, that sat on the opposite side of his tall messy desk. Papers littered upon the surface, with many stamps labelled 'Approved' or Denied' was stamped down. Compared to the Marleyan's, the chief wore hakama pants and a black kimono that the samurai wore.
Taking the offer he sits down, while tucking his hands into the sleeves of his Kimono casually.
"Reason I've asked for your presence, is to discuss the next inheritor for one of the titans," Reinhardt answered the chief's confusion, before nodding that he was on board. "Claiming one of the nine titans will be a privilege in Marley, specifically for outsiders like yourselves."
The chief wanted to grimace in response, but keeps himself steady.
"My congratulations on your first grandchild," He also added, in recognition to the new birth of a new generation. "It must make you feel old by now, doesn't it?"
The chief nods, "Yeah, it does feel that way," he lightly agreed, though he wanted to know what he was implying by his reason, as to why he's here now. "So, straight to the point...?"
Reinhardt nods, "Yes, straight to the point....." he flicked through a few filed papers, that was neatly piled beside him. ".......we've got a perfect titan, to keep our alliance steady. Currently the holder is quite a nasty one, but she's a talented fighter and has a mouth."
"Which is it?"
"The female titan," He replied, blatantly. Surprised by the choice, he leans back comfortably against the chair. "It's said that this titan is an all-purpose unit, having mobility and endurance to it's abilities, that it has the upperhand. A weapon of destruction, and with your grandchild, half Eldian and half middle Eastern......well, she's a perfect candidate for the female's inheritor."
The chief was uneasy by the deal, though it was his only option in saving his clan once his granddaughter turns sixteen. No, he's changed his mind. He will wait, till she's at least thirteen of age.
He was only in his late thirties, and had more time than he expected.
"So, what's the process to receive the power?" The chief questioned, earning a cold expression upon the Commander's face.
"One must inject titan serum, and transform into a pure titan," Reinhardt began, while a heavy sigh draws from his lips. "Then they have to devour the inheritor, not whole.......the rest is history to us. It's gone on for many generations, because it seems there's a certain amount of years they will live for..."
The chief's stomach churns at the thought, reconsidering the deal. Whether to back down, not wanting that fate for his own grandchild.
"How many?"
Reinhardt studies the chief's subtle movements, while tapping a pen against the knuckle of his thumb before scoffing lightly.
"Around thirteen years....give or take.....thinking of reconsidering?" He assumed, causing the chief to clear his throat and shook his head. Masking the unsettling fear that slowly surfaced, he closes his eyes for a moment to register what has been stated.
So, it seems his daughter must bear more children to continue the line of the female titan, despite the fate of their limited lives. It was horrifying to think of, but in that moment the chief was more desperate in risking his family for his entire clan.
"One must never back down, from a greater opportunity that's set before him," The chief quoted, his eyes darken meeting the commander's own A shiver ran down Reinhardt's spine, as the dangerous glare grew colder by the second. "However, you must know if you break the deal....war will rage upon you."
The Commander rolled his eyes, while adjusting his tie nervously.
"Are you threatening me, Chief Yamasaki?" He implied skeptically, amused by how bold he sounded to the very Commander who can wipe his entire family in a few hours.
"Simply leaving a warning," the chief stood up, before bowing politely to him with an amused grin on his face. "I will see you, in training."
Reinhardt was taken back from the amount of confidence, that would consider a future warning in time.
"Tch, Magath! Send him out!" He called out, as a young soldier about in his early twenties, opened the door and waited for the chief to exit the room.
"Yes, sir!"
*
SIX MONTHS LATER - YEAR 824
Katsumi gazes down to her child filled with admiration and love.
Her daughter has grown up so fast. Akira coos cutely up to her mother, as she rocks her side to side to put her to sleep. She was definitely exhausted as a mother, but also had to help manage the maids in the home. They weren't slaves, only family to the Yamasaki's.
"My lady, we will set two guards while she sleeps," One of the maids informs her, by the name Kana. A distant relative of the Yamasaki's, she chose to serve her cousin with her life. "Last time....well......I'm just..."
"I understand," Katsumi nodded, while holding her child protectively.
About a month ago, her brother was caught in the act in trying to murder her own daughter. It wasn't a pleasant argument between father and son, and it only went in circles. Since then, two highly trained soldiers stood guard, watching over Akira when she has her naps. Katsumi had many things to attend too, so when her daughters has her naps, she takes the opportunity to run a few errands.
Once she placed her daughter in bed, she kisses her goodnight.
Walking out of the room with two trusted guards standing outside, Kana follows alongside her and made sure she was at least two steps behind. Katsumi received about some news, about what titans really were and how her daughter will become the next inheritor.
