The Pilgrim

Two years have passed since Armin proposed plan to prevent Ackerman's actions. It seemed to have worked:

Mission A: Armin and Pieck's work in Marley's council resulted in a shift of power. The defense ministry switched to Armin's side, disrupting Aganyu's hold on the government, inducing a political roadblock. This managed for the military to seize many growing terrorist cells, blocking armament deals in Hizuru.

Mikasa's constant travels through the continent and her abilities of information extraction managed to pin point many potential cells for Sasha and Levi to survey.

Mission B: Levi and Sasha by that point had visited almost every city and town in Marley, revealing many bases and operations of the terrorists. Leo's tactical squad operated with surgical precision, causing only two casualties.

Mission C: The Survey Corps managed to successfully integrate into their selected targets without the military taking notice. Their intelligence was given to the Military Police which managed to arrest many of the criminals working in the Rohr's factories.

Armin was feeling confident that they achieved their goals but one. He still did not know what was Ackerman's plan…

Liberio's 4th Prison

Aganyu was sitting in front of Ackerman's cell. He was shaking his leg in frustration.

Iro: Why are you asking me to resign?!

Kaspar was sitting in his cell's office smoking, while redacting a letter.

Kaspar: You have gotten too accustomed to your post Iro. I thought you were more ambitious… you have to lose some power before gaining more…

Iro: You mean we are reaching that point?

Kaspar: Yes. It's time. Your function in the council has passed. We are initiating the final phase… so you know what to do.

Kaspar gives him the letter: Use that frustration to sell your acting. You need to be a businessman that goes back to his private affairs with his tail between his legs.

Armin and the rest need to see you defeated… you need to go to Paradis to deliver that letter to our contact. And with that everything will be in place.

Iro: You sure this will work?

Kaspar annoyed by the comment: Still have doubts? I told you before… if anyone will come on top of this is you.

Iro unsure: Fine… when do I give the order?

Kaspar reads an intelligence report: Mikasa scheduled trip to Paradis is next month… and the midget is going to meet with the pilgrim in Liberio at the same time… Give the order then. Better get ready. Might want to enjoy the city life as it now. All will change very fast…

Tongo

Reiner had spent the past 20 years traveling through the continent and all the nations of Marley doing social work. He was the most famous and beloved hero of the Alliance, respected by all nationalities, including Marleyans. He was a revered figure on all the nations by helping every town he visited in reconstruction work, emotional support, securing public assistance without asking anything in return… just to be left in peace to do his work.

At the time he was working with Onyakopon, Governor of Tongo, in bringing former refugees back to the nation as it become sustainable again. Reiner had a long beard and barely looked like he used to.

Onyakopon and Reiner are drinking coffee in the Governor's office to discuss results.

Onyakopon: 15 families have returned to Tongo. Three of them have tech engineers, it's just the type of minds that we need here to prosper.

Reiner: I'm glad I could help.

Onyakopon: So what are you doing next?

Reiner: I'm going to Liberio for a while. Captain Levi asked me to meet him.

Onyakopon: Oh, must be something important. He doesn't like to meet anyone from the old days anymore. Except from Gabi and Falco that is.

Reiner: Yeah, I miss those kids I hope I see them. They have the lives I wished for… are teachers and are a happily married… it's what they deserve…

Onyakopon: Maybe I should go too.

Reiner: Better not. It's actually quite a serious matter. I can't really talk about it.

Onyakopon: Not trusting me huh?

Reiner: It was the captain's request. You know how he is.

Onyakopon: Fine, fine. Anyway, have you met with any of your former comrades? Lady Mikasa was here not too long ago. Her daughter has been staying here in Marley for quite some time too.

Reiner: No I haven't… I think I've been avoiding them to be honest. I have never met Mikasa's daughter.

Onyakopon: Really? She looks just like Eren… and has quite peculiar features on her face.

Reiner: Yes I heard… I think it will disturb me a bit to see her.

Onyakopon: She is completely different from him though. She is very cheerful and mischievous. She spends most of her time with Mr. Levi so I'm guessing you will meet her.

Reiner: I guess… better prepare myself. I don't want to disturb her.

A few days later

Mikasa was at the port waiting the ship to take to Paradis. As always Sasha was with her.

Sasha: Mom bring me Dauper Cheese when you come back! I'm out already.

