"Falco, where are you headed in such a rush this late?"

Falco now cheered up from the conversation with the man at the hospital, runs into Reiner. "I forgot something. I'm heading back to headquarters. Please excuse me." He runs past Reiner, heading out the gate in the direction of the nearest mailbox.

"Falco, can I ask for a favor?"

"What is it, Mr. Kruger?"

Kruger hands Falco a sealed envelope. "Will you send this letter for me? If I sent it from inside the ghetto its contents would be checked, right?"

"That's right."

"If that happens, they'll find out I'm faking my illness. So I want you to send it from somewhere outside the ghetto."

"Got it. Is it for your family?"

Kruger nods. "Yes. I just want them to know that I'm here, safe and sound."

...?...

"A letter, sir."

"Thank you." Opening it, a young man opens it as he returns to the desk where he and his superior sit. Unfolding the message, he quickly scans it quietly.

The redhead woman with an eyepatch folds her hands above the table, waiting for her assistant to finish. "Well?"

"Marley is holding a festival in a few days, one in which the world shifts its focus on us 'devils'. He's going to make his attack then and there, with or without us." The young man sets the letter down and turns to the woman. "Well, we know what Eren's going to do. What says you, Commander Hange?"

Hange closes her one good eye for a moment then sighs. "What do you think, Section Commander, Everett?"

"It won't be pretty...but neither was nine years ago when they knocked down our door... So, I'd say we return the favor."

Reiner

Reiner places his hand on the map of that nightmare of an island as he addresses the military leadership and the other warriors. "The Titans come from the south, so with that in mind the further you are towards the mountainous region on the north side of the wall, the weaker their defenses will be."

"Then we ought to strike from the north side?"

"That's one approach. However, our battleships can only dock at the wharf to the south. If we want to save our supplies…"

"So it's the south, huh?"

Reiner looks up in front of him to Commander, no, General Magath. "But...our forces have already lost 32 ships at the island's southern waterfront. So, to some extent, the enemy's attention is concentrated there. The wharf might already have been destroyed."

"So what are you trying to say?"

"I'm simply passing along the information I know," Reiner responds with respect to Magath, but he doesn't mean it. His true words lie in his heart, to avoid the South at all costs. History proves that the devils are protective of the southern sides of the walls.

Magath raises a hand. "All right. We're in the wrong. It's our fault for giving Eldians the right to speak."

Reiner turns on his heel, leaving the room with the other warriors. If that's how Magath wants to act toward the one person who's been on the island long enough to know the enemy and lived...so be it. "I thought we'd at least be able to converse… sorry about not meeting your expectations."

Outside, the four current warriors and Colt walk a few meters before stopping. "The plan for Paradis Island seems to be going well," Galliard says. "The senior officers seem to be quite wise. I'm looking forward to seeing what plans they come up with."

"Like entrusting everything to four children?" Pieck states. Leaning on the rail, she observes the young candidates running below. I wonder what will happen from now on with the Eldians."

Reiner stares at the training yard, just as the younger Grice makes a surprising move; getting ahead of his cousin in the run. "Oh, he overtook her. Falco overtook Gabi." The boy collapses as he finishes, later congratulated by Udo and Zofia.

Colt clicks his tongue. "All that uproar just for beating her once. He really doesn't understand what we go through. Whatever marks Falco gets at this stage, Gabi's superior ranking won't change."

"Who knows," Galliard says. "The selection criteria seem pretty vague."

"What do you mean? Even if it's the Marley military, I don't think they would make that choice. There's no need for Falco to become a warrior too."

"Be careful, Colt," Zeke warns. "Are you trying to look down on the warriors' honor?"

"Sorry. I was being rash."

"Well, I guess you're just thinking like a big brother." Zeke walks towards Colt and pats his shoulder. "Let's go."

"Wh-Where to?"

"To play catch."

Gabi

"But your family will become honorary Marleyans anyway since your brother will inherit the Beast Titan. Why do you have to go this far?"

"It's for your sake!"

"What does he mean by that?" Gabi reflects on Falco's final words before his hurried departure as she, Udo, and Zofia come upon the stage for the upcoming festival under construction.

"So the internment zone is where they'll announce their declaration of war?" Udo questions

"Feels a bit like a theater."

