Attack On Titan: Wings Of Crystal
Chapter 69: A Sound Argument
The port was only the beginning. The next year – the year 853 – A railway system was being built to make travelling from one wall to another so much faster and easier than on horseback.
The Volunteers kept their promise to Paradis. They're helping them evolve into a modern civilisation. However, they failed to mention all the back-breaking work they needed to put into it, especially the railroad tracks. The members of the 104th have been out in the hot sun almost all day, every day, building these tracks.
Connie questioned why they should be the ones to do it and not the Marleyans. Jean reminded him that it was because of Eren opening his big mouth and volunteering on their behalf during the meeting that landed them in this mess. Claiming that they could develop the island as well as their muscles. It really pissed him off. While they're out here sweating in the heat and pushing their bodies to the limit, the higher-ups are sitting on their lazy asses constantly drinking the finest Marleyan wine the volunteers brought with them when they first arrived. For almost two years they've been drinking it, not even bothering to share it with the hard-working soldiers.
As they worked, they all thought about Ludwig's proposal of restarting the False Founder Project and creating more Titans like Lazarus. It sounded like a great plan that didn't involve the Rumbling, but Jean can't help but think of all the downsides to this. The idea may seem like a loose cannon, but it was a better alternative to the Rumbling, and it could save Historia from suffering.
"HEY!" Hange and Levi soon arrive on the scene to check on their progress. Upon getting closer to the team, Levi grew annoyed at how much taller these kids had gotten. Even Connie is bigger than him now. He can't help but wonder if they sprouted up out of spite for him.
"Phew, it can't be easy working your butts off when it's this hot out," Hange commented as she wipes the sweat off her forehead.
"Yeah, well we have to be here to watch over this moron, right?" Jean turns to Eren, referring to him.
"Hear anything from Hizuru yet?" Eren asked Hange, completely ignoring Jean's insult.
"That's why we're here. The Azumabito has replied."
"What they say?"
Hange hesitated for a second, knowing they wouldn't like what they were about to hear. "It's not good. Hizuru either can't or won't help us with this. Makes sense. Hizuru has a monopoly on any resources we want to export right now. And we no longer have the Crystal Titan, so why would they ever help us trade with other countries? From what I hear, the world's major powers want Paradis to be the root of all evil. We're the shared foe that helps bring them together. Their hatred for us promotes global stability."
Eren looks down at the ground and clenches his fists. If what he's hearing is true, then that means they may have to rely on The Rumbling after all. But all hope may not be lost. There's still Ludwig's plan to restart the False Founder Project. The only plan Eren would ever agree to because it didn't involve Historia's safety.
"What about Ludwig? Kiyomi said they'd help him, right?" Eren asked in a desperate tone.
"Well, the good news is Hizuru has agreed to help provide Doctor Oppenheimer with the technology he requires to build his Atomic Bomb. He believes that with the aid of their engineers, and access to our Ice Bust Stone reserve, he should have one ready in the following year."
"And the bad news?" Jean asked almost hesitantly, hoping there wasn't any bad news.
"He can't make us more Winged Titans," Levi answered before Hange could.
"That's not what he said exactly." Hange butted in, trying to raise their spirits. "Ludwig says he can't restart the False Founder Project now because he doesn't have the equipment, serums, or the resources required to get underway. The only copy of the research he has is locked away in his head. As of now the possibility of making more Titans is unattainable."
"So then that means…" Sasha spoke up, only to have her sentence finished by Levi instead.
"… Unless the wrinkly old man can deliver on his promise, they're going to follow through with the original plan to use The Rumbling."
"Where is Ludwig now?" Eren asked the commander.
"He's at the lab in the capital of Wall Sina, under constant surveillance. He and his team are already assembling the bomb… I wouldn't count on its success. One bomb isn't going to make a substitute for The Rumbling. I'm sorry, Eren."
It was just as he'd feared. He had high hopes Ludwig's plan would be ready in time. He should've known it wasn't going to happen. The world just decided that they would always be devils regardless of what their intentions are. They wouldn't even consider peace. Had Armin heard this just now he could imagine the look of disappointment on his face.
Mikasa believes that they feel this way because they don't know better. They don't know anything about Paradis and its people. Not knowing makes them afraid. Their neighbours across the sea won't trust people whose faces they've never seen.
Hange appears to have the same thought, so she proposes they all sail out to meet them. If they truly don't know anything about them then maybe they can try and teach them. It is what the Scout Regiment was made to do. To go out into the world and learn as much of the outside world as they can.
They plan to infiltrate Marley and set up a base there. Sasha was excited to see what the food was like over there, though her smile faded when Jean reminded her that there was a strong possibility that she'd run into Michael. Sasha's curious smile disappears and her mind wanders back to all the good times she's had with him before he defected to the Warriors. Moments ago she was excited to go to Marley, but now she's not so sure.
As they travelled back to the capital, the members of the 104th discussed who should inherit Eren's Titan once his time was up. Mikasa wasn't an option as she was already selected to inherit the Crystal Titan as soon as they reclaimed it. Hizuru wouldn't be pleased if she backed out of the deal. Jean offered, believing he was the best choice out of everyone. But Connie reminded him that he was a great leader and a better candidate to take over as commander rather than Eren's successor.
Eren quickly dismisses anyone else from voicing their reasons why they should inherit The Attack Titan. He didn't want it to be any of them. He wanted them to all live long, peaceful and happy lives. They were important to him more than anyone else. He made a promise to himself that Armin would be the last friend he'd lose.
