Chapter 1

"We're pleading for aid for the displaced Ymir's subjects scattered across nations! These refugees are innocent, not a single one of them chose to be Eldians, nor should they be blamed for the Eldian Empire's sins. They're just victims, forced into existence by the cruel machinations of the Eldian Empire! It's the devils on that cursed island who deserve our wrath, always have, always will! Those devils who fled to that island a century ago are the true enemies we must condemn! Our enemies are the devils on that island!"

The Eldians' discourse echoes like a haunting melody, a reflection of my own memories. Does this mean our path is predestined, unchangeable? I can't bring myself to fully trust my comrades anymore. Going against the military might be necessary, but what other options do we have?

I rise from my seat, exiting the meeting room. There's no point in lingering; I already know the outcome. Just as I step outside, a voice pierces the air, "Leaving your friend behind, huh? You sure that's the best move?"

I pivot to see a girl leaning against a tree. I fix her with a scrutinizing gaze and respond, "Who are you, and what do you want?"

"Eren Yeager, the holder of the Founding Titan that Marley has been trying to get their hands on," the girl remarks, her smirk evident. "To think the devil has ventured into Marley's territory. If anyone uncovers the truth, your life won't be spared."

Her words sting with a hint of mockery, goading me. I retort, "And what if I am? What's your plan? Expose me to Marley's atrocities and watch me get devoured?"

"If that were to happen, it would only exacerbate matters. My apologies for not introducing myself earlier. I am Gloria Tybur."

"Tybur, huh... so you're from the family with the War Hammer Titan?" I inquire, suspicion lacing my tone. "The esteemed Eldians who live in opulent mansions while the rest of us suffer."

"So, that's the impression you have of us," Gloria acknowledges, a flicker of irritation crossing her features before she composes herself. "Yes, we are indeed who you perceive us to be, which is precisely why I sought to approach you."

She casts a quick glance around before suggesting, "How about we continue our conversation at my house? It'll provide us with a more private setting."

Despite my lingering skepticism, the prospect of getting closer to the War Hammer Titan's family is too tempting to pass up. Perhaps I can exploit this opportunity to steal their powers before they decide to turn against us. Yet, doubts linger. How can I be sure this girl won't betray me? The memories offer no insight into her intentions. Could they be flawed?

As we reach the house, I notice the absence of guards, and the modest appearance of the building surprises me. Detecting my skepticism, Gloria explains, "I see you're taken aback. This isn't actually my residence. It belonged to the Eldian Restorationists until they were betrayed. Now, it's under the Tybur Family's control. Here, we can converse without fear of eavesdropping."

"Why are you doing this? What's your endgame?" I inquire, puzzled. "Why go to such lengths to assist me?"

Gloria's expression turns grave as she extends her hand, revealing a small cut that quickly heals. "Just as you suspected, I am the War Hammer Titan. It was meant for my aunt, but I took matters into my own hands. I injected myself with the serum and coerced them to feed me the War Hammer Titan. My family believes it was a tragic accident, but the truth is, I desired the War Hammer Titan for myself."

My eyes widen in astonishment. "But you're aware of the curse, right? You'll only have 13 years to live. Why take such a risk?"

"My parents vanished when I was young," Gloria explains, her voice tinged with bitterness. "My uncle Willy told me they perished serving Marley in a war. I believed it until I stumbled upon this place and unearthed hidden books, revealing the truth. My parents were Eldian Restorationists, exiled to Paradis and never seen again."

"Even the Tybur family supported the Eldian Restorationists?" I interject, struggling to comprehend. "What drove your parents to join them?"

"They were influenced by my maternal aunt," Gloria discloses. "I later discovered that both my mother and aunt are descendants of the Eldian King. Which means that I am also Royal Blood."

The revelation leaves me breathless, and Gloria extends her hand towards me. "If you doubt me, touch my hand. You'll see the truth for yourself. And don't worry about inadvertently activating the Rumbling. Only someone with royal blood can command the power, unless that bloodline is embodied within a Pure Titan."

Her words resonate within me, sparking a realization. I don't necessarily need Zeke to initiate the Rumbling. Even if I betray my comrades to deceive Zeke and Yelena, their plans might still unfold as long as Zeke, with his royal blood, remains in control. With newfound resolve, I grasp Gloria's hand, and suddenly, we're engulfed in a whirlwind of sand, transported to an unknown location.

"What is this place?" I inquire, my voice filled with wonder and confusion.

Gloria responds, her tone solemn, "This is the Paths. Do you see that girl over there?"

We both observe a young girl with a bucket, seemingly shaping the sand into Titans. I recognize her immediately. "Is that... Founder Ymir?"

Gloria nods. "Yes, she's been trapped here for 2000 years. Isn't it a tragic fate?"

"My goal is to liberate the world from the terror of Titans," Gloria continues, determination in her voice. "And now that you're here, we can achieve that by freeing Ymir."

I recoil slightly. "Wait a minute. If we release her now, our island will be condemned, and I won't allow that to happen!"

"I understand," Gloria acknowledges. "I've been working undercover as an Anti-Marleyan Volunteer, and after spending time with your people, I've come to realize that the world is fundamentally misguided. Especially after an incident three years ago... I had a glimpse of the future, of how you activated the Rumbling and met your demise at the hands of your comrades."

"You... had a vision too?" I ask incredulously.

