Chapter 9

As we step into our humble abode, Taka is already engrossed in playtime with Carla. His eyes flicker up at our arrival, and he greets us with a nod. "You're back," he acknowledges.

Gloria wastes no time inquiring about Elizabeth. "Where's Elizabeth?" she asks, her concern evident in her tone.

Taka's response is brisk, his gaze distant. "She's returned to the Stammer Nation," he informs us. "We've got reports to compile for the Rumbling."

I can't help but question his absence from Valij. "Aren't you supposed to head back to Valij to relay the news?" I interject, prompting a weary sigh from Taka. "We've already conducted the report through an online meeting. Besides, someone's got to look after little Carla if I'm off gallivanting."

Carla's attempts to reach us tug at my heartstrings, and I watch as Gloria swoops in to embrace her daughter, their bond a beacon of warmth amidst the tension. With a silent agreement, Taka and I lead our guests into the living room.

"I'm sure you remember my sworn brother, Taka," I state, prompting Armin to inquire, "Since when did you and Taka become sworn brothers? What have you been doing in the Stammer Nation?"

"Cultivating barren lands," I reply, recalling the arduous task akin to our endeavors beyond Wall Maria and near the ocean. "It wasn't easy at first. Gloria and I were the only ones trying to till the soil on our own initially. Taka and Elizabeth were the first to join us. They utilized their phones to document our efforts, rallying Eldians and others from different nations to lend a hand. Their support allowed Gloria to take a much-needed rest, especially since she's pregnant with our child."

Taka interjects, affirming our bond. "Since then, Eren and I have been sworn brothers, and Elizabeth and Gloria are sworn sisters."

Mikasa's brow furrows. "How did you and Gloria get together..."

With a sigh, I recount the moment of disillusionment that led me to wander, seeking solace. Gloria approached me, revealing her intentions. Hailing from the Tybur family, she possessed a knack for negotiations, aiding me in unlocking the memories of Eldia's past rulers. Together, we embarked on a journey to negotiate peace with other nations. Our updates to the queen and our followers were transmitted through the paths before our arrival in Stammer and Valij, ensuring Historia, Floch, and others were privy to our endeavors.

"As I mentioned earlier, all nations have flat-out refused negotiations with us. Marley, in particular, remains an implacable foe, perpetuating our suffering even now," I assert. "Not content with mere refusal, they've resorted to deploying advanced weaponry capable of countering Titans, escalating hostilities beyond even our struggles to reclaim Wall Maria. While we wield the power of the Founder, it's effective solely against Eldians, leaving us vulnerable to their assaults."

"Why didn't you call for our aid then? We could have helped you defend against the enemy!" Mikasa challenges.

"Given Sasha's tragic demise and Armin's brush with death, I couldn't bear to burden you further," I admit with a furrowed brow. "And need I remind you of our disastrous infiltration into Marley? We were meant to blend in, yet what did you all do?"

Jean exhales heavily, acknowledging the chaos that ensued as Sasha, Hanji, and Connie caused a scene with the pickpocket, jeopardizing our mission.

"However, it's amidst those perilous moments that our bonds grew stronger, evolving into something more," I reminisce, a rare smile gracing my lips as I recall the journey. My companions are taken aback by this display of emotion, a sight seldom seen in their presence for some time.

"Why did you decide to return to Marley after accomplishing so much in Stammer and Valij Nations, only to wreak havoc in Liberio?" Armin probes.

"Our return was compelled by Gloria's ties to the War-Hammer Titan and the Tybur family," I explain, a tinge of frustration evident in my voice. "Her allegiance to Marley remained unchallenged, allowing us to operate under the guise of loyalty. However, Gloria's betrayal was never addressed, ensuring Marley continued to perceive her as an asset. We had to meticulously plan our return, concocting stories to explain her sudden pregnancy and my integration into the Marleyan military ranks."

The memory of our assault on Liberio weighs heavily on my conscience. "We launched the attack on Liberio, resulting in numerous casualties," I admit somberly. "Gloria was compelled to engage me in combat, masking her true intentions until we could make our escape aboard an airship. But her motivations were driven by a desire for vengeance against her own kin for her parents' deaths."

"Was such a drastic measure truly necessary, especially considering your plans for the Rumbling?" Jean questions, his tone edged with concern.

"The attack served multiple purposes, including buying us time and facilitating the capture of Zeke," I clarify. "Moreover, Gloria had to conceal her royal bloodline, lest it be detected by the other shifters."

Taka interjects, shedding light on our fortuitous escape. "We were indeed invited to the meeting, but thanks to Eren and Gloria's timely warning, our nations managed to evade the attack, ensuring Carla's safety in the process. This sanctuary remained hidden from the old regime, sparing us from enduring the same fate as the Anti-Marleyan volunteers' house arrest."

Armin's curiosity persists. "How did you manage to persuade the Anti-Marleyan Volunteers to assist you?"

"After Zachary's demise, we orchestrated a collective escape from imprisonment," I explain, my tone retaining a hint of detachment. "With the support of the populace, we rallied their aid to liberate the volunteers and divert the guards' attention. We presented them with a choice: compliance meant survival, while resistance led to their demise."

