Chapter 14

Declarations


Willy Tybur observed the land appearing over the horizon.

The Island of Devils...

Oh, he knew very well it wasn't actually an island of devils.

He knew very well the king had no real intention of going through with the threat of a rumbling to destroy the world should Paradis be threatened.

What he didn't know, and what very much did frighten him and every ambassador on that ship was the possibility that some new, far more evil power had arrived on that island to threaten the entire world.

He glanced at the information on his journal.

Estimated time to begin mobilizing military forces from all over the world in order to reach the capacity to take Paradis... one month... time to gather them in Liberio and other nearby ports... one month... estimated enemy strength... unknown.

He closed his notebook and hid it in his pocket.

If the true king was deposed, then even if these people are peaceful, they must be dealt with. The power of the Founder cannot be trusted on anyone other than the royal family.

He pushed the door open and entered the ship again, only one other person in the rec room.

"Miss Azomabito..."

"Mister Tybur, a good morning to you."

He noticed her place some sugar on her tea.

He smiled and approached her, masking his interior calculations that affected millions with his charming "good" Eldian collaborator who helped humanity.

"Good morning... I'm curious of your expectations of these people from another world. Haven't had the opportunity to ask you that, have I?"

"No, you've clearly been very busy. My people are most curious about the possibility of another Hizuro in that other world."

"Ah, yes... Japan. Do you think they're as homogenous as your country?"

"Who knows? I know most are worried over these... Americans, but my people are peaceful. Surely, we can find more in common." she said, an impressively fake smile on her face.

"Well, aren't you optimistic?"

"Oh, it's just an interesting situation is all. I'm as curious and excited about meeting people from another world as anyone here."

"Hmm... when Paradis became a hermit kingdom, there were no people from Hizuru there, yes?"

"Oh, an entire tribe if the historical record is to be believed... I'm also curious about that."

She sipped some tea.

Tybur smiled, saying "You know, some officers from Marley are worried Hizuru would betray the World Union if it means getting access to the resources in Paradis, but knowing there may be a tribe from Hizuru living in Paradis makes it more understandable."

She only said "Hizuru stands where it stands. We'll simply continue on our small islands regardless of what happens."

"We could use your nation's advancements in aviation."

"The way Marley values airships? Good luck." she chuckled.

Willy Tybur frowned.

The only reason Marley had invested on airships and not aircraft was because current planes weren't very well built for cargo, but another reason was to keep other nations from developing better anti titan aircraft.

That action may be the death of us all...

He turned back to look at the sea, pondering the possibilities, good and bad, that could come from that day's meeting.

I wonder what monsters await us on that island.

...

"Says here they're called Grizzly bears." Marco said, looking at the large furry animals in the enclosure after reading the label on the railing.

Jean asked "They look kind of harmless. What's so grizzly about them?"

It was Samuel who replied "I wouldn't want to meet that out in the forest. Look at those claws!"

Jean said "I don't really see any claws."

Marco said "Well, these are domesticated, maybe the ones out in the wild are scarier than these."

The crowd of New Yorkers and tourists around them was not entirely sure how to react.

Some were assuming the kids were just messing around, with some wondering if the kids genuinely had no idea about Grizzly Bears... many more had realized that these were the child soldiers from beyond the gate who had been working with American forces for some months now, and were currently working to gain support for their island.

How exactly where they supposed to act then?

These were, like it or not, combat veterans. Children, of course, but still, combat veterans.

And from another world no less!

So, in a way, it was like having aliens in front of you.

Eren Yeager was the only one to really notice, but he said nothing.

Then a little boy tugged at his pants and said "Do your friends really not know what Grizzly Bears are?"

Eren simply said "Guess not."

It was Jean that yelled "Don't go acting like you knew better, big shot!"

"I did know better. Armin showed me pictures of these before coming here." Eren replied, deadpanned.

"Where are you guys from, anyway?"

"BRIAN!" a mortified woman with blonde hair said loudly, scooping the child up in her arms and apologizing.

"Sorry, my kid-"

"No worries, miss." Eren said, lifting his hands up in an "i surrender" motion.

The woman sighed, and, perhaps speaking for everyone asked "So... you're those kids from beyond the gate?"

Eren said "Yeah, actually."

At this, the other boys turned to stare at him.

We're not supposed to announce who we are!

"Ah, I see... well... we're rooting for you!" the woman said, turning and walking away.

Jean slapped the back of Eren's head, saying "Dumbass, why did you-?"

"I just wanted to see how they'd react!"

"What? Why?"

"Because I felt like it, genius! I don't have to explain myself to you!" the boy said, huffing and walking away, the bears in the enclosure now turning to look up at the commotion with some degree of curiosity in their large eyes.

Samuel said "What's gotten into him?"

Marco shrugged.

Jean thought about it for a moment, thinking about what he knew of the problematic teenager.

"He's probably trying to understand the people living here in some twisted way... Come on, let's not let him out of our sight." he sighed.

It was Samuel who said "I doubt he'd get too far given who's after us."

Behind them were Captain Levi and his two surviving teammates.

Petra shuffled in her "casual" clothes.

She found them irritating.

Eld said "If they're annoying you, maybe go for less tight pants."

"It's not that they're tight, it's this cloth... I hate it... captain, are we moving?"

Levi responded by walking off after the boys.

Eld said "You would think he'd be more talkative at this point."

"Well, it's only been a week, and things have only gotten tenser... wonder how the girls are doing."

"Sasha, NO!" Ilse ordered, trying to pry the girl from entering another New York pizzeria.

"But it smells so good! Just one b- eek!"

A minute later they were back on the street, Sasha rubbing her now very red hand.

"Mikasa, why do you have to be so mean?"

The girl didn't reply, the wooden staff she now carried on her back not even dented after the action.

Mina Carolina turned and said "So do your people make sword versions of those?"

Mikasa sighed.

Yes, the Japanese did in fact make sword versions of the wooden "sword" she walked around with. In fact, the wooden version was just used to train for the real thing!

Ilse got ahead, the older girl saying "Yes, but you shouldn't just hit people in public with it. It draws bad publicity... and we really can't afford that right now."

"Oh, is that why we're going shopping instead of visiting the zoo?" Sasha mumbled.

"Yes and no. Yes, because malls are great places to get cute pictures taken, meet people, and just look normal in American society. No, because I think we should actually start spending some money on things other than Sasha's increasing appetite."

Mina said "I thought we weren't supposed to announce our presence."

"Yes, but if they see us and identify us, why deny it? We're normal people trying to get support for our country is all. Not propaganda at all, just... normal... everyday... shopping in another world."

Ooh, that could be a novel I could write!

Ilse did her best to ignore a certain book store and continued pushing the girls along.

All four paused near a certain store that had several high-definition television screens for sale, the news playing for anyone curious to see.

An ABC reporter was sternly talking about the rising tensions as "first" contact with the other world's governments was scheduled for today.

Mikasa almost stopped walking, but Ilse pushed her along.

"Come on, we can worry about all of that later, now let's just focus on not being soldiers, and-"

"Ooh!" Sasha exclaimed before running off, slipping into the crowds like nothing.

"W- SASHA! Damn it all!"

A minute later they were sitting at a McDonald's, Ilse glaring at Sasha's new purchase.

The Bow and subsequent arrows on the box sat comfortably next to the girl enjoying her meal.

No one spoke.

"Of all the things you could buy... of all the possible life changing inventions you could get from this side of the gate... you chose that?" Ilse groaned.

Sasha quickly said "Oi! A bow and arrow, as long as you take good care of it, can last you far longer than any rifle! And just look at these arrow tips! The fact I can add optics on this thing made the price all the worth it!"

"And now I have to hope the police don't start asking questions." Ilse sighed.

Babysitting is hard...

...

"Well! Isn't that an intimidating sight?" the British representative sighed.

Daniel Caine only observed the large fleet of warships with mild indifference.

"They're all pre-dreadnoughts... assuming these are their most advanced warships, then this is a good sign for us."

"Assuming they actually choose to attack us. Be a little optimistic, American." the German representative said with a bored expression.

"I'm more curious about Hizuru..."

The western representatives turned to look at the Japanese representative.

"I have high hopes they will be very friendly to us."

"Based on what?"

"...personal bias?"

Daniel sighed.

Crow walked over, saying "Ship's almost here."

The British representative nodded.

"We're good to go? Not forgetting any important details?"

"Yeah, this is the first real interaction between the nations of our world and this one."

He stared at the warships, then at their own transport ship.

"Well, let's go."

Moments later they were on board as the main ship docked and extended its boarding ramp down to them.

Daniel led the group, flanked by two American soldiers, eyes analyzing the... interestingly Prussian looking soldiers that greeted them.

The German representative said "Guten Tag."

The men with piked helmets replied with a very court "Guten tag."

The German beamed.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm actually optimistic!"

Daniel replied with "Don't be. Prussians weren't exactly the most peaceful people."

"They weren't stupid, either."

"Which made them dangerous."

"Stille!" she replied in a shushed whisper that came off as a hiss.

"We can understand each other. Great."

The representatives turned to meet a man with long hair, flanked by none other than Zeke Yeager and Colonel Magath.

"Hello, mister..."

"Tybur. Willy Tybur, mister..."

"Caine. Daniel Caine. I represent the interests of the United States."

The man smiled.

"I hope you forgive some of our procedures here, mister Caine, representatives... but we do need to perform that blood test as soon as possible."

"Of course."

They had been informed of the infamous "blood tests" the nations of the world used to identify Eldians and their relatives. They had agreed in the spirit of cooperation and hoping to avoid any future conflicts going forward.