"If all the high-status people from different countries were to gather here for the festival, then the people from all over the world will end up on our side by the time it's over. That's what the Tyber family said."

Udo sighs. "Then I guess all of Marley's troubles will be over...that's good news."

"What a relief," Zofia says.

Gabi turns to Udo. "Do you think it's impossible?"

"Don't you? Apparently, even the Middle-East Union made amongst them, even though we were at each other's threats not even a month ago. Wherever they're from, everyone's probably desperate to send Marley's heads flying. Our family was moved from an internment zone in a different country to over here, so I know. We led rough lives. The hostility that Marley had towards Eldians is nothing compared to that of the rest of the world. Even being invited here is a disgrace to their countries."

"Yeah," Gabi responds, understanding what Udo means. "But if that's so. Then that's all the more reason for us not to stay still and do nothing. They chose this internment zone so that the world will become more understanding towards us Eldians. To show we are not devils."

"How so?"

Gabi reaches to Udo's mouth and squishes it. "Smile. I know you want to glare, but you can't if you want to give the visitors a good impression. Zofia, you Jim have to stop with your dramatic self-direction."

"But this is my true self."

"What are you going to fix about yourself?"

"What? I'm fine how I am right now, right? I'm cute, and since I'm clever, I'll charm all those high-status people and succeed in this plan, improving my ranking even more."

"You're starting to sound like a devil to me."

"Kruger"

"You did it, Falco."

"It's thanks to you, Mr. Kruger. To be honest… I don't think I'll be able to overtake Gabi right now. But I think I'll still be able to push forward without hesitation."

"Is that so?" Kruger says. "I'm the one who wants to thank you. You're the one who's helped deliver my letters back and forth."

"It's nothing. It was no big deal."

Kruger nods. "Thanks to you, I'm alive."

Falco looks down, spotting a baseball mitt and glove. "Is that...from your family?"

"Yeah. They said hospital life must be boring, so…but with this body, it's difficult as you can imagine. I need to push forward too… I can't stay here forever, so after the festival is over. I plan on going back to my hometown."

Falco looks down to his lap, looking somewhat hurt. "Is that so?" He looks up, and Kruger follows the boy's sight to see an elderly man walk towards the pair. Falco rises off the bench and heads for the gate."The doctor is coming. I'll be going now."

"Okay."

As the old man approaches, he gestures towards the empty side of the bench. "Can I sit next to you?"

"Yes, go ahead."

"Excuse me," the man says as he sits down and faces the younger man. "I'm Dr. Jaeger from this area. Sometimes I come here to drink tea."

"...Hello. My name...is Kruger."

"Nice to meet you, Kruger. I heard that the only thing you could remember was your name."

"Yes."

"You heard you speak regularly with that boy. I figured you two must be friendly with each other."

"Yes."

"Is that so? I think I'd get along with that boy too, since I came over to this bench looking for someone to talk to as well. That boy's uncle was one of the leaders of the Eldian Restorationists. This all happened before that boy was born. The Eldian Restorationists were sent to "paradise" and their families were implicit as well. If they couldn't disprove their involvement, then they were all banished to that island. Anyone who seemed innocent had to dedicate their lives to the Marley military. That boy's brother became a warrior to protect his family too. Once his brother was confirmed to inherit the Beast Titan, peace was finally restored to the Grice family. Maybe he couldn't face me because of the Beast Titan succession."

Kruger averts his eyes to the doctor. "Why are you telling me all this?"

"You should stop asking him to run any errands for you. If any suspicions arise, then the efforts of the Grice family will have all been for nothing. And if your mental health is okay, then you should go back to your family. If you can't see them, then it'll be too late, even if you leave behind any regrets."

"Regrets, you say? It seems like… it seems like you have some regrets about your family."

Dr. Jaeger looks away with sad eyes. "Not a day goes by when I don't regret it. That day...my son took his little sister outside of the walls… I was too strict, telling him to become a doctor like me. There's no way he would have... I… I… Everything is my… Ahh… Ahhhhhh… AAAAAAHHHHHHH!" Two doctors suddenly run up and grab the weeping doctor, taking him back inside the hospital. Now alone, Kruger grabs the baseball and throws it in the air. "Goodbye, grandfather."

