Chapter Five – Promotion
Setting eyes on the legendary walls of Paradis for the first time, it was hard to believe they were real. The convoy was still some distance from the wall they called Maria. Yet, it overpowered everything else in its presence, dwarfing the green landscape surrounding it. The grey stone was alien compared to the rest of the island - a cold and foreboding surface contrasting with the rustic comfort of rolling hills and wooden cottages. The carriage that rattled underneath Cynthia threatened to throw her at every bump in the road. She, Yelena, and Onyankopon were its only passengers along with the cargo. The rest of the group escorted the convoy on horseback.
"We can lend you a horse if that's too uncomfortable", Sasha kindly offered to Cynthia from where she walked her steed next to the cart. Cynthia glanced at the horse, its black eyes strangely unnerving her.
"This is fine, thank you," Cynthia said stiffly as she braced for another bump in the road. She was too embarrassed to admit she had no idea how to ride a horse. On top of that, the creatures somewhat intimidated her. Sasha shrugged.
"If you're sure, newbie", the girl chirped, waving at her before galloping ahead to join the others. Cynthia found the comment irksome.
"Not as smooth commute as a 'vehicle' would give, I'm sure!" Hange quipped from the driver's seat of the carriage, steering the cart to their destination – an inner district Hange called Stohess. She explained the night before they would likely visit the Capital, Mitras, to discuss how to proceed with Zeke's demands with the royal court. A courtroom was the last place Cynthia wanted to be, sadly watching unexplored wilderness roll by her. What lay within the walls at least intrigued her, but the forest's beckoned her.
"Why do you say 'vehicle' like that?" Yelena jabbed at the Commander. Cynthia couldn't help but scowl at the comment. She was unsure if her contempt was driven by her newfound dislike of Yelena or her irrational level of trust in Hange.
"It's not like she knows what a car is– layoff", Cynthia stated. Yelena gave her a strange smile, causing Cynthia to shift uncomfortably. Yelena only became increasing unnerving the more she interacted with her. Ever since she revealed her allegiance to Zeke two nights ago, Cynthia couldn't look at her straight.
"Hm. Already feeling the need to defend your new friends, Tempest? That's good," Yelena said disingenuously. Cynthia knew what she was insinuating, her eyes betraying the intention behind her words. Inflammation.
"Shut up," Cynthia said flatly, giving the woman a blistering stare.
"Why would I do that? I'm just making an observation," Yelena teased, her gaze shifting between Hange and Cynthia. Cynthia felt her blood boil, a heat spreading across her face. Shit, she thought.
"Is this really necessary?" Onyankopon muttered, head in his hands. He had been mostly quiet during the trip, afraid to look Cynthia in the eye. She had barraged him with questions about Zeke's true involvement the night before only to be met with silence – likely on Yelena's order.
"You're delusional, which tracks, considering your affection for Zeke Jaeger, of all people" Cynthia, spat. Yelena stared at her, her gaze steady and emotionless. After a moment, she just gave a breathy but flat laugh.
"If you can't see that Zeke is Eldia's only chance at survival, you are the delusional one." She asserted.
"Yelena, he's not going to fuck y-"
"Oi," Levi spoke up, moving his horse to walk alongside the cart, "Cut it out". His voice was stern, not hiding that he was sick of their conversation.
"Ah, just let them sort out their difference's Shorty", Hange laughed, obviously enjoying whatever this strange interaction was.
"I'm surprised you have a stake in this as well, Captain," Yelena pushed the awkwardness. Levi kept his gaze, unmoving, on the road.
"Shitty bangs", Cynthia heard Levi barely say under his breath. She held back a laugh, deciding it was best to keep her mouth shut for now.
Cynthia strained her neck up as they approached the gate of district Shiganshina. Above the entrance was a strange mass of crystal that sealed the breaches in the solid stone. Secured at the top, she could see a giant sledge positioned to fall on their very position, just before the metal gate. Something so large could only have one purpose.
"Let me guess. This is what you invented? To get rid of the titans?" Cynthia said to Hange, who was proudly eyeing her own work. She nodded, almost giddy.
"It's simple, really. We used Eren's hardening abilities to seal the gate. The titans were attracted to the more concentrated population behind this wall. So, we would leave the gate slightly open and bait them in with a soldier. When they were close enough, we released the sledge onto the nape, the high speed killing them," Hange hastily explained.
"That's brilliant," Cynthia said, unable to take her eyes off the contraption.
"I call it the 'Executioner from Hell, '" Hange said proudly, looking at Cynthia to gauge her reaction.