Mikasa: You are going to get sick if you keep eating so much.

Sasha: Come on mom! I hate the food in here… I still have two surveys to do… Please?

Mikasa: Fine.

Sasha: YAY!

Mikasa: Remember it's your father's anniversary soon… you have to make space to visit him.

Sasha feeling a bit sad: I know… We are close to end this right?

Mikasa: I don't know… there always be some danger… but I guess we are close.

Sasha: Finally… I was getting pretty bored.

Mikasa: I thought you were bored back home.

Sasha: Well yeah… but I do miss it. The food, the fields, my bed.

Mikasa: Don't worry, we'll have our normal life back…

Sasha: Well no that normal I hope.

Mikasa: You'll still have to return here regularly anyway. Leo is here.

Sasha blushing: I don't know what you mean by that…

Levi's Home

Levi and Sasha were waiting for Reiner to arrive.

Sasha: I'm excited, Reiner is the only friend of my mom that I've never met. He had the coolest titan in my opinion.

Levi: Wouldn't bring that up if I were you. He is a crazy person.

Sasha: Really? He would kill me?

Levi: More likely he would kill himself in front of you.

Sasha: Oh… ok. All of you are screwed up.

At that moment the door opened loudly.

Gabi and Falco: REINER!

Levi looks at them hysterical. Falco was carrying their baby in his arms.

Falco: Oh he is not here yet…

Gabi: SASHA! How are you lil sis?! You look so much better! She caresses her hair.

Sasha blushing a bit: Thanks Ms. Gabi, my mom has not been able to cut it so I just had to keep it all in a ponytail.

Gabi: That's all? Aw… I thought you kept it longer and pretty because you had a boyfriend.

Sasha red: NO! It's… just that heh… Mr. Falco can I carry Pierre?!

Falco: Sure just be careful.

Sasha giddily picked Pierre and started to playfully twirl around. Gabi was following her around.

Falco: How you've been Mr Levi?

Levi: Busy

Falco: Yes I've heard. We sure miss you a lot. And Pierre misses his godfather…

Sasha is shocked: DID YOU HEAR THAT BABY? Mr. "I hate everyone" is your godfather hahaha. You sure are a great father figure uncle like it or not.

Levi is annoyed by the comment. At that moment there is a knock at the door.

Gabi rushes to open it. Reiner is on the other side surprised to see her.

Gabi starts to cry and strongly hugs him. Falco rushes to hug him too.

Reiner happily: Hey kids… long time no see.

Levi: Reiner… you look like a drifter.

Reiner: Heh… I guess I am one.

Sasha timidly approaches: Hey… I'm Sasha. I'm Mikasa's daughter.

Reiner is shocked to see her and is frozen for a bit.

Reiner: H… hey. I'm Reiner a friend of your mom… and you dad. Is that… your baby?

Sasha blushes: WHAT?! NO!

Falco: That's Pierre Reiner. He is our son.

Reiner: What?! How come I don't know this!?

Gabi: Because there is no way to contact you! You should feel ashamed.

Reiner: Sorry guys… can I hold him?

Gabi: SURE!

Sasha carefully gives him the baby.

Reiner: Hey little guy… I'm your uncle. I'm sorry Gabi is your mother…

Gabi: HEY!

Levi a bit annoyed: So Reiner… can we start our meeting?

Gabi interrupting: SHUSH MR LEVI! You can do that tomorrow! We are celebrating right now. FALCO! Cook something!

Evening

As Gabi, Falco and Levi were talking, Reiner was sitting alone with Pierre. Sasha sat next to him.

Sasha: Do you mind?

Reiner a little anxious: No it's ok.

Sasha and Reiner sit quietly.

Reiner: I'm sorry if I'm a bit awkward…

Sasha: It's fine I'm used to it. Is it because of my eyes or the marks?

Reiner: Well the marks do bring back memories… but I can't help to notice how much you look like him…

Sasha: You used to be enemies right?

Reiner feeling bad: Yes I'm sorry to say… I did some terrible things… that brought your dad to do what he did. I've been trying to somehow amend for those sins ever since…

Sasha doesn't know what to say. She notices Pierre is asleep in his arms.

Sasha: Well you can't be a bad guy if a baby can sleep so peacefully in your arms…

Reiner smiles: I hope so…

Sasha feels warm looking at the tender scene… but starts to feel really sad as well.