Chapter 6
(Armin's POV)
As the tension fills the air in the cramped cell, Connie's frustration boils over, his words tinged with anger and helplessness. "So? All we can do is sit here while it all plays out?"
Mr. Braus offers me a tea, a small gesture of comfort in the midst of turmoil.
"Armin, could you bust out of here as a Titan?" Connie asks, his voice edged with desperation. I take a sip of tea before replying, "No. I'd just destroy the city. Unlike Eren's Titan, the Colossal Titan can't do something that precise."
Glancing at Mikasa, who still appears shaken, I feel a pang of guilt. Jean interjects, his tone sharp with curiosity, "So? Why did Eren beat you to a pulp? It's about time you tell us?"
"I attacked him first, which is why he fought back," I respond, trying to keep my explanation concise.
"And why is Mikasa shaken like this?" Jean presses further, his concern evident.
Frowning slightly, I recall the events that transpired. Connie interjects, his frustration palpable, "Forget it, Jean. We already know that he's a total piece of shit. Now he's lost his mind and hurt the two people he should care about most."
I shake my head, attempting to diffuse the escalating tension. "Stop it, Connie. You're only making the situation worse."
As the room fills with tension, Mikasa's quiet mutterings catch Jean's attention. "Why... why wouldn't he tell us... why would he marry her and even have a child... why would I say those words..." she murmurs, her words barely audible.
Jean, sensing Mikasa's distress, presses for clarification. "What does Mikasa mean by that?"
I let out a heavy sigh, recognizing that it was time to reveal the full truth. "I think it's time to tell you the full story. You see—"
But before I can continue, Gloria makes a sudden appearance, accompanied by the Anti-Marleyan Volunteers. "Eren and I have been married," she declares boldly, her words hanging in the air with a weighty significance.
I gasp in disbelief, my expression a mix of shock and confusion. "G-Gloria?"
"It was supposed to be Yelena who came to meet up with you, however, let's say that Yelena is no longer able to see the light again," Gloria explains, her smirk hinting at a darker truth beneath her words.
The revelation sends a ripple of unease through our group, leaving us to wonder about Yelena's fate and the implications of Gloria's statement. Connie, unable to contain his frustration, lashes out at Onyankopon, demanding release. "Hey! You're on their side, too? Let us out!" he shouts, his anger palpable.
Onyankopon's response is cool and collected. "That's a lot to ask, considering you guys put me on house arrest. Just sit quiet and behave for the time being," he retorts, his words carrying a sense of resignation.
Connie's glare intensifies, but before he can respond, Jean interjects with the burning question on everyone's mind. "What do you mean you and Eren are married?" he asks, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Gloria responds, "Let's say I was the one who brought Eren away from you guys because I understand both Zeke's plan and Eren's intentions. However, neither plan aligns with our own goals, and Eren agrees with me. Everything has unfolded as we intended. Raiding Marley and garnering support were part of our strategy. While the wine plot was Zeke's idea, we can still leverage it to our advantage."
Jean glares at her, questioning, "So, now that Eldia and the Founding Titan are yours, you're planning to crush Marley and avenge your homelands. Is that the real reason you came to this island?"
Onyankopon interjects, "This island was underdeveloped when we arrived. We've helped modernize it."
Nicolo adds, "So you and your associates could enjoy its benefits. Once in control, correct?"
Gloria's voice carries a bitter edge as she continues, "You're right. We do seek to rule Eldia, but not out of greed. We believe it's what's best for our people. Neither of you truly comprehends how the world treats Eldians. Furthermore, I'm here to save Eren myself. You've been friends with him for years, but do you truly understand his despair? Can you grasp the weight of knowing he only has five years left to live? Have you considered the consequences if negotiations with other nations fail? Eren has borne these burdens for four long years. But what about you? Have you made any real effort to effect change?"
Jean steps forward, frustration and determination etched on his face. "You make it sound like we haven't tried. We've been fighting for this island for years, risking our lives every step of the way. Do you really think we haven't thought about the consequences?"
