Chapter 7

(Gloria's POV)

In the vast expanse of the Paths, where time seems to lose its meaning, I find myself confronting Zeke, his form ensnared by chains that bind him within this ethereal realm. The weight of his presence stirs a mixture of emotions within me, and I can't help but question Eren's decision.

"Eren, did you seriously bring Zeke here as well?" My voice carries a hint of incredulity, a reflection of the disbelief swirling in my mind.

Eren's response is measured, his gaze unwavering. "I wasn't expecting Gloria Tybur to be dragged into this either." His tone is tinged with a hint of resignation, as if he too is grappling with the unexpected turn of events. "You were once our foe in the chaos of Liberio," Zeke interjects, his voice laden with a mix of accusation and curiosity. "What changed your allegiance? Why align with Eren now?"

My response comes easily, fueled by years of defiance and a fierce loyalty to my parents' ideals. "I've never stood with our other kin. My allegiance lies with my father and mother."

Eren's words resonate with defiance as he rejects Zeke's grim proposal. "Do you truly believe we would stoop to euthanizing our own people? Such a notion is absurd."

Zeke recoils, his desperation evident as he grasps for justification. "As long as Eldians exist, suffering will persist! Without the euthanization plan, the cycle of violence will endure!"

My voice cuts through the tension, injecting a perspective born of wisdom. "Even if Eldians were to vanish, the world's conflicts would endure. Marley's wars with the Mid-East nations attest to that truth."

Eren's revelation catches him off guard, his admission hanging heavy in the air. "And I've kept another secret from you. Gloria is my wife." The words linger, each syllable laden with significance. "You may hold the royal blood, Zeke, but Gloria has long relinquished the vow of war. You accuse me of being a pawn, but you've misjudged me."

Zeke's horror is palpable as he realizes the stark reality of his entrapment, his eyes widening in terror as he struggles against the physical chains binding him. Eren, undeterred by Zeke's fear, presses forward with unyielding determination. "Doubt me if you must, Zeke. But I'll show you the truth," he declares, his voice resonating with an unwavering resolve.

As Eren and Zeke vanish from sight, drawn into the depths of the Paths, time bends and distorts around them. It feels like mere moments before they return, though the weight of their absence hangs heavy in the air.

"Did you... manipulate Father into confronting the King of the Walls and the world?" Zeke's voice cuts through the tension, heavy with accusation and curiosity. "With the power of the Attack Titan, could you have selectively altered his memories, shaping the past to suit your desires? Father... Grisha hesitated in his quest for restoration. He knew he couldn't wield the Founding Titan's power, yet he still passed it on to you. What did he see in the future? What did you show him?"

As Zeke's words hang in the air, a tense silence envelops us. Eren's response is measured, tinged with gratitude. "This opportunity arose because of your actions, Zeke. I'm thankful for that," he acknowledges, his gaze fixed on his brother.

Zeke's voice trembles with uncertainty as he seeks clarity. "He warned me that things wouldn't unfold as I hoped, that only you would achieve your desires," he recalls, uncertainty flickering in his eyes.

"Or perhaps what we desire," I interject, stepping forward to join the conversation. "It's fortunate that I injected myself with the Owl's Spinal Fluid, allowing me to witness the future as Eren did. What a revelation it was."

As our attention shifts to Zeke's desperate plea to the Founder Ymir, the gravity of the situation becomes palpable. "Founder Ymir, make Eldians unable to reproduce anymore!" Zeke's voice echoes through the Paths, a last-ditch effort to alter the course of destiny. However, I know that such a plea falls on deaf ears. The power of the Founding Titan pulses around us, its influence tangible as we stand on the precipice of change.

"Founder Ymir, revoke that command!" My voice pierces the air, and Founder Ymir halts her movements. Eren and I approach her, enveloping her in a hug. "Founder Ymir, you are not a slave, nor a god. You are simply a person. As the one with royal blood, I will issue the final command," I declare.

Our decree is clear: the Nine Titans are to be under our control—mine, Eren's, and of course, Taka's. Despite being the representative of the Valij Nation, Taka is one of us, an Eldian at heart. He and Eren share a bond stronger than blood, forged through their tireless efforts to reclaim barren lands.

Our newly formed Eldia Nation, as we now choose to call ourselves, has engaged in extensive discussions with the Hizuru, Stammer, and Valij nations regarding our Rumbling plan. Though I couldn't attend due to my pregnancy with Carla, after months of negotiations, agreements were reached. Eren will wield the powers of the Colossal, Attack, and Founding Titans, while Taka will command the Beast, Armored, and Jaw Titans. As for me, I will harness the abilities of the Cart, War Hammer, and Female Titans. Our curse will be revoked, and the Titan powers will dissipate upon our natural deaths.

Regarding the Colossal Titans within the walls, a decision is made: the Titans of Wall Rose and Sina will vanish without a trace, while those of Wall Maria will be directed toward nations unwilling to align with us.

The Pure Titans, too, will be restored to their human forms. However, we will task the Yeagerists, now known as the National Military, with apprehending them. These transformed individuals will be given a choice: retire peacefully or join our cause.

That concludes our current plan. As we stand on the cusp of unprecedented change, the future of Eldia lies in our hands, guided by our shared vision for a better world.

