Author's Note: Sorry this chapter took so long to upload, I was waiting for you guys to give me some suggestions for what song lyrics to feature in this two-parter. Nobody gave me any so I decided to go with my original choices. (Except for one) The songs I've chosen will be listed in the chapter itself in case you wanna play them in the background as you read along, which I highly recommend for full enjoyment. I hope you'll have fun reading this chapter as much as I had fun writing it.
Attack On Titan: Wings Of Crystal
Chapter 61: The Greatest Show Part 1
After spending almost the whole day doing nothing but gorging herself on foreign food, Gabi found herself dozing off on Michael's sofa, completely unaware that it was nightfall outside and everyone else was at the square to get ready for what may be the greatest show of all time.
Michael made her a hot cup of tea to help settle her stomachache. It appeared to have worked too well for his liking, as she ended up passing out right on the sofa.
He sat by her side the whole time as she slept for what felt like hours when it had only been 20 minutes. Looking down at her cute, innocent – of a sort – face brought a smile out of him. He was pleased she and her friends had a proper chance to have fun and act like kids for once. They deserved it for all their hard work. No child should be forced to grow up too fast and become a soldier. They should act their age and grow and mature over time. That's the kind of world he and Lazarus want to create for future generations. A world where Titans are no longer feared, and the old ways of the Eldian Empire and Marley are a thing of the past.
Although he and Lazarus have similar goals, Michael can't see Lazarus's way as a guaranteed win for all parties. The moment the power of the Titans disappears, Marley will go back on their word and kill Lazarus and all he cares about once his curse is lifted. He cannot let that happen. He looks down at Gabi again before staring at the shield necklace around his neck.
"Eren. Zeke. Lazarus. And myself. We all have the same objective, but very different means of completing it. If Laz's vision is true, Eren will achieve peace by destroying the rest of the world. Genocide is NOT the answer! There's only one other way to save everyone. MY way… That's why this ritual has to work. Grandfather, you once set me down the path of finishing what you started to save us. Now it's my turn to do the same for Gabi. She's not my blood, but she has a fighting spirit as strong as mine. I can't think of anyone I trust more to carry the responsibility of the Crystal Titan." He places his hand on her head. "Hopefully you won't go through the same hardships my ancestors and I went through when inheriting our Titan."
Gabi shudders in response to Michael's touch and stirs in her sleep until she awakes from her temporary evening nap.
"Hey, kiddo. You feeling alright?" He softly asked.
Gabi rubs her eyes to help them adjust to the brightness of the light hanging from the ceiling. She takes a look around and realises that she isn't at her home or the street anymore. She'd never been to Michael's house before. Hell, she'd never been to Odiha before. She could tell it was Odiha from the nice view outside the window of the sparkling sea and the rising full moon.
"What happened? I remember eating so much and feeling sick. Next thing I knew I was being dragged back by Reiner… How'd I get here?" She asked in between yawns.
"I offered to carry you back since Reiner was busy with other stuff. I brought you to my house because I wanted to have a serious discussion with you before what happens next." He explained slowly, making sure she understood what he was talking about. "Lazarus and my dad will be along shortly. Once they get here, we will begin the ceremony.
"Ceremony? For what?"
Michael helped sit Gabi up properly on the sofa. She was starting to feel better now. That nap helped her stomach digest all that food she scoffed down. She made a promise to herself to never be such a glutton again if she ever pulled through the painful stomach aches.
"You remember that day at the clock tower I asked you what you really thought about Paradis and its people?" Gabi slowly nodded, wondering what this was really about. "Well, there was a reason why I asked you that question."
Michael stands up from the sofa and walks over to the window. He gazes out at the town whose windows are all lit up. Many people were walking through the streets towards Liberio to get the best seats for the performance. Gabi was confused by Michael's behaviour. She started to worry she might have let him down in some way.
"Michael, are you upset with me for letting Falco beat me today?" She asked with a slight hesitation in her voice.
"Not at all. On the contrary, I'm kind of relieved." Michael turns to face her, reassuring her it has nothing to do with today. He could see her quirking an eyebrow at him, feeling both confused and annoyed. He takes a deep breath and decides to stop building it up and straight up tell her. They don't have much time until the show starts.
"Gabi… I want you to let Falco surpass you and inherit the Armoured Titan in your place." He squints his face upon finishing that sentence, prepping himself for her rage-filled yelling.
"WHAT?! You want me to let Falco win?! What the hell are you saying?! Did you drink too much or something?! Only a drunken idiot would tell me to quit when it was you who told me to train my hardest!"
Michael lets loose a long sigh. Just as he'd predicted, she's jumping to conclusions without letting him finish. He snaps his fingers and a piece of crystal fabric forms over Gabi's mouth, shutting her up. This only fuelled the young Warrior candidate's anger, forcing her to run up to Michael and unleash a flurry of punches at him. Fortunately, Michael was able to hold her back with his longer arms, holding a hand on her forehead.
"If you would let me finish. The reason I want you to give up on becoming the next Armour is because I have a bigger responsibility for you… I want you to succeed me as the next Crystal Titan!" He practically yelled that last part, hoping it'd snap her out of her blind tantrum.
And it seemed to have worked. Gabi eased up and backed away from her mentor. She tried to speak but the gag wouldn't come off no matter how much she pulled on it. Michael snaps his fingers again and the gag fades into dust, allowing her to talk.
"You- Wh- What?! The Crystal Titan? Bu- But I thought you said only those of your blood can harness it. I'm not an Ackerman. How can I be your successor if I'm not built for it?" She questioned him whilst still trying to process the gravitas of what he's asked of her.
Before Michael was about to explain his plan, they were startled by the sounds of the front door being unlocked. The door gently swings open with Erwin being the first to enter. Lazarus followed after him. Gabi was even more shocked to see them once she learned that they were a part of this plan.
"Did you do it?" Lazarus asked his friend.
"Almost. She's ingested my spinal fluid, but I still need to give her a blood transfusion."
"What?! When did you-
Gabi slowly glances over her right shoulder to the small coffee table in front of the sofa and the empty cup of tea resting atop it. It didn't take a genius to figure out that Michael added his spinal fluid to the tea before she drank it all. "No wonder it tasted off", she thought to herself.
"If it makes you feel better, Lazarus pulled that same stunt with me back on Paradis." Michael attempted to ease her conscience but to no avail.
