Attack On Titan: Wings Of Crystal
Chapter 55: The Alphas Part 3
With the fall of Britannia at the hands of the all-powerful Alpha Unit, Marley's rise to power was complete. It took ten years, but they've finally conquered their greatest rival. Their military had been decimated. Their city was blown to pieces. And many of their leaders were slaughtered. What remained of the Britannian government was left with no choice but to surrender and learn to live under their rule. It will become a life of cruelty and enslavement. But it was better than being wiped off the face of the Earth and forgotten over time. All the Britannian people can do now is hope for the day Marley will get what they deserve, and their nation will rise again.
This wouldn't have been possible without the support of the Alpha Warriors. Each member fought with all their might to win the war. But now that the war is over, they no longer have a purpose to wield their Titans. They could spend what remained of their shortened lives living as people.
Their victory made life for Eldians within Marley's borders a lot easier from that moment on. Unfortunately, no number of victories can change the rest of the world's opinions of them. The Britannian War lasted only ten years, whereas the Great Titan War lasted hundreds.
But the Marleyan higher-ups made good on their promise for their involvement and granted them permission for whatever they desired as long as it wasn't too much to ask. The city of Liberio was expanded from the small closed-off sector of Marley's city to the size it is in the present timeline. Eldians were permitted to take on more paying jobs to provide for their families. Those who were homeless and forced to live off of scraps on the streets now have houses they can live in. Crime has also gone down significantly now that they're being treated somewhat more fairly than before.
Lazarus couldn't be prouder of his mother and father. They had accomplished something Marley itself couldn't do. And they managed to defeat their enemy in just two years.
But Michael noticed that they weren't 100% happy with the results. They're pleased Marley managed to keep their promise of prosperity. But it wasn't good enough for them. They won't be satisfied until every last Subject of Ymir is treated equally and fairly as everyone else. Instead of the second-class citizens, the world made them out to be.
Dante and Lydia were given seats on the board for their tactical decisions. If it hadn't been for the planning that went into Operations Midnight Moon and Grapevine, Marley and Paradis would've been under the rule of the Britannian Empire. They were still viewed as Eldians among the Brass, but they were convinced of where their allegiance lies.
The Warrior couple used this to their advantage to whisper their suggestions for a greater Marley as part of their plan to take over and change it from the inside. But it would be a long and complicated road ahead. One they may not have enough time to finish.
The year was now 825. Lazarus knows because it was the year the oldest member of the Omega Unit, Zeke Yeager, was born into the world. The only reason he was thinking of him now was because he'd just come to a shocking realisation. Until now he thought the power to turn Eldians into Titans via spinal fluid was an ability only he had. One of the many powers of the Winged Titan. Then Zeke arrived on the island and used that same power to turn the people of Ragako Village into Titans. He always wondered why that was. But it wasn't until he witnessed his mother utilise the same power that the pieces all fit into place.
The power to turn Eldians into Titans is a power only Titan Shifters with royal blood in their veins can use. And if Zeke can use that power, then he must have royal blood too.
"You okay, Lazarus?" Michael shook him slightly, snapping him out of his train of thought.
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Just lost in thought." He quickly dismissed. Now wasn't the time to get into it. Best he tells him after they've exited the Paths.
"Ok. I just wanted to let you know that I've transported us to a point in time that I think you'll like."
He turns Lazarus's head in the direction of a certain street in Liberio. Though it looked different, Lazarus recognised it immediately as the same street Lucia's blacksmith shop was on. It was directly in front of them. It looked brand new compared to the old rundown version he saw in the present. He couldn't help but smile at the sight of it.
Lydia was walking down the street exchanging greetings with the other Eldians who passed by her, thanking her for the role she played in Britannia's downfall. It would seem the shop was her destination. She knocks on the front door and waits for the owner to let her in.
"Just a moment!" A familiar voice called out from behind the door. Lazarus's eyes slightly widened, knowing immediately who it belonged to.
"Lucia!"
The shop door swings wide open by a young teenage Lucia Muller. She doesn't look at all differently compared to her older self whom Lazarus knew as a kid. She still had the same long red hair. Same big round glasses. And the same bubbly personality, though it was more frequent in her younger years. The only difference was the yellow armband on her right arm. She's already a Warrior Candidate by this point in time and one day Lydia's successor.
"So that's the woman who raised and trained you? … She's pretty." Michael complimented.
Lucia was struggling to come out of the arch as she was too focused on holding up the many, many weapons stacked in her arms, trying her absolute hardest not to drop them. It seemed like she was doing a good job.
"Sorry, we're not open yet. I still gotta get the stock in- Miss Lydia!" And just like that, she lost focus and ended up dropping all her weapons and tools on the floor. One of the knives bounced off of the floor and flew right into Lydia's torso. But she managed to save herself by catching the knife before it could pierce her.
"Pretty, but clumsy. Hahaha!" Michael covered his mouth, holding back his laughter.
"Haha. She's not changed." Lazarus smiled. "Even back then she's full of joy and optimism."
"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I'll have this cleared up at once." Lucia nervously uttered as she picked up her weapons.
Lydia decided to step in and help her out despite Lucia's polite decline. Eventually, they got all those weapons on the display wall at the back of the counter for the customers to see when they entered the shop.
"I'm… sorry you had to see that, Miss Lydia." She shyly addressed her superior whilst fidgeting both index fingers.
"You don't have to be so formal with me, Lucia. When we're alone you can just call me Lydia. Outside of our duties, we're not just Warrior and Candidate." She places her hand on the side of her left shoulder, easing her nerves.
