Day 12
If somebody had told Sasha Blouse a few years ago that she'd grow up to understand her father's point of view, she'd have scoffed at them. But now that she's lived through the military, through Trost, through the last few days, she could finally admit that he was right all along. She stood there frozen after the commander, Erwin Smith, dismissed all of those who wouldn't join, survival instincts screaming at her to leave, yet she didn't. On the front of her mind, that young girl she had saved.
Getting Louise to meet Floch again proved to be simpler than expected, to her surprise they allowed the redhead to walk freely, albeit with a few scouts escorting them. It was a simple task really, get them to talk, give Louise somewhere safe to stay and have her wait there until her father could come from Dauper to pick her up. Yet.. Floch.. he had to make things so complicated, didn't he?
A day ago
Sasha and Floch accompanied Louise through the bustling streets of Trost. People around them hurried about their daily tasks with cautious optimism, the future of humanity looked bright after all; If their recent victories were anything to go by. Finally at their destination, Floch gave a few knocks on the old wooden door which creaked open to reveal a middle-aged woman with hazel eyes and hair darker than that of Floch's; It was clear to Sasha that she was his mother.
Awe, then confusion, joy, and finally anger danced across her features. She couldn't contain herself any longer and erupted into a tirade directed at the boy. "Floch Forster! By all that is holy in the walls, where on earth have you been?! Not a single word from you for three whole years! If it weren't for the Mayers and the cobbler next door keeping us informed through your friends I'd have thought you were dead! You callous, inconsiderate child!"
Floch's forehead puckered, his gaze faltering under the weight of her piercing glare. "Mother, I.. I-" he stammered, but his words were swiftly drowned out by an embrace so fierce that it seemed to squeeze the air from his lungs.
"I was so worried. But I'm glad you're here now. Alive." Her voice trembled as she whispered into his ear.
They reluctantly parted, a warm smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and her eyes softened as she gazed upon Floch. Her stern yet loving gaze shifted to Sasha and Louise, who stood timidly by her side. A flicker of curiosity danced in her voice as she inquired, "And who might these two be?"
A nervous smile surfaced on Sasha's lips, as Louise clutched her hand timidly, the younger girl's eyes shimmering at the mother and son duo with a blend of longing and curiosity. After some greetings and explanations the woman ushered them inside where the air was less suffocating; The scouts accompanying them remained outside. "Please, make yourselves at home." she urged, guiding them through the threshold. "Have a seat at the table there. Are any of you feeling hungry? Food's almost ready." she inquired, the aroma of tomato soup filled every nook and cranny.
"That won't be necessary, Sasha and I won't be here long." Floch shook his head as he sat down, much to her and Sasha's disappointment.
"Thank you, Mrs. Forster. I'm grateful for your kindness." Louise's voice trembled with gratitude, pushing her chair close to the boy.
The woman turned to Louise with a warm smile. "Call me Karoline, dear. You'll be safe here with me," Louise nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, as the older woman turned her attention to the bustling kitchen.
Louise met the boy's gaze, her voice tinged with admiration and vulnerability. "Thank you for helping me... For saving me," she whispered, her words barely audible over the distant clatter of dishes.
"It was my duty as a soldier, Louise," He acknowledged.
She shook her head, her brows furrowing as she met Floch's gaze. "It was the job of the other soldiers too, but they left us behind when Mama was..." She replied bitterly, a shadow passed over her face, and her eyes grew distant before she slammed them shut. "...You didn't leave us. You came back." Louise looked up at him again, her cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and admiration. "...I want to be like you when I grow up. You've shown me that we need to be strong to save those we care about... if we ever want to stand a chance against all this violence."
Floch was left slack mouthed, a knot forming in the pit of his stomach. He struggled to find the right words, his lips parting and closing uselessly. He turned to Sasha, only to find her equally troubled. But before he could gather his thoughts and respond, Louise pressed on, determination burning in her eyes. "So, to become just like you, I'll need to join the military and grow stronger,"
"It appears that the Marleyan's intel was spot on." Floch said as he and Eren stepped out of their carriage. "What's our move, Eren?"
"Clear the lobby and wait for my signal, once we're inside I want them all taken into custody, there's something personal I need to take care of. You take Hange with you and find Zeke. Do not harm any of them unless you have no other choice." Eren ordered as the redhead nodded.
"Sir, there's a commotion inside, some kid is being held hostage." Wim informed the two of them, Eren's eyes narrowed as Floch moved closer to the windows.
He took a peek inside, confirming the presence of Hange and the rest of the scouts as well as a random family. With the man's accent and him eavesdropping from behind the window, he barely managed to understand what was being said before he turned away and motioned for the armed men to begin clearing the front entrance.
"No, Louise." He sighed, his mind burdened by conflicting thoughts, much to her confusion. "You shouldn't aim to become like me. You should strive to be better," he gently corrected her. "I know it's not something you can easily forget, but you don't have to fight. Leave that to us, you've gone through enough already." he said, as her lips quivered.
