Attack On Titan: Wings Of Crystal
Chapter 52: The Path Down Memory Lane
It was the middle of the afternoon in the nation of Marley. The citizens were living their lives as usual. Only this time they were living on the edge. Many of them were questioning when the Omega Warrior Unit would finally return and protect them once again. Some of them even wondered if they were still alive, or maybe they'd become sacrifices to the devils of Paradis.
News of the Warriors' absence quickly spread throughout the motherland to both Marleyan and Eldian citizens. But it didn't stop there. It soon spread outside Marley's borders and reached some of the other continents. Those who had not yet succumbed to Marley's rule saw this as a perfect opportunity to fight back and destroy them, now that they'd lost their Titan protectors.
The Brass caught wind of this and were forced to act on the defensive. Right now, they've only got one Titan Shifter defending them. The new Jaw Titan, Porco Galliard. But he had only just obtained this power and only had a few days' worth of training with it. He didn't stand a chance against an enemy nation alone.
Despite not knowing what became of the Omega Unit, that didn't stop Theo Magath, who had just been promoted to General, to ready the next generation of Warrior Candidates for their time to take up the mantle.
He watched the young Eldian cadets training in the obstacle course they'd set up to test their manoeuvrability in the field. A few cadets stood out to him and may prove to be the best choices to surpass the Omega Unit. But it was still too soon to decide their fate. Any one of them could slip up. Or a cadet he originally deemed unfit may rise and surpass the ones he had his eye on.
"This group of cadets are certainly proving themselves to be superior to their predecessors. It's only been a few days since Averbach departed with Pieck. They should've returned by now… I knew it was a mistake to send those kids to Paradis alone. I don't plan to make the same error with these cadets."
He then hears the sounds of bushes rustling behind him and glances around to see what is causing it. A Marleyan soldier was responsible, as he appeared to be in a hurry and heading straight his way.
"General Magath!" He pauses to catch his breath. "The guards at the docks have reported spotting the Winged Titan approaching the motherland. The Omega Unit has returned."
Magath slightly widens his eyes. Just when he started to wonder what became of them, they somehow miraculously returned. Hopefully, everyone made it back, and also with the Founding Titan, he thought.
"It's about damn time. Inform Galliard of this at once and have him join me on the runway to welcome back his brothers and sisters."
The soldier saluted and walked around him over to the training course where Galliard was overlooking the cadets' training. Magath made his way over to the dock runway area to be present for the Omega Unit's return.
High in the sky, the Winged Titan was closing in on Marley with the Cart Titan and the rest of the Warriors in tow. Most of them were excited to finally be back home. They can see their families again after five whole years. Others just wanted to kick back and relax at home. As for the War Chief, Zeke, he didn't have the luxury to take it easy. The Brass will be expecting a full report from him regarding the Paradis Island Operation. He was not looking forward to seeing their faces when he tells them that they not only failed but that the Vice Chief purposely disobeyed orders and did what he believed was right.
For now, Lazarus and Michael's first step once they land is to return to their hometown of Odiha and find their old house, as well as decide on what they should do with Erwin. They don't know how the Brass will react to him being there instead of the Coordinate. But Lazarus assured the two of them that Commander Magath wasn't as bad as most Marleyans. Maybe he could overlook their failure and see the potential of having the Crystal Titan under their control.
They hadn't decided on what they should do afterwards yet. Maybe they could give Erwin a tour of the new world and show him how much different their society is compared to the Walls.
"What do you see, Lazarus?" Zeke called up to the Winged Titan.
"The Brass is aware of our approach. I can see soldiers gathering on the runway. Not just them either, I see a large crowd of civilians too. Must be the welcoming committee."
"Eldian?" Zeke wondered.
"Yeah. The commander must've allowed them to leave the Internment Zone just this one time to welcome us back."
"Awful nice of him," Erwin spoke up to the others' surprise.
"Not all Marleyans hate us, Dad. I'm sure there's a few out there that see us as human." Michael clarified.
"But the general consensus still views us as devils, even if we've been deemed honorary Marleyans by the Brass." Annie reminded them.
"How do you think the Commander will take the news of Lazarus choosing to leave Eren behind?" Reiner asked their War Chief.
"Not too well. Under normal circumstances, they'd execute him. But since he can't die, they'll most likely lock him back up in that pit Miss Muller pulled him out of."
Lazarus's eyes widen with horror. His mind flashes various pain-filled memories of him as a child being locked in a deep, dark, cramped pit.
The walls were made of stone and the only source of light he had came from the grate covering the hole a few feet above him. He was sitting on a pile of hay, chained to the wall and left to starve by the Marleyans. He had no clothes on. His hair was messy. And his horns completely stuck out from the front of his skull. His body looked eerily skinny, implying that he hadn't eaten anything in a very long time.
Those visions caused him to start swaying left and right as he tried to get those thoughts out of his head. Everyone holds on tight to the railings to avoid falling off. Until now, Lazarus had been giving them a smooth flight. Why now did he decide to lose focus?