Gloria meets Jean's gaze with unwavering resolve. "Fighting isn't the same as making a real difference. You're accustomed to battling Titans, but I blame Marley for sending them to this island. Have you considered that Titans and humans aren't so different when they both seek our demise? Is it acceptable to let children and innocents perish at the hands of humans while condemning Titans?"
Connie retorts, "What could an outsider possibly know more than us?" I sigh inwardly at his shortsightedness, but Gloria remains unfazed.
"I brought Eren into the outside world with hopes of negotiating peace with other nations," Gloria explains. "It's something you've talked about but failed to act upon. Apart from Hizuru, we've secured two ally nations to support us. And we don't necessarily need Zeke for Royal Titan Blood."
Jean seeks clarification, "What do you mean?"
With a frown, I interject, "Gloria possesses royal blood, just like Zeke."
The revelation sends shock rippling through the room, leaving us all momentarily speechless. Gloria, sensing the tension, redirects the conversation. "Neither of us intends to pursue Zeke's plan. Do you understand what it entails? It's called the Euthanization plan. Zeke seeks to halt the birth of Eldian children."
"Halt the birth of Eldian children?" I echo, my surprise evident.
"Yes," Gloria confirms, her tone solemn. "Zeke believes that by eliminating Eldians from future generations, the suffering caused by Titans will vanish from the world. However, I oppose this notion due to its countless uncertainties. And as for Eren's plan, it's the Full Rumbling, which entails annihilating everyone beyond this island. Yet, Eren himself is also against this course of action."
"The Full Rumbling is extreme. If Eren is against it, why pursue it at all?" I interject, seeking clarity.
"The Attack Titan possesses the ability to glimpse into the future," Gloria explains. "Eren believed it was the only viable path, as nothing had altered the outcome prior to your arrival in Marley. He thought he had to provoke your animosity, making it easier for you to kill him during the Rumbling and thereby end the cycle of Titan powers."
My anger flares at the thought. "Did he truly believe we'd have the resolve to end his life? Was that why he seemed indifferent to Sasha's death? To drive a wedge between us, making it easier for us to turn against him?"
Gloria's words hang heavy in the air, laden with sincerity and a hint of sadness. "You may not believe me, but I truly do love Eren. You each have your own history with him, but so do I."
As she speaks, the ground trembles above us, a harbinger of impending chaos. Gloria's gaze shifts toward the door, her expression resigned. "The time has come. Onyankopon, Marley's military has arrived. I must go to assist Eren and ensure his safety."
Onyankopon acknowledges her with a solemn nod, understanding the gravity of the situation. With a final glance at us, Gloria departs, her departure signaling the beginning of a tumultuous chain of events.
"It's begun," I murmur, my tone heavy with anticipation and apprehension.
(Gloria's POV)
As I join the fray atop the tower, I'm met with the sight of Eren locked in a fierce battle with Reiner, his Titan form emanating fury. Without hesitation, I hurl a hardened spear at Reiner, aiming to disrupt his attack. Simultaneously, projectiles from Zeke's direction rain down upon our adversary, further complicating the battlefield.
Reiner's expression twists in shock at the unexpected intervention. Meanwhile, Zeke's voice echoes through the chaos, belatedly arriving but resolute in its support. "Gloria Tybur," Reiner mutters, evidently taken aback by my presence.
With Zeke's arrival, the battle takes on a new dynamic. While he engages the Cart Titan, I turn my focus to the Jaw Titan, joining forces with Eren to confront our relentless foe. Utilizing the power of hardening, I strive to restrain the two Titans, buying us precious moments in the heat of combat.
As Eren emerges from his Titan's nape, I immediately inquire about his condition. "Eren... are you alright?" I ask, concern evident in my tone.
"I'm fine," he assures me, his voice firm despite the chaos surrounding us. "You've finally come. We've lost some soldiers from the armored train and the air attack."
Concern gnaws at me as I inquire about the safety of our comrades. "Where is Carla and the representatives?" I press, eager for reassurance amidst the tumult of battle.