Lucia once said something similar to Lazarus when he visited her shop one time. It feels like he's watching a flashback of him and Lucia through them. Only Lucia was in his position as a struggling Warrior Candidate while Lydia played the role of the wise mentor.
"Ok, mis- I mean, Lydia… So, what brings one of Marley's finest Warriors into my shop today?" She asked cheerfully.
"I just wanted to thank you for building that four-way turret for the Cart Titan. Bruno and his Panzer Unit made real good use of it. They probably wouldn't have stopped that train if you hadn't presented it to the Brass."
Lucia blushes and looks away whilst scratching the back of her head. "Oh, it was nothing. I just thought it might prove useful in the field. The Cart Titan is the only non-combative Titan, so it seemed logical to give it a defence system." She gazes down at her yellow armband and clutches it. Her mood then shifts from slightly embarrassed to glum.
"What is troubling you?" Lydia asked.
"It's just that… I can't help but feel like that's the only reason the Marleyans chose me to be a Warrior Candidate."
"Why do you think that?"
"I'm not as much of a fighter as the others. I excel at building weapons, but that's all I'm good at. Sometimes I think it would've been better if I backed out and gave my armband to someone else. My cousin, Leonardo, is a Candidate too, so our family are guaranteed to become honorary Marleyans. The next Warriors don't need me to hold them back." She stares down at the floor whilst fiddling with her fingers again.
Lydia turns her around and forces her to look up and into her eyes. "Lucia, you only just got chosen yesterday. You're only saying this because you don't believe you're worthy of living up to the legacy."
"Well obviously!" Lucia raised her voice a little. She pauses momentarily to rethink how to respond. "What I mean is, your Alpha Unit has accomplished so much in two years that no other unit could do in ten. No other team could compare to yours. You could easily invade Paradis and take the Founding Titan for yourselves if you wanted to."
"Perhaps. But ending the Britannian War is unfortunately the last great act our unit will have done. I've only got six years left and Dante has four. We could theoretically take on the Paradis Operation if we wanted to." Lydia explained as she examined one of Lucia's handcrafted knives. The one that almost stabbed her.
"So why don't you?" Lucia asked curiously.
"Because my husband and I have agreed that our days of fighting are over. We want to spend what little time we've got left to settle down and start a family." She places the knife back in its place on the rack and turns back to her future successor. "I also want to use my remaining years to mould you into a worthy successor for the Female Titan."
Lucia's eyes widen in shock. She almost lost her footing and collapsed to the floor hearing that unexpected news.
"M- me? You're choosing me to inherit your Titan? But why?" She demanded of her superior, stuttering the whole time.
"Because I see great potential in you. You have plenty of courage. Not a bad mind either. You also have a thirst to prove yourself. I know because I was the same way when I was younger. With the proper training, I know you will make a great Warrior."
"You really think so? But I'm just a blacksmith."
"Anyone can be more than what they initially thought if given the chance to expand their potential," Lydia assured her. "If you're not too busy, I can show you a few moves right now if you want."
"I'd like that. I don't have to open the shop for another hour. I guess I can spare some time for you." She tries to hold back her excitement as she opens the back door of the shop.
Lazarus and Michael watched them leave until it was just them in the shop. Michael took a good look around the place. He was fascinated with all the different types of weaponry displayed on the walls. He would've picked them up and tested them out if he was capable of holding them. Among the many swords, there was one that stood out to him. It was a curved katana blade identical to the ones Lazarus used with his Cloud Zero.
"So that's where the inspiration for your ODM blades came from."
"Yeah. Lucia believed it was one of the finer blades to wield in combat, that's why I built my own. She told me they were invented by the people who live in Hizuru."
Michael quickly turns to Lazarus before looking back at the katana. His mind proceeds to dig up a memory of his childhood that he'd hoped would stay buried. The day he first wielded the Crystal Titan's power, as well as the day he'd first gotten blood on his hands.
"Michael?"
"Do you remember that night?" He asked rhetorically. Before he could give his partner a chance to talk, he continued. "A few months ago, before I travelled to Paradis, I was attacked by assassins."
"I remember." Lazarus interrupted. "What happened that night wasn't your fault. You were only defending yourself. It's the lesser evil compared to the things I've done."
"I know… What I was gonna say was. I think those guys were from Hizuru." He points to the katana. "The assassins carried swords exactly like that. At the time I didn't have my memories, so I couldn't make the connection with your Cloud Zero. But I am certain they're the ones who sent those men."
"They must be aware of the Crystal Titan and its history with the Ackerman Clan. They must've found out you were its current host and were tasked with terminating you before you could ever discover its true potential." He theorised. "Though the obvious question is how they knew and why risk coming to Marley just to kill one Titan Shifter and not all the others?"
"I never said their objective was to kill me." Michael corrected him. "Their mission was to abduct me, not kill me. Which means Hizuru needed my Titan for some purpose. What that purpose is, I don't know."
"Whatever it is we'll find out in the future. For now, we should continue focusing on the present, or in this case, the past." Lazarus suggested.
Michael takes one last look at the katana before following Lazarus out the back door. Maybe if they're quick enough they'll catch some training lessons between Lydia and Lucia.
A couple of hours later, Lydia and Lucia decided to call it a day and agreed to continue their training tomorrow whenever they both had the time. The raven-haired Warrior arrives back home to her quiet and beautiful oceanfront town of Odiha.
She was hoping to come home to her loving husband and finally spend some quality time with him and share what each other had done that day.
But they weren't alone. Upon opening the door, she spotted Dante sitting on the sofa talking to someone. It was an older gentleman dressed in a fancy suit. He wore a top hat and had a cloak wrapped around his neck. He had long blonde hair and a goatee beard. He also wore a pair of round glasses.
