Chapter 2 - The Titan Duels

"Your carriage awaits, Your Highness." Malcolm stood in the doorway, a genuine smile lighting up his face—a pleasant surprise that mirrored the festive atmosphere outside. Thea couldn't help but return the smile. Glancing outside, she witnessed the city in the throes of ecstasy. Cheers echoed through every street, confetti rained from balconies, and citizens, donned in vibrant festival attire, joyously made their way toward Toln Stadium. Situated on the opposite side of the city, the stadium seemed to magnetically draw the lively crowd. This year's celebration was unparalleled, with thousands more revelers than the previous year. Thea was confident that everyone who wished to attend could fit comfortably; after all, she had participated in the construction of the stadium herself, with the assistance of Gerda and Egon.

Drawing a deep breath, Thea shifted her gaze to the crown resting on a velvet pillow. An opulent headpiece, its royal blue velvet structure was adorned with platinum and an array of precious jewels. Sapphires graced the bottom ring, four colossal emeralds adorned the central arches, and rubies adorned the remaining arches. At the apex sat a resplendent diamond shaped like a rose in full bloom— Titan diamond, even more robust than Titan crystal. Thea reserved it for special occasions such as this. With both hands, she delicately placed the crown atop her head and took the matching platinum and jeweled scepter from the table, cradling it in the crook of her arm. Prepared to embrace the festivities, she moved gracefully towards the door, where Malcolm awaited.

"Draped in flowing white silk robes and gowns, Thea was accompanied by two maid servants attending to the trailing end. The extravagance of her attire, laden with jewels and regal fabrics, evoked a slight discomfort in Thea."The ostentatious dress, requiring assistance just to walk, felt degrading, but she understood the ceremonial necessity. The display emphasized the royal family's authority and right to rule. Despite her reservations, the occasional glance from subjects as she passed wasn't entirely unwelcome.

Upon reaching the front door of the inn, Thea found her family members adorned in similar white royal garb. The shifters, in an array of elegant attire from black velvet cloaks to red silk dresses, sported accessories like bowties, pearl earrings, jeweled necklaces, and polished leather shoes. The air buzzed with excitement as each family member greeted Thea with enthusiasm, exchanging embraces that were a challenge given the elaborate wardrobe she wore.

Malcolm called for quiet and announced departure instructions. "Shifters first, starting with Remus and then Gerda. Each carriage will carry one shifter and depart as soon as they enter, making way for the next. Following them, the royal family, except for Her Highness, will join in a larger carriage. Lastly, Her Highness will enter the last carriage, completing the caravan. The Queen's Guard will accompany us throughout the caravan."

A chuckle rippled through the room, more pronounced among the shifters. They, accustomed to protecting others, always found the notion of having guards amusing.

"Upon arrival," Malcolm continued, "the escorts will guide the shifters to their respective preparation rooms or, if they're not participating today, to their spectator box. The same applies to the royal family. You will be led to your spectator box, and Her Highness will follow closely. The ceremony will commence once she arrives. Stick to the schedule for a prompt start. Throughout the event, guards will ensure your safety during spectating, and escorts will be available for any movements. Any questions?" Silence followed. Malcolm turned to Thea, "Any objections, my queen?"

"No objections, Malcolm. You've done well. Let's all have a great time!" Thea's proclamation was met with cheers, and Remus became the first to exit.

The shifters followed, exuding infectious enthusiasm. Thea's family, dressed in regal white attire, joined the procession, with her nieces and nephew bouncing with excitement. Thea felt the urge to join, but her cumbersome dress prohibited any such thing.

Left alone with Malcolm, Thea couldn't help but chuckle at his declaration. "I will be riding with you if it pleases you, Your Highness."

"Of course. Whatever makes you comfortable," she replied, rolling her eyes.

The carriage, adorned in white with gold and platinum trimmings, drawn by four white stallions, awaited. As Thea entered, the crowd's roar escalated, chants and waves filling the air.

Amidst the jubilant atmosphere, Malcolm seized a moment for an unusual comment. "I might not get a chance to speak to you for a while, so I thought I'd tell you now that you should be proud."

Thea, caught off guard, laughed off the compliment, trying to downplay it. Malcolm, without further elaboration, turned to look out the window, leaving Thea to grapple with a blush she couldn't suppress.

As the stadium loomed into view, Thea marveled at the colossal structure, a testament to the power of the Founding, Armored, and Warhammer Titans. The open arena took the shape of an oval, stretching half a kilometer in length and a quarter in width, surrounded by a single monstrous ring of stair-like benches. Each row of seats ascended half a meter above the one in front, creating a bowl shape that could accommodate the massive crowd. Constructed almost entirely from titan crystal, the stadium, though grand, lacked the gleam and shine typically associated with the material. Instead, it resembled common cement or opaque stone, with a subtle tint of light blue, a testament to the skillful craftsmanship. Giant beams of titan crystal connected various points throughout the structure like a spider web, ensuring its stability during the most violent titan battles. Thea marveled at the achievement of her small team, recognizing what an impressive achievement it was.

