Attack On Titan: Wings Of Crystal
Chapter 53: The Alphas Part 1
Michael and Lazarus's eyes slowly open, trying to adjust to the brightness of the sun above them. They had no idea how long they were in the Paths. The laws of time worked differently compared to their world. It was safe for them to assume that there may not be any time there at all. But the whole time they were there they'd gotten used to the darkness around them.
All they could remember from the moment they made contact with the shortest branch of the Eldian World Tree was being enveloped in a bright light and passing out. Only to awaken in what appeared to be Marley. Particularly Odiha. But something seemed different about it. The streets looked lively. All the abandoned shops they'd seen since their return looked brand new and busy with customers coming in and out of them.
All the buildings near the centre of the blast zone where the underground labs, where the False Founder Project was conducted, were still intact. The car factory that covered up the facility was still standing. And there were no signs of a crater or any damage caused by the explosion.
The two Warriors got up from the ground and took a proper look around. They were standing in the middle of a street. Dozens of people and cars were passing by them but didn't seem to notice their presence. One man managed to walk right through Michael like he was a ghost or illusion.
"It worked!" He declared proudly whilst spinning around with his arms stretched out.
Lazarus was just in awe. He took a little bit longer to process the fact that he and Michael have essentially time-travelled to the past of what he hopes is his own parents' story. He wanders a little further towards a newsstand. He attempted to pick up the newspaper and read it, but his hand just phases through it. He is incapable of interacting with anyone or anything. He and Michael were only observers. They had no power to alter the past, even if they wanted to.
From what he could see from the date, the year was 815. According to Michael, it was around this time when his grandfather, Noah, first met his parents who'd just moved into the house next door to his. He may be able to see how the interaction played out for himself.
"Hey, Averbach!"
He quickly turns around in response to an unfamiliar voice calling out to him. It originated from a middle-aged man with a curly moustache wearing a white apron with stains all over it. He appeared to be waving to him as he was sweeping the floors outside what he assumed was his butcher shop.
Lazarus hesitantly waves back, confused as to how he can see him. But also, how he knows his name. Sure, he's famous in Marley because of his Titan, but this was the past. He and the Winged Titan didn't exist yet.
"Hi? Do I know you?"
"Hey, Tony. How's business?" A new voice sounded off behind him. It sounded younger than the man in front of him. Roughly mid-thirties.
He slowly turns around to see who he is speaking to. His eyes widen with shock. Approaching him was a tall, muscular man wearing a blue jacket with a white collar, greyish-green trousers, and heavy black boots. He had slightly long brown hair styled the same as his white hair. He also had a yellow armband on his left shoulder and wore a Stetson atop his head. It was exactly the same as his. Lazarus knew immediately who this man was. The Stetson was a dead giveaway. That and the uncanny resemblance between the two of them.
"D-Dad? I… don't believe it. It's really him." Overcome with joy and excitement, Lazarus rushes towards him and attempts to hug him, only to end up phasing through him and almost falling over.
Dante (Lazarus's father) continued until he was face to face with the owner of the butchery. They shake hands and exchange words as Lazarus is helped off the ground by Michael. The two of them closed in on the two Eldian adults and watched them talking.
"You know nobody can see or hear us, right?" Michael reminded him.
"I know, I know. It's just that… he's really here. I'm finally seeing my father with my own eyes. The father who had to die before I was even born. All my life I've tried to picture what he'd look like in my mind. He's nothing at all like how I imagined… He's even better!"
Michael circles Dante and gives him a good look over from head to toe before returning to his spot beside Lazarus.
"This is your dad? Whoa! He's huge! He's taller than that shop owner. How could he be your father when you're just average height? And compared to his muscular arms, yours look like a pair of twigs." He mocked.
Annoyed with Michael's antics, Lazarus proceeded to slap him across his right cheek. It happened so suddenly that Michael couldn't even process the pain behind it for a few seconds before turning to look at Lazarus incredulously.
"Did- Did you just bloody slap me?" He asked as he rubbed his cheek, dumbfounded by this unexpected strike.
"Looks aren't everything, you know. Besides, I am much stronger than I look, and you know it. I was able to toss you around a couple of times… also, why are you surprised by his appearance? You must've seen him a few times through Noah's memories, haven't you?
"Yeah, but I was too focused on reliving his story to properly pay attention. It's a whole different matter seeing him in person."
"Fair enough," Lazarus responded. He then, to add insult to injury, decided to give him another slap across the face, which was even more shocking than the last.
"What was that one for?!"
