I do not own Attack of Titan
Aftermath- Paradis
3 months after the rumbling, things have changed within Paradis and one of the spears of this change was Ernst Marheim.
Ernst Marheim, some would say it would be impossible that he would gain any sort of power however in a matter of months he became the first premier of the Eldian Empire, the 16th commander of the Survey Corps, and Grand Marshall of the Eldian Imperial Army. He was young and nearly completely average in terms of combat ability and looks however his natural affinity for politics and logistics led to this point.
A brief civil war gave him that opportunity, using his leverage as one of the logisticians behind Eren's expedition and one of the few of the original Yeagerist left; he quickly gained control of a large amount of the Yeagerist faction and crushed the weak opposition forces that constituted the anti Yeagerist faction.
"You have doomed us all, the world is going to kill us all, soldiers of the 93rd don't do this, believe in us, we want peace and prosperity!" One Anti Yeagerist yelled out.
Ernst watched as they squirmed out plea after plea about how they were right however he could see the faces of each member of the firing squad. They were not shaken in the least. If these traitors had their way then they would cower and surrender for sake of peace that could only end in death. The soldiers knew that and Ernst knew that. If we don't fight, we can't win.
So he gave the command "Take aim,- "
Each soldier aimed and waited for the command.
"Fire!"
Multiple shots rang out and 5 bodies collapsed against the wall. And the looks of disbelief of the executed never left their faces. They believed in their cause till the end which something Ernst could respect but their cause is dead. Their dreams are dead. The only thing left to do is embrace the cold reality of the present and plan for the future ahead.
"Clean up those bodies, I rather not have their corpses stink up this place," Ernst said before heading towards his next destination.
Ernst walked into a war room filled to the brim with administrators, Survey Corp captains, officers, and most importantly Historia Queen of Paradis and Empress of the Eldians.
The Queen looked as bored as ever watching these bureaucrats and military men argue about minor issues.
When Ernst Marheim marched into the room everyone became silent as the second most powerful, some would argue the most powerful person on Paradis, entered the room.
Ernst bowed before the queen before answering, "You summoned me, your majesty."
"Yes, I did. Would everybody but Premier Marheim leave this room" Historia ordered.
Everybody gave the queen some space as everybody started to file out until there was only the two of them.
"My Queen, what topic interests you today?" Marheim asked curiously.
"Ernst, call me Historia'' The queen started directly into Ernst's eyes challenging him to say anything. Ernst stood there silently for a few seconds before giving a barely audible chuckle.
So it is going to be that type of conversation.
"Very well Historia." Ernst replied.
"Good now that we are being honest with each other, there are certain issues that have been bothering me. I dislike how the government has been hiding information, almost as if someone has been ordering people to stay silent around me hiding information about certain topics, Ernst, so tell me what have you been hiding?" Historia said as she hardened her eyes on the Premier.
"Is that why you ordered a military parade?" Ernst replied as he pieced together what she was aiming at.
"Yes, I want the truth, is Eren dead or alive." she asked.
"Dead" He responded flatly. A grim look overtook Historia's features. Ernst knew the two had some sort of relationship with Eren Yeager, the spiritual founder of the modern Eldian Empire. Ernst did not know if they were lovers, friends, or whatnot. Regardless of the nature of their relationship, it was important to keep her concentrated on civil affairs especially after the short civil war. The stability of the state was paramount to survival of the people on this island.
"I want that knowledge public, as of today's speech Ernst." Historia ordered.
"Very well," He paused before turning away from Historia and looking towards a map of Paradis and the world, "If you're asking Eren then you must be wondering about the military situation."
"Indeed changes have been implemented to our military that I was not 100% aware of, men have been executed and new branches have been formed. Ernst, please explain the entire picture to me. Bypassing royal authority is a treasonous offense Ernst." She threatened.
Ernst did not even blink at the threat and carried on like he was asked. "When the first reports of damage and carnage of Eren's expedition came, we were ecstatic at first until we realized that it was not a complete success. Eren has done severe damage to most of the world, estimates have it around 60-80% of the world's population were killed. However, even then we are outnumbered over 400 to 1.