Entering the stadium's shade, Thea caught sight of the carriage tunnel, the crowd's muffled roar resonating within. Excitement surged through her.

As the carriage halted deep within, guards opened the door, and the coolness of the stadium enveloped them. Malcolm handed Thea a knife, signaling her readiness. Taking a deep breath, she ascended the staircase with commanding steps.

Under the sunlight, the crowd's cheer swelled. Thea scanned the stadium, taking in the vibrant scene. Their spectator box lay equal distance from the arena and the top row of seats, with a staircase, void of any spectators, leading down to a prominent circular podium just against the wall of the arena for her address. Two maid servants assisted in shedding the heavy garb, leaving Thea in a light dress and a single well-crafted necklace. With a wave, the servants bowed, and Thea's regalia was stored away, setting the stage for the grand event.

Drawing a long, steady breath, Thea walked alone down the stair path towards her podium, Malcolm's knife in hand. Every few steps, she waved to a different part of the stadium, nodding in acknowledgment. The cheering did not wane, and she almost felt giddy as she reached the large circular platform, coming to a stop in the center to examine the arena.

A sheer 20-meter drop lay just in front of her to a packed dirt floor that spanned the entire oval arena, designed to prevent titans from accidentally reaching the crowd. Various items scattered for the shifters' use—boulders, tree logs stripped of branches, a couple of tubs of sticky tar—offering strategic advantages to both competitors.

To Thea's left, she glimpsed a figure at the far end of the dirt oval who could only be Remus. It was hard to see him clearly, dressed plainly with a knife in hand, mirroring Thea. To her right, a similar-sized figure stood opposite Remus, long blonde hair identifying Gerda, holding a knife of her own. Both were poised and ready.

After a brief pause, Thea lifted her free hand high in the air for quiet. It only took a few moments for the entire stadium to fall into silence. Thea's smile quirked as she raised her knife to meet her free hand, laying the edge against her palm. The transformation would take only a few seconds.

She focused, slicing her hand in one long, smooth motion, feeling a twinge of pain, and then held the bloody hand in a fist to her chest. Bright, yellow streams of electricity crackled around her fist, spreading across her body. Thea glowed with jolts of electricity dancing all over when suddenly, a single thunderous crack echoed, and a jolt of bright yellow lightning struck Thea from the sky. A wave of unmistakable exhilaration and power surged through her, and a ball of fire and light consumed her. She felt herself rising off the ground, flesh growing around her—muscle and skin materializing, elongating, and broadening her limbs.

Emerging from the ball of fire as a 15-meter-high giant, the default titan for the Founder, Thea's muscles were well-defined and sculpted, and she felt an incredible surge of energy and mobility. The crowd's roar returned. With her newfound height, she could see much more of the stadium, but more importantly, everyone could see her now.

Unable to see her own titan face, Thea was sure it looked menacing, at least to anyone who wasn't an Eldian. It was a constantly grimacing face, sharp teeth showing as if hissing, eyebrows always arched, and fierce blue eyes. Her new mouth opened for her to speak, and though she spoke rather flatly in her mind, her words came out as a bellow befitting the giant she now was.

"May the eight ever uphold Eldia!" She began formally. The crowd repeated her words. Welcome, Eldians!" Her voice carried across the entire stadium. As she spoke, the crowd's noise died down again to a low buzz. "To the third Titan Duels! I welcome you with all my heart, on behalf of the royal family and the other seven titan shifters. I wish us all a happy and joyful week! This is the first match! Remus against Gerda!"

She outstretched her hands to either end of the arena, pausing to let the crowds cheer and chant for those they supported. Then she lifted her hands high above her head. "At the sound of my clap, the shifters will transform, and the match will begin! Shifters, ready yourselves!" She observed the two figures bending their knees, knives in hand.

This was it. Thea swung her arms downwards in arcing motions to meet at her stomach in a thunderous crack. A moment later, bolts of yellow lightning struck from the sky at either end of the arena, and balls of fire and light surrounded by jolts of electricity engulfed the shifters. Two titans of differing sizes emerged almost simultaneously.

Remus, now a compact four-meter titan on all fours, maintained well-defined muscles. However, his head was markedly different, resembling a white skull devoid of skin and hair, with an elongated snout and chin, akin to a chimpanzee. His blood-red eyes gleamed like bright lamps in the darkness.

Gerda, on the other hand, stood as a formidable 15-meter titan on two legs. Her body was covered in titan crystal plates, catching the sun and radiating a light blue tint. The spaces between the plates revealed pink and red muscle tissue, enhancing her flexibility. Two short horns adorned her temples, and long blonde hair framed her face.

Both titans mirrored Thea's expressions, sporting grimaces and glowers, conveying a readiness to destroy. The confrontation began with a ready stance, and they rushed towards each other, with Remus gaining ground more swiftly.

Realizing the need to reclaim her human form, Thea pulled herself backwards, emerging from the nape of her titan's neck. Despite her titan's head obstructing her view, bowed down as if unconscious, she swiftly freed her arms, waist, and legs from the titan flesh, eliciting steam as decomposition commenced. Removing her human form from her titan meant that it would steam and shrivel away until before long was nothing left.

