Attack On Titan: Wings Of Crystal

Chapter 60: From One Hand to Another

In the stillness of his parents' dark, almost empty bedroom, Bertolt Hoover was standing alone at the window, looking out at the deserted street below. It was the middle of the night. Everyone was sleeping or doing other things within the comfort of their own homes. Nobody would dare break Marleyan curfew out of fear of being shipped off to Paradis and being turned into Titans, unaware that Marley was forced to no longer do so out of fear of being burned by the Winged Titan.

It was a quiet night. It helped him think about the stuff that has been on his mind lately, as well as reflect on how much things have gone horribly wrong.

Like everyone else, he was happily reunited with his father after returning from Paradis four years ago. At the time things seemed to go back to normal. He had hoped that he could put the past behind him and be thankful to Michael for saving his life when Zeke was prepared to leave him to die. But he wasn't.

Sometime after he'd set out to war with the other Warriors, his mother had passed away. The Marleyans told him she had died from an illness. But in reality, she had gotten herself in trouble with a loan shark after her husband had lost his job. She tried to provide for her family but could not pay them back. So, they decided to repay their debt with her body. They violated her to their hearts' content and killed her afterwards. At least, that was what his father told him.

Bertolt's father thought she'd been shipped to Paradis for a crime she committed. It wasn't until the night of the return of the Warriors that he'd find her body and learn the truth. Weakness of the mind must run in the family, Bertolt thought. Instead of getting justice for her, his father took the coward's way out and jumped out the very window he was standing at.

Now he was all alone. His parents were the only family he had. He didn't have any siblings or extended family of any kind. Even as a child, he could tell how much they were struggling to keep the family together. He hoped that by becoming a Warrior he would make their lives easier. And it worked for a time.

Honorary Marleyan citizenship didn't mean anything if many Marleyans still viewed Eldians as devils regardless of how much they sacrificed for the motherland. Bertolt had nothing left to fight for now that his family were all gone. What was the point of going on now? There's nothing left for him. His parents died. He lost Annie to Lazarus. The only use he has for the Warriors is to be a living bomb to annihilate a large gathering of enemies at once. He'd also caused so much suffering on Paradis when he kicked a hole in the walls. And just when he thought he may find some peace in his death, Michael goes ahead and saves him at the last second. Fate won't even let him repent for his sins.

He stares down at the note his father left him before taking his life. Explaining to him how he didn't have the will to avenge his wife nor the strength to tell his son face to face, settling instead for a piece of paper and a pencil. Bertolt scrunches up the note in his hand and tosses it aside.

"Why?!" Tears increasingly build up in his eyes as he bares his teeth to the world outside his window. "Why did you have to go and pull a stupid stunt like that and leave me with nothing?! You stupid bastard!" He yelled out in frustration and despair.

His despair was quickly replaced by anger. For years he devoted himself to Marley in the name of his family, only to be repaid with his loyalty with treachery on an unimaginable scale. His parents were the only reason he fought for them. Now that they were gone, nothing was holding him back.

In his blind rage, he unconsciously brought his left hand up to his mouth and slowly opened it.

"I gave everything for this nation! My trust. My skills. My loyalty. My sanity. My secrets. And they just kept taking! And now what have I got?" He looks back at the layout of his bedroom and the discarded note beside the bed. "… Not even my family... So why should I care if this city gets blown to ashes?! Lazarus is willing to destroy them all to get what he wants, and so will I!"

As he was about to bite down on his hand, an image of Lazarus, Reiner, Annie, and the other people still left in his life appeared in his mind. It didn't stop him from biting his hand, but it did cause him to ease off the pressure enough that he only left a bite mark on his hand. His eyes widen with realisation as he looks down at his now-shaking left hand. He quickly pulls away.

"Wh- What was I thinking?! I almost killed Reiner and the others!" He backs away from the window and stumbles backwards onto the bed. He sits up and holds his head in his hands, apologising to himself frantically for not thinking clearly.

Lazarus's words started echoing in his mind. The words of encouragement he gave him atop Wall Maria. He told him to start thinking for himself and do his part for the Omega Unit. Back then he was determined to end the war once and for all and capture Eren or die trying. But Michael had deprived him of both. That was his signature purpose. The only driving force behind becoming a Warrior and coming home a hero. But now Lazarus's actions have closed any other chance to reclaim the Founding Titan once and for all.

"I'm sorry, Lazarus. But I can't do this anymore. I thought I could do it, but I failed. I was ready to die for my failure, but Michael cheated me out of it! Ever since the beginning all I was ever needed for was kicking down walls and blowing up towns. As the Colossal Titan, I am needed. But as Bertolt, I was useless. At least my death would've given me purpose and drive the rest of you to keep moving forward. By saving my life you have made me feel more useless as a person than ever." He vented all by his lonesome.

"That's not true, Bertolt."

Bertolt slowly lifts his head from his hands and turns towards the entrance to the bedroom. He was not expecting to find Reiner standing there with a worried, but somehow understandable, look on his face.

"Reiner? How did you get in?" He asked as he wiped away his tears, trying to cover up his anguish.

"We gave each other a spare key to our homes whenever either of us needed a place to chat after we got back, remember?" He waves the key in front of him as he reminds him. Reiner enters the room and takes a seat on the bed next to his friend.

"How much did you hear?" Bertolt asked without looking in his direction.

"I heard enough… I heard about your parents. I'm so sorry-

"No! No, I don't wanna hear it right now." Bertolt dismissed his attempt to mourn with him. "I don't wanna hear how good they were. My mom allowed herself to fall into debt and kept Dad in the dark about it. Then when she died, he took the coward's way out and left me all alone! They weren't good people. They were selfish!"