"Hey! What the hell are you doing?!" Reiner shouted up at him. "You trying to drop us into the sea?!
Lazarus snaps out of his trance and levels himself out as gently as he can. The Cart Titan lets out a long sigh of relief. For a minute there, she was afraid he was gonna drop her.
"What happened, Lazarus? Is everything okay?" She asked, concerned for her comrade.
"I- I'm sorry, everybody… I don't know what came over me. Is everyone still here?" The Winged Titan regrettably responds.
"Yeah. Everyone's here." Bertolt assured him.
"Thank God for that… Anyway, prepare for landing. We're almost there." He instructed everyone.
Everybody grabs a hold of the railings and braces themselves for a touchdown as the Winged Titan begins its descent. He only has one shot at this. If he comes in too close or too far from the runway, it will lead to some catastrophic consequences.
Seeing them coming in fast, the soldiers quickly cleared the runway and made sure all the citizens were kept at a safe distance. The Winged Titan lowered itself ever so slightly until it was a few feet above the end of the runway. He undoes the hardening around his fists and gently drops the Cart Titan down on the concrete platform.
Pieck quickly runs down the runway towards the other end where General Magath and his men are waiting. The Winged Titan performs another loop-de-loop before coming in for his landing at the other end, making sure there is enough distance between him and the others.
The Cart Titan lays down so the others can climb off of her back and greet the masses. The Winged Titan inevitably rejoins them, and all the Warriors were welcomed back by the Eldian citizens with a thunderous cheer and applause. All of them were pleased to see that they'd all made it back alive, unaware that Marcel was the only one who hadn't. And that they had failed to recover the Founding Titan.
Porco and the cadets were present too. They were given a front-row seat to the long-awaited return of Marley's greatest Warriors.
"They're finally back! Reiner's back!" Gabi excitedly pointed out.
"They're all here. Vice Chief Averbach managed to fly everyone home safely." Falco added.
"I still can't believe you got to meet him in person." The tall boy with glasses standing to his right addressed him.
"Really? You never told me this." Falco's older brother, Colt, comes in between them. "What did you say to him?"
"Nothing important. He gave me some advice on how to be a great Warrior… I also asked him if I could fly like him one day."
That last statement caused the boy with glasses to start laughing out loud.
"What's so funny, Udo?" Falco asked, annoyed by his outburst.
"You, flying? I'm sorry, but that's just so funny that I can't NOT laugh at it! The only reason the Vice Chief can fly is because his Titan was augmented by human science. He's genetically engineered. None of the other Titans possess the ability to fly."
"So what?" Gabi stood up to him. "You don't have to fly to be strong. I know that-!
"That's not entirely true."
Colt interrupted Gabi's attempt at defending her classmates. The kids all look up at their much larger upperclassman.
"There's not much information on the past Warriors during the Great Titan War. But I have heard from War Chief Zeke that one of the members of the Alpha Unit once possessed the power to fly as well."
The kids were all awestruck by this little piece of information. They all simultaneously ask him which one of them it was. Instead of wording his answer, Colt turns around and looks over at the Winged Titan.
"He said it was Vice Chief Averbach's mother."
Back on the runway platform, Michael and Erwin were the last ones to set foot on Marleyan land. This was an unbelievable experience for both of them. It had been almost ten years since Michael had been back here. He'd been living on Paradis for so long that he couldn't help but feel like he'd just stepped into a world that was completely alien to his own. It had changed so much more than he remembered. Part of him feared that the feeling would be the same when he entered Odiha.
And Erwin, to him, his reaction was understandable. For years he'd dreamed of seeing the world beyond the walls. And now that time has come at last, he's unsure how he should feel. His views on it were defiled by the harsh reality of what kind of people are inhabiting it. The kind who treats their own like trash just because they were made differently than others. It was almost like he was seeing the world within the walls from the point of view of the Titans.
The Winged Titan gets down on its knees and steam bursts out of its nape, allowing Lazarus to break himself free. He severs his connection to his Titan, slides down its left wing, and rejoins the others on the ground. But not before performing a couple of stretches and loosening the stiffness in his back and shoulders, exhausted from the two-hour flight and having to stretch his arms out and keep everyone secure.
Pieck soon emerges from her Titan. Annie and Bertolt help her climb down from the nape and hold her upright until Reiner grabs her crutches from the cart.
"Ah, we're finally home," Pieck exclaims in her soft, calming voice. She was just as exhausted as Lazarus was. She had been the Cart Titan for a couple of days ever since her departure with Lazarus. It felt blissful to finally be out of there and standing on her own two feet again. However, it would take a while before she can get used to being bipedal again.
"How are you feeling, you two?" Bertolt asked.
"Grateful to finally be out of my Titan body," Pieck answered between breaths.
"It's not the longest you've been in Titan form." Annie reminded her.
"No. But it's been long enough that I've forgotten how the whole bipedal thing works."
"At least you don't have to deal with the constant back pain I've got." Lazarus intervened. "I've been working it nonstop flapping those wings. It feels like they're still there even though they're not. It's weird."