Descending from her decomposing shell without difficulty, Thea trotted back up the stairs to her box, stealing glances at the battle. Reaching her box, she took her seat beside Lucas, aiming for grace and speed. Chuckling, Lucas handed her binoculars, a handy tool enhancing not only her view but also that of numerous spectators.

From her vantage point, Thea observed Remus evading Gerda's attacks, using his superior speed. Realizing the importance of conserving energy, Remus seemed to be trying to tire Gerda out. Thea marveled at the strategic maneuvering, but the standoff continued without any blows landing.

Gerda seemed to catch on, as she distinctly stopped trying to strike, and instead kept her guard up, while periodically shifting her stance to always keep Remus in front of her. Suddenly, Remus changed tactics, running towards a pile of stripped logs with an aluminum tub of tar. He wasted no time grasping one of the logs and chewing on one side, which was a rather peculiar sight considering his bony teeth. The crowd, Thea, and Gerda all looked on in confusion until it became clear that the log was being sharpened to a point! Gerda, perceiving his objective, swiftly shifted into a determined run. Meanwhile, Remus continued his work undeterred. Closing the distance to within two strides, Remus sprang into action. Abandoning the log, he seized the nearby tub of tar, exerting all his strength to propel it forcefully toward Gerda. To Thea's surprise, the tub glided smoothly, finding its mark as Gerda's stride landed squarely in its center. Her foot plunged into the tar-filled container, prompting a moment of imbalance as she struggled to regain her footing.

Thea's jaw dropped. There was no way Remus had pulled that off! And yet it had worked seamlessly. Seizing the opportunity, Remus raced around to her back, leaped to grab hold of her waist, and began steadily shuffling up to reach her head. Gerda awkwardly tried to twist and turn to grab hold of Remus, but was limited by the heavy weight on her foot.

The intense struggle persisted for about half a minute until Remus managed to ascend high enough to reach Gerda's head. With determination, he seized a handful of her hair at the crest and pulled down with all his might. Gerda responded with a wild, gruff shriek, anchoring her free foot firmly in the ground. Crouching low, some of her titan crystal plates cracked and broke free from her legs and hips. In a surprising move, she propelled herself forward into a flip, shedding enough of her armor weight to lift herself. Despite the tub's hindrance, she managed to rotate mid-air and land back first. Realizing the imminent collision, Remus attempted to release his grip, but it was too late. With a resounding thud, they crashed to the ground, Gerda's massive frame crushing Remus beneath her.

A collective "Ooooo" echoed through the crowd, as if they were collectively wincing at the impact. Rising to her feet with some difficulty, Gerda stood triumphant, but Remus remained motionless. His once-bright red eyes now extinguished, he lay defeated on the ground. Gerda, with a deliberate slowness, lifted her heavy foot and forcefully planted it on Remus' chest. Despite his slight shift, he showed no signs of getting up. Gerda roared in victory, a triumphant cry that drowned out the cheers and confetti of the crowd.

Amidst the celebratory atmosphere, Gerda scanned the stadium, holding up a fist in victory. Her gaze then fixed on Thea's box. Thea, startled, put down her binoculars and rose with a smile. Adjusting her dress, she skipped the descent to the podium she had occupied earlier, instead standing at the top of the stairs, raising her hands high. The Armored Titan had emerged victorious.

Chants reverberated through the stadium: "Gerda! Gerda! Gerda!" and "Armored! Armored! Armored!" With the battle officially concluded, Gerda removed her tar-ridden foot from Remus and gently turned him onto his stomach to facilitate his exit. Steam billowed from the Cart Titan's nape, and the Armored Titan dropped to its knees, as if succumbing to sudden unconsciousness just as Thea's had. Steam erupted from its own nape. The two shifters, having disengaged from their respective titans, navigated down to the ground and joined together to shake hands in a display of mutual respect.

Following a few formalities, the two shifters strolled back to the doors they entered from, leaving their decomposing titans behind. Thea settled back into her chair, and as they disappeared from view, the stadium buzzed with conversation. Excitement filled the air, with Lucas's wife turning to their enthusiastic children and Thea engaging in a discussion with Lucas and her uncle and aunt.

Analyzing the match, it was evident that Gerda held the advantage, yet Remus displayed strategic prowess for most of the battle. The near miss of tearing off Gerda's head showcased Remus's potential victory, a move that could have sealed the deal. Thea pondered the missed opportunity and the unexpected twists that had elevated Remus's chances.

As Thea's conversation with her family reached its end, she resolved to personally congratulate Gerda. Although such gestures for every duel winner were impractical, the significance of winning the first duel and Gerda's substantial following compelled Thea to make an exception. She closed her eyes, concentrating as a flicker enveloped her, transporting her to the dream-like realm she knew so well. Here, time flowed differently, and though she could have spent centuries in this ethereal place, upon departing, she would find herself back in her spectator box, as if no time had passed at all.