Reiner was about to respond to that but decided against it at the last second. Those words were from the pain of an already doubtful man. He knew all too well what Bertolt was going through. It wasn't that long ago when he was about to end it all, only to be stopped by Falco outside his room, reminding him that there are still people in his life worth living for.

He didn't know how to help him. Lazarus was always better at cheering people up and encouraging them to not give in to despair. Anything he says would contradict his own feelings. Deep down Bertolt was too much of a coward to take his own life like how he almost did, which only made his pain much worse. All he could do was be there for him and cross his fingers when trying to persuade him to hold on a little longer.

"…I don't wanna be a Warrior anymore, Reiner." He muttered under his breath after a couple of minutes of silence. "I don't have the will to keep going. I just wanna feed myself to one of the candidates and get it over with. I have nothing left to live for."

"I thought so too." That response forced Bertolt to look over at Reiner who was just staring blankly at the wall in front of him. The look on his face right now was identical to the one he wore when he witnessed Marco's death.

"Earlier today I had a rifle in my mouth." He started slowly. "I had my finger on the trigger, itching to pull it. Nothing mattered to me in that moment. Not my mother. Not Gabi. Not you. Not Lazarus. Nothing. My mind was a blank slate. The perfect state for committing suicide."

"Why didn't you do it? Did Lazarus talk you out of it?" Bertolt asked.

"No. No one did. Falco just happened to be in the area when I was close. He sounded like he was struggling. He reminded me that I still have people who need me." He thinks back to the day Wall Maria fell and shuddered at the thought of him charging through the Inner Gate. "Ymir was right. I can't bear the weight of what we've done. And neither can you, Lazarus, or Annie. Laz is cursed with immortality to repent for his sins. Or maybe everlasting life is his punishment." He turns to Bertolt. "But we have a way out. But it isn't the right way. If you were to take your own life like I was close to doing, then you'd only prove yourself as weak as your father was. You are not weak, Bertolt."

"But I am, Reiner!" He raised his voice slightly in denial. "I have one of the most powerful Titans under my control, but I can never use it for what I want. The Battle of Shiganshina was the only time I felt like I could. I portrayed myself as the irredeemable villain in the hopes of getting my comeuppance. I don't have the strength to face the mistakes of my past."

"And you think I do?"

Bertolt shook his head. He and Reiner are the same. Back in Shiganshina, they were willing to give everything to finally put an end to this nightmare they were living in. But they had a tiny part of themselves hidden deep in their subconscious that was hoping for someone to stop them. Make them pay for what they've done. When the brass were talking of feeding them to the Zeta Warrior Unit Candidates, they thought that would be their time. But Lazarus intervened and threatened to end Marley if they ended them.

They'll always be grateful to Lazarus for everything he's done for them and appreciate him as a friend and comrade. But they'd be lying to themselves if they didn't completely agree with this decision he made on his own.

"Look, Bertolt. Whether we feel like we deserve it or not, we cannot end it yet. Lazarus is risking so much to keep us alive until the end of our term. Killing ourselves now won't only be an insult to his gesture, but it would also put Annie and the others' lives at risk. We can't do that to them… You may see yourself as weak, but I know you're strong enough to help him and Michael see their plan through to the end. Once this war is over, we'll decide then."

The room fell silent as Bertolt thought over Reiner's words. He had not thought about how his death would result in the possibility of either Marley or Lazarus retaliating and attacking each other. Knowing Lazarus, he never would've accepted the truth of his taking his own life and blamed his death on Marley. Even if he somehow witnessed it for himself, he'd choose to believe they talked him into it. He had no issue with Marley getting burned, but where would the others go if it did? The whole world is against Eldians. There was no place on Earth they'd be accepted, not even Paradis.

He lets out a long sigh and stands up from the bed. "Fine. I'll try to hold on. But I don't want to fight anymore. I just want to survive long enough until my time."

"I can respect that." Reiner stood up and faced him. "Unfortunately, I do not have that same luxury. After Lazarus defected, I have been appointed the new Vice Chief of the Warriors. I have to deal with many responsibilities. But know that I'll always watch out for you, just like back on that island."

He places his right fist atop Bertolt's chest where his heart is positioned. Bertolt nods and repeats this notion for him. They made a vow to each other that they'd stay alive long enough to pass their Titans onto their chosen successors. That will be their final act of duty before permanently retiring from the world.

The day of the festival was drawing near within Marley's borders. Various foreigners from around the world have gathered to celebrate not the results of the Mid-East War, but what they're hoping will be the beginning of a new cause against the Island of Paradis and rally them together to help Marley reclaim the Founding Titan and the island's resources for themselves. And the one with the voice to bring the nations together was the Tybur Family.

They have arrived the night before, escorted to a fine establishment by their own personal guard. General Magath personally requested an audience with the current head of the family, Willy Tybur, who assured him that the Warhammer Titan was here among them

Word travelled fast to the Suurvalta house of the Tybur's arrival. Lazarus, Michael, and Erwin were discussing what their next move should be. This plan to unite the world against Paradis was one they could never accept. During the Mid-East War, only a handful of nations joined forces against Marley. Erwin had secretly hoped the Allied Forces would succeed, but they didn't. Now Marley is promising them false hopes of peace and unity by claiming the people of Paradis are the real enemies.

To prevent this, Erwin suggested Michael and Lazarus meet with the head of the Tybur family, as per Zeke's request, and try and persuade them otherwise. The chances of this plan working are slim to impossible. It also came at great risk. If they were to tell them about Erwin being a citizen of Paradis and they reported it to the brass, it would mean the end of the four-year plan to overthrow Marley and change it into a new nation.