"I heard a man once say that it should be up to the adults to shoulder the burdens of the past for the sake of the younger generation, something about not letting them wander through the forest." He told her, fragments of events replaying in the back of his mind. "You're still young, too young, you need to live your life. So trust us do the fighting for you, let me be strong on your behalf, Louise."
Louise screwed up her face, tears openly streaming down her cheeks. She lowered her gaze, as she began quietly sobbing. Floch gave a sad smile as he reached over and patted her on the head comfortingly. Unbeknownst to the both of them, Sasha's gaze remained fixed on the back of his head, her eyes widening with disbelief at the familiar words, leaving her breathless and unsettled.
"It's Alright If You're Weak, There Are People Who Will Come And Rescue You." - Sasha Blouse 850 AD, to a little girl in Ragako village.
The scouts and recruits alike departed from Trost, to occupate a repurposed castle south west of Ehrmich. As far as Sasha understood, this castle had once served as the headquarters for the regiment. So here she was with her group, seated together at a table, their eyes wandering over the grandeur of the mess hall. Unfortunately, Floch and Eren were seated at a distant table, encircled by seasoned veterans, so they couldn't exactly fire away their questions, and to make it worse the two slept in a seperate room from the rest of them at night.
She listlessly poked at her food, her gaze drifting from her plate to the distant figure of Floch. The flickering torches caught the worry lines etched upon her forehead. Just what the hell was going on in that head of his? Why was he such an infuriating mystery? She remembered how often he'd wake up screaming at night during training, his eyes wide with terror, only to wander off into the darkness. Add to that the things she'd seen and heard in Trost, and well... none of it made sense!
As if drawn by an invisible force, Floch's eyes darted towards her, their gazes intertwining for a fleeting moment. Sasha's heart skipped a beat, her face flushing with embarrassment as she turned away, overwhelmed by a sudden wave of mortification.
His piercing eyes narrowed, he noticed her reaction but ultimately brushed it off as unimportant. His gaze swept across to Sasha's left when a pang of guilt stabbed his chest, overshadowing his expression. His gaze settled on Hannah, and he inhaled sharply as the echoes of her words resurfaced to the front of his mind, stirring discomfort within him.
"The others might be fooled, but I know who you really are now."
Was this the price he paid for wanting them safe? Did he go too far in scaring her away from self-harm? A limp body hanging by the neck, bloodied feet sticking out of a titan's maw, his jaw clenched as the hold on his spoon tightened. They paid for his mistakes, and he was left desperately trying to pick up the bloody pieces that scattered everywhere.
What if that day had taken a darker turn? What if he failed to protect the rest of them? What if Eren had actually died?
"I'll follow you until the end Floch Forster, and so will the others. Don't get me wrong, I have no intention of hurting myself, not until the rest of them see you for what you really are, just like I have."
He gazed at Gordon, Sandra, and Ruth. Watching as they spoke with the other recruits from the 104th at their table with a wistful gaze. He took a calming breath and averted his gaze with an air of acceptance. Whatever happened from now on, so be it, as long as he can keep them all safe.
"Hey, what's on your mind?"
Floch snapped back into his surroundings, turning his head in Eren's direction. "Just thinking about the last few days." He slowly muttered, as the boy nodded in acknowledgement. "Trying to figure out where to go from here." He added, making sure to keep his voice just low enough that the others at the table don't pick up on it.
"I'm really sorry, Floch." Eren began, the muscles in his face tightening. "I should have seen it sooner, you had no reason to lie about them. A part of me refused to believe it because of how ridiculous it all sounded, even when I was up there on the wall looking down at those damn traitors." He gritted his teeth, frustration crinkled his eyes.
Floch scanned the faces of squad Levi, all of them seemingly too busy with eachother to care about them. "How do you think I feel? I've had to deal with that and Ymir's situation all at once." The redhead shot him a weak smile, as Eren's head drooped. "But it doesn't matter anymore, don't beat yourself up about it, Eren. Right now, you should only concern yourself with how we'll deal with them in the future."
Eren's brows knitted together as he looked back up at him. "Have you given it any thought? I know you were planning on sharing more with me tonight, so I was just curious."
He hummed. "Of course, they're going to be busy licking their wounds for now, try to figure out where Bertholdt is being held. They're weak without him, and they wouldn't dare jeopardize his life." He mused, as Eren listened intently. "Still, you're at a disadvantage against Reiner's armor, so we'll need to find a way to work around that." Floch sighed, but then he remembered Hange being assigned to "interrogate" Bertholdt. "Something tells me that won't be the case for long."
"What about her? ...Ymir?" Eren asked.
Floch rested his chin on his palm, eyes narrowing as he stared at an empty space. "She's out there somewhere, biding her time, for what exactly? No clue. But we can rule her out as a threat, as long as Krista's safe; we can use her as a bragaining chip."
Eren looked somewhat displeased by the comment concerning Krista. "Use her?"