Gabi kicks him in the leg to get back at him for tampering with a little girl's drink. Once she was keen on listening, Erwin and Lazarus helped Michael explain the plan he told them at the train station on why they wanted her to become the next Crystal Titan. They only told her the important details to save time for the show. They couldn't afford to be late as they had an important part in it.
Once Gabi got the gist of it, she inevitably agreed to the blood transfusion. She and Michael were hooked up to a homemade blood-pumping machine constructed out of Titan crystal. It was powered by gears and Titan energy. The process was uncomfortable for both of them, but they both bore it the whole way through.
Lazarus then shares with Gabi the visions of the future he'd been seeing in his dreams which had only been becoming clearer as the years went by. Alongside the visions of the Rumbling itself, he also described seeing the people of Paradis being divided and starting a civil war. On one side were those who were loyal to Eren and determined to begin the resurrection of the Eldian Empire. And on the other were those who wanted to defeat Marley but not at the cost of destroying the whole world. Those that followed Eren were their real enemies, and will undoubtedly launch an attack near the end of the festival during Willy's speech.
Erwin explains to her that his goal was to help start a new military force against Eren and his followers to defend the old ways of Paradis and stop the Rumbling before it could happen. His purpose for being their teacher was to mould the next Warriors to join the side of Paradis and turn the power of the Titans against Marley, threatening to end them if they do not agree to their terms. Once that was done, he would return to Paradis and help it grow into its own independent country once all the Titans were gone.
All of this was a lot to take in for little Gabi Braun. There were so many ways this plan of theirs could go wrong if Lazarus misread his predictions. Had she learned of this plan four years ago she would've reported them and guaranteed her chances of becoming a loyal honorary Marleyan. But now she knows the real truth behind Paradis and how unfairly its people have been treated for centuries.
By the time the blood transfusion was completed, Gabi had managed to thoroughly think through everything she'd been told. Becoming Michael's successor. Carrying out his goal in his place in case he dies. The Wings of Crystal movement. Paradis's future. It was cruel that a girl her age should have to bear all that weight, but there was no one Michael trusted more to carry on his legacy.
"How are you feeling, Gabi?" Michael asked concernedly.
Gabi feels the part of her left shoulder where the blood was injected into her and rubs it. "I don't feel any different. Am I supposed to feel something?"
"Not yet. We're only halfway through the "ceremony" as my friend put it." Lazarus butted in.
Erwin then intervened and stood in between the two Titan Shifters. "This is your last chance to back out, Michael. Are you absolutely certain you want to go through with this? If it goes wrong the world will lose the Crystal Titan and the power of hardening forever… And I will lose you."
Michael embraces his father for some time, hoping it'll put his doubts away. "I've never been surer of anything in my life. I can't let the Crystal Titan fall into the wrong hands. There aren't many Ackermans left in the world. As far as I know, I'm the only one left on this side of the sea. Even on Paradis, their numbers have dwindled with Levi and Mikasa being among the last few. I'm doing this not only for my sake but theirs too. If either of them was to inherit it, they'd succumb to the Curse of Joseph and end up the Founder's slave."
Back in Shiganshina, Erwin did not know this curse other than what Michael told him then. Those with Ackerman blood are forced to obey Eldia's king and the Founding Titan whether they want to or not. Once the fragments of the Crystal Titan, or the Ackerman Instincts, as most call it, awaken, their will no longer becomes their own.
Erwin breaks off the hug and turns his attention to Lazarus on his right. "What about you, Lazarus? Have you been able to master the transfer ability?"
"Well, I wouldn't say I've mastered it. But I have gained a better understanding of how it works and am confident I can pull it off." He attempted to assure them.
Erwin then turns to the left and kneels to Gabi's level. "You don't have to do this. No one is forcing you to bear this responsibility. If you wish to back out, we won't stop you. As we explained before, this process is only a precaution to ensure the Crystal Titan doesn't fall into potential enemy hands. I doubt my son will allow himself to be killed so easily. He's made it this far by fighting." He glances back at his son. "… On both sides."
"I know, sir. I was never asked to be Michael's successor, nor Reiner's. I chose to become a Warrior because I wanted to be a hero to the world and make the world a better place for my family. I know now that not everyone on the island you come from are devils. Only those who wish to help Eren succeed in unleashing the Rumbling are… I want to do it. I will inherit the Crystal Titan and carry on in his place." He looks over towards Michael. "I don't want you to die, Michael. You two taught me so many things. Helped open my eyes to the truth. But I will make sure your death won't be in vain."
Erwin smiles and places his hands on her shoulders whilst looking her directly in the eyes. "You are a very brave little girl for doing this. You are willing to give your heart and soul to our cause… Had things been different, I reckon you would've made a fine Scout."
Gabi couldn't help but tear up a small bit when she heard that. She then surprises everyone in the room by performing the Paradis military salute, showing them her dedication to the Wings of Crystal and sharing their hopes for a better world. Erwin, Michael, and Lazarus all copy her and respond with an equal amount of respect.
Michael takes her hand and approaches Lazarus. Erwin moves some of the furniture out of the way to give them some space for the transfer ritual. Once that was done, he hung back to the corner of the room by the front door.
"So, how do we do this?" Gabi asked the albino Titan Shifter.
"For the transfer to work, both individuals have to want it to happen. What went wrong before with Reiner is that his predecessor had second thoughts about giving up the Armoured Titan, which ended up costing him his life. Though we were able to save the Armour. Neither of you must have second thoughts. The slightest hesitation from either of you could lead to your deaths and the permanent erasure of the Crystal Titan power… I know Erwin already asked you, but are you both 100% certain you are ready for this?"
"We are!" Both Michael and Gabi responded determinedly in sync.
"Then give me your hands." Lazarus holds both his arms outwards. Michael and Gabi stand opposite him and grab hold of his hands. "Good. Now what I need you to do is look directly at each other." They follow his instructions. "Now close your eyes and open your minds. Picture the veins in your bodies linking up to each other by using my body as a connector. Michael, I want you to focus your Titan energy through your veins and guide it through my body. I will then channel it through my veins and into Gabi's. And Gabi, I want you to keep your paths open for the Crystal Titan's energy to enter. Be patient when doing this. This process must never be rushed. You can guess what will happen if it does… Do you both understand so far?