The two leaders of the Wings of Crystal Cause enter Liberio and watch as the stage for the festival's performance is being built. They were amazed at how big it was, taking up a whole chunk of the square, right in front of the big, luxurious house the Tyburs were staying in during their visit.

On the way, they pass by the statue of Helos spearing a Titan. That was where Willy Tybur was currently standing. He was going through some papers a random Marleyan soldier handed him. It was the same soldier that was working as a double agent for Zeke, Yelena. Though Lazarus and Michael didn't have a clue.

"There he is. This must be Willy Tybur, the current head of the family." Michael spoke up. "Weirdly enough, he was exactly as tall as I was expecting."

He turns to Lazarus who appears to be off in his own world to hear what he'd just said. He was just staring at him. Never had he seen an Eldian get so much respect from a group of proud Marleyans. It felt forbidden. He can't understand why he feels this way about the concept of Marleyans and Eldians getting along. When he was a child that was his hope and dream. But now as an adult, he's come to accept it as inconceivable.

Michael snaps his fingers in front of his face, snapping him out of his trance and turning to his right.

"You alright? You look like you're having second thoughts about this. Not that I blame you. I still think this is a waste of time. The Tyburs are, and always will be, loyal to Marley. They'll never take anything we say seriously."

"I thought so too," Lazarus responded, ignoring the question about his well-being. "But Erwin says there's a slight chance we could persuade them that Eren and those who support his goals are the true threat on that island, not the people themselves. If we convince them of this, they will convince the rest of the world."

"I doubt that they'd believe you because of some nightmare vision of the future you've had. They'll want proof." Michael stated.

"The proof will be Eren himself if he chooses to attack us when we're at our most vulnerable. However, the chances of the Scouts still loyal to Erwin's cause coming here are very slim. Yet another gamble of his."

"That's just how my dad does things." Michael patted his shoulder. "Besides, most of the time his gambles have paid off."

"So far. But the more you raise the stakes, the harder the pain when you lose it all." Lazarus concluded. With enough time wasted, they approached Willy Tybur and introduced themselves to him. And just in time too as he'd just finished talking to the General. He skims through a small book he'd received from him and places it in his jacket pocket before addressing them.

As they were closing in on him, a couple of Tybur's guards aimed their rifles at them, causing the boys to halt their approach. Willy spots them and raises his hand, signalling them to stand down. At last, he was finally going to formally meet the famous Michael and Lazarus. However this wasn't the first time they'd met, and it won't be the last.

"Hello, Mister Tybur. My name is-

"Lazarus Averbach and Michael Suurvalta. Yes, I know who you two are. This isn't the first time we've met." Willy interrupted. He first turns his attention to Lazarus. "I was there to witness the birth of your Titan within the Eden's Nest. My father and I were lucky to escape the disaster you brought.

He then turns to Michael. "Although we've never properly met, I was at your house the day my father, Thomas, offered your parents a job to work for him. As I recall, you ran away that night."

"Only because your father threatened to have me killed if my parents didn't involve Lazarus in the experiments." Michael pointed out in an aggravated tone.

Willy decided to change the topic of discussion and show how excited he was to meet the legendary Crystal Titan and the results of his father's False Founder Project in person. He shakes both of their hands vigorously. The three of them then decide to sit on the benches assembled in front of the stage and talk about the past.

Willy explained that it wasn't long after the explosion in Odiha occurred when his father passed the Warhammer Titan down to another member of his family. As well as appoint him the new head of the family.

Willy points Lazarus in the direction of his family who are all sitting at the front of the stage. "Tell me, Lazarus. Which one of us has the Warhammer?"

Lazarus closes his eyes and focuses his mind, trying to get a reading on the Warhammer Titan's presence. Whenever a new Titan Shifter first activates their power, he can sense it. He could not sense the Warhammer within Willy, but he could sense it was among his family members. And he knew which one.

He leans in close to Willy and whispers his answer in his ear to avoid possible eavesdroppers. Willy nods and claps his hands.

"Correct. I am glad to see the Titan tracking factor is working perfectly. Ludwig added many features to the serum before it was injected into you. He wanted to create the most powerful Titan ever after all."

"That explains why you have so many abilities." Michael mentally uttered to his friend.

"My family owes a lot to yours, Michael." Willy addresses him. "Without the Crystal Titan, the Warhammer and the power of hardening would never exist. And without the Warhammer, my family would just be another group of Eldians facing the discrimination of the world. I've always dreamt of the day I'd get to see it in person one day. So, I hope you believe me when I say I am honoured to be in your presence. I'd love to see how your constructs compare to our Titans someday."

"I'm flattered," Michael responded coldly without making it obvious. He still held a little resentment towards, not only Willy personally but the Tybur Family as a whole for blackmailing his parents into working for them and making Lazarus a monster.

The boys continue to share with him the story of their lives on Paradis. The struggles Michael went through to break the Curse of Joseph and grew up believing he was one of them. And Lazarus shared his upbringing with Lucia Muller and how she moulded him into the Winged Titan he is today.

Willy was astounded by their stories. He never would've expected the discussion to devolve into them revealing to him that the people of Paradis are not what the world perceived them to be. But the boys were just as surprised that he was already aware of Eren Yeager and how much of a threat he poses to the world if he were to awaken the Founding Titan's full power. Lazarus guessed that it was Zeke who informed him of this, meaning he was also aware of the possibility of the Scouts being here. Yet another thing he kept him in the dark about.

