Attack On Titan: Wings Of Crystal

Chapter 56: The Other Side of the Sea Part 1

Four years have passed since the day of the long-awaited return of the Omega Warrior Unit. As expected from Lazarus and his friends, the Marleyans were not happy with the results of the mission. They have failed to secure the Founding Titan not once, not twice, but three times in the whole five years they've been undercover on Paradis.

Because of their incompetence, the Brass were thinking of decommissioning the Omega Unit and begin preparations to have them replaced at once. But Lazarus would not approve of it.

When he was a child, he hated Marley for the way they've treated his people for centuries. It was unfair and unjust. Its citizens were no better than its military either. Yet Lazarus didn't want to give in to the cycle of hatred everyone else had trapped themselves in. Deep down he knew that not everyone in the world had strong animosity against Eldians like him. Why should the whole world suffer the wrath of the Rumbling because of the corrupt beliefs of the haters against the Subjects of Ymir?

That belief was what kept him under Marley's thumb over the years he served as a Warrior. He only did what he was told believing the people of Paradis were all irredeemable monsters that were a threat to the whole world. But his best friend, Michael, had shown him and his allies that they'd been lied to and manipulated.

Michael spent most of his childhood growing up on that island with no memory of his true life. He grew up believing he was one of them, all for the sole purpose of breaking his family's curse and freeing his mind from the souls of the damned.

His curse may be broken, but he was still cursed to throw away the great life he made with the friends he's made there to begin the next stage in his, and his grandfather, Noah's, ultimate goal to ensure the Crystal Titan's curse is gone for good. To ensure that goal he had to win the trust of the Warriors and the Marleyan Brass. To do that, he allowed them to utilise his Titan powers for future endeavours.

Ever since they learnt the truth of Paradis, Lazarus's loyalty to Marley had shattered like the glass of a sturdy window finally giving in after the cracks grew too big. When the lives of his friends were threatened, Lazarus did what no other Eldian in the world could ever hope to do. Stand up to their oppressors.

It was during a meeting between the military higher-ups. Among them were the recently appointed, General Theo Magath. War Chief Zeke Yeager. And of course, Vice Chief Lazarus Averbach. This took place one week after the two friends travelled through the Paths to explore the past lives of Dante and Lydia Averbach.

Michael was helping Erwin settle into his new home - which was Michael's old house - after fixing it up. The former commander of the Scout Regiment still needed time to adjust to his new life on enemy soil. His vow to not get involved in any, and all, conflict with Paradis still held strong. All he's here for is to be a father to Michael. At least until the Scout Regiment found themselves here, which he knew they would.

"Wh- What did you just say, Devil?!" One of the military officers asked Lazarus in a shocked but angry tone.

"I said I'm sick of all your shit!" Lazarus raised his voice as he stood up from the board meeting table.

"Lazarus-

"No! They NEED to hear what I'm gonna say, Zeke!"

Before things could get any more out of line, Magath stands up and addresses him directly.

"You are out of line, Averbach! Stand down now..." As he says this, the other officers all reach for their guns. The guards at the door also aim their rifles at him. "Or else!"

But Lazarus was not at all afraid of getting shot. It was pointless. Nobody in this room could kill him, so he had nothing to lose.

"Go ahead and try it! You'll only end up wasting bullets and injuring me enough for me to transform and blow up this very room." He turns his attention to the General. "I am going to speak my mind, and you're ALL gonna listen!"

The members of the board all look to the General who nods at them, telling them to put down their guns. He was right. Shooting him wouldn't solve anything. He'd just kill everyone in the room. He could tell by the serious, stone-cold look in his eye that he was serious. Best to play along for now and see how it ends.

"What is the meaning of this treason, Averbach?!"

Lazarus took a deep breath before venting five years' worth of built-up rage he held towards the brass for all the lies and deceit he'd unquestionably taken in without a doubt. They needed to know the consequences of trying to manipulate what is arguably the most powerful and deadliest weapon ever conceived.

"For centuries, Marley has been treating Eldians, like me, as monsters that need to be wiped out like a plague! When I was born in this world, my mother taught me to look past all the hate and discrimination and try to see the light in the darkest of places. I stayed true to that promise even after I lost my parents, had my memories altered by my best friend, and experimented on. Hell, even when you lot ordered my execution in many various ways, I chose not to hold it against you. You wanna know why I did that?" He pauses only momentarily before finishing the first part of his rant. "… Because I believed there was a chance this country could be changed for the better."