They both nod slowly whilst maintaining focus.
"Remember, Gabi, Michael will only be transferring a small fragment of the Crystal Titan power to you. He will still have the power, but if he dies, it will be drawn to the piece inside you like a beacon, reconnect and merge with it. Making you the new Crystal Titan."
"I know," Gabi replied calmly.
Once both parties relaxed their bodies and minds, Lazarus began the partial transfer. He soon closes his eyes and forms a link between the two of them. His hands increased their grip around Michael and Gabi's hands as he felt the shuddering sensation of Michael's Titan energy passing from his hand into him.
In his mind's eye, he can see the internal structures of his, Michael's, and Gabi's bodies. Their bones, internal organs, and veins were visible to him. His and Michael's bodies had a glowing, endlessly flowing wave of energy rippling within their spine, whilst Gabi had nothing. That energy flow represented the power of the Titans. It had been years since Lazarus subjected himself to this. He'd forgotten how overwhelming it was.
But he didn't let that distract him, taking a slow deep breath to calm himself. All parties must be in perfect harmonisation for it to work, and that includes him. Michael took his time carefully separating a piece of the Crystal Titan's power and channelling it through his veins into Lazarus. Once that was done, it was Lazarus's turn to guide it through his own body and channel it into Gabi's. She jolted slightly in response to the energy entering her body as she'd just felt a static shock in her hand. But she held her nerve and maintained her focus. The Titan energy fragment travelled through her arm and managed to arrive at the centre of her body, most notably her spine. The partial transfer was complete.
"Ok, now I want both of you to slowly sever the connection within before I release my grip. Once I've seen it disconnect, I will let you know when it's safe to let go. Got it?"
"Got it." They both answered.
Michael and Gabi carefully follow Lazarus's instructions and sever their inner connection to him. Both of their bodies return to normal. Lazarus then tells them to let go of his hands and open their eyes. Both Titan Shifter and the candidate felt slightly woozy from the experience and ended up collapsing on the floor. Erwin approaches the two of them and places the back of his hand on their foreheads, checking their temperatures. They both seemed fine from a medical perspective, but they won't know for certain if the ritual was a success until they get their strength back.
"Did it work?"
Lazarus closes his eyes once more and focuses all his energy on his Titan senses. Michael appeared the same as when they started, which was a good sign. As for Gabi, he noticed a sliver of Titan energy residing within her spine. It emitted a very weak light compared to Michael's, but it had the same wave pattern as the Crystal Titan. Every Titan power had its unique energy signature that he could recognise.
He opens his eyes and faces Erwin before voicing the results. "… It worked! A piece of the Crystal Titan is now residing within Gabi. It's not big enough to manifest her own Titan or even utilise hardening, but it is there. The signal it is emitting is much weaker than that of a new Titan Shifter, but Michael's blood and spinal fluid seem to be keeping it alive, and the fragment is, in turn, recycling the blood and spinal fluid. The transfer was a success."
Both Gabi and Michael let out a cheer and embraced each other. Michael was so happy this theory of his that had the tiniest chance of being possible actually worked. And Gabi was pleased that she didn't burn to death. She impressed herself with how long she was able to maintain a focused mind and soul when she's usually quite the opposite.
"Well done, Lazarus." Erwin congratulated him. He was pleased to see the four years of extra training yielded results. He then helps the others up off of the floor. "How are you both feeling?"
Michael held out his right hand and harnessed his hardening powers to construct a sculpture of two scouts flying around a Pure Titan and cutting its nape. "My powers are still here, and I don't feel like I've lost a piece of it. So, I think I'm fine. What about you, Gabi?"
Gabi looked over her whole body and patted her own back, expecting some kind of reaction, but nothing happened. As far as she can tell, she was still a normal girl. Lazarus claimed a piece of the Crystal Titan was inside her but she felt nothing.
"I think I'm alright. I don't feel any different now either… You sure it worked, Lazarus?" She asked sceptically.
"I'm sure. My senses are never wrong. A piece of the Crystal Titan resides within you. The reason you're not feeling anything is because that piece is dormant. It will only awaken when the Crystal Titan is fully transferred to you." He explained.
"I can't believe it. I'm technically a Warrior now! I've partially inherited one of the ten! Wait until the others hear about this!" Gabi started boasting in excitement.
"No." Erwin butted in, disrupting her momentary celebration. "To maintain our secret movement, you mustn't tell anyone about what transpired here tonight. This goes for you two as well. We can't risk exposing any of our secrets to enemy spies. We can't trust anyone but ourselves and those we can rely on. Understood?"
Gabi frowned, but she understood the seriousness in her teacher's voice. She nods and agrees to keep this to herself for now.
"Alright, I think it's time we join up with everyone in Liberio. The show will be starting soon and we can't afford to be late." Lazarus reminded them.
"Oh, that's right. We better get a move on. Reiner and the others will be wondering where I am." Gabi grabs Michael's hand and practically drags him towards the front door.
"Ah, that reminds me. I was able to convince Annie to take part in the show. But she says she'll only do it if she wears a mask." Lazarus informed them.
"That should be fine. I doubt Willy Tybur would have an issue with that."
"Wait. You guys are gonna be in the show?" Gabi expressed in a dumbfounded manner.
"We'll explain on the way." Michael started nudging her forward, not liking the mischievous grin she was making right now.
As they were heading out the front door, they noticed that Erwin was falling behind. He tells them that he will accompany them and watch the performance, but he won't stay long. Someone still needs to stay behind and watch over Lucia's shop, aka their base of operations, whilst they are at the square.
What he didn't tell them was that another reason he didn't wanna stay long was because he wasn't ready to confront Hange, Levi, and the others again should they show up during the speech. He still has work to do with the Wings of Crystal movement and recruit loyal Eldians to their cause to fight for Paradis against Marley.
Crowds of people of all ages and cultures eagerly squeeze past each other to try and get the best seats for the show. The first three rows were all reserved for the Marleyan Brass. The leaders of the other nations. The Omega Unit. The Zeta Unit Candidates, and their families.
The curtain was still down as the performers and stage crew were still prepping for the first act. Behind the scenes, Willy Tybur was instructing everyone involved on how the show will play out. The first act will be performed by various dancers and acrobats showing off their skills in sync with the music. Music that will be provided by various musicians from all over the world.