Michael approaches the group with Erwin falling behind, still keeping his distance from them. He looks over Pieck, finally acknowledging the person behind the Cart Titan. Part of him couldn't help but be in awe at how cute she looked. How could such a pretty girl form such an ugly Titan, he wondered.
"Hi there. You must be the person behind the Cart Titan." He extends his hand to her. "Allow me to properly introduce myself to you."
Pieck smiles and shakes his hand, whilst trying to keep herself upright with her crutch tucked under her left arm. "Nice to properly meet you too, Michael. I'm Pieck Finger… still think I'm creepy?"
"No, not at all." Michael stuttered. His face started turning red. Pieck took notice and giggled.
While the others were readjusting themselves, Zeke was in the middle of a serious discussion with General Magath. He reported everything that Reiner and Bertolt had told him before his arrival and then filled him in on the Battle of Shiganshina and the results that followed.
He decided to keep the part where Lazarus willingly chose not to recover Eren to himself to protect him. He can be a cold bastard at times when he deems it necessary. But Lazarus was the reason every one of their units had made it back alive. (Apart from Marcel) Michael's song and the discovery of Lazarus being his cousin stuck with him for the remainder of the journey. He wanted to have more moments like that in the future. However, it did not change his view on how things should proceed with the Founding Titan.
"Omega Unit! Front and centre!" The General ordered sternly.
The others could tell he was pissed. They weren't surprised either. The whole mission had failed too many times than they would've liked. The Warriors stand before the newly appointed general and perform the Marleyan salute as a show of respect.
"Zeke had just finished reporting in on what you've accomplished. I have to say, I am very disappointed in all of you."
"Commander, I-
Lazarus attempted to speak his mind and defend the others, only to be silenced by the two soldiers standing beside him pointing their rifles at him. The general raised his right hand, ordering them to stand down.
"First of all, it's General now. Secondly, you will not speak unless spoken to. I will get to you soon, Averbach."
"Y-yes General." He sheepishly replied before returning to his usual spot between Reiner and Annie.
"As I was saying. I am disappointed that you have once again failed to recover the Founding Titan. However, I was told that the enemy forces you were up against were much stronger than we could've anticipated. The fact that you hadn't sustained any more casualties and were able to return in one piece should account for something. Had any of you allowed yourselves to be captured and stripped of your Titans, your punishment would've been far greater." General Magath glances over at Lazarus and formally permits him to speak his mind.
"Averbach, is it true that you engaged the Founder's host in combat and allowed yourself to lose to ensure the survival of your comrades, and their Titans did not fall into enemy hands?"
Lazarus was confused as to what he meant. He looked in Zeke's direction and noticed he was winking at him. Now he sees what this is. Zeke was lying to the general on his behalf. Making sure he doesn't suffer the penalty for going against orders. He was unsure why Zeke was sticking up for him given his reaction to his actions yesterday, but he wasn't going to waste it.
"…Yes sir. The individual who possesses the Founding Titan is also in possession of the Attack Titan. I couldn't risk going all out against him without getting the others involved. In the end, we were forced to retreat." He answered whilst looking his superior in the eye, giving off the same poker face he used to fool the Scouts with before. Something Erwin noticed right away.
The Marleyans all around them were conversing with one another, expressing their frustration and disgust with the Omega Unit's poor handling of the mission. Porco and the kids were also dissatisfied with the news. A lot of the cadets had been cheering them on ever since they left as heroes. Only to return as failures. Porco was more convinced than ever that had he been made the Armoured Titan instead; things could've played out differently.
"Permission to speak, General," Michael spoke up from the back of the group. The others clear a path for him, allowing him to approach the general and address him face to face.
"And who are you?" Magath demanded.
"My name is Michael Suurvalta. I am the Crystal Titan." He declared proudly.
That reveal caused more confusion among the soldiers and people. They all talk amongst themselves again, contemplating this information. Wondering if he was speaking the truth or making it up. Many of them, both Eldian and Marleyan, did not believe in the Crystal Titan and thought it was just a story the Island Devils invented to scare them into not attacking along with the Rumbling.
Magath silences his men once more, allowing Michael to continue what he is saying.
"I used to live here years ago when I was a kid. My grandfather before me randomly inherited the Crystal Titan after its previous user on Paradis took their life. He had been keeping it hidden out of fear of what your military would do to him. He passed the power down to me when I was born. But I was forced to leave after I succumbed to the Titan's curse. Paradis was the only place I could go to break that curse. The Founder wiped my memories, and I ended up living there for years." He looks over at Lazarus. "Until my old friend, Lazarus, came and helped me remember who I am, and what my purpose is… General Magath, I wish to join the Warriors and use my Titan to protect the motherland and its people. I want to end the war against Paradis as much as everyone else does."
Michael finished up his devotion with the Marleyan salute. The general was surprised by the sudden show of loyalty from an Eldian he'd just met. Lazarus had already mentioned to him that his childhood friend was the current host for the Crystal Titan. But he didn't think someone who'd lived among the devils for years would join their side just like that.