Based on that and the fact the world hates the Eldians had led me to believe an invasion will be coming in the next 25 years or so. We needed to act to prepare ourselves for the future right away to try and make up the vast population disparity between us and the world. I took action without permission as I believed time is of the essence. While you kept the state stable on the civil side of things, I have implemented reforms and doctrines that we have learned from our previous encounters with the world. The cream of the crop are the Yeager Kommandos, elite special forces that will be used to conduct raids, sabotage, assassinations, encouraging rebellions, steal technology, and other forms of indirect warfare to sabotage the world's recovery efforts. The prime targets of the Kommandos is heavy manufacturing and dockyards as the raid at Liberio demonstrated the ability of a small force to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy before they get the chance to invade. The men that died in the civil conflict and or executed would've hindered the plans to militarize Paradis and there was some anti-Yeagerist within that group that had plans to take you hostage, to steer policy towards their liking. Plans have been put in place to fortify strategic beaches, kill zones, earthworks, and other defences around the island that the Survey Corp and Army will man, will be executed in the coming weeks. Everything I have done was for the sake of Paradis." Ernst explained looking not sorry for what he had done. In his mind, everything was justified as it was for the sake of Paradis.
Historia looked unfazed with the explanation and said "Ernst I understand what you did however your actions are undermining my authority, as even your subordinates are doing their best to side-line me in important discussions."
"I understand Historia I will make it clear to everyone that you are too included in the discussion and that undermining you will result in death," Ernst said as he walked towards the queen and dropped a pistol on the floor in front of the queen. He then took a knee in front of the queen and said "If you wish to make an example of me right here, right now, then I will not stop you."
Historia stared at him for a minute trying to read him before picking up the gun and pressing it on to his forehead. A moment passed and Historia smiled to herself, she pulled the receiver and ejected a bullet then she let the magazine drop to the floor before tossing the pistol to the side.
"Stand, Ernst Marheim." Historia commanded.
"Historia?" Ernst stood up as commanded and saw the queen smiling for some reason.
"Ernst Marheim why are you loyal to me? Why not overthrow me and rule as a dictator?" Historia asked.
"Because, Historia, I believe you are the best ruler we could ask for. You are a beacon of hope within these dark times, a symbol of unity, and the people look up to you. But most importantly you love the people of this island" Ernst honestly replied.
"Ernst, do you know why I supported you?" Historia asked.
"Yes." He replied.
"Explain it for me."
"I was one the highest-ranking Yeagerist left, I played a part in the raid at Liberio and my forces quickly defeated Carlin's anti Yeagerist." he answered.
"Those are some reasons why someone could support you, but that is not my reason why I supported you. It is because you are earnest with me when I ask you questions. You are also someone I can count on for support and I believe you are a capable man." Historia explained.
"Thank you, Historia for having faith in me." Ernst smiled at the compliment.
"But you will still have to be punished for the stunts you pulled. I think you should resign from the Survey corp." Historia said as a matter of fact.
"I understand," Ernst responded in a feigned disheartened matter which got the queen to laugh a bit as they both knew it was just a puppet show for others to see as he still held the rank of Marshall.
"Good, but we should continue discussing the matters of state another time as it's time for our appearance." Historia said.
Ernst and Historia watched as hundreds of soldiers of the Imperial Eldian Army marched down with the newest gear available. Each soldier was equipped with a Reeve 50 Bolt action rifle that recently came in production and wore faded green uniforms and helmets. Following behind the infantry were the new and improved artillery pieces that were towed by horses. Last and perhaps more importantly the new arm Survey Corps or perhaps better known as the Yaeger Komandos.
The civilians that lined the streets let out a ferocious cheer.
"If we win, we live. If we lose, we die. If we don't Fight We can't win. Fight! Fight!"
"If we win, we live. If we lose, we die. If we don't Fight We can't win. Fight! Fight!"
