Chapter 49
Zeke is now attending the meeting with the Warrios, and he says, "Now then, the last battle made it clear that normal weapons will overtake Titans in the near future. The weaker Marley becomes, the more the Eldian race is threatened. Our existence is in danger. To rectify this, Marley must obtain the Founding Titan and Paradis' resources. The world must be strongly reminded of the threat that the island poses. To tell that story, we need a narrator. The Tybur family will fulfill the role."
"The family holding the War Hammer Titan?" Colt asks.
"It's said the Tyburs have never sent the War Hammer Titan to enemy soil. They're influential abroad for driving away King Fritz during the Great Titan War and securing the Neumann family. The world will listen to them." Pieck says.
"That's Pieck for you! Precisely!" Zeke says.
"But the Tyburs have been living the life in their huge mansions." Galliard says. "Why come out of the woodwork now and pretend to be heroes?"
"I know how you feel, but the Tyburs are concerned about Marley, too. Besides, Aya Neumann has to gain the final piece in order to activate her true powers, that is...the War Hammer Titan." Zeke says.
"But that will make her more stressed, isn't it? She already has the power of 11 Titans already..." Colt says.
"If it saves our motherland Marley, I'll be grateful. Our Warrior unit can cooperate with the Tyburs and serve as the backbone for restoring Marley."
"Indeed." Zeke agrees. "Here in Liberio, there will be a festival soon. VIPs from abroad will be invited to hear an announcement from the Tyburs: 'Within a year, we'll control Paradis island.' The fate of Marley and all Eldians rests in this plan. It cannot fail."
"For the future of our motherland Marley, we must join our hearts as one."
At the same time, Aya and Eren are now at the Warrior training room, and with their request, they manage to bring Erich and Carla.
"Look at them! They're so cute!" Gabi says.
"Yeah, I can't believe they are just half a year old..." Falco says.
Aya says, "Yeah. They are really cute, and I'm glad to have both of them with me..."
"Udo notices Eren wearing gloves and asks, "Mr. Kruger, why are you wearing gloves?"
"I'm wearing it so that I could protect my mistress' children from any harm." Eren replies.
Zofia says, "Mr. Kruger. It seems that you're recovering pretty well."
"Why thank you." Eren says as he looks at the watch. "Mistress, we have a meeting in the Hospital. We should leave now."
"I see." Aya picks up both Erich and Carla and says, "Sorry, but we are heading to the hospital, so we'll see you later."
After they leave, the four of them are discussing wanting to bring presents for the two infants.
After that, Falco decides to go to the hospital to check out the other Eldians, and he notices a young doctor helping with the patients. The young doctor is Katrina, and the nurse says, "Dr. Kruger, thank you for saving my brother..."
Falco notices the name as he sees a woman similar to Eren smiling at the patients. Katrina says, "No problem. Have a nice day."
After the patient leaves, Katrina notices Falco and asks, "Are you perhaps a patient as well?"
"Well, I...uh..." Falco says.
"Look at the wounds, did you get it from the Warrior Training?" Katrina sighs. "You should be more careful."
Falco says, "I...thank you."
Then as Katrina is healing his wounds, she says, "Ah, where are my manners, my name is Fay Kruger. You can just call me Dr. Kruger."
Falco says, "Are you perhaps related to Grey Kruger? The bodyguard who was with Aya Neumann?"
"Oh? There is someone with the same last name as a bodyguard for Lady Neumann? That's wonderful news, isn't it?" Katrina says.
"I see..." Falco is feeling a little embarrassed, "I'm sorry."
"It's fine." Katrina says. "So you want to become a Warrior, is that right?"
"Yes. But I don't think I'll make the cut." Falco mutters. "There's this other candidate who's good at everything."
"That's a good thing." Katrina says. "You're a good person. I'm glad you'll be able to live a full life."
Falco looks down again. "But I don't want the other candidate to become a warrior."
Katrina looks at him again. "Why not? Is this person a girl?"
"She's famous around here. She even played a big part in ending the war. Everyone knows she's the best pick for the next Armored Titan. But I'm too weak, I won't be able to change anything before it's too late."
"Every day since I came here, I've been thinking. Why did things end up this way? Look at those people, having their bodies and mind rot away, losing their sense of self... Anyone who knew they'd end up this way would never set foot on a battlefield. But something pushes them onward. And they all walk into hell anyway. Usually, that something isn't their own will. The conditions and people around them leave them with no choice."