After the first act, one or two members of the Warriors will perform their own solo act. Halfway through the show, there will be an intermission allowing the audience to take a break. Afterwards, the second half will begin with another performance of dancers before the rest of the Warriors sing their solos. Then the show will come to a close with all the performers singing a special anthem. Willy will then make his speech and ask Lazarus to perform his demonstration as he tells the world the real truth behind the Winged Titan's creation, which will lead to his main topic of discussion. The Island of Paradis and the ultimate threat to the world are hidden at the centre of it.
With Michael's aid, crystal speakers have been placed in strategic spots both at the back and in front of the stage to ensure everyone in the audience can hear it, as well as smaller speakers throughout Liberio. Willy was impressed with the Crystal Titan's feats and often wondered if there was anything it couldn't construct.
He and Michael spent a lot of time going over the plans for the production before the festival ended, and the Warriors who were taking part had plenty of time to rehearse the songs chosen for them. In the end, those who decided to take part were Pieck, Annie, and Bertolt. The latter of whom Lazarus was surprised to see.
All of them were dressed up in fancy costumes. The boys were all wearing suits with bow ties and the girls wore white dresses. The skirts were short enough to allow for easy leg movement but not too short to the point any pervs could look up them. Thankfully it wasn't windy tonight either. They all still wore their armbands to appease the brass.
"I can't believe you talked me into this," Annie uttered in embarrassment.
"Aw come on, I think you look lovely in your dress," Pieck responded just before Lazarus, saying what he was thinking.
"She's right. You look beautiful." Lazarus complimented her. His opinion only strengthened the red in her cheeks. Noticing her struggle, Lazarus turns to Bertolt. "What about you, Bertolt? What made you decide to take part in the show?"
Bertolt gazes down at the floor and fiddles with his fingers nervously. He didn't want to tell them the real reason why he was doing this. The last thing he wanted was them worrying about him all night, throwing off their performance. As far as he knows, only Reiner knew of his mother's murder and father's suicide. Now was not the time to open up about his problems. Tonight was all about having fun and being happy.
"I just… thought maybe it would be a new experience I should try out at least once. You don't often get days like this."
Pieck looks over at Bertolt and notices the questionable look in his eyes. She could tell something wasn't right with him. But she also shared his opinion that now is the wrong time to delve into things.
The real reason Bertolt was doing this was so he could share one final moment of joy and happiness with his closest friends before taking his life when the right moment for it arose. It was part of the oath he and Reiner made in his parents' bedroom.
Pieck speaks up with a question, looking thoughtfully at the music she was given. "Something is bothering me… where are you getting this music from anyway? I don't even recognise some of these songs." Michael smirked and gestured to Lazarus.
"It's because of his help actually. I've been having weird dreams lately. Dreams of… us in other worlds, other times. On a hunch, with Lazarus' help, I was able to exploit my unique connection to the tree of, well- connections, and investigate these dreams." Michael explained with an excited grin. "Turns out I've been having visions of other versions of ourselves! To make a long story short, me and Lazarus were able to peek into these other worlds and gather information from them, including our music for tonight!"
Michael then turns to Annie. "I even found a version of that song you and Lazarus have coming up as well as everyone else's, that's where the instrumental part is coming from. Even the new instruments being used are from these worlds too. This is gonna be a profitable night for the music industry!" Michael exclaimed excitedly as he began to walk to the other side of the stage, opening a box and retrieving a bundle of something shiny. "My uncle would've been proud" He muttered that last sentence under his breath.
"Only problem is… I don't really sing." Bertolt sheepishly added.
"You don't have to worry about being good or not," Michael called out to the others as he came from the other side of the stage. He approaches them with what appears to be five crystal masks. "These masks will enhance your voices as well as conceal your identities, As I promised Annie. In addition to this, they'll allow you to hear the music as you sing, effectively silencing the music around you too so you don't get distracted or lost."
He hands each of them a mask. The masks looked like they were made of fine crystal and decorated with gold embellishments on it. Each one was big enough to cover their whole faces, designed to look like theatre masks with a different expression. Pieck receives the mask of joy. Annie gets anger. Bertolt got sadness. Lazarus was given the mask of determination. That left Michael with a mask of serenity.
They tried on their masks and were surprised by how well they fitted on their faces. It was as if they were perfectly sculpted to match the qualities of their facial structure. How Michael was able to do this they were too flabbergasted to ask.
They soon feel a strange sensation coming from the masks. It was like a static shock had passed through their skin and entered their brains. It was unpleasant no matter how brief it was.
"What was that?!" Bertolt panicked slightly.
"Easy, guys, you're fine. What you just felt there was the mask's energy. As I just told you, the masks were designed by me to enhance your vocal performances. So even if you didn't have a true singing voice now, you will have one for tonight as long as you keep them on. As well as this, it'll give you knowledge of the music itself so you can sing it as though you know it by heart!" Michael explained.
Lazarus was on the cusp of asking how that works but was denied the chance to when the stage director warned them that they had five minutes until the curtains rose. They've still got to sit through the first act before it was their turn, but they couldn't afford to stand around and question things. The Warriors began testing their masks' capabilities in the far back part of the stage and out of earshot of the performers and audience.
Erwin was sitting in the first couple of rows near the front of the stage awaiting the beginning of the show. To pass the time he'd been looking over the various characters around him. He avoided contact with the Marleyans and directed his attention towards Gabi who was sitting in the front with her friends, Colt, Zeke, Reiner, and Porco. She looked happy, which was very conflicting for Falco and the others. They rarely see her genuinely happy. And this wasn't one of her mischievous smiles. She was legit smiling.
Fortunately for Erwin, she didn't spill the beans of their secret operation and kept true to her word. He was pleased to see she wasn't a failed judge of character on his son's part.
"Hello? Excuse us."
Erwin turns to his left and realises he'd been approached by Gabi's parents. They asked if they could take the empty seats next to him, to which he obliged.
"You're Erwin Smith, right? Gabi's teacher?" Mister Braun asked.
"I am. You must be Mister and Misses Braun." Erwin responded as he reached out to shake their hands.
But upon taking hold of Erwin's hand, Mister Braun's expression suddenly changed from welcoming to serious/angry.