"My parents once had that same belief. But they died long before they could realise, they were wrong. Growing up in the academy, I truly believed the people of Paradis were genuine devils that had the power to destroy the world with the Rumbling. But they weren't devils. They never were! They're actually more human than everyone in this room! You took a child's trust and twisted it so you could control the Winged Titan. Despite my knowledge of your lies, I still proceeded with the mission. My team and I were determined to reclaim the Founder. We failed because the people of Paradis - not devils! People! – were more determined than we were. That's why we lost to them, and we deserved it."

"Is there a point to this?" Magath interrupted, starting to get annoyed by the long, and unnecessary rant.

"Punishing me for our failure, I can live with. But punishing my unit and having them killed because of my poor leadership skills is where I draw the line. That was the moment I realised that Marley wasn't worth fighting for anymore. Nor any chance of peace."

Zeke just sat in silence resting his face in his palm. He was very disappointed in his former roommate's actions. He warned him not to make the situation any worse than it is, and what does he do? Exactly what he was told NOT to do. Just what is Lazarus hoping to achieve with this? Does he honestly believe he can scare the brass into "playing nice"? That's not how humanity works.

The General notices Zeke's posture and can assume that he had no idea this would happen. If he did, he never would've talked him into attending this meeting. Lazarus was all alone on this.

"So what? You're gonna turn your back on the motherland and destroy us?" Magath asked him. "You do realise that even thinking of challenging our authority is gonna cost you-

"It won't cost me anything. Because none of you are gonna do anything to me or my allies." The Vice Chief interrupted his supposed superior. "I don't plan on starting a war against Marley as long as you leave me, my friends, their families, and all those closest to them alone."

Lazarus starts circling the table gazing intensely at each member of the brass, sending an unnerving shiver down their spines.

"You created me to be a powerful, unstoppable weapon of mass destruction. And you succeeded. But you cannot control me anymore. My time on that island helped me realise that I should decide what I want to use it for, not you! This is MY power. And from this moment on, I will only use it to protect my loved ones. I no longer care about being a hero in the eyes of the public. Why should I care about approval from a corrupt society that hates people like me when the respect and love I get from my friends and comrades is more than enough? Fortunately for you, the only lives I care about protecting happen to reside within Marley. You get what I'm saying?"

"Yes…" General Magath was starting to see where Lazarus was going with this. His intentions were clear. He was threatening to destroy all of Marley with the same explosion that destroyed Odiha and the Eden's Nest labs on a larger scale if they went through with their plan to replace the Omega Unit.

"You're only threatening us because you have the power to back it up. You think being immortal means you can escape all consequences?" A random Marleyan officer blurted out suddenly. "Even with all your power, you cannot take on Marley's might alone!"

Lazarus stopped in his tracks and leans down on the table to be at eye level with the officer. Gazing deeply into his eyes. His crimson glare forced the officer to back up a little. Cold sweat was dripping down his brow and wrists, showcasing how nervous he was all of a sudden.

"You all saw the kind of power I unleashed in Odiha all those years ago. Do you really wanna see what a full-scale, completely controlled explosion could do? Because if any harm comes to me, my friends, and their loved ones… You will be the first to bear witness to seeing your once proud motherland be reduced to a wasteland of dust and ashes. I will burn this nation down before I spend another minute living like a Marleyan!"

The officer's eyes widened with horror as he unintentionally pictured the devastation in his mind, comparing it to the Odiha explosion. He gulped in response, unable to make a comeback. Satisfied with the retort, Lazarus stood tall and faced the General.

"What are your demands, Averbach?" Magath calmly asked, slightly afraid of triggering a negative reaction out of him.

"My desire is for my friends to continue serving as Warriors until they reach the end of their thirteen-year reign." He started. "But that's not all. I also demand that Marley cease all transfer of Eldian prisoners to Paradis to be turned into Titans. Any Eldians who commit a crime should be treated the same way as any other lawbreaker. They are to be locked in cells, not spend eternity as a mindless Titan. Lastly, all conflicts with Paradis stop now! They've suffered enough and deserve to be a part of this world as much as Marley, even if you don't deserve it."

The members of the Brass all gasp in shock. They start voicing their outrage with the demands, claiming they're absurd and go against everything their nation stands for. Some of them even held back the urge to vomit at the thought of treating devils as equals.