He suspects that they will attack during his speech on the night of the festival's conclusion. All of Marley's highest-ranked officers will be gathered at the stage, providing the perfect opportunity to take them all out at once. But he kept that knowledge to himself knowing that both the Winged and Crystal Titans were against Marley and possibly allied with Paradis.

Changing the subject once more, Willy shares with the two ex-Warriors his plans for the massive stage performance before his speech. Lazarus and Michael were surprised by his suggestions, as well as how he was able to get permission for something this big.

"So let me get this straight. You want us and the Warriors to take part in some kind of musical before you make your serious speech?" Michael repeated, still dumbfounded by his proposition.

"And after the performance, you want me to transform and show off the Winged Titan to the VIPs?" Lazarus added.

"As I explained, during my speech I will be unveiling the truth behind the False Founder Project and everything else that went down at Eden's Nest to the whole world. The demonstration is to inspire other governments to join our cause against Eren and his followers. And the musical performance is to put the peoples' minds at ease and help my voice be heard… Is this a problem?"

"We have no issue with this. Though I can't say the same for the others. Not all of them are built to sing or dance." Lazarus pointed out.

"You don't have to ask all of them to take part." He passes him a copy of the list with all the stage performances written down. "Just show this to your friends and let them decide."

Michael and Lazarus were at a loss for words. They started feeling nervous all of a sudden as the thought of performing on stage in front of hundreds of people played out in their minds. Lazarus was not looking forward to hearing the outbursts he'd be expecting from the Warriors.

Michael, however, saw this as a perfect opportunity to share his uncle's music with the world. His father, Lazarus, and the others all got a chance to hear him play and sing one of his uncle's songs during his music days. He even thought up an idea to make things more interesting.

"Hey, Mister Tybur. You still wanna see how my hardening powers compare to the Warhammer's?" Willy nodded in response, prompting Michael to continue. "How about I show you what I can do with them during the performance? I guarantee it'll be entertaining… If I can pull it off." He muttered that last part under his breath.

"I don't see why not. Feel free to surprise me." He replied cheerfully.

Willy's time with the two legendary Titan Shifters eventually had to come to a close as he still had many duties to perform in preparation for the festival which was only a day away. But before he left, he had one last thing to say to Lazarus and Michael.

"Before you go, tell me, are you familiar with the story of Helos?" He asked them.

"Yes," Michael spoke up first. "He was a Marleyan hero who rose up and struck down the devil of all earth, becoming a hero to the world… He was a symbol of Marley as well as the driving force behind the discrimination of Eldians."

"There is more to the story than that though," Willy uttered. He could sense one of them was about to ask him why to bring this up, so he decided to answer first. "But that I will reveal in my speech. As you probably know, Marley is under the Tybur family's influence. But we did not set Marley on this path of militarism. The nation chose that for itself. Long ago, we Tyburs gave Marley freedom and power by way of atonement. We chose to stand by and watch as this country plunged itself into darkness… We intend to reveal everything to the world during the main event of the festival. When my father began the project, he did it for one singular purpose… to create a new Helos."

Those final words echoed through Lazarus's mind. A new Helos? Was that really what provoked the Tyburs to create his Titan in the first place? Marley wanted a newer, improved Founding Titan, but the Tyburs wanted a hero among Eldians. It all sounded like bullshit to Lazarus. He could tell Michael was having the same thought as well.

"Is that really how you see me? As a hero? Because you're wrong." Lazarus retorted. "Marley may see me as a hero for butchering who they believed to be devils. But to them, I was a villain. I never want to partake in that role again, nor condemn my friends into it. That's why we stand alone. We don't know whose side you're on, Mister Tybur, but if you and your family truly care for your fellow Eldians, you'll take what we've told you into consideration."

"I am on the side that benefits the whole Eldian Race. Whoever that is will be up to you." He uttered his final words to them before turning around and approaching his family.

Michael and Lazarus leave the square and decide to head on over to the military HQ to check in with the Warriors and the candidates. Lazarus was not looking forward to seeing their reaction towards them taking part in the show.

"THEY WANT WHAT?!" Almost all of the Warriors cried out in unison and disbelief.

Yep, that was exactly what they expected their reaction to be. Everyone but Zeke, who was still inside with the brass and Colt, was at a loss for words about Willy Tybur's proposal. He wants them to take part in the performance before his speech. Why them? They're soldiers, not performers. What could they possibly be thinking?

"You cannot be serious?!" Porco blurted out as he shoved the paper back into Lazarus's arms. "Ain't no way in hell I am doing this! I'd rather be eaten by a Titan!

"I know this is ridiculous, but you don't have much choice. It's the General's orders." Michael pointed at the paper that had Magath's signature on it, proof of his approval.

"Those orders don't apply to you two. So why are you taking part?" Reiner asked.

"To make the selections easier," Lazarus answered immediately. "It's not just gonna be us. This show is gonna have many singers, dancers, and performers from various nations take part. This show is to help unite everyone."

He holds the flyer out once more to allow the others to give it a second look over. They only glimpsed it the first time. They just saw the words "Warriors Required" under the list of names of performers and that was enough to get most of them to question it. But on second reading they were slightly curious to see what the other shows will play out.

What came as a surprise to Bertolt was the schedule for Lazarus to perform a demonstration as the Winged Titan, heightening his curiosity. "They want you to transform into the Winged Titan in front of everybody?"

"They say it's so the world can see it spread its majestic wings in person. But in reality, I think Willy just wants to see the result of the False Founder Project for himself." Michael assumed.

Lazarus nodded in agreement. The world had already seen the Winged Titan when on the receiving end of its destructive power. He turns the flyer around and shows them a miniature map of Liberio with a couple of dotted lines drawn on it.

