Author's Note: Here's part 2 of the musical section of Wings of Crystal. The songs chosen for the reamining Warriors is listed in the chapter if you wanna play them in the background as you read like you did part 1. If you hadn't read part 1 yet I highly reccomend you do that first then come back. Enjoy :)
Attack On Titan: Wings Of Crystal
Chapter 62: The Greatest Show Part 2
Halfway through Willy Tybur's World Union Show, the people were given a much-needed break. They were enjoying the performances so far. The opening act was a hell of a display with a variety of people singing, dancing, and performing stunts. Even the host himself expressed the wild side that only those close to him knew about.
The Warriors reunite behind the stage to congratulate Michael and Lazarus for their performances. Annie wasn't with them as she was still in the women's restroom with a worried Pieck waiting outside the stalls, cringing every time she heard Annie vomit.
"Ugh, my head is pounding…! And my hands won't stop shaking." Annie weakly muttered, still crouched over the toilet.
"Hmm, can't be a nervous stomach. You looked like you were having a good time out there once you got past the stage fright. Must be all that food you ate during the festival." She commented.
"I… don't think it's the food, Pieck," Annie uttered under her breath in a scared tone.
Though she was as quiet as a church mouse, Pieck was able to pick up on her distress and lightly knocked on the stall door, requesting Annie to try and clean herself up and come out.
It took some time, but Annie managed to pull herself together and exit the stall. Her face looked pale with tiny chunks of vomit stuck to the edges of her mouth. She was a mess, one Pieck had difficulty looking at.
Annie pushes past her and races to the sink. She turns on the tap and splashes her face a few times with cold water, washing off the specks of vomit and helping ease her headache. She takes a look at herself in the mirror. She didn't like what she saw. She was in a terrible state. Her skin was pale. Her eyes were a little grey under her lids, and her hair was a mess.
Pieck offered to tidy it up with a hairbrush she always carries in her inner jacket pocket. She gently runs the brush through Annie's golden locks, straightening them out as much as she can.
"I don't understand what's wrong with me, Pieck. I was completely fine until after we got off that stage. First, my back was killing me in the mornings, now this… I must've caught some disease from someone while we were staying at Fort Slava."
Pieck thought back to the day after they'd defeated the Mid-East Allied Forces. She hadn't seen much of Annie since they returned to Liberio, but she seemed fine at the time from what she heard from Lazarus. She tried her hardest to pinpoint when exactly these symptoms started. She recalled Annie complaining about having a bad back a few weeks ago. She also appeared more exhausted than usual during Warrior meetings, struggling to pay attention to Zeke's words. Then earlier today she saw her going crazy over the foreign food stalls. But she didn't think much of it as Gabi and the others were equally as nuts. Even she couldn't resist the sweet and savoury goodness of the other lands.
Her eyes shot wide open as a sudden realisation struck the side of her head like a bullet to the brain. It happened so fast that she wasn't aware she accidentally pulled Annie's hair too hard, causing her to yelp in pain. Pieck was startled out of her trance by the discomfort she brought about.
"Ow! Are you trying to rip my hair out?!"
"Oh my, I'm so sorry, Annie! Please forgive me!" She bowed her head in regret, pleading with her not to hold it against her.
Annie straightens her hair out and drys her face with a couple of tissues on the side of the sink. She then drinks some water from the tap to wash the horrible taste of vomit out of her mouth.
"Annie… Have you and Lazarus, er… made love recently?"
Pieck's out-of-nowhere question forced Annie to spit out the gargling water in the sink and down the drain. She let loose a few coughs until she was able to regain her composure.
"Wha- I mean, that's none of your business!" She retaliated with bright red blushing cheeks. She quickly scans the bathroom and is so relieved they are alone. She would've died of embarrassment if anyone she didn't know heard about her love life. "You can't just ask me something like that out of nowhere?! How would you feel if I did that to you?!"
"I'd answer you honestly, which is what I'm hoping you will do… So, did you?" She repeated the question slowly.
Annie nervously looks away, unable to look her only other female comrade in the eye as she answers. "…Y-Yes." She finally muttered quietly.
Pieck expected as much, though she still wanted to be sure. It was all starting to make sense to her now. Severe back pains. Fatigue. Sudden cravings for the strangest of food items. Nauseous vomiting. All of that can mean only one thing.
"Annie… I think you're pregnant."
Just when Annie thought she'd finally managed to calm herself down, the fear and insecurities returned to bite her in the ass. She could not accept what she'd just heard. Her pregnant? There's no way that's true, she kept telling herself. She's only 18 years old. How could she be pregnant?
This news caused her to start having a panic attack, rapidly increasing her breathing and heartbeat. Pieck gently pulls her into a warm embrace to help calm her nerves, stroking the back of her head.
"It's ok, Annie. This is nothing to be scared about." She calmly soothed her. "This could be a good thing. You and Lazarus had always talked about starting a family one day.
"When the war was over!" She reminded her. "It's too soon for us to have kids!"
"Just calm down." She breaks off the hug. "When was the last time you two were intimate?"
"Two days before the last Warrior meeting Zeke wanted him to be a part of." She answered honestly.
"Annie… That was a month ago. You're a month pregnant. To be honest, I didn't think Lazarus was capable of having kids after the experiments."