Lazarus had no idea who this man was. But Michael recognised him immediately. It was Thomas Tybur. The man who'd recruited his parents into the False Founder Project.
"Thomas Tybur! What's he doing here?!" Michael blurted out loud.
"He must be here to recruit my parents into his service. Both of them were involved in the experiments that created my Titan. This must be where it began." Lazarus assumed.
"Ah, you're both here. Excellent." Thomas addressed Lydia as she walked into the living room.
"Dante, who is this man?"
"This is the current head of the Tybur family, Thomas. We were just talking about the role we played in ending the Britannian War."
Thomas stood up from the rocking chair, took hold of Lydia's hand and shook it gently.
"Lovely to meet the self-named Angel Titan. To think you can construct wings out of hardened crystal. I never would've believed it if I hadn't witnessed it."
"You saw? Then you were in Britannia when the attack occurred?" She confirmed.
"Indeed, I was. The general asked for me to be present to observe your unit in action. I have to say I am very impressed. You, Dante, and the rest of your squad have wielded Titans, unlike anything anyone's ever seen. Your Titan's hardening abilities have exceeded that of my family's Warhammer Titan."
"I'm guessing you're the current bearer of the Warhammer?" She estimated.
"Correct. I've had the power for ten years now, so I have only three left. I want to use what time I've got left to make a difference in the world. A difference that will guarantee the end of Titans, war, and hatred as a whole. That is why I've come to you… because you two have the same desire, do you not?" Thomas glances at both of them as he returns to the rocking chair.
Lydia scoots past their guest and takes a seat on the sofa next to Dante, who doesn't hesitate to put his arm around her shoulder.
"How do you know this? Did Dante tell you?"
"He didn't have to. I can tell by looking into your eyes. Both of you. And the way you fought as Titans. Even then that look of true freedom didn't flicker away."
This talk went on for quite some time. Lazarus turns to Michael, noticing that he seemed off when he first laid eyes on Thomas. He can understand why. He blackmailed his parents into forcing him to undergo experimentation just so their son wouldn't have to. He can't blame him for harbouring a grudge.
But he pointed out to Michael that had he not heard what he did he never would've run away and got ambushed by the Hizuru assassins. It sounded bad at first, but he also pointed out that he probably never would've awoken the Crystal Titan if he hadn't been attacked. He could've succumbed to the curse for many years, like Noah before he once did.
"…And that is why I am here." Thomas decided to get to the point of his visit instead of boring him with details on his family history.
"Are you… serious? Is this real?" Dante questioned him.
"As real as the power of the Titans itself. Years ago, after the aftermath of the Great Titan War, my ancestors built a giant underground facility right here in Odiha. It consists of various labs, vaults, and training facilities. They called it "Eden's Nest". Since its construction, the greatest scientific minds in the world were gathered with the sole purpose of understanding the power of the Titans and utilising them for Marley's benefit. Everyone who works down there is seen as a single mind. There was no place for those who discriminate against others. Our only goal is to use what we discover to create new ways to wield the power of the Titans." He thoroughly explained, making it sound like it was the most vital thing humanity had ever done.
"So, what kind of experiments do you do?" Lydia asked.
"Many that include finding a way to turn Titans back into humans without the power of the Founder. Testing the limits of Titan's regenerative systems. Even a way to extend a Titan Shifter lifespan and break the Curse of Ymir… But none of them compared to what is essentially our biggest project yet. One that, if done correctly, will put an end to the cycle of hatred forever. The False Founder Project."
"And what's that?" Dante asked.
"An experiment that'll create us a new Founding Titan to not only match but surpass the original. It has been in development for many years. We've tested the experimental Titan transformation serum on many Eldians, but all have died. Producing the serum costs Eden a lot of money and resources. My family had been supplying the spinal fluid of the Nine Titans for years, but our supplies were running low. All attempts on the project had to be stopped… Until I saw you." He finished.
"Let me guess. You want us to take part in your experiments as subjects?" Lydia guessed.
"Oh no. I don't want you taking part as subjects. I want you to work for me as consultants." Thomas dismissed her claims. "Your job will be to determine the strongest of the Warrior Candidates to become test subjects. The stronger they are, the better the chances of success."
"What's in it for us if we do this?" Dante demanded of him. He and Lydia were unsure about the proposal. The thought of experimenting on Eldians sounded wrong.
"We'll pay you handsomely for your services and provide you with anything you need. This offer extends to people closest to you as well. I happened to notice you're very close to the Suurvalta family next door." He pointed out, causing Michael to look over in his direction.
"I've been informed that they're barely getting by in Odiha. One couple looking after an elderly man, whilst the other two make money playing music and cooking. Doesn't seem like much of a living to me… But you can easily change that with a single word… So, what is your decision, Mister and Misses Averbach?"
Dante and Lydia turn to each other and whisper amongst themselves. They decided to ask Mister Tybur to leave whilst they discussed it in private before allowing him to re-enter with their answer.
Michael and Lazarus already know what their response will be and decide to follow Thomas outside and see what he's up to. Might be something important. Dante and Lydia were standing by the window, watching Thomas walk away. They open the window a little to hear whatever secrets he may hold. It was the smart thing to do rather than straight-up trusting him.
Thomas leaves the Averbach residence and stands outside the front gate, patiently awaiting their response. He admired the scenery as he stood alone. But he wasn't alone for long. He was suddenly approached by a very tall man dressed in a long black trench coat. He too had long blonde hair, but it was tied back in a ponytail. He had grey, dull eyes that gave him a deadpan look. It was similar to the one Mikasa gives off whenever she severs all emotion to kill a target. But unlike Mikasa, his carried a sense of madness in them. He approached Thomas and looked down at him.
