Disclaimer: I don't own Shingeki no Kyojin

Eren walked through one of the forests of the Island, however this forest was a special one for it was the Forest of Giant trees, and while some of them were indeed almost as big as he remembered he also saw some that were of the same height as normal trees, and even some small saplings starting to grow.

This forest brought many painful memories of his first expedition with the Levi squad, how Annie had picked them off one by one. Even though Levi had told him the deaths of his squad hadn't been his fault. He always felt otherwise, one of the many deaths that would happen and would drive him to cause the rumbling. All the people that died because of him. He wouldn't let their deaths be in vain.

He was brought out of his memories by his companion constant 'woahs'.

Beside him Ymir looked up in awe at the giant trees. Even though she had gained her Titan powers five years ago and had seen the world from a height that dwarfed these trees completely, she still looked in wonder at every new thing she learned from the world.

He had taken her to visit the Forest of Giant Trees, to celebrate their first meeting, since it was the anniversary of that fateful day. Ymir now resembled more her adult appearance that Eren remembered seeing in her memories. The only difference being that instead of wearing delicate clothing made of silk and some jewelry she decided to copy him and wore a long white hooded mantle in contrast to his ever present black one. Underneath the mantle she wore a simple gray shirt accompanied by a light brown dress.

Eren could see the difference between the Ymir in front of him and the puppet from the alternate timeline as clear as day and night. She was happier and more relaxed with herself in contrast to her somber and monotone life under King Fritz.

He himself hadn't changed a thing. Besides growing two inches taller, he still wore his clothes that he came with from the future, since he felt most comfortable in them, although Ymir had gifted him clothing similar to his he could tell it felt different than his, although that might've something o do with this Era's form of making clothing.

Ymir climbing up one of the thinner trees and managed to get a hold of a branch, she continued to climb to the top of the, what Eren could deduce to be a 10 meter tree. He watched her carefully climb up, with some near misses where she tugged to hard on a branch or had a false footing. But she made it to the top eventually.

Once on the top, she yelled at the top off her lungs "WOOOOOHHHHH! Hahahaha!". That only showed her progress coming out of her shell. While she could now hold some normal conversation with Eren without giving long pauses, she couldn't with anyone else.

Extending her arm in front of her, Ymir concentrated, yellow lightning danced around her and out of the ground big pillars sprung out forming steps down the tree. She unknowingly landed in front of Eren who watched happy that she could show some happiness from time to time, what with their area of expertise of killing people, he stills remembers how his friends felt the first time they took another human life.

Raising her head Ymir connected eyes with Eren who smiled down at her, since she no longer had her headband so low down her forehead, her hair parted naturally and gave a clearer view of her blue violet eyes. When she saw Eren's gaze staring back at her with a smile, she avoided his gaze by looking down at the ground with a small smile in her face and an unperceivable blush.

"Did you like your gift?"

Ymir raised her head and rapidly nodded with a smile "Yes!"

Each year Eren tried to show her something new the world had to offer. She had taken her mountain climbing, to see the ocean wildlife and at one point he tried to take her to a volcano, but a commotion arose in the port city of the Island.

"C'mon we have to go" Eren started walking towards the edge of the forest, knowing Ymir would follow him.

She skipped ahead of him and turned her head in curiosity "Where are we going?"

"We're going to Sicher Bay" he told her, catching up to her "In a month it would be the fifth anniversary since the foundation of the Island, and the townspeople want to make some type of festival to celebrate. However, we're going to oversee the new wave of travelers that want to come to settle in the Island."

The bimonthly expeditions by Eren and Ymir were great way to increase the Island's population but Eren knew eventually they would need to have people come out of their own volition that weren't liberated slaves.

The first year since the founding of Paradis Island, across the mainland rumors of the Ymir's titan form scattered across all the world. At first it was believed to be a myth by many, but that belief began to dwindle when more and more settlements, towns and even some cities claimed to have been victims.

The main way for information to travel during these times, were through the word of curious travelers, loud merchants, messengers spread the word to allies, spies reported back to their leaders. Eventually less and less people claimed that it was just a fairy tale to scare children, and the only few who still denied it were those that had yet to see them.

The major societies like the Kingdom of Marley, and Greater Eldia, accused the Titan of being an act of evil by the devil himself, destroying their defenses and leaving them defenseless to be preyed by their mortal enemies, whoever months after the attacks started, they stopped attacking each other.

It had been so sudden, and while some discontent and uncertainty were felt among their respective people, the majority felt some form of relief at the fragile peace that had unexpectedly taken place. But even while their vassals had a breathing room thanks to the sudden stop from attacks and raids, they still were paranoid in case the Giant ever came back.