In this silent expanse, nothing but pristine white sand stretched endlessly. The night sky above was a canvas of darkness adorned with sparkling stars, and luminous streaks of green, purple, and blue painted the celestial dome. At the distant horizon, a white tree, composed of an indescribable light, sprouted into an infinite array of leafless branches. The trunk of this awe-inspiring tree, a symbol of titan power and the connection between all Subjects of Ymir, seemed both impossibly distant and just a few paces away. Thea was standing in The Paths, captivated by the shimmering branches that reached far across the sky, radiating a gentle light.

Mesmerized by the tree, Thea spotted Gerda a few paces away, her face adorned with scars reminiscent of her titan's armor plates. The scars, outlined in pink, resembled meticulous warpaint. Thea grinned and remarked, "I don't know whether to call that luck or skill." The sandy expanse absorbed their voices as Gerda maintained her smug grin, insisting, "Skill. Absolutely skill."

They shared a chuckle, and Thea continued, "I think Remus would beg to differ. But then again, he had some luck, too. Anyway, congrats." Gerda's grin transformed into a warm smile, expressing her pleasure at seeing Thea. "I'm glad to see you, Thea. I wish we could meet more often. Perhaps after I win the championship, we could get an ice cream," Gerda suggested warmly, with confidence rather than arrogance.

Thea agreed, "I think that's a fine idea, and I look forward to it." Gerda nodded, adding humorously, "Now I think I'll go rest a bit before watching the next match, which I was on my way to do before you so rudely interrupted me." Laughter echoed between them, acknowledging the brevity of the fight and the anticipation of what lay ahead.


Several duels unfolded throughout the day, seamlessly transitioning from one to another. Bathilda triumphed over Edith, Edith over Gerda, Gerda over Dillon, Dillon over Egon, Egon over Remus, Remus over Bathilda, and the cycle continued. The days passed, each filled with exhilarating victories and crushing defeats. The cheers of the crowd echoed through the stadium, and the support for the shifters intensified with every passing duel. The random pairings injected an element of unpredictability, effectively reshuffling the rankings from the previous year. As the scores accumulated, the final day's matchups took shape.

On the concluding day, only three matches remained, each shifter vying for victory. The pairings were determined by the standings: Remus versus Bathilda, Dillon versus Edith, and Gerda versus Egon. The first clash unfolded between Remus and Bathilda, the bottom ranked contenders, which was a deviation from the previous year's matchups. Bathilda emerged victorious, much to Remus's dismay.

The showdown between Dillon and Edith, the middle-ranked contenders, ensued. While a closer bout than the previous one, Dillon ultimately secured the win, marking the end of his championship defense.

The unexpected top contenders for the final match were Gerda and Egon, a surprising turn of events compared to the previous year's standings. Egon, in his second year, had notably improved, though his occasional arrogance remained. Gerda, who had faced struggles the previous year, demonstrated remarkable progress, garnering increased support from both Thea and her expanding fanbase.

As Thea casually conversed with Volkan in his spectator box, she noted that Dillon, Bathilda, and Remus had retired early for rest, while Edith stood with folded arms outside Volkan's box, with a rather annoyed look on her face. That could only mean one thing. With the fight minutes away, Thea exchanged final words before departing, casting a smile over her shoulder as Edith approached Volkan, hinting that they would watch the match together.

Accompanied by Malcolm and her guards, Thea approached her spectator box, taking a brief moment to catch her breath. Malcolm's nod signaled that the time had come. Adjusting her dress and hair, Thea descended the stairs, transforming before delivering the introduction, a formality with added weight as it marked the final duel and the crowning of the year's champion. The crowd murmured in approval, and with a lift of her hands, Thea signaled the shifters to prepare for the ultimate battle, initiating the long-awaited fight.

With focused intensity, Thea peered through her binoculars, observing the clash between Gerda and Egon. Egon, matching Gerda's towering 15 meters, showcased a titan completely ensconced in a durable, snow-white crystal shell. The thin yet robust opaque covering left only a few strategic spots exposing pink muscle, with eight horizontal slits across his pectorals and ab muscles, two circular holes for his cold gray eyes, and one for each of his meaty fingers. The same slicked-back light brown hair from his human form adorned his titan. Crackling lightning emanated from his outstretched right hand, summoning a massive warhammer, almost as tall as he, made of the same snow-white titan crystal as his shell—a defining feature of his formidable titan.

On the opposing side, Gerda stood, her faint light blue armor plates and horns gleaming in the sunlight. The titans locked eyes, and with synchronized determination, they charged at each other, causing the arena to quake with each colossal footfall.

Egon, wielding his formidable warhammer, swung it with all his might as Gerda approached. Displaying remarkable agility, Gerda sidestepped the threatening blow, allowing the hammer to skid across her shoulder plate, creating sparks. In a swift retaliation, her powerful fist collided with Egon's face, sending him sprawling face-first to the ground.

Without hesitation, Gerda moved to deliver a crushing blow to Egon's head, but he swiftly rolled to his feet, eyes fixed on his left-behind hammer. Realizing his vulnerability, Egon conjured a one-handed crossbow, firing a spear-sized bolt at Gerda. The bolt found its mark, but Gerda pressed on, tackling Egon with a roar, initiating a grappling struggle on the ground.