A pair of men in archaic medical uniforms entered the main hall carrying several vials, some empty, some sealed with a fluid within.

Titan spinal fluid...

"Alright, let's get this over with..." Caine sighed, removing his coat and pulling back his sleeves.

The needle was larger than the ones back on earth, but it did its job well enough, and the blood was collected on a vile. The medical team moved to the British representative, the German representative, and finally the Japanese representative with swift efficiency.

"Alright, now just give it a moment..." the doctor in charge mumbled, placing a plastic tube to connect the vials containing the blood of the representatives to the ones containing titan spinal fluid.

Upon the titan spinal fluid coming into contact with the blood of the humans, it began to mix and dissipate on its own.

Tybur sighed.

"That good or bad?"

The man said "It's good. It means you are not Subjects of ymir... this is what happens when you mix Eldian blood with titan spinal fluid." he said, nodding to a doctor.

The man took a fifth vial and connected it to another one filled with titan spinal fluid.

The second the Eldian blood interacted with the Titan spinal fluid, there was a small combustion within the vial, both fluids evaporating into thin air.

The British representative said "Amazing..."

"It's the difference between humans and us Eldians... I hope you understand that our fears are justified."

"Of course." Caine said, hoping no one else commented.

Tybur nodded solemnly before smiling as if nothing had happened.

"Well, then come along, the ambassadors are very interested in meeting their counterparts... You're probably related to Hizuru in some way?"

The Japanese representative smiled and said "I would like to think so, I'm very curious to see how similar our two nations are."

"Yes, unfortunately we were unable to gather representatives from all nations, but hopefully these will be enough. Come, we still have some time to get to know each other before we formally convene, yes?"

The hallway opened to a large room where several individuals in suits were chatting amongst each other. All of them turned and smiled politely at the newcomers.

Likely hiding knives behind their backs...

Daniel sucked in a breath.

Magath said "I must warn you, things are tense, but no one wants war."

The American didn't reply, walking ahead and shaking the hand of the nearest ambassador, a man that looked to be of Indian descent.

"Ah, so you're the mysterious Americans?" the man spoke with an Indian accent.

"Afraid so... Daniel Caine, I represent the interests of the United States of America."

"Aarav Arjun, People's Federation of Jambud. I take it there are people like me in your world?"

"Yeah, actually... was your country called Jambudvipa before?"

The man sighed, saying "No, or at least not that we know of. Certainly not before the Eldian Empire finally left us alone. Most records from before then are lost."

Daniel noted the slight shift in the man's demeanor at the subject.

Behind him he noticed the other Ambassadors speaking with the German representative had a similar demeanor.

Friendly but... distant.

The man politely but firmly said "Mister Caine, my people have no intention of allowing a rebirth of the Eldian Empire in this world, I hope you understand that we are on the same side when it comes to maintaining peace."

"We have no intention of letting that happen, mister Arjun, I can assure you. All we want is for Paradis to be left alone. If you don't want to trade with us or anyone from our side, we will not force you."

The man sighed at the response.

A dark look came over his eyes as he said "I don't think we have much choice in the matter, do we?"

He glanced at the small group of ambassadors around him.

They all eyed him with well-hidden suspicion.

Daniel said nothing, noting the Japanese ambassador speaking to a dark-haired woman... in another language.

Wait, what?

"Excuse me."

Daniel Caine walked over to the other side of the room and the Japanese representative quickly said "Ah, Mister Caine, this is Kiyomi Azumabito, we are having the most fascinating conversation!"

Daniel studied the middle-aged woman, dark hair, definitely of Asian descent...

"We speak the same language! Isn't that fascinating?"

"For the anthropologists, yeah... Daniel Caine, pleasure to meet you."

The woman politely shook his hand before asking "So, the Americans... I only have one question to ask of you and I would prefer to do it now..."

Despite the woman's smile, he couldn't help but notice there was a worried mind hiding behind the veil of polite formality.

"Alright, shoot."

The woman replied in a low whisper.

"Before the Great Titan War, my clan, the Azumabito clan was allied with the Eldian King and his son stayed on the island."

At this Daniel's thoughts turned to the usually quiet girl in the 104th.

"We were wondering if any descendants of his may have survived."

Immediately, the American said "Yes, ma'am, one Mikasa Ackerman."

At the name, the woman smiled, then turned to the Japanese representative and said something Daniel didn't understand... then she excused herself and left.

He turned to the man and asked "What'd she say?"

"Shin no yūjin to wa, sekai ga hanarete iku toki ni ayumiyotte kite kureru hito no koto de aru..." the Japanese man repeated before turning and saying with some degree of uncertainty, "It roughly translates to a real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out."

Caine replied with "Not sure if that should make us happy or not."

"Everyone! Your attention please!"

All eyes turned to the announcer.

"I'm glad we've all gotten the opportunity to get well acquainted but time is of the essence, so if you would please move to the meeting chambers..."

Well... showtime.

The Speaker of the House stared in mild irritation at the report in her hands.

She glanced at the General and asked "Why was the drone not armed?"

Connor replied "It was for reconnaissance; we weren't expecting such resistance, and even if we did, we wouldn't have armed it for fear of collateral damage. The structures are too tightly packed even in the interior."

"But you did suspect such resistance?"

"Yes, but we believed the attack would occur after the trial, not before."

She sank in her chair and looked at the time.

"Madame speaker, a lot of the men have been saying that this could turn into another Iraq or Afghanistan, but the circumstances are entirely different."

"I know, General Connor, I know... the representatives should be having the meeting right around now, correct?"

"Yes, Madame Speaker."

She stood and sighed with disappointment.

"Who am I kidding? Most Americans are in favor of supporting the little queen, I mean... look at that!" she said, pointing to the television screen on the wall of her office.

CNN was happily playing clips form the recent interview, the title card reading "Queen Reiss, 15, says she enjoys New York Pizza and would love to meet the Queen of England".

"She's become quite the celebrity."

"Yeah... all according to that bastard's plan, I bet."

The General shrugged trying to distance himself from politics.

"Our president is a very shrewd man, madame. I would argue it's exactly what he wanted, but I don't know if he planned for it to have so much success."

The older woman huffed in frustration.

"We barely won back the House, and now we have to play the bipartisan game because everyone loves it when everyone works together!"

At this General Connor focused his attention on the window.

"A part of me hopes this... Marley nation seeks out war just to... forget I said that... I'm tired."

Connor quickly said "Don't worry, next year's the election, and-"

"And it's going to be a mess... regardless of what happens across that damned gate. Thanks for the report, General Connor, I'm sure my colleagues in the minority will be happy to hear we're not going to meet until tomorrow."

Once we have an answer to the Marley and Eldia question...

...

Daniel Caine stared at the document in his hands, neatly transcribed into the English alphabet, with a look of genuine confusion.

"No." he replied courtly, placing the document on the table.

"Then there is nothing more to discuss."

"Like hell there isn't!"

"You refuse our demand; we have no intention to negotiate. Paradis is a dangerous land, Eldians are a dangerous people. Your world doesn't have to deal with humans that can become weapons by accidentally drinking the wrong fluids! Please, representative, understand that our world cannot have peace or liberty until we are free of the Eldian problem!"

"What you want is to exterminate a race of people from existence!" the German representative nearly shouted.

The stone-faced man facing her didn't react.

The head of the World Union simply replied "That is correct. It is nothing personal, it is simply a fact. As long as titans exist, our people will never be able to be free. You've seen the walls; you can do the math... how many colossal type titans exist within them?"

The German representative slammed her hand down, now yelling "That is no excuse! We must a find a solution that doesn't involve the suffering of-"

"Sie haben keine Ahnung, was unsere Leute gelitten haben!" her opposite said in a calm but audibly angry voice.

"Du auch nicht!" she spat back.

"Kind!"

"Teufel!"

Caine slammed his own hand on the table, his combed strands of hair slipping down over his right eye.

"I understand- we understand that the Eldian Empire committed many atrocities. We understand the danger posed by the titans within the walls, and... we believe we have a solution to that which will actually help both sides of-"

"It isn't about helping either side. If we allow Paradis to continue to grow and develop... eventually they will reach the same prominence they once had. They ruled for a thousand years, they must pay for it a thousand more."

The American then dropped all pretense of formality and let out a frustrated breath before speaking.

"Uh huh... original sin, right?"

"I'm not familiar with the concept."

"Clearly you aren't... guess God really did abandon this world..."

"If he did, then that is all the more reason for us to destroy all remnants of the Eldian Empire."

Caine was silent.

He could feel the fury emanating from the German representative.

For so long had the German nation tried to burn the terrifying effects of hatred into the minds of both its population as well as the whole world. To the point that it may have actually be having a reverse effect, yet still they pushed on, trying to make sure their mistake wasn't repeated.

And yet here they were.

About to see it happen again.

"We'll need to talk to our leaders; our world doesn't take... genocide very well."

The German representative whirled around with a look of disbelief.

"Certainly. We can wait, this is an important matter to discuss."

Once back on the boat, the German representative said "We can't let them-"

"I know but you know as well as I do how complicated this mess is. They still feel oppressed because the danger has been ever present. They aren't even evil, they're just-"

"There is no other word for this other than evil!"

"They're humans, same as us... hate goes both ways, you know it, I know it... they know it."

They glanced at the warship.

The Japanese representative said "Hizuru seems to be interested in special talks..."

"Doubt they'll be much better."

"They want to help us in secret."

"What?"

"Their representative knew of the decision to demand we hand over Paradis. She says she disagrees vehemently and wishes to help us."

