Chapter 14
As Gloria and I observe the soldiers attempting to guide people onto the plane, a troubling sight unfolds before us. Some individuals vehemently refuse to board, adamantly resisting with acts of violence against our soldiers. Despite their aggression, our soldiers remain protected by their sturdy uniforms, impervious to the knives and bullets aimed their way.
Frustration mounts within me as I witness their obstinance, their refusal to accept salvation out of misguided prejudice and fear. Those who attempt to force their way onto the plane are promptly ejected, their actions fueled by greed and racism met with swift retribution.
"We won't tolerate such behavior," I declare firmly, my voice carrying across the tumult. "Those who refuse to board out of bigotry have no place among those we seek to save." With resolve, we continue our efforts to evacuate those who are willing, ensuring that only the truly innocent find refuge on our island.
As I observe the Warriors engaging in emotional conversations with their parents, a pang of melancholy washes over me. Gloria's keen perception doesn't escape her notice of my somber mood, prompting her inquiry.
"Eren?" she queries gently.
"I'm fine... Just reminiscing about the past," I reply, masking the weight of my thoughts. "I didn't see my grandparents anywhere. I presume after Zeke's betrayal, they were likely imprisoned and unable to escape like the others."
"It's a sobering reality," Gloria acknowledges, her voice laced with empathy. "But you're not alone anymore. We're a family, and Carla is waiting for our return."
Her words offer a glimmer of solace, and I manage a faint smile in response. "I know," I affirm, finding comfort in our bond and the prospect of reuniting with loved ones.
Despite our efforts to extend an olive branch, there are still those who harbor hostility towards us, seeking to vent their anger through violence. Yet, with the protective barrier of Hardening and our Titan powers, their attacks are easily thwarted. Regrettably, I'm forced to resort to lethal force against a few aggressors, a grim reminder of the harsh realities we face and the necessity of defending ourselves against those who seek to harm us.
As the flying planes from Hizuru depart, leaving only our own flying boat behind, a sense of finality settles over us. Those who remain on the ground have made their decision, choosing to face their fate rather than accept salvation from what they perceive as devils. Among them stand the Warriors, resigned to their chosen path.
Annie's question to Armin pertains to the possibility of boarding the flying plane for evacuation. Her exact question might be something like, "Is there any chance we can still get on that plane?" She's likely expressing a glimmer of hope or desperation, hoping for a chance to escape despite the odds.
Armin's response, "I don't think we can, even if we want to," indicates that he believes their situation is dire and the opportunity for escape has passed. His words convey a sense of resignation, suggesting that he sees no feasible way for them to board the plane at this point. His expression mirrors the gravity of the situation, indicating the weight of their predicament.
I exchange a somber glance with Gloria, a silent acknowledgment of the weight of our choices and the inevitability of our circumstances. Despite the ache in my heart at the thought of leaving Reiner and Annie behind, I know that they have made their choice, just as we have made ours. All that remains is to press forward.
Boarding the plane alongside Gloria, we await the final boarding of our soldiers before departing for Paradis Island. As the engines roar to life, carrying us away from the tumult below, I can't help but feel a pang of sorrow for those we leave behind, even as we journey toward an uncertain future.
Returning to our manor, we're greeted by the unexpected sight of Historia, accompanied by her husband and their newborn child. Historia asks, her voice tinged with uncertainty, "So... are they dead?"
"All but those we saved," I respond somberly. "Reiner, Annie, and those who wronged us... they're all gone."
Historia remains silent for a moment before tenderly revealing her child, named Ymir. Her gesture invites a moment of solace amidst the weight of our recent actions.
Gloria's admiration for the infant is palpable as she voices her approval. "She is beautiful," she remarks warmly.
Historia nods in agreement, her gaze fixed on her daughter. As I observe the innocence of the newborn, a pang of guilt gnaws at me. "I killed them... millions of people are dead because of me... even children," I murmur, my remorse evident.
Gloria's reassuring words offer a semblance of comfort amidst the turmoil of my conscience. "We chose this path," she reminds me gently. "We didn't enact the full Rumbling as you initially planned. We explored other avenues, but ultimately, their refusal to seek peace led to this outcome."
In that moment, the weight of our decisions hangs heavy upon us, mingling with the bittersweet joy of new life. As we grapple with the consequences of our actions, the presence of Historia and her child serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile balance between sacrifice and hope.
As we sit in our manor, pondering the aftermath of our actions, Elizabeth arrives unexpectedly, holding a disc in her hands. Startled by her sudden appearance, I inquire, "What is that?"
"It's a disc that reveals the life after the Rumbling. We've carefully curated footage showcasing the transformation of the destroyed land into renewed beauty," she explains.
Relieved by her response, I realize that if she were to show footage of the devastation caused by the Rumbling, I might have been compelled to destroy the disc in a fit of despair. Just then, Armin and the others arrive, prompting me to proceed with playing the video.
As the images of revitalized landscapes unfold before us, everyone is captivated by the breathtaking sights. Armin expresses his awe, remarking, "Wow... I can't believe all of them are real..."
"They are real... or the Founder has the power to create them, even if they weren't real in the first place," I respond with a soft smile. The serene beauty captured in the footage offers a temporary respite from the horrors of the Rumbling, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation.