"Neither did I." She replied just as shocked. Lazarus always said acquiring his Winged Titan came at great costs like his immortality. She feels stupid for assuming that went for his ability to reproduce too.
She started feeling even more nervous once she realised that she needed to tell him, her father, and the others about this at some point. But she was afraid of how they would react when she did, most of all Lazarus. He already has enough on his plate with Marley keeping him, Michael, and Erwin under constant surveillance. If the brass were to uncover her pregnancy, they may try to use it against him in some twisted way.
Another issue this pregnancy has brought to light is the problem of utilising the Female Titan. There haven't been many Titan Shifters who were with children upon receiving the power of the Titans. Though some were strong enough to handle both like Lazarus's mother, Lydia. But others ended up suffering a miscarriage due to the strain of the inheritance ceremony.
Annie wasn't sure what to do. There was a chance she could still utilise her Titan powers whilst keeping her unborn child alive, but it was too big a risk. She couldn't bear to face Lazarus again if she was responsible for the death of their baby. Another issue was the fact she doesn't have long until she reaches the end of her thirteen-year lifespan. She has two more years so she will be able to deliver the baby. The problem was she won't be there to watch them grow up just as Dante and Lydia couldn't be there for Lazarus when he was a baby. She didn't wanna put him, or their child, through that pain again.
"Annie?" Pieck gently shakes Annie, snapping her back into reality. "Is everything alright?"
Annie takes a moment to calm her nerves before answering. She places her hand atop her stomach and rubs it. Despite the initial shock and fear of the future, she was happy to know she was going to be a mother. She can give her son or daughter the childhood she never had growing up. Give them the chance to be an actual kid, and not a weapon of war she and the other Warriors were moulded into.
"… No one must know about this. Not even Lazarus… not yet at least." She finally spoke up. "You must promise me that you will never tell anyone about my pregnancy. If the Marleyans find out about this, I don't know what they might do."
"The Marleyans I understand, but why keep this from Lazarus? You're carrying his child, assuming you haven't been with anyone else." Annie gives her an angry look that says: "Do you think that little of me?" implying that she hadn't been with anyone else. Only Lazarus.
"You already know that Lazarus and Michael are enemies of the motherland now. The only reason they hadn't taken action is because Lazarus threatened to destroy Marley itself. Right now, he's focused on making sure Marley keeps their word. If he finds out about this now, he may lose his focus and start worrying about me, allowing Marley to destroy his plan to create a better world for our child to grow up in… He has to complete his mission first. Only then will I tell him. Understand?"
Pieck nods. Now it made sense why she was keeping something this vital from him. She too wanted Lazarus to succeed in his goal to erase the power of the Titans and overthrow Marley. It won't get of rid the rest of the world's hatred for Eldians, but it will put their people at ease knowing the corrupt motherland is no more.
Once that crisis was dealt with, Annie and Pieck exit the women's bathroom and make their way back to the stage area. The second half of the show is set to begin in a couple of minutes, and Pieck cannot be late as it is her turn to sing in front of the audience.
The time has almost come for the second half of the show to start. All the people who temporarily left to do whatever they wished quickly returned to their seats, though some of them ended up losing their chairs to others who managed to get to them first.
This didn't occur with the VIPs in the front rows since their seats were reserved by Willy Tybur himself. The brass hadn't moved since the first half concluded. They just sat around and talked amongst themselves to pass the time.
Michael approached Erwin and asked him how he was enjoying the show so far. He was impressed with Michael's performance and enjoyed the duet Lazarus shared with Annie, who didn't seem to be among them. Mister Leonhart started to worry. She and the others weren't done yet. After Lazarus, Bertolt, and Pieck had their time to shine, they were all supposed to take part in the closing act that was promised to be just as spectacular as the opening act.
Pieck and Annie soon return to the stage area and approach the other Warriors, Lazarus, and the candidates. Lazarus ceased whatever discussion he was having with Porco and rushed over to Annie.
"There you are. You had us worried when you ran off stage like that. Is everything alright?" He asked in a concerned manner.
"I'm fine," Annie responded immediately, completely neglecting his worries.
"You have nothing to worry about, Lazarus. She was just feeling a little sick from all the food she ate hours ago. The fear of performing on stage must've triggered it. She's just a little annoyed that you had to see her in that state." Pieck covered for her.
"Oh, I see. That makes sense. I did warn you this would happen." He teased her. "At least you're ok now. Are you well enough to continue the show?"
"I should be once I get some rest," Annie assured him, whilst trying her hardest not to think about her pregnancy. She can't let Lazarus find out through his telepathy. It was a difficult thing for her to do. The only way she can stop herself from thinking about it is to direct her focus on the remainder of the show.
Luckily for her, Lazarus's attention went away from her and over to where Gabi and the candidates were. Everyone but Falco was accounted for, prompting the albino Titan Shifter to wonder where he went. He wanted to ask him what he thought of his and Annie's duet.
"Where's Falco?"
"He said he saw someone he knew in the crowd and ran off to say "Hi". Udo answered.
"Oh. Well, I hope this doesn't make him late." Colt commented.
"Come on, Laz, the intermission will be over soon. We better get backstage. You don't wanna miss my performance." Pieck teased.
Lazarus nods and follows his friends up the stairs to the backstage area. The murmurs of the crowd quiet down as the main stage lights go out, signalling the end of the intermission and the start of the second half. They all clap their hands in response to the spotlight shining down on the beloved Willy Tybur as he confidently makes his way up the steps to the stage. He waves to his devoted fans as he reaches the centre.
"Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you all for your patience. I am pleased to see you've all been enjoying this production we have been putting together for your entertainment. My crew and I are now fully rested and ready to begin the second half of the Greatest Show in the world. As they say, the show must go on … Our next act will be another heartfelt solo by the wielder of the Cart Titan. According to her, the song she is about to sing goes out to her father in the audience and her late mother who is tragically no longer with them. Please show her some support with a round of applause."
The crowd oblige to his request and waits for the curtains to rise as Willy exits to the left of the stage. As the curtains rose, the people were astounded by the beautiful backdrop, showcasing an aurora borealis in a night sky full of twinkling stars. The crystal speakers almost blended in with the background.
Standing in the centre of the stage was the lovely Pieck Finger dressed up in a new pristine white dress with sparkling bits littered all over it. She wore long white gloves that stretched up to just above her elbows. And her face was covered up by her mask. Her hair was also styled to look curlier than usual.
A lot of the men in the audience were bewitched by her beauty. Even those who weren't Eldian couldn't seem to pick their jaws off of the floor. She was truly stunning with that backdrop behind her. It was like looking up at a goddess in the heavens. Even Porco felt something when glaring up at her.
Bertolt and Michael would also admit she was beautiful. Bertolt was so entranced that his whole face went red. But Michael never thought of her as anything more than a friend. He'd only had eyes for a certain potato-munching farm girl whom he'd left behind on Paradis. Honestly, he'd prefer seeing her up on that stage right now. And Lazarus only had eyes for Annie who he held close to his side as they watched Pieck begin her solo from the right of the stage.
The music started as a few notes sounded off from the speakers. Once it reached a certain part, she began slowly and softly.
(Bridge of Light – Pink)
"Just when you think hope is lost. And giving up is all you've got. Blue turns black, your confidence is cracked. There seems no turning back from here."
As if her looks alone won the hearts of men, her singing voice started putting them in a hypnotic trance. None of them dared to let anyone interrupt her performance.
"Sometimes there isn't an obvious explanation. Why the holiest hearts can feel the strongest palpitations."
"That's when you can build a bridge of light. That's what turns the wrongs all right. That's when you can't give up the fight. That's when love turns nighttime into day. That's when loneliness goes away. That's why you gotta be strong tonight… Only love can build us a bridge of light."
"Wow," Bertolt muttered to himself. He was just as blown away as everyone else in the crowd. "She's… she's so amazing."
Lazarus glances back at him and nods, acknowledging he was right. Bertolt wasn't even bothered that he heard his thoughts that time. He was too busy being astonished.
"When your feet are made of stone. You're convinced that you're all alone. Look at the stars instead of the dark. You'll find your heart shines like the sun. Let's not let our anger get us lost. And the need to be right comes with way too high a cost."
"That's when you can build a bridge of light. That's what turns the wrongs all right. That's when you know it's worth the fight. That's when love turns nighttime into day. That's when loneliness goes away. That's why you gotta be strong tonight… 'Cause' only love can build us a bridge of light!"
She pauses to allow the music to play out some more until it is on the cusp of ending. She briefly turns to her friends watching on her left as her time to sing the final verse draws near.
"Deep breath, take it on the chin. But don't forget to let love back in!"
The music started building back up stronger than ever as she sang the final chorus with all the passion in her heart, making her performance one to remember as the backup singers joined in.
"That's when you can build a bridge of light! That's what turns the wrongs all right! That's when you can't give up the fight! That's when love turns nighttime into day! That's when loneliness goes away! That's why you gotta be strong tonight! … Cause' only love can build us a bridge of light!"
The music slows down as she sings the final words of her song. She looks up at the sky as she does so.
"Only love can build us …a bridge of light …of light …of light."
Everyone cheered as the music faded out. Pieck was so happy with how her performance went. It had been years since she'd heard that song her mother used to sing to her when she was a little girl before succumbing to the same illness her father contracted. She was able to save him by becoming a Warrior but couldn't save her. She'd hoped that if there was an afterlife, she was looking down on her and cheering alongside this crowd.
She lifts her dress slightly to curtsy, thanking everyone for being a wonderful audience and listening to her mother's song. And though she couldn't spot her father in the crowd right now, she knew he was proud of her. She soon exits the stage to her left and rejoins her friends, who all congratulated her.
"That was beautiful, Pieck." Lazarus started.
"You had every man in the audience drooling with a voice like that." Michael joked.
Pieck giggled. She was aware of the looks they were giving her as she sang. Some of them she didn't mind, though she could do without the perverted glares some of the middle-aged men were delivering her.
"Attention is good and all, but those guys will have to accept that I'm way out of their league. Besides, I have my eyes set on someone else."
That response triggered a reaction out of Bertolt who jolted his head in her direction.
"Oh really? It's not Porco, is it?" Michael teased.
"God no!" Pieck shook her head in denial. Porco was too hot-headed and a bit of an asshole for her tastes. And Michael, though she had gotten to know him in the past four years, still has a hard time accepting his sense of humour.
Before she can give anyone any hint as to who she secretly likes, Willy announces the next act, which is the very nervous Bertolt Hoover. He wasn't as scared to go out there as Annie was, but he won't deny that he may be having second thoughts.