The two time travellers wondered who he was. From the way they were addressing each other, he must be a colleague of Tyburs. Lazarus didn't recognise him. He only remembered seeing Thomas himself and a couple of other scientists. But they were all wearing protective gear and gas masks to hide their faces. This man could've been any of them, he thought.
"I trust they've agreed to join us?" The mysterious man asked his boss.
"Not yet. But I know they won't refuse. They want to end the cycle of hatred as much as we do… Have you managed to get the facilities for the False Founder Project up and running again?"
"Of course, sir. My men have gathered the spinal fluids of the Alpha Unit. I'm sure their contribution will ensure a stronger batch of False Founder Serum. Now all we require is a strong host." He explained.
"It has been a while since we've dabbled in this experiment. We can't afford any mishaps." Thomas reminded him in a serious tone.
"With all due respect, Mister Tybur. I invented the False Founder Serum. I am familiar with its properties."
Both the young Warriors' eyes open completely in bewilderment. Especially Lazarus. He should've guessed from the creepy tone of his voice. This was the man who turned him into the monster he is today. The one responsible for creating the Winged Titan.
Lazarus clenches his fists, trying to hold back the built-up resentment that started to emerge from the depths of his mind. Standing before him was the man who made his life a living hell. Vilified him as the king of devils who destroyed Odiha and is a threat to Marley, all so he could cover up his errors like a coward. And because he was Marleyan, they believed him.
Without thinking, Lazarus stomped up to the head of the project and attempted to punch him in the back, only to faze through him and fall to the floor. Michael quickly rushes to his side and helps him up to his feet.
"Lazarus, are you alright?"
"This is the guy who made me the Winged Titan! The one who portrayed me as the worst devil of them all! The one who got your parents killed! I have met some disgusting and irredeemable Marleyans in my time. But he's the worst of them all!" He vented angrily. "At least I regret the things I've done. He's never been sorry for anything!"
"Take it easy, Laz. Remember that we can't alter the past in any way, even if we wanted to." Michael grabs him by both shoulders and forces him to look him in the eyes. "This guy may've ruined your life, but you never gave him the satisfaction of letting him know he's won. You turned things around and made the Winged Titan your own."
"Some turn around. I ended up killing innocent people who didn't do anything. I got your caretakers killed. I scarred your face. I-
He was rudely interrupted by a sudden slap across the face, knocking his hat off of his head. Lazarus was surprised by this but didn't have the time to process it once he started talking.
"Enough with the guilt trips and the constant need to apologise already! I'm starting to get sick of hearing it. I've already told you countless times I forgive you, and the others, and that it wasn't entirely your fault. You didn't know who these people were before you attacked. So what if some people still hate you for it? Who cares?! You shouldn't let the opinion of others define who you are. What matters is what you and your friends think of yourself. You went through hell to restore my memories. Annie let herself get captured for you. You are worth fighting for. You may be a monster. We're all monsters. But you are not pure evil. This man, and anybody like him, are. Never forget that."
Lazarus was still stunned by Michael's speech. He was right. He needed to stop blaming himself for his past actions. He saw what the guilt of their actions had done to Reiner on several occasions, and it tore his mind in half. He couldn't allow himself to fall down that same rabbit hole. He's the future War Chief of the Warriors. He needed to stay sane for the sake of the future Candidates. Candidates like Falco.
"…You're right as always. I'm sor- I mean, thank you!"
Michael raises his hand ready to slap him again. Lazarus quickly takes back what he was about to say and replaces it with a form of gratitude instead and Michael nods with a satisfied smile.
As they were having their moment, Dante and Lydia stepped out of their house and approached Thomas. The False Founder's leader stayed back to give them space. The Warrior couple noticed him and wondered who he was. They got the same creepy vibes Michael and Lazarus had just by laying eyes on him alone.
"Have you made your decision?" Thomas asked.
Dante takes a step forward and speaks on both of their behalf. "… We'll accept your offer, Thomas. But only if you make good on your promise to give the Suurvaltas the same compensation as us. They're good friends. The closest thing Lydia has to family. Also, we will be telling them about this job and what it entails."
"This position was appointed only to you two." The tall scientist intervened, disapproving of this.
"Who is this?" Lydia asks.
"This is my second in command in the False Founder Project and the creator of the experimental serum. Meet Ludwig Oppenheimer. You'll be seeing a lot more of him and his team of scientists whenever you come down to Eden's Nest."
It was at this point that Ludwig decided to formally introduce himself to the strongest of the Alpha Unit. He stood at the same height as Dante at 6 ft 5. He smiled an eerie smile as he extended his hand to him.
"Charmed."
Dante hesitated at first but eventually shook his hand. He was surprised by his strong grip. His Titan powers gave him a greater boost in strength. Yet this tall, skinny, slightly older-looking gentleman was able to match his own.
"My apologies. Was I squeezing too hard?" He sarcastically asked.
Dante said nothing in response and let go. He and Lydia take a step back from him. They did not trust him one bit. Being Marleyan had nothing to do with it. They only just notice it after the awkward exchange.
"You have a Marleyan working under you?" Lydia addressed Thomas. She found it hard to believe a Marleyan would ever consider working for an Eldian.
"I know what you two are thinking. Yes, I am Marleyan. But I'm not one of those types who designates you as devils. Quite the opposite. As a scientist, I find your kind very interesting… I see Subjects of Ymir as the next stage in Human evolution. Your power is a blessing. A gift from God. I joined Eden because I want what you want. To make the world better. But instead of getting rid of Eldians. I think the world should embrace their powers and become devils themselves."