Floch rolled his eyes and scoffed. "I'm sure I don't have to explain how attached she is to Krista, so yeah, Blondie's our only shot at making sure Ymir doesn't do anything stupid."
"I see, that's true." Eren frowned, before going deep in thought. "During our fight, I noticed the claws on her titan had a much easier time ripping through that armor of his. If we can get her back, we'd have a huge advantage on our hands." Eren noted excitedly before something caught his attention.
The two boys froze, subtely turning their heads to look behind and glancing at the newcomer from the corner of their eyes. Nifa stumbled behind the two, her normally composed demeanor unsteady. She approached Floch with wavering steps, her eyes glazed and cheeks flushed with liquor. The buzz of hushed conversations at their table softened as her presence drew their attention.
She leaned closer, her words slurring. "Forster," She whispered, her breath tainted with the scent of alcohol. "You were the last one with him." She said in a matter of fact.
His eyes narrowed questioningly as he raised a brow. "I Beg your pardon?"
"Don't-" She hissed, sneering at him. "-Fuck with me." The entire hall now quieting down to observe the altercation. "Rashad, you were the last one with him." She repeated again dangerously.
He nodded slowly. "Yes, I was."
"Nifa, now isn't a good-" Abel walked up behind her and tried to intervene but she raised her palm at him to silence him.
"We couldn't retrieve them because of the fire, so what happened to him? What happened to Rashad and the rest?!" She shouted at him.
A hush fell upon the entire room, their eyes shifting between Floch and Nifa, awaiting the revelation that would come from Forster. The boy in question clenched his jaw, a ripple of tension coursing through his rigid body. His eyes darted towards the other scouts, their face distorted by the flickering torchlight before he looked back at her unwaveringly.
"They all died at the hands of Annie Leonhart, I would have been the only survivor if the others with me weren't titans." Floch announced loudly for all to hear, his voice cutting through the air like a shard of ice. "He met his end when she unleashed that barrage of crushed crystals, so did the other two, Lauda and Harold." He stood up, now towering over her. Her eyes, once sharp and focused, now held a glimmer of vulnerability. "Those two died quickly, but he suffered during his final moments. I held his hand as he gasped for breath, his entire body torn to shreds."
Nifa's lips quivered, her face paling as she recoiled from the information. She slammed her eyes shut, taking a few steps back into Abel before she opened them to glare at him with eyes full of hate. Floch remained indifferent to it as she turned around and hastily retreated out of the mess hall.
"Was it necessary to be that blunt?" Eren frowned.
Floch met his gaze without faltering. "Everybody wants the truth, whether they can handle it or not is up to them." He turned around to spot Hannah in the distance, she gave him an unnerving smile. Eren frowned, mulling over his words.
Seeing the reactions to this, Henning stepped in, his voice boomed, cutting through the silence with a rallying cry. "Rashad, Lauda and Harold were among the many brave souls that we've lost. As you all know, and as our new recruits will soon come to find out, we're no strangers to death. Far from it." He began somberly, before his voice grew stronger. "But never dare forget! That on that night we accomplished what we have never been able to before! Let it be known that because of those sacrifices, The Survey Corps ripped those bastards a new one! For the second time in a single week, we sent those fuckers crying back home to mama!"
Some scouts erupted in agreement at this, their cries drowning out the silence of the mess hall. Henning raised his tankard in the air, "Raise your tankards you dumb bastards! And let us celebrate their memories with a toast in their honor!" Henning's voice resonated through the hall once more, as men and women began clinking their cups together. "For the fallen, for humanity's victory!"
"For victory!"
The scouts shouted in unison, a chorus of clinking mugs filled the room as soldiers joined together, all discomfort from the previous interaction now gone. Somebody else walked up behind the two boys, Eren and Floch looked behind them to see Mike Zacharias towering over them.
"You two with me, the commander has summoned you to his office."
Eren looked on with discomfort as he followed after the two, casting one final glance at squad Levi. It was clear to him that he has yet to gain their trust, but it was something he was willing to work on for the sake of everybody. His eyes burned with determination as Mike led them out of the mess hall, that night was only the beginning, in time they'll be back at Shiganshina where it all started, he was sure of it.
He looked at the back of Floch's head as they walked, Floch definitely had his heart in the right place. All of his actions so far have been for the benefit of everybody around him, though Eren did find his methods rather... questionable at times. In any case, if people like Floch are what's needed for humanity's victory then so be it. No titan was ever put down by being nice. And as they walked through the halls of the castle, he looked up at the moon through the many windows they passed.
"You're still that same little kid, stubborn and naive, unable to handle the truth"
Eren grit his teeth, not anymore, never again.
He wondered where those bastards were hiding.
Stohess's dimly lit MP barracks relished the thick silence, broken only by sporadic snores from fellow officers. Marco Bodt lay straight in his bed, his fists tightly clasped against his chest. With each shallow breath, his shoulders lifted and fell like an uneven sea. He sprang up from bed, his eyes wide open, unable to sleep.