"You're the man that's been feeding our little girl lies about the devils of Paradis being good people." He sternly added. "Do you realise what you and your son are doing?! You've changed her! Every night ever since she's been home from the academy, she's been going on about how wrong we all were. How wrong Marley was. You trying to get us executed?!"
Erwin held his nerve and pulled his hand away from him. Mrs. Braun wore a worried look on her face, scared this skirmish might attract any unwanted attention. But her husband didn't care. He did not like how some random man whom he'd been told was held captive on that island, the story the Warriors wanted the public to believe, was teaching their precious youth to forget everything Marley had forced them to accept and see Paradis' Eldians as people.
He did not want to start something with these people. Adults are harder to convince than children, especially when they grow up accepting the lies Marley's been feeding them. It wasn't their fault. It was human nature to defend what you believe even if it was wrong.
"I only tell my students the truth about that island. My son and I have been there long enough to learn that it isn't what the world says it is. I don't expect anyone to understand. But my duty as a teacher is to ensure the next generation learns as much of the world's true nature as they can. The world has turned its back on people like us. See us as devils. Some of us are deserving of that title. But many of us are not. The Eldians on that island are as much victims of the world's hatred as the rest of us."
Erwin's words did seem to have a positive effect on Mister and Misses Braun. But it didn't completely negate the fact that they see him as a man who moulded their daughter into a completely different person. She was fine just the way she was, they thought. Who is he to come here and tell them how to raise their child?
"Ah, Erwin. I was looking for you." Suddenly, from out of nowhere, Mister Leonhart appears behind the former commander and places his hand atop his right shoulder. "I saved us a better seat near the front. Come with me."
He didn't question Annie's father's motives. It was clear to him he was trying to rescue him from what may lead to an unappealing argument. Erwin rises from his seat and follows him out of the third row and to the left end of the second row, away from Gabi's parents.
"Sorry about them." He apologised on their behalf. "They're not normally like this. Most of the parents are having a tough time dealing with you teaching their kids what you know whilst Marley is forced not to take action… Lazarus told me all about the blackmail."
"Forgive me, but do I know you?" Erwin questioned him.
"Right, where are my manners?" Now it was his turn to extend his hand to the former Scout Commander and give him a proper handshake, unlike the threatening one he received earlier. "My name is Leonhart. I am Annie's father. I've heard a lot of things about you."
"What kind of things?" Erwin asked curiously.
Leonhart leans in close and whispers "I know who you really are" in his ear. This surprised Erwin slightly, but he was able to hold back his emotions to avoid drawing attention to himself.
"You have nothing to fear. I won't tell anyone your secret." Leonhart assured him. "I think what you're doing is a good thing for the next line of Warriors."
"And why is it you are accepting of my lessons and who I am as a proud citizen of Paradis?" He whispered back.
"Annie told me everything about what went down on that island and what its people are really like… I taught my daughter everything she knows. How to fight. How to survive. How to adapt. Just as you did for your son… But I never taught her to lie." He turns to Erwin with a regretful look on his face.
"Whatever torment she put your people through, I am to blame, not her. She only became a Warrior because I forced her to So that I could claim a better life as an honorary Marleyan." He clutches at the red armband on his left shoulder, thinking of what he put Annie through for its sake. "All that pain I put on her was just to get this armband. But it cost me a proper father-daughter relationship with her.
Erwin stares at his armband and then down at his own. He hated wearing it, but he was willing to bear and grin it to win the long game he was playing with Marley. He reassures Mister Leonhart that he is not to blame for the Scout lives Annie has claimed. But Marley is. And soon the time will come for the Wings of Crystal movement to make their move to put a stop to their ways.
"Huh, I wonder where Karina is."
"Who?" Erwin asked.
"Reiner's mother. She said she would meet me here, but she seemed to be running late. I do hope she hurries or else she'll miss the show."
Though this could be dismissed as nothing, Erwin had a feeling there may be more to this than meets the eye. It wasn't long ago when news of Bertolt's parents' deaths was printed in the papers, they say his father committed suicide. "but was that really what happened?" he thought.
His speculations were soon disrupted by the lights going dim as a single spotlight shone down on Willy Tybur who walked up to the podium and spoke in front of the packed audience.
"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to what I am hoping will be the first of many World National Festival Theatre Show… Though the name could use a little work." He muttered that last part, provoking laughter from the audience.
"Haha, thank you." He clears his throat before continuing. "I hope you've all been enjoying the festival as much as we have prepared it… Our first act is living proof that the many cultures of the world can co-exist in perfect harmony when given the chance. So, without further ado, put your hands together for the start of what may be the Greatest Show on Earth!"
Willy receives a huge round of applause from the crowd as he retreats backwards through the curtains. The curtains slowly rise and reveal the backdrop for the first act. Various performers were standing in strange unique poses. They were all dressed in vibrant, colourful costumes. The performers themselves were also unique as they came in a variety of different colours, shapes, and sizes. Some of them were even Eldian, which came as a shock to some people. But all that started fading away once the beat dropped and the performers started singing.
What came as an even greater shock to the audience was seeing Willy Tybur himself taking centre stage in his fancy suit with a black top hat atop his head and a cane under his right arm. The dancers all stomped their feet in sync with the music and started the background vocals until he started voicing the first lyrics of the song.
(The Greatest Show – The Greatest Showman)
"Ladies and gents, this is the moment you've waited for … Been searching in the dark, your sweat soaking through the floor … And buried in your bones there's an ache that you can't ignore. Taking your breath, stealing your mind. And all that was real is left behind."
The music started to pick up, forcing Willy to start walking around the stage as his performers started dancing in the background.
"Don't fight it, it's coming for you, running at ya. It's only this moment, don't care what comes after. Your fever dream, can't you see it getting closer? Just surrender 'cause you feel the feeling taking over. It's fire, its freedom, it's flooding open! It's a preacher in the pulpit and your blind devotion! There's something breaking at the brick of every wall, it's holding. All that you know… So tell me, do you wanna go?!"
Some of the stunt performers surprise the crowd by blowing fire out of their mouths behind Willy as he holds his arms out. They spread themselves outwards across the stage and dazzle the audience with their amazing dance routine, whilst singing alongside Willy for the chorus.
"Where it's covered in all the coloured lights! Where the runaways are running the night! Impossible comes true, it's taking over you!"
The male dancers pick up their female partners and toss them into the air. The women twirl in the air as they sing the name of the song on their way down.