His vision of Eldians as a whole left everyone – except Thomas – speechless. Never in the entire history of the Eldian Empire had anyone heard a Marleyan say they were a gift from God rather than the spawn of the Devil. It somehow made him look even more creepy. A Marleyan praising an Eldian felt downright unnatural. Possibly because they're used to hearing nothing but bad things coming out of their mouths.
"Now do you believe that I am on the side of the devils?" He asked the couple after pleading his case.
The Warrior couple ignore him and focus their attention on Thomas, still waiting to hear his thoughts on the terms of their agreement.
Thomas, of course, had no issues with them and agreed to let them do as they pleased with the Suurvaltas. As a show of consideration, he offered them a part in his operation to take their places in his employment when they pass on their Titans to their successors.
With all parties in agreement, Thomas issued his first order as their new boss. They are to bring him a list of names of the best Eldian cadets in the military to become test subjects for Ludwig's experimental Titan serum. They'd already received permission from the Brass to go through with it. But the Averbachs were still sceptical of entrusting the lives of these candidates to the Marleyan mad scientist. Worried about what kind of ruthless torture he will bestow on them once they're brought to Eden's Nest.
Life continued for the young couple afterwards. Their new job as consultants to the Tybur family and Eden did make their lives much easier. The Tyburs was a family who was known to have driven off the 145th king in the Great Titan War, so they're not hated like most Eldians. Now that they work for them, Marleyans no longer feel the urge to discriminate against them, especially when they're reminded of their involvement in ending the ten-year war against Britannia.
As part of their agreement, Dante and Lydia assigned to them the strongest of the military's Eldian soldiers to take part in the False Founder Project. The candidates knew what they were signing up for and were promised Marleyan citizenship as well as a handsome payment.
The Averbach pair oversaw the experimentation provided by Ludwig Oppenheimer and his team. They've often questioned his intentions in the drug tests leading up to the actual injection of the Titan serum. Lydia even started regretting their decision. Dante did too, but he hadn't forgotten that the deal they'd made was bound by Marleyan law. They were forbidden to back out of it until they reached the end of their thirteen-year lifespan.
Lazarus and Michael also continued to observe them for what remaining years they had left. They wouldn't leave until they'd reached the end of both their years. That was part of their pact when they first entered the Paths.
Lazarus recalls a moment before his parents completed their first assignment for Thomas. When they retrieved the list of subjects the Brass deemed fit for the project, he and Lydia were shocked to see that Lucia's name was among them.
Before handing it in, Lydia erased her name from the list and replaced it with another cadet who demanded to take part in the name of Marley. She guaranteed her safety and her chances to inherit the Female Titan from her.
Dante never got the chance to choose a successor for the Beast Titan, and now the quality of Warrior Candidates has declined drastically for the sake of the project. The newly promoted, Commander Magath, was displeased with this. But it was out of his control to pull the plug on the projects. It was the General who gave the Tyburs permission to use whatever resources necessary to heighten their chances of creating a second Founding Titan.
The evident downside to this dilemma is that the next generation of Warriors would be deemed too weak to launch the Paradis Island Operation that's been in the works since their victory over Britannia. Their plan to use the Founding Titan made them realise that the remnants of the Eldian Empire still possessed the greatest power the world had ever known. And if Britannia planned to take it for themselves, what's to stop other nations from rising up and trying the same thing?
Whenever the Warrior couple did have time to themselves, they spent it with each other. Their former comrades. The Suurvaltas. And getting to know the candidates – chosen by default – and seeing which of them are worthy to inherit their Titans.
The duo fast-forward again to the year 829. It was around this time that Dante was reaching the end of his thirteen-year curse. In one year from now, the Curse of Ymir will take his life and the Beast Titan will randomly go to another Eldian. Unless he chooses a successor and transfers the power as soon as possible.
For his years of service and loyalty, Marley has granted him one month to prepare himself. Say his goodbyes to friends, family, etc. Plenty of time to tie up any loose ends he may've left.
Dante returns home after making his decision to break the news to his wife. The two of them exchange a hug and kiss before sitting down on the sofa together for what may be the final time with a saddened Lazarus standing off at the side with Michael behind him.
Before Dante could speak his mind, Lydia decided to talk first and shared some exciting news with her husband. She informs him that she's just got back from the hospital and is relieved to tell him that Noah Suurvalta is alive. In a coma, but still alive. This took place after the dinner party they had at their house Michael recalled from visiting his grandfather's memories.
And on top of that, she's confirmed that she's pregnant. Dante's eyes filled with joy and happiness at this amazing news. Lazarus smiled a little too, knowing it was about him. But that smile lasted only seconds upon remembering his dad's time was almost up.
"Finally, after so many attempts, we're gonna be parents! You have no idea how relieved I am. For a while I was starting to believe I was infertile" She only now notices Dante's upsetting face and starts to worry. "Honey, what's wrong?"
"Baby, I'm proud to hear that. Really, I am. Being a dad is something I've always looked forward to, you know that… But I'm afraid I don't have the time to be a father to our unborn child." He takes her hands in his own, grasping them tightly. "My time is almost up. In a month from now, I will be passing the Beast Titan down to my chosen successor, Tom Xaver. He was one of the few choices I had left, but I think he's an alright last option. He's also close with Lucia, so that's something."
Lydia's eyes lowered from his and were pointed down at the floor. She knew this day would come eventually, but it still felt too soon. She'd only just learned she's gonna be a mother. And now their child is gonna grow up without a father.
"Why only a month? You've still got a year left. You can be here when our child is born. Why is the Brass only allowing you a month?" She demanded sternly, slightly angered by this decision.