"That was for telling Ymir that I'd slept with Annie! That was meant to be a private moment between us. I never had the chance to get you back for that with all that's been going on in such a short amount of time. I figured it is best to do it now and get it over with whilst I still remembered."
Michael rubs his cheek again and looks back at his friend with annoyance. The first one he didn't deserve. But the second one he will allow because even he would admit he'd gone too far with that one.
While the two of them were arguing like children, Dante had left the butchers and was walking away from them. Panicked, the two boys ceased all squabbles and chased after him, curious about where he was going and what would occur next.
They followed Dante back to their old neighbourhood and their old houses. It was around the time when Dante met Noah for the first time in their doorway. He and Lydia had just finished their chat about the past and decided now was the best time to call it a day.
Michael was shocked to see his grandfather in person again. It hadn't been that long ago when he'd last seen him within the Crystal Cave. But it was always a delight to see the man who shared his power and memories with him.
"Lydia, there is something I have to tell you." Dante addressed his lover, only to be interrupted by her placing a finger against his lips.
"We can talk inside." She whispered as she smiled and waved to Noah as he was walking away.
After saying their goodbyes, Dante entered his and Lydia's house and closed the door behind them. But that didn't stop Lazarus and Michael. They simply passed through the door and wandered into their house.
Lazarus took his time to admire the surroundings of his childhood home. His memory of it was scarcely vague. It looked identical in terms of structure to Michael's house next door but had enough of a difference to make it its own. There were only a few pieces of furniture strewn about the place, most notably in the living room where the young couple were conversing. Everything else was still sitting in boxes waiting to be unpacked, giving the impression that they must've moved in recently.
"I remember this," Michael commented. This was right after your dad came home and my grandfather had just left… I've always wondered what they were gonna talk about after he left. Now we're finally gonna know."
He turns to Lazarus expecting him to nod or say something that suggests he was just as curious as he was. But he was just standing there, watching his mother and father sitting across from each other on both ends of the sofa in the living room. Seeing the both of them together like that, caused Lazarus to almost burst into tears. He'd always imagined what it would've looked like if the three of them were together.
Michael had acknowledged him for the kind of specimen his father was. But he was not the only one. His mother Lydia was also beautiful in his eyes. She carried some of his characteristics too. Most notably her hazel eyes, and her black hair. Before the experiments, Lazarus's original hair and eye colour were like his mother's. What also made her stand out was her gentle smile and caring nature. No doubt another trait he'd inherited from her.
Lazarus slowly approaches the couple on the sofa and carefully sits down in the middle between them. He was focusing so hard in case he was to accidentally faze through it. But surprisingly, he was able to sit down with no issues.
Michael continued to stand back and watch from the doorway, thinking it best he not interrupt this tender moment between Lazarus and his parents. From the looks of it, he seemed very happy. Almost to the point, he would pass out. He could tell that he wanted to reach out to them both but couldn't for obvious reasons. All he could do was bask in their presence and watch their lives play out before his eyes.
"…You're serious?!" Lydia asked Dante.
"Yep. I have been chosen to be the successor for the Beast Titan. I am to be the first of a new generation of Warriors." He clarified.
"Dante, that's great! I'm so happy for you. But what about me and the other candidates? We haven't received any word from the Brass yet?"
"That's because the other predecessors still have a year or two before the Curse of Ymir takes effect. My predecessor is said to die the day after tomorrow. So, the ceremony will take place tomorrow at noon. Today is my last day on Earth as a human being. Once it's done, I'll only have thirteen years to live."
Lydia takes hold of his right hand, with his wedding ring on, and grips it tightly in her ring-bearing hand. She reassured him that he was not alone in this. When the time comes for her to inherit one of the nine, she too will share his fate.
"We both knew the price when we signed up for this. We became soldiers so that we could help make a difference in the world. Everyone else in our unit just wanted better lives for themselves and their families… All we've got is this house and each other." She explained calmly.
"You still have your mother, aunt, and cousin." Dante reminded her as he gazed up at the portrait of Lydia with her mother, Alicia, and her cousin, Dina at the age of ten hanging over the mantle. "My mom was shipped off to Paradis because she defended me from those Marleyan pieces of shit who tried to throw me into a river. And my old man turned his back on me when he found out I was training to become a Warrior."
"How's that any different from me?" Lydia asked rhetorically.
Michael and Lazarus were aware of what she was talking about. They'd already heard her backstory and the disapproval of Alicia – Lazarus's supposed grandmother – when Michael went through Noah's memories. Both of them having a parent who cast them aside because they chose to join the same organisation that treated Subjects of Ymir like trash was probably the catalyst that drew them together.
