Chapter 8 Hizuru's Arrival

Armin's POV:

When Eren and Mikasa are back, we find that Eren and Mikasa have small smiles on their faces. I was concerned and I ask, "Eren, Mikasa, are you fine?"

Eren says, "We're fine. Don't worry, right, Mikasa?"

Mikasa tenses a little and then says, "Right, we're fine."

I stare at them before they leave, Jean says, "What the hell is wrong with those two?"

Connie says, "Yeah... Eren usually has a lot of anger issues, and it feels weird to see him kinda happy..."

"I have to guess something happened in Shiganshina... but what is it?" I ask with confusion. "I think I'll ask them."

Then we all rush to Eren and Mikasa, and both of them are back to their normal expressions again, which causes us to be confused. Eren asks, "What's the matter?"

"Eren... Mikasa... a few minutes ago, you seem to be smiling. What was that about?" Sasha asks.

Eren frowns and says, "It's nothing, I received more memories of my old man, and I got to see my Mother in those memories again. I told Mikasa about it, and she was happy for me to see her again in the memories."

We all frown as we remember how Ms. Yeager was killed by the Titan, and that was the reason why Eren has been angry all this time. But we also notice the rings on their hands, and I ask, "Eren? Mikasa? Those rings on your hands... Are those..."

Eren sighs and says, "You're right, those are engagement rings."

"You two are engaged?" Jean says with slight jealousy. "You lucky bastard..."

"I take that as a compliment." Eren says back. "Mikasa and I have been dating for days, but since we're still underage, we're not ready for the marriage yet..."

I am very happy for the two of them, I decide to ask, "How? And congratulations."

"The details aren't that important." Mikasa says. "Now if you excuse us, Eren still needs to train his Titan abilities with Commander Hange."

We sigh as Mikasa is right, Eren still needs to train his new Time manipulation ability. To think he can stop time and also speed up the time as well... that sounds really amazing and dangerous...

Eren's POV:

After some months, we have been working with the Anti-Marleyan Soldiers and the Eldian Restorationists, thus we manage to create our first port on Paradis Island. Today is the day when the nation of Hizuru arrives at Paradis, of course, I already know everything about the deal.

"Eren, I haven't seen you since you lifted our ship a whole year ago." Yelena bows to me, and Captain Levi just glares at her and stands in front of him, I'm not the only one here, Mikasa is also here with me.

"No, you won't be working together." Levi says. "You're lucky enough to see his face."

"Plenty enough for me. Today will be a joyous day. The port is complete and we're welcoming our first outside visitor. From Paradis island's sole friendly nation. Hizuru - Special Envoy Kiyomi Azumabito."

And then, the ship finally arrives as Lady Azumabito arrived and greeted all of them, but when she sees Mikasa, she gasps, ""Oh my."

Mikasa seems to be tensed up a little, maybe because of her looks. I say, "Why don't we talk inside the building? We have a lot to discuss."

After getting into the building, Lady Azumabito takes out something that looks like a cloak from a box and turns to Mikasa.

"Do you recognize this crest?" I notice the crest, it is a three-sword and I remember Mikasa has one on her left wrist.

"That's..." Mikasa seems nervous, I say, "Show it, Mikasa."

"But my mom said to keep it a secret." Mikasa says to me.

"You showed it to me when we were little. It's a secret meant for today." I reply.

Mikasa reluctantly agrees as she shows the symbol to everyone in the room, Lady Azumabito gasps in surprise and Mikasa says, "Before she died, this symbol was passed down to me from my mother. She said I should pass it on to my child."

Lady Azumabito places her hands on Mikasa's shoulders and says, "What an admirable deed! Over a century ago, the shogun we Azumabitos descended from had a son. He was on friendly terms with King Fritz and often came to Paradis. After the Great Titan War, Hizuru was defeated and in disarray. In the confusion, a child of the shogunate was left behind on the island. You're the lost descendant of our nation's ruler! You're the hope of Hizuru!"

This causes everyone to be surprised at the news, to think that she is the lost descendant of Hizuru... Mikasa is going to be our second queen in the future, this will definitely strengthen the peace between the two nations. I hope.

Once we all head back to Capital Mitras, we manage to inform everything to Historia. Historia smiles at Mikasa, "Hey, why'd you only show that mark to Eren?"

"Eh?" Mikasa looks at her with surprise.

"You've never taken off your wrist wrap for anyone." Historia says.

"Well that's..." Mikasa stutters, and I sigh, "Historia, you seem really happy."

"I am. All of us share a heavy burden because of our birth. There's no better person to have as a companion as the two of you!" Historia smiles.

Both of us are blushing really hard and the three of us decide to hear about the meeting.

"It's a historic day for both our nations. Today is only possible thanks to the one who brought us together, Zeke Yeager." In the meeting, Kiyomi says, "After meeting with him in secret, we agreed to an arrangement under the condition we were able to meet Lady Mikasa."