"Ok, Bertolt, you're turn. You ready?" Lazarus asked.
Bertolt only hesitantly nods, too scared to move his mouth.
"You have a song in mind?" Michael asked.
"Well… I did submit one. It's the only one I know well enough to sing." He picks up his mask and looks it over. "You sure this mask will make me sound good?" He asked.
"You have been listening to the rest of us, haven't you?" He asked rhetorically as he rested a hand on his shoulder encouragingly. "You'll be fine. Now go out there and show them what you're made of. "Michael encouraged him.
Annie and Lazarus help guide him out a quarter of the way out onto the stage. Bertolt holds his breath as he puts his mask on and continues towards the centre of the stage alone.
He gazes out at the audience and is glad to see that Reiner has returned and gives him a smile under his mask.
The music faded in through the speakers, Bertolt took a deep breath and slowly let it out to calm his nerves.
The first few lyrics he conveyed in his normal speaking voice before singing the main beginning of the song.
(People Like Us – Doom Patrol Version)
"We come into this world unknown. But know that we are not alone. They try to knock us down… But change is coming, it's our time now."
"Hey, everybody loses it. Everybody wants to throw away sometimes. And hey, yeah I know what you're going through. Don't let it get the best of you, you'll make it out alive."
At the second "hey" he gestured to Reiner in the audience for him to join him on stage. Reiner hesitated for a moment but joined him at his encouragement and began singing with him, with Michael sneakily throwing him a mask with an expression of determination so he could join in.
"Oh, people like us, we've gotta stick together. Keep your head up, nothing lasts forever. Here's to the damned, to the lost and forgotten. It's hard to get high when you're living on the bottom."
His voice increased in range and volume when he reached the first chorus, appearing much happier and more enthusiastic with Reiner there with him. Everyone was shocked to hear that much passion and determination coming from the voice of who many considered to be both the weakest-willed of the Omega Unit and the most stoic of them too.
"Oh, woah-oh-oh, woah-oh! We are all misfits living in a world on fire! Oh, woah-oh-oh, woah-oh! Sing it for the people like us, the people like us!"
Reiner begins the second verse so that Bertolt can rest his pipes for the second chorus.
"Hey, this is not a funeral. It's a revolution, after all, your tears have turned to rage. Just wait, everything will be okay. Even when you're feeling like you're going down in flames!"
Lazarus and Michael were bobbing their heads in rhythm with the music. They were proud of Bertolt's choice. To them, this song symbolises the entirety of the Omega Warrior Unit. They are all misfits living in a world on fire, though not in a literal sense. And people like them do have to stick together. There were so many meanings in this song that they think Eldians all over can understand and relate to.
"Oh, people like us, we've gotta stick together. Keep your head up, nothing lasts forever. Here's to the damned, to the lost and forgotten. It's hard to get high when you're living on the bottom!"
Bertolt joins in once more and the two Warriors sing the next chorus together.
"Oh, woah-oh-oh, woah-oh! We are all misfits living in a world on fire! Oh, woah-oh-oh, woah-oh! Sing it for the people like us, the people like us!"
"Oh, woah-oh-oh, woah-oh! You've just gotta turn it up loud when the flames get higher! Oh, woah-oh-oh, woah-oh! Sing it for the people like us, the people like us!"
"They can't do nothing to you, they can't do nothing to me. This is the life that we choose, this is the life that we bleed. So throw your fists in the air, come out, come out if you dare. Tonight we're gonna change forever!"
The music slows down a little as Bertolt and Reiner are nearing the third and final chorus of their song. Pieck smiles brightly at seeing them express themselves so much through their singing. It looked like they were telling all these things listed in the song to each other. To help aspire to be a better people. The fact that Reiner chose to get up there and stand by his friend shows how much he is devoted to this unit. He always was like everyone's big brother.
"Everybody loses it. Everybody wants to throw it all away sometimes… Oh, people like us, we gotta stick together. Keep your head up, nothing lasts forever. Here's to the damned, to the lost and forgotten. It's hard to get high when you're living on the bottom!"
"GO BERTOLT AND REINER!" Lazarus mentally cheered them on. Thankfully neither were thrown off by the sudden intrusion of the voice in their heads.
"Oh, woah-oh-oh, woah-oh! We are all misfits living in a world on fire! Oh, woah-oh-oh, woah-oh! Sing it for the people like us, the people like us!"
"Oh, woah-oh-oh, woah-oh! You've just gotta turn it up loud when the flames get higher! Oh, woah-oh-oh, woah-oh! Sing it for the people like us, the people like us!"
"Oh, woah-oh-oh, woah-oh! We are all misfits living in a world on fire! Oh, woah-oh-oh, woah-oh! Sing it for the people like us, the people like us!"
Oh, woah-oh-oh, woah-oh! You've just gotta turn it up loud when the flames get higher! Oh, woah-oh-oh, woah-oh! Sing it for the people like us, the people like us!"
To Bertolt's surprise, there was a longer stretch of silence over the audience, causing him to start feeling anxious. Did they not like it? They seemed to be getting into it at the start. He knows his friends and comrades enjoyed it, so why was no one cheering?
He was on the verge of asking the audience if there was a problem with his singing. He thought he sounded alright, though that was mostly thanks to the effects of the crystal mask he was wearing. But his doubts were laid to rest when the crowd finally cheered for another performance well done.
