Author's Note: Okay folks, this is where we get to the problem and how our heroes are going to try and fix it.
Also sorry for the wait, with the whole thing about the virus and other things it's kind of bringing me down. BUT THAT WON'T STOP ME!
So let's get this over with shall we?
Chapter 4: Deliberation.
Took some time but finally all the bodies from those condors have been removed. Eren thought while he inspected the damage in the west sector. Suffice to say that the Kaiju shelter evac drills did their trick. No reports of casualties, with exceptions of wounds suffered during the panic.
As Eren continued on, his eye caught sight of a long line of people waiting to be served food at one of the Food kitchens (an idea made by the Gotengo crew) stationed around New Eldia. Many of those people have become homeless due to their houses being destroyed during the latest and past Kaiju attacks. Even though reconstruction has started on the destroyed buildings, it would take time especially if more creatures attack.
Finally Eren reached the market and went to one of the stands. "Got any S-Meat?" The man chuckled as he pulled out a huge bag. "You're lucky Mr. Yeager, this the last one for today."
Eren paid the seller, took the sack, checked the content and winched at the sight of it. Yep this Shockirus is fresh. Since the treaty, meat has become rare again like the days of the Titans. It wasn't until three years ago after a Kaiju attack when cleaning up the burned monster carcass that the charred bodies of Shockirus fell off.
Then Sasha smelled one of them and without hesitation took a bite. It was risky and stupid, but it proved effective and the Shockirus-now called S-Meat had become humanities top on the food pyramid…for now.
Just wish it wasn't from a parasite.
Eren shook his head and headed towards the palace where the Royal Government was preparing for an important meeting regarding the Kaijus.
Then Eren noticed the paper boy handing out today's paper. After paying him, Eren looked at the front page.
Tanakibo suffers another failed fishing attempt due to Kaiju interference.
Eren gave a worried look. He wondered if Mikasa was doing alright. Ever since the events after King Ghidorah's death, Mikasa wasn't herself. She's been having night terrors, her combat skill started becoming sloppy, and every time she looked at him…well, Eren never saw her look that terrified in a long time.
It wasn't until after a visit with Miki that Mikasa slowly started to get better, but Miki said it would be a slow process and suggested that she stay in Tanakibo until then.
Without even discussing it with him or Armin, she agreed to stay. Eren offered to visit but Miki said that Mikasa didn't want any visitors, Of course that didn't stop Jean from transferring to the Kaiju Corps.
As much as it irks him, Eren knows Jean will keep a watchful eye on Mikasa and protect her if she needs it.
Eren sighed. He missed her, missed the days she stood by his side where ever he went. There were days where he felt that Mikasa won't come back, especially since last week when she sent his scarf back.
"UGH! I hate taking those!" Ymir groaned in bed.
"Stop being a baby, it's for your health," Historia stated as she held the syringe.
This was one of the 'Gifts' The Nebulan queen offered so long as Historia complied with her demands, she said that it can extend a Titan shifter's life for one year after each injection.
After defeat of the Nebulans they found a metal crate containing a multitude of it. They made sure to evenly spread two bottles for Eren and Ymir after a year.
But now they're running out of it, and despite the Gotengo crew's best efforts they can't synthesize the medicine.
"Hey," Historia came out of her thoughts as she felt Ymir's hand on her arm.
Ymir gave a smile despite her tired and weak appearance. "You can get that thing out now."
Historia saw the syringe still in Ymir's arm. "Sorry," she said as she gently pulled it out. "I just got a lot on my mind."
"If it's about my health again, don't worry I'm fine," Ymir said. She rose up a little. "See I-"
Then she started coughing, Historia placed her hand behind her back in comfort until Ymir stopped.
"Okay I'm still coughing but that's it," Ymir admitted.
"Still, I want you to stay in bed," Historia ordered.
"But what about the meeting?" Ymir asked as Historia changed into her more royal attire.
"I can handle it on my own," Historia said. "And you are going to stay in bed."
Ymir let out a small cough, "Queen's orders huh?"
"A wife's order," Historia said with a waring glare that made Ymir chuckle.
"I love it when you talk serious."
Historia smiled as she left the room. "And I love it when you listen."
When she left the room, Historia gave a worried expression. Unless they find another means, Ymir's time will run out.
Eren was the last to enter the room. He looked around and noticed Captain Gordon, Dr. Shiragami and Rokuro representing the Gotengo Crew, as well as Levi and Hange representing the Scout Regiment, Armin represented the Kaiju Corps as well as Tanakibo. The meeting started just as Eren took his seat.