"Our families may not approve of our ambitions, but all that matters is what we think. We're the only ones with the will strong enough to fight through all the pain the Marleyans have thrown at us and come up with a way to make it better, rather than straight up destroy them. All beings deserve a chance at redemption if given the choice… you're the only person in this world who understands me."
Dante looks into her eyes and his grip around her hand tightens. It's true, he thought. There could never be any other Eldian in the world who could go through the same pain and discrimination every other Subject of Ymir goes through daily and produce a positive view strong enough to believe that even the lowliest of Marleyans have a right to change if given the chance. Whether they take that chance or not is entirely up to them.
Their conjoined hands were hovering right in front of Lazarus's face. He was enamoured with his parents and proud to see them for who they are. Even if it was only the beginning of this long journey through their soon-to-be thirteen-year lives, he knew deep down that they'd never change. Because he hadn't. Not entirely.
Dante then stands up from the sofa and walks over to the mantle where the portrait and a few other pictures were put up. He picks up a picture of him and Lydia standing in front of the ocean. Both of them were still wearing a soldier's uniform but had grey armbands instead of their usual yellow. Even back then they were soldiers of Marley and have somehow miraculously survived every other conflict they were forced into. That must've been what made them prime candidates for the Warrior Program, Michael thought to himself.
"Hard to believe it's been four years since we've met. Half of those years were all it took for us to completely trust in each other. Either of us could've died in any of those battles we took part in. Yet here we still are. Next in line to become Marley's Warriors." He reminisced whilst readjusting his/Lazarus's hat.
"It also took one of those years for us to tie the knot. And for me to trust you enough with the secret my family and I have been hiding from the Marleyans for generations… The fact that I'm a descendant of that terrible king, Karl Fritz."
Dante glances over his left shoulder back at her. "You may have royal blood in your veins, but that doesn't define who you are. And it doesn't define who the people of Paradis are either."
Those words surprised Michael and Lazarus. They had no idea that Dante and Lydia had the same beliefs they have now, about the Eldians living on Paradis not being devils. If only he'd discovered that sooner, Lazarus thought. Many things could've been done differently. Many unnecessary deaths could've been avoided.
"Marley's been planning to invade Paradis and take back the Founding Titan for years now. If they weren't at war with the nation of Britannia right now, they probably would've had us carry it out." Lydia spoke up as she looked into one of the empty boxes in front of her. She reaches into it, pulls out a hairbrush and uses it to brush and straighten out her long, flowing hair.
"That war has been going on for way too long. I overheard some of the military higher-ups talking. They said Britannia is attempting to recruit other nations to join them against Marley. The more alliances they forge, the lesser our chances of survival. Reclaiming the Founder wouldn't matter if Marley was wiped off the face of the map." Dante responded as he placed the photo back in its usual place.
Lydia soon gets up from the sofa and wraps her arms around her lover from behind, holding him in a tight embrace whilst burying her face in his back. Dante lets loose a single chuckle and turns around to confide in her.
"This war is not only a threat to Marley but to Eldians as well. Many of our people live on this continent with only a handful of us living within the walls of Paradis. I won't deny that there are some people in Marley that the world would be better off without. But that doesn't make it right for the rest of them. It's not fair that we as a race have to suffer the consequences alongside the corrupt government that's vilified us for decades!" Lydia raised her voice, showing that she was frightened and frustrated with the Marleyan/Britannian war.
Dante cups her right cheek in his hand and forces her to look up at him.
"Then we'll show Marley that their only chance of winning this war is with the assistance of the new Warrior Unit. You, me, and the other candidates will be the first Eldians to make a real difference in the world." He responded with determination in his voice.
"And how do you know we'll be enough to put an end to the war?" She asked.
"Because if you want something bad enough, you must fight for it. You must keep moving forward until it is yours for the taking."
Lazarus stood up from the sofa upon hearing that quote. It was the same words of wisdom and inspiration he gave to Falco during their first meeting. It was one thing to hear them from Lucia, who'd been told them by Lydia, who heard it from Dante. But hearing it straight from the source gave the words more meaning to him.
"And right now, there is nothing I want bad enough than to spend the next thirteen years of my life by your side."
Dante breaks off the hug and takes a couple of steps back into the more open part of the living room. He takes a deep breath before following through with the plan that's been in the works since the day they officially became a couple. He gets down on one knee and pulls out a small black box from his right pocket.
Lydia and Lazarus both gasped. Lydia covered her mouth with both hands, holding back her excitement. Her husband had just presented her with a new shiny gold ring with a diamond in the middle. She already had a ring on her finger, but it was dull compared to the one she was presented with.