As proof he handed him a folded-up paper.

Its print was an older style that screamed it was written on a typewriter.

Armin Arlert nervously observed the television screen as the evening news continued to repeat the information that had recently arrived from across the gate.

"So... pretty much all these other nations want Eldia to be destroyed?" the reporter asked.

"Yes, Chris, if the information provided to us this afternoon is to be believed, and the signatures look authentic, continued US involvement in the island of Paradis will result in armed conflict with all sovereign nation in the other world."

The reporter then said "So the choice is between war and helping them enslave the population of Paradis?"

"Seems so, Jake. The reactions have been... mixed to say the least. However, everyone we asked today seems to agree that we cannot and should not abandon Paradis."

Armin said "I don't understand... we're being open, we're talking of peace, yet-"

Eren quickly said "They're afraid we'll take their freedom away so they want to steal ours before we get the chance. This was always going to happen."

"Huh?"

Eren sighed, saying "Think about it. They had us trapped with titans, took advantage of the King's guilt and enslaved our people in the continent, killed thousands of us with Reiner and Bertholdt and Annie... Eldians are a threat to humans in that world, this is only natural..."

The news anchor continued speaking in the background.

"...fact that Eldians can turn into titans?"

A scientist quickly said "It seems that the requirements are titan spinal fluid. We're experimenting on our sole titan resident to try and find out more, but as long as they do not come into contact with said substance, Eldians are as human as you or me."

"But the potential for a terrorist attack..."

"Another benefit worth mentioning is that titan spinal fluid evaporates after being put into contact with oxygen."

"So, it can't be used as a chemical weapon?"

"Well, titans appear to be a biological weapon already, but so far we have seen on evidence the spinal fluid can be used as a chemical weapon. The sole means we know of involve direct injection of the fluid into the bloodstream. There is a lot we still don't know, however."

Mikasa spoke then.

"I think we should be optimistic. They don't fear us like the people of the other world."

"No, but they're scared of a war breaking out." Eren said.

Armin quickly added "Maybe many, but I think a lot are just as enthusiastic about giving us their support! Historia mentioned the British-"

"They were already giving us support! To my knowledge we're as alone as we always... sorry, guys, I'm just... worried." Eren stood up and rubbed his head, as if he was afraid of saying more.

Mikasa quickly said "Should I call a doctor? Get you something for your headache?"

He shook his head and went into the bathroom.

She turned to Armin.

"He's been kind of moody all day... I think the stress of this whole situation is getting to him."

Mikasa only nodded.

They had been living in what was essentially luxury compared to their barracks, doing nothing but occasional interviews and going outside.

It was more of a vacation than a mission.

And yet...

A part of her felt that something was very wrong with her adopted brother.

The American Ambassador sat; arms crossed as the UN Security Council read the papers.

It was the Chinese ambassador who placed it down first and said "Unacceptable."

"For once we agree." she groaned, rubbing her forehead in an attempt at alleviating her headache.

The French ambassador angrily said "They intend for us to just... allow them to exterminate all inhabitants of the island?"

"Keep in mind that to them these people are not human, they're weapons... it's not so simple." the British Ambassador sighed.

The Russian ambassador said "No, it's quite simple. All we must do is eliminate titan spinal fluid and refuse to pass titans along, yes?"

"Even that isn't a guarantee. It seems we're in the middle of a dilemma where it's either continue to live with a problem or... allow for an entire race to be exterminated in order to solve that problem."

Now the Russian said "Humanity has lived with many problems since its creation. Why can't we live with another?"

Silence.

The British ambassador finally said "Alright, how much support does Queen Historia have as is?"

The Chinese ambassador replied "While we do not consider her an ally... the People's Republic of China does recognize her as a legitimate leader in her independent nation... we will not intervene should the United States or any nation assists in its defense."

The Russian ambassador quickly said "We in the Russian Federation have decided to give her full support upon request. She is the legitimate ruler of Paradis and we recognize as much."

Some nods of surprise.

The American ambassador was silent.

The French ambassador finally asked "How is the status for an official alliance going in congress?"

"You ever tried to get congress to agree on ANYTHING?"

Washington was a mess.

Washington's problems ranged from being too big to being too small depending on who was asked. Military spending being too much or not enough, spending on social programs was too much or not enough, too liberal, too conservative, the two-party system was a mess, the law was too strict, not strict enough, too much capitalism, too much socialism, too much of everything...

It seemed the only thing they could agree on was that it was a mess... if even that.

"It's like the idea of suggesting that everyone can agree on something is an insult in it of itself..." Hanji muttered as she scrolled through books in a public library.

Rico turned to her and said "You ever get interested in politics?"

Hanji shook her head, placing a book titled "Reaganomics" back on the shelf with a look of exhaustion.

Rico said "Me neither. I always thought I could get a simple enough job serving in the Garrisson... now look at me."

Hanji chuckled slightly.

"I was always fascinated with titans. I never imagined the possibility of replacing commander Erwin or anybody for that matter. The research was what always grabbed my attention, but now... Oh, I miss being able to look at Tiny and just see a mysterious existence that could never be explained... now the only thing I can't explain is where this curse started."

"With that Ymir girl thousands of years ago?"

"No, I mean the whole figuring out how politics in this country haven't devolved into a civil war more than once! These Americans are far more individualistic than I ever gave them credit for! But yes, that Ymir situation... it's impossible to say without a time machine, which is an impossibility given the research I've found."

Is there even a solution to the titan question?

Rico sighed, glancing at the clock on the far wall of the library.

9:00 PM... another hour and they'll close...

The cashier was clearly uncomfortable about kicking them out, but Rico hoped the young man manned up and did his job so that she could go to bed early.

Then the door opened and a young woman walked in.

"Miss Zoe!" she called.

Hanji turned and said "Wait, you're that-"

"Shh! You never know who's listening... um... can we sit and talk?"

"I... sure... what about?" Hanji asked, following the politician.

Rico sighed, following the women.

Simple job in the garrisson... yeah, right.

The three women sat across from each other on a wooden table, Hanji studying the politician with the look only a scientist could give.

"So... look... we're reviewing the information sent by our... the president's representative..."

Hanji suppressed the urge to comment, party divisions being what they were, but she still failed to understand the exact reason for such a division. Still, with so much individuality in the nation, perhaps it was just inevitable.

The politician said "I want to hear it from you. How dangerous is the threat of titans?"

Hanji quickly said "To a single unarmed populace? Deadly! They do not die, injuring them allows them to regenerate unless the vital spot is destroyed, and the amount of firepower needed to destroy them is something we in Paradis hadn't been able to access until that Gate opened."

"But... I..." the young woman sighed, clearly frustrated.

"Congresswoman, I know you oppose making us a direct ally because of the possibility of war... you love peace, do you not?" Hanji said, trying to sound polite.

The politician looked away, saying "What I want is to make some real change, look after the people that need help the most, the downtrodden, the oppressed... I want to help them all, but... Helping... helping one group could neglect another, and... it's frustrating knowing how helpless you are even being in a position of power."

"True..."

"I wish we could solve more things by talking, at least that much I can do without trouble."

"Ha!" Rico burst out by accident, quickly going quiet.

The Politician said "The Speaker of the House sent an email... since the UN is voting on the matter of recognizing and assisting the island of Paradis, congress will also be working on passing some legislation to approve several aid packages as well as official recognition of Paradis. Along that we have... we... and we have a few economic reforms being lined up in case of a war breaking out."

Hanji winced, surprised.

Then the young politician said "I'm pretty new to congress, but... I could make a fuss and delay it... hell, I was thinking of doing just that."

"You changed your mind?"

The politician nodded.

"Why?"

She sighed, saying "Believe or not, I do want to good things here... even with what sway I may have, it won't be enough to change much, just delay it. Might as well vote along party lines."

"Right, but... that's not why you're here."

"No. I just wanted to see the commander of the legendary Survey Corps up close. You're not a devil, Miss Zoe."

Hanji frowned that there was ever any doubt as to what she was, but the congresswoman stood and said "Don't turn into one, okay?"

She turned and left, leaving the two women confused.

"What was that all about?" Rico asked.

Hanji only said "I think it was her strange way of being encouraging?"

"It didn't feel very encouraging."

"Well, even if we get all the support we want, we'll still have plenty of hardships to overcome."

Rico only said "Don't remind me."

"Ah, don't be so down! We're humans! We're creatures built to adapt! The fascinating thing about titans is that they don't need to adapt... much like this world's crocodiles!"

"Croc- what?"

The Survey Corps commander plopped a biology book on the table and started reading aloud.

"A fascinating specimen of this world's ecosystem, these reptiles have not evolved in an estimated sixty-five million..."

Oh, God help us all.

He keeps shifting around...

Mikasa Ackerman's senses were entirely devoted to the teenager on the bed across her own.

Eren was apparently moving in his sleep for some reason.

Her first guess was that he was having a nightmare, something they were all familiar with, but it felt different.

Sounded more like he was conflicted.

Suddenly she was certain he had gotten off the bed and was grabbing his civilian clothes.

Should I just leave him be?

She shook her head and got off her bed as well.

"What?" Eren said, whirling around.

She whispered, trying not to wake up the second boy in the room, "I'm up, too. Something wrong?"

Even in the darkness she could tell he was looking at her, considering what to tell her.

"Can't sleep... I'm going for a walk."

"Alright, I'll come along if that's okay."

Eren didn't reply, but he didn't deny her.

A moment later the two teenagers were outside of the hotel room, face to face with Historia Reiss.