Armin's expression darkens at the mention of further bloodshed. "So, more lives lost..."

"Sometimes, sacrifice is unavoidable for the sake of our collective future," I assert, rising from my seat. "We must acknowledge that some are devoted to Zeke and Yelena's agenda, intent on our destruction."

As I prepare to depart, a pang of longing for my daughter Carla surges within me. "Despite my earlier harsh words, I've missed my daughter dearly," I admit, my voice softening slightly. "I may have been too blunt in calling you all weak, but I implore you to grasp the gravity of our world's circumstances and strive for strength."

Mikasa's insistence on accompanying me prompts the others to follow suit, their resolve evident as we venture forth together.

Outside the house, I spot Gloria seated on the grass, cradling Carla in her arms and humming a soft melody. As we approach, she gently passes the baby to me, and I instinctively begin to rock her back and forth.

"I assume you've filled them in on everything," Gloria remarks, her gaze warm yet searching.

"Yeah, from start to finish," I confirm, a sense of relief evident in my tone. "It's a rare treat to have a day off without the weight of responsibilities. The soldiers are occupied with aiding in the reconstruction efforts post the wall destruction."

"I'm grateful to finally taste the freedom we've fought so hard for," Gloria adds, her voice tinged with contentment.

Suddenly, we catch snippets of conversation nearby, recognizing the voices of the former Warriors. Armin begins to speak, but I quickly silence him with a gesture, indicating we listen in on their discussion.

As we eavesdrop on the conversation among the former Warriors, tensions rise with each word spoken.

"When Marcel fell that day, our initial plan was to return to Marley. But this fool here," one of them vents, presumably referring to Reiner, "insisted on provoking the Founding Titan, all in the pursuit of heroism. And now, thanks to him, Bertolt is gone, our powers stripped away. I'm itching to end him for what he's done to me... So, what's the plan now?"

"That sounds like Annie..." Jean mutters, a note of recognition in his voice. "So she's broken free from that crystal..."

"There's no plan except to fight until the bitter end," another voice declares, likely belonging to that commander who shot Zeke on top of the Cart Titan. We also hear familiar voices, there is Levi, who expresses his goal of killing Zeke. Hange's voice chimes in, advocating for cooperation to halt the impending Rumbling.

"It's... Hange and Levi," Armin breathes, his expression clouded with uncertainty. "Working with Marley..."

"And for that, I apologize once more to all of you," I sigh heavily, feeling the weight of my decisions bearing down on me. "I've voiced many reasons for my distrust, but this... this is the crux of it all. If you choose to join them and risk your lives for what seems inevitable, I won't stand in your way."

Mikasa's unwavering resolve pierces through the tension. "No, Eren. I've finally caught up to you, and I won't let you slip away again."

Armin's brow furrows in contemplation. "Without my Titan, I'm not sure how much help I can be now. But perhaps focusing on the present is the best course..."

Jean's declaration resonates with determination. "If you're not going, then count me out too."

My eyes widen briefly before closing, a solitary tear escaping. "I... I'm truly grateful that even now, you stand by my side."

As we step into the house, Falco's voice catches my attention. "Before we arrived here, Colt and I noticed a nearby house. Maybe we could ask for help from them?"

"Are you certain they'll be willing to assist us?" Colt queries.

"We won't know unless we try," Falco asserts optimistically.

I can't help but frown slightly. Falco may be a kind-hearted individual, but he's still an enemy Eldian. Despite my remorse for manipulating him and betraying his trust, I mustn't allow sentimentality to cloud my judgment. I've dedicated myself to our survival, and that requires making tough decisions, even if it means suppressing any pity I might feel.

As the doorbell rings, Armin remarks, "Someone's at the door?"

"Leave it to me," I declare, steeling myself as I prepare to open the door, concealing the wound on my hand. It's Falco, Colt, and Commander Hange standing before me. "Eren?" Hange gasps in surprise.

"It's Premier to you now," I respond curtly, my voice devoid of warmth. "What brings you here, and why are you in the company of Falco and Colt? Our adversary Eldians?"

Falco's plea cuts through the tension like a knife. "Eren Yeager, please... Do you truly need to initiate the Rumbling? You once said it yourself, we're all people, we're the same. Why must you resort to such extreme measures, risking the lives of countless innocents?"

Eren's expression softens momentarily, his gaze locking with Falco's earnest eyes. "Falco, you're a good-hearted kid, but our foremost concern is the safety of our island. Every decision we've made has led us to this pivotal moment."

"But what about the innocent people out there? Not everyone harbors hatred towards Eldians!" Falco implores, desperation evident in his voice. "Are you willing to sacrifice them too?"

"We strive to spare those we can," I interject, my voice tinged with resolve. "Yet, let's not forget that even on our island, there are innocents whose lives are under constant threat from Marley. My wife and I witnessed the deaths of our parents at the hands of Marleyan Titans."

"Wife?" Hange questions, confusion etched across her features, only for Gloria to step forward, standing resolutely by my side. "He's referring to me," she declares firmly.

"Gloria Tybur..." Colt's gasp echoes through the room, realization dawning upon him.

I'll end the chapter and the next chapter will be the continuation.