Small communities that had managed to stay independent from both Marley and Eldia, and that had seen the Titan from afar, too became worried, fearing that the giant monster would one day target them once it became bored of only going after Marley and Eldia.

It was through the third year since the attacks had begun that rumors, which Eren started, began to circulate. The rumors told of a place far north where the giant couldn't reach, that across the sea was a safe heaven that the monster didn't seem to know about. No one knew where the rumor started, but many started to migrate north, not taking any chances.

Travel caravans became common during the third year since the attacks began, some even reaching the thousands of people. During their expeditions, they went less and less in her Titan form, and simply approached the migrating communities to guide them towards Paradis.

"Oh? I didn't know a festival was planned."

Eren wasn't surprised she didn't know after all "It was a last-minute notice. Remember that meeting we went last week, but you decided to stay outside the room since we only talked 'boring politics'".

Ymir simply nodded sheepishly "But if I had known you were talking about that I would've participated."

"Then you should stop trying to skip those reunions" Eren rebuttal was swift, since he had been trying to get her to pay attention to such meetings "They are important for the advancement of Paradis"

Eren heard her give a long sigh "Yeah, yeah, I know its just…it's sooo boring" her complains only caused him to chuckle, remembering how Hange would act sometimes after coming back from some meetings at the Capital.

"Maybe so and I'm with you, I'm not made for staying in rooms talking for hours on no end, but the people see us as the leaders of the Island for now, and as such we must do our best to guide them to a future when they don't depend on us"

It was a little speech that he was used to giving her, ever since she started to complain about going to said meetings. Eren knew Ymir wasn't made to lead a nation, hell he too wasn't made for that.

His quest to install a government independent from them was proving harder than he thought, and he was stuck with the position of technically a king. The people he had appointed in charge of different branches of the Island even started calling him 'Your Highness', no matter how many times he told them not to.

"Yeah yeah, blah blah…you've told me the same thing for almost a year now" her tone conveyed her annoyance to being reminded of their job (for now) "but let's focus back on the festival!" her jovial expression came back.

"I hope to see so many things; do you think that the people will make some great food?!" she started rambling of all the things she hoped would happen.

It really was great seeing her be more open.

But Eren thought back to the immigration problems that he had said.

When the first non-former slaves settlers arrived at Paradis some chaos arose in the new settlers when Ymir transformed for the first time in front of them. They became scared, irrational, and quick to anger.

They accused the inhabitants of fraternizing with the devil. Some even went as far as to demand that they killed Ymir once she got out of her Titan form. He wasn't going to let that stand. But he knew they were simply afraid, and so he explained the newcomers what Paradis was.

A safe haven from Marley's and Eldia's constant conquest and enslavement of other societies not their own.

He was able to calm the situation before the it escalated further, he even managed to do it without revealing his or Ymir's identities as the holders of the power; and after explaining the situation to the new communities that looked to settle down, he could tell they weren't so sure anymore. So he told them of the prosperity they had In the Island.

Many were convinced by his words, and while some still remained uncertain they didn't feel as afraid as before.

With time the new settlers witnessed the improvements the power of the Titans had on their lives. Stone roads, fertilized lands, so many buildings that became their new homes and great walls to defend them. However not soon after another group reached the Island and the process repeated.

So, Eren created the position of Foreign Relations and gave it to one of the first settlers that arrived, who didn't have a negative reaction towards Ymir. It would be his job to hire people who would receive and guide any newcomers to the Island and explain them how the Paradis came to be.

Then why was he going to oversee the…oh that's right. They needed all the hands they could for the festival, and as such he said he would take on the job of welcoming people who arrived at the port of Sicher Bay.

"…how long do you think it will last?!" Ymir's question made him realize they were almost out of the forest.

He shrugged his shoulders at her and asked her "Do you want me to transform?" it was a very rare occasion for him to transform, and usually she was the one that did, so it came to no surprise when she gave a very eager nod.

Nearby

In a one of the stone roads near the Forest of Giant Trees, a group of farmers were moving food from the capital to Sicher Bay. Last year's harvest had been plentiful and many grain was still left over from it.

In the distance the group saw a yellow lightning hit the ground near the giant trees, and a huge gust of wind threw them off their feet, yet luckily it didn't turn over their carriage, although it did scare the horse.

All of them had seen the transformation at one point or another during their stay in the island, although it was a secret to every newcomer as to who was in control of the giant body, all they knew it was a human woman who controlled it. However, this time was different. The gust of wind was stronger, warmer, and overall thicker.

In the distance where the lightning struck they heard the familiar sound of giant footsteps, but when they stood up and managed to look at it, they didn't see the familiar Female Titan everyone was accustomed to. Instead they saw one they believed to be bigger, with dark hair, and actual skin on its face and body, but with its ribs sticking out.