She shows the ODM gear in front of the table, I guess it was the ODM gear that he stole from us when we were fighting against him. "Zeke Jeager said if we cooperate with him, our nation may just helm an industry that restores it to its former glory. And yet, he hasn't even prospected your reserves. But a resource like that in this age of modernization would be worth its weight in jewels and treasure."

Of course, the Azumabitos love money, I'm not sure if Mikasa's mother is the same as them, but Mikasa is definitely not a money lover.

"And? What exactly is the arrangement you have with Zeke Yeager?" Historia asks.

"As you know, Zeke Yeager has a secret plan in mind. To achieve it, Hizuru's cooperation is needed. Here are his three points to protect Paradis from the rumbling." Kiyomi says.

"First is the test run of the Rumbling- to release a sample of its power and show the world its devastation. Next is Hizuru's cooperation. Your military must be strengthened until the use of the rumbling isn't necessary. And lastly, the Founding Titan and a Titan with Royal blood must be passed down. That's the third point. Since Zeke's time is almost up, he will pass on the Beast Titan to someone in Paradis and that person has to spend 13 years to bear as many children as possible."

I'm getting really angry at the last one, Historia has been concerned about the last one during these two years, and I'm not going to do it. But sadly, Historia says, "Very well. I agree to inherit the Beast Titan. As long as the Rumbling is necessary for our continued existence."

"Historia..." Mikasa is also frowning for her, and I think I should say something.

"If broken walls, trampled land, and children bred and killed like livestock, are what we must pay to stay alive... I absolutely can't accept Zeke Yeager's plan." I say, which causes both Historia and Mikasa to look at me. "It's dangerous to entrust our fate to the possession of the Rumbling. Wouldn't it be better for us to use all the time we have left to think of the best option possible?"

Lady Azumabito stares at me with surprise, and Historia also has tears in her eyes.

After the meeting is over, Historia, Mikasa, and I are now at the Reiss Farm, I am furious and say, "The Military Police is moving forward with a plan to turn you into a Titan and feed Zeke to you once he's here on the island. If anything, they are reducing your life to 13 years. I'm not going to let them happen."

"I know you won't." Historia says. "And I'm really grateful for you to stand up for me like this. Still... didn't we already decide to have a child because it will be Ymir?"

"Yeah, Ymir is waiting for us to free her." I reply. "But we have to make sure that we fight for our freedom."

Just then, a small wagon arrives, and Gloria walks out of it with another girl. Gloria says, "Your Highness. I would like to introduce you to her."

The girl bows and says, "My name is Aya Neumann. My family is the Royal Family of the Female Titan. I heard everything from Lady Gloria here and I am here to help you out."

"So you're the Royal Family of the Female Titan." Historia says, "I heard you've been living in Hizuru, how are the Eldians treated there?"

"Eldians in our home are still being discriminated against, but not as awful as the other nations when it comes to law. But when it comes to financial and other resources, our Eldians are poor and won't be able to get a nice job. However, with Mikasa here, things will be much smoother."

"What do you mean by that?" Mikasa asks with confusion.

"The last king of Hizuru is now bedridden. It was estimated that after a few days, he'll pass away. The other reason why Hizuru has come is that they want Mikasa to be their next ruler."

"Me? The Ruler of Hizuru?" Mikasa gasps in shock. Historia says, "That's awesome! That makes both of us the same as well!"

I also nod in agreement, and Gloria says, "Besides this good news, we also have ten of the thirteen families united. It is also fortunate that the other 3 families are located on the island as well."

Aya says, "However, I also heard that you've acquired the Female Titan, may I ask where it may be?"

I frown, "She locks herself inside of the crystal for 3 years. I could break her out, but that will also give away the fact that I have full access to Founding Titan to the military, which won't be a good thing."

"I see... I can actually wait for the day when you reveal the truth so I could get what belonged to our family back." Aya says. "I will also teach the battle style of Hizuru to your own faction of soldiers, is that fine for you?"

"I'm not sure if my soldiers are keen on more training since they've already trained a lot, but I would like to try out the battle style of Hizuru." I say.

"I'll do the same." Mikasa says.

While we are training our soldiers, I also manage to get more soldiers to our side, the Military Police that guards the Reiss Farm is on our side, and most of the new trainees are willing to help us.

Since there are no Titans around the area, the Scouts are usually helping the Anti-Marley Volunteers with their construction, I was fortunate enough to be with Gloria and her followers' side, and we also go from district to district to help with the medical problems. Because of how I'm treating their sickness and injuries, I have been loved by the citizens of all areas.

I sigh at how the people are now looking at me, a lot of years ago, they are terrified of me because I can turn into a Titan, but now they like me not only because I have talented medical skills, but I have the Founding Titan who will destroy the enemies outside of the island. I really don't want them to cause trouble so that the military will know the truth...

Here is a new chapter, and I hope you like this chapter.