Falco looks at her with surprise, and she says, "But people who push themselves onward see a different sort of hell. They're looking at something past that hell. It might be hope, or it might be yet another hell. Only the people who keep moving forward can know for sure."
Falco can only mutter in shock as Katrina finishes treating his wounds. "There. Make sure to be careful with your training."
"Thank you, Dr. Kruger." Falco bows as he leaves before Colt starts to get worried. Katrina smiles before turning to see Zeke, Eren, and Aya.
"I'm glad you didn't reveal that we are twins, it will be better." Eren says.
"Yeah..." Katrina says.
"Though I have to admit that both of you are starting to look like our father..." Zeke says.
"I see." Eren says, "Let's go back home. We have a lot to discuss."
After leaving, they manage to get back to the house with Peter, Odom, and Dina waiting for them. And it is then that Dina tells Zeke about their plan. "And about our plan what do you think about it?"
Zeke sighs and says, "First of all, I think it is quite risky. Because of Marley, the world hates the Eldians more and more. Do you think peace talks and the small Rumbling will be the way to end the hatred for these centuries?"
"If anything, Marley is the one who started the war, they forced us Eldians to fight for them and make them hate Eldians more and more." Peter says. "If we have the power of the 12 Titans at our disposal, we will be able to defend our island from the attacks."
Aya says, "And thanks to the Mid-Eastern war, we learn about those Anti-Titan weapons. However, those Titans might be able to do a thing to other Titans, but Marley never has the Weather Titan, the Attack Titan, and the Founding Titan. And the Ocean Titan and Sky Titan are also lost in history that people already forget about them."
"And according to Pieck, the War Hammer Titan was never used in Marley's war as well." Eren says. "If anything, we still have an advantage."
Zeke says, "You're right about that. But are you sure you'll be able to get all 12 Titans back?"
Dina says, "We've already planned all of them except for the Cart Titan. If we succeeded, we will be able to get the other 3."
"I see..." Zeke says as he turns to Eren, "Do you have any new memories from the vision of the Attack Titan?"
Eren says, "I can see a lot of possibilities. Right now we're going on a track that leads Eldian Empire to victory...However, one wrong move and will cause our ruin."
"You're right. We have to be careful." Odom says.
Just then, the squeal of both Carla and Erich causes everyone to turn to them, Carla wants to touch her father's face, but Eren smiles and says, "No touching Papa, Carla."
Aya says, "Though I'm feeling sorry for Eren..." Aya frowns, "He can't touch Carla and Erich as he wants to. They have Neumann blood inside and just a touch will cause them to be bound with our life..."
"You're right..." Eren frowns. "If there's only a way to break this curse..."
"Falco? Where are you headed this late?" Reiner asks. Falco is panting heavily in front of him.
"I forgot something at HQ, so I'm going back to get it." Falco says with a smile. "See you later."
(Flashback)
"There you are, Falco." Katrina says as she has Erich on her lap.
"What's that, Dr. Kruger?" Falco asks.
Katrina takes out a letter and says, "I want to send a letter, but... if it's sent from the internment zone, they'll check it."
"That's right." "If they see what I wrote they'll know I shouldn't be here. Would you be willing to send it outside the Interment Zone?"
"Sure thing. Is it to your family?"
"Yeah. I wanna tell 'em I'm here and doing just fine." Katrina says. "I still can't help but worry about my brother, he is rash and suicidal and not even our Mom could handle him."
Falco nods as he grabs the letter and leaves, before patting Erich's head, who is cooing with affection.
(Flashback Ends)
In the evening, Theo Magath learns from Koslow that the entirety of the Tybur family has come to visit. As the two go to meet their visitors, Koslow notes that the Tyburs' personal guards are not part of the Marleyan military. They are greeted by the family's current head, Willy Tybur, who introduces them to the rest of the family.
"If you don't mind me asking, but where is Lady Neumann?" Willy asks.
"Lady Neumann is staying at her house with her two children. She came to help us right after having her labor, so she wanted to spend more time with them." Magath says.
"Ah yes I understand the feeling very much, it's alright then, we can always work our way around a meeting for her to finally obtain all of her wonderful powers to help us end this war." Willy replies.
Speaking privately, they talk about the war and how the Tybur families are currently in control of Marley. He also reveals that it is their fault to stand by that caused the Neumann clan to disappear those centuries ago.
Willy intends to reveal the truth to the world at the upcoming festival, as he believes Marley needs a hero and Aya Neumann once more and entreats Magath to work with him.
The next day, Aya wakes up to see little Erich and Carla hugging their mother, she smiles and says, "You really like to be with your mommy, huh?"