He and Jean accomplished their goals. Both were now officially part of the king's guard, protectors of his highness and maintainers of peace and order. All at the expense of abandoning their friends in the 104th. He couldn't help but wonder if they made the right choice, no, if he made the right choice to be here.
"Trouble sleeping?"
A voice pierced the darkness, jolting Marco's head in the direction of where Jean lay. His heart raced frantically within his chest, taken aback by the unexpected interruption. Straining his eyes against the shadows, he met Jean's gaze and nodded in confirmation. "Yeah, I'm overthinking myself to death," he sighed, tossing aside the covers and planting his feet on the creaking wooden floor as he perched on the edge of his bed. "I can't help but wonder if we made the right choice, you know... coming here after everything that's happened."
"I'm not having this talk right now," Jean grumbled curtly, turning away to face the wall.
With a troubled expression, Marco studied his rigid back. "Have you truly given up on them? Do you genuinely not care about what happens?"
In an instant, Jean shot out of bed, whirling around to face Marco, his face contorted with scorn. "Of course I do, dammit!" he snapped, causing Marco's breath to hitch. "Not an hour goes by without me worrying about those idiots, fearing that they'll recklessly throw their lives away for something they don't even understand. But I can't bear to see it, I won't! Do you understand?!" He hunched over, clutching his head as his face twisted with turmoil.
Marco's features softened. "Jean..." he began, his voice filled with concern as he recalled the night they walked away from the stage. "What if there's another way we can help?"
Jean looked up at him, his forehead furrowed in confusion. "W-what do you mean?"
"If we aren't making a difference on the frontlines like the others, shouldn't we at least attempt to make a difference here?" Marco reasoned, his voice tinged with determination. "You've witnessed firsthand how things are run around here, even back in Trost. And it's only our first day officially." His eyes blazed with fervor as he continued, "There are countless ways we can contribute, beyond directly battling the Titans themselves."
Jean's eyes widened, his lips parting slightly, yet the words remained trapped within his throat. Marco smiled warmly, extending his proposition to Jean.
"What do you say?"
She figured that having the ceremony delayed as much as did would help her find a certain someone easier, but the more that she lingered around the barracks the more that Ymir found herself irritated with the inevitable conclusion she was approaching. Dammit, she gave that fucking moron a single request, to not put Krista in danger, how hard could that be?
Ymir sighed as she walked away from the MP barracks of the Stohess district, knowing full well that Krista has joined the Survey Corps. Maybe, it was her fault for running away like that, but she couldn't bear the thought of placing the blonde in unecessary risk. Not that it mattered, from the looks of things, Krista would be coming for her soon.
That thought alone made her smile.
"Hey, you! Over there!"
Ymir's keen eyes narrowed, a flicker of trepidation dancing within them as she cautiously surveyed the MP patrol trailing her. With a barely perceptible movement, she tilted her head to steal a glance at the figures shadowing her from the corner of her eyes. Sensing the growing danger, she abruptly veered into a concealed alley, vanishing from their line of sight.
The echoing shouts of the two men who pursued her slowly faded into the distance as Ymir hastened her escape. Ever since that fateful night, a shroud of heightened security had descended upon every district. Evidenced by wanted posters of Reiner and Annie that adorned the city's walls, their faces glaringly depicted to aid the public in recognizing the warriors and report their whereabouts to the authorities.
Ymir deftly made a left turn into the next alley. Only to find herself confronted by a dead end. Pivoting to search for an alternative escape route, she quickly came face to face with the men chasing after her. Two soldiers leveled their muskets in her direction without hesitation as they closed the distance.
"Halt! You are under arrest!" The man barked at her.
Before her fingers could brush the hilt of the concealed dagger, a pair of shadowy figures descended from the rooftops, swiftly eliminating the men lurking below. Ymir's breath caught in her throat as the assailants ruthlessly plunged their blades into the unsuspecting soldiers, extinguishing their lives in the blink of an eye. Seizing the moment, she withdrew her own blade, a sliver of steel glinting in her trembling hand, and carved open her palm, crimson drops splattering audibly upon the unforgiving cobblestones. It was then that the two figures pivoted towards her.
"Who are you?!" Ymir's voice erupted in a desperate shout, her steps faltering backward.
With a calculated reveal, the hoods of their cloaks fell away, unveiling none other than Reiner and Annie. Ymir stood frozen, her eyes locked in a gaze of disbelief. Narrowing dangerously, she assumed a combat stance, attempting to conceal the tremor coursing through her.
Reiner raised both hands in a placating gesture. "We're not here to fight, Ymir."
She scoffed bitterly. "A little too late for that, don't you think?"
Impatiently, Annie stepped forward, her gaze an icy glare. "Tell us the truth. Are you the true possessor of the Jaw Titan?"
Ymir's brows knitted together, her body tensing at the question. Reiner interjected, breaking the tense silence. "We noticed it the other night during the fight. And now rumors circulate about a fifth titan shifter that fled the scene, but their identity remains a mystery. Yet, here you are, alone."
Realization dawned upon her, "How did you find me?!" Her voice crackled with anger, ignoring their questions.