The young queen was sitting in the hall by herself, hugging her knees.

"Can't sleep either?" Eren asked.

The blonde girl only nodded.

"We're going for a walk. Want to come?"

Mikasa turned to Eren, surprised he was inviting the girl along.

Historia looked around, stood up, and quickly said "Yeah, let's make it quick... I don't want that woman catching up to us."

"Get dressed first, those night clothes aren't going to shield much from the cold."

Historia glanced at her baggy pajamas and sighed in agreement.

"Give me a minute..."

Downstairs in the makeshift security room, Levi sipped some tea imported from a nation called "India" and finding it quite to his enjoyment, which was only soured when he saw the queen, Eren Yeager, and Mikasa Ackerman head out of their rooms.

He glanced at the CIA man who was also on the night shift.

"Guess they want to get their thoughts in order. Historia does have a big speech tomorrow." he sighed.

Levi only said "I'll go keep an eye on them."

"Don't forget your piece."

Levi took the M1911 and concealed it under his jacket.

"Report every five minutes?"

"Yup. Hopefully they won't go too far."

"I can't get used to Times Square at night..." Historia mused, tired but still impressed by the scenery around her.

Mikasa on the other hand was uncomfortably aware of the queen's proximity to Eren as well as Eren seemingly wondering around aimlessly, looking at everything in a much more childlike way.

Still, the scene was an incredible sight to behold.

At night, the screens and colors were far more emphasized, the glow of everything that would be impossible to achieve in the daylight.

"Imagine how it looked like before the Gate opened..." Eren replied, sounding detached.

The military presence had now become a normal part of New York life as a large section of the famous square had become a military outpost, designed to let heavy vehicles and trucks go through.

One with several large crates drove in then, people taking photographs and going around it as if it were normal.

"I'd like to make something like this back home... someday. Although I doubt it'll work."

Eren didn't reply, staring at the gate with an odd glimmer in his eyes.

Mikasa ignored it and said "It would be too expensive. You would first have to build an economic base in order to support it."

Historia nodded.

"You've been reading the reports?"

Mikasa nodded, focusing on Eren and the fact he would be incredibly easy to lose in a crowd as tightly packed as the one in New York City.

Nowhere in Paradis or the walled cities were people packed this tightly! Not even the underground saw such traffic of human movement in spite of the tightly packed homes, but here it was normal!

Driving around must be a nightmare...

Historia continued.

"The gas we use on our ODM gear is different from their gas, and several nations have shown interest in trading them. We could make a fair bit of gains from that. Oh, and the crystals in that cave that my father... the previous king tore open hold some interesting properties that have interested scientists here... I think we have a decent market to work with even with all the technological catching up we have to do... maybe we'll look like this someday soon."

"That's impossible."

Mikasa and Historia turned to look at Eren.

The teenager immediately changed his tone and said "Sorry, I've been... in a mood."

"All day?" Historia asked.

"I guess so."

"Any idea why?" Mikasa asked, trying to step closer.

Eren shrugged.

"Worried, I guess. Can't get my mind off the fact that tomorrow we... we may gain or lose everything."

Historia got up close to the young man and said "Come on! Even I'm more optimistic than that! Even if half the countries in this world refuse to help us, we already have most of the powerful nations willing to give us a hand! I'm sure I can win some over tomorrow since they don't have the same prejudices as the people back home!"

"Back home... that's something I really don't want to think about right now."

Levi sipped the still warm coffee as he observed the teenagers from the McDonald's window.

Keeping an eye on the kids was easy enough thanks to the wonderful invention of "GPS tracking" and he could watch them from nearby buildings and restaurants without them seeing him.

Spies here probably have it easy...

"You their security or something?"

He turned to look at a dark-skinned woman who was smiling at him.

He didn't reply.

"Or maybe a big brother?"

He didn't reply.

The woman said "So... what are your thoughts on the demands from the World Union for the US to hand over Paradis and the Founding Titan?"

"What are you? A journalist?"

"Independent journalist, actually. Name's Vivian, I work for The Daily Wire, and I'm curious what the legendary Captain Levi has to say about everything." she said, grinning from ear to ear.

"I don't have anything unique to say."

"You'd be surprised at the amount of interest readers have in folks like you. Surely you've seen the reactions certain demographics have to your appearance?"

Levi didn't reply.

"I'm old enough to remember when a Crimean prosecutor got as famous because she was cute. But I'm not so much interested in that, what we want to know is the military situation on the ground."

"Commander Hanji tends to on the ground in spite of her mind. You can direct your questions to her."

"Okay, okay... and what are your thoughts on the World Union demanding-?"

Levi placed the coffee cup on the table.

"My thoughts are irrelevant. Do you want me to say that there's a solution that would make me happy? Cause there isn't."

The woman didn't say anything, inviting him to keep talking.

"You know... I keep seeing the kids give interviews, talk about what they like, what they've found most useful... none of them understand the reality that there is no solution here."

"Why is that?"

Levi pointed at her.

"Would you say all hate is gone from this world?"

"Of course not."

"Exactly. We're two sides of the same coin. Where our world had one group of people to scapegoat for all the suffering, this world had dozens of different groups to blame for everything. If the queen gets all the support she could ever want from the Americans or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or the United Nations, all it would do is delay the time for all the other World Union nations to attack us. Even if they attacked us and got pushed out of Paradis, all they would do is continue using us as a scapegoat for their problems... that's happened here more than once, hasn't it?"

"Countless times."

The captain shook his head.

"My previous commander was a leader... maybe he would have found some way to compromise with the World Union... maybe he would have done something differently that would have worked, but... I can't help but feel that we're still cursed in some way, not that I can do anything about it. I'm just a soldier."

He finished his coffee and stood up.

"Is that good enough for whatever you're writing."

The woman gave him a sympathetic smile.

"Sit down, captain, let me buy you another coffee."

"Can't. The brats are on the move."

"Then let me leave you with some bit of optimism."

She pointed at herself.

"My mom and dad couldn't have had me, at least... not legally... in most states sixty years ago. Now look at me."

Levi noted she was wearing fairly expensive clothes.

She then said "Progress happens, captain. Sooner or later. Sure, it may not always be good, but..."

Levi walked away, waving goodbye, not letting her finish.

The woman sighed and sat back down.

Wish I had taken a picture.

Outside, Historia kept her eyes on the lights, almost mesmerized.

Miss Langnar wasn't kidding...

She felt a bit more relaxed.

The world could be cruel, but it could also be nice.

There was a little of everything and there was no reason their world couldn't at least try to be the same, right? Certainly, titans would be a problem, but neither side needed to resort to genocide. Perhaps, if shown enough support, the nations of her world would back off and cooperate to find a mutually beneficial solution to titans. Perhaps scientists from both worlds could work together to find a way to stop Eldians from turning into titans. Gene therapy was a thing, no?

Someone grabbed her shoulder.

"W-what are-?"

Eren shoved her with one arm and reached out to slam his fist into a man with another.

Mikasa reacted and ran to Yeager.

"Eren what are you-?"

She froze.

The man holding his nose in pain had a knife.

"Oh-! Knife!" someone yelled, and the crowd began to pull away from the assailant.

Eren didn't even bother giving the tall man a chance to recover, wrestling the knife away and shoving the man down.

He started whaling on him, and Mikasa had to pull him away as two officers got to the scene.

"What the hell is going on here?!"

Historia quickly said "He came at us with that knife!"

The officer, an older man, looked at the assailant on the ground; the man's face bloody and swollen.

"Rashiq?" he asked, kneeling next to the beaten man.

The only reply was a slight gurgle.

The officer shook his head.

"How many times, man? Let's go."

The second officer said "Guy keeps doing this after getting out..."

Eren didn't say anything.

Historia said "How did you see the knife?"

"Oh, I just noticed when he got really close." Eren replied.

"Oh... and officer?"

"Yeah, uh... I know who you kids are... not sure you should be out right now."

"I... think we... agree." Historia replied, not looking at the member of the NYPD, but focusing on the very indifferent looking Survey Corps captain standing behind him.

Mikasa on the other hand was staring at Eren with some degree of amazement.

How did you see it before I did?

It felt strange.

Usually she could sense the threat, and while she had felt something was off, she hadn't seen the man get so close given how tightly packed everyone was.

So, for Eren to have spotted before her was a sign she was getting sloppy.

I... was distracted... I can't let that happen.

She didn't even complain when Levi grabbed her by the arm and half dragged her and the others back to the hotel.

Willy Tybur observed the lights on the coast with a sense of wariness.

The early morning sun was only beginning to rise and the world still felt dark around them.

He sighed, trying to hide his internal fears.

His sister walked over to him. The dark-haired woman always maintained a look of mild disgust on her face, as if she had just found out that someone she hated had won a lottery or gotten a pay raise instead of her.

"They'll make a decision soon." she said.

"I feel whatever decision they make will result in us losing. Even if only by a hundred years, their technology outclasses everything we have."

"We have the numbers, brother, and they only have one point of resupply."

"Yes, but we only know of their aircraft and their rifles... which I must add look quite frightening."

As if to punctuate the statement, an American "fighter jet" flew low and fast nearby.

His sister only said "We can only hope they don't have many of them. From what we have seen so far, they're only a hundred years more advanced than us. Nothing they have is remotely impossible to us, only incredibly difficult for us to replicate."

"Are you suggesting we can beat them."

"No, but we must or else the world will fall to another Eldian tyrant... or worse."

Tybur nodded.

"Sire, the broadcast is starting." a soldier said.

"Good... let's see how their version of the World Union handles this Queen Historia."