"I told you the day we got married that I'd get you a prettier ring once I made enough money. I had to go through all the tips I'd saved up looking after people's horses at my family's ranch. Not to mention selling crops, cleaning out the stables, and harvesting. But even then, it wasn't enough. So, I took on a few odd jobs in my free time until I finally scavenged enough coin for this ring."
"Oh, Dante. You didn't have to go through all that trouble for me." Lydia replied sheepishly.
"Hey, I'm a man of my word. I was raised to always follow through on my end of a bargain no matter what. Besides. "He takes the ring out of the box, removes his wife's old, dirty ring, and replaces it with the new one" … You are worth all that back-breaking work."
Over ecstatic with his level of commitment, Lydia practically leaps into his arms and pulls him into a long, passionate kiss. Lazarus applauded the display of love and affection for each other, admiring his old man for the lengths he went to make her happy. While Michael chuckled to himself and smiled as he looked over at Lazarus.
"Now I see where you get your romantic side from. Hehe." He thought. This time he remembered Lazarus's telepathic tendencies.
"Yeah. Never pegged my dad as the sentimental type." He mentally responded.
They continued to watch as the happy couple broke off their kiss and enveloped themselves in a long, loving hug.
Lazarus slowly approached his parents and stretched his arms out, attempting to get in on the hug. Even though he knew he couldn't touch them, he still felt the desire to be included. Making their family whole for the first and only time. He lowers his arms against their backs close enough to give off the appearance of an embrace without actually being in contact with them. He rests his head on them, lying it on their shoulders. He closes his eyes and holds his nerve, trying his hardest not to ruin the moment by fazing through them.
Michael smiled as he watched his best friend immerse himself in this family union. He wasn't sure what was going to happen next for Dante and Lydia, but the mention of the Marleyan and Britannian war led him to believe they'd be spending much of their lives training and fighting with their Titans and winning the war in Marley's name. Best to let him enjoy this moment while it lasts.
They soon decided to skip forward one day in the Averbach's future, using Michael's connection to the paths and Lazarus's ability to boost a Titan's powers, they managed to get the hang of moving forwards in time without going too far.
The Paths takes them to the underground chamber where the ceremony to pass on the power of the Titans takes place. To Lazarus, it hadn't changed much compared to the one in his time. But to Michael, it was a whole new experience. He'd never been here before. It looked vaguely similar to the underground crystal caverns the Reiss family constructed under their church. Only the whole area was made of stone and was dimly lit by a couple of lanterns.
There was a gathering of soldiers all around them standing inside a room that was cut off from the main chamber, keeping them safe from the Pure Titan in the room.
That Titan was Dante. He had already been injected with the transformation serum and had just finished devouring the previous host for the Beast Titan, taking the power as his own.
The soldiers all clapped their hands once they saw him emerge from the Titan's nape. His hair was let down rather than tied up in its usual bun. His muscular chest was exposed. And there were markings under his eyes, showing that the transfer was a success.
The previous general of the Marleyan military whom Magath had replaced approached him and handed him his jacket and new red armband.
"Congratulations on becoming the first of Marley's new line of Warriors. With this act, you have been cleansed of your devil heritage and are now free to use your powers in the name of our motherland." He extends his hand to him. "Welcome aboard, Dante Averbach."
Dante puts his jacket and armband on and returns the general's gesture. He and his family are officially honorary Marleyans. Though he doubts his family will ever accept that privilege.
"I can't imagine what it's like to take part in a ceremony like that," Lazarus commented as he and Michael watched. "I never asked any of my friends, or Lucia, what it was like for them. Being a mindless Titan for mere moments before eating their predecessors and obtaining their powers. Then to emerge from the nape for the first time whilst the memories of the previous user played out in your head."
"I wouldn't know either. I inherited my Titan right after my birth. I never got to see my grandfather's memories until Zeke restored my own. Too many Ackermans have had to eat one another to inherit our power. You just have to have someone in your mind before you die, and the power would just pass on to them. And if not, you could just get it randomly like Noah did." Michael added.
"It can't have been a coincidence Noah randomly got the Crystal Titan. There has to be more to it than that." Lazarus commented without taking his eyes off of his father.
"Well, I wasn't sure at the time, but I think how the power transfer works is if a successor isn't chosen or receives the power via devouring the previous host. Then the Crystal Titan will be transferred to the youngest member of the Ackerman Clan. At the time, my grandfather was just born when he received the power randomly. I briefly remember seeing it in his memories when he was researching our ancestry."