The two warriors exchanged a glance, then turned back to face her. "We stumbled upon you a few minutes ago by coincidence. We took a gamble following you here, could have been anyone under that hood." Reiner explained, his gaze hardening. "We've been out here searching for any leads on Bertholdt's whereabouts."
"How convenient," she sneered, casting a venomous glare at them, surprised he shared such information. "What's with that look? You expect me to shed tears for him? Good luck finding him now, assuming they haven't already snuffed out his pathetic existence."
"Killing Bertholdt is out of the question, not until they force information out of him. And trust me, he won't be divulging anything willingly," Annie retorted, her eyes narrowing as her fists clenched at her sides. "That gives us time to retrieve him. As for you, judging by your incessant surveillance of the barracks, I presume you were hoping to find Krista there, correct?"
Ymir drew in a sharp breath. "What does it matter to you?"
"Join us," Reiner uttered, his request disarmingly simple, almost causing Ymir to scoff in disbelief. "Since you couldn't find your place among the scouts, align with us. We promise Krista's safety in exchange for your assistance."
Ymir chuckled, her amusement evident. She regarded him with a smirk. "And why, pray tell, should I oblige? Especially since it was I who snatched your other friend away, Bertholdt disclosed his name to me—Marcel." She noticed the way the two warriors tensed, relishing in their reaction. "Do you think I'm stupid enough to fall for the same trick Floch played on you?"
"No, we don't," Reiner shook his head, "But we recognize that the life give to you was stolen, and now we offer you a chance to make amends." His words sent a chill coursing through her veins. "You owe us this life you were given, Ymir."
Annie interjected. "We only wish to have Bertholdt returned to us, and to return home. Our task here is done—we leave the rest to our superiors."
Ymir's breath caught in her throat. Their superiors? Reiner snapped her out of her momentary trance. "Consider this carefully. Once we report Bertholdt's capture, all pretenses will be discarded. Marley cannot allow the Colossal Titan to slip from its grasp. By the time they arrive, this entire island will be reduced to smoldering ruins."
"This is your sole opportunity. We know you care for Krista. Work alongside us, reclaim Bertholdt, and we will secure her escape from this place. Deep down, you must understand that there is no future worth pursuing here—it's a sinking ship," he added.
"So why ask for my help?" She narrowed her eyes, skepticism etched on her face. "And most important of all, why should I trust you? Why would I throw my life away for your benefit?"
"Don't. But, on the other hand, can you truly trust Forster?" Annie interjected. "Now that you've fled, he will perceive you as a threat. We've seen the way he operates firsthand and I'm sure you realize it as well, he's a manipulative liar. Before long, he'll deceive you, and you'll find yourself captured too."
Ymir remained silent, mulling over their words.
"You're making it difficult for me to trust you, you know that?" She spoke disdainfully, as the boy looked back at her unflinchingly. "You can't go behind my back and do this shit and expect me to just go along with it, what the hell are you planning?!"
"Firstly, I'll remind you that our agreement was merely to guard each other's secrets, if you can show me that our interests align beyond Krista then I would be more inclined for us to work together."
"You can still do the right thing and help us find Bertholdt, Floch will still want to reach out to you, help us and we'll help you leave this damned island." Reiner said,"We won't force your hand for now, but the offer stands," Reiner declared, pulling his hood back over his head, followed by Annie. "Feel free to seek the truth on your own terms. When you realize there's no alternative, meet us at the Pit Lidors tavern in a week from now."
And with that, the two warriors leaped away, employing their pilfered ODM gear. Ymir was left alone in the gloomy alley, surrounded by the cold corpses. Concealing her features beneath her cloak, she darted away, her mind racing with uncertainty as she recalled Forster's words all those years back.
"Marley isn't invincible. They bleed, they hurt, they can be beaten. It sure beats lying to myself that everything will be fine living a lie behind these walls."
Time to find out which lie she's truly been living.
Floch and Eren trailed behind Captain Mike as he led them towards Erwin's office, as they approached the door, a soft murmur of voices reached their ears, growing louder with each step. Mike, with his stoic countenance, pushed open the heavy door, revealing a sight that froze them in their tracks. The room was adorned with the presence of several high-ranking captains and squad leaders, their stern faces illuminated by the flickering candlelight.
Commander Erwin loomed at the forefront of the assembly, his resolute gaze cutting through the air. Floch's heart raced within him as he surveyed the room, every eye fixated on the duo. Eren, too, felt a surge of anticipation, his stare locking with the intense gaze of Commander Erwin, who beckoned them forth with a subtle nod.
"Welcome, gentlemen. Take a seat, both of you," Erwin uttered as they settled onto an unoccupied couch encircled by their superiors.
Erwin was about to continue when the doors swung open once more, revealing none other than Hange. Eren strained his vision, noticing the bloodstains on her sleeves as she closed the door behind her. A shiver traversed his spine.
"Apologies for my tardiness. Uh, things didn't go as planned so I had to... improvise," she mumbled sheepishly while Erwin nodded in understanding.