"Oh, this is the greatest show!"
Willy takes charge of the next verse. "We light it up, we won't come down! And the sun can't stop us now! Watching it come true, it's taking over you."
"Oh, this is the greatest show!"
The first act had gotten the crowd going as they couldn't help but clap their hands and stomp their feet in sync with the music. Even Erwin was having a good time watching the illustrious lights flashing and the performers all doing their stunts.
"Colossal we come these renegades in the ring… Where the lost get found in the crown of the Titan king. Don't fight it, it's coming for you, running at ya! It's only this moment, don't care what comes after. It's blinding, outshining everything that you know. Just surrender 'cause you're coming, and you wanna go! …"
"Where it's covered in all the coloured lights! Where the runaways are running the night! Impossible comes true, intoxicating you. Oh, this is the greatest show!"
"We light it up, we won't come down. And the sun can't stop us now! Watching it come true, it's taking over you. Oh, this is the greatest show!"
Backstage Lazarus and the others are bobbing their heads along with the music. They weren't sure what kind of show Willy Tybur had planned, but they hadn't expected something that hit this hard. They were having a blast watching this. Even Bertolt was enjoying it to the point any suicidal thoughts he had left his brain.
The backup dancers continued to sing the chorus as Willy took centre stage and sang the next verse. His family were cheering for him in the safety of the building behind the stage.
"It's everything you ever want. It's everything you ever need. And it's here right in front of you. This is where you wanna be."
"It's everything you ever want. It's everything you ever need. And it's here right in front of you. This is where you wanna be!" They repeated.
"THIS IS WHERE YOU WANNA BE!" A background singer sang her heart out.
During the third and final verse, the dancers began pulling off their most impressive sets of choreography. Willy hands one of them his hat. The performers pass it along until it inevitably returns to his hand.
"When it's covered in all the coloured lights. Where the runaways are running the night. Impossible comes true, it's taking over you. Oh, this is the greatest show! … We light it up, we won't come down! And the sun can't stop us now! Watching it come true, it's taking over you! Oh, this is the greatest show!
"'Cause everything you ever want is right in front of you. And you see the impossible is coming true! And the walls can't stop us now! Oh, this is the greatest show! … This is the greatest show! … This is the greatest show! … This is the greatest show!"
As the spectacular performance comes to a close, the dancers all gather behind Willy and pose as they hold their arms out with a look of joy and satisfaction on their faces, whilst singing one final…
"THIS IS THE GREATEST SHOW!"
The whole square rumbled with the sounds of the applauding crowd, even extending to the cheering from Liberio. Even Lazarus and the others clapped for everyone who took part in that first act. They've earned it. Never had anyone in the audience ever witnessed such a spectacle play out with their own eyes. Even the General applauded their act.
The Warriors, candidates, and their families also cheered for them. They could not believe what they'd just seen. And this was just the first act. If they thought that was amazing, then they're all in for a hell of a treat.
"Wow. They were amazing." Pieck commented aloud as the curtains descended in preparation for the next act.
"Yeah, they were." Lazarus nodded in agreement. He turns to Michael on his left. "Okay, Michael, looks like you're up next. Then Annie, then Pieck, then Bertolt, and I'll be on before the final act."
Once Willy got his breath back from all that singing, he addressed the crowd once more who were all still clapping for him. He chuckled when he saw his wife and maid struggling to keep his kids from getting out of their chairs and coming up on stage to pounce on him. He only took part because this whole thing was his idea. It would be strange if he didn't at least have some fun with it.
"Thank you, thank you so much. I am glad to see you all enjoyed the opening act as much as we did performing it. This is only the beginning of what I know will be a great conclusion to the festival … Up next, we have a song by the host of the Crystal Titan, Michael Suurvalta! Performed with one of the new instruments made for our festival!"
The crowd cheered as Willy turned their attention to the left side of the stage, awaiting Michael's entrance. Michael hesitantly comes on stage and approaches the centre. Behind the mask he was wearing he was nervous. He'd never performed in front of a live audience this big before. The trip back to Marley was the first time he ever did show off the musical talents he inherited from his uncle. Back then it was easy because it was in front of people he knew. But these people came from all over and weren't friendly towards Eldians like him.
He turns towards his father in the second row who was giving him a look of encouragement. He mouthed the words "You can do this" to him. Michael responded with a single nod and confidently took centre stage.
At first, the crowd were confused by him just standing there. Willy Tybur said he was performing a song for them with instruments he'd made, but they were nowhere to be seen. Michael rubs his hands together, blue energy emanating from between them, kneels and slams them on the stage floor. Blue Titan energy erupted out of his hands and spread out over the middle of the stage. The VIPs began to panic, thinking he was about to unleash some kind of attack. Even the soldiers acting as guards in front of the stage were moments away from aiming their rifles at him.
But General Magath and Willy Tybur halted them, reassuring the crowd that they were in no real danger. The audience's fears were then replaced by wonder. A pair of speakers began forming to the sides of the stage, rising with a guitar from the floor in front of him. The majority of the people in this crowd had never seen the power of the Crystal Titan before and were amazed at how pristine its constructs appeared. Because it was made of blue crystal, the innards of the speakers were visible to the people as though it was made of stained glass.
As Michael was finishing his summoning, a crystal stool formed underneath him, catching him just as he sat down. The crowd went silent as he stretched his arms and fingers out, flexing each of them individually, making sure they were loose enough for his act.
Before he could begin, he had to make sure this guitar was properly tuned and also functioned properly. He was satisfied with the results, and the fact that he was able to perfectly reconstruct the layout of a guitar down to the very last detail as possible. He only had a few memories of the instrument to use for reference.
He takes a deep breath as he starts positioning his fingers on the strings to produce the perfect melody. This was another song written by his late uncle. A song that was made to speak out against war, its brutality, and the tragedy it brings. Originally it was played on a six-string guitar, but Michael decided to put his own spin on it.
He started playing soon after he was ready. It was a sound unlike anything that the audience had heard before. It was a harsh grating tune, yet one they couldn't help but nod along to. The drummers behind him soon joined into the song.
(The Violence – Rise Against)
"Dancing on the crumbling precipice, the rocks are coming loose just at the edge. Are we laughing? Are we crying? Are we drowning? Are we dead? Or is it all a dream? He started passionately.