"A fitting name for such a device," She said. Hange gave her a blinding grin.
The giant gate lifted at the sight of the group's approach. As they entered Shiganshina, a large crowd of onlookers quickly accumulated by the street sides. The energy among them was practically electric, cheering emanating from the crowd as they passed.
"Welcome back, Commander! Welcome back, Squad Levi!" they cheered. The group of teenagers took the welcome gracefully, waving at the crowd. Jean was most receptive to the love, while Levi seemed unmoved. He regarded the masses dully – it wasn't anything he hadn't seen before.
Apart from the sixty-meter tall walls, Paradis's country and cities weren't much different from Marely's – minus the internment zones. The reclaimed farmland and villages were picturesque with new greenery and early summer blooms – the fields were alight with violet and ruby flowers. Towns were buzzing with life. Children ran through the streets, trade was busy, and the river teemed with fishers and leisure boats. Was this freedom? Cynthia had to ponder. Could she also be free? She wondered what she would even do with it. She could follow in her mother's footsteps – become a baker. The idea didn't sit with her – anything that reminded her of Marley would only bring discomfort. Maybe an artist? Did artists make a living on Paradis? They passed by more, less populated villages, the buildings left in disrepair.
"They're still repairing the villages within wall Maria – the titans were quite destructive when it was first breached", Hange explained.
"I thought they didn't care about buildings?" Cynthia asked, moving closer to the front of the carriage. She told herself it was so she could hear Hange more clearly.
"Let's just say, a lot of people didn't get news of the breach in time," Hange said sadly. Cynthia nodded, recognising it was a sore subject. As they approached wall Rose, the buildings and towns increased, and the population became denser. More and more people paused from their daily activities to watch the convoy travel through. Praise was the overwhelming response among them.
"I see. You are the people's saviours. From the Marley invaders," Yelena stated.
"You should have seen them a year ago – practically threw us flowers when we retook wall Maria," Hange said, "I think the worship is starting to wear off again, back to how it used to be"
"How did it use to be?" Cynthia asked, watching a father sit his child on his shoulders so she could watch the convoy over the crowd. The small child waved enthusiastically at Cynthia.
"Support for the scouts was split fifty-fifty before the first attack. It has varied greatly over the years," Hange explained.
"Approval seems pretty high now", Cynthia asserted while weakly waving back at the girl.
"It won't last," Levi said distastefully from the sideline.
"Mh, we'll see", Hange mused, pushing her glasses up her nose in thought. Seemingly, Levi was right. As the group reached Stohess, the crowds started to disperse. As the infrastructure began to look more expensive and the people more refined, the more disinterested they were in the scout's presence. The reaction was apathetic at best, cause for gossip at worst. Although they were now in civilian clothing, their uniforms kept from the public eye, Cynthia was overly aware of the number of gazes on her and her Marley counterparts. The Military courthouse was grandiose, contributing to the sense of importance that clung to Sothess's air.
"The court won't be held until tomorrow – for now, we rest at the scout barracks," Hange announced as they approached the compound, "Unfortunately, I have been instructed to not let you three out of sight until then."
"What does that mean for us?" Onyankopon asked as the carriage halted outside a large building of rich brown brick and fanciful white moulding.
"Squad Levi will be overlooking you until the court decides… things," Hange said as the entourage started to dismount and lead their steeds to the nearby stables.
"Until the court decides our fate?" Yelena presumed. Hange nodded, conceding the fact that they weren't free – not yet. A couple of guards approached Hange and saluted. Their uniforms were slightly different from the scouts – instead of the wings of freedom emblem, theirs represented a unicorn. They also wore the gear Hange had described to Cynthia as ODM gear – two large metal sheathes sitting on their hips. The three had a brief private conversation, the two men glancing at the three in the cart with distrust and concern. Hange seemed to assure them of something before they hurried back to the barracks.
"I do hope we won't be sleeping in a cell tonight, Hange", Cynthia half-joked as the Commander approached the back of the cart, releasing the latch that held the back panel.
"You underestimate my bargaining abilities," Hange said, stepping aside to let them out. Onyankopon and Yelena exited first, and as Cynthia followed suit, Hange moved forward, offering her hand. Cynthia shot her a look, searching her face for the meaning behind the gesture. Her brown eyes held not even a hint of embarrassment or fear. She could see a smug grin threatening to pull at the brunette's mouth. Cynthia had the inkling it was a test of some sort. Whatever it was, she wanted to pass. She placed her hand in Hange's, using it to balance her landing as she jumped down from the cart. The smug grin made its appearance once Cynthia was looking up at the taller woman, hands unmoving for a second. At that moment, Cynthia could feel the whole squad's eyes on them. She glanced over them to see mainly speculation and confusion. She felt her heart skip a beat upon seeing Levi's darkened expression. She pulled her hand away.