Gerda momentarily gained the upper hand, pinning Egon down and delivering a barrage of blows to his face. Thea witnessed the disfigurement of Egon's face, his jaw dislocating, and his once pristine shell cracking. Satisfied with Gerda's dominance, Thea assumed the match's conclusion until a sudden burst of light heralded the manifestation of a colossal snow-white mace in Egon's hand. He swung it with tremendous force, crashing it into Gerda's face plate, audibly cracking the sturdy armor. The impact sent her sprawling across the arena.

The crowd collectively gasped as Gerda struggled to regain her footing. Seizing the opportunity, Egon swiftly regained his own stance. With renewed control, he approached Gerda, who, despite the damage, met his gaze squarely, seemingly unfazed. Egon wound up for another powerful strike with his mace, swinging it towards Gerda's head. The impact was brutal, tearing her neck muscles, and her head detached, soaring across the arena to smash against the wall.

Gerda's headless body collapsed to the ground in a heap, and a collective murmur of disbelief swept through the stadium. Egon had seemingly emerged victorious. However, as he raised his fist triumphantly, a ball of light and fire manifested next to the steaming heap that was once the Armored titan. Out emerged a complete and revitalized Armored titan—Gerda had transformed again. Swiftly approaching Egon from behind, she grasped his shoulders, swung her head back, and drove her horns into the back of his skull with a resounding crack. Once again, Egon fell to his face.

Without giving Egon a chance to recover, Gerda stomped on his back, crouching down to firmly grasp his disheveled hair with both hands. Taking a page from Remus' playbook, she pulled back with a forceful jerk, ripping Egon's head off just as hers had been. Before he could emerge from the nape of the titan's neck, Gerda placed her foot over it, securing her victory and ending the battle decisively.

Yet, to everyone's surprise, Egon did not emerge from the nape of the neck. Instead, steam billowed from the Warhammer Titan's lower back, revealing his presence. A unique trait only the Warhammer Titan possessed—the ability to reside outside the nape. Before Gerda could react, another ball of light and fire materialized, giving birth to a new Warhammer Titan, prepared to continue the fight.

A visible sneer crossed Gerda's face at Egon's mimicry or, perhaps, at the appearance of his new warhammer, a weapon capable of penetrating her formidable armor just as his mace had. Despite their diminishing energy, both titans readied themselves for another impending clash.

Egon swung his hammer toward Gerda's legs, but she skillfully caught the weapon, one hand on the head and the other on the handle. With a powerful yank, she wrested the hammer from Egon's grasp. Employing the butt of the hammer, she struck Egon's face, hitting one of his eyes. Stumbling back, Egon spawned a new weapon—a one-handed straight sword, utilizing his superior speed to jab at Gerda's vulnerable points.

Gerda endured the calculated strikes, growling in pain with each hit. Summoning her remaining strength, she swung the stolen hammer once more. Egon attempted to dodge, but the hammer connected with his knee, bending it unnaturally. Although titans did not feel pain, the manifestation of Egon's disapproval was evident, hidden behind the white shell covering his mouth.

Backing up a few strides, Gerda observed Egon attempting to rise, his broken leg hindering him. Unpredictably, she threw the hammer aside, then, with a sudden burst of speed, launched into a dead run, colliding with Egon and embracing him in a powerful hold. As they careened toward the arena wall, Egon swung his sword, embedding it between Gerda's plates, but it had no visible effect.

The impact against the wall sent dust and smoke billowing into the air, eliciting roars of delight from the crowd. As the debris cleared, Gerda stood triumphant over Egon's limp Warhammer Titan. The crowd's rhythmic claps and stomps echoed through the stadium, and Gerda acknowledged their cheers with smooth nods.

Egon's arm moved to lift him from the ground, but Gerda swiftly stomped on his elbow, breaking it as she had his knee. Her relentless assault continued, stomping on the back of his head repeatedly until it looked deformed and flat. Astonishingly, Egon raised his other free hand in an attempt to rise, but Gerda's foot came down with relentless force, rendering him motionless.

That had settled it. Gerda had won the Titan Duels! Gerda, standing tall, scanned the crowd for Thea, who stepped outside her box, raising her hand in approval. The crowd's uproar reached deafening levels as Gerda strutted around, fists raised, basking in the enthusiastic support of the spectators.

Thea found herself smiling, clapping, and cheering along with the rest of the crowd. After about a minute of applause, she began descending the stairs toward her platform to formally conclude the ceremony when something grabbed her attention, freezing her in place.

She squinted, trying to get a better look at something moving in the arena. Something small, moving towards Gerda. What was a person doing in the arena? She couldn't see him or her very clearly, but she could see them wearing a dark hooded cloak. They were walking so casually, their cloak swaying from side to side. Thea was going to turn to ask Malcolm who it was when she saw something appear in his hand. Something shiny, that reflected the sun. The person raised it high in the air, with their free hand rising to join it. The implications made it all too obvious what it was. Something was amiss.