"Now then," Erwin began, fixing Floch with a grave stare. "I want to make it clear that we are willing to collaborate with both of you, not merely as overseers, but as partners moving forward." He emphasized, his words weighed with significance. "However, for that to succeed, we need to be united in purpose. That's why I've convened this meeting—to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation at hand."
Erwin gestured towards the individuals gathered before them, his voice resonating with trust. "Each person here has my complete confidence. Whatever you share with me can be shared with them as well. So, let us commence." Placing a folder on the table, he added, "Levi's report on the operation that night has intrigued me with a particular detail. Floch, please enlighten us regarding your connection with Ymir and this 'Marcel' mentioned in your conversations with Bertholdt, any details you share with us could very carve a path towards humanity's victory over the titans."
Humanity's victory over the titans huh? Floch wished it was that simple.
"Sir, for me to do all of that I'll need to start from the absolute beginning-" Floch squirmed in his place, his palms sweaty and limbs cold.
But before he could gather his thoughts, an interruption broke the tension. "Lucky for you, we have all the time in the world. We'll be here throughout the night, and even into the morning if need be," Levi stated, his arms folded as he leaned against the adjacent wall.
This was it. Sooner or later, he knew he would have to reveal the truth. It was better to face it head-on now rather than prolong the inevitable. Yes, he had to do this. And it wasn't limited to just the warriors and titans; there was much more to unveil. Furrowing his brow, Floch locked eyes with Levi, briefly, before diverting his gaze with a deep breath.
"Very well."
"Let me preface by stating that all the information I am about to disclose tonight has been directly provided to me by Ymir. So, take what I am about to tell you with caution. There are still countless unknowns that lie ahead of us," Floch cautioned, tilting his head and pursing his lips. "I assume I don't need to delve into the details of my association with Ymir, as I have already covered that in a previous interrogation with Captain Zacharias."
Erwin nodded as he continued with a grave tone. "Finally, this is a warning to all of you, once I impart my knowledge, everyone present in this room will be subject to termination by the government, what I am about to say is classified as high-treason."
Erwin gave him a look of understanding, seemingly reaching a few conclusions inwardly. Seeing the way most of them tensed, Floch closed his eyes, sinking into contemplation before reopening them.
Here goes.
"Have any of you ever wondered why our knowledge of the past is so scarce? What truly occurred a century ago? How did these walls come into existence? And why do these titans relentlessly pursue our annihilation, seemingly for sport rather than sustenance?" He challenged their gazes, seeing apprehension in them.
Silence hung heavily in the room as the officers leaned in, their attention captivated. Floch continued, undeterred. "Why is it that any literature that might challenge the narrative driven by the establishment, as deemed by the church of the walls, is promptly banned and confiscated by the government?"
With no response forthcoming, he directed his gaze to Hange. "Section Commander, enlighten me. How much do we understand about titans?"
Hange was caught off guard, her hand rubbing the back of her head sheepishly. "Well, so far... not much. We know they originate from beyond the walls, but their reproduction remains an enigma since they lack any discernible reproductive organs," she replied, glancing at Eren. "But with Eren and the other titans in the equation, it only makes things more complicated."
Floch's nod was heavy, laden with a weight that hung in the air. "In the aftermath of Eren's situation, these past few days have seen him labeled an abomination, a blasphemy in the eyes of the church, a peril to humanity itself. But that perception couldn't be further from the truth." His gaze hardened, his words slicing through their veins like ice. "You see, there is no inherent distinction between Eren and any other titan. Because, for the better part of the last century, those very titans who have oppressed us were once humans, forcibly transformed against their will."
The silence grew deafening, the scouts fixating their stares upon him as if he had sprouted a second head. Even Levi, known for his composure, appeared disturbed. Hange gripped the edge of Erwin's desk, her breaths coming in heavy gasps as she grappled with the staggering revelation.
"Please, elaborate on this," Erwin finally broke the silence, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and disbelief.
"Before I proceed, I must disclose the reason behind these titans' insatiable hunger for our flesh." Floch raised his arm and draped it over Eren's shoulder, eliciting surprise from the young boy. Hange's ears perked up, feeling a wave of dizziness wash over her from the weight of the newfound knowledge. "Eren here, much like Reiner, Annie, Bertholdt, and Ymir, is what you all refer to as an intelligent titan. There's a purpose behind why titans lack a digestive or reproductive system—they are designed to target individuals like Eren."
Eren's body grew tense, his throat constricting with dryness. "The reason they consume us is driven by their instinct to acquire these powers. Once that happens, those individuals revert to a state of normalcy, or rather, the ability to transform at will, like Eren here."
Within Floch, a twisted amusement swirled as he let go of Eren, relishing in the bewildered expressions plastered across their faces. However, maintaining a facade of professionalism, he kept his countenance neutral. Their world was crumbling before their eyes; everything they once believed was rendered insignificant by the revelation he was laying bare. Hange appeared on the brink of a breakdown, her glasses fogged from rapid breaths.