"I thought so." That was all Lazarus could say in response. He had nothing else to add to that. The anatomy behind the Crystal Titan was fascinating to him. So much effort was placed on it and its users to ensure they don't use the power freely, only in service to the royal family and the founder, Ymir, herself. Though Michael and Noah were able to break the curse for themselves, future generations won't be given that same opportunity now that Eren possesses the Founding Titan.
They continued to let the vision play out until the ceremony was done. Only Dante and two others took part and inherited their Titans. The remaining five still had one or two years left.
Pointing that out, Michael suggested they move further through time to see Lydia obtain the Female Titan. Being connected to the paths, he can already see what's going to happen next until the end. Not much transpires afterwards other than the occasional training and spending their free time together.
"Do you wanna move onto the part where your mother inherits her power?"
"Sure. But at the same time, we're in no hurry. You said it yourself; time works differently here. We could be here for thirteen years with them and by the time we get back thirteen seconds would've passed."
"We don't know that for certain. The world around us may have different laws to it, but those laws may not affect us. If we stay in here too long, we might appear much older than when we entered." He pointed out as best he could.
"Oh. I didn't think about that." He almost freaked out over the thought of trying to explain to his friends, to Annie, why he looked much older than them when they'd only just got back. Even if they didn't know for certain if that was a possibility, it was best not to risk it. They've only just entered the Paths for the first time. There's still a lot they don't know about it.
"Yeah, maybe it's best we don't overstay our welcome here. Still, I wanna see how it ends."
Michael nods and takes a hold of his hands. They both close their eyes and focus their energies on each other, allowing them to move themselves forward in time.
They are now two whole years into the future. The year 820. As for where they currently were, they were startled by the sound of dozens of Eldian and Marleyan civilians cheering. They appeared to be standing in the middle of the crowd. They were all looking up at a stage that had the seven members of the new Warrior unit standing upon it. Each member had a flag behind them with a drawing of the seven Titans Marley controls on them, showing which Eldian possesses which Titan.
The Marleyan general was standing in front of them, announcing the new generation of Warriors to the public. Lazarus and Michael couldn't help but ponder why this gathering consisted of both Marleyans and Eldians. Even back then Subjects of Ymir were regarded as devils. So why involve them in this?
"People of Marley! It is with great privilege that I present to you our motherland's newest generation of Warriors. And our newest hope in defeating our great enemy. The nation of Britannia!"
The crowd booed in response to hearing that name, showing their disdain for the nation that served as their rival for many years.
Each member of the unit took a step forward as their names were called. Dante and Lydia were the first ones to be addressed.
"Dante Averbach. The Beast Titan and War Chief of the unit… Lydia Averbach. The Female Titan and Vice Chief.
The next member was a tall, well-mannered man with a face that reminded the two-time hoppers of Oruo from Levi's old Squad. He even had a similar hairstyle to his though it was blonde and more slicked back than his. His eyes were grey and he X-shaped scar on his left cheek.
"Malcom Kaiser. The Colossal Titan."
The next Warrior was a short, slightly tanned woman with wild-looking red hair styled as dreadlocks. She had gold-coloured eyes and freckles on her cheeks. She looked like the most chipper one in the group. They could tell by the cheery smile she wore as she waved to the people. Many of the men in the crowd had taken a liking to her real quick.
"Marlene Weber. The Jaw Titan."
"This one kind of reminds me of Pieck a little," Lazarus commented to Michael. "I'm surprised she's not the Cart Titan."
"Maybe there's more to her than meets the eye," Michael suggested.
Next up was a short, but really buff, man who had a sleeveless uniform compared to the others. He was just as muscular as Dante was. He was completely bald and had brown eyes. He appeared to be the most serious out of all of them as he was constantly giving everyone an angry glare. Though it was mostly directed towards the Marleyans than his fellow Eldians.
"Otto Roth." The Armoured Titan."
"He doesn't look too friendly," Michael uttered to himself.
"He's probably the most intimidating Warrior I've ever seen. Imagine having someone like that in our unit." Lazarus added.
Michael briefly imagined having someone like Otto as part of their unit. He shuddered at the thought of it. A man like that as the Armoured Titan would've made matters worse on Paradis. Unless of course, this intimidation tactic was just that, a tactic. But he doubts that, 'cause otherwise why make him a Warrior?
So far this team of Warriors were unique compared to the one Lazarus was a part of. He's starting to see why everyone regarded them as the best Marley's ever trained. But he started to question that when the last Warrior stepped forward.
This final Warrior appeared to be a much older man compared to his young comrades. He was in his fifties. Practically an old man. He had messy short silver hair and blue eyes. He was also a lot skinnier than the others who've all possessed toned bodies as a result of their training. He was also carrying a cane that he was using to hold himself up straight.