He lets out a huge sigh of relief. Reiner pats him on the back, assuring him that he did good. "They loved you. Relish in this moment, my friend. Good moments like this don't last forever." He whispered in his ear.
"Thanks for coming up here with me. Sorry if I forced you to, I just couldn't handle the pressure alone." Bertolt whispered back.
"It was no pressure. I could tell you were nervous up there behind that mask and knew I couldn't let you do it alone. No matter what, we're in this together."
Bertolt smiles and takes a quick bow before shuffling off stage alongside Reiner. Lazarus and Michael patted his back, congratulating him on choosing a really good song. One that'll hopefully inspire more Eldians to stick by each other and fight through their struggles.
Reiner slung an arm around his shoulders and gave him a happy grin as he took off his mask.
"Wow… that was something, Bertolt." Annie complimented him. "You weren't half bad either, Reiner."
"Half bad? Are you kidding? They were all great!" Pieck butted in, acting as if she was insulted by Annie's opinion.
Bertolt wore an embarrassed grin as he scratched the back of his head in response to Pieck's overly dramatic outburst. Though he appreciated the support he'd gotten from the others, part of him couldn't help but feel like he didn't deserve their praise.
Reiner wishes everyone else the best of luck as he scoots past them and makes his way back to the front-row seats where Zeke, Porco and the candidates are sitting.
Lazarus peeks out from behind the curtain and only now just realises that Falco isn't sitting with Colt and the other candidates. There was no way he would've purposely missed out on their performances unless it was something very important.
Fortunately, Falco managed to make it back just in time for the last few performances of the show. Lazarus attempted to ask him where he'd been, but he unintentionally ignored him and approached Reiner.
"Mister Braun…" He pauses momentarily to get his breath back after all the running. "Sir, do you mind coming with me? There's something I gotta show you."
"I don't think there's time," Reiner replied, reminding him that Willy's speech will start soon.
"Ah, you'll be fine. The curtains won't go up again for a few more minutes. There are only two more performances to go before the speech." Zeke assured them whilst looking down at his watch.
"Can't this wait, Falco? You've already missed the others' performances."
"Please, it'll only take a minute. I can't tell you why it's important, but I promise you'll understand when you see it."
Reiner looks over at Zeke. He still seems to be encouraging him to go along with whatever is so important Falco wants to show him. Lazarus was a little concerned, however. Falco was the most excited to see him and the other Warriors performing in the show, yet he's fine with missing all of it just to show Reiner something. And why Reiner? Why not him?
Unfortunately, he didn't have the time to question it as he was suddenly called backstage by some of the staff, telling him that he would be starting his part soon.
Falco leads Reiner through the building behind the stage and down a dark flight of stairs to what appears to be the entrance to a basement. "Something feels off about all this", he thought.
"What's this about, Falco?"
"You can see for yourself in a second," Falco answered swiftly. He was too excited to show Reiner whatever it was he'd found.
Reiner exhales in defeat and goes along with the young boy's surprise. Falco leads him down the stairs and opens the basement door. Inside was a small, dimly lit room. The only furniture within was a large wardrobe in the far-right corner, big enough for a person to hide inside. It was held shut by a leaning chair. The room's only light source was a small lantern sitting atop a side table. In the middle of the room was another wooden chair, and occupying that chair was the same injured soldier Michael had bumped into on the way to the Fort Slava train station. The soldier Falco helped up after he and the others returned to Liberio.
"Evening." He uttered under his breath as soon as Reiner entered the room.
Reiner gazes over at the mysterious soldier and froze upon seeing him inches through the archway. At first, he didn't recognise him. But the moment he spoke, his voice revealed to him who he really was.
Reiner's eyes widened with terror. He could not believe what he was seeing. An old friend turned enemy from his past had returned.
"It's been four years… Reiner."
That voice. That face. It couldn't be. He didn't wanna believe it, but there was no denying it. This man is the same individual he and his allies have been fighting with and against ever since they're arrival on Paradis. The sole reason behind Lazarus's nightmares. The one person in this world who holds the power to destroy everything.
"…Eren."
Falco told the others he'd only be borrowing Reiner for a minute. But it had been more than a few minutes since Reiner disappeared with Falco. They should've returned to their seats by now.
"Hey, Lazarus?" Bertolt turned to Lazarus anxiously, a worried expression on his face.
"What's up, Bertolt? You're not still having doubts about your singing skills, are you?"
"No, it's not that." He assured him. "… I think Reiner might be in trouble."
"What makes you say that?" Lazarus asked with confusion.
"He still hasn't returned from wherever Falco's taken him. He wouldn't miss out on the show unless something happened. We should search for him." Bertolt attempted to explain whilst failing to hide his suspicions.
The others all look at each other before peeking out from behind the curtain to the rows of people sitting patiently as Willy announces the semi-final act. He was right. Reiner's seat was empty. And for some reason, Zeke and Galliard didn't seem concerned about his tardiness.
Lazarus and Michael started to worry that Reiner's sudden disappearance may have something to do with Eren and the inevitable attack he would launch on Liberio when they least expected it. Is that time now? Both of them shudder at the thought of it.
"Did any of you see which way he and Falco went?" He asked. Everyone regretfully shakes their heads. "Ok, then I'll try and locate him through my Titan sense. Hopefully, he hasn't gone too far."