As he was about to give Michael his answer on whether he could officially become a Warrior, he couldn't help but notice Erwin standing a few feet behind them. So far he hadn't said a word. He wondered who he was. He wasn't the Coordinate. And he was not one of the Eldian citizens of Liberio. So, who was he?
"Who is that man behind you?" He asked Michael.
"He's my father."
"And why is he here with the rest of you?" He asked in a suspicious tone.
Michael struggled to give him an answer. He couldn't just straight up tell them that he's a citizen of Paradis. They would shoot him on sight.
Lazarus noticed his struggle and decided to speak on his behalf.
"He went with Michael to Paradis to make sure he made it there safely. Once he lost his memories, Erwin had been looking after him. Waiting for an opportunity to restore his memories and return home with us… He was almost killed during our final conflict with Paradis. But I was able to revive him." He explains.
Magath turns to the other Warriors and asks them to clarify his claim. The others all nod and tell him that he spoke the truth. It's the least they could do for everything he and Michael have done.
"I see…" The general muttered under his breath. He turns back to face Michael once more. "How do I know you're actually the Crystal Titan and not some Eldian spy?" He questions him.
Instead of speaking his answer, Michael opted instead to prove it to him and the Brass. He walks over to the decaying Cart Titan body with his modified cart still attached. With one hand placed on its side, Michael unleashes his power and undoes the extensions he applied to the cart, reverting it to its original size.
The soldiers and cadets were all shocked by this display of power. The Eldians were stunned to realise that the Crystal Titan did exist and thought of the benefits having it amongst their ranks would bring. Most of the Marleyans, however, were scared of this new power. They didn't trust Michael one bit. Now they have two powerful new Titans to contend with. The thought of the two of them teaming up and attacking them sent a cold shiver down their spines.
The general saw the potential in Michael's Titan. With the recent news he'd received of The Mid-East Allied Forces declaring war on the motherland now that its Warriors had left, having the Crystal Titan fighting beside the others could guarantee them victory.
However, he knew nothing about Michael, which made trusting him completely impossible. Even with Lazarus vouching for him. And simply transferring his power wasn't an option either. After Lazarus reported finding the Crystal Titan to him, he'd spent his free time researching it. He eventually learned that only members of the Ackerman Clan can inherit the Crystal Titan. And all of them are dead, with only the ones on Paradis remaining. To use its power in the name of the motherland, he has no choice but to recruit him as a Warrior. And if it was true that the Crystal's users don't die in thirteen years, then he'll be serving Marley for a long time… Maybe the Island Operation wasn't a complete waste after all.
"This gathering has gone on long enough", he thought. It was time to wrap this reunion up.
"The nation is still disappointed in your failure to take the Founding Titan. But we are pleased to not only have all the Titans we've sent to Paradis back in our custody but to also have a new addition to our unit. I hereby permit Michael Suurvalta to join our ranks as the newest member of the Omega Warrior Unit. Only because the Crystal Titan would be more useful beside us than against us."
The Warriors were all happy to hear that. So much so that they struggled to contain the urge to cheer. But now was not the time for that. The celebrations should come later.
"You have all performed valiantly despite your failure. But that only proves that those Island Devils are much more dangerous than we originally thought. The previous general thought you were ready to take on this mission, while I thought you were not. Now that I am in command, things will be different. One day we will launch another attempt to reclaim the Founding Titan. Whoever has it is too dangerous to let be. But that will have to wait, for we have more urgent matters to attend to now."
"What do you mean, General?" Zeke asked.
"I will inform you later. For now, I want you all to return to your homes and take some time off to recuperate. Go home. Rest up. Spend time with your families. That's an order!"
"YES SIR! The Warriors all salute the general in unison.
"Dismissed!"
The Warriors all leave the docks and make their way through the dock outpost and renter the town of Odiha. The large crowd of Eldians were standing outside the front entrance waiting for them. Among them were many familiar faces they recognised. Reiner could see his mother waving to him in the front. Gabi and her parents were there too, happy to see him again. There were also Bertolt's parents. Pieck's Dad. And Zeke's grandparents.
The Warriors all approached their families and embraced them. They were all overjoyed to be reunited with their family and each shed tears of joy.
Annie scanned the crowd but could not locate her father anywhere. She even wondered if he was even among them. She was then startled by Lazarus taking hold of her right hand and gripping it tightly, assuring her that he'd be there.
"Annie?"
Lazarus pointed her in the direction of a familiar voice that stood out amongst the crowd. With his acute hearing, he was able to identify and focus solely on Mister Leonhart who was located near the back.
He guides her through the crowd until they both manage to locate him. Mister Leonhart was standing just a few feet in front of them wearing his usual getup and carrying a cane. Time froze around the pair as they gazed upon one another. Both of them had been waiting for this moment for five years. Now that it's finally here, they had no clue how to react.
Fortunately for Annie, her father decided to move first. A smile forms on his face whilst tears are building up under his eyes. He attempted to walk over to her and hold his daughter, but accidentally pushed himself too much to the point he started to stumble.
Annie quickly rushes to his side and saves him before he can fall over completely. Mister Leonhart chuckled in response.