"Then this Marcel was..." Levi trailed on his own, dumbfounded as Floch nodded in confirmation.
While Erwin appeared composed, it was evident that he grappled with the weight of the situation. "The titans... they consume humans to regain their intelligence?" Floch affirmed with a nod. "You mentioned that they were forcibly transformed. Who is responsible for this transformation? And who is Bertholdt taking his orders from?" Erwin inquired, his voice steady despite the turmoil within.
"That is the part she didn't delve into. I know how it happens, but I don't know who is behind it. You see, for individuals to become titans, they must be injected with a special fluid found only in the spines of those who already possess the power. If we come into contact with this fluid, for some reason, it turns us into mindless beasts," Floch explained, the realization dawning upon a few officers who regained their faculties, their faces drained of color.
In the midst of the gathering, Mobilt Berner found his voice. "S-so, if that's the case, we can deduce that someone is deliberately sending these titans—or rather, people—to our walls. That being said, how many more intelligent titans are we dealing with?"
"Four,"
Four additional titans walked among them.
"This leads us to the question of the walls. Section Commander, I believe you have information to share regarding the sample of hardened skin you obtained from Leonhart," Floch turned to the woman, pulling her out of her daze.
"Y-yes, indeed," all eyes turned towards her. "Upon analysis, I've discovered a striking similarity between the composition of the walls and the sample. It's as if..." Her voice trailed off, a realization dawning upon her. "You can't possibly mean-"
"The church's aversion to 'tainting the walls with human impurities' is a calculated effort to prevent the accidental revelation that the walls are made of titans," Floch interjected. Levi's eyes widened, memories of Pastor Nick's staunch opposition to fortifying the walls resurfacing in his mind.
"They're all in on this. Are you kidding me?" Levi's disbelief hung heavy in the air. "The church and the government, you're telling me they're colluding to conceal this truth from the public?"
Floch hummed in acknowledgement, the weight of their collusion settling upon them. "And it all circles back to the Nine Titan powers. While I remain clueless about the identities of three of them, I can assure you that the fourth unknown power resides within our kingdom. It belongs to none other than the king of the walls." He revealed, the room bracing itself for the revelation that lay ahead. "The king possesses a unique and formidable ability compared to the other titans. According to Ymir's account, he holds absolute control over the people. He can transform individuals into titans at will, erect walls constructed from hardened titan skin, and, if he so desires, manipulate or erase the memories of all those under his dominion."
Some leaned in, their hands reaching for their heads as if trying to hold onto reality. Dread seeped into their bones, an all-encompassing darkness that enveloped them. But he knew, deep down, that some had already disconnected, their minds unable to process the enormity of his revelations. Had he spoken these words just two years ago, they would have condemned him to a lifetime inside of a mental asylum or perhaps simply burned him at the stake.
Erwin's mind whirled in a tempest, his thoughts racing toward a damning revelation. "The walls... our collective amnesia, the intentional suppression of our history, It's all by design." he muttered, his brow furrowing in disbelief. "The lack of funding for our branch, the obstacles we faced, the painstaking measures we took to authorize even a single expedition... It was all a façade? Lives lost, sacrifices made in vain? While they knew full well what they were doing?"
Floch cast a sympathetic gaze at Erwin. "I've tried to warn you earlier, sir. Things just didn't go as planned."
Erwin shook his head, a mix of determination and bitterness etched on his face. "No, you did what you could. Today, the value of your information cannot be overstated." A wry smile crossed his lips as he pondered the treachery within the walls. "It has become evident that humanity's greatest threat lies not in the titans, but in its own ranks."
'If only you knew, Erwin.' Floched mused inwardly, sneaking a glance at Hange and Levi.
"Erwin, what do we do now?" Mike inquired cautiously. "Between those three that are out at large and the government, what's our priority here?"
Klaus's voice cut through the heavy air. "Forget those for a moment, If the king possesses such power, what hope do we have?" Several squad leaders nodded in agreement.
"We have the element of surprise, and two months to strategize before we are compelled to return Eren back to their custody after evaluation," Erwin responded, his eyes narrowing with resolve. "For the sake of humanity, we can no longer remain idle spectators. We will take action to end this charade. The government or the titans, whichever comes first, we'll deal with it accordingly."
Hange spoke up. "If we can find a way to extract this spinal fluid that Floch mentioned, could we have the power of the Colossal titan on our side?" She turned to the redhead and he nodded in confirmation.
Floch's smile held a touch of grim amusement as he revealed another crucial piece of the puzzle.
"I forgot to mention the reason why Ymir enlisted in the military," he declared, drawing their focus back to him. His eyes met Erwin's, conveying a shared understanding. "It was all for the sake of a certain girl—a girl who has garnered significant attention from the Military Police and the church." Eren's brows knitted in confusion, but realization slowly dawned on him, causing his expression to twist with shock.
"The surname Reiss... does it ring any bells?"