...?...the night before the declaration...

"Mind if I join you?" A young woman of Asian heritage looks at a man of similar age of Caucasian descent who offers his company. He is quite handsome in his tuxedo, if she may admit. Though, he does look a little ridiculous with his hairstyle.

She doesn't look too bad herself in a formal Asian kimono, but she isn't used to the formalities of the people around her. It's too...loud for her.

But she doesn't deny the man, no. He looks to be pleasant company. Extending her arm, she accepts him. "Yes, you may." He takes her arm and leads her off elsewhere in the ballroom.

"You know, I couldn't help but notice how beautiful you look."

"Same to you."

"A little makeup to please this...society does wonders, doesn't it, Miss…?"

The woman rolls her eyes at this continued play she must partake in. "Mikasa. And your name, sir?"

He smiles, almost breaking into laughter. "Call me Elijah." He looks off to the side and waves his hand over to a young, dark-haired girl with an armband on her left forearm. She takes notice and walks over. "Care for some wine?"

"Why, yes."

Elijah nods and takes two glasses from the plate of wine the girl carries. "Thank you. What's your name, Eldian?"

The girl smiles brightly. "My name is Gabi!"

"Gabi? Very well. Run along, don't want to get you into trouble." The man and woman make a toast and take a sip of the drink before continuing their conversation. "Kiyomi got you inside easily, masquerading as her daughter, correct?"

Mikasa nods. "Yes. But I'm sure you had the more adventurous arrival."

"Enter as an Eldian servant, hide for a few moments, tie my hair into this ridiculous bun, then return as I am now. If not risky, it was quite adventurous."

Mikasa giggles, she was dedicated to this part. "Your other hair was much better the other way."

"Agreed, I'll have my 'personal stylist' fix it up for me." Elijah takes another sip and sighs. "Just look at them, all our enemies in one room. The world...that wishes for the 'devils' to die."

"Yes..."

"I will be personally attending the speech."

"...Yes. And you're sure about this?"

"...Someone needs to see what we're about to do... Be sure to remember my orders."

Mikasa nods. "Casualties to a minimum of civilians."

"And that goes double for a certain amount of our...associates."

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming all this way to see us in Liberio tonight. I shall now introduce myself as the foreign ambassador. Until recently, we embarked upon ugly wars for the sake of obtaining natural resources. But yesterday's curse is also today's curse! Sorry, excuse me, yesterday's curse is today's friend! You who are drunk on our nation's finest food and wine, let's flush away the events of the past down the toilet along with the alcohol, and make a new toast. So… To long-lasting peace!"

Not a soul raises a glass or repeats the toast.

Another man in a fine tux with light-colored hair approaches the ambassador. "Ambassador, your sense of humor is so sophisticated. But I don't think our guest can understand it, so leave the rest to me."

The crowd around Elijah and Mikasa begins to clap and cheer. "Go, Willy! Descendant of our saviors!"

"This must be the Tybur I've heard of," Mikasa whispers.

"So...this is the man everyone has come to see. The 'Descendant of our saviors.'"

"As you all know, tomorrow we will invite you to the Liberio Internment Zone. That place is the nest of the devils that once came close to destroying the world. Once slaughtered many nations. The descendants of the devils who dragged our world into hell. It is the home of the Eldian devils, who share the same blood as I. Marley, who was most mistreated by those devils, used them to attack other countries and this tragedy kept on repeating. Everyone thought, 'If only there were no Titans.' I understand why people want to eradicate all Eldians. I have come up with the one solution to the never-ending problem. That solution will be revealed on this very stage tomorrow, during my first production." He raises his glass to make a toast. "To the great writers and witnesses of history!"

"To the great writers and witnesses!"

...?...The Day of Declaration...

"You're sure we have time for this?"

The red-headed young woman gives the boy of the same age a smug grin. "It's our last chance to enjoy the food before everything begins. If the others don't know it won't hurt 'em."

Given any other day, the young man would laugh his heart out at the sight of the young woman's mouth beginning to water at the sight of so many different foods in the spirit of the festival. But today...given what soon comes... "We need to be quick about this. I'll get us something while you wait here."

"Why do I have to stay?" The redhead whines.