...

I can't do this! I can't do this! I can't do this!

"Get a hold of yourself, Your Majesty!" Ilse said, trying to keep the queen's hair from looking out of place. The hotel room's mirror was functional for the task at hand as the girl prepared the young queen for her big speech at the United Nations in a few hours.

Historia shakily looked over her notes.

"I-I can't say some of these things! I just can't!"

Sasha only replied with "You ordered the attack the killed your father but can't read a few lines?"

"Come on, Historia, chin up! Miss Langnar, didn't you say the guy who wrote the speech was a professional?" Mina said, amused at her friend's stage fright.

"Yes, he's written many speeches for many people, now please your majesty, we want you to look good for tomorrow!"

"It-it doesn't even depend on me! I don't have to give a speech! They all know what's happening because of the reports! A-and I'm only temporarily in charge!"

Mina grinned, saying "Come on, maybe you'll get the attention of a cute boy! You're a queen now, you can get anybody you want!"

Historia frowned, turned to Mina and said "Ilse, I order you to dress up Mina Carolina like me and send her on stage in my stead!"

"Eh?"

"I can't do that, your majesty." Ilse sighed.

Historia groaned.

Ilse said "Think of it like introducing a friend to the regiment. Hi, this is the Island of Paradis, we have a population of over one million on thousand citizens and counting and are looking to trade with- SASHA NO!"

"I'm just testing the string!"

"Not in here!"

The brown-haired girl huffed and put the bow string away.

Historia glanced at Ilse and said "You'd really make a good babysitter."

"I want to be a writer once this is all over not spend my time babysitting a bunch of bratty kids. And don't change the subject, I want you to know that speech by memory."

There was an awkward silence for a bit.

Mina Carolina finally broke it by saying "So, Miss Langnar, are you interested in any of the guys escorting you?"

"No." she said emphatically.

"Really?"

"Really."

"I could've sworn I saw you eyeing that really pale soldier."

"Matt? He's a friend. What about you and Samuel?"

"Friends."

"Strange I could've sworn I saw you eyeing him."

"No, he's just a friend."

"If you're trying to calm my nerves, talking about who we're interested in isn't helping!" Historia huffed.

"If he can cook, he's a keeper." Sasha said.

Never change, Sasha.

A world away, Matt White couldn't help but sneeze as he entered the barracks.

"Gesundheit." Jake said.

"Thanks... any news?"

"Congress votes today to make the alliance official and little Miss Reiss is going to give her big speech in an hour."

"Great, maybe now we can finally start shooting those guys."

He turned to look at the docks, eyeing the soldiers with the spiked helmets.

"Seriously, it's like they're machines. They don't look away, they don't relax, they just stand there."

"Menacingly?"

"Hell yeah, menacingly! Why did the Germans come up with that stupid spiked helmet anyway?"

"Prussians, not Germans."

"Difference?"

"Germany wasn't unified when those helmets were invented, and Prussians were only several Germanic states founded by Charlemagne."

"So... Germans."

"It's like saying all Americans are Texas, man."

Matt shook his head, eyeing the not yet enemy warship on the docks.

The soldier with the piked helmet was clearly carrying an old German variant rifle.

Could be a Kar98...

He glanced at his own M4A1.

Technically, the older Kar98 could fire farther than the M4A1, although both rifles had an effective range of 550 yards without optics.

Well... my gun shoots faster.

Which he knew mattered little in the combat.

His mind shot back to his brief fight with that MP who managed to fire his ODM gear, damaging his rifle and forcing him to rely on the handgun he'd acquired.

He frowned, but kept patrolling the wall.

Matt stopped near the short haired Survey Corps scout.

The girl was drinking from her canteen, M1 Garand on her lap.

He considered telling her that she shouldn't treat the rifle so carelessly, but who was he to talk?

He continued walking when Nanaba said "Tell me something... how different are these men to your world a hundred years ago?"

Matt paused.

"How do you mean?"

"You know damn well what I mean."

"If I did, I wouldn't be asking."

Nanaba quickly added "Beliefs, attitudes... that sort of thing."

Matt scratched the back of his head, saying "I don't know. Not too different, I guess. We're still people, you know? We had our groups of people we hated, we saw some people as inferior, we saw some countries as friendly, we thought war was cool... least in Europe. I don't think we Americans have ever liked getting involved in foreign countries even though we do it a lot."

"What has changed?"

"Oh, um... we don't really see certain groups as inferior, at least on a legal level, we try to be more peaceful, and we can kick way more ass, though we don't look quite as cool."

She huffed and got up.

"I can see they hate me." she said.

"You haven't even talked to them."

"They see me. They see all of us up here. They look at us like we killed their entire family. I'm not exaggerating either, they genuinely look at us like we're actual devils!"

"Yeah... they better be smart about how they go about things. We fight like devils, after all."

"I thought those were the Marines."

Matt frowned.

"I'm joking, American. Lightening the mood."

"Uh huh..."

"So... when's the queen going to make her speech?"

"About an hour."

How did you do it, Elizabeth the First? What were your secrets?

Historia finished flipping through her notes.

Marco patted her shoulder.

"You'll do fine, your majesty."

"You can just call me Historia, you know?"

"Well... yes, but... well... It feels more proper that way." the boy said nervously.

"Come on, Marco, she hasn't stopped being little Historia, treat her like you normally would."

The young man sighed.

Historia turned to look at the large crowd chatting in the very big, very green room of the General Assembly of the United Nations.

Armin said "one hundred and nintey three nations have members here. It's quite amazing."

"But I heard they're pretty useless." Mina said.

Armin quickly replied with "Well, they can't all agree on everything, and many powerful nations arent entirely affected by their decisions... like, the United States isn't part of some international war crime comitee? I think? It's all new to me, so..."

Samuel chided "Armin doesn't know everything?"

Jean turned to Eren, saying "I'm more curious about what Yeager over here thinks."

Eren didn't reply.

"Hey, Yeager, I'm talking to you!" Jean tried again, actually trying to sound obnoxious.

Mikasa said "Eren didn't sleep well last night, so please let him rest."

Jean blinked.

Mikasa saying more than Eren?

"Historia. You're going to do fine. Mikasa is talking more than Eren, which can only suggest that hell has frozen over."

The blonde girl giggled at that.

The American ambassador quickly made her way to her and said "Ten minutes, your majesty. Come with me, please?"

"Alright, one second... guys, how do I look?"

The 104th members eyed her simple dress.

It was certainly formal, but nothing that was crazy expensive that screamed "royalty".

"You look great!"

"Like a queen!"

"You look great, your majesty."

"Formal. In a good way!"

"Passable."

She was, at the end of the day, Historia, a soldier of the 104th.

At the lack of uniformity in the replies, she smiled.

"Thanks."

The ambassador led her down to where she would sit as the meeting was called to order.

Alright... let's knock 'em dead!

Kenny Ackerman turned to one of the Garrisson soldiers who was inspecting the recently purchased M1903 and said "Flip that thing on, would you? It's about time."

The young soldier nodded and quickly did as told.

The Radio was connected to a system of loudspeakers that would allow the workers and soldiers that were working on road construction would be able to hear a certain someone's speech.

It was a similar scene all over Paradis and Earth.

Ilse Langnar was actually sitting inside a New York bar, too young to legally drink, but there was someone she wanted to meet up with.

"Callahan!" she called.

The NYPD officer, still in the force sat down next to her.

The television on the screen was tuned in to the live feed from ABC News of the UN.

Ilse noticed the much larger handgun on the officer's holster.

Callahan noticed, ordered a Coke, and said "Got permission to use a higher caliber handgun, juuuuust in case."

Ilse nodded.

"Things haven't exactly been easy over there, huh?"

"That's an understatement... it's so complicated now..."

"But you're still fighting?"

She nodded.

"That's what's important. You want anything? Roe and T are on their way, we're buying."

She said "Nah, I'll just wait for her to hopefully not fiant while giving the speech... she's a bit younger than me, but..."

"I'll say... oh, there she goes."

On the screen, the blonde girl walked up to the podium, which made her height clear to everyone.

Small size aside, she visibly looked shaken but began her speech.

"H-hello... to all... peoples... I believe the theories of someone from another world giving a speech here used to be the individual would be entirely alien."

No one laughed.

Ilse sighed.

"As you can hopefully see, I'm not an alien or some strange creature. I have spoken with many ambassadors and representatives this past week. All lovely people, all so enlightened and willing to offer what help they could, both to me and my people.

Good girl, make them feel for you!

"We have only recently been able to even begin innovating outside of what you consider a medieval stage. Our industry is small and primitive, but thanks to efforts from many countries, it's quickly growing! Problems like criminal gangs controlling small areas are being solved, illnesses thought uncurable are being cured, and we've cleared the Island of Paradis of titans, an enemy that had us trapped for so many years..."

She paused, briefly checking her notes.

The camera panned to garner some reactions from the world leaders, the cameraman apparently finding the Norwegian ambassador of particular interest, though Ilse wasn't sure why.

"I would argue that it's more proof we aren't aliens. We weren't entirely helpless, but we weren't entirely self-sufficient. We're just as human as everyone here, both good and bad."

Another pause, this one for effect.

"However, many back home wouldn't be so quick to call me human, either. As many of you are aware, the nations of my world... nations none of us even knew existed two months ago... want us... want me... want everyone back home to be exterminated... done away with. The demand they have sent both the people helping us and the body of the United Nations are as follow in case you haven't heard... complete surrender of Paradis to forces of the World Union... immediate surrender of the Royal Family and the current holder of the Founding Titan... civilian population to be arrested and sent to prison camps in the mainland until the Eldian question can be answered..."