A quick flash of yellow electricity surrounded them before a burst of lightning from the sky consumed them in a fiery ball of light. Confusion swirled within Thea as she folded her arms, waiting for an explanation. However, a masculine roar she had never heard before resonated through the stadium, silencing the cheers. The fiery ball faded, revealing a 15-meter male titan unlike any of the eight.

At first glance, he resembled an ordinary mindless titan—limbs in proportion to a human's, his entire form covered in skin. Yet, what seized Thea's attention were his muscles, robust and powerful, surpassing any titan she had ever witnessed. Although not particularly towering, his strength emanated forcefully. The titan's countenance demanded a second look; a visage consumed by pure, unbridled anger that bordered on rage, yet beneath the fury lay a resolute determination. His teeth, exposed in a straight line from ear to ear, lacked the covering of gums or lips. Short brown hair adorned his head, naturally combed to one side, while a scrunched nose and furrowed eyebrows framed his face. The tall, pointed ears accentuated his overall appearance. However, it was those unsettling green eyes that sent shivers down Thea's spine. Unfocused on her, the titan fixed his gaze on Gerda, who, oblivious, continued to revel in the adulation of the crowd with her back turned, waving and punching the air.

Thea stood there frozen in place. The new titan walked, then trotted, accelerating into a full sprint toward Gerda. Thea felt an urgent need to reach out through The Paths, but before she could, the titan crystallized his fist and struck Gerda with brutal force. The Armored Titan's face plate shattered, and she was sent airborne, landing violently on her back.

Chaos erupted in the stadium as the crowd screamed and confusion spread. Thea couldn't move, her eyes fixed on the horrifying new titan. He strode purposefully to Gerda's motionless body, planting his foot on her chest. Thea's mind screamed for action, to control the titan, but she remained paralyzed. He reached down and grabbed Gerda's arm, and ripped backwards violently. The arm tore off as effortlessly as a petal from a flower, and the titan promptly did the same to her other arm. The arms thumped against the arena wall and thudded to the ground steaming.

Thea felt a voice in the back of her head screaming at her to do something. Control him! Control the titan! Startled, Thea jumped as Malcolm's hand gripped her shoulder from behind. "Your highness!" His urgent shout shook her back to reality. It was the jolt she needed to regain control. She focused intently, locking eyes with the enemy titan. Stop! she thought, her anger and desperation coursing through her mental command. A moment of stillness from the titan, but then he raised his hand—the same hardened hand that had struck Gerda. Stop! Thea's mental command echoed with greater intent, but it fell on deaf ears. The crystallized hand descended towards Gerda's face, smashing through her teeth and into the back of her throat. I command you to stop! As the Founding Titan, you will obey me! No response. The titan tugged at something deep within Gerda's throat, ripping out a handful of flesh. The horrifying reality unfolded before Thea's eyes as she saw Gerda, limp in her human form, half-buried in the titan's flesh. The enemy titan had gruesomely torn Gerda from the nape of her neck through the back of her throat..

Thea struggled to comprehend the unfolding horror. Was this real? What was happening? Who was this titan? He was certainly not one of the eight—how could he be? Then it dawned on her, a memory from her mother's words long ago when she was queen. Horror struck her as the enemy titan deliberately moved Gerda closer to his face, inching towards his gaping mouth. I told you to stop! Obey me, you traitor! I will destroy you! The titan showed no sign of acknowledgment. His jaws opened wider, revealing a grotesque tongue. No! Gerda! Thea sprinted down the stairway, her eyes fixed on the unfolding tragedy in the arena. The transformation could only happen on the circle platform below, where she wouldn't endanger the spectators. She ran, desperation urging her on. She wouldn't make it in time. The titan straightened, tilting his head back. Gerda, still unmoving, was now within the reach of those wicked teeth. Gerda! Silence. Gerda's top half disappeared between the monstrous jaws, and the enemy titan mercilessly chomped down.

Thea stopped abruptly, her steps faltering before she sank to her knees. The pandemonium of the fleeing crowd, their panicked attempts to escape the stadium washed over her, a distant echo. Malcolm's urgent calls barely registered. "Your highness! Your highness! Thea!" All she could do was stare in sheer shock at her friend, now forever stilled. Tears welled in her eyes, unshed, as the weight of the moment bore down on her.

The titan devoured the last remnants of Gerda, jaws chomping down before a final swallow. Amidst the surrounding mayhem, Thea felt as if time itself had halted. Slowly, the titan pivoted on his feet to face her. Those eyes—those horrible green eyes—locked onto Thea, instilling fear. Stretching out his fists to either side, elbows close to his waist, he threw back his head and unleashed the most thunderous roar, resonating through the sky. Instinctively, Thea covered her ears, wincing at the overwhelming sound. The entire stadium quaked in a way it never had before. People around her mirrored her actions, falling to their knees, hands pressed against their ears. Some wept openly. It wasn't a roar of pain or aggression; it felt more like a call, an announcement. As if he sought to let every person in the world know of his presence.