As the scenes of rebirth and renewal unfold before us, a sense of tranquility descends upon our group, momentarily alleviating the weight of guilt and sorrow that burdens our hearts. Elizabeth's thoughtful selection of footage serves as a poignant reminder that even in the wake of destruction, there exists the potential for regeneration and growth.
"It's incredible... to witness the power of restoration after such devastation," Mikasa remarks, her voice tinged with wonder and awe.
"Yes, it gives us hope for the future," Armin chimes in, his eyes alight with a newfound sense of optimism.
Feeling Gloria's reassuring touch on my shoulder, I find solace in her silent support as we continue to watch the scenes unfold. Despite the hardships we've endured, witnessing the promise of new beginnings offers a glimmer of comfort to our weary souls.
As the video nears its conclusion, Elizabeth turns to me, her expression filled with determination. "There's still much work to be done, but this is a testament to the resilience of humanity. Together, we can rebuild and create a better world."
Historia's words hang in the air, laden with determination and purpose. "And that's why we have reached a decision: Among those we've rescued are individuals with wisdom and experience, individuals who understand the folly of racism and possess invaluable insights into their homelands. I intend to deploy them, along with our soldiers, to aid in the development of new fields and transportation networks."
"That sounds like a commendable plan," I interject, a sense of responsibility weighing heavily on my conscience. "Gloria and I are prepared to contribute as well... it's our way of atoning for the lives we've taken."
"We're in this together," Mikasa asserts, her resolve unwavering. "You won't be facing this alone."
"She's right," Jean adds, echoing Mikasa's sentiment. "With our combined efforts, we can make significant strides in improving the world beyond our walls."
"Thank you, everyone," I express gratefully. "Your support means everything to me. We'll need all the help we can get."
Three years have elapsed, marking a period of significant growth and development for our nation. Our military has undergone rigorous training and now stands on equal footing with Stammer and Valij, ensuring our ability to defend ourselves against potential threats. Fortunately, peace reigns among the nations, with diplomatic negotiations prevailing over the specter of war.
Meanwhile, efforts to cultivate new lands have borne fruit, with the establishment of a burgeoning nation spearheaded by Anti-Marleyan volunteers and Rumbling survivors. With ample support from the main four nations, this fledgling country has flourished, alleviating the need for external assistance. Armin and his companions have assumed ambassadorial roles, representing Eldia on the world stage and fostering diplomatic relations with neighboring nations.
Within Eldia, Gloria and I have been immersed in governmental affairs, striving to steer our nation towards prosperity and stability. As for the Marleyan soldiers who refused to surrender, they met their fate with a sentence of death, while Zeke ultimately met his end at the hands of Levi. In the wake of these events, both Hange and Levi made the decision to resign from the military, feeling that their contributions were no longer needed in a time of relative peace and stability.
As Mikasa and Jean step into a new chapter of their lives, embracing marriage and the anticipation of parenthood, I can't help but feel a swell of happiness for my sister.
"It's really happening," Mikasa says, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I never thought I'd find this kind of happiness."
Jean wraps an arm around her shoulders, a proud smile gracing his lips. "I can't wait to meet our little one," he says, his voice tinged with emotion.
Meanwhile, Armin has found his own happiness with Hitch, their union a beacon of hope amidst the tranquility of our nation.
"We make a good team," Armin says, gazing lovingly at Hitch. "I'm grateful for every moment we share."
Hitch leans into his embrace, her eyes filled with warmth. "I never knew life could be this beautiful," she says softly.
As our friends embark on their new journeys, Gloria and I find solace in the laughter and creativity of our daughter, Carla.
"Mama, look what I drew!" Carla exclaims, bounding into the room with a piece of paper in hand.
Gloria admires her artwork, a proud smile on her face. "You're quite the artist, Carla," she says. "But remember, you can be anything you want to be."
Carla beams with pride, her imagination soaring. "I want to be just like Papa and Mama!" she declares.
I ruffle her hair affectionately. "You can be anything you set your mind to, sweetheart," I say, filled with pride for our spirited daughter.
Gloria's words resonate deeply within me as we watch Carla's exuberant display. A world at peace, achieved through perseverance and sacrifice, is a dream realized.
"Yeah," I say, my heart swelling with gratitude. "We've come a long way."
As the final chapter of this story comes to a close, I want to share some reflections with you. When I set out to write this fanfiction, I wanted to explore a different path for Eren and introduce a Tybur original character who stands by his side. I was inspired by the desire to break away from common tropes found in other fanfics, such as the portrayal of Tybur original characters betraying Eren and the narrative ending in a manner similar to the anime or manga, with Eren's death as a resolution.
Throughout the narrative, I grappled with my own feelings about the original story's conclusion. Like many fans, I felt a mix of disappointment and frustration with certain aspects, particularly the fate of Eren and the resolution with the Marley Warriors. Writing this story allowed me to explore these emotions and imagine alternative outcomes.
Now that this tale has reached its conclusion, I find myself contemplating the broader themes and messages it conveys. While the story may have ended, the impact of its characters and their choices will linger on. And as I reflect on this journey, I feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to share my vision with you, the readers.
As for the future, I may take a break from writing Attack on Titan stories until I rediscover my motivation. But I want to express my sincere appreciation to all of you who have joined me on this adventure. Your support and engagement have meant the world to me.
Thank you for reading, and until we meet again, may you find inspiration and joy in your own creative endeavors.