Many Marleyans couldn't help but laugh at him. Thinking "Really? This pathetic old man is a Warrior?" But the old man paid them no mind and kept his composure for the General.
Even Michael and Lazarus couldn't help but wonder why make an old man a Warrior. During their time, Marley decreed that the younger the Eldian, the stronger their Titans are. Having a man in his late fifties should be seen as a weak link, right?
"And finally, Bruno Gerhard. The Cart Titan." The general concluded with the introductions. "Do not let appearances deceive you. This unit has shown us that they're far stronger than their predecessors. Perhaps the strongest this country has ever seen. The Alpha Warrior Unit will be the force we need to turn the tides of war in favour of our motherland."
The general then proceeds to go into detail about the longest and hardest war Marley had ever endured since the Great Titan War. The nation of Britannia was unlike any other country they've fought. They were bigger. More well organised. And they had great intellect. Intellect that paved the stones for humanity's evolution. For it was they who managed to create weapons that were able to stand up to the power of the Titans.
Despite all their technological advances and specially trained soldiers, Britannia was a small continent. Even with all of their people fighting for them, their numbers couldn't compare to the combined forces of Titans Shifters, naval forces, air forces, and all the manpower of Marley's soldiers. For so long the war kept shifting the balance between them more times than could be counted.
But all that changed when Britannia decided to reach out to other countries and nations Marley had either already conquered or hadn't had the chance to conquer, and proposed an alliance. All of the world united against a common enemy. All of them hated Marley. But they also hated Eldians and the accursed power of the Titans. They all wanted nothing more than to see the Eldian Race wiped from existence. They're the reason Marley has conquered many countries. Because they were using them for their powers. Promising them redemption and a better life in exchange for loyalty.
"…That is why I asked for Marleyans and Eldians to be present. This alliance will mean the end of our motherland and its people. They threaten the existence of both our races. Though Eldians will always be seen in our eyes as devils, we cannot deny that we cannot win this war without their support. If we are to survive, we must for the first time in human history put the past behind us and fight for a better future." The general explained thoroughly.
"Why should we believe a thing you say?!" A random Eldian woman called out.
"Yeah! Why should we help you after all the shit you damn Marleyans put us through?!" Another Eldian man added.
"Watch your mouth, you damn devil!" A Marleyan soldier points his rifle at the man, ready to shoot him for the disrespect.
But the general orders the soldier to stand down. He anticipated the Eldian citizens wouldn't be keen to play a part in Marley's war after all the decades of hate and discrimination they'd tortured them with. Even though he explained to them that Britannia was a threat to both races, it still wasn't enough to convince them. To get them on his side, he'll have to appeal to their better nature. He needs to reward them for their assistance. Doing so would mean that he'd be treating them as equals. Something his pride could never allow. But it had to be done. Many Marleyans will hate this change, but it was a necessary sacrifice to ensure the survival of their nation.
"I know that for generations our ancestors have been punishing your kind for all the death and destruction you've caused during the Great Titan War. Nothing you could ever do will ever make you one of us. However, lending us your strength to defeat our shared enemy could be a start down the path of redemption. Those of you who stayed when your king fled to the Island of Paradis have suffered greatly. This one chance would guarantee the rest of you an easier life. Give you all the opportunity to live like true humans instead of devils. We will start by expanding Liberio and making it a city where Eldians can live how they please. It will still be under Marleyan law, but we will only punish those who've committed serious crimes against us."
The Eldians all look and chat amongst themselves, considering his words. Of course, that alone wasn't enough to convince them, so the general continued.
"We will also allow you to leave and re-enter the city whenever you please. Of course, you should still carry permission slips at all times for safety purposes. We will also allow you to work better-paying jobs and the right to own private property as long as it's within the borders of your city walls. The same goes for the residents of Odiha too. Unfortunately, we cannot order our people to start treating you differently. Every citizen is entitled to their own beliefs. But if you lend us your support, over time future generations will grow to forgive you for your sins and focus all their hatred on those Island Devils instead… So, do we have your agreement?"
The Eldians all continue to whisper amongst themselves. Lazarus and Michael were disgusted with this speech. They know that everything the general has offered is all bullshit. In the future, not much has changed. Eldians everywhere are still treated like dirt by the Marleyans. The only sliver of truth in his words was Liberio. The city here was much smaller than the Liberio they've come to know in their time. And some Eldians were permitted to work in places they weren't allowed to before. But other than that, not much reward for the major part they'll be playing in the Britannian War.