They stood shocked as they saw it walk away from them. They had heard some of the first settlers mention how there had been two Titans when they arrived at the Island, but everyone after them thought of this as simply rumors they ever only saw one, and never the supposed male that also existed.

But now they were seeing it. They weren't rumors. It was true.

Coast of Sicher Bay

He couldn't stop shaking his leg. He was so nervous. This mission, no matter how he looked at it, it was suicide, but it was their only chance at harming the devils.

Sitting across him was his partner in this mission, he didn't look as nervous as he did, but he could see his trepidation in his eyes. They were surrounded by many people, some families, some merchants, and some too curious for their own good.

The boat they were on rocked softly across the waves, with the mast and all its sails down. All of this people had the same destination as himself. The new land rumored to be a Paradise. A place safe from the giant monster that terrorizes his nation.

He was a warrior. He shouldn't be afraid. But he couldn't help it. He knew he wasn't the strongest warrior.

His partner and him while stronger than the average non-combatant, they were still thinner and less bulky than what a warrior should've been, and it was by that reason why they were chosen for this mission. To blend in with the population.

And it had been so easy, to do so. They had approached the first caravan they saw and simply said that they had come from a destroyed settlement. They believed it. But that wasn't their mission.

His partner in crime tapped him on his shoulder "We're nearing the shore, Aleks" his partner's golden gaze hardened and no sign of fear could be seen "Let's just hope those fuckers from Marley don't shit their pants when we approach our target."

The now named Aleks gave a light chuckle, thanking his partner for trying to calm his nerves down.

And he agreed with him. Ever since Marley and Eldia had made a secret pact to not attack each other until the threat of the Devil was dealt with, both powers had sent spies to infiltrate caravans. The leadership of each of them wasn't stupid enough to not see coincidence the rumors had. A land in the northeast where the giants didn't attack? And strangely enough every attack that Marley and Eldia suffered came from the North?

Both came to the conclusion that maybe this rumor was started by the same devils to try and trick unaffected tribes to go join them. It was for that reason they sent spies to infiltrate the land of the devils.

Now armed with this information they had sent them, the first warrior unit, to infiltrate and capture the monster in human form to pay for her crimes.

At least that was the reason they gave to their Marleyan "Allies". The new Chieftain gave them different orders. Orders privy to their Marleyan counterparts. Yet he wouldn't put it past them to try the same thing.

Approaching the wooden railings of the boat they were, he could see in the distance the approaching city. It was…incredibly clean for what he thought was the land of the Devils. The buildings were made of stone, yet he couldn't see the usual bricks that were used in every other Eldian and Marleyan cities. They were smooth.

The harbor too was huge, with many ships also docking. He could see that some were also filled with people, but he in the distance he managed to see some smaller boats filled with fish, that were being unloaded and carried into the city.

Soon they docked and were ordered to form a straight line. His partner and him stayed together, it wouldn't be good if they got separated. Eventually they were both led off the boat and into a different group of people. He could see many families and friends chatting some murmuring to one another.

In this group he saw the two Marleyan infiltrators that had been sent with them. They too saw them and scowled. He scowled back at them. Just because they had the same mission didn't mean old enemies could be easily forgiven. However, they only scowled at one another, nothing more, no point in making a scene.

"If I could have your attention, please" someone in the front called out. He turned and saw a short man in clean brown clothing call for their attention. Once everyone had stopped talking the man continued "I shall welcome you all to Paradis Island. My name is Marco Castille, and it is my duty to guide you through the harbor to our Building for New settlers."

The now named Marco started to walk, and everyone followed him. While walking he explained why the nation of Paradis had been founded. He explained how it was a safe haven from the conquests of both Eldia and Marley 'So they are cowards who decided to hide in an Island away of reach from the glory of Eldia'.

Marco even admitted having once been a slave of Eldia, who escaped and made his way to here 'Once our mission is completed the Chief won't be so merciful towards you' Aleks thought with a sneer. Many of the people around him, whoever didn't seem to share his enthusiasm, only Ragnar, his partner, seemed to also be scowling. Just because they were some of the below average warriors, didn't mean they weren't patriotic of Eldia.

"…and that concludes our small tour. If you would be so kind as to go form a line in here, and don't worry my colleagues will just ask some questions" they had arrived at some sort of small building, when he entered he saw many different lines, all filled with some people he recognized from the voyage coming here.

At the front of each line he saw a man or woman, behind wooden bars talking to the people at the front. Even if the atmosphere felt safe, his training wouldn't let him feel relaxed. He looked around, and saw that in each corner were two guards in what was obviously thick leather, each with a steel spear in hand.