"This is the route they want me to take." He points to an X marked on the map a few feet north of the stage in a big open field. "I will transform here in this field to avoid destruction of property and pass over the stage here. There I will circle Liberio twice before making a pass over the docks. Then I will circle back and land just behind the stage." He explained.

"And during that, Willy Tybur will make his speech." Michael finished for him. "Sounds good, but all that's missing are three more volunteers from the Omega Unit to get up on stage and make a fool of themselves, hehe." He snickered.

Galliard notices the mischievous smirk on his face and narrows his eyes at him. "That four-eyed bastards enjoying this!" He thought to himself. He then turns around and walks away from the group. "Well, you can forget it. I'm not gonna embarrass myself for your amusement, Suurvalta. Get someone else."

"Sorry, Laz, but I'm with him," Reiner added. "This isn't my thing, and I can't see it ever happening."

"I'll do it."

All eyes widen as they direct themselves towards Pieck who had been mostly quiet on the balcony of the building, overlooking the candidates' training. They almost couldn't believe their ears. Did she straight-up agree to take part in the show?

"Really? Just like that? You don't even wanna think about it?" Bertolt questioned her.

"Why not? It could be fun. We've all been through so much in the past four years. I'd say we're entitled to a little enjoyment. Right, Lazarus?"

"Right." Lazarus smiled in response. "A day like this rarely occurs. We all deserve to forget all about war, fighting, and responsibility and just be ourselves instead of what Marley's moulded us into, even if it's just this one time… This is a good thing for us. And I'm sure the kids down there will get a good laugh out of it too."

To Annie's surprise, Pieck approaches her and wraps her arm around her shoulders. "And Annie could win the hearts of millions with her illustrious singing voice.

Her eyes widen with shock and her cheeks blush red with embarrassment, forcing her to look away from the others.

"I- I don't sing!" She quickly denied it.

"Of course you do. I often hear you singing in the shower in our old dorm room when we were trainees. You sounded like an angel." Pieck teased her some more. "Maybe you and Lazarus can do a duet together. That would be romantic.

Annie's embarrassment grew with every word emanating from Pieck's mouth. It got so bad that she felt the need to cover it up with her hand, cutting off her air supply.

Michael attempted to intervene and reassure her that she had nothing to be embarrassed about and it was only for one night. But Annie responded by glaring at him, giving him a cold look that promised death. Michael raised his hands and backed off. A wise decision on his part.

The other Warriors all decided to turn their attention downwards to the candidates who were running with wooden rifles as a part of their training, testing their endurance. At first, it looked the same as every other day. Gabi is in front whilst the others are struggling to keep up. Michael smiled in response to Gabi's advances. He was pleased to know he'd taught her well.

But then something unexpected happened. Falco was starting to pick up the pace. He somehow managed to catch up enough until he was neck and neck with Gabi. As he was running, he spotted Lazarus and Reiner leaning over the balcony watching him. The smiling nod he'd received from his idol provided all the motivation he needed to pick up speed and get ahead of Gabi, who'd only now noticed his improvement.

"Did- Did you see that? Falco just passed Gabi! He won!" Lazarus declared proudly. "Yes! That's my boy!"

Reiner chuckled a little in response. Bertolt was also happy to see the other two candidates, Udo and Zofia, cheering for Falco's victory. Michael and Annie were more concerned about how much this would affect Gabi. Knowing her, that'll most likely piss her off.

"Look how they celebrate that one win. Dumb kids. Ignorance really is bliss." Galliard spoke up from the balcony next to one the others were standing at.

"When did you get back?" Annie muttered to herself.

"That was impressive, but it doesn't matter how well Falco does from this point. Gabi is still so far ahead of him." Michael stated, almost as if he was annoyed that Laz's protégé was doing better than his.

As Lazarus continued to watch the candidates congratulate Falco on his win, a great feeling of nostalgia washed over him, taking him back to his training days during his childhood. He was in Falco's position once. He was always second to Zeke no matter how hard he trained. But he never gave up. Eventually, he was able to pass Zeke in a race similar to this one and the other members of his unit cheered for him. The obvious difference was Zeke wasn't enveloped in jealousy like Gabi was. It was the opposite. He congratulated him for finally taking the training more seriously. It was one of the last few moments he and Zeke expressed themselves as close friends.

Thinking back to how he was back then and comparing it to how he is now caused Lazarus's smile to disappear. The conversation he had with him in the alley stuck with him. He couldn't understand what Zeke was planning. What kind of motive did he have that was more important than his own?

"Lazarus, you alright?" Annie asked as she placed her hands atop his arm.

"Huh? Oh yeah, I'm fine. I just couldn't help but compare this moment to our time as candidates. I remember the day I finally beat you in hand-to-hand combat. As I recall, you were pretty mad about it."

"Only because you used the techniques my dad and I taught you against me." She retorted. "But after I got over it, I was glad to see you getting good grades and becoming a candidate."

Lazarus smiled and placed his arm around her waist. The sudden contact of his hand forced Annie to shudder slightly, causing her back to throb in pain in the process. The next thing she knew, she was on her knees writhing in pain. Michael and Bertolt quickly grab her arms and help her up.

"Annie, what's wrong? Are you hurt?" Lazarus asked concernedly.

"I- I'm fine. I just hurt my back, that's all." She places her left hand on her lower back, feeling the exact spot the pain was flaring out of. "I was teaching the kids the hand-to-hand combat techniques my father taught me… I must've pushed myself too hard."

"I can escort you back home if you-

"No! No, it's alright. I can make it on my own." Annie interrupted in a loud and slightly harsh tone.