"What you ask is impossible," Magath replied. He was the only one keeping his cool the whole time the meeting started spiralling out of control.

"Do you honestly expect us to appear before the public and tell them they have to be nice to Eldians? Calling them devils, and treating them as such, is every citizen's god-given right! Not even someone as powerful as you can change centuries of war and famine just like that." He snaps his fingers. "Your dream for world peace and unity is nothing but a child's dream. It will never become reality."

"I know, General. I know nothing I do can change how the world views us Eldians. But I'm not trying to save all Eldians. Only the ones who matter most to me. History has proven numerous times that it is very possible to hate and discriminate against people who look just like you. War, hate, and destruction have been at play throughout human history long before Subjects of Ymir were brought into the world, and I know it'll continue to exist long after we're all gone. It's nobody's fault. No side is truly evil. It's just human nature to hate and attack anything, or anyone, different no matter what race they are… I feel like a fool for only now learning that valuable lesson."

Magath didn't like this turn of events any more than the rest of the brass. No, he was furious with it. But weirdly enough, there was a small part of him that couldn't help but admire the balls of this kid for actually having the guts to threaten the strong links in the chain of the Marleyan government.

He's known Lazarus and his unit ever since they were little kids. He even had the privilege of knowing his parents when he was just a lieutenant. Though he was loyal to his country, and nothing can ever change his view on the devils of Paradis, he can't see any way out of this other than to give in to Lazarus's demands.

In the five years spent after their departure, the Mid-East Allied Forces declared war on Marley after its strongest Warriors fled their homeland. Without the aid of their Titan Shifters, Marley will inevitably fall to their might. Like it or not, Lazarus is still the motherland's most powerful weapon and their only guarantee for ending the war in victory. Lazarus made it clear to them that they no longer had anything over him. They might as well take their threats and shove it up their asses. They also have nothing to offer him for his cooperation either.

Keeping that in mind, Magath had no choice but to accept Lazarus's demands and form a truce. With his powers, he could easily wipe their motherland off the face of the continent forever.

The brass agreed to it also, though they were very reluctant to do so. The Omega Unit will continue to live until their time is up and no harm will come to their loved ones. In return, Lazarus will use his powers to defeat the Mid-East Allied Forces and bring victory to Marley.

"This is my proposition. Michael and I will only be fighting for ourselves and our loved ones when up against the Mid-East Allied Forces." Lazarus spoke up after sealing the deal with a handshake. "As long as their lives in Marley aren't affected, we can extend that protection to the motherland as well."

"Understood. But this does not change the fact that you're a traitor to Marley now. We're only going along with this because we have no alternatives. Keeping your friends and loved ones alive and ceasing prisoner transfers to Paradis is a necessary evil to ensure the future of Marley… You're perhaps the biggest devil of them all, Averbach."

"I know." Lazarus stands up from his chair and looks the General in the eye. "… But I am your devil no longer."

With those words said, Lazarus decided to take his leave. One of the officers attempted to stop him, but Magath ordered him to let him leave. But the Vice Chief was not finished yet. He glances back at Magath one final time.

"Oh, and one more thing. From now on, we'll be the ones responsible for moulding the next generation of candidates to become Warriors. I will ensure they grow up knowing the truth about Paradis and not get brainwashed by the lies you've been feeding us. Got a problem with that?"

"The Warrior Program is still part of Marley's military. You cannot claim it as your own." The General argued. "They will remain under our control, but I cannot stop you from telling them whatever. Whether they believe you or not is up to them." Magath pointed out.

Lazarus sighed in response. He had not considered the possibility of them not believing them. The whole time they've been away, the brass has been training the next Warrior Unit for the day they would replace their predecessors. There's a chance that some of them may be too far gone. But Lucia never gave up on him, and neither will he. One way or another, Marley's lies end with him and his unit.

Once the doors closed behind him, Zeke approached the general and attempted to apologise on his second-in-command's behalf.

"General Magath, words cannot express how dissatisfied I am with Lazarus's actions. Had I known he-

"I want you to keep a close eye on Lazarus from now on." Magath interrupted without even looking in his direction. "Lazarus claims he's only doing this to protect his loved ones, but eventually he's gonna make more demands and keep threatening to destroy us if we deny him more. He's become too dangerous to let roam free."

"Agreed. When we fought on the island, I could feel how much stronger he had gotten. We can't kill him, and we can't contain him anymore. He has the motherland up against the wall with a gun pointed at her head. At the moment we are powerless to resist." Zeke explained.