"Because we both know I blend in better with the crowd. Need I remind you about your first time having...what was it called? Ice cream?"

"You were excited too!"

"True. But I wasn't the one who screamed, 'This is the best dadgum thing I've ever tasted!' At the top of my lungs."

"...Fair enough."

"Stay here, I'll get us something and we head straight ba-"

Before the young man could leave his consort, he felt a slight tug on his arm. Looking back, he sees an amusing look on the redhead's face, her lip quivering as if she's begging. "...Maybe get us some of that...ice cream."

She's lucky the boy thinks she looks cute whenever she gets like this, he wouldn't be doing this for anyone else. "I'll see what I can find." The girl gives him a quick peck on the cheek

"Thank you."

He nods, leaving her to attend to his hunt. The locals are very vibrant and lively, the opposite compared to the ball one has attended the night beforehand. The Liberio Internment Zone has been opened to outsiders and they have set up all kinds of food stalls. His associate believed the ball was too loud for her, but compared to this he almost couldn't stand it. Luckily for himself and his consort, they have a soft spot for the food.

"Hey, you there!" A man calls.

"Hmm?"

"Care to try some of my hometown's famous Ham and Steak hoagies!"

"..." The young man had never seen so much meat and vegetables stuck between two pieces of bread, and he'd be a fool to pass on such cuisine. "Yes, I'll take two...to go."

"Right away!"

The man quickly wraps two hoagies as the young man begins to pay. While he was finishing up, the boy couldn't help but smell...something else. It was different than the food he just purchased, the smell was warm, woody, sour, and...cheesy smell.

"Here you are, sir!"

"Ah, thank you." He takes his purchased food and tries to find the source of that smell. The closer he gets, the more intrigued he gets. What could possibly be the source of that smell?

That's when he found it...

This particular food stall had an entire oven just sitting in the back with three circular-shaped objects placed inside. He could only assume that those were the source of that smell. But what exactly are those? he wondered. "Excuse me, but what is that?"

"Oh? I guess you must be a tourist! This is pizza, my good lad!"

The boy tilts his head. "Pizza?"

"Yes!" The man says enthusiastically. "It's a wonderful dish prepped with freshly baked dough, homegrown tomatoes, and the finest cheese around! It won't be done for a few more minutes, but you're more than welcome to stick around and wait for them to be finished."

"...Very well." While the man continues his preparation for another pizza to be put into the oven, the boy can't help but curse himself for taking longer than he initially planned. Sure it's mostly for someone else rather than himself, but time is of the essence. He can only afford-

"Excuse me?"

The sound of a woman's voice brings the boy out of his thoughts. The woman in question is one of around the same age, and though her face looked sickly, she was cute. But he recognized the woman thanks to the red Eldian armband she bears on her left upper arm. Pieck Finger...also known as the Cart Titan. "Yes?"

"Do you know how long until the food is done?" She tilts her head.

"...He said it would be done in a few more minutes."

The Eldian giggles. "That's good. I've been hoping to have some of that 'pizza' before tonight." She looks to the boy in curiosity, looking to make conversation in their time of waiting. "What's your name?"

"...Moses."

"A noble name."

'Moses' nods. "Thank you, and your name?"

"I'm Pieck."

"Ah, you're one of the Eldian Warriors, I've read about you all in the papers."

She nods. "Indeed." Pieck nearly stumbles over but is caught by the quick reaction of Moses.

"You alright?"

The boy brings the girl to a nearby bench. "Ah...forgive me. This is just an effect of being in my Titan for so long."

"But you'll be alright?"

She nods. "Yes. Thank you for your concern. You're very kind."

He shrugs. "Don't worry about it."

Silence is shared between the two, not an uncomfortable silence but more of a mutual feeling of serenity. Something about seeing the people around them have a great time reminds them both of...better times. "So...Moses," Pieck speaks up. "Where are you from?"

"...A long ways away from here. I've always wanted to come to the great motherland of Marley. Such a vast and fascinating nation. My father would've loved to see it as well." The young man stops himself from going further, not wanting to rant on. "Forgive me. I got carried away."

She shakes her head. "It's quite alright. It was a little endearing." She leans forward slightly in genuine curiosity. "What is your home like?"