"They said it was because the Eden's Nest has taken too many of their finest Warrior Candidates. All that remains is Lucia, Tom, Leonardo, and twenty others. Sooner or later, they'll be made subjects like the others until there are none left. Instead of cancelling the project as I suggested, the stubborn General ordered them to continue. Even Commander Magath was against this… They say we're heroes for winning the Britannian War for them. But in the end, we're still just devils to them." He hurtfully explains.
His explanation angered Lydia. Though her anger was directed only at the Marleyan General and the Brass. They've dedicated themselves to their cause and fought with everything they've had in the war. And this is what they get in return? Just one month to live until they have to sacrifice themselves for the next generation of Warriors.
"There's another reason why I'd agreed to it." Dante continued, snapping Lydia out of her anger-induced trance. "Truth is that all the members of our unit were given this offer, including you. But Thomas and I persuaded them to let you give up your Titan two years from now. Thomas still needed you in the project, that's why he helped. But the important thing is that you still have two years left. Enough to bring our child into this world and spend time with him. This way, he'll still get to meet you."
"Dante…"
"I wish it didn't have to go down like this." He continued. "But we both knew what we signed up for when we ate our predecessors. I have no regrets about shortening my life because I got to spend every minute of it by your side." He gently places his hand atop his wife's stomach. "You and our baby are worth living, fighting, and dying for."
Tears started building up and running down the couple's eyes as they practically leapt into each other's arms. They held the embrace for what felt like hours. Neither one of them wanted to let go. They just wanted to be held by their soulmate for all eternity.
Lazarus approached his parents and leaned into the hug as well. Like before he placed his arms close enough to them to simulate physical contact without passing through them. This is the last time all three of them will be together like this. He wanted to enjoy it while it lasted.
At some point, the couple had no choice but to break off the hug and look into each other's eyes. Dante then decided to remove his Stetson and hand it over to Lydia.
"Here. Take this."
"Your hat?"
"That way you and our child will have a piece of me with you forever. Give it to our son when he's born. Hopefully, one day when he's old enough, he'll wear it himself… I get the feeling it'll be a boy. Just a hunch."
"You've always wanted a son." She teased him a little.
"What father wouldn't? Someone to play games of catch with. Someone to teach how to be a farmer in case he takes an interest in my farm life, hehe. Or someone to train to be a Warrior like us."
Lydia giggles a little in response to his optimism. The couple then leans in for their last kiss. Lazarus started to cry. Michael approaches him from behind and takes hold of his right hand, gripping it tightly.
"We can leave now if you want. You don't need to see them die. No child should ever have to see something so horrible." He generously offered.
Lazarus wipes away his tears and glances over his shoulder at him. "No. Not yet. I want to see my mother's last moments before we go. I want to see what little time I got to spend with her."
"As you wish." Michael closes his eyes and focuses his energy on himself and Lazarus, propelling them forward in time again.
They're now in the year 833. By this point, Dante had already sacrificed himself and transferred the Beast Titan down to Zeke's mentor and father figure, Tom Xaver. The other members of the Alpha Unit inevitably reached the same fate until only Lydia remained.
Lydia had managed to give birth to baby Lazarus in the same hospital Michael was born, and Noah had died, in. He was delivered a month after Michael. The two of them had no idea that both of them first met the day after Lazarus was born when both their mothers came together at the Suurvalta residence to celebrate.
But the beautiful celebration was short-lived as Lydia was now in her last year. She needed to pass on the Female Titan to Lucia and bring about the end of the Alpha Unit, and the beginning of the Beta Warrior Unit.
Thankfully, Lazarus was able to relive what little time he'd got to spend with his birth mother. He couldn't recall a single moment where she let him go. She held him in her arms all the time. Whenever she visited Lucia's shop in Liberio, went down to the beach, or even just hung out at the Suurvalta House, Lydia refused to let her son go. She even held him close every night when she went to sleep. Never had Michael, nor Lazarus, seen a mother and a child more in love. It only worsened Lazarus's sadness knowing what her fate was going to be.
Before accepting said fate, Lydia made preparations to ensure her son had the best care in her absence. She hands Lazarus over to Michael's parents, aunt, and uncle. They swore on their lives and their friendship that they'd take care of Lazarus. To raise and love him as their own.
With that done, Lydia looked down at her baby and kissed him on the forehead. Tears streamed down her face. She didn't want to give him up, but she had no choice. This was the best decision she could make for him. To ensure he's happy and brought up well. She wanted him to grow up with a kind heart and a desire to put the well-being of those he loves above himself. Michael smiled knowing that she'd gotten her wish.
At long last, the sword and shield duo have reached the end of their pinnacle journey through the lives of Dante and Lydia Averbach. They were both standing once again inside Lucia's shop. This was to be her final exchange of words between Warrior and Successor. She was wearing her husband's Stetson atop her head.
"So, your cousin has inherited the Colossal Titan from Malcolm?" Lydia asked her.
"Yes. And Tom inherited the Beast from your husband. He told me he was able to see some of Dante's memories once he'd emerged. He doesn't believe he's able to live up to the legend he created." Lucia responded.
"No one expects you to. We just want you to be the best "you" you can be."
Lucia acknowledged her advice to heart. She's unsure what lies ahead for her once she inherits the Female Titan. But she's determined to prove herself a worthy successor to Lydia.
Unfortunately, no matter how many times she tells herself she's ready for this, the more she's lying to herself. Deep down, the part of her that admired her predecessor for years could not accept the fact that she was going to die today at her hands.
"Lydia, I-
"Shhhh. It's ok." She soothingly calmed her down, realising that she wasn't ready for this. "I know this is hard. It was hard for me too when I first obtained my Titan. But eating me doesn't mean I'm gone forever. My memories will live on inside your head. Not only that but also the undying love I have for my newborn son."