"You have a plan?" Magath asked, hoping he had something, anything, that could put the rogue Eldian back in his place.

"Not yet. But after we defeat the Mid-East Allied Forces, I will have one. All I need is time, General. As much of it as you can grant me. Hopefully by then, I will discover a weakness we can exploit."

"You'd do that to your comrade? You two used to share a bunkbed together." He reminded him, forcing Zeke to relive those brief memories of the only time in their lives they were close friends. "Could you really kill Lazarus if the opportunity presented itself?"

Zeke responds by performing the Marleyan salute, showing his loyalty and dedication to the motherland. "Yes sir."

"Good. At ease, soldier."

Unbeknownst to the general, Zeke had his fingers crossed on his left hand which he had hidden behind his back and out of view of the other brass members. Like Lazarus, he was no longer loyal to Marley. But he wasn't on the albino's side either. He was loyal only to his cause. His lifelong mission to euthanise all Eldians and ensure the disappearance of their race in the next 100 years or so.

Four years have passed since then. Lazarus's rant never changed the way Marley operates as a nation or made the lives of the Eldians within their borders better, but he wasn't expecting it to. However, his actions did make the lives of all those closest to him much easier. That was good enough for him.

But peace was never designed to last. Not long after the board meeting was adjourned, the Warriors were dispatched to the foreign lands where the heart of the Mid-East Allied Forces was located.

The Omega Unit's failure to take the Founding Titan hadn't gone unnoticed by the rest of the world. Many countries saw this as the perfect opportunity to join forces and form a worldwide alliance against Marley.

The war began in the year 850 with the Allies launching the first attack on the motherland with their vast naval fleet. The damage dealt to the capital would've been catastrophic had it not been for defensive walls conjured up by Michael's Crystal Titan. Though he didn't do this to protect Marley. It was to keep his father and friends safe.

Until that day, everyone believed that the Crystal Titan was just a myth, and the Winged and Colossal Titans had been captured by the people of Paradis. That was false information the Marleyan military fed any potential spies within their ranks to catch the Allied Forces off guard and lure their navy fleet out into the open.

In the years to come, Marley was able to decimate and cripple the Allied Forces until over 70% of their lands and seas were under their control. However, the naval battles were evidently poorly fought, as Marley lost over half of its navy during those four years.

While Marley and the Allies fought for control over the seas, the Allies also began work on the Anti-Titan artillery, cannons with 100mm armour-piercing shells capable of killing any Titan, even one of the Ten, as well as severely weaken the Winged Titan with a single shot. While this weapon would not be seen until the last days of the war, it nonetheless posed a significant threat against Marley's military, which heavily depended on the power of the Titans.

In the year 854, Marley had succeeded in pushing the Allied fleet to the naval station near Fort Slava on the coast of the mainland. At the request of the navy, ground forces were sent to take over the fort before Marley's fleet could advance upon the Allies' fleet stationed in the bay.

While the Omega Warriors waited on standby, General Magath led a unit of 800 Eldians in a siege against the fort. The chosen candidates for the Warrior Program were present for this battle as they were instructed to watch and learn from their predecessors. Among them was Falco Grice. His older brother, Colt, whose been chosen to inherit the Beast Titan. And Gabi Braun, Reiner's cousin.

They barely got out of range from an explosion thrown by an Allied soldier. Falco was dazed from the shockwave, unable to get up off the ground. The white noise of the explosion had not left his ears. All he could do was look up at the sky and watch the birds fly by.

"Hey… This is no place to be right now… so fly away. You've got wings, use them." He weakly muttered to himself.

Saying those words triggered his mind to think back to when he first saw the Winged Titan flying across the sky. To the Marleyans, what was once a beacon of hope for the future of their motherland has now become something to be feared. They were forced to make a deal with the devil controlling it and are now forced to do its bidding.

To Falco and most of the other Eldians, it still is a symbol of freedom. He'd always looked up to Lazarus both literally and figuratively. He was one of the few people in his life who inspired him to become a Warrior. The yellow armband on his left arm is the result of how far he's come.

"I wanna fly like you, Lazarus. I'd give anything to see the world the same way you do… I wanna be just like you."

His peaceful view of the semi-clear blue sky was suddenly obstructed by Colt, who was risking his own neck by running out of cover to retrieve his brother.

"Brother? Why are you here?"