"Now that we are all here let us start this meeting with the current actions of Rodan's clan," Dhalis Zachary announced. He held the report with both hands as he read the report aloud.
"First; all residents of the Underground had to be evacuated immediately due to a pair of Baragons making a nest there. Baragons are considered very territorial during breeding. Second, due to the Kamacuri settling in more agricultural locations, grains and livestock are in short supply. Third, I doubt I need to mention destruction of homes due to the size of the kaijus. Now fourth, the overpopulation of the Juvenile Zillas-"
"This is getting out of hand!" shouted one of the council members and thus multiple councilmen started shouting out.
"What good is this alliance if we don't have any benefits from it?!"
"Well at least they haven't killed anyone!" One shouted in the Kaiju's defense.
"But each time one of them fights another or if they're in a bad mood, they cause destruction which leaves people homeless!" shouted a Corpsmen.
"And adding food supplies being scarce, those monsters are already killing us without having to either step or eat us!"
Eren rolled his eyes. And here we go again with the shouting.
"Order!" Shouted Dhalis Zachary to the assembly, as many of the voices calmed as Queen Historia stood up to speak.
"Everyone! We're very much aware of the problem, but Rodan and his flock are not the sole cause of it. Thanks to the Nebulans nearly half of Paradis has become uninhabitable. Both sides are thriving as best as they can. Still, it's clear we need a better way for both sides, Human and Kaiju, to exist. So I'll take any suggestions."
"If I may, your majesty?" Dr. Shiragami asked as he stood up. When the Gotengo agreed to aid the people of Eldia, Shiragami chose to assist Hange and the corps research on Kaijus.
"Yes, Doctor?" Queen Historia said. "You have an idea?"
"Well not much of an idea, but a fact," Dr. Shiragami started. "You see despite this alliance-which I'm still amazed has lasted this long-was not due to last forever. In fact, I discovered that if we carry on the way we are, there won't be enough resources in the next three years."
The room was then filled with mix of gasps and shouting, some saying 'what should we do?' to 'it's the Kaijus's fault!' Thankfully Dhalis maintained order as Shriagami continued.
"I am sorry for causing worry but we must face the facts that, despite this alliance, it is getting to the point where only one species can truly remain on this island. And I doubt the Kaijus will leave."
Once more the room was filled with voices, much louder this time.
"What about that Jet Ja…robot thing? Can't it get rid of the monsters?!" shouted one of the council members.
"Jet Jaguar is strong but he's not built to take out a whole island of them," Rokuro said standing up. "Believe me I've tried. Too much rebuilding." Then Captain Gordon pulled the young genius back to his seat.
"Well what about the Kaijus that we control at Tanakibo?" said one of the scout captains. "Like that Anguiurs? I've heard it went toe to toe against both the Rodan and The Great Preda-I mean Godzilla."
Armine stood up. "First off they are not being controlled. Second: Anguriurs may stand a chance against Rodan, but there is a good chance that some of the other Kaijus in Rodan's flock might strike him down after the fight, epically since Anguriurs's only allies are a Gorrorsorus and a full grown Zilla, they would be outnumbered by the whole flock."
"Agreed," Hange joined in. "From my studies on the members of Rodan's flock, they're showing signs of frustration with the treaty." Hange gave a big smile. "It is so fascinating! Though the Kaijus are animals they have shown signs of almost human intelligence it is so-"
"The point, four-eyes!" Levi interrupted Hange as the former coughed a little.
"Uh…, sorry. Anyway, the members of the flock are divided from being loyal, to the a few planning on challenging him for leadership."
"And no doubt that if Rodan gets killed, the new leader will most likely see us as prey," Captain Gordon stated as he stood up. "And I think, your majesty, that we talk about the idea we discussed."
Everyone except, The Captain and Queen Historia looked confused. Historia stood up from her chair and raised her hand to silence everyone.
"Captain Gordon and I have been talking, and we have a plan that might be beneficial to either humans or Kaiju," Historia made sure that all eyes were on her.
"We are planning an expedition to find a new home for either the people of New Eldia or the Kaijus."
All eyes were on Historia after that, and for the first time, the whole room was filled with a stun silence.
"DAMMIT LET ME OUT!" Gabara shouted from his crystal prison.
Zeke jumped from his decomposing Titan body as he observed his makeshift prison and its two captives.
Both the Shifters whole bodies were covered in crystal except their heads, with the exception of Gaira's mouth being covered. Shame it didn't cover Gabara's. Zeke thought.
"I will let you both out when I feel like it," Zeke said to them, but mainly towards Gabara.