Eren walks into the room and says, "Of course they are. So you're going to the meeting today, huh?"
"Yeah. Eren, you don't need to come with me. You have to rest for a little because you still have to fake your injuries." Aya says.
"Something that I'm not comfortable with because I couldn't spend nights with you." Eren sighs.
After kissing each other, Aya leaves as Eren decides to play with Erich and Carla.
At a military meeting, Reiner explains possible methods of invading Paradis Island, going into detail concerning the benefits and weaknesses of the various options, however, Aya is inwardly smirking as they've already developed Paradis Island with the help of the small rumbling, and how Reiner is so wrong about Paradis now.
However, the strategist listening to him is unhappy that Reiner does not have a decisive plan and concludes it was not worth letting an Eldian talk, and it is what causes Aya to be slightly angry.
"The Paradis Island planning is going just well. The brass in charge is oh so intelligent." Porco mocks.
"What do you think, Lady Neumann?" Pieck asks.
"I actually don't care what those idiots think." Aya says while rolling her eyes. She thinks, "Honestly...the only person to determine who was right in war is the one who comes out of it in victory."
Falco manages to overtake Gabi Braun at the end of their race and the candidates celebrate afterward, though Colt does not believe his brother will be able to surpass Gabi at this point.
"But still, I can't believe those young kids are going into this Warrior Training." Aya says with a frown. "To me, it feels so wrong. If they fail a mission, who knows how their hearts are going to take it..."
As she shoots the glare at Reiner, who flinches a little as he wonders if Aya is talking about him. When the news spread out that a Neumann member helps them win the war, everyone has been spilling bullshit to her, but she always remember that it is because of Marley that her mother suffered.
As the candidates depart for the day, Gabi expresses her frustration with Falco's determination to beat her, pointing out that the Grice family will be made Honorary Marleyans anyway once Colt inherits the Beast Titan, and demands to know why he is trying so hard.
Falco stops and turns around, blushing. "I'm doing this for you! It is not just for Lady Neumann!"
"Huh?! You're getting in my way, but you're doing it for me? That doesn't make any sense!" Gabi yells, but Falco just runs away.
After a while, the other Warrior Candidates meet a lady who gives them bread, and they also notice Peter moving a box of fish to the market.
"Mr. Fischer!" Gabi, Udo, and Zofia greet the man, and he says, "Ah, good to see you again."
"How are the catches for today?" Udo asks, and Peter shows them a lot of fishes. Gabi says, "Wow... that is amazing! Look at all kinds of fishes here."
"I wouldn't be able to do it alone, after all." Peter says.
The Warrior candidates know Peter because there is one time Zofia accidentally bumped into him and caused the crabs that he fished to be on the lose, Peter wasn't angry at them, and instead, he also let each of them get seafood for them as gifts.
They also notice the stage and Udo is skeptical that the world will join forces with Marley as easily as planned. Given his experience coming from an internment zone abroad, hatred for Eldians is even worse outside of Marley. Even so, Gabi is hopeful that choosing to have the event here might help the rest of the world understand Eldians.
Magath is sitting with Willy as they are talking, not only do they talk about the upcoming vow, but they also talk about Aya.
"So Lady Neumann never told you where she lived and about her children?" Willy asks.
"She said that she didn't want her children to be in any military affairs. Since she's someone who is important to our upcoming war, I don't question her." Magath says.
"Of course, we all don't want to have our children born into a war as tools. I'm sure after this war, we will be able to give the peace that the Neumanns deserve." Willy says.
Back in the hospital, Falco notices Eren sitting with Katrina while each of them has both Carla and Erich sitting on their laps.
"Nice work, Falco." Eren says to him after hearing how Falco beats Gabi in a race.
"It's all thanks to you, Dr. Kruger! But at this point, I honestly doubt I can pass up Gabi. Even so, I'm gonna keep moving forward."
"I see. I'm the one who should be thanking you, though. I'm grateful you've been sending all my letters. You've been a big help." Katrina says.
"What letters?" Eren asks.
Katrina says, "Ah, don't worry about that. It is nothing important."
Falco noticed the baseball glove beside Eren. "Did your family send you that?"
"They thought it'd make hospital life less boring. Hard to do much in this shape, though. I need to move forward, too. When the festival's over, I'm going back to my hometown. I missed my sister, my wife, and my mother, I wonder if they're going to be fine." Eren says.
"You're here because you want to protect Lady Neumann. I'm sure your family would be proud of you." Falco says.