Lazarus felt a little offset by her response. One moment she was comforting him and the next she refused his help. It was strange for someone like her. He started to wonder if he might've said or done something to offend her. He asked her if this was part of an excuse to not want to be in the show and told her she didn't have to take part if she didn't want to. But the pain Annie was feeling was real and not something to be questioned right now.

As the Zeta Warrior Candidates were wrapping up their training for today, Lazarus and Michael decided to go down and congratulate them. Michael handed each of them a copy of the flyers and asked them to think carefully about what they should do. Not that he cares whether they take part or not. The whole thing was Willy's idea, not theirs.

They were able to catch up to the four main candidates as they were exiting the courtyard. Gabi and Falco smiled and waved at them as they were closing in, and their mentors responded in kind.

"Mister Averbach! Mister Suurvalta!" Falco called out to them.

"Falco, you know we don't serve Marley anymore, so you don't have to address us formally. You can call us by our first names." Lazarus commented.

"I know, sir. But to us, you're still our superiors." He notices that Erwin isn't with them this time, which is a surprise as they're used to seeing the three of them together. "Where's Mister Smith?"

"My dad isn't feeling well today so he took the day off." Michael lied. It was too risky to reveal the true reason for his absence with so many Marleyan witnesses around.

"That explains why he wasn't teaching us today." Udo voiced his disappointment. "Shame, he's a really good teacher."

Zofia nodded in agreement. Gabi looks over at Michael and is afraid to look him in the eyes right now after learning he saw her lose to Falco. And to rub salt in the wound, she had to listen to Lazarus praise his victory as he tussled his hair. Her anger started flaring up until it pushed her to get payback by head-butting him, knocking him right into Udo and Zofia's arms.

"It's bad enough you beat me, you had to rub it in my face too! You jerk!" Michael quickly got involved and stepped in front of Gabi, stopping her from trying to grab Falco. "In case you've forgotten, I heroically defended our motherland in battle!"

"Calm down, Gabi. What did I tell you about lashing out?" Michael asked her, though Gabi was too blinded by rage to hear him. Rolling his eyes, he shakes her shoulders, forcing her to look him in the eyes. "What. Did. I. Tell. You? He repeated himself sternly.

Gabi takes a deep breath to calm herself down and glances slightly left to avoid eye contact with her mentor before answering. "Don't ever lose your cool or you'll only end up hurting yourself." She answered in an exasperated tone, them having gone through this together multiple times.

"Exactly." He lets go of her, allowing her to turn and face Falco again.

"I don't get you. Your brother is inheriting the Beast Titan so you and your family will be made honorary Marleyans no matter what you do. You know that, so why try so hard?"

Falco looks over at Lazarus hoping he'll have the answer to what he should tell her. He was giving him an encouraging look, one that was telling him: "Tell her how you really feel." He was so nervous. He could feel Gabi's gaze on him, putting even more pressure on his conscience. Lazarus could practically see the sweat dripping from his brow.

"I- I… I'M DOING THIS FOR YOU!" He screamed at the top of his lungs.

Everyone was silent. They couldn't believe what just happened. He finally did it. He'd admitted his feelings for her.

"I can't believe he just up and said it!" Michael whispered to his friend.

"Well done, Falco," Lazarus whispered back.

Everyone turns to Gabi awaiting her response. They can't help but wonder how she must be taking this. Is she embarrassed? Happy? Confused? It was hard to tell at the moment with her current dumbfounded expression.

"Huh?! You're trying to stop me from getting what I want because you think you're doing it for me?! That doesn't make any damn sense!"

The others all let out a long, annoyed groan. So much for thinking he'd finally gotten through to her.

"Wow, she's almost as clueless as you, Michael," Lazarus commented.

"SHUT UP, LAZARUS!" Both Michael and Gabi shouted at him at the same time. Lazarus only chuckled in response. All that outburst did was prove his point.

No longer able to handle the gravitas of his embarrassment, Falco ran away from the group as fast as he could. Lazarus decided to go after him, leaving Michael alone to babysit the rest of the candidates.

"Ugh! What's his problem? I bet the real reason he's pushing himself so hard is because he's trying to be just like Lazarus. Why make up some nonsense about doing it for me? Everyone knows he idolises him. Idiot." She muttered to herself.

"No offence, Gabi, but you're the idiot in this case..." Michael mentally responded. It was a good thing she couldn't hear his thoughts right now, otherwise he'd receive a kick in the shin from her. "Come on, kids, let me walk you all home since a certain someone decided to leave me alone to watch over you.

While Michael was walking the kids home, Lazarus had finally caught up with Falco and attempted to cheer him up, worried he might've messed things up with Gabi. The two of them were sitting on the ground up against a wall watching the stage production crew assembling the stage.

They conversed for a little while, talking about their lives, the Warrior training, and what their plans for the future might be when the war finally ends. Lazarus shows him the flyer he'd been carrying around in his coat pocket.

"Is this for real? You and the other Warriors are gonna be up on that stage?!"

"Well, not all of us. But I know at least Michael, Pieck, and I are. The others are too nervous to give it a shot. It was Lord Tybur's idea. Something to perk the audience up before his big speech and my demonstration." Lazarus explained as he took a bite out of a piece of bread he bought from a stall they'd passed earlier.

"Demonstration? Is that what this little route on the back is for?" He asked as he took the second bread bun his mentor handed him.

"Yep. Willy Tybur wants to see the Winged Titan for himself, so I am forced to show it off in front of the VIPs. This is the route I have to take."

"That would be so cool. I've never seen your Titan up close before. The only times I did was when you were high in the sky during the final battle at Fort Slava, and when you brought everyone back from Paradis." He takes another bite of his bun. "I can't wait to see you fly over the square."