"They are fine," Eren responds, his words offering a measure of relief. "Since it's a sneak attack, they're still working on getting the weapons ready."
As the tide of battle begins to turn in our favor, I nod in acknowledgment of Eren's assurance about Carla and the representatives. However, my attention is soon drawn to the spectacle unfolding in the sky, where Zeke's devastating rock throwing takes down the Marleyan airships with precision. The arrival of soldiers wielding weapons from Stammer adds another layer to our counterattack, marking a significant shift in momentum.
Reiner's bewildered inquiry cuts through the chaos, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Why... why would you help him..."
I release a heavy sigh, my resolve unwavering in the face of his questioning. "I am not like my deceased family members. I hate Marley with all my heart," I declare, my voice carrying the weight of years of resentment and determination. With purposeful intent, I fashion another arrow and bow, taking aim at Reiner.
Despite the Jaws Titan's ferocious retaliation, its bite tearing through my arm, I refuse to falter. Instead, my arm morphs into a formidable weapon, transforming into a hammer that delivers a punishing blow, sending Reiner crashing to the ground.
Amidst the chaos of battle, another unexpected development unfolds: the soldiers who were once imprisoned join the fray, their presence bolstering our ranks. It's clear that Armin's persuasive efforts have borne fruit, as Onyankopon and the others have chosen to release them, recognizing the urgency of the situation.
Yet, amidst our apparent victory over Galliard and Reiner, a new challenge arises. Zeke, our ally, has fallen to the ground, his vulnerability exposed. With Eren moving to aid him, Reiner intercedes, determined to thwart our efforts.
As Zeke prepares to unleash his devastating scream, the desperate pleas of Colt echo through the chaos, his words resonating with a raw urgency. Eren and I are momentarily stunned by the revelation, though it confirms our suspicions about Falco's precarious situation.
"Wait! Falco got some spinal fluid in his mouth! Please don't scream, Zeke!" Colt's impassioned appeal pierces through the tension, his desperation palpable as he beseeches Zeke to withhold his devastating power.
"I'm inheriting the Beast to keep my family from being sent to paradise! To be honest, I rarely understand you, even before you betrayed us! But I don't think you're someone who'd drag kids into this! I'm not saying you should just lie down and die! But wait until Falco's out of range of your scream! After that, slaughter away! Kill as many Eldians and Marleyans as you want! Don't drag my brother into this!" Colt's words are a fervent plea, driven by a fierce determination to protect his family, even in the face of impending catastrophe.
Zeke, his resolve unyielding, offers a solemn acknowledgment of Colt's sentiments. "Colt, only too well do I understand the feelings for one's brother. So it's a shame," he murmurs, poised to unleash his power despite the heart-wrenching plea.
But in a swift and decisive move, I step forward, recognizing the gravity of the situation. With a resolute determination, I raise my voice, knowing the sacrifice that must be made to avert further tragedy. "I'll do it," I declare, bracing myself to unleash the scream, to save Falco from a fate he does not deserve.
As Colt and Falco make their swift escape, relief washes over me knowing they are out of harm's way. Turning back to face Reiner and Galliard, determination fuels my every move as I prepare to end this battle once and for all.
But amidst the chaos, another Anti-Titan shell finds its mark, striking Zeke with brutal force. With a sense of urgency, I act quickly, hurling a hardened spear towards the Cart Titan and Commander Magath, determined to neutralize any remaining threats.
The spear connects with devastating accuracy, piercing the Cart Titan's armor and throwing Commander Magath off balance. Meanwhile, Armin and the others seize the opportunity to launch their own assault against the weakened Cart Titan, their coordinated efforts adding to the onslaught against our adversaries.
"Eren! It's time, do it now!" I call out, urgency lacing my words as I urge Eren to unleash the power of the Founding Titan. With a decisive nod, Eren reaches out, his hand meeting mine, and in that moment, we are transported once more into the mysterious realm of the paths.
Here is a new chapter, and in this chapter, you can see that the battle chapter will end in the next chapter. I hope you like it.