(Armin's POV)

As we stand on the brink of striking down the Cart Titan, a sudden gasp escapes our lips as the walls around us begin to crumble and collapse. We watch in horror as the hardened materials cascade to the ground, sending shockwaves of dust rippling through the air.

"What was that?" Mikasa's voice cuts through the chaos, her tone laced with uncertainty.

"He did it... Eren did it..." I gasp, my heart pounding in my chest. "The Rumbling has begun! He's mobilizing the Titans to crush the global alliance assembling in Marley. He's fulfilling his mission!"

"Eren... he's returned to us?" Mikasa's disbelief is palpable, echoing my own shock. But amidst the chaos, a chilling realization dawns upon me.

"Wait a second. What's happening? This is excessive," I mutter, my mind racing to comprehend the unfolding events. "All the walls are falling, even Wall Maria! But he doesn't need all these Titans to attack Marley. It's overkill! He could have just used the Titans around Shiganshina. There's no reason to give up the walls completely. Not if the plan is simply to neutralize the global alliance in Marley. So why..."

"Our target is not solely Marley," Eren's voice echoes in my mind, catching me off guard.

"Eren? What's going on?" I question, but instead of his response, Gloria's voice fills my thoughts. "Wall Rose and Wall Sina's Titans have vanished into thin air. However, we're unleashing all the Titans in Wall Maria against the nations that refuse to join our alliance."

"I'm sorry, Armin," Eren's voice interjects, the weight of his words sinking in. "But we're stripping all Titan powers from the shifters, including you." A surge of electricity courses through my body, and I realize with a sinking feeling that my Titan abilities are fading away.

As the voices fade, I turn to see the shock and confusion mirrored on the faces of the other Titan shifters. The realization dawns upon us all: something momentous is unfolding, and we are merely pawns in a much larger game.

(Eren's POV)

Staring at Zeke's unconscious form, Gloria and I exchange a silent nod, a tacit agreement passing between us. We know what must be done. Gathering our own Eldian Military, we swiftly apprehend all Marleyan forces and remnants of the old military regime who have imbibed the wine laced with Spinal Fluid that we managed to save. Once the task is complete, exhaustion weighs heavily upon us, and we lower ourselves to the ground, tending to our own wounds.

A helicopter descends from the sky, and Taka and Elizabeth emerge, their presence a reassuring sight amidst the chaos.

"Eren, Gloria, I presume the plan has been set into motion?" Elizabeth inquires, her tone tinged with anticipation.

"Yes, the Titans have begun their march, and we've issued warnings to Eldians outside the allied nations," Gloria confirms, her voice steady despite the weariness etched into her features.

"I've felt it too. The Titan power coursing through my veins... It's surreal," Taka adds, a sense of wonder evident in his voice.

"I trust your flying vessels will safely transport innocent civilians to the new land we've secured?" I question, seeking reassurance amidst the uncertainty.

"The preparations are underway. We're ready to execute the plan," Elizabeth assures us, her determination unwavering.

As they move to escort us onto the helicopter, our progress is halted by the sudden appearance of Mikasa, Armin, Jean, and Connie.

"Wait, Eren! Gloria!" Armin's voice cuts through the air, filled with urgency and concern.

Turning to face them, I let out a resigned sigh. "What is it now?"

In a moment of desperation, Connie seizes my collar, his voice a mix of anguish and accusation. "Is this it? Is this why you betrayed us? Is this why Sasha had to die?"

"Yes, Sasha's death was inevitable. No matter what I tried," I respond solemnly. "I've returned all Titans to their human forms, including your mother, Connie. I suggest you return to your village and find her."

Connie releases his grip, a mixture of laughter and tears escaping him. Gloria interjects, her tone firm. "Eren, we have pressing matters to attend to. Make it quick."

I nod in acknowledgment, understanding the need for brevity in our exchange. However, Jean's voice breaks through the tension, his inquiry demanding an explanation for our actions.

"The last time we spoke, Armin ended up battered and you left Mikasa injured! We deserve to know your motives," Jean asserts, his tone tinged with frustration.

"I never laid a hand on Mikasa. I merely spoke the truth – their resolve has faltered," I clarify, my tone unwavering. "Right now, the safety of my wife and daughter takes precedence, and I won't tolerate any threats against them. Armin initiated the violence."

"Why resort to such extreme measures? Why embark on this path alone, without consulting us?" Mikasa's question hangs heavy in the air, demanding justification.

"As I've said before, in a world where our adversaries are no longer Titans, strength and sacrifice are essential," I respond resolutely. "I've been granted glimpses of the future, and I refuse to witness another tragedy like Sasha's death, after countless failed attempts to prevent it."

Gloria interjects, her voice firm yet tempered with urgency. "As much as we'd like to continue this discussion, we have pressing matters to attend to in Capital Mitras. There's a military meeting that requires our immediate presence. You're welcome to join us and contribute, or you can choose to stay out of our way. The choice is yours."

After we enter the helicopter, all I want is to quickly finish the military meeting and quickly meet Historia and my daughter Carla.

Here is a new chapter, and in this chapter, the Rumbling has activated but in a slightly different way. I hope you like this chapter and the next chapter will be the military meeting and other things.