"I'm happy to see you haven't gotten sloppy all these years." He wraps his arms around Annie and tightens the hug. "I've missed you, Annie."
"I've missed you too, Father." She tearfully responded.
Lazarus watched and smiled at the display of affection. She had finally fulfilled the promise she made to him the day before they left. Her one sole purpose had been fulfilled. And none of this could've been possible had he not come back and rescued her.
The two Leonharts look over at Lazarus after breaking off their hug. Mister Leonhart noticed how much older and more mature he'd gotten since their last encounter. Back then he was just a kid who was brave enough to stand up to a Marleyan soldier and escort him home safely. He helped him see the error of his ways and gave him the courage he needed to make amends with Annie and establish a proper father-daughter relationship.
"Good to see you again, young Lazarus. Annie had just told me that you rescued her from the Islands Devils. I wouldn't be holding her in my arms again if it wasn't for you. Thank you."
"It is my pleasure, sir." Lazarus tips his hat to him with respect. "It is good to see you again."
He reaches out his hand in the hopes of shaking his. But was instead given another hug from Leonhart. "I mean it. Thank you so much for everything. What you said to me when we last met, I hadn't forgotten it. We owe you so much."
Lazarus smiled again and returned the gesture for a few more moments before letting go.
"You don't owe me anything, sir. I just couldn't bear to leave her behind." He takes hold of Annie's hand again. "… I love her."
"I'm so pleased to hear you say that… you should come with us back to the house. We need to celebrate your return." Leonhart cheerfully suggested.
"Thank you, Mister Leonhart. But I have a few things I need to take care of first. I'll be sure to pop in and visit later though."
Leonhart gave a nod of understanding and agreed to put a pin in their celebration. This will give him as much time as he wants to catch up with his daughter and discuss the future.
Annie bids farewell to her beloved with a kiss on the cheek before walking back to Liberio with her father. They didn't go too far as Leonhart decided to stop and glance back at the albino Eldian once more.
"I meant what I said, son. I owe you for saving Annie. All you have to do is ask. Any time. Any place. I won't rest until I've paid back my debt. Understand?"
"I hear you." Lazarus tipped his hat once more.
Satisfied with their mutual agreement, the two Leonharts continued onwards to Liberio. Lazarus turns his back to them and glances over at the rest of his friends going their separate ways to spend time with their loved ones. He waved to each of them as they disappeared from view. They had been together for so long, (mostly with Reiner, Bertolt, and Annie) that he felt sad seeing the group disbanding. But this wasn't goodbye. Far from it. They'll see each other again. Whether it's for another mission, or just hanging out as friends.
The gathering of Eldians had almost completely disbanded now, with the last few stragglers being ordered to leave by Marleyan soldiers.
Moments later, once the streets had been almost emptied, Lazarus finally came to the realisation that Michael and Erwin were missing. They must've left when he was catching up with Annie's dad, he thought.
"Oh no! Where the hell did, they go?"
While Lazarus was distracted by Annie and her father, Michael was guiding Erwin through the streets of Odiha, showing him around his old hometown.
As they walked down the streets, many memories started coming back to him. He could see visions of himself and Lazarus when they were little kids. To his right was the ocean and a little beach that his parents took him to one time. The sandcastle he built wasn't there anymore, which came as no surprise to him.
Over on the right was a block of ruined houses still under reconstruction after Lazarus destroyed the town. He remembered the whole line of them being a set of shops such as a butchery. A bakery. A farm shop where they sell their produce. And a clothes shop.
"The outside world," Erwin muttered under his breath as he gazed in awe at the beauty of the town by the ocean. "It's so… different than what I was expecting it to be."
"This is where Lazarus and I were born. It looks exactly as I left it… minus the devastation."
"I'm sure it was beautiful once." He assured him while placing his right hand on his left shoulder.
"It still is. The Marleyans may be cruel to Eldians like us. But even you cannot deny that they've got something good here. Hopefully one day this nation will become a place where all are equal."
Michael and Erwin continue to stroll through Odiha and admire the sights of it. The people living there pay them no mind as they believe them to be Marleyan since they have no armbands on. The Eldians, however, often stayed out of their way in fear of them. This show of fear disturbed Erwin. Now that he could picture the society with the description Michael gave him, he did not like what he saw. If he had any regrets leaving it was far too late to go back. He was miles away from Paradis and presumed dead in the eyes of the Scouts. This was his home now, whether he liked it or not.
"There also used to be an ice cream stall somewhere near the coastline." Michael instinctively looked over at its usual spot and was shocked to see it still standing. Not only that, but it appeared to be busy given the line of customers the owner was getting.
"No way! Is it still there after all these years? The people must really love the ice cream."
"What is ice cream?" Erwin questioned him.
"It's a dessert. Trust me, you're gonna love it. It's one of the best foods ever invented." He takes hold of Erwin's arm and drags him over to the ice cream stall.
They only had to wait for a few minutes until they were finally able to buy two ice cream cones. Michael almost inhaled the whole thing in one bite. It had been years since he got to taste the frozen treat that was sweet and cold to the tongue.