"Your son? Where is he now?!" Lucia asked in a panicked tone of voice.
"He's safe. He's living with the Suurvaltas. I trust them with my life to bring him up… However, there's a chance they won't be able to care for him for long."
"What do you mean?" Lucia questioned her.
Lydia took a look outside the windows making sure nobody was listening in on their conversation before answering the question.
"… I recently discovered from Jonas that their child, Michael, is the newest host for the ancient Crystal Titan." She started.
"The Crystal Titan? It's real?!"
"Oh yes, quite real. Despite its almost legendary stature. Turns out sweet old Noah was its previous host. He'd been keeping himself alive long enough to pass on the power, and their family's curse, onto his grandson." She paused for a moment to let that all sink in with Lucia before continuing.
"If what I've researched about it is true, then they will try to use the same methods Noah used to break the curse on Michael too. I fear their attempts may jeopardise my son's safety. And if Thomas were to discover this, they'll attempt to use Michael as another test subject in the False Founder Project. Or worse…"
"They may use Lazarus." Lucia finished for her.
Lydia regretfully nodded in confirmation. "That's why I've come to you. I need you to make me a promise, Lucia."
"For you, anything. It's the least I can do for everything you've taught me. You've been like a big sister to me ever since the day we met."
Lydia smiled in response. She removes Dante's hat from her head and hands it over to Lucia. She gives it a good look over before carefully placing it down on the coat rack beside the front door.
"Swear to me that you'll keep an eye out for Lazarus and be there for him whenever the Suurvaltas aren't. If something happens to them, I need you to look after him. Teach him everything I've taught you. Help him down the path of creating a better world for all kinds of people. The Marleyans will try to make him grow to hate what he is. I'm counting on you to tell him differently. No child should have to grow up thinking they're unworthy of life. You'll get to watch him grow up. Something Dante and I never had the chance to see. Give him his father's hat once he's old enough. That way he'll have a constant reminder of how much we loved him… I know it's a lot to ask of you, Lucia-
"You don't have to say anything more. I've already agreed the moment you mentioned Lazarus." She interrupted her. "You don't need to fear. I will watch over your son and take care of him, like how you took care of me. I will do everything in my power to point him down the same path you and Dante took. It's too soon to say, but I know he will succeed. Even if none of us are here to see that day."
Lydia was speechless. No words could express how grateful she is for the young blacksmith soon-to-be Warrior. There was not a shred of doubt that Lucia would make the perfect candidate, not only for the Female Titan but also a mother figure to her child. The two of them shared one last hug that lasted until the young Commander Magath entered the shop and intervened.
"Averbach. Muller. It's time."
They slowly break off the hug, face their superior and nod, acknowledging the inevitable. Lucia leaves Dante's hat on the coat rack and locks up the shop behind her. The two of them take a good long look at the sign hanging above before gazing into each other's eyes. They join their hands and take their time walking down to the area where the underground chamber is.
Lazarus and Michael stayed back and watched as the two women walked further and further away from the shop. They've reached the end of their trip down memory lane. They have no further reason to stay. Michael takes hold of Lazarus's hand and focuses his energy to transport them out of the Paths and back to the real world.
"Goodbye, Mom… Goodbye, Dad." Lazarus uttered as the world around him was completely enveloped in a bright whiteness.
The two young men gasp for air as their eyes shoot wide open. The crystals around their bodies, that held them in place when they first entered the Paths, shattered. Freeing them from what felt like hours of sitting still in the same position. The truth is they had no idea how much time had passed from when they first entered the Paths.
Once they got their bearings, they took a look around their surroundings and confirmed they were back in the real world. The sun was still in the same position it was in when they began the process. From an outside perspective, it didn't look like they were in there long even though it felt like hours for them.
"We- We're back?!" Lazarus uttered, still a little unsure if they were back or not. The Paths Realm felt just as real as the real world. The only times it didn't were when they were inside the memories of his parents.
"Yeah, we made it back. I'm honestly surprised we made it out at all. I was just keeping my nerve and hoping for the best." Michael shamelessly admitted. He then noticed that he still had the ice cream he was holding in his left hand. He licked it and was surprised to see it was still cold.
"Wow. Still cold. Time really does work differently in that place."
He quickly finishes off his ice cream before it melts, eating the cone as well. Once he'd wiped his mouth clean, he turned to Lazarus with curiosity. He wanted to know what he felt about that whole experience. He often wondered if doing this may have upset him. In the end, it seemed more like he was reminding him of what he'd lost over and over again.
Judging by the look on his face, he seemed conflicted about the things he'd seen. Curious as to why, he asked him what was on his mind.
"All my life I've dreamt of the day I got to see my mom and dad. To see what kind of people they were. To know what kind of personalities they had… Now that I finally did… I can't help but wish they got to see me."
"That's a reasonable response. I often wondered the same thing with my parents too." Michael responded as he scooted closer to him atop the roof of their old house. "But I know that no matter what, they would've been proud of the kind of man I've become. And I know your parents feel the same. You saw what Lydia was like with you. My Mom had to pry you out of her arms. She loved you, Laz. So did your dad. That hat you wear serves as a reminder of that love. It's not just a piece of headgear that you wear to cover up those horns."
Lazarus smiled a little. He turns to his best friend and gives him a pat on the back. "Thanks, Michael, for doing this. And for still being my friend after all we've been through. I never could've grown this much without your guidance. You made me the better version of myself that I never thought I could be. I hope that I can repay you someday."
"You saved my dad. This was just my way of showing my gratitude. Neither of us have anything left to give. Let's just call it even and move forward. I think there have been enough debts for one lifetime. Don't you?" He stated.
