A/N: Please give me more reviews guys! Even if you have nothing to criticize, just leave a comment saying its good! Every one helps! Also, please check out "Attack on Titan: The Flare Titan - Stained Glass", it's a new collection of one-shots following this story so please read it and review!

Super Comrade: I'm glad you're enjoying it!


One Month Later - April 4th

"She's treating that thing like Mikasa treats her scarf." Armin muttered,

"Yeah, except it's more obvious." Jean rolled her eyes, "No one notices an ever present scarf, but it looks kind of weird if you were a blazing white cloak everywhere."

The cloak in question was a cloak Mina was wearing. It was reminiscent of those worn by soldiers, except with two major differences. The first was that it was as white as snow, and the second was that it had a relatively new symbol on it, a crown on a black shield, the symbol of the Eldian Royal Guard.

She'd received it for her birthday about three weeks ago. Ever since, she'd been treating it with special care, and - for all the places it'd been - it remained surprisingly fresh and clean.

"I'm more worried if the food Niccolo makes is edible." Connie said,

"What, never had seafood before?" Yelena asked, "Niccolo is a master of Marleyan cuisine. Especially that of northern Marley."

"Dumbasses." Niccolo muttered to himself, "I couldn't care less what a bunch of Eldians-" Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Sasha curiously pick up the lobster-

And bite straight into it.

She gasped as her feral hunger took over, rapidly grabbing any pieces of lobster she could, she filled her mouth with lobster, much to the blushing Niccolo's surprise (but secret delight).

"You're a genius!" Sasha cried out, "It's the best food I've ever had!"

Connie finally managed to snag a piece of lobster Sasha hadn't taken, and began eating. "Holy crap…this stuff is good!"

Following that, The Scouts eagerly dug into the food.

"T-there's plenty so take your time!" Niccolo warned them, however, when he went back to stirring the pot, his movements weren't quite so apathetic, and if anyone was looking, they would've noticed small dimples forming in the sides of his face.


"I can't believe it's just been a month since we started building the port, and it's already finished." Armin noted, "Progress has been fast thanks to you two using the Founding Titan and the foreign engineers that agreed to help out."

"To be honest, I'm surprised they agreed to it." Mikasa noted, and beside her, Mina nodded.

"Same. To be honest, it's mostly thanks to the Marleyan-Eldian engineers that we even managed to bridge the gap between us." Mina said. As it turned out, amongst the Titans freed were several Eldian intellectuals from Marley, who were unfortunately caught up in the various purges over the years. Despite their initial distrust of the Kaiserreich's motives, once they realized that they genuinely wished no harm upon the detitanized Eldians, they were quick to cooperate.

"To be honest, I believe all three sides played a hand." Armin said, "The Marleyan-Eldian engineers may have been the bridge. But us and the Marleyans had to make the decision to cross it. Once we put aside our differences and worked to see each other as people, we could reach an understanding."

"I'm surprised some of the Eldians agreed to be retitanized to help with construction." Alto noted, at the same time, he squeezed the trigger of his Jäger 51, taking out a glass bottle a few meters down the field.

"Yeah, that was awfully selfless of them." Armin nodded, "And they put their utmost trust in you to turn them back once they were done."

"Trust, huh." Alto muttered,

"Armin." Eren said at last, changing to topic, "Do you know if Erwin has seen any of Bertholdt's memories?"

"He's seen a few." Armin sighed, "But nothing really helpful."

Eren turned back to the shooting range, aiming at a milk jug a distance away. "We're too short on time. Zeke has less than three years to live. Then Ymir and I have less than seven."

"Yeah…" The group fell silent. If the Curse of Ymir was real, then the only titan shifter among them that wouldn't be passing on in the next twelve years was Alto. It's existence had come to a shock to them all, when Eren revealed it to the Scouts after the Battle of Shiganshina.

"Speaking of, do we really have to go through with Yelena's plan? Threatening the world with the Rumbling?" Armin asked, "If we do that, will we be any better than the devils they already think we are? Before it comes to that…can't we just talk to them? If we fix the world's misconceptions about us, threats won't be needed, and we can even save the Eldians outside the walls."

"Come again?" Eren asked, "What 'misconceptions' do they have about us?"

"Well…you know, the one where they think we're all just big scary monsters."

"Which - technically - we are." Alto interjected, "We have the power to transform into man-eating titans. That is no misconception."

"Still, there are some Marleyans who like us." Mina noted,

"How many?" Eren asked, "The majority of the ones we caught are glaring at us from prison cells. Hell, even the Eldians we freed from titanization are still wary of us."

"But still, with enough time…" Mikasa trailed off, realizing their point.

"Yeah…time."

"Exactly. We need to buy ourselves time. Be it through diplomatic means-" Eren cocked another round of his Jäger.

"-or otherwise."

He fired, knocking the jug clean off its stand.


The following day

"At last, we have completed the port, and months ahead of schedule at that. Now, we are ready to welcome our first foreign visitor to the island in one hundred years. From the sole nation that is friendly to Paradis, Hizuru, and their special envoy Kiyomi Azumabito."