"That's my son," Erwin uttered to himself, happy to be here to witness another one of Michael's songs.
"The bombs are getting closer every day. "That could never happen here!" we used to say. Has this war come to our doorstep? Has this moment finally come? Or is it all a dream?"
Michael increases his pace as the speakers in the back boomed the backup sounds. Lazarus, Annie, Pieck, and Bertolt all cheered for him on the sidelines. And Gabi, Falco, Reiner and the others joined in from the crowd. Zeke was enjoying it as well, but not as much as the others next to him. Even Porco had to admit he was pretty good.
"Are we not good enough? Are we not brave enough? Is the violence in our nature just the image of our maker? Are we not good enough? Are we not brave enough? To become something greater than the violence in our nature? Are we not good, good enough? Or is It all a dream?"
Michael's inspiring song began to touch the hearts of those who despised him moments ago for being Eldian. Whether they liked him or not, they cannot deny he had talent. His song even inspired some of them to think about the upcoming war, its costs, and whether it might be worth it or not.
"To a predetermined fate, are we condemned? Or maybe we're a book without an end? We're not stories, we're not actors. We're awake and in control. And this is not a dream!"
"So can we break this mold? And set in motion something new? Forgetting what we know. An evolution overdue. Fight the current! Pull the ripcord! Get away!"
Gabi was on the edge of her seat, trying to get as close to her older brother figure as possible. She wanted to make a mental recording of the event to remember for the remainder of her adolescent life.
"Are we not good enough? Are we not brave enough? Is the violence in our nature just the image of our maker? Are we not good enough? Are we not brave enough? To become something greater than the violence in our nature? Are we not good, good enough?"
Hepauses playing for several seconds while the back musicians ramp up the music, joining back in when it reaches its peak.
"Well trodden paths are all we take. We need a storm; let's pray for rain now. To wash these roads away. Let's get off track and wander far. Same roads lead to same destinations. Follow nothing but your heart. We're talking in our sleep and sleeping through our lives. We dream of the places where we never die.
We step from the shadows and into the light!"
He paused singing for a couple of seconds before launching into the final verse of the song.
"Are we not good enough? Are we not brave enough? Is the violence in our nature just the image of our maker? Are we not good enough? Are we not brave enough? To become something greater than the violence in our nature?
Are we not good enough? Are we not brave enough? Are we not good, good enough? Or was it all a dream..."
The guitar's final chord fades until it is gone, and the song is brought to a satisfying end. The silence only lasted moments until the whole stage was shaken by the roaring crowd. Gabi stood up on her chair and raised her arms high cheering for him. Falco and Udo tried to get her to come down to avoid making a scene, but she ignored them. She wanted to give her predecessor all the support he gave her when they first met.
Michael rose from his chair and faced the crowd. He spots Erwin in the crowd who is also clapping in response to his heartfelt performance with a smile.
Michael smiled in response, though nobody could see it behind his mask, and took a bow. Willy once again walks on stage and congratulates Michael with a friendly handshake. He asked the crowd to give him another round of applause as he walked off the stage. The guitar, speakers and stool disintegrate into shining particles as soon as he is gone from sight.
Lazarus and the others all gather around Michael and praise his rendition. He removes his mask to properly thank them for their support.
"You were amazing out there!" Lazarus stated excitedly.
"Yeah, you were great! I couldn't stop bobbing my head." Pieck added.
"I think I still preferred the one you played for us on the flight back home, but it was alright," Bertolt admitted though he didn't think any less of his second song.
Michael turns to Annie, awaiting her response. She gives him a light punch on the arm as a show of affection and tells him, "Good job out there, Suurvalta." Michael smirked and returned the favour by lightly patting her head.
"I'm glad you enjoyed watching me, because it's your turn now, Leonhart."
That reminder sent a nervous jolt through Annie's body, preventing her from moving. For a moment she completely forgot she was on after Michael. She was starting to have second thoughts about doing this.
"Annie, what's wrong?" Lazarus asked her in a concerned manner.
"I- I can't go out there! I- I'm terrified!" She trembled with fear.
By now Willy Tybur had already announced that Annie was next and was waiting for her to come on stage. But the young blonde wouldn't budge.
Lazarus took charge and stepped in front of Annie, blocking her view of the stage.
"You can do this, Annie. You have nothing to be afraid of."
"Yeah. You've taken on the dangers of Paradis, and you're afraid of a little show?" Michael teased her in a poor attempt to make her feel better.
Everyone ignores him and continues to focus on Annie. As much as they wanted to tell her she doesn't have to do this and can leave, she can't. Willy already promised the audience a solo act from her and they're now expecting what has been promised.
Lazarus didn't want to see her make a fool of herself in front of everyone, including her father. So, he takes hold of both her hands and slowly guides her out onto the stage.
"Keep looking at me, Annie. Don't think about anything else but me. You will only be afraid for a moment. But that fear will disappear once you start singing."
"And what if it doesn't?"
"It will. Just remember that one time we sang together by the shores of Odiha. Remember how it made you feel and act on that." He explained as he whispered to her.
He gently lowered Annie's mask as they were coming up on stage. The crowd cheered upon finally seeing her gain the courage, of a sort, to begin her act.
Annie stood there nervously as she faced them. The feeling of all their eyes looking at her caused her to quiver even more than before. She unconsciously grabs Lazarus's arm, pleading him not to leave her side. Lazarus looks over at Willy who permits him to perform this next act alongside her to take some of the edge off the stage fright.
Lazarus takes her hand and holds it tight to calm her down, intertwining his fingers with hers just as the curtain raises. It was now or never if she wished to put on a good show.
The music faded in gently with another piano solo playing out over the speakers, followed by a slow guitar riff. Annie's eyes widen slightly with bewilderment. She knew this song. This was her and Lazarus's song. The same one they sang on the beach together when they were kids during their academy days.
That day was when she'd officially gotten to know Lazarus as a person. He happened upon her as she was singing to herself, completely unaware of his presence. Her siren-like voice drew him to her like a ship to a rocky cove. That was when he started developing feelings for her.
It didn't take long for him to join in, startling her out of her chorus. But for reasons unknown, she didn't let him stop her.
Looking back on that day, Annie's fears started to melt away, finally giving her the courage to sing her heart out.