"Heh. Maybe if you're good and continue to improve on your training I could one day take you for a flight around Liberio." Lazarus lightly joked, not realising Falco took that seriously. He was now looking up at him with a gleam in his eyes, determined to earn what he considers a great honour.

"I won't let you down, sir! I will keep training hard until I prove myself worthy of inheriting the Armour and the privilege of flying on your back."

"Um, Falco, I was mostly joking. I can't actually-

"Please, Mister Aver- I mean, Lazarus. I really wanna fly like you! It's been a dream of mine to fly and see the world from above like you do." He looked up at him pleadingly. He still had breadcrumbs hanging over the edges of his mouth.

Lazarus giggled slightly and patted his head. He pulls out a handkerchief he happened to have on him and uses it to clear up his face.

"You do realise that the Armoured Titan can't fly, right? There's never been a flying Titan throughout the ages of Titan Shifters."

"Your mother was a flying Titan." Falco pointed out.

"That's different. She had rrrrrr- He stops himself from finishing that sentence just in the nick of time. Had he been as thoughtless as Gabi was earlier he would've accidentally given away the secret behind his abilities. "…really good genes. Genes that allowed her to utilise her hardening powers in ways no other Titan could. Those same genes were how I was able to pull through in the experiments."

The smile on Falco's face slowly fades away and he turns his head to the floor. But Lazarus managed to lift his spirits again by telling him that there was a very slim chance he could become a flying Titan like him if he kept his heart focused on that dream.

"… The same thing can be said about your desire to win Gabi's heart too. Remember what I said to you when we first met outside Lucia's shop?"

Falco nodded. "If you want something bad enough, you've gotta fight for it. Keep moving forward until it is yours for the taking." Lazarus nodded with a smile, pleased to see he remembered the quote he inherited from his father, Dante, as well as his stetson. "I told those words to Mister Kruger too. I think it helped him get through treatment at the hospital."

"Who's Kruger?" Lazarus asked, not expecting Falco to tell someone else his father's saying.

"He's one of the Eldian soldiers who survived the battle at Fort Slava. I befriended him not too long ago. Now and then I check in on him, see how he's doing… I hope you don't mind. I just wanted to help people in need like you do."

"Why would I mind? I'm proud of you, Falco. You will make a fine Warrior one day."

Falco smiled. He takes a look at the clock in the square and realises what time it is. He quickly gets up and readies himself to run for it. But he held himself back to let his mentor know where he was going.

"Oh no! I'm gonna be late! Sorry to leave on short notice, sir, but I promised Mister Kruger I'd visit him at the hospital today."

"It's okay, Falco. I appreciate you putting other people's needs before your own. You run along and do your thing. And congratulations again on your victory over Gabi." He replied before finishing off the last of his bread bun.

Falco bows before running off in the direction of the hospital, waving at Lazarus, who was also waving back.

The day of the festival has finally arrived. Everyone was out and about having a good time enjoying the festivities. All the other nations that have gathered here have set up stalls all over the streets, selling food unique only to their homelands as well as foreign objects such as books, cutlery, vases, and toys for the kids to enjoy. Many of the performers taking part in the upcoming show were there too, practising their music with strange-looking instruments that only appeared strange to those within Marley's border.

Lazarus, Michael, Erwin, and the other Warriors – apart from Zeke – were escorting the candidates through the town, looking at all the stalls. The buildings were decorated with colourful ribbons and flags, bringing out the levity of today. The air was filled with the various sweet smells of the cooked/baked goods being sold. And the sounds of the people enjoying themselves were almost completely drowned out by the upbeat sounds of joyful music.

The kids had just tried ice cream for the first time and had already declared it the best thing they'd ever tasted. It brought a smile to the two boys' faces. It was the same reaction they'd had when they had their first ice cream. Even Erwin couldn't hold back the pleasure he'd gotten from the cold, tasty treat.

But that was only one of the many, many new food items brought here. There was still so much more to try out. The kids all look up at their superiors and give them sad puppy dog eyes, trying to guilt trip them into buying them one of everything.

Reiner was the first to crack and offered to pay for the first batch of treats. Before he knew it, he'd have bled his wallet dry keeping those kids fat and happy. Bertolt tried to take the edge off by helping, only to end up emptying his wallet too.

Pieck and Galliard were too busy enjoying the festival to help. And Michael and Erwin were exploring the festival, enjoying themselves. Erwin was more interested in the antiques and bookstores than the food, though he would occasionally try something new with his son. He even picked out a new pair of goggles for Michael to wear in the placement of his glasses should the opportunity to use ODM gear arise. Which might be sooner than they thought.

Michael soon noticed a sad look on Erwin's face, forcing him to ask him what was on his mind.

"You alright, Dad? Aren't you having fun?"

"Yes, Michael, I am. It is wonderful here… I was just thinking about how much Hange and the others would enjoy it if they were here too." He slowly gave voice to his thoughts.

"Heh, knowing Hange, she'd go crazy over how different everything is on this side of the sea. And Sasha would practically inhale all this foreign food." Now it was Michael's turn to start feeling down after reminding himself of her.

"You miss her, don't you?" Erwin addressed him.

"I miss everyone." Michael corrected him. "I just wish we could live in a world where every day was like this. Where people from all over the world would put their differences aside and share what they've got with what we've got. That's the kind of world Lazarus and I want to create… But it's just never meant to be."