"Thank you," Cynthia said, trying not to sound flustered, hot air developing between the two of them. Hange bowed unceremoniously.
"Anything for m'lady", she joked, tone much too playful.
While they were being led to their accommodation, Cynthia could hear the teens gossiping in the background just out of earshot. Cynthia found it funny in a way – the whole situation was already absurd as it was without throwing flirting into the mix. She wondered what was even compelling her to indulge any of it. Watching Hange lead her to her room, she acknowledged she was not unattractive. Underneath the messy exterior was a strong, slender, confident person. But she had to wonder what Hange saw in her.
"This is where you will stay for the time being", Hange announced, referring to a barrack of about ten beds. It looked comfortable enough, the windows looking out on the clean, regal streets of Strohess. A thin layer of dust laid on all the surfaces – it had been vacant for some time. Cynthia took note of the guards stationed at both ends of the hallways. Guess we're stuck here, Cynthia thought bitterly, wondering how she was going to tolerate Yelena.A young soldier approached Hange as Cynthia chose a bed. In her hands were a stretch book and a small box.
"Perfect, recruit! Send Pyxis my regards" Hange thanked them, approaching Cynthia.
"What is this?' Cynthia asked.
"Huh? You've never seen the paper?"
"I know what paper is"
"You promised me a sketch, remember? Of the War Hammer Titan," Hange said excitedly, handing the book to her. Yelena and Onyankopon glanced at each other questioningly.
"Oh, yes. That is true," Cynthia said, fighting the fog of her memory. She took the papers and box, inspecting the crudely made pencils and charcoal. A part of her felt a pang of excitement, something she hadn't felt in a while.
"Take your time; if it could be as detailed and anatomically accurate as possible, that would really help. But I would just take a rough sketch; it doesn't need to be perfect-" Hange started to blabber.
"Leave it, Hange. We have to meet with Dhalis" Levi cut her off from where he stood in the doorway, his words more biting than usual. His features were cold, but his voice betrayed aggravation. Cynthia could feel his stony glare on her, letting their eyes meet for a second. The action seemed to surprise him, causing him to avert his gaze first, expression hardening still. Hange raised an eyebrow.
"You need to cool it. We'll speak later, Cynthia," Hange shrugged off. Cynthia nodded, already testing the paper quality between her fingers, doing her best to disengage from it all.
Cynthia didn't see the squad again until they entered the military court the next day. She almost didn't recognise them in the new uniforms - long, drab green coats and bow low ties adorned with a green gemstone of some sort.
"Hange!" Cynthia called, grabbing the section commander's attention across the hallway. She caught Hange's eye, only to be met with a stressed expression. She approached her quickly, skilfully balancing a stack of documents in her arms.
"Cynthia. I need to be honest; I don't know how the hearings will go today. They are not happy to hear that there are people here from Marley… Eldian or not," Hange said solemnly. Cynthia felt her blood run cold, a fear crawling underneath her skin. Despite a heavy heart, she pulled her sketches from the night before from her breast pocket, tentatively handing them to Hange. Their expression lit up at the sight of them.
"Ah. Well, I suppose if I should give you this… while I still can," Cynthia said quietly, clearing her throat when sadness threatened to contort her voice. If this was the end, at least she left something behind, she thought. Hange practically shoved the documents into Cynthia's arms while she took the drawings, almost knocking the air out of her.
"Ah, okay," Cynthia said through her surprise, watching Hange eagerly unfold the images and analyse them closely. Pure delight came over her as she shifted through them.
"Profiles, full anatomy, labelling… you spoil me. These are wonderful," Hange exclaimed. Through her fear, Cynthia felt a warmth form in her chest.
"Thank you", she muttered, the possibilities ahead still causing her dread. Hange took her by the shoulders tightly, looking her straight in the eye. Cynthia couldn't help but notice how close their faces were.
"Don't look so sad. I have an idea. They won't touch you; I'll make sure of it," Hange assured. And with that, the Commander took her papers back and ran for the court doors.
The three volunteers were made to sit outside in the hall while the tribunal was briefed. What felt like hours passed, and Cynthia found herself becoming more and more nervous, despite Hange's words. She played with her loosely braided hair and bit at her nails, pacing the hallway outside until her feet hurt. Yelena was uncharacteristically quiet as well, likely also fearing their fate. Eventually, the court doors opened, a guard ushering them all in. Cynthia took a deep breath, steeling herself as all attention turned on to the volunteers.