The roar echoed for what felt like an eternity before gradually subsiding. As Thea gazed at the titan once more, a transformation had taken place. Crystal plates now encased every inch of his muscular form, a stark departure from the light blue transparency she was accustomed to – these plates were white. Neither completely transparent nor entirely opaque, the Armored Titan now fixated his enraged gaze on Thea, a hint of mockery dancing in his eyes.

Despair gripped Thea, and tears streamed down her face, staining the steps beneath. She couldn't contain her anguish, burying her face in her hands. A comforting touch on her back made her turn, and she saw Malcolm and Edith standing by her side. Malcolm's sympathy was evident, his demeanor unwavering. "Your highness, Edith has come to help." Edith, too, had tears in her eyes, but those words served as a poignant reminder of what Thea could accomplish, what she had to do. With a swift motion, she snapped out of her despair, standing tall and wiping away her tears.

"Edith, we're going to engage this titan. Follow me," Thea declared, turning towards the arena, but Edith caught her by the arm. "Why can't you control it?!" she almost shrieked. "Make it submit!"

"I... can't," Thea admitted slowly. "I don't know why. We'll have to fight."

Edith still looked confused and hurt, but she firmed her face and nodded. "What's the plan?"

Before Thea could answer, Edith pointed to the arena and yelped, "Thea! It's heading for Egon!"

Thea turned her head, and indeed, the enemy titan was trudging towards Egon's motionless form. She squinted, attempting to see if Egon had emerged, but there was no sign, and time was of the essence. "Malcolm! You are to gather the remaining shifters, wherever they are, and travel to the palace. I will meet you there. Mobilize the queen's guard to evacuate all citizens from the stadium and have everyone lock themselves inside their buildings. Understood?"

He nodded curtly and turned to run. Thea motioned for Edith to follow, and they broke into a sprint down the stairs. "Listen, Edith! He's a shifter, and we must try to capture whoever he is, alive. If that's not possible, then you must eat him, and if that's not possible... we kill him."

"Roger!" Edith called, panting.

"With your jaw, you can break through his armor, so you'll be taking his flank while I keep his attention."

"Okay! I'm ready!"

They both reached the circular platform, and Thea raised her hand to her mouth, biting down hard. Blood spurted, and within a few seconds, she had transformed into her 15-meter titan, with Edith's 4-meter Jaw Titan right behind her.

The enemy titan had reached Egon and was reaching towards his nape, but he jerked up his head to see Thea and Edith landing in the arena with a hollow boom. They squared off for a moment, the enemy titan straightening and staring, and Thea and Edith giving menacing stares of their own.

Edith's titan presented a horrifying visage, despite its size being similar to Remus' Cart Titan. She stood proudly on all fours, her legs a bit smaller and shorter than a regular human's, while her arms were the opposite—beefier and longer. Long brown hair, with almost hot pink highlighted tips like thorns, ran from her head along her spine and stopped near her glutes. It resembled a porcupine with a mane stretching down her back, growing slimmer as it neared her bottom. Although her legs were a bit less muscular than her arms, the ends of all four limbs bore shining, steel-like claws the size of swords, growing like fingernails and toenails. However, her face was the real threat. Both her top and bottom jaws supported almost a hundred jagged, razor-sharp teeth, growing in inconsistent directions and connecting unevenly when she closed her mouth. Those vicious teeth gave the Jaw Titan its name and reputation. There was nothing they couldn't tear through. Nothing.

Thea lunged at the enemy titan, driven by the singular intent to obliterate. Her adversary mirrored her movements. Sensing Edith rushing to flank him, Thea knew she had to create a window of opportunity. With determination, she raised her fist, expecting a reciprocal strike from her opponent. However, he anchored one foot into the dirt and raised the other for a roundhouse kick. Adapting swiftly, Thea shifted into a defensive stance, bracing for impact. The enemy titan's kick connected with brutal force, breaking both arms she had raised to guard herself. Though knocked aside, Thea swiftly recovered, ready to face her foe again.

Steam billowed from her arms as they snapped back into place. Thea's rapid healing, a trait characteristic of titan shifters, was accentuated by her status as the Founding Titan. Undeterred, she moved to tackle the enemy's legs, successfully bringing him to the ground with a resounding grunt. Seizing the advantage, Thea struck his face with her fist, but the result was a mere clang and a faint dent in his armor plate. He growled, retaliating by lifting her with his arms and legs, tossing her over his head with force.

As Thea landed on her back, she scrambled to her feet, aching to resume the fight. The enemy titan mirrored her actions, and they once again faced each other in fighting stances. Just as the tension peaked, Thea caught sight of Edith over the enemy's shoulder. Edith leaped with teeth and claws bared, aiming for the vulnerable nape of the titan.

Thea was certain they had him, but he pivoted instantly, as if he had an uncanny awareness of her every move. An angry growl escaped his throat as he swiftly countered. With a powerful swing, he single-handedly seized the hair on the top of her head in mid-air, halting her just a few human paces away from him.