"…Give us a hand for Lazarus Averbach!"
Just as he was about to tap into his Titan-tracking ability, Willy had just called him out on stage at what must be the worst of times. He's unsure he can put on a good show now that his mind is preoccupied with trying to figure out what happened to Reiner.
Michael places his hand on his friend's shoulder, noticing his distress. "We'll worry about Reiner later. For now, you gotta focus on nailing your performance. We'll all start looking for him the moment the show's over."
Lazarus responds with a single nod and an exhale of breath. He reaches for his theatre mask and places it over his face before walking out on stage.
Despite how the Marleyans feel about him and his betrayal, they clapped for him nonetheless, but only to keep up appearances with the people. They didn't reveal his defection to the public out of fear it would cause panic and inspire some proud Marleyans to track him down and attack him, triggering the very events they're trying to avoid.
Lazarus glances over at Reiner's empty seat and continues to worry about him. What if Eren had gotten to him and threatened to kill him for all the hell he brought to Paradis? Killing his friends one by one would be an effective way to exact his revenge on him since killing him wasn't an option.
He turns his attention towards his friends to his left. They all encourage him to give this performance his all like he did with the duet he did with Annie before.
He had to bury all his worries deep down if he was to give the people a great warmup before the grand finale. However, he has taken precautions by pricking his finger before walking on stage, ready to transform and attack Eren should he choose to strike now.
The music starts when he least expected it, giving him no time to warm up his vocal cords.
(Stronger Than My Storm – Citizen Soldier)
"Not giving up, not giving up… Not giving up." He murmured those first few words before getting right into the music. What he was about to sing was a song he wrote himself about his life as a research experiment, Warrior, Scout, and now leader of the Wings of Crystal movement. A song that shows he is stronger than the powers he's struggled to control.
"Self-hatred, I'm fighting. Feels like a prison cell. But this story I'm writing helps me remind myself. That rock bottom only got me higher. Won't be a victim, I'm a survivor. I refuse to believe the liar in my head."
"The proof is stitched in my scars! I'm strong enough, I'm strong enough. I found myself through the dark. Not giving up, not giving up. I've come to understand the tragedies of second chance. My dying breath is where I was born. Now I'm stronger than my storm! Stronger, stronger. Stronger than my storm! Stronger, stronger. Stronger than my storm!"
Erwin couldn't help but be reminded of his talk with Lazarus when listening to his song. The words were similar to what he'd said to him back on Paradis when he asked him those important questions that convinced him to come here with them. He wondered if Michael helped him write this song based on his past experiences and decisions.
"For so long I tried to pretend away my pain. My secret to keep it left me one step away. Some days I couldn't get much lower. My heart couldn't beat much slower. But I decide when my story's over!" (Story's over, story's over.)
Michael, Annie, Pieck, and Bertolt smiled as they listened to Lazarus's voice. Galliard didn't think much of it but was enjoying it as much as anyone else. Gabi and the others cheered for him the same way they cheered for all who came before him. As for Zeke, he had mixed emotions about this, especially when he knew what was about to happen next. Once the show ends, everything will change. His betrayal from Marley, the Warriors, and Lazarus, will become known. As far as he knows, this will be the last time he'll see Lazarus as his friend. It pains him to leave it all behind, but he's come too far to turn back now. His Euthanisation Plan must be carried out no matter what the cost.
"The proof is stitched in my scars. I'm strong enough, I'm strong enough. I found myself through the dark. Not giving up, not giving up. I've come to understand the tragedies of second chance. My dying breath is where I was born. Now I'm stronger than my storm! Stronger, stronger. Stronger than my storm! Stronger, stronger. Stronger than my storm!"
"Being broken gave me fight! A semicolon saved my life! I wear my battle scars with pride! Being broken gave me fight! And I refused to be defined by what I did that night."
Lazarus's voice managed to reach Eren, Reiner, and Falco in the cellar. Falco felt horrible for not being there for his mentor during his moment of stardom. Reiner was worried about what Eren may be thinking hearing his voice again. His facial features hadn't changed once since his arrival. Eren just held onto his blank, emotionless, cold expression. The only movement he saw was in his only eye which was glancing at the ceiling.
"Lazarus… How I've yearned for this day. You have no idea what's coming. You may be immortal and free. But I WILL take your freedom from you! … You will watch as everything you know, and love, dies!" Eren thought to himself in a venomously, yet eerily calm manner.
Back on the surface, Lazarus was nearing the end of his solo. He increased his singing range as he determinedly sang the final chorus.
"The proof is stitched in my scars. I'm strong enough, I'm strong enough. I found myself fallin' so far. Not giving up, not giving up. I've come to understand the tragedies of second chance. My dying breath is where I was born. Now I'm stronger than my storm! Stronger, stronger. Stronger than my storm! Stronger, stronger. Stronger than my storm! … Stronger, stronger. Stronger than my storm!"
He ended his ballad with a pose that comprised of turning his head away from the crowd and holding onto his hat. The people in the audience once more let loose a thunderous applause. Magath only weakly clapped once more as a show that there was no bad blood between them to the public. Erwin stood up from his chair and heavily applauded the albino man. Even Zeke showed some support despite his initial feelings.
Lazarus takes a bow and gives them a tip of the hat to thank them for their applause. The curtains close as the stage crew get straight into setting up the backdrop for the final performance.