"If we win, we live. If we lose, we die. If we don't Fight We can't win. Fight! Fight!"
The rallying cry behind the New Eldian Empire.
"My fellow Eldians, Eren Yaeger, the father of our new empire, have fallen on the fields of Marley. Traitors within our ranks have sided with our enemies to stop our accession.
Some may think them, Nobel, to stop the rumbling but it was merely self-satisfaction and moral hedonism that led them down this path. They could never contemplate the consequences of their actions and this short sightlessness has left us at a state war.
A war the world started and one we intend to finish. For this is a war of survival, a war of pride, a war of justice. Before this state of peril, before even Wall Maria fell, since anyone can remember we have been terrorized by the titans but a greater enemy looms beyond the horizon. Humans...Humans that sent wave upon wave of titans to our land, when we tried to find sympathy and aid for our time of peril we were met with disgust hate so great that Eren Yaeger had to step up and do what those traitors thought would be unthinkable and commit to a first strike to free our land from those who would seek to destroy and mutilate us. However, our founder has perished and the world still is lurking waiting for the right time to strike, but Eren the hero of Paradis has bought us time to prepare for the inevitable.
The inevitable invasion of our home, our little island in the ocean, our little corner of the world, Paradis, when they come we shall meet them at the sea, we shall meet them in the air, we will meet them on the beaches, in the hills, and in the forests that dot this land. We shall never surrender.
To the traitors who stopped our first strike, I banish you all from this land as you would see us all under the boot of Marley. So return to your masters and prepare for war.
As for the faithful men and woman of our little island, I wish you all the best. I wish the women of our nation to be great wives and men of our nation to be great husbands, to have happy large families, and to smile. I wish for every Eldian to strive for their freedom and happiness. But in these dark times, I beseech everyone to take a bit of time and take up sword and rifle, for if you want peace, be prepared for war."
The crowd was enthusiastic as ever as chants, clamping whooping, and shouting rung throughout the capital till Marheim gave a hand signal signaling everybody to quiet down.
"Now introducing her royal Highness Historia, Queen of Paradis and Empress of the Eldians," Ernst announced.
"Thank you Premier Marheim, I would like to keep this brief and to the point. Thank you, everyone, who came to join us today, today is a day of remembrance as we remember those who gave up their lives for freedom in the reclamation of Wall Maria. But today is also a day of hope as those men and women sacrificed themselves to defeat Marley. Today shall be remembered as a holiday that Eldian can enjoy." She announced to the applause of the crowd.
"A moment of silence for those who perished fighting our enemies," Historia said quickly quieting the crowd.
A minute passed. It was deadly quiet. No one made a peep or sniffle. It was a solemn affair as many quietly mourned the dead. Quietly an orchestra began to slowly play, which prompted the crowd to raise their fist to the air. [Play Auferstanden Aus Ruinen]
Resurrected from ruins
And facing the future,
Let us serve you for the good,
Eldia, United Fatherland.
Old woes are to be overcome
And we must overcome them united.
Because we must succeed,
So that the sun beautiful as never before
Over Eldia shines. x2
Happiness and peace be granted
To Eldia, our fatherland.
Our island longs for peace,
Reach your hand out to the neighbours.
If brotherly we unite ourselves,
We shall defeat the hateful world.
Let the light of freedom shine
So that a family never more
Toil in slavery. x2
Let us plough, let us build,
Learn and create like never before,
And, confident in existing strength,
A free generation rises up.
Eldain youth, best efforts
Of our people united in you,
You will become Eldia's new life.
And the sun beautiful as never,
Over Eldia shines. x2
A resounding cheer out. Ernst let a small creep its way onto his face while Historia could only stare at the new world Eren Yeager brought forth.
She wondered as the people were cheering how he would react if he could see how his home changed.
The first of a four part series of one shots that seeks to expand the aftermath of the rumbling. And for those wondering the anthem is the DDR anthem, with some minor edits to make it fit the story. Though with the new leaked pages things may make less sense but im still going to be posting the 3 other parts as they are finished.