"One Day, We'll Break It Down. This Wall Hiding The Truth… Will Fall." - Erwin Smith 850 AD.
A week later
"Are you certain it's from him? I can't find a signature anywhere," Marco questioned, curiousity etching his voice.
Gently folding the paper and stowing it in his pocket, Jean let out a weary sigh. "No doubt about it. Writing this atrocious belongs to Floch, and it's serious too." he replied, his tone laced with a tinge of bleakness.
Exiting their cramped room in the barrack, Marco hummed contemplatively. "What could he possibly want from us to arrange such a meeting?"
Shrugging nonchalantly, Jean admitted, "No clue. But now we must find a way to evade tomorrow's patrol." Abruptly stopping in his tracks, Marco inadvertently collided with Jean.
"Hey, watch it!" Marco protested, mildly annoyed.
"Well, well, look who decided to join the outside world!" A teasing female voice chimed in. "Tired of shouting at each other all night long again? The walls aren't soundproof, you know." Her lopsided grin hinted at mischief.
"Mornin', Hitch," Jean deadpanned, acknowledging her presence.
"Why are you still in uniform? It's our day off today." She inquired curiously.
Exchanging a glance, Jean and Marco knew this was an opportune moment. "Couldn't have asked for better timing," Jean mused, turning towards the girl. "Say, would you mind covering for us tomorrow?"
She grinned, "Ehh? Shirking your duties already? Oh my, that's very naughty, wonder what would Marlowe think about that?"
Marco hastily interjected, raising his hands defensively. "No, no! Nothing like that, I assure you. We take our responsibilities seriously!" He paused, gathering his thoughts. "Something important has come up from back in Trost, and we really need to take care of it, we'd have done it today but you know how it is... Conflicting schedules and all! hehehe."
"And what would I get out of covering for you two?" She hummed.
"Anything you want, within reason of course." Jean replied.
"Within reason huh? I see." She smiled.
Jean observed her reaction intently. Hitch, placing a hand on her hip, tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Well, if you say so!" She slipped a hand into the cleavage of her dress and messed around with her bra, shocking them both, before she retrieved a paper.
Jean averted his gaze, his face flushed. "Have you no damn shame?!"
Hitch rolled her eyes, exasperated. "Oh, loosen up, you prude! Get your mind out of the gutter." She handed the paper to Jean. "This is something those lazy older officers dumped on me a couple of days ago. Frankly, I don't want any part of it, sounds really boring for my taste. Especially when they already make us run all their errands any chance they get. Do this little job for me, and you two will have clean records, guaranteed!" She flashed a mischievous grin.
Opening the paper, Jean and Marco found themselves staring at a sketch of a young woman, Jean's voice filled with intrigue as he read the name outloud.
"Carly Stratmann?"
...By the time you get this letter, we'll be at training in Trost, saving the peasants from scary wooden titans.
-PS: don't bother sending me a reply, I don't care.
Ymir crouched on the roof of a building in Trost district, surrounded on all sides by other trainees from the 104th. She yawned in boredom, waiting for their instructor to begin their mock evacuation drill, she noticed one of the cadets to her left waving at somebody below, the distant shouting from the civilians reaching her ears.
Ymir looked at Gordon, "You know them?"
Gordon turned his head in her direction. "Know them? That's my family down there! That guy in front of the shoemaker's shop is Sandra's old man and the others on the far left are Floch's parents." He grinned, "He told you right? We all practically grew up in the same house before we joined up."
Ymir scoffed, thinking nothing of it. "He sure did. I'll be damned though, somebody was dumb enough to adopt that idiot."
Gordon looked confused. "Huh?" But seeing that she turned away, he ultimately dropped the topic.
Ymir figured this would be the safest approach to contacting Forster, resorting to a message conveyed through his adoptive parents. Vaguely recalling the address from a past ordeal, she navigated the streets until stumbling upon the familiar landmark of the cobbler's storefront. Finally, she halted in front of the door to their dwelling, an instant of hesitation preceding the tap of her trembling hand.
"Hello there."
A jolt coursed through Ymir's veins, her startled body pivoting to face the stranger who had appeared behind her. Frozen in shock, she fixed her wide eyes upon the man before her. Aside from the blond hair and dark brown eyes, his features mirrored Floch Forster in every way—an uncanny likeness that left her lips ajar in disbelief.
Noticing her turmoil, he broke the silence. "Is there something wrong, miss?"
Ymir shook off her daze, regarding the man with hesitance. "N-No, I was informed that Floch Forster resided here."
A derisive snort escaped him. "Aye, you'd be right. Resided. Haven't laid eyes on the boy since he bolted off to join the military."
Discomfort washed over Ymir's countenance, still in denial. "P-perhaps you know a way I could contact his parents? I wish to send him a message."
A grin materialized on the man's face. "Well, miss, let me acquaint myself. I am Waldemar Forster, at your service. If anyone else claims to be that boy's father, there'll be a mighty ruckus in this household."
Suddenly, Reiner's offer doesn't seem so bad anymore.