Eventually, the Eldians all agree to the General's terms and lend their support by raising their fists into the air and letting out a thunderous cheer. The members of the Alpha Unit all salute alongside the general, declaring that today is the day Marley finally stands up to Britannia and shows them who's the superior nation.
While Lazarus and Micheal just looked at each other, curious to know what's gonna happen next.
After Marley's declaration of war against the equally powerful nation of Britannia, the Alpha Warrior Unit spent the first two years harnessing their Titan powers to launch their attack.
They weren't ready to go to war with the mainland yet. They first needed to take out the other countries that had joined the Britannian alliance and force them into submission. And if not, then they'll be forced to destroy them completely.
Lazarus and Michael watched the Alpha Unit completely decimate their enemies with their already superior Titans. Each one of them appeared and fought differently than their own Omega Unit. They were standing alongside the general and his higher-ranked officers, observing the Alpha Unit passing a series of tests on the first enemy nation.
It reminded Lazarus of his units' very first mission in the field and their first time using the power of the Titans against the nation of Courland. It was a good plan. Test the full potential of the new generation of Warriors, while also having the opportunity to deplete the enemy's numbers.
The current nation they were attacking was a small island within Britannia's borders. It was home to a military outpost that protected their weapon manufacturing plants, as well as docks for them to be distributed to the mainland and the other islands involved in the alliance.
The attack took place at sundown. Marley started things off with an air strike with their airships, dropping bombs over the city. Thankfully the people living there had been evacuated before the attack had begun. Unfortunately, they won't have a home to return to once it's done.
"Incredible! They're even stronger than expected. It looks like your gamble paid off, Lieutenant." The general addressed one of his officers without taking his eyes out of the binoculars pointed at the Alpha Unit.
Lazarus and Michael look over at one of the officers who stood beside the general. There was something familiar about him. Michael didn't have a clue as to who Lazarus was thinking of. He'd only just returned after almost ten years of being away. He didn't know anyone in the military.
But Lazarus inevitably managed to figure out that the lieutenant was a much younger Theo Magath. His former commander turned general. He appeared to be in his late twenties at this point. He was wearing the uniform of a lower-ranked officer and the standard military helmet. He had no facial hair at this age, and he appeared more determined compared to his more serious attitude in the present timeline.
"I played a hand in choosing the candidates best suited to inherit the power of the Titans myself. I am pleased to see that their Titans match the skill set of their user. With their unique abilities, this war is as good as ours." He proudly responded.
"Really? Tell me about them." The general asked him. Intrigued to know what kind of weapons nature had given them this time.
As the young Magath voiced the Alpha Unit's strengths and weaknesses to the general, each member of the unit in their Titan forms wreaked havoc on the Britannian weapons depot.
First up was Otto's Armoured Titan. His had the most unique of any Armoured Titan's Lazarus had seen. Granted he'd only seen two. Reiner's, and his predecessor in the Beta Unit. The only big difference between them was the shape of their armoured head while the bodies looked more or less identical.
Otto's, however, had armour that looked more like he was covered in smooth rocks with hexagonal lines in between them. Unlike Reiner, his Armoured Titan was completely covered in armour from the top of his bald head to the underside of his feet. He also came equipped with spiked knuckles that allowed him to deliver deadly punches.
The Britannian forces all opened fire upon him with the cannons positioned outside the factory walls. But with his arms brought up to his face, Otto was protected. All the bullets and cannonballs simply bounced off his body. Not even leaving so much as a scratch.
"Otto's Armoured Titan possesses the toughest of armour plating I'd seen. As a man, he's already proven to be the toughest and strongest member of the team. And that strength is increased tenfold in Titan form. He wields Marley's Shield with pride."
All the enemy soldiers' focus was currently set on trying to penetrate the mobile impenetrable wall that is inching closer with every step it takes.
The men and women on the front lines were suddenly ambushed by the unexpected appearance of the Jaw Titan. When their guard was down, Marlene was able to burrow under enemy lines and launch a surprise attack from underground.
It happened so fast that many of the front-line defences had been shredded to pieces by its disturbingly long claws and teeth. Marlene's Jaw Titan looked like it was pulled out of a nightmare. Its longer hair was constantly swerving in the wind. It gave off the appearance of a bunch of snakes moving independently. it had chunks of dirt in its locks from all the digging she'd been doing. She wore an armoured mask like Marcel's Jaw Titan did, only hers had a ghoulish look to it with three rows of curved teeth. She also had two long sabertooth fangs attached to the front row on the top jaw. Her claws looked similar to a mole's. Lazarus and Michael knew there had to be more to her than meets the eye. The prettiest member of the team ended up having the scariest-looking Titan they've seen, so far.