He exits the stage and rejoins his friends. Annie embraced him with a hug as Michael patted his back. He breaks off the hug with Annie, allowing Pieck to have her turn. Though she had an ulterior motive for doing so instead of just showing affection. She whispers something into his ear.
"There's still no sign of Reiner, but I noticed more Marleyan soldiers were showing up. It's like they're expecting an attack."
Lazarus breaks off the hug and peeks out from behind the curtains. She was right. More soldiers were scouting the perimeter. But why? Did Willy tell the General what he and Michael told him earlier today about Eren? That has to be it. They hadn't told anyone else apart from Tybur.
He and Michael turn towards Willy as he prepares his announcement for the final act. Since they started, they were told this show was to help unite the world as well as provide them with great entertainment. But what if there was an ulterior motive behind it all?
"Could it be possible that Tybur put on this whole production to buy his people, and the Marleyans, time to set up defences for Eren? That would mean that Willy knows he's here. But we never told him he was hiding somewhere in Liberio, only that he poses a threat to the world… He must be extremely cautious." Michael thought to himself and Lazarus.
Lazarus nodded in agreement. Willy and Magath must've been setting up their own plan behind the scenes. They're trying to back Eren into a corner and take the Founding Titan for themselves. But they won't allow that to happen. They still need to reach Eren first. Take the Founder from him and put an end to this cycle of hatred.
But for now, they will get through this last act and make it a show to remember. If Eren's goal truly is to wipe them all out, hopefully, he'll have the morality to let them have their final moment of happiness before destroying it all.
"Ok guys, this is it. The final act. You all remember the words to the song?" Michael asked.
"Yes. I think this will be a beautiful conclusion to it all." Pieck replied with enthusiasm.
"I agree," Bertolt added. "Shame Reiner is missing out on this".
Lazarus turns to Annie once more, wondering if she's still nervous about going out there. But she assures him that she's over her stage fright now and ready to end this show on a high note.
The Warriors all huddle together and discuss some final preparations, making sure everyone remembers the lyrics and when each of them will have their time to shine, assuming it'll play out just as they've rehearsed it.
They only had a few minutes to remind each other of their roles. Willy Tybur was just about done wrapping up his little warmup speech before announcing the final act. They quickly grab their masks and place them over their faces, ready to walk out on stage one last time.
"… And now, ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to present to you the grand finale of our great show. All of our performers will be singing a song that inspires people to stand up for who they are, accept themselves with all their flaws and insecurities, and love themselves even when there's nobody around them who loves them back. Give it up for the Warriors!"
The crowd cheers as Willy leaves stage right and the curtains rise one final time. The new backdrop was a map of the world but full of vibrant colour instead of the dull, old, yellow maps with coffee stains and torn edges. The continents were coloured in various greens, browns, and yellows, making them look as lifelike as possible. And the ocean surrounding them was a couple of different shades of blue.
Lazarus was the first one to walk out on stage as the music started with a calming, piano melody. He was looking down at the floor as the single spotlight shined down on him. For some reason, he seemed more nervous than before and he couldn't figure out why. He couldn't decide if it was because of the possibility of being attacked before the song could start, or the fact that the increase in security was putting everyone on edge.
But he didn't let that stop him. He takes a deep breath and slowly exhales before beginning the first verse slowly and quietly, but just loud enough for the crowd to hear him.
(This Is Me – The Greatest Showman)
"I am not a stranger to the dark. Hide away, they say. 'Cause we don't want your broken parts. I've learned to be ashamed of all my scars. Run away, they say. No one'll love you as you are. But I won't let them break me down to dust. I know that there's a place for us. For we are glorious."
It was at this moment the rest of the Warriors made their way on stage and stood beside him, providing backup vocals as he took a sharp breath and began the first chorus.
"When the sharpest words wanna cut me down. I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out. I am brave, I am bruised, I am who I'm meant to be, this is me. Look out 'cause here I come. And I'm marching on to the beat I drum. I'm not scared to be seen, I make no apologies, this is me!"
The rest of the performers soon parade on stage singing harmoniously with one another.
"Oh-oh-oh-oh. Oh-oh-oh-oh. Oh-oh-oh-oh. Oh-oh-oh-oh. Oh-oh-oh! Oh-oh-oh! Oh-oh-oh, oh, oh."
Michael steps forward and places his hand atop Lazarus's shoulder stepping in front and to the side of him as though declaring something. He takes over for the next verse. Erwin smiles. He had a strong feeling this may be the best performance yet.
"Another round of bullets hits my skin. Well, fire away! 'Cause today, I won't let the shame sink in."
Bertolt then steps up and places his hand atop his other shoulder as he sings the next part.
"We are bursting through the barricades and reaching for the sun!"
Annie and Pieck then join in and all five of the chosen Warriors brave enough to share their voices with the world sang out.
"WE ARE WARRIORS!"
"Yeah, that's what we've become!" Lazarus continued.
"Yeah, that's what we've become." Michael echoed.
All the performers behind them start to dance in sync with the music and voice talents of the Omega Unit.
"I won't let them break me down to dust. I know that there's a place for us. For we are glorious!"
"When the sharpest words wanna cut me down. I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out. I am brave, I am bruised, I am who I'm meant to be, this is me! Look out 'cause here I come. And I'm marching on to the beat I drum. I'm not scared to be seen, I make no apologies, this is me!"