She swallowed.

She looked around.

She smiled with a sadness.

"My... my mother used to love reading books."

Stay composed, kid!

"She would spend more time reading back on the farm I was raised... I presume many of you know that... I wasn't raised as a princess or even to be the queen... I was raised on a farm, my only friend was a girl I barely remember... I didn't know anything, just that I had to be a good girl and behave."

She turned to look directly at her comrades.

"None of the people in my generation were ready for the responsibility we have been given, but we have all decided to take it anyway. Our world is cruel. As cruel as yours. But we know we can't ever change that by just accepting it."

She paused, wincing at the memories the sentence brought forth.

"A long time ago a man said that his country would carry until the end. Fighting until it's last... that they would never surrender. Despite my best efforts, we are nothing like that."

At the confusion she pressed the issue.

"My people had an empire long ago that suppressed many more than what any empire in this world ever could, with means I shudder to even imagine. We aren't fighting an enemy that only seeks more land, we're fighting an enemy that is looking for vengeance, to finish a war of extermination no different than the ones our ancestors started."

She noticed several ambassadors nodded.

Then she said "But if I had to apologize I still wouldn't!"

Some surprise.

"We haven't done anything to the nations of Marley or The Middle East Alliance or any of the ones on the list they sent! We are not our ancestors; we are human beings... if I could somehow sue for peace, I would. But... what they want is vengeance... not peace. A part of me can't blame them. If I had been raised to hate an entire people, I likely wouldn't question it."

Several nods.

"Hatred... hatred isn't something that just sprouts up, unfortunately. I have read some history, and forgive me if it's oversimplified, but... can anyone really say the reasons many nations here hate the other is stupid or without reason?"

She noticed some appeared uncomfortable.

She lowered her head, saying "This isn't an accusation, just... I'm trying to show that I understand. But I don't want to push more of my friends, my people, to die!"

She paused.

Callahan turned to Ilse.

"She had a coach?"

"Yeah, but... she's been going a bit off script... I'm impressed."

"Huh..."

Historia continued.

"Today you will vote to either recognize Paradis as an independent nation or not... I understand recognition means very little. I don't expect the entire world to send its armies to aid us. It's unrealistic, but... even if you don't recognize us and even if you kick us out... please... for the sake of humanity... to prove that we are, in fact, human... please... help us."

Kenny Ackerman stood up and left the office.

The soldier quickly said "You aren't staying, sir?"

"I don't need to hear anymore."

Outside he watched the blue sky above.

Help... yeah... sounds about right...

Willy Tibur did his best to ignore the pointless bickering amongst the ambassadors.

"How dare she?!" one screamed.

"How dare she what? Claim she's a person?! She's a tricky devil, but she's still human!" another yelled.

"She knows nothing of us! The massacres we had to endure! The horror our nations suffered! We must demand they hand her over immediately! SOMEONE must pay for the crimes of the Eldian Empire!"

Wily only said "Ladies and gentlemen, I undersand your fury, but please... neither the American nor these... United Nations... have voted on the Eldian question. We sent our information, we sent them our demands... we shall await their vote with patience."

The ambassadors calmed down.

"Everyone relax... I'm sure we won't have to wait long.

It was the middle of the night when Tybur received the message from Caine.

It was on a simple piece of paper that read "we have your answer. When do we meet?"

Tybur gathered the ambassadors immediately and quickly sent for the American and his allies.

To his surprise, there were several others along the British, the German, and the Japanese.

"Sorry, due to the short notice we only have a few other representatives. This is..."

Willy listened as he introduced the nations each person represented.

Canada, France, Korea, and... Russia?

He narrowed his eyes at the look of the Russian representative.

He was studiously eyeing everyone, sizing them up not unlike a predator about to punce on his prey.

No one spoke.

Caine smiled.

"Come on, let's sit down and relax-"

"Why did your nation refuse to publish the vote via the radio waves?" someone asked.

Caine turned to the dark-skinned man.

"Apologies, ambassador, but the news agencies covering it had to shut down early. You didn't miss much, these political issues are always-"

"What was the result of the vote?"

Silence.

"Can't we just-"

"Answer!"

Another pause.

Caine shook his head.

"There are one hundred and ninety-three nations in the UN. As of eleven thirty... Paradis time... One hundred and twenty recognize Paradis as an independent nation. Ninety-seven nations recognize Historia Reiss as a legitimate ruler. Ninety nations are pledging to give Paradis full support should it be invaded."

Silence.

After a moment, the Russian, with an eerie smile, approached Tybur and said "Consider the request of your... Union... to be entirely denied."

Silence once more.

With a frown, the Russian said "You are not getting Paradis. The debate is over. We must move forward to-"

"Do any of you idiots realize what you've done?" an ambassador growled.

No one spoke.

Tybur said "You are laying the foundations for a second Eldian Empire. This is understandibly going to worry everyone in this room."

"Again, none of us has any interest in-"

"How can we expect you to understand?! Note ONE of you experienced what all these people have! None of you know the terror of being ruled by titans! None of you know the fear of being crushed, torn to pieces, killed by the blade if you are lucky- all for being not being an Eldian! You are siding with the greatest monsters this world has ever known!"

The Russian took a step back as another ambassador began shouting at them.

Tybur sighed, realizing he had lost control of his fellow world leaders.

With a similar sigh, the British representative said "You think you're special, don't you?"

Silence.

"Come now, spit it out. Eldia was just like any of your nations, it only had a larger advantage is all."

"No, the crimes they committed-"

"Awful, yes, but not unique."

"Not unique? NOT UNIQUE?! They killed women and children for sport! They devoured our people when they rebelled! They wanted ALL of humanity dead or enslaved and you have the audacity to come tell the people who lived through it all... that such actions were not unique?!"

"Yes. I would appreciate you stop playing the victims as well, it's really unbecoming of state representatives."

Someone chuckled.

Willy had an idea it was a certain ambassador from Hizuru but ignored her.

"How dare you?" another ambassador growled.

"Oh, shut up."

Now all eyes turned to the American.

"I wanted to be formal, but forget it. What Eldia did was evil. We can all agree on that... but don't pretend for a second it was any different than whatever Marley was doing before it was conquered."

"You know nothing-"

"Nations are born of conquest, Mister Tybur! You take territory, you force the people in that territory out or you have them work for you, you get stronger, cause if you don't someone else will! My country had to conquer a lot before it became a superpower, you think the people we conquered were somehow special?"

He turned to the other ambassadors.

"I can say the same for all of you! Tribes, nomadic or not, all armed to the teeth, killing each other for land or sport!"

"My entire population was wiped from the continent!"

"Yeah, and you were wiping each other out before! Are you going to run around and demand each family pay for the crimes they committed thousands of years ago?"

The American rubbed his temple, saying "It's been a hundred years. You've kept these people in here a hundred years, you've enslaved their remaining population inside internment camps... no... none of you are special or victims of anything. You're humans, same as us... only question is what will you do?"

"What will we do?! What will you do?!"

The French representative stepped forward and handed Wlly Tybur a binder.

"The short version is that we plan on defending Paradis. You don't have to trade with us, you don't even have to talk to us. We are, of course, open for talks."

At this the entire room of ambassadors were confused.

"You... you don't plan on-?"

"Going to war? Only if you provoke it. BUt that won't be very beneficial to anyone, so I recommend you people sort out your problems and learn to deal with the fact that Paradis is for Paradisians."

A smile.

"We told you our demands..."

"We read them and we agreed to ignore them."

"Then you leave us no choice."

The German ambassador stepped forward.

"If you declare war it won't just be against the Americans!"

Silence.

"These meetings have been too informal, so... I beg of you, choose your next words carefully."

Tybur turned to his fellow ambassadors.

"If anyone wishes to rescind their threat, now is the time."

Silence.

No one spoke.

The German only took a tired step back.

Daniel pursed his lips.

Tybur finally said "We cannot accept the existence of a nation that threatens humanity. We don't care for your solutions. Rescind your vote in one week, or-"

"We will not."

A pause.

"It isn't fair to punish the children for the sins of the father."

Tybur understood, he really did, but the fact was that there was no other way around it.

Eldia could not be allowed to have any independence.

"Then... we have no choice. I hope you at least understand that you forced us into this."

"No, we didn't."

Another pause.

Tyber handed Daniel a paper.

"Send it to Paradis and all nations that wish to side with them. To all enemies of humanity... a declaration of war."

Daniel felt his eye twitch.

"None of you object?"

Silence.

"None of you see the madness behind this?"

Silence.

The American nodded.

He turned around and left, followed by the other representatives.

Only the Japanese representative stayed behind, staring at the ambassador from Hizuru.

"I apolgize, miss Kiyomi..."

"As do I."

She walked over and shook the man's hand before turning and exiting the room.

The Japanese ambassador did the same.

Tybur narrowed his eyes, but said nothing.

Once outside, he caught up to his colleagues and said "She agreed."

Daniel said "Good. Better go inform our respective heads of state."

The German ambassador let out a depressed sigh.

"Don't be so hard on yourself, they didn't even let us talk. They hate Eldia with a passion... all we could try to do was delay the inevitable." the Russian said.

No one spoke.

The excitement in the cafeteria was palpable and Ilse felt like they were finally able to relax.

The drinks were soft and the food was hot. It wasn't anything fancy, just a slightly more expensive dinner within the government paid hotel. The news on the TV was still going on about the historic vote to recognize Paradis, a nation on another world, as legitimate, almost at the same time, the American congress had voted almost unanimously to recognize and officially support Paradis militarily should it come under direct threat.