Erwin just looked down at his, unsure of how he should eat it. He certainly wasn't going to do it in the greedy manner Michael was devouring it. He gently pokes his tongue out and licks off the tip of it. His eyes shot wide open as the ice cream melted inside his mouth, driving his tastebuds wild.
"Well? What do you think?" Michael asked.
"It's- it's delicious!" Erwin raised his voice. Michael laughed and guided him away from the stall, so they didn't hold up the line.
A few minutes later, the two of them took a seat on a bench and watched the sea coming in and out of the beach shore while eating their ice cream. They chatted with each other after they'd finished their frozen dairy treats.
"Hey, Dad. Now that you've finally seen it. Ate the food they offered us. And met some of the people here. What do you honestly think of Odiha?"
After receiving that question, the small smile on Erwin's face disappeared. He didn't know how to answer him. His mind was constantly spinning with thoughts, both positive and negative. The Scout Regiment was formed to ensure humanity would one day reclaim the land the Titans had taken from them and see the world beyond the walls. Everyone who'd ever served him had that same dream. Yet he alone managed to reach the other side.
Once he heard about the kind of nation Marley was, and what its people thought of Eldians like him, he considered everyone there an enemy to his people. But now that he'd crossed the sea and saw it for himself, he's not so sure.
"Dad?" Michael started to notice the conflicted look on his face and started to worry.
"This place… it's no different to the walls." He finally answered though he kept his focus on the ocean. "Some people here are as bad as you say. But some of them are good. Even the General Lazarus and his followers serve. He reminds me of Keith Shadis… And this town. It's a nice place to live, if not better with no walls to block a view like this."
"… You don't have any regrets coming here now, do you?" He asked worriedly.
Erwin turns to face his son and shakes his head. "No. Now that I'm here, I can see the same potential you and Lazarus share. Maybe this goal of his isn't completely a child's dream."
That last remark made Michael smile. Ever since they left the island, a part of him felt terrible for forcing him to come back with him, all because he couldn't bear to say goodbye. He'd already had to abandon Sasha. He didn't want to abandon the man who saved his life and taught him the importance of Paradis's place in this world.
They continued to sit and watch the ocean for twenty minutes until an idea popped into Michael's head.
He helps Erwin off of the bench and decides to make one last stop on their tour of Odiha. Their next destination, the Suurvalta family house… If it's still standing.
Coincidentally, Lazarus was already there. The house was located near the outskirts of the town north of the town entrance. It was far away from where the underground facility he was experimented in was, so it suffered almost no damage aside from a few broken windows, a hole in the roof, and a broken chimney.
Lazarus was sitting atop the roof in the same spot he and Michael used to sit on and look up at the sky together. The same spot where he was gifted his crystal sword necklace.
From up there he could get a good look at Odiha. Most of the damage he caused was repaired in the five years he'd been away, though the crater where he first emerged from as the Winged Titan was still present. It was filled in enough to make it smaller, but not enough to make it invisible again.
He let out a long sigh as he gazed out over the horizon. It was late in the evening now. The sun was beginning its descent behind the ocean. It will be a couple of hours until nightfall.
Lazarus wondered what his friends were doing right now. He'd already paid Annie and her father a visit at their house in the lower levels and made good on that cup of tea he was promised. Reiner, Bertolt, Zeke, and Pieck he assumed are with their families, sitting around a table, eating a hot meal together, and catching up.
He and Annie had properly announced their relationship to him. Mister Leonhart couldn't be prouder. He was glad that she chose someone like Lazarus akin to any of the other male members of the Omega Warrior Unit.
Afterwards, he left the two of them alone to catch up and have actual bonding time as parent and child instead of master and student. He was hoping to find Michael and Erwin, but he had no luck spotting them. That was why he was at their old house. Knowing Michael, he'll eventually want to see how much it's changed since his departure.
"There you are, Laz."
"Speak of the devil", he thought to himself. He waves as Michael approaches the house and uses his powers to conjure a crystal platform that carries him up to the roof. He takes a seat next to his brother and the platform disintegrates.
"So, you had the same idea, huh?"
"Yeah. I figured I'd find you here eventually. Where's Erwin?" He asked.
"He's still around don't worry. He said he needed some time alone to adjust to his surroundings and his supposed retirement." He pauses as he takes the time to properly look over his old house through the hole in the roof.
He was surprised to see all their furniture still there, though they were covered in white sheets. The inside of the house was filthy. Years of dust and cobwebs covered every nook and cranny of every room. They'd have to clean it first if they wanted to move back in. They had no other place to stay in the city. Michael makes a mental note to get the house cleaned up before moving back in with Lazarus and Erwin.
"I can't believe this old place is still standing," Lazarus commented.
"I'm surprised the roof is still strong enough to hold us both, haha," Michael added.
The two boys chuckled for a moment before returning to sitting in silence. They then decide to unveil their necklaces and bring them together, wondering if they'll start glowing again like before. And they did.