Winding up his free hand for another strike, the enemy titan found himself interrupted by Edith, who thrust both her claws at his arm. It severed at the elbow between his plates, as if it were mere paper. Thea, ready to rush forward and separate them, halted upon realizing Edith was free. Their best chance lay in regrouping and taking him down together.

Edith, seemingly in agreement, hit the ground with the enemy titan's severed arm and swiftly darted away before he could release a kick that met nothing. Thea and Edith faced the enemy titan once more, readying themselves for the impending confrontation. Cautiously backing up, he formed a triangle between the three of them, darting looks at Thea, then at Edith, and back again.

Surveying the stadium, Thea felt the weight of the situation. Evacuation had cleared most of the citizens, but congested crowds remained at the exits. Transforming into a larger titan would give her a considerable advantage, but the potential harm to the citizens held her back. Just as Volkan couldn't intervene for the same reason, Thea couldn't risk unleashing the destructive force of a titan transformation.

Considering her options, Thea's attention snapped back when she noticed the enemy titan making a run for it. Running? The coward! Without hesitation, she and Edith gave chase. The enemy titan reached the arena wall and despite only having one arm, he effortlessly leaped to scale the wall, and climbed into the seats. Thea and Edith had to catch him before he could harm any civilians. Edith, faster in this pursuit, dug her claws into the rock-hard wall, climbing with an agility reminiscent of a monkey. Though Thea lagged behind, just before she ascended, something on the ground caught her eye—a warhammer that Egon had created during the final duel. Egon's decapitated titan lay steaming away on the other side of the stadium, but Thea had no time to dwell on it. Instinctively, she grabbed the hammer and carried it with her as she ascended the wall, staying right behind Edith and the fleeing enemy titan.

The enemy titan charged toward the stadium's outer edge, covering several rows of seats with each powerful stride. Edith managed to catch up, leaping to bite his nape once again. However, the enemy titan, reacting swiftly, didn't grab her hair this time. Instead, he delivered a powerful backfist to the side of her face, sending her soaring over multiple rows of seats like a spinning frisbee. Edith crashed down hard, rolling and bouncing until she finally came to a stop, sprawled over several empty seats. Anxiously, Thea observed her injured comrade, searching for signs of movement. Edith, somewhat wobbly, began crawling slowly toward Thea.

The enemy titan turned his attention back to the task at hand, sprinting up the seats toward the outer wall. Thea knew she had to intervene; Edith couldn't catch up at this rate, and the enemy titan was dangerously close to the stadium boundary, posing a threat to nearby crowds.

Making a quick decision, Thea rushed up the stair-like seats for a running start. Swinging Egon's hammer back, she hurled it with all her might at the enemy titan. The hammer spun wildly in the air, producing a woosh sound with each rotation. Just as the enemy titan reached the top row of seats and turned to face Thea, the hammer's head struck him squarely on what would have been the collarbone for a human. There was a resounding clang, a gasp of pain, and he stumbled back, losing his footing. Tripping over the side of the stadium wall headfirst, he tumbled down. A distant boom followed a second later, indicating his landing perhaps 50 meters down from the top.

Thea experienced a fleeting rush of satisfaction, quickly overshadowed by concern. He might have landed on people, and the threat was not over. She trotted over to Edith, who was still crawling uneasily, and effortlessly picked her up, swinging her around onto her back. Edith gripped Thea's shoulders tightly, riding piggy-back style without driving her deadly claws into Thea's flesh. Together, they hurried up the seats to where the enemy titan had fallen and peered over the edge.

There he lay on his back, seemingly motionless with closed eyes, yet it felt like he was staring at them. Spots of blood surrounded him, and crowds scattered away, indicating that he had crushed unsuspecting people trying to escape. Thea's heart sank, and the desire to once again break down and cry washed over her. However, she had to finish this. Taking a deep breath, Thea hopped over the wall, using her fingers to skid against it, creating sparks where her fingernails met titan crystal.

She landed crouched on her feet right next to the Armored Titan and swiftly lifted him by the shoulders to access his nape. The sight before her left her breathless. Sudden fear washed over her, and her legs turned to jelly. Her hands trembled as they clenched harder out of fury. There, in the center of his nape, was a small, distinctly human-sized hole, with a single stream of steam slithering up toward her face. He was gone.

Frantically, Thea examined the space around her as she released her grip. The limp titan's upper half fell back with a thud, and steam billowed from all over, announcing the onset of the decaying process. Amidst the chaos, people screamed and wailed—those who were still alive, desperately trying to escape the stadium. Thea's titan eyes seemed to squint instinctively, attempting to discern any sign of a black cloak in the mass panic, but the effort yielded nothing.

Glancing back over her shoulder at Edith, still on her back, Thea's titan received a blank stare in return. Titans couldn't change expressions, but if they could, Thea knew that her own would emit despair, hatred, fear, torment, and pain. A new enemy had emerged, one that had killed her friend, stolen her ability, terrorized her people, and she had let him slip away, learning nothing about him. The weight of the situation bore down on her, leaving Thea to grapple with the question: What was she going to do now?