And yet...

Captain Levi still looked exhausted.

As did Eren Yeager.

And Mikasa Ackerman.

Historia looked like she was about to faint despite the mood cafeteria being one of celebration amongst the teenagers.

It was Petra who walked up to her to talk.

"It's not over, that's why some of us are still worried."

Ilse nodded.

"Still, you would think Yeager would be a bit more... I don't know... cheery?"

"Kid lost his mom to titans, and only has a few years left to live... I don't think he'll relax until it's all over."

Eren turned to look at them, eyes almost appearing soulless.

Ilse shuddered.

Did he get creepier?

It was then that the news broke.

"We have some breaking news here from across the Gate, the World Union officially gave their reply... they claim the threat posed by Paradis is too great to ignore and are threatening war if their demands are not met."

Immediately the mood in the room changed.

"We have no immediate word from the president, though reactions-"

Ilse shut off the Television.

"Come on, let's... let's just focus on the positives, okay?"

Jean suddenly muttered "They... they want to go to war anyway? I thought..."

Eren quickly spoke up.

"Come on, don't you start getting all mopey."

At the sudden burst of energy from the teenager, the members of the 104th raised an eyebrow.

Eren continued "We always knew this would happen deep down. I'm sure of it. The important thing is that we got all the support we needed to stand on our two legs. We may not have the whole world on our side, but what we have is enough to fight for our own freedom!"

Historia said "Huh... maybe you should've given that speech."

Eren stammered at the statement but she raised her hand.

"He's right... we succeeded. We should be happy about at least that much. I don't know how much support we're going to get, but... I'm confident it will be enough."

Sasha quickly interjected.

"Even if it was none at all, I think we would still kick their butts. Declaring war on a nation they know nothing about? Stupid."

Jean quickly said "Y-yeah... let's try to be a little optimistic!"

Ilse smiled but focused on Eren once more.

What is going through your head, Yeager?

...

The sun was beginning to shine through the window as a new day began.

The birds were singing, the sky was blue, with very few clouds in the sky.

Daniel Caine smiled a the noise around him.

Controlled chaos.

Pure controlled chaos.

Ammunition, parts for vehicles, tools, materiel... all coming through the gate.

Queen should be coming back soon... better get the information ready.

Caine smiled slightly as his phone began to ring.

The woman he had to work with was calling.

It wasn't enough to kill his somewhat good mood, so he happily answered.

"So, you finally decided to stop playing politics?" he asked her.

"Shut your filthy mouth you-"

"Good to know things haven't changed..."

The woman on the other end went silent.

"You already publicly supported us, so you can't exactly back out so suddenly, eh?"

"I meant what I said..."

"Good. The president is going to send some special acts needed to be approved by Congress, and trust me when I say we are going to need them even if things go smoothly on this end."

"Yeah, yeah, you'll get your damn war economy... but Daniel?"

"Yes?"

"We took a dangerous path today. Even if this all goes smoothly, he will not be reelected. We have too much on him for a second term."

"That's something we'll just have to see, won't we?"

"Yeah... we'll see... goodbye, Caine."

"Speaker."

He hung up and dialed a different number.

The German representative picked up after two rings.

"How are things going on your end?"

"Oh, endless debate of possible ramifications... our side seems to be winning, though."

"Good old German Nationalism?"

"Outrage, yes. Somehow, the World Union has managed to piss off all sides. The only discussion is how much we should contribute to Arrowhead."

"Well, the more the merrier... we have several battalions of Abrams here, I wonder how Leopards will fare against... oh, I have a call."

"Yeah, same... talk to you later."

"Sure..." he said, hanging up and picking up the second call.

"Mister Iwatani?"

"The resolution is through. We will be adding two destroyers to Project Arrowhead, as well as the aircraft Hizuru is requesting in exchange."

"Well, that was easy."

"This is a mission where everyone can be a hero, no?"

"Well, let's not get too carried away... Russia is also on the team... as is Urugay surprisingly enough." he added, looking over a document.

"The Latin Americans are contributing?"

"Yeah, more than even I expected. Panama was always going to be on board, but Urugay is offering Paradis several tanks... Mexico wants to send electricians and maintenance crews to help train people here, Colombia is willing to help transport workers, Venezuela is letting Russia dock its ships... honestly, the Queen is going to be ecstatic with this level of support."

"Yes... if only we could unite like this for other things."

"Too much unity is unhealthy, I prefer to know exactly where everyone stands." he added, glancing at the globe next to him.

He eyed the big red nation labeled "China".

"Hmm, interesting perspective... the question now is... can the Gate be opened?"

"Now that Hizuru is on board? Definitely."

She had been a museum for a while now.

The last of her kind, she had been maintained in pristine conditions as she served her country in the Second World War and the Korean War.

She had been mothballed for some time before she was called to duty yet again. She had been upgraded and thrust back into service in the 1980s in order to counter an ever-growing Russian Navy, prepared for a potential Third World War that never came, and was currently a museum sitting neatly in the port of the state she was named after.

She hadn't seen active duty since 1991, but now...

"Could have her up and running in a few months, probably make the deadline." one of her operators said.

"Good. We're going to need every ship we can get." the Navy officer replied.

"Yeah, that project Arrowhead... how serious do you think that declaration of war could be? They can't reach us here, right?"

The officer said "No, but if we don't do anything, they might eventually overwhelm our troops. These aren't aliens we're fighting, these are men."

The operator nodded, eyeing some of the half century old instruments.

"She's been through a lot; I hope to see her again."

"We plan to take good care of her. Same as her sisters."

The operator nodded, and the officer added "Well, welcome back to the Navy, old girl."

He glanced at the sticker that identified her as the USS New Jersey.

The Iowa class battleships were being called back into service once again.

This time to take place in an interplanetary war.

It was certainly a strange time.

Hobbes was looking at the news on his phone when his commander entered the room. He rubbed the almost too long blonde hair as the news continued speaking of the vote Parliament was taking in regards to military intervention in the other world, something Germany hadn't had to do, at least not on the level being requested, since World War 2. The man appeared worried, but also angry.

Not even the Kosovo conflict brought such reactions... certainly not from us.

"Orders went through." the leader of the German Panzerbattallion said in the usual German stoicism that made for almost insulting stereotypes on bad Hollywood productions.

For Hobbes, the statement sent chills up his spine.

"We're going through?"

"We're going now."

"What?"

"The Americans and these... Eldians... have made it clear. Their entire population is facing imminent invasion and they need all the help they can get fast. Not only is NATO getting involved, we're going to be amongst the first through."

The German soldier stood up, quickly saying "We're going through the portal in New York?"

"Yup, alongside a few elements from the KSK. Go get your platoon, tell them to start getting ready. We leave Tuesday."

Hobbes got up, nodded, and made his way out of the recreational center, noticing several other officers moving about and doing the same thing. Mechanics were rushing to their vehicles, seemingly to begin a final checkup, even if it would be far from final.

The shadow of the Leopard 2 Main Battle Tanks in the motor pool stared back at him with an almost knowing look.

Germany is going to war.

...

Zeke Yeager paced from one end of his room to the next.

"I know this is heavy on your conscience, but-"

"Is it the only way?"

"Seems like the other world leaders think it is."

"Then I have no choice."

Magath gave the man a look of sympathy.

"Doesn't make it any easier?" he asked.

"Oh, it should! I should feel much happier knowing I have no say in the matter, as if it excludes me from whatever guilt I may feel... and yet..."

Zeke crashed against the wall and sat on the wooden floor.

"...I had a plan, you know?"

"Did you now?"

"Yes... I once discussed it with... it doesn't matter. I thought that maybe if I could take control of the Founding Titan... that maybe... that maybe I would be able to eliminate titans from this world. I would somehow make all Eldians sterile. We would go extinct but it would end so much suffering."

Magath shook his head.

"I can't agree it's the best decision... could the Founder not simply eliminate the Eldian skill of titanization? It seems easier."

Zeke scratched the back of his head, saying "Tom said the Founder could only create, not destroy... I don't know if that would be an option... it certainly feels better than this."

"It's also the policy that makes the most sense."

Zeke shook his head.

"How long until it goes into effect?"

"Here? Not until invasion day. Not that it will stop people like those Mid-East bastards from starting early.

Once again, he shook his head.

"I feel so pointless despite my efforts."

Magath said "I understand, but... it seems all the nations of the world are forcing our hand. Tybur was frustrated he had to give the declaration of war, but the Americans simply took it and readily accepted it. I worry what the enemy is capable of."

"They easily destroyed the titans in Paradis and captured our warriors. Assuming they're a hundred years ahead of us, it's going to be very difficult to actually win."

"Their planes are terrifying, but... I think we could put some heavy machine guns on our airships, counter them like that to some extent. I suppose we could also overwhelm them with titan hordes, which..."

"Is exactly the plan?"

Magath said nothing.

"Colonel, do me a favor if we don't get to talk in a while?"

"What?"

"Promise my grandparents will be taken care of. They're all the family I have left."

"Of course."

Zeke smiled, hiding his internal anguish as he glanced at the order once again.

Order 100366: Eldians are to be used to their fullest extent on invasion day. Long Live Marley.

...

"How quick can you get them here?"

"A week or two, give or take. Some of these are undergoing maintenance, and some of the higher ups aren't exactly happy about being sent out to war."

General Connor frowned.

"I know you're probably tempted to make a French joke, and go right ahead. But it's the honest truth. It's one thing to send our men to fight mindless monsters in another world, I mean... by God, that's a childhood dream!"