"Yeah, you're right… I'm getting tired of saying that too."
The two of them laughed as they continued to gaze out into the nearly rebuilt Odiha and the sea. They sat in silence for quite some time until Lazarus recalled something vital he picked up whilst going through Dante and Lydia's memories.
It's something that's been eating away at him ever since his reunion with Zeke and the revelation of him being a descendant of Eldian royalty like his mother before him. He was too busy with the final battle with the Scout Regiment, Annie's rescue, and flying them all home to take the time to think it over.
Seeing his mother using the same power to turn Eldians into Titans caused those thoughts to reappear. But he wanted to wait until after they were done viewing his parents' past before bringing it up with Michael. What if his parents weren't the only family he had? "What if there was someone of his blood still alive today?" He thought.
"Michael… there's something I discovered while we were in there that you need to know."
"What is it?" Michael asked. His curiosity was piqued to the point he needed to get a lot closer to him.
"The ability to turn Subjects of Ymir into Titans." He started.
"What about it?"
"It's obvious I inherited that power, as well as my wings, from my mother. But I'm not the only one in our unit who can do that. Zeke can too." He turns around to face him. "The only explanation as to why we have this power is because we have royal blood."
"Are you saying you and him are cousins?" He asked with a hint of surprise and confusion in his voice.
"It makes sense to me. The power to turn Eldians is something only a Titan with royal blood can do. My blood was how I survived the experiments. It also explains why Zeke's knowledge is far superior to Marley's. Grisha must've married Alicia's youngest daughter, my mother's sister, before getting shipped off to Paradis."
His eyes widen when he comes to the realisation that the Smiling Titan who ate Eren's mother and partially unlocked the power of the Coordinate was Dina Fritz herself.
"That means the Titan Eren made contact with to unlock the Founder's power was Zeke's mother, and my aunt!" This revelation almost made him stumble off the roof. Luckily Michael was there to catch him in time.
"You and Zeke are related?! Not only that, but he has royal blood too?! That- That's…
"Bad!" Lazarus preferably stated much to Michael's confusion.
"Why is it bad? Zeke was the first friend you made when you joined the military. He treated you like a brother. Now it's revealed you're related. That's a good thing, isn't it?
"Normally I'd agree. But it was Zeke who revealed to us that I have royal blood. Which means he knew all along that we were of the same blood. He could've told us that day, but he didn't. He kept his royal heritage hidden from us. From everybody… Why would he do that?" Lazarus wondered, slightly hurt by this betrayal of trust from what he thought was his friend and big brother figure.
"Don't worry, Laz. I'm sure we'll get to the bottom of this mystery in the future. But for today, I just want to revel in this moment and come to terms with the end of our grand journey. We deserve the chance to kick back and enjoy this peace while we still have it."
Lazarus agreed with him, though he didn't want to admit it for what must be the 100th time now. Instead, he kept his comments to himself and laid back against the roof with his hands behind his head alongside Michael. Instead of positioning his hat forward like he usually does when lying down, he decided to take it off entirely and place it in between himself and his friend. He had nothing more to hide.
The sun was beginning to set behind the ocean. To the two Warriors, it served as symbolism that shows that the day they came to Paradis, and had their lives changed for the better, had come to an end. And tomorrow a new day will begin. A new chapter in their lives.
"What do you think the future holds for us from this day forward?" Michael asked whilst looking up at the sky.
"I don't know. But I do know that Marley has gone too far with their deception. I've seen and learned so much on that island. I now know that Marley is in the wrong, not Paradis… Starting tomorrow, the Winged Titan will no longer be their weapon." Lazarus declared.
"Damn right," Michael responded with a nod. "Whatever dangers come our way, the Crystal Titan has got your back. And so will the rest of the Warriors… We've still got a mission to complete. But in the meantime, let's just enjoy this peaceful view."
The two friends fist bump each other as a show of their contract. Whatever happens in the future, they and Erwin will fight for themselves and what they believe in. Marley can't tell them what to do anymore. And no one can make them use their powers for the nefarious purposes of others.
But little did they know, the two Warriors were being watched by someone who appeared to be dressed in a Marleyan military uniform. They were quite tall compared to the average man. He had a thin beard across his chin and had dull grey eyes.
It was the same soldier that was guarding Ymir's cell the day before her execution. The one who was hidden amongst the others when the Warriors had returned home. And now he was eavesdropping on the two friends' conversation. An eerie smile forms on his face after hearing what they'd just finished talking about.
"So, the young Averbach managed to figure it out. Zeke anticipated that he would eventually. It probably won't be long until they discover the Euthanization Plan. I can't allow that to happen. The Winged Titan may be an immortal god with the Crystal Titan as its bodyguard. But Zeke is the true god that is fated to rule this world. And he will smite all who get in his way… even those he calls friend."
End of Season 3
Author's Note: And that's it for seasons 1 to 3. I hope you guys have been enjoying the story so far. I am gonna be taking a break from AOT for a while and wait until the anime ends before tackling the Final Season. It will also give me time to take what some of you guys have mentioned in the reviews and work out a solution. I know some of you weren't happy with some of the changes I've made like Bertolt surviving and the Warriors having no casulties during the Battle of Shiganshina, but I promise you this is all part of my plans for Season 4. Eren in this story will be much different to the one in the anime, which will be a bad thing for Lazarus and Michael moving forward. Until then, I might try and get back into an older story I gave up on or begin working on my next fic. To those of you who have been enjoying this fic and OC's I cannot thank you enough for your support. I don't know when I'll get back into Wings of Crystal so be sure to keep an eye on the story alerts. See you guys soon.