"This is between me and the cannibal!" Gabara argued. "You had no right to inter-"
"I do have the right," Zeke glared at Gabara thus shutting him up. "I have the right to treat you both in any way I see fit. I have the right to punish you, I have the right to harm you, I have the right to kill you right now if I must."
Zeke started at them both. "I gave you both your powers, and I can replace you if need be."
Gabara scoffed. "Then why haven't you?" A chuckle can be heard from Gaira's covered mouth.
"I'll tell you why," Gabara continued. "It's because after all that time we're the only real success. Me, the cannibal, and the traitor. Out of all of us, we are our great country's only hope!"
"True. Until the Nebulans finish their weapon," Zeke watched their reactions as he continued. "You recall 3 years ago when we found those talking insects? During those years they promised a powerful weapon for the Marley Government. And I guarantee that if it succeeds, we Eldians will be wiped out no matter how much good we've done for our country."
He looked at the two, despite them not showing signs of fear or intimidation. He did notice signs of sweat forming on their brows.
Zeke sighed. "Of course, even if the Nebulan's so called weapon proves to be a failure, the Titan shifters will still be needed. But let me make myself clear: If it's proven that your powers can be transferred to another Eldian like me and the others, then you will be replaced with more competent soldiers."
"I could have handled that overgrown lizard if that bladed freak of nature didn't get in my way!" Gabara argued.
"Why, if it came here I would have it on its knees! And I would choke it until its neck breaks!"
Zeke nodded. "Good, but you'll have to play smart now more than ever."
Zeke looked around the area. Before talking with them he gave an order to all the soldiers that he wanted to talk with the two shifters in private. He walked up to the prison of his two failures.
He leaned close between them and spoke softly in case of hidden listeners. "What I'm about to tell you two, you are not tell anyone. If you do, I will kill you."
Hearing the serious tone from his voice they kept silent.
"Now you both remember how the Nine Titan shifters came to be?" Zeke asked, and the two nodded their heads. "How her power was cut l into nine?"
Zeke's grabbed the crystals between Gabara and Gaira, his fingers piercing the crystal causing cracks to spread across it. "Well thanks to me, now it's cut in twelve."
The prison shattered, freeing the two shifters. Gaira broke the crystal piece that covered his mouth while Gabara stretched his arms.
"You did what!?" Gabara shouted, "How? Who are they?"
Gaira laughed. "And you think I'm stupid. It's us."
"Correct," Zeke nodded. "You see, when I experimented on the mutated flesh of Bertolt's titan (along with my own) to create the powers given to you two and Sanda. I discovered I unknowingly tampered with the path, relocated the finite power of Ymir and divided the Titan powers further."
"Oh really?" Gabara raised an eyebrow. "And how did you figure that out?"
Zeke looked at his hands and clenched his fists. "For some time I've noticed I've been losing some strength in my titan form."
"And I think you both noticed you're getting slightly weaker." Gabara and Gaira were both silent. Zeke knew that was their response, though when those three first started they're strong enough to go toe to toe with the Kaijus; but now as the years pass, they are slowly losing their strength.
"Thankfully, the highter-ups don't know this," Zeke stated. "And we should keep it that way, understand?"
Gabara glared at Zeke. "If what you say is true, then it is only a matter of time before they figure it out!"
"I suppose you have any delicious ideas, sir?" Gaira asked, licking his lips hungrily.
Zeke turned his back on them as he watched the sun began to set over the mountain range.
"There are whispers on this island of a great power," Zeke began. "One so great, that the power of a titan is but a joke. So they say."
"You mean those weakling pushover Natives?" Gabara asked. "You heard about this from them?"
"They are the inhabitants of this island after all," Zeke said. "It is also their legend."
"A legend?!" Gabara shouted. "Great. Hey Cannibal, our great savior has finally lost it."
Before Gaira could respond Zeke punched Gabara in the gut knocking him down. As Gabara held his stomach and tried to get his air back, Zeke planted his foot hard on Gabara's chest.
"You are so close to pushing the limit of your usefulness, Gabara. I'd watch myself if I were you," Zeke said as he removed his foot from Gabara and looked back at the sunset.
"Whatever it is, legend or not, we must take any chance we get if humanity is to survive the Kaiju threat."
Zeke narrowed his eyes in determination. "And once I find this power no Kaiju, Nebulan, or Titan will stop me from my mission."
Author's Note: AN EXPIDITION! It does make sense when you get down to it, wonder who will go on this journey and what is this power is Zeke talking about it? As if we don't know all ready right?