"Thank god you're not hurt." He grabs a hold of his right arm and lugs him up onto his back. "I'll carry you back! Try to hold on!"

Without warning, Colt races back to the trenches dug by the candidates to avoid the machine gun defences placed around the fort, ensuring a slow but guarded advance.

Many Eldian soldiers who were escorting the two candidates were shot down mercilessly by the Allies' machine guns. That didn't stop the older brother from running. With his eyes dead set on the trenches ahead, he was unaware of the machine gun sights locking onto him and Falco.

But the Allies manning it weren't quick enough to pull the trigger. They were both sniped from a distance by an Eldian soldier, allowing the two boys to dive behind cover unharmed.

The other candidates helped Falco in, while Colt was pulled to safety by the one who just saved his life. His saviour was none other than Michael Suurvalta/Smith.

The candidates were under the watchful eye, and protection, of two Warriors. Annie Leonhart and Michael Suurvalta. Michael was wearing a new, uniquely designed military uniform. It was identical to the uniforms worn by the three regiments of the walls on Paradis in terms of design. The obvious difference was the colour of the jackets which were crimson red, the same colour as Lazarus's eyes. On their backs was a logo similar to the Wings of Freedom symbol the Scouts wore. But the wings were draconic in design, based on the Winged Titan's wings and were styled to look like they were made of crystals. They were a shiny blue just like the crystals produced by Michael's Titan. He also had a red armband on his left shoulder, marking him as an honorary Marleyan and member of the Omega Warrior Unit.

He and Annie were both equipped with ODM gear identical to the one Michael stole off of one of Kenny's Anti-Personal Squad members. But the guns were different to the original design. The gun had two barrels and was slightly bigger and sleeker than the originals. It was like a singlehanded shotgun. The gun was also able to hold five rounds per magazine instead of two.

As he gazes down at his new weapon, Michael thinks back to the day Lazarus stood up to the brass and put them in their place.

While Lazarus and Zeke were inside, Michael was standing outside the doors listening in on the meeting. He wasn't permitted to be a part of it as he wasn't trusted among the higher-ups, which was to be expected of him.

Lazarus may've made him a Warrior, but it wasn't official with the brass. All he is to them is a new weapon for them to control. They didn't trust him one bit, believing that the years on Paradis had changed him. (Which they have) Unfortunately, they couldn't just give his power away to another Warrior unless they had Ackerman blood. But all of the Ackermans in Marley's lands were slaughtered a long time ago. As far as Michael knows, he, Mikasa, and Levi are all that remains of the Ackerman Clan.

This presented a problem for future Crystal Titan users. If the Ackerman bloodline dies, then so will their Titan. Unless he were to copulate with another Eldian and pass it on to his children. But Michael would never do so unless he discovers a way to break the Curse of Joseph forever.

His ears perked up to the sounds of approaching footsteps coming from the other side of the two wooden doors. The meeting had concluded. The first one to exit the room was Lazarus, whom he was relieved to see.

"Hey, Laz. Sounded like you were giving those bastards hell."

"Yeah, but they needed to know the consequences of their actions. No child should ever slaughter innocent people believing they were evil devils who deserved it."

They continued walking down the corridor until they reached the exit of the headquarters. They waited until they were alone and out of earshot before continuing their discussion.

"You were right, Michael. Threatening to destroy the motherland was the only way to get them to put their ignorance aside and listen." Lazarus started optimistically, only for his mood to wane as he recalled the disappointing look in Zeke's eye. "… You were also right about Zeke not approving of it. It's clear he still values the old ways and is unable to see the potential of a better life like we do."

"Well, what did you expect from that bearded bastard?" Michael responded in a harsh tone.

"Whoa. Where's this coming from?" He asked.

"Dad told me what happened out in the fields when he was leading the suicide charge. He said Zeke was celebrating every Scout he cut down with every throw. He laughed as their bodies were torn to shred by shrapnels of stone. At least you felt guilt over the lives you've taken. He did not." He thoroughly explained while also keeping his emotions in check.

Lazarus was in shock over what he was hearing. He knows Zeke can be ruthless at times, but he never saw him as unsympathetic. Apart from the time he prioritised Eren's capture over Annie's rescue, which inspired the necessity to challenge him directly. But he assumed that was a one-off situation. As soon as they got back, he noticed him being more distant compared to how close they used to be in their cadet years.