"...it was very simple…compared to Marley. It was quiet, but it was home. All the fields I could run through every day, the forest where I could explore, and all the comforts of a loving family. Sure, we had a few…pest problems, and…a few problematic neighbors, but I loved it."

Pieck smiles sweetly. "Sounds like you're very fond of it, but it also sounds like it brings you great pain every time you think of it. Why is that?"

'Moses' is quite surprised at the girl's observation, even after reading about it. "...You're not wrong about that."

Pieck's smile is replaced by a look of sympathy. "I'm sorry you have to feel that way... Was it...because of the war?" The young man only offers a nod, only intriguing the Cart Titan more. "Would it be trouble if I asked what happened?"

He reluctantly gives her the short version of his story. "My parents were murdered by an enemy soldier, leaving me to fend for myself."

"...I'm very sorry. It sounds like you've been through so much."

He nods. "If it weren't for my mother...shielding me with...herself, I wouldn't be where I stand."

"...She sounds like she was a brave woman." The young woman offers a warm hand on the boy's shoulder.

"...She really was."

"...If I'm not overstepping, how is it you keep going?"

Moses had been hearing that question for almost an entire decade...mostly from himself. The answer is not always the same, but it always leads down to one specific thing. "I fight. I fight as an example of those who've fallen before me. Their sacrifice gave my life meaning and drive. That's the sole method by which we can rebel in this cruel world. Those who fight no matter what can see beyond all the pain and suffering. It may be hope, a future, or it could just be a different pain to experience. Only those who keep fighting will ever know."

"Hmm. That's a profound way of thinking. I wish you luck wherever life takes you, whether it be a bright future or more suffering."

"...Thank you." And...he actually means that.

"Pizza! Fresh from the oven!"

The pair's attention is brought back to the sole food stand that brought them together. Pieck lets out a soft laugh. "Looks like the waiting is over."

"Seems that way." Both of them walk back over to the stand and each purchase one slice. Pieck was indifferent since she's had multiple of other different foods in the same day. "This is quite good, don't you think, Moses?"

"..." The young man was entranced by all the flavors. The sweetness and saltiness of the sauce, the doughiness of the crust, and the cheesiness of the cheese. He has never had such a dish before. "This is...woah..."

Pieck covers her mouth to keep herself from laughing too loud. "I guess you've never had this before. You seem to be enjoying it."

"Pieck! There you are!"

The Cart Titan's attention is brought to a familiar dark-haired girl shouting to get her attention. She's followed along by her friends and two older young men. "Ah, hey, you guys."

"Looks like you found the pizza."

She nods. "Indeed i did. I was just waiting with-" When she turns back hoping to introduce Moses, he's...nowhere to be found. "Huh?"

"Waiting with who?" The young girl asks.

"...Hmm. I guess he had somewhere to go."

Reiner...The Night of Declaration

"It hurts," Gabi says as she runs her stomach, being dragged along by her cousin.

"That's just because you got greedy."

"It would be nice if there was a festival every day."

"Yeah."

"Somehow… Recently, all these things are just happening for the first time."

"Yeah."

"Somehow… It feels like something is about to change!"

"Yeah...it does."

Reiner brings the candidates to Zeke and the other warriors to find a place to sit before the declaration begins. Falco's absence is immediately noticed by Colt, but the boy is off somewhere after seeing someone he knows.

"Where did you go?" Hearing Gabi's scold, Reiner looks down to Falco, who tugs on his uniform.

"Vice-commander Reiner Braun, a moment?"

"Right now?"

"It's fine," Zeke says. "There's still some time left before the curtains rise." Reiner nods and follows Falco through the crowd. Once out of the mass gathering, he's led to a nearby building.

"It's this way."

"What's this all about?"

"You'll see soon enough!" Falco opens the door, which leads to a stairway leading down. He directs Reiner to the door below. "It's this way." Reiner sighs and walks down, following Falco inside. Where is he being led to, and why does it invoke a bad feeling? "We're here. I brought him!"

Reiner's eyes are immediately drawn to the only source of light in the small room. Beside it sits a young man with one leg and an injured eye behind a mess of long, black hair. As the man looks up and shows the icy blue iris of his healthy right eye, a chill enters Reiner's spine. "Hey. It's been four years, Reiner."

"...Eren...?"