(Weight of the World – AmaLee Cover Version)
"I feel like I'm losing hope, in my body and my soul. And the sky, it looks so ominous. And as time comes to a halt, silence starts to overflow. My cries are inconspicuous." She started slowly in sync with the music.
"Tell me, God, are you punishing me? Is this the price I'm paying for my past mistakes? This is my redemption song. I need you more than ever right now. Can you hear me now?"
Lazarus then joins in for the chorus. He and Annie gaze into each other's eyes as they sing harmoniously together.
"'Cause we're gonna shout it loud! Even if our words seem meaningless!
"It's like I'm carrying the weight of the world!" Lazarus sang solo.
"Like I'm carrying the weight of the world!" Annie repeated.
"I wish that someway, somehow, that I could save every one of us!" They both sang in unison.
"But the truth is that I'm only one girl." Annie finished the first chorus. She then carried the song on her own for a bit.
"Maybe if I keep believing, my dreams will come to life. Come to life."
She catches her breath during the instrumental part of the song and looks back at the audience. They all seem to be enjoying it so far. She spots her father sitting next to Erwin and is relieved to see he is taking great pride in his daughter's singing voice too.
Now it was Lazarus's turn to take charge as Annie prepared herself for her next part.
"After all the laughter fades, signs of life all washed away. I can still, still feel a gentle breeze. No matter how hard I pray, signs of warning still remain. And life has become my enemy!"
Annie rejoins him just in time for the second chorus.
"Tell me, God, are you punishing me? Is this the price I'm paying for my past mistakes? This is my redemption song. I need you more than ever right now! Can you hear me now?!"
Tension rises as the crowd cannot wait to feel as well as hear the impact of the chorus. This song spoke for some of them. Most of all the Eldians. This song captures the essence of what the Warriors felt when they invaded Paradis. Reiner and Bertolt caught wind of that meaning and were unable to hold back a single tear for their two comrades/friends.
"'Cause we're gonna shout it loud! Even if our words seem meaningless! It's like I'm carrying the weight of the world! I wish that someway, somehow, that I could save every one of us!"
"But the truth is that I'm only one girl! Maybe if I keep believing, my dreams will come to life." Annie pours so much passion into her singing voice that she'd completely forgotten that she was being watched by a large crowd.
"Come to life," Lazarus added equally as passionately.
There was another instrumental pause, allowing the two lovers to catch their breath and glance back at Michael, Bertolt, and Pieck, who were cheering them on from the sidelines.
Bertolt was suddenly startled by the feeling of his right hand being grabbed. He glances around to see that it was Pieck who was holding his hand, causing him to blush. Pieck giggled in response to his embarrassment.
He didn't know how to respond. Pulling away would put him at risk of hurting her feelings. He knew she was flirting with him, but Pieck flirts with everyone. So, the best course of action would be to let her have this one and intertwine his fingers with hers and continue to listen to Lazarus and Annie, who appeared to be entering the final stage of their song, with Annie starting it off softly.
"Still, we're gonna shout it loud, even if our words seem meaningless. It's like I'm carrying the weight of the world."
Lazarus then continued the verse.
"I wish that someway, somehow, that I can save every one of us. But the truth is that I'm only one man!"
They then sang the final part of the song together in glorious harmony, whilst looking into each other's eyes. Both of them housed a glint of joy and infatuation for one another.
"'Cause we're gonna shout it loud! Even if our words seem meaningless! It's like I'm carrying the weight of the world! I wish that someway, somehow, that I could save every one of us. But the truth is that I'm only one girl/man!"
"Maybe if I keep believing, my dreams will come to life… Come to life." Annie finishes just as softly as she began.
They open their eyes as soon as they hear the crowd applauding their perfect, synchronised duet. Annie could not believe how much praise she was receiving from them, but Lazarus could. He held her hand as she took in the delight of having the spotlight shining down on her with the sounds of enjoyment echoing all across Liberio.
Annie was completely starstruck. She didn't think she had it in her to wow an audience like that. Especially one mostly comprised of Eldian haters. She couldn't stop smiling behind her angry theatre mask. They actually loved the song she and Lazarus made their own. She leaps into Lazarus's arms and embraces him in a tight hug, not even thinking about the crowd. It was because he'd chosen to stay and sing by her side. She couldn't have done it alone.
She and Lazarus held hands as they took a bow, thanking the audience for enjoying their song. A song that acted as the catalyst for their love.
Mister Leonhart stood up from his chair, completely neglecting his cane and condition his daughter bestowed on him years ago, to show his support and satisfaction with her. He was so proud of the woman she'd grown into, which was a feeling he thought he'd never get the chance to experience. What she achieved today was five times greater than the day she became the Female Titan and a Warrior.
The two star-eyed lovers exit the stage and rejoin the others who all praise them as much as the crowd does.
"Oh my god! You two were so cute together!" Pieck squealed, finally letting go of Bertolt's hand.
The two of them blush in response as they remove their masks. The two of them gaze at each other once more, wearing a loving smile. Lazarus started feeling an irresistible urge to kiss her right now.
Unfortunately, Annie didn't feel the same way. Instead, she started feeling a little queasy. Her stomach was starting to ache, forcing her to lean over, caressing it with her left arm.
Before anyone could ask her what was wrong, Annie pushed past them whilst covering her mouth with her free hand. Looking like she's on the verge of throwing up. Pieck offered to go after her in case she went to the women's bathroom. Michael was worried about that as she was set to go on after Annie. But luck was with them tonight.
Willy had just announced that they would be taking a twenty-minute break to allow time for the performers to rest up and be ready for the final act after the second half of the Warriors had had their turn in the spotlight.
The crowd take this time to stretch their legs, converse with each other, get something to eat and drink, or use the restrooms.
Willy was proud of how well the first half of his show went. It far exceeded his, and the audience's, expectations. He couldn't have pictured it getting any better. But the show was only half done. There was still one last chance to prove himself wrong.
To Be Continued
Author's Note: I originally wanted to use Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay for Michael's solo and it was to be played on a crystal piano. But my real life friend, Michael, whom the character was created and named after, wanted to go with The Violence by Rise Against. Since it was a rock song I was afraid it wouldn't fit in with the time period of AOT but he came up with an explanation that you have read at the start of the show section. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter regardless of the odd choice of music for Michael Suurvalta and be sure to follow this story if you haven't yet to be notified when I upload the second part.