He didn't want to believe it, but he knew Erwin wouldn't lie about something like that. He was there when the butchering of the Scouts occurred while he was sitting comfortably atop the Colossal Titan's shoulder.

"I know you and him became close after I left." Michael places his hand on his friend's back. "But the kid you shared a dorm room with. The one who helped you fit in with the other members of your unit. That guy's dead. He's Marley's lapdog now. A royal lapdog. One who gives a shit about nobody but himself… You have to learn to accept that or else we'll never be able to protect the friends we've made on Paradis."

Lazarus slowly nods in agreement and takes a deep breath. In his heart, Zeke will always be the same friendly older brother figure he had in the academy. But he cannot let him get his hands on the Founding Titan before him. Marley will only use it for nefarious purposes. But he can use it to benefit the lives of Eldians on both sides of the sea.

"Speaking of Erwin, how's he settling into your old house and new life in Odiha?" He asked, changing the subject.

"He's doing well. We spent most of yesterday tidying and fixing it up. He's still adjusting. Trying to figure out what his purpose is now… He's still sworn on never getting involved in any of Marley's conflicts. He'd rather die than aid his enemies." He explained.

"Understandable." He idly commented. "… Marley's going to war."

That statement came at him so suddenly and out of nowhere that Michael's legs stopped. It's as if all the energy in his legs just transferred to his brain to help process what he'd just heard.

"War?! With whom?"

"While we were away, various countries around the world have rallied to rise against the motherland. Word didn't reach the brass until after they'd learned of our failure to capture the Founding Titan. Now that they think we're weak, they've decided to launch their first attack. Their naval fleet is probably on its way as we speak." Lazarus slowly clarified.

"Well, shit. Sucks for Marley then." He wisecracked, only to quickly take it back once he realised that the war not only threatened Marley but their loved ones too. "Damnit. We have no choice but to fight them on Marley's behalf, don't we?"

"Oh, we're gonna fight alright. But it won't be for Marley anymore. I told the brass that from now on we will be fighting for ourselves and the people in our lives. I can't speak for the Warriors, but I for sure speak for myself, you, and Erwin. I told them-

"No need to finish that sentence. I already overheard your demands." The two of them continued walking through the streets of Liberio as they conversed.

"Now that you and I are officially our own fighting force against Marley, where do we go from here?"

Lazarus takes a look around first before voicing his plan. "We're gonna form our own movement. A cause whose purpose is to bring an end to Marley's rule from within and the 100-year suffering of Paradis. The world we live in may be cruel, but it's the only one we've got. Like it or not, it's worth protecting for those who are worthy of life. Our goal is not to stop all wars and unite humanity anymore. It is only to make the lives of the next generation a little easier. To do that, we must reclaim the Founding Titan and erase the power of the Titans from the world. Only then will the world rest peacefully knowing the Rumbling will never come to pass."

As he says those words, flashes of the nightmares he's been having about the Rumbling play within his mind. Images of an army of Colossal Titans walking across the world, flattening every living thing in their path. And at the centre of it all was a gargantuan skeletal beast with the head of Eren's Attack Titan.

"Had I taken Eren that day, I probably would've prevented the Rumbling. But it would've come at the cost of Erwin's life." He turns to Michael. "Do you think I made the right choice?"

"For the sake of the world, no. But for the sake of the Scouts and myself, I still think you did. The world's a better place with him in it… Though it could've been better had everyone else who died been as lucky as he was."

"That's why we must do this. To prevent any more innocent lives on both sides from needlessly dying. To show the world that they are NOT the devils everyone makes them out to be."

"What about the next Warrior Candidates? Who's to say Marley hadn't already corrupted their tiny minds like they have yours?" Michael pointed out.

"It won't come to that," Lazarus responded with denial. "We'll make sure kids like Falco don't grow up seeing Paradis the same way Marley does. That's why I need you and Erwin's help… Who better to show them the truth than the two of you? You've lived on that island far longer than you did here. And Erwin is an expert at inspiring others to acknowledge his beliefs."

"But those candidates are loyal to Marley." He tried to remind him, only to be dismissed by Lazarus who raised his left index finger at him.

"Those kids are only loyal out of fear. Trust me, I know from experience. Some of them, like Gabi, claim they are devoted Marleyans just to appease their superiors and ensure better lives for their families. I told General Magath that we'll be solely responsible for them from now on. I don't trust them to keep their word, but if they value their lives and nation, they will not dare try anything… Talk to Erwin. I'm sure he'll agree to this, knowing this will benefit Paradis as well."