"The journey is finally complete, Grandpa. Took a while, but I'm finally back home. Your necklaces were able to bring us together again. We had to leave behind a lot of broken hearts, but we still made it." Michael spiritually connected with Noah, wondering if he could still hear him despite being free of the curse.
He glances over at Lazarus and noticed that there was something off about him. He looked… sad. But why? He fulfilled the promise he made to him the night he gave him his necklace. He managed to rescue Annie. And he was able to get everyone important to him back home safely. So why wasn't he at peace with the fact that the journey was over? There was only one reason he could think of at this time that made the most sense to him.
"Hey, Laz. If you're still upset about giving up Eren in favour of saving my dad, don't be. This isn't the end. One day you'll get another chance to complete your mission. We still need the Founding Titan to alter all Subjects of Ymir and cure you. I don't know when, but I know it'll come."
"… It's not that, Michael."
"Oh? Is this about the destruction you've caused here? Because I already told you that I forgive you for what happened to Mom and Dad. You weren't in control; I made that clear to you."
"It's not that either." Lazarus denied him.
"Then what is it? You know you can tell me, right?" He reminded him.
Lazarus nodded and took a deep breath before speaking his mind.
"Something Zeke said on the flight home started stirring up some unpleasant emotions within me. Stuff I thought I'd gotten over years ago. But apparently not." He looks into his eyes. "That day when you shared Noah's story with us. I guess it reminded me of my parents and caused me to start wondering what their lives were like before they had me."
"Was that what caused you to almost lose control and crash a few hours ago?" He asked him.
"Not exactly. That was when Zeke reminded me of the pit the Brass had me locked in… But still, when I saw all my friends reunite with their families, it caused a painful feeling in my chest. Like I was envious of them. Because they all have the one thing I don't have. Loving parents overjoyed to hold their child in their arms again after being apart for five years. Hearing them say how proud of them they are. All that stuff. Even you've got Erwin… while I have no one."
"You've got me and your friends?" Michael attempted to reassure him.
"Yeah, and I wouldn't trade you guys for anything. But still… I can't help but wish I still had a parent or guardian to return home to. Before, all I had was Lucia. She was my everything. But she's gone now. And her, and my mother's, memories reside in Annie's head." Lazarus realises that he was bringing down the mood with his unnecessary complaints. He and Michael just got home. Now wasn't the time for this, he thought. He apologised to Michael for throwing all that drama at him and offered to change the subject.
But Michael didn't wish to change it. He wasn't at all offended by Lazarus's desire to wanting to be loved by his parents. He wanted the same thing, which is why Lazarus brought Erwin here in the first place. Lazarus had done so much good for him ever since they'd met, both as Michael Smith, and Suurvalta. He'd wanted to pay him back for the role he played in ensuring the restoration of his memories and bringing him back home. But what could he possibly do to pay back such a debt?
His eyes fully open and his head shot upwards as he'd just had a brainstorm of the perfect way to pay him back.
"Do you wanna see them?"
Lazarus's ear's piqued and his head unconsciously turns to his left at Michael. Did he hear him right? Just what was he talking about?
"See them? I- I don't understand."
"I never told you this. But there was one last secret my grandfather shared with me the last time I saw him in the Crystal Cave. Remember that power I used on you to erase all your memories of me and our friendship?"
"Yes." He hesitantly answered. "Where are you going with this?"
"Well, erasing memories and giving other Subjects of Ymir instant knowledge isn't all it can do. This power that my grandfather obtained from the Founding Titan… included the ability to travel to the realm of the Paths. Where all Subjects of Ymir are connected."
That piece of vital information shocked Lazarus to the point he almost lost his balance and came very close to falling off the roof. He could not believe what he was hearing right now. Was he serious? He possesses a power that could take them to the Paths.
"You can do that?" He blurted out uncontrollably. "Wait. How do you even know you can do this? Have you done it before?"
"Not intentionally. But it's part of the Crystal Titan's power. Every user of it is brought to a void space that our ancestors designated "The Crystal Cave". It is where every user goes after they've died unless they break the curse like me and Grandpa did. Now that I'm in complete control of my Titan powers, I believe I can bring us there at will. Though I'm not gonna lie. I don't know if I can bring anyone else in." He thoroughly explains.
"I see… Ok, let's do it."
Michael did not expect that kind of answer from him. He thought he'd say something akin to "It's too risky to test out." Or "Maybe we should forget that idea". But Lazarus decided, "Screw the consequences. I'm all in".
"Really? You're not afraid?"
"Of what? Dying? If you wanted to test it with anyone else, then yes, I'd be worried. But I'm immortal. I'm the perfect test subject for this."
"True. But are you 100% sure you wanna do this without performing a couple of tests first?"
"I am. I wanna see my parents, Michael."
Michael responded with a single nod and took hold of Lazarus's hands. Titan energy emits out of his palms and crystals begin to form over them, binding them together. The crystals then began to spread up their arms and come to a stop at the sides of their heads.
"Ok… hopefully this doesn't explode our brains," Michael muttered under his breath.
"Wait! What?!"