"My lady, this way," Kana gestured to the right, guiding her to the Chief's quarters. "I know he's discussed about it with the Commander, but he wanted to discuss with you."
"Why this long? He could've just told me earlier?" Katsumi asked, with confusion. "Is there something he's hiding?"
Kana furrowed her eyebrows in thought, "I don't know, but he wishes for you to meet him soon as Akira was put to sleep,"
A heavy sigh drifted from her lips before approaching the doors, seeing one of the soldiers standing watch outside. Giving each a nod, "My lord, she's here!"
Within moments the doors open revealing her father, as he closed the fusuma doors behind himself, facing his daughter with a warm subtle smile.
"Let's take a walk?" he suggested, grimacing he rolled his shoulders. "Best to get a walk in, and fresh air....don't you agree?"
She bows hesitantly, "Yes, father,"
*
He explained everything about the process, in order to become an inheritor of the female titan, but also the sacrifice it has with it.
Explaining to his daughter, he was rather hesitant and careful with how he would word it. Heavy it was, but the more the Chief kept clarifying the terms with the Marleyan Government.
Dread and fear started to consume the young woman, feeling her throat go dry and her fingertips numb.
Difficult to swallow all of that heavy information, the horror and sacrifice that had to be made in order to keep the peace, was beyond what she could comprehend. Though her child was born seven months ago, she couldn't allow such a thing upon a child. Even though her family suffered, she couldn't even fathom what would happen if she went against the customs, and the hasty arrangements that's already set in concrete.
"I know the cost of everything," The chief continued on, hands rested behind his back. The two walk along the sand beach, as the waves crash against the surface. "It's hard for me too, but from now we must begin a tradition........a heavy tradition we must shoulder, in order for our family to survive."
"But father, we have enough military--"
"We used have thousands of men in our armed forces," he sternly cuts her off, causing her to be startled by the sharpness in his tone. He glances to the side to see distress on his daughter's face, but he couldn't look back to his agreement. He could only continue forth. "For thirty-three years, we had to fight Marley's wars and gained only little. For thirty-three years, thousands now have become a mere hundred......do you think it's this easy to just say no?"
She lowered her eyes, "No, I'm sorry...."
He glanced over again but with admiration for his daughter, as she was the only child that has never went against their customs. She was an obedient woman, who had a warm heart. He knew she was his greatest possession, and he couldn't afford losing her. Over the years since she was only six years of age, they taught her martial arts and ways to defend herself.
He knew she wouldn't need such skill for the future, but in order to survive one must learn to defend themselves. Even if you don't expect it.
She learnt many things over the years, only being born in captivity for only eighteen years of her life. However the Chief was only young when they were captured by the Marleyans, and had to watch his own mother's brutal death before Marley's Commander from back then.
Since, he learnt quickly from his own father and to shield his heart.
He only believed love is a weakness, but he failed in his belief. Since he was wedded, and since the birth of his daughter.
"So.......what do you want from me?" She asked, wondering what her father was implying when he mentioned 'Begin a Tradition'.
His breath shook, "I want........you to bear more children, in order to keep hold of the female titan," feeling his throat grow dry in response, finding it hard to find it plausible. His hands tuck into the large sleeves, not wanting to show his daughter his shaky hands. "Thirteen years is the life expectancy of an inheritor, so please........as my--"
"Why not brother, Ronin?" She questioned, anger slowly surfacing to her gentle face. Eyes hooded, she glanced over to see the surprise on his face. "He is to find a wife, yes? Find an eldian woman for him, as you've done before an--"
"Has that ever worked?" He arched an eyebrow, pausing in his steps. The sand sinks beneath their feet, while eyeing his daughter.
"Well no--"
"Exactly, besides........he said himself that he isn't capable to love a woman," He explained. "Whether she's attractive or not, whether the relationship is sexual or not..........he only wants one thing. That one thing, he cannot have after everything he's done."
"So, you're just gonna use me for my children.....is this what this talk is really about?!" She snapped, her eyes wide with horror. Never has she raised her voice, but now she finally has things to say. "You want me to have no heart and give up my love, and allow my children to perish every thirteen years? No.....I will not stand--!!!"
A sharp slap was sent to her cheek, ears slightly ringing.
"How dare you raise your voice at me!" he snapped bitterly, while she stood there stunned with a hand hovering above the stinging flesh where he struck. "I'm your father! This is bigger than just your own damned personal feelings! This is for our freedom! This is to get back, what has been stolen from us! Don't you understand, we must become stronger!"
Her eyes soon lowered, not knowing what else to do, but she couldn't accept it.
Regret washes over his face with his sudden outburst, but a lot weighed on him. He couldn't just apologise suddenly, knowing what he's doing is right. Shaking his head he sighed heavily, before storming down the beach back to their compound.
He only wished better for their clan, but he was exhausted.
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