Michael takes his time thinking everything Lazarus suggested to him through. On paper, it sounds like a good next step. But it also comes at great risk. Lazarus may've scared the brass into cooperation for now but who knows how long it'll be until they say, "fuck it" and kills him, Erwin, and everyone else associated with the albino Titan Shifter anyway.

But Lazarus assured him that Theo Magath was not like the other Marleyans. He may still view the Eldians of Paradis as devils, but he does have a mutual respect for those who would gladly give their lives in the name of their motherland. It's clear he is angered and hurt over Lazarus turning his back on the military. But he wouldn't be stupid enough to go back on his word just to settle a grudge for insubordination. Thank God he is general now. Had it been the former general he'd be dead by now and Lazarus would be chained in the pit Lucia pulled him out of again.

As for Erwin, he could potentially see him agreeing to this proposition and teaching these innocent and clueless kids the real truth of the world. Having the next generation of Warriors stand against Marley would inevitably lead to its downfall. Then the Rumbling would no longer be an issue if its intended target is no more.

"Sounds like a plan I can get behind. I'll relay this information to Dad as soon as I can." Lazarus glanced back at his brother-in-arms and smiled in response to him being on board with this plan. "But if Dad and I are responsible for the candidates, what are you gonna do?"

"I've gotta prepare ourselves, and the others, for the upcoming war with the Mid-East Allied Forces. Whilst working on the creation of our movement in secret. We're not ready to form it yet. We need weapons and allies. Which is why I brought us here."

Lazarus and Michael come to a stop right outside the remnants of Lucia Muller's old blacksmith shop. It was just like how it was the last time he saw it. Old, faded and covered in cobwebs and dust. Michael only saw it in its prime when they delved into the past of his Dante and Lydia Averbach. Seeing it now, he couldn't help but feel sad for Lazarus. This shop was like a second home to him. He can't imagine what he must be feeling right now.

"Your mentor's old shop… Why'd you bring us here?" Michael asked with confusion.

"I need a place to construct the weapons our movement will require if we ever expand it beyond you, me, and Erwin. Remember that gun-type ODM gear you brought back with us?" Michael nodded. "Well, I'm gonna use it as a template to build more of them. A whole new improved line of them. Cloud Zero was the best I could do at the time. This will be my first real challenge."

His eyes slowly fall away from the old, barely hanging sign down to his two hands. He carefully closes his fists.

"I also need extra training on my Titan powers. I have to master the ability to transfer the power of the Titans from one Eldian to another without killing them and losing the ability. It's the only way to ensure Annie, Reiner, and the others all get to live long lives after our goal is complete." He explained without looking away from his hands.

"But the others only have a few years left. What if you haven't mastered it by then?" He asked.

"I have to!" Lazarus turned around and raised his voice slightly. He takes a deep breath to calm himself down. "This power, and the Hellfire Force, are the only powers I still have no total control over. I have to master them for the sake of the world… I've already caused two genocides in Odiha and Shiganshina. I won't want to be responsible for another."

Michael takes hold of his hand, reassuring him that it'll never come to that.

"It'll be alright, Laz. What happened both times won't happen again. You're not Marley's weapon anymore. We're our own weapons. We're free to use them however we decide… I leave you to your business. I'll find Dad and tell him our plan. I'll see you later."

He lets go of his hand and decides to take his leave, allowing his friend to get in as much training and smithing as he can before the Allied Forces reach Marley's port. But he stops himself after walking just a few feet away from the shop. There was one last question on his mind that his curiosity was dying to find out the answer to.

"This movement of ours, what's it called?" He asked.

Lazarus turns around and looks directly at his friend. The wind started to pick up around them, blowing the sign about, as if fate itself was setting the mood for the big dramatic reveal.

"I'm thinking of calling it… The Wings of Crystal."

To Be Continued

Author's Note: Sorry I took so long to upload a new chapter. I decided to re-read through what I've written so far to remind myself of all the changes I've made. I originally wrote this chapter to include the Battle of Fort Slava but my internet crashed before I got the chance to save it, forcing me to write it all again. I didn't wanna keep you all waiting any longer so I decided to split the chapter into 2 parts. I'm still working on Part 2 as I'm posting this. Overall it is good to be back to working on this story and I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Part 2 will be coming soon so stay tuned.