Lazarus started to have second thoughts. But it was already too late. Arcs of electricity pass through the crystals and into their heads, entering their brains. Both their eyes started glowing blue as both individuals started screaming in pain. It was like someone was shocking the inside of their skulls with a lightning bolt. It was the most unpleasant experience of their lives. Everything goes white in their eyes as the pain reaches its end. They then collapse onto their knees and pass out. Both their heads collide with each other. More crystal forms underneath them, keeping their bodies still until they finally awaken from their trance.
When the two Warriors managed to awaken from their slumber, they were shocked to discover that they weren't in Odiha anymore. They scan their surroundings. They appeared to be in some kind of desert biome that seemed to go on forever in all directions. The sky was dark and full of stars, but they were completely frozen. They weren't twinkling like they did in the real world. But what really gave them the impression that they weren't in Marley anymore were the endless streams of light beams racing across the sky. They looked like the roots of a tree continuously spreading outwards, carrying a flow of energy.
Michael was the first to stand up and get a proper look around. His jaw dropped at the sight of it all. He'd done it. He actually managed to transport himself and Lazarus to the Paths Realm.
"IT WORKED!" He shouted at the top of his lungs, proud of his achievements. His voice echoed throughout the infinite desert. "We're in the Paths!"
Lazarus got up and admired his surroundings as well. He was still having a hard time accepting this. He'd heard stories about the Paths, and this is where all Subjects of Ymir are connected to the Founding Titan. But he didn't think he'd ever see it with his own eyes.
"The Paths are real. I wonder if we're the first currently living people to ever come here?" He then quickly turns to Michael as a sudden troubling thought enters his mind. "Wait! What if we can't return?! You can get us out again, right?"
"Yeah, of course. I just have to repeat the same process here. But before testing to see if we can, we should do what we came here to do." He points up to the shining beams in the sky. "If we follow those branches, it should lead us to the Tree of Life, where all Subjects of Ymir are connected."
He begins to lead the way while Lazarus follows. Both of them were worried it would take hours before they got there. Neither of them knew how time worked in this dimension. They could be here for hours, days, or even years. But in the real world, when they return, it would appear to the perspective of others that they'd only been gone a couple of seconds. Or that's what they hoped at least.
In the end, they didn't have to walk too far as the Tree of Life appeared to be in their line of sight. Both of them look back to where they just were. They could've sworn they were miles away from it. So how can they be there so suddenly?
Lazarus opted not to question the laws of this realm and be thankful that they made it. They were flabbergasted at the sheer size of the tree. It appeared to be much taller than the Colossal Titan. At its base was a gigantic pillar of energy. Near the top the energy split into many, many parts, giving it the appearance of branches spreading out from a tree. The branches seemed to go on forever, and they all looked identical. Finding his parents' paths won't be easy.
They scoured the tree for clues until Michael managed to find something that stood out to him. "Laz, look over there!"
He points to the far-right side of the tree. Standing beside the tree was another tree. But this one was much smaller. About the same size as an average human. Its branches were spread out in such a way that it took the appearance of wings. The tree was also burning with blue flames. They both close in on the strange tree to examine it.
Lazarus reaches out his left hand to the tree. The strange thing was the flames didn't feel hot to the touch. He was able to put his hands in the fire and not get burned. The flames simply danced around his hand and continued to burn away without harming him.
"This tree… It's me! This is my path!"
"Of course!" Michael nodded in agreement. "The Experiment severed your connection to the Paths. I thought that meant you had no path anymore. But no. You've created your own path… The wing-shaped branches and the flames were also a dead giveaway."
"But if this is my tree, then what do the branches on it represent?" He wondered.
"I think they represent those you've formed a telepathic connection with. Like me, Reiner, Annie, and whoever else you've given a piece of yourself to… If you think about it, the experiments weren't a complete failure. You have become your own Founding Titan in a way." He explained.
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Lazarus took a moment to examine his burning tree before turning back to Michael. "We now know where I reside in the Paths. But what about my parents? They must still be connected to the Tree of Life somewhere."
Michael looks up at the tree and the branches closest to the Burning Tree. One of them may belong to his mother and father. It didn't take long for him to spot one branch that seemed out of place to him. It was two sets of branches that appeared to have come together near the Burning Tree, only to end up getting severed. At the end of the branch was a single white rose. This was the one, he thought.
"This is it. This is where your parents' path came to an end. Your branch must've snapped off and grown into its own tree when you received your powers."
"What about the white rose? What's that supposed to mean?" Lazarus questioned.
"I don't know." He regretfully answered. "But what matters is we found it. Give me your hand."
Lazarus smiled and took hold of Michael's hand. The sand underneath them hardens and changes into a crystal platform. The platform rises out of the ground, allowing the two Warriors to reach the shortened branch.
"So, what happens now?" Lazarus attempted to ask, only to receive his answer straight away in the form of crystals covering their joined hands like before.
"Now we look into the lives of Dante and Lydia Averbach." Michael proudly says as he and Lazarus simultaneously grab a hold of the branch and are consumed in a bright light.
To Be Continued