Erwin places his hand on his son's shoulder. "No, it won't. But that does not mean we shouldn't at least try. Life is full of chances. If we do not take those chances, we may come to regret it later in life. If I hadn't given you and Lazarus a chance, I never would've gotten the opportunity to see all this. Things like this are what make the world and its people, no matter how bad some of them may be, worth preserving."

Michael acknowledged his wise words and continued to explore the festival. As they walked, Erwin couldn't help but stare at some of the foreigners. Some people had darker skin compared to him. It was fascinating that people could come in many different colours, shapes, and sizes. He often wondered what their homelands looked like. What life for them was like compared to the lives of Marleyans and the people of Paradis.

"…Dad, I'm gonna do it today." Michael softly spoke. Erwin gave him his full attention, allowing him to continue. "I'm gonna make Gabi my successor."

"You're quite sure?" He asked.

"Positive. If your hunch of Eren making his move tonight during Willy Tybur's speech is correct, I should take precautions as soon as I can. I went through my grandfather's research so many times and Lazarus was able to improve his transfer abilities. It's now or never."

"You are taking a mighty big risk, Michael. If this gamble of yours doesn't work out in your favour, you will risk killing yourself, her, and erasing the Crystal Titan from existence." He warned him.

"True. But if there's one thing I've learned from you, it's that gambling reaps the highest rewards if pulled off right. It helped you in the long run, didn't it?"

Erwin scoffed in response. He looks back at the other Warriors having fun with the candidates gorging themselves. He will never accept Marley for who they are, but one thing he will appreciate from them is selecting those kids to be the next generation of Warriors and permitting him to teach them his ways. Like his father before him, he was proud to see his students grow from the brainwashed loyal servants of Marley to the independent little soldiers who would carry on the responsibility of their predecessors and wield their Titan powers in the name of Paradis.

But they were still kids and had a long way to go before they could reach that possible outcome. Until then, he will let them continue to play the part of children having the time of their lives. This may just be the only time they get to do so before everything ends.

While Michael and Erwin were doing their own thing, Annie and Lazarus were mostly spending the day on their own, treating this as the first official date they'd had since they became a couple.

But Annie appeared to be enjoying the foreign food far more than the candidates. She couldn't understand why, but she just had this sudden craving to eat everything in sight. Lazarus heard from Michael she had that urge before back in the abandoned Scout base they camped in after the Battle of Shiganshina, but he assumed it was because she hadn't eaten anything in days due to being locked in the chrysalis. What was her excuse this time?

But once he tried a slice of what the people running the stand called pizza, he understood completely. However, he warned her not to eat too much or else she'd end up throwing it all up and lose her attractive figure. But Annie didn't care. She kept on eating while her boyfriend kept on spending until his wallet was tragically emptied too.

By sundown, the candidates – mostly Gabi – were suffering what was essentially the food equivalent of a hangover from eating too much. They were slowly hobbling/trudging away from the food stalls and making their way over to the square where the stage was set for the upcoming performance.

Gabi was feeling so bloated that she couldn't even stand, forcing Reiner to drag her across the ground. She still had drool and bits of food stuck to the edges of her mouth, but she was too full and happy to care.

"Uurgghhh… my tummy hurts..."

"That's what you get for being a glutton," Reiner commented as he continued to drag her.

Michael and Erwin soon catch up with them and approach Reiner. Though it had been four years, the new Vice Chief still could not bear to look the former commander of the Survey Corps in the eye. He was still ashamed to face him for all the horrible acts he'd done, even if Erwin told him what he told Lazarus back on the island.

"Hello, Reiner… How are you enjoying the festival so far?" He decided to speak first to ease his former enemy's conscience.

"I- It is good… I hope you are… enjoying yourself as well, sir." He accidentally let that last word slip. He wasn't his commander anymore. He started to sweat nervously, worried about how he'd respond.

"I am doing well, thank you," Erwin replied calmly.

Michael could feel the tension building up between them and decided to distract them by offering to take Gabi back the rest of the way while he helped Bertolt and the others. Reiner agreed and gently put his cousin down.

Michael chuckled to himself as he picked her up and carried her on his back. As he carried her away, he teased her about her weight, telling her that she'd put on a couple of pounds in such a short amount of time. And the best part was Gabi was too full of food to throw a punch at the back of his head.

"They should make every day a festival." She weakly uttered.

"You think so too, huh?" Michael replied.

"It's probably nothing, but I've noticed a lot of new things have been happening in the last few days. Feels strange. As if the world is about to change in a big way." She muttered as she rested her head on his shoulder, trying not to fall into a food coma.

"You may be right about that, Gabi. Things are about to change in a big way." He glances over his right shoulder at her. "And you will be the centre of one of those big changes."

"Huh? What do you me- burp - mean?" She asked.

"You'll see once we get to home. Lazarus should be there soon after escorting Annie to the square." He then turns to Erwin on his left. "Will you join us, Dad?"

"Of course. Someone has to make sure you don't get yourself killed." He lightly teased.

That response almost triggered an internal response from Gabi. She was almost on the verge of vomiting all over Michael's back and head but managed to calm her stomach down. Whatever it was Michael had planned for her might get him killed. She didn't like the thought of that. But she trusted her mentor and her teacher like they were part of her family. It can't possibly be that bad, she thought.

To Be Continued

Author's Note: Yep, next two chapters there is gonna be a musical. I decided to give the characters a nice moment before shit starts to go down. I have already chosen a coupls songs for the performance and who will be singing them, but you guys are free to send me some suggestions if you can come up with something better. Let me know what song you think would be perfect for the show, which of the Warriors should sing it, and why you think it would be a good choice. I'll be taking a week off to await your responses. If nobody responds then I will just go with my original choices. Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Stay tuned for the Liberio Show two parter coming soon.