A pause as Connor used it to consider what kind of dreams the French officer had that involved going off to fight giant monsters.

Wonder if he was a Godzilla fan growing up...

The French man continued.

"But our men will be fighting other men... for a just cause, certainly, but it doesn't exactly make it any easier now does it?"

"No, but that's what we're for. I appreciate the support, Colonel Caesar."

He wrote the information on a notepad and read it over.

Colonel Parker asked "So... aside from the extra stuff we're sending through, what's NATO delivering?"

Connor took a deep breath and read "The British are sending us a platoon of Challenger tanks along with some SAS reinforcements for our operations over in the mainland. Germany has really committed with two battalions of Leopard 2s, one of which will arrive this month via ship, the others will come with the rest of the expeditionary force once Project Arrowhead is up and running, and that's not counting the division they plan to send along with it... uh... France committed a single platoon of Leclerc Main Battle Tanks, an entire unit of Foreign Legion troops... a couple of Dassault Rafel which we can use. Sweden also decided to send us a wing of Gripen fighters."

"Sweden?"

"Yup... world's coming to an end. Australia is also sending us a wing of their F/A-18 Super Hornets this week, but the rest will come along with the RAF contingency... Canada is also sending us a platoon of their Leopard 2A4s and several IFVs, uh, an artillery unit... Belgium is sending us some operators and crews, Poland is sending us some operators and crews, Finland is sending us some operators and crews, South Africa is sending us some operators and crews as well as parts that should be arriving in the next month... that added to our extra division of armor and Air Force wings we're already bringing in... Paradis is about to become the largest NATO base in existence."

"Will it be enough is the question."

"Ah, maybe... we estimate the nations of this world are mobilizing about as fast as they can, which is unfortunately faster than us. Maybe we have a month or two to get ready."

"Will we even have a month before they invade?"

"Satellite images aren't exactly great, but I doubt it. An invasion this big, this coordinated takes time... hell, only reason we're able to mobilize so quickly is because we were always expecting some kind of war, and even then... don't know if it will be quick."

Parker hated the stereotype of the gung-ho military officer, champing at the bit, ready to throw his men at the jaws of death...

He was petrified.

Old fashioned or not, it was a well-trained, well-armed enemy.

Didn't matter if their rifles were a hundred years old, those things could kill a soldier just as well!

"You know... even with our tech, it's probably going to be close if they invade."

"Unfortunately. All we can do is get ready."

As the bus drove through Times Square Jean had to do his best to keep his smile from being too visible.

The crowd wasn't so much cheering as they were waving and yelling words of encouragement.

He glanced at Mikasa who was staring more at Eren who... seriously seemed out of it.

"Come on, Yeager, why the long face? We're like those rock stars Marco likes so much."

"Queen?"

"No, the other one."

Eren didn't reply.

Jean shrugged and continued looking at the world they were leaving behind.

Goodbye, New York...

Hanji sighed.

"Hey, Levi, how was New York? I only got to see it for a little while... Levi?"

She noticed the man was asleep.

Petra said "Huh... maybe our captain has been a bit too busy lately."

Eld said "Never seen him this deep, though..."

No one spoke, the bus entering the darkness of the Gate.

Samuel said "How about we draw on the captain? Sasha, you bought some markers?"

Armin was quick to say "Guys, he could be faking it!"

"Doesn't sound like such a bad idea." Hanji mumbled.

"Commander, please! Ilse, back me up here... Ilse?"

The girl was, to their surprise, also asleep.

Hanji raised an eyebrow.

As the bus entered the gate, it picked up speed, and suddenly Mikasa yelped, getting her attention.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"E-Eren?" Mikasa began lightly shaking Yeager who had seemingly fallen asleep and had fallen on the girl's chest.

At this Hanji began to shake Levi a bit harder.

"Hey... hey, hey, hey- Levi! Wake up! Eld is going to draw on your entire face if you don't!"

The captain felt slack.

Hanji quickly checked the man's pulse.

It was fine.

"He's... asleep... but... something here feels..."

Unbeknownst to everyone in the bus, for the three individuals who had fallen asleep, it was as if time had stopped.

Something had called them elsewhere.

"Hello?" Ilse called, looking around her in a panic.

It was a desert, only sand and dunes everywhere she looked.

"Hey! Langnar!"

She turned, suddenly seeing Captain Levi mere feet behind her.

"No need to shout... the hell's the matter with you?" he said, stretching.

"C-captain! What's... where are we?"

"No clue... anyone else here?"

"Oww..."

Both scouts glanced at the pained sounds coming from the teenager lying on the sand... Ilse's foot was on his arm.

"Ah! Sorry, Yeager! Are you okay?"

"Y-yeah... what? Where are we?"

"We were on the bus, right? Did... something happen?" Ilse asked, trying to figure things out.

Levi then said "Hey. Over there."

Eren and Ilse turned to where the captain was pointing and saw a small room appearing over a small dune.

Ilse froze.

"W-what is that?"

Eren didn't say anything.

Then the words came.

"Ah! Finally! Come! Come! Hurry!"

No one spoke.

It was a girl's voice... an irritating one at that.

"Are you seriously going to make me move there? Come on! Captain, I have tea!"

At this Levi only shrugged and said "Well, you heard her, let's go."

"W-? Captain!"

"We don't have a choice here. Whatever brought us here is either toying with us or wants something from us and either way we can't do anything about it at the moment. Let's just get this over with."

"Oh, come on! I know it's a bit strange, but it's urgent! Just hurry up and get over here, please?"

Eren said "We don't even know who you are!"

"Well, that's not entirely true, is it, Ilse?"

Levi and Eren glanced at the girl.

Ilse then said "Wait... you're... the ghost?"

The dark-haired woman stepped outside of the circle, smiling.

"Ah, I was wondering when you'd recall our meeting. Such memories... real and... speculative."

"What?"

"Who are you?" Levi said, recognizing the flowing black hair.

"My name is Rory Mercury, I'm the one who opened the gate between that world and your own. I've been waiting for the opportunity to speak to all of you."

No one spoke.

Rory smiled slightly.

"I've especially wanted to talk to you, Eren Yeager."

Ilse and Levi turned to Eren, the teenager's eyes suddenly widening with what appeared to be anger and hostility.

Rory's smile didn't disappear as she said "My, oh my... I wonder which Eren Yeager I'll have the pleasure of talking to."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Oh, come now. Do you think I'd be able to open an interdimensional gate and not know about you?"

"I- what is going on?" Ilse stammered.

Levi's eyes narrowed.

Rory's confident smile didn't disappear as she spoke with confidence.

"An excellent question! Care to explain what's going to happen, Devil of the Earth?"


A/N: Kept y'all waiting, didn't I?

I wasn't sure whether to upload this chapter or not as it was originally meant to focus on Eren a LOT more but I think I can save that for chapter 15 while using this one to start setting things up for the final arc.

The Attack on Titan manga has answered a few of my questions since September (has it really been that long?) but not all of them, which is why I decided to take a lot of the ideas I had for the Asides and incorporate them here, focusing more on our side of the Gate while pushing Eren's situation to chapter 15, which kind of makes this chapter feel a bit disjointed, but I think I was able to advance the plot a fair bit.

And now the stage is very much set for exactly what some of you have been waiting for since chapter One: a military confrontation with Marley and the nations of the Attack on Titan world. I'm trying to make it as morally complex as possible as the situation itself isn't what anyone should call "black and white". Evil is evil, the problem is that there is no good solution even with a doorway to our world bringing more technology and information. Seriously, Attack on Titan is one of the few stories out there where a guy throws out a "let's just make an entire race infertile" and it is somehow one of the most humane options on the table!

The question now is, will our involvement be enough to achieve the less definitive but far more humane solution of allowing Eldians to live in some degree of peace?

Well... let's see how it goes!

On to the reviewer response!

Sasha- Project Arrowhead?

Inspired very much by the Stephen King novel "The Mist". In that novel it's supposedly a military project to open an interdimensional doorway, but it's never confirmed in the story given the lack of information the characters in that story have to work with. Here it is pretty much the same, only that the public already knows about it and it actually has a basis to work with.

Guest- Nameless hero from Attack on Titan 2?

Not sure what role they would play. Got plenty of battle scenes coming up, so maybe I can squeez in a random soldier pulling off some amazing feat and have someone like Hannes mumble "Huh... what a nameless hero" or something. I don't know.

Code Geass Fan- Victorian era Holy Britannia Empire?

Maybe? I would love to call them that, and we know so little of this world's version of Britain it might as well be a walking Code Geass reference. Maybe the manga will reveal some more details later on, but we'll see.

Ryuukagi- change the timeline to 2026?

Nah, it's not a big issue dealing with present day... well... 2019 politics and information. I know 2026 isn't THAT far away, but with news about the Marines allegedly getting rid of their tank battalions, Britain allegedly considering the same, it would make it VERY awkward for the upcoming fight if there's a lack of tanks as they are basically the best weapon available to our side in regards to fighting both titans and humans. I'll stick with "present day". The story has been very much planned since 2018, and so far, I haven't had to change much, so unless the manga throws a curb ball in the next... what, five chapters? I think I'll stick with what I had in mind.

For now, at least.

Guest- Seeing a tumbleweed leave New York?

Um... New York doesn't really get tumbleweeds to my knowledge, though I kind of suck at geography... maybe as an aside?

Well! Thank you all so much for reading up to here, if there's anything you think I should fix feel free to let me know, remember that writing advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks for reading!