The whole crowd was really getting into this final song. They all stamped their feet in rhythm with the music and even started singing alongside the Warriors and performers. Willy Tybur was standing on the right side of the stage tapping his foot and nodding his head along with the beat with a proud grin.
"Oh-oh-oh-oh. Oh-oh-oh-oh. Oh-oh-oh-oh. Oh-oh-oh-oh. Oh-oh-oh! Oh-oh-oh! Oh-oh-oh, oh, oh! This is me!"
It was Pieck's turn to take centre stage and take over the first part of the next segment whilst the choir continued to wow the audience with their stunning dance moves.
"And I know that I deserve your love! (Oh-oh-oh-oh) There's nothing I'm not worthy of!" (Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh!)
The intensity of the music calms down as the Warriors stand aside, allowing Annie to take the spotlight and sing the peaceful second part of the segment before roaring back into the third chorus.
"When the sharpest words wanna cut me down. I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out. This is brave, this is bruised, this is who I'm meant to be, this is me."
As the song was drawing to a close, the Warriors thought back to all the times Eldians as a race had become the subject of hate and discrimination. Everywhere they looked someone was cursing them, throwing things in their faces, even going so far as to beat them to a pulp. For generations, they've had to deal with it. Never had the will to fight back. But this song started to help them see the light in the all-consuming darkness. That maybe there is a glimmer of hope for them as a people to thrive. This song was for them, and they would get their message across even if they had to sing until their voices broke.
"Look out 'cause here I come! ("Look out 'cause here I come!" Pieck echoed with passion.)
"And I'm marching on to the beat I drum!" (Marching on, marching on. The backup singers sang.)
I'm not scared to be seen, I make no apologies, this is me!"
"When the sharpest words wanna cut me down, oh, oh, oh! I'm gonna drown them out! Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh!"
Lazarus steps forward once more and sings the final verse as his friends sing the chorus lyrics one last time. The audience takes part as well.
"I'm gonna send the flood… Gonna drown them out! Oh!"
"THIS IS ME!"
All the participants in the final act pose as the music comes to a satisfying end. The whole ground quaked with cheer and applause throughout Liberio. Every man, woman, and child of all races stood tall and held their arms high as they clapped ceaselessly for them. Confetti was emptied out of several hanging buckets over the stage and rained down upon the entertainers.
The crystal masks the Warriors were wearing started to crack until shattering, revealing their faces to the world. But by this point, they have all gone beyond fear of being seen that they embraced the cheering crowd.
The Warriors all hold hands as they take their final bow, thanking everyone for being a wonderful audience. This was a moment that will go down in history as one of the best examples of what world peace could achieve if it were ever anything more than a dream. Even if the world still can't get along with one another for the majority of their lives, at least they're willing to put their differences aside and come together to enjoy more festivals just like this one. The world needs a reminder of how good it can be at times instead of focusing primarily on the negative.
Erwin was so moved by the entire performance that he shed tears not only for Michael but for everyone's magnificent performance. Everything was perfect. The music. The backup dancers and singers. The Warriors themselves. And the songs had touched his heart in a way he hadn't felt before. Never in his life had he experienced true joy and delight. His whole life he hadn't found anything worth truly smiling about. But now he has. And it was all because he chose to hang on long enough for Lazarus to save him, as well as his decision to come here with them. Had he refused or died that day, he never would've gotten to see the majesty of the World Unity Festival.
Down in the basement, Reiner and Falco were listening to the whole thing raging above them. It was impossible to drown it out, even if they wanted to. The final act alone caused the ceiling to rumble, shaking out dust particles trapped in the crevices. They both felt terrible for missing it. They were just as proud as the adoring crowd above them. If he survives this sudden encounter with Eren, Reiner vows to properly congratulate his friends on a fantastic show.
As for Eren, even he had to admit that there was some greatness in the show. He was secretly enjoying parts of it as much as the brass. Everything had been playing out almost exactly as he'd foreseen in his visions of the future he'd witnessed upon kissing Historia's hand. But this show was one of the moments his visions failed to exhibit. He only saw Willy Tybur's speech and himself transforming as he declared war on Paradis. Anything before that was a blur. After four years, he finally understood why.
"Lazarus… For some reason, I couldn't see him in my visions. The small piece of the Founding Titan within was blocking him from out. He is untouchable."
Eren gazes up at the ceiling. From where he was sitting, Lazarus was standing directly above him, completely unaware of his current position. Knowing this, Eren forms a small, evil grin on his face behind his long hair.
"You may be free from me. But I am also free from you. You know I'm here, yet you can't sense me… This is only the beginning. Soon, you and the world will learn what it's like to have freedom taken away from you!"
He turns his attention back to Reiner. His gaze caused his body to freeze up and tighten his grip on his trouser legs.
"Now then. Where were we… Reiner?"
To Be Continued
Author's Note: This part took longer than I was expecting becuase I decided at the last minute to change some stuff around. I didn't realise until after I'd finished Bertolt's solo that the song I'd chosen is meant to be a duet. I'd never seen Doom Patrol, I've only ever listened to the song. So I had Reiner join in before his cronfrontation with Eren. I hope you all enjoyed this two parter as much as I had fun writing it. I wanted to do something light hearted and fun before Eren starts wreaking havoc in Marley. Next up will be Willy's big speech, and this is where shit really hits the fan.