Yelena turned to the Scouts, "Lord Burke, I would like to shake your hand, in recognition of this accomplishment."

Before Alto could reply, Levi stepped in front of him. "I'mma stop you right there. You're not coming anywhere near the two of them before we can make sure the monkey face across the sea can be trusted."

Yelena bowed respectfully, "I understand, Hauptmann Ackermann."


Mitras, several hours later

"Before we begin. Would any of you present happen to recognize this crest?" Kiyomi pulled out a black cloth with an unusual emblem on it. In it, were three tanto blades crossed in a pattern that formed an A, all within a white circle.

"Isn't that…" Mina turned to Alto,

"That shape." Mikasa grabbed her hand, and Eren turned to her.

"Yeah, show it to them!" Eren whispered to her.

"Really? But mom said I should keep it a secret." Mikasa said nervously,

"And maybe this is why." Eren insisted, "And you showed it to me anyway."

Mikasa hesitantly nodded, and proceeded to unwrap her bandages, revealing an identical black colored symbol, to stand out against her skin.

"Before she died, my mother gave me this tattoo to match one both her and her sister had herself. And she asked me to pass it down to my own children as well."

Mina whirled to Alto, who was gaping in open mouthed shock. "Now you have to show them!" Mina insisted.

"You recognize this symbol as well?" Kiyomi turned to Alto, and all eyes were on him. Sighing, he pulled down his collar and part of his sleeve, revealing an identical tattoo on his shoulder blade.

"My mother gave this to me and my siblings prior to their assasination in 845." Alto explained, "She also said her sister had an identical one-" Alto cast a glance at Mikasa, "-and told me that it was my duty to pass it on to my own descendants."

Kiyomi gasped, "Your mothers were a group of brave women." She grabbed Mikasa and Alto into a surprising hug. "A noble deed, befitting your lineage."

"One hundred years ago, the Hizurian Empire - ruled by the Azumabito clan of Shoguns - was an ally of the Eldian Empire. However, when the Eldian Empire collapsed during the Great Titan War, and Hizuru lost the Flare Titan, his firstborn and only son was left behind on this island as well-"

"Hold on, you said Hizuru lost the Flare Titan, not Eldia." Alto interjected,

"Yes, the Flare Titan was the one titan possessed by Hizuru, not the Eldian Empire, which contributed to our dominance prior to the Great Titan War. It was controlled by the Hajime Family, which traced it's the direct lineage to both the Hizurian Imperial Family - the Azumabitos - and the Eldian Royal Family - the Fritz Family." Kiyomi gasped, "Is it possible that you, Lord Burke, are the possessor of the Flare Titan?"

Alto nodded, "It was passed down from my father - Astell Burke. Who got it from his father - Dante Burke."

Kiyomi looked on the verge of shedding tears of joy, "For one hundred years, Hizuru has lived in the belief that both lineages had died out on Paradis. But to find that they not only survive - but thrive on the island is a source of great hope. No - to put it bluntly, the two of you are Hizuru's hope, as the only direct descendants of the families that once led our great nation!"


"That was surprising." Historia noted, "Does that mean Mikasa is technically your cousin?"

"Did you guys see this?" Alto asked, "Cause it sure as hell wasn't in my memories."

"I believe we were only shown major events." Eren said at last, "Not every detail will be remembered from timeline to timeline."

"Nonetheless, why didn't you show me or Ymir?" Historia asked, "This shows that both of us were destined for great things, together."

"Well, my mother told me that the clan she was a part of was being persecuted, and for our safety and the safety of those around us, we shouldn't tell people."

"Then how did Mina know?"

"I showed her a few months ago." Alto said,

"You show her but not me or Ymir? I'm hurt." Historia said,

"I was going to show you eventually," Alto complained.


Eren, Historia, and Alto rejoined the main crowd.

"I can't believe it, you're related to Mikasa?" Connie shook him.

"I mean, now that you mention it, I can see the resemblance. Black hair, similar builds, yep. In hindsight, it's actually pretty obvious." Jean analyzed.

Alto gave Mikasa an awkward smile, and she turned away, clearly, neither of them was ready to handle this news.

"I still don't get what they mean by 'nation'." One of the brass commented.

"Doesn't matter, all this means is that we have leverage over Hizuru." Another stated

"Unless it's a trap."

"Maybe we should seek the advice of the Volunteers."

"The volunteers?! We already have Alexander! We shouldn't make ourselves any more dependent on the Anti-Marleyans than we need to."

"Nonetheless, one thing is abundantly clear." Pyxis interjected, "We are no more than a baby taking their first steps outside the cradle. And we have found ourselves with awfully little time to grow up."

Historia approached Mikasa, "So, that symbol, why'd you only show it to Eren? I've always wondered why you had that wristwrap."

"That's because…" Mikasa trailed off,

"You're in an awfully good mood once all this happened." Eren noted.