More soldiers arrive on the scene and open fire on her. But Marlene leaps up into the air and performs a dive back into the hole she'd made, burrowing under the surface and creating tremors that knocked them all down.
"Marlene's Jaw Titan has shown to possess abilities no other incarnation had. Her elongated claws and curved teeth allow her to dig underground and burrow tunnels at such a fast rate."
But Marlene wasn't alone. Another Titan has emerged from the hole she made. This one looked more terrifying than the last. From what the two future Warriors could tell, this was the Cart Titan. It's the only other quadruped Titan they knew of. But this one was vastly different than Piecks. Probably the only Titan in the unit with the most changes in appearance.
This Cart Titan had the appearance of a crocodile. Its head, limbs, and body were all crocodile-like. Both its hands and feet had hardened claws that provided better grip strength. Its back was covered in hardened armour with a jagged spine. The head was elongated with an armoured jaw which gives it its croc appearance. The only human traits it had were its pale skin, human eyes, and Bruno's hairstyle atop its head.
"What the hell is that? A Crocodile?" Michael uttered in disbelief.
"That has got to be the most bizarre Cart Titan I've ever seen," Lazarus responded just as stunned.
"Usually when it comes to the Cart Titan, it's not often used for combat. But Bruno's Titan has proven otherwise." Magath paused momentarily. There was something about Bruno he'd forgotten to mention. The general directs his right eye towards him.
"Truth is, sir. Bruno was a last-minute addition to the team. The original candidate was murdered by him. Despite his age, Bruno is a killer among devils. But the only crime he's been charged with was the murder of his own kind. Even though he was born Eldian, he shares our beliefs of them being devils. That was why he was never sent to Paradis… Since he'd bested the original candidate, I figured he'd make a better replacement."
"Hmm. An Eldian who murders his own kind and shows no remorse. He thinks like a Marleyan. And from what I can see, he fights like one too… Very impressive." The general commented as he continued to observe.
The Crocodile Titan charged for the factory building at full speed, running over any, and all, obstacles in its path. It continues to build up speed until it manages to leap off of the ground, breaking apart the courtyard. It then charges snout first into the factory walls, spearing through its surface like a living harpoon. The shattered wall explodes on contact, sending debris flying everywhere, crushing the machinery and the factory workers inside.
"Bruno's Cart Titan is like a living javelin. If he charges at full speed, he can break through gates and walls alike." Lazarus commented, still blown away by how vicious it was.
"If the Armoured is Marley's Shield. Then this guy must be Marley's Spear." Michael added. An appropriate name for such a ferocious Cart Titan.
"When do you think we'll see Mom and Dad's Titans in action?" Lazarus asked.
Michael points him in the direction of the Armoured Titan. Behind it were Dante and Lydia's Beast and Female Titans. They'd been on the field of battle, but they hadn't done much other than cover Otto's back by attacking the rear guard.
Dante's Beast Titan was like a giant werewolf. Grey fur covered most of his body. Most notably his chest, back, arms, and thighs. He had a wolf's head with his long brown hair. Sharp claws on both his hands and feet. And even a wolf's tail.
Lydia's Female Titan was the only one whose Titan didn't have any features that made it stand out from the others. It had the same characteristics as Annie's Titan with the obvious difference being her long, flowing raven black hair.
The only one who wasn't taking part in this attack was the holder of the Colossal Titan, Malcom Kaiser. The Marleyan's main objective was to capture the factory and secure the weapons inside to give them an even greater advantage in the war alongside the Alpha Unit's Titans. The other members were performing exceptionally well and they felt like its power wasn't needed at the moment. Best to save it for the Britannian mainland.
Lazarus was a little disappointed. He was told by Lucia that his parents were regarded as the strongest of the Alpha Unit. But they weren't ordered to do much more than simply hold their position. On first inspection, their Titans looked badass. But they have yet to show off their full capabilities, all because the mission was going too well for them to do so.
"It looks like this mission is all but over. An excellent start." The general spoke up as he watched the Alpha Warriors wrap up the mission. Those enemy soldiers who survived were given the chance to surrender. Some accepted the offer, whilst others were too devoted to accept. The Marleyan soldiers made short work of them.
"With the factory secured, Marley will have access to a plethora of advanced technology that will help our nation grow stronger. But one victory does not mean we've won this war. This is only the beginning." Magath commented."
"Indeed. If we are to stand tall as the most powerful nation in the world, we must conquer Britannia and put an end to this ten-year feud forever."
To Be Continued