They were brought to the front of the court, in clear view of all the stands. Cynthia felt heavy under the weight of speculation coming from the people who sat in front of her. It was the last place she expected herself to end up.
"Anti-Marelyan Volunteers," the man Cynthia could only assume was Dhalis Zachary addressed, "The court has assessed Zeke Jaegers requests. Which of you is Yelena?"
Yelena raised her hand.
"These requests specifically outline that cooperation is expected of the volunteers, as directed by you. This cooperation includes advancing our technology, infrastructure, and personnel training to prepare for an assault from the Marley military. In return, you are welcome to Paradis. Is this correct?"
"That is correct, Commander Zachary", Yelena affirmed clearly. Cynthia shuffled uncomfortably. That sounded like being stuck underneath another thumb to her. Another set of unrealistic conditions to meet. And for what?
"Can you assure the cooperation of Marleyan's who are not a part of the volunteers?" Zachary asked. Cynthia side-eyed Yelena. There was no way she could assure such a thing, but Yelena nodded.
"If that is what ensures our continued presence here, then yes. Zeke sent us here to help secure Eldians future and…."
Cynthia filtered out Yelena's words, un-focusing as she continued. She wanted nothing to do with Zeke, wanted no association with him. And yet, to survive, she may have to. The mere mention of his name brought her back to her last days on the frontlines. She felt the colour drain from her face, images of titans clouding her mind. Their grotesque, warped bodies crashing into the ground, giant hands reaching for her in the trenches, twisted smiles looking to devour her. Were these the memories that would haunt her for the rest of her life? At least the fights helped her forget – she wasn't sure she would find the same reprieve here.
Cynthia caught the stare of the young woman beside Zachery – presumably the Queen Historia. She had soft, compassionate blue eyes staring directly into her soul. She hadn't spoken thus far, but she seemed to be listening intently, regarding Cynthia closely.
"…empst? Tempest?!" Zachery's words echoed throughout the room, bringing her back to reality. Her eyes snapped to the stern man, hot embarrassment running through her veins.
"Yes? C-commander?" Cynthia stumbled but managed to keep composure.
"You are the only Eldian on that ship that arrived on our shores three days ago. The only Eldians who have… visited us from Marley were titans or titan shifters," Zachery started, "That is until now apparently. You have to understand, we are sceptical of your presence."
Where the fuck is he going with this? Cynthia thought, panicked. Her legs felt like jelly.
"That is… understandable," Cynthia said, unsure of what he wanted to hear.
"We need proof you are not a Marleyan warrior. But as I understand it, that isn't easy to prove. So, you are being placed under the supervision of Levi Ackerman and Section Commander Zoe as recommended, as an assistant, in order to fulfil the mutual benefit suggested by Zeke Jaegers requests. Are you committed to the proposed terms?" Dhalis explained, clearly unhappy with what he was proposing.
Cynthia stared at Zachary, the old man growing impatient with her inattentiveness. She twisted slightly to stare at Hange next, who only offered enthusiastic thumbs up. Her concern became immeasurable when Levi gave her a cold stare. And yet, she felt she had no choice but to trust Hange. She balled her fists, nails digging into her palms.
"What were the proposed terms?" Cynthia asked carefully. Zachery picked up a list of conditions, adjusting his glasses. When was that written?
"Under such supervision, you will be officially considered a scout recruit, who will answer to authorities as such. You will answer to Section Commander Hange Zoe as a personal assistant; thus, you will require official scout training in order to follow her into the field. If these terms are violated, or it is found you are carrying one of the nine titans, Ackerman has been tasked with your disposal."
Why Levi? Cynthia wondered.
"For how long?" Cynthia asked, her voice quieting. This is what I get for making friends.
"For as long as necessary", Zachery said firmly. Through the brain fog, Cynthia felt a flame of anger. There was no freedom in this world. Not for her.
"What if I refuse these terms?" Cynthia said barely loud enough.
"Imprisonment waits for those who do not want to cooperate", the Commander simply said, seemingly detached from her turmoil. It was clear that the proposal of these conditions was hard fought for, based on his reluctance. He would likely prefer me in prison, Cynthia thought. Maybe that was enough reason to agree. Would it really be all that bad working for Hange? Cynthia thought back to that warmth she felt when Hange praised her work. Maybe it wouldn't all be bad.
She stared Zachery in the face again.
"I am committed to these terms," Cynthia said.
From under one thumb to another.