"Course I am!" She threw her arms around Mikasa and Alto. "It seems all our ancestors were friends after all! They've left us with incredibly heavy burdens to bear, and I couldn't get a more perfect match than these two!" She gave them an incredibly wide grin, causing both Mikasa and Alto to turn away, but smile regardless.

Eren gave a small smile watching the trio as well.


"This is a momentous day regarding both of our nations, and it is worth noting it would've never occured if it wasn't for the man that brought us together - Zeke Jaeger!"

"Before this meeting took place, he negotiated with us on the behalf of your island, and we discussed much more than Lady Mikasa and Lord Alto. His proposal was that we ally with and assist Paradis in exchange for access to a resource that could return our nation to its former glory: the iceburst stone used to fuel your omni-directional mobility gear. Of course, while he made his offer without surveying your reserves, a treasure like this could change the world."

"Hold on." Alto lifted up a single hand, "Do you mean this?" Inhaling, he proceeded to harden his hand, causing the Hizurians to gasp.

"You can summon iceburst stone?" Kiyomi gasped,

Alto nodded, "I wasn't aware it was the same type of stone that was used in the walls and titan hardening. But yes." He shook his hand, causing the crystals to fall off.

"You may collect them as a gift." Alto nodded, and the body guards proceeded to gather the small crystals.

"Such an ability and the naturally large reserves here would generate a fortune!" Kiyomi licked her lips.

'I knew it.' Alto smirked, he had all too much experience dealing with people like Kiyomi.

'Sounds like that's Hizuru's real hope.' Mikasa thought sarcastically, her face darkening.

'Alexander did say that negotiations would go well due to the Hizurians being money grubbers.' Hange thought to herself.

'This is a dangerous island to visit. I doubt anyone would take the risk if there wasn't money to be made.' Pyxis noted in his head.

"Hold on, Zeke Jaeger has asked you to assist us - right? What would you assist us with?"

"As you know, Mr. Jaeger has a plan to help Eldia succeed against Marley and protect itself and the world. It is a three point course of action that will ensure Eldia's survival. The first is a test run of the rumbling. By destroying a strategic target in Marley, you can demonstrate the power of the rumbling for all the world to see."

"This will buy you time for the second point, to modernize and strengthen Eldia's army. However, you are one hundred years behind the rest of the world. Hizuru will help you catch up, but it will still take about fifty years to be on level footing with the rest of the world."

"This brings us to our third point, to maintain this power, the Founding Titan and Flare Titan must be continuously passed on through the generations, and Zeke will also pass on the Beast Titan to an inheritor of Royal Blood. All three wielders must undertake the responsibility of bearing as many children as possible within this time, to ensure that the bloodline doesn't die out."

Alto balled his fists, crunching the paper in them. Eren gritted his teeth, his face becoming increasingly dark. While Historia merely closed her eyes in resignation, as Ymir stared at her worriedly, waiting for her reaction.

'Is this really worth it?' Hanji wondered, 'If we choose to rely on the Rumbling, we'll have to continue the practice of titan inheritance every thirteen years. I see how it could protect us, but is that enough of an excuse to push this problem onto our descendants-'

"I refuse." Alto said calmly.

"...what?" Kiyomi reacted in shock, clearly panicked at missing out on such a large fortune.

"The Eldian Kaiserreich will not be accepting such a plan. Rather, I would like to formulate another plan, that cuts the middleman and continues to benefit both the Eldian Kaiserreich and Hizurian Empire."

"You're suggesting cutting Zeke Jaeger out of negotiations?"

"Although we owe him much, we do not trust Zeke Jaeger in the slightest." Alto stated, "I would like to propose my own plan."

Kiyomi looked around to the other diplomatic envoys, who shrugged.

"...I-I suppose we could hear you out."

"According to the Anti-Marleyan Volunteers, Iceburst Stone is not the only natural resource that exists in large amounts on Paradis. We have large reserves of oil and coal that possibly equal those of the rest of the world. Give or take." Alto explained,

"Hizuru will have mining rights, however-" Alto raised a finger, "-in exchange, the Hizurian government will encourage their private companies to invest in the development of Paradis, as well as train and educate the Eldian population of this island. They will also ensure that a portion of the workers involved in the mining are native Eldians, and we will also receive part of all resources mined."

"Secondly, the Hizurian Military will actively assist with the Corps of Engineers' attempts to develop new weaponry, as well as help establish our own indigenous military manufacturing firms, and will encourage Hizurian companies to do likewise. Hizuru will also help us build the appropriate infrastructure to accommodate these changes."

"Thirdly, Hizuru will sign an official military alliance with Paradis, and publically announce it to the rest of the world. By doing so, we will increase Eldia's exposure to the world and deter Marley for some time."

"Finally, Hizuru will help introduce the Eldian Kaiserreich to other nations of the world, and help us engage in negotiations."

"This will - of course - come with added benefits. Among your resource rights, we will help you develop new Anti-Titan weaponry matching our own. On top of that-" He stood, "-I offer myself as a military asset to Hizuru."