'So they weren't stupid enough to not have some sort of forces' that could possibly made their jobs harder, he noticed a balcony in the back of the building and he froze.

There it was. Their target.

He felt a nudge from his partner, and turned to look at him. He saw it too.

They continued to move when the line advanced but he kept sending glances at their target. Once he was near the window of wooden bars, he gave a glance at the target once again and his blood ran cold.

Green eyes. Green piercing eyes were coldly staring back at him.

He had been so focused on the target he failed to see the tall man in front of her. He was wearing some type of open black hood in contrast to the targets white.

But he couldn't take his eyes off from his scrutinizing stare'Had he been caught?' he saw the cold stare start to morph into a glare and he finally was able to look somewhere else.

Finally it was their turn to go in front to the girl in front of them. He and his partner both moved and he just hoped that their mission wasn't over before it even started.

Eren POV

His eyes narrowed at the tall man with dark hair. He was of average build, a little more robust signifying a trained body, but it could've been he did manual labour, but he wouldn't exclude the possibility of the life as a soldier.

He hadn't thought much about it at first. He was only here overseeing, but when Ymir told him that she was being stared at, he thought nothing about it at first, after all anyone could see them, and may were curious about the building.

But then she said that the same man looked at her again. And that garnered his attention. No one should know who they were, to everyone just arriving they should just be two people just looking over them. So why would the man keep glancing back? The man must've recognized her.

But How?! They never let any traces when they went on expeditions. Had some survivors followed them and seen her come out of the Titan? Maybe spies? He wouldn't put it past Marley and Eldia to send people to the Island to see what it was all about.

But even then he had made sure that whenever Ymir transformed she did it in an empty area 'Apparently not empty enough' he scowled at the thought, but then he thought of something else 'Does that mean they saw me today transform? I saw some people on the main road, could they have been spies?'

I shook my head. It didn't matter anymore. All this meant is that he would have to be careful from now on, and especially protect Ymir more than ever.

He glanced back at her. She hid behind him when she noticed that she had been stared at. It was obvious she was uncomfortable, maybe even a little scared.

He gently grabbed her hand and led her outside the building. He was getting tired of standing there anyway, he would find someone else to tell the population about the existence of the Titans…or maybe they shouldn't.

The Island already housed ten thousand souls and steadily growing. Maybe it was time he stopped telling them of the power of the Titans. Eventually it would become common knowledge, even without his meddling.

The only way such knowledge would disappear would be if he and Ymir were to disappear completely for generations…even if they could live that long…maybe they could, afterall the Titans power granted the holder an immortal body, and the only reason they died it was due to Ymir's curse, but if there was no curse then technically they were immortal?

He was getting off track. He saw an employee walk past them and he grabbed him by the shoulder. The man was as tall as Levi, with dirty blonde hair and blue eyes.

He had been reading something in his hand when he was grabbed by Eren, and as such hadn't seen him "Hey watch it- Your Highness?!" Eren killed down a groan that started to form in his throat, and Ymir chuckled lightly behind him whispering 'Your highness' in a mocking way. She knew he hated it when they called him that "I apologize for what I was about to say, I didn't see you the-"

"Silence" that instantly shut the man up "I want all workers to stop mentioning that the Titans live here, there's no more need for that."

The man was finally able to get himself under control and respond accordingly "Is it safe to do that, your Highness? If any new settler isn't told another event like the one two years ago might happen again"

"I know the risks. However, it won't be permanent only until the festival is over. Let the new people coming to live here see the festivities before explaining to them our Island's secret." He obviously wasn't going to tell him that he suspected foul play from either Eldia or Marley, if they even thought that they had been infiltrated they would panic. Better leave them ignorant but safe…for now.

"Y-yes, of course your Highness. What an excellent idea, I'll get right on to spread your order to my colleagues" The man gave a small bow and took off.

He turned around and saw Ymir cackling lightly. He really hated being called Highness "Yeah laugh it up. Ha ha" Ymir gave a last laugh before sticking her tongue out "C'mon lets go see how the preparations of the festival are going."

"Of course, you highness"

Eren just gave a loud groan but he wasn't going to back down "Next year I'm not giving you anything."

That instantly shut her up, and she hugged his arm and started to apologize continuedly.

Still, he felt dread filled him.

It appeared Marley and Eldia didn't like a new player entering the fray.

That's chapter 5.

A clarification:

Sicher Bay, just a name I thought of for the city in the coast of Paradis. Sicher supposedly means Safe in german (According to translator)

Anyway, hope you enjoyed.

-The Knight in Dark Flames