After bidding farewell to both Eren and Katrina, an old man walks towards them. "May I sit next to you?"
"Yeah, sure. I appreciate it." Katrina says.
"I'm Yeager, a physician for the zone. I come here to drink tea sometimes."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Grey Kruger." Eren says. "Grey Kruger, not to confuse with Dr. Fay Kruger here. We're not related."
"Nice to meet you, Grey Kruger. You seem to get along with that boy."
Katrina says, "We both do. He often help me with the treatment of wounded people here."
"I see. I think I could get along with him, too. I sit here on this bench looking for people to talk to. His uncle was a leader of the Eldian Restorationists. Restorationists are sent to Paradis and not even their family is spared. To protect their family, he and his brother trained to be Warriors, and when his brother was chosen to inherit the Beast Titan, the Grice family knew they were finally safe."
"Why are you telling me this?" Eren asks.
"Stop asking the boy to do favors for you. If he comes under suspicion, all their effort will have been for nothing. And if you're truly healthy, you should go home to your family. Someday, you won't see them anymore. Don't wait and live with regret."
"Regret, huh?" Katrina asks. "You have regrets about your own family?"
"There's not a day that I won't. That day, my son took my daughter outside the walls. It's because I was too strict about him becoming a doctor!" He is panting and began to yell. "It's my fault! Everything is my fault!" He grabs his face and screams, while Eren and Katrina just watch him.
"Mr. Yeager!" A doctor and a nurse are running toward them. "Please don't go around on your own!"
After he leaves, Katrina says, "I guess he figures out my name...that's why he wants to talk to us."
"Yeah." Eren sighs.
That night, on the eve of the festival, the Warrior candidates prepare themselves to serve as waiters to the many ambassadors who have come to Liberio.
Aya is also at the scene as she notices Kiyomi. She says, "Lady Azumabito, Nice to see you again."
"Hello, Lady Neumann. Have you met Willy yet?" Kiyomi asks.
"Oh, he is still busy at the moment, I'll be meeting him after a few minutes." Aya says.
Just before they continue talking, Udo accidentally comes and spills the wine, worrying for Udo's safety, Kiyomi plays it off as if she had spilled it on herself, telling Udo to keep quiet.
Aya is sighing in relief that Udo is safe, and she walks towards Willy and greets him. Willy shakes hands and says, "So you must be Aya Neumann, it is an honor to meet you."
"It is nice to meet you, Mr. Tybur." Aya says.
"Look at your hair, it seems you already have 11 powers of Titan already." Willy says.
"Yes, the War Hammer Titan is the only one left." Aya says. "Because of my past relations in Paradis, I'm able to connect with all the powers."
"I see. I'm still glad you're able to help us with this war." Willy says.
"My only goal is to let my children out of this war. They deserve to have a better life." Aya says.
"Of course." Willy says as he looks at the time. "Excuse me, I'll be having a speech soon."
"No problem." Aya says as she watches him leave.
The loose chatter comes to an end when the Marleyan ambassador greets the gathering with a crude and awkward speech. He is gracefully sent aside by Willy, who gives his own speech to the ambassadors. Expressing his desire to rid the world of the Titan scourge which has been the cause of concern for many nations, Willy announces that he will declare his solution for the crisis tomorrow night following his theater production.
The next day, the festival is starting, and Aya is now with the Warrior Candidates with Carla sleeping in her hand.
"Be careful, we don't want Aya's daughter to cry." Pieck says.
"Right!" The children says as they all enjoy the festival together.
"So where is your bodyguard? Is he not with you?" Porco asks.
"He's staying at home with Erich." Aya says. "Considering there is nothing going to happen at the festival, I'm sure that they will be fine."
Then they all explore the festival together, and Aya really enjoys it and she can also see Peter and Odom helping out with the stalls, she glances at Reiner, who doesn't seem to notice both of them considering they are not the ones in front of the stalls.
After the end of the festival, Aya meets up with Eren at the harbor, where Annie and Armin are already waiting for them. They bring the kids to them and Armin asks, "Are you sure you're going to do this?"
"It won't be as horrible as I saw in the memories. We're also making sure that few people are going to be killed in this." Eren says.
"There is no way of stopping you, is there?" Annie asks.
"Of course not, and since they haven't touched Eren, so Armin, you don't need to worry about not touching them."
"I see. I'll make sure that Captain Levi gets both of them." Armin nods as both Eren and Aya leave.
Here is a new chapter, and as you can see, we're about to begin with the battle in Liberio. There are some things that might change, and I hope you like it.