"It's strange, isn't it? I believe it might be due to the serum I injected myself with, granting me the powers of the Attack Titan," Gloria explains. "I witnessed the same future as you, and I understand your despair over the seeming inevitability of fate. That's why I want to aid you in changing it."

And how do you propose to change it? What about the consequences for your family if they discover your involvement?" I press on.

"After what they did to my parents, I no longer consider them family," Gloria responds firmly. "But gaining their trust is essential for my survival, especially given the prejudice against Eldians and immigrants that you've witnessed. It may sound selfish, but survival has been my primary concern."

I regard her skeptically. "And why should I assist you with your plans?"

Gloria's smirk widens. "How about this? Founder Ymir, I command you to lift the 13-year curse from both Eren and me!"

Suddenly, a radiant energy envelops my body, filling me with newfound vitality. I glance over at Gloria and see the same transformation occurring. She grins triumphantly. "There, the curse will no longer afflict us, so we won't face death in five years. However, this exemption may not apply to other shifters."

"Wait, is that really that easy?" I ask, "If that's the case, why didn't the past Founder shifter do that?"

"Maybe because they treat this as a religious belief, and I have to admit that after the Great Titan War, King Karl Fritz has the Vow of renouncing war that prevents the shifters from lifting the curse." Gloria shrugs, "Anyway, now that I lift your curse, will you help me now?"

"What exactly is your plan?" I inquire, needing clarity.

"What do you think? Weren't you sent to Marley to establish diplomatic ties with other nations?" Gloria responds. "With both of us possessing the power of the Founding Titan, we can defend ourselves, and perhaps other countries might be willing to negotiate with us first. However, there's also the inherent risk due to our status as Eldians."

I ponder her words, realizing that my next course of action might involve infiltrating the Marleyan military. Perhaps this alliance could aid in that endeavor. "Should we seek assistance from Commander Hange and the others?"

Gloria hesitates. "Considering the future, I don't entirely trust them. While I may be able to place some faith in you and your Yeagerists, the military is a different story."

"Why's that?" I question, puzzled by her lack of trust.

"Think about it," Gloria urges, her tone serious. "Didn't you witness the future? They're willing to sacrifice you to be devoured by one of their own Titans. Do you want that fate now that I've freed you from the curse?"

Her words strike a chord within me. Betraying my comrades for the sake of our island's survival is a daunting prospect, yet I can't ignore the logic behind her argument. Reluctantly, I find myself agreeing with her assessment.

With determination coursing through me, I implore Gloria to summon Historia and Floch, two of my most trusted comrades, into the Paths. As they materialize before us, Historia's eyes widen in recognition. "Eren? Is that really you?"

"What kind of place is this? And who is she?" Floch demands, his voice laced with suspicion. "Weren't you with Commander Hange and the others in Marley?"

Stepping forward, Gloria bows respectfully. "Your Highness, there's no need to fear me. You may recognize me from my time among the Marleyan volunteers. However, my true identity is Gloria Tybur. I currently hold the power of the War Hammer Titan and possess royal blood. I'm the one who granted Eren the ability to bring you into the Paths."

I interject, addressing Historia and Floch directly. "The Tybur Family has a dark history of betrayal against Eldia. They conspired with the first Reiss King to bring Titans to Marley and forced our people to remain on Paradis Island. However, before you pass judgment on Gloria, it's important to understand her backstory. Her birth parents were killed for their involvement with the Eldian Restorationists. Gloria remained with her traitorous family solely to acquire the power of the War Hammer Titan."

Historia and Floch exchange skeptical glances, unsure of what to make of Gloria's sudden appearance and her claims. Gloria steps forward, addressing their doubts. "Three years ago, I experienced a vision similar to Eren's. I understand that activating the Rumbling might be inevitable. However, I also believe that there's a chance for us to negotiate with other nations, and I wish to have Eren by my side in those discussions."

Floch turns to me, his expression grave. "Can we trust her? What if this is a ploy to devour you and seize your powers?"

I meet Floch's gaze steadily. "She saved me from the Titan curse, ensuring that we won't face death in six years. If she were truly our enemy, there would be no reason for her to do that."

Historia looks thoughtful before she speaks. "I see... However, if you intend to negotiate with other nations, why not involve the Scouts? Why just the two of you?"

Gloria maintains her composure. "Our negotiations must remain clandestine, or our efforts may be futile."

Eren adds, "It aligns with the strategy I've discussed with you both. Bringing the Scouts could complicate matters unnecessarily."

"Understood..." Historia's expression is pensive, her brow furrowing slightly.

As they prepare to conclude the conversation and return Historia and Floch to their world, Eren poses a question, "So, how do we reach the other nations?"

"Through the utilization of the Founder's powers, naturally," Gloria responds confidently. Just as they exit the Paths, they find themselves in another land. Eren is taken aback. "Was it really that simple?"

"You mustn't underestimate the might of the Founding Titan," Gloria remarks with a smirk. "Now, let's proceed. We have a mission to fulfill."

With determination in her eyes, Gloria takes hold of Eren's hand, signaling their departure and the beginning of their journey to negotiate with other nations.

Welcome to my another Attack on Titan story, I have read a lot of Eren and Marley reader fanfics, however, I have never seen one with Eren and OC Tybur fanfic that is the Tybur Family joining Eren's side. So I try to do that and I hope you like it.