"Hey, I have a better idea!" Connie suddenly blurted out loud, getting everyone's attention. "What if we volunteered for the False Founder Project? That way we all get to be Titans and nobody gets to die in thirteen years."
"… That has gotta be the most idiotic, ridiculous-
Jean stops himself from finishing that sentence. He was quick to dismiss Connie's suggestion as awful, but the moment he started thinking about it he couldn't help but think maybe it's not so bad after all.
"Actually, that's not a bad idea, Connie. Heh, I didn't think we'd all live to see the day Connie Springer would come up with a decent plan."
"Hey! I've had great ideas in the past!" He immediately attempted to save face.
"Name one." Sasha holds up her index finger in front of his face.
Connie struggled to come up with an example on the spot. Sasha smirked and gave a single nod. "That's what I thought."
"Imagine it, guys. If we all had Titan powers on par with Lazarus. We would be an unstoppable fighting force. If Ludwig can make do with his promise to create more Titans like Lazarus, then we-
"Out of the question!"
The others were all startled by Eren's sudden outburst, and all eyes fell on him. Before he was conflicted about his friends shortening their lives to inherit his Titan. Now he was angry at them for even considering becoming the first test subjects in the revitalised False Founder Project.
"None of us have any idea what kind of experimentation went down in Marley's Eden Nest. Ludwig told us that many Eldians died in the first phase. Their bodies exploded into pieces before they could feel the effects… Even if any of you manage to survive, you'll all be cursed with immortality like Lazarus."
Eren took a calming breath and gazed up at the orange sky as the sun was setting in the distance. Whenever he looks up he imagines seeing The Winged Titan flying above them. He hates it. Before the fall of Wall Maria, he'd often look up and think of freedom. Lazarus has forever tarnished those peaceful thoughts. It's as if he's taken every aspect of freedom from him, even his freedom to imagine.
"Ever since I was a kid, I always imagined what it would be like to be free like a bird. They're the only creatures with true freedom. They just soar above all the problems we're forced to deal with down here. No other creature can experience true freedom as they can… No one but Lazarus. Someone free of death and consequence. He always gets back up even when he hits his lowest point. His only curse is his immortality. A curse I don't want to see inflicted on any of you."
Nobody dared to utter a response to Eren at this time. Even now he was still hurting over the loss of his first and closest friend. They understand his deep hatred for Lazarus, though looking back on that day they know he didn't mean to tear his Titan apart. Lazarus even tried to warn them not to feed him to Armin, but they were too blinded and hurt by his betrayal that they didn't wanna listen anymore. It was so much easier for them to blame him instead of themselves. It was they who captured Lazarus and persuaded Levi to have Armin or Erwin eat him. How could they have known Lazarus's Titan was unattainable?
The Scouts questioned everything they thought they knew about The Winged Titan after that. They were grateful to have its maker provide them with the answers they wanted. But it'll never be enough for Eren. He wants Lazarus to pay not just for the things he's done, but for simply being free. He can't accept the fact that he gets to live in the world long after everyone he knows is long gone. Telling the next generation his side of the story while keeping everyone else in the dark. He wants to at least die knowing Lazarus will be sad and alone and Paradis won't have to live in fear of him any longer. Whatever the future holds he knows how it's all gonna end.
Everything the people of Paradis have learned has led up to this moment in time. The raid on Liberio was overall a success. Eren has acquired the Warhammer Titan, two of Marley's Warriors have been captured, and they even managed to reclaim the Crystal Titan out of luck. This almost made up for the bitter loss they suffered at the end of the Battle of Shiganshina.
Eren was ready to take on Marley alone, whether the others helped or abandoned him. The outcome would've been awful either way. The explosion produced by Ludwig's bomb had killed a huge number of people. Sailors, soldiers, civilians. The devastation they spread was indiscriminate, but it had to be done. If they had left the port intact, Marley would've launched an immediate counterattack against their island. All hope for peace has been abandoned. They didn't have any more of a choice than the Warriors did when they attacked Wall Maria.
Ludwig, as well as those who had faith in his invention, was very pleased with the outcome of the Atomic Bomb. The results were living proof that Paradis had managed to surpass the great threat that was once The Colossal Titan. And their Titan net launcher was just as effective for keeping The Winged Titan out of their way. Now that Zeke has delivered the last of the False Founder Project's research, Ludwig can begin working on a new generation of Titan Shifters free from the Curse of Ymir.
After returning to Paradis, Levi was tasked with escorting Zeke to a secure location away from Eren and keeping watch over him until he was ordered otherwise. The Scouts assigned to him pleaded that they bring some of the rare Marleyan wine with them as a treat for all the hard work they've done. He was perfectly fine with tea, but the others wouldn't stop whining about it. They were sick of the MPs hoarding most of it for themselves, they deserved a treat too.
Levi rolls his eyes and decides to let them bring it but only to get them to stop complaining like a child or a pet begging their parent for a treat. He hated acting as a babysitter for the young recruits and Zeke.
Their location was the Forest of Giant Trees. The perfect place for ODM gear and too cramped for their guest to transform and make a run for it. There were also no Titans for him to summon or boulders to throw. There was nothing the War Chief could do but sit down and read a book he was given. He's going to be there for a long time with a vengeful Levi glaring at him, hoping he'll receive permission to kill him once the war is over.
While the Scouts were watching over Zeke, Ludwig and Yelena met up with Commander Pyxis at the Garrison Regiment headquarters. Yelena and her group were able to deliver all the Titan serum they could get their hands on.
Pyxis examines a couple of chests filled with small, sealed-up bottles of Titan serum and disassembled syringes. It didn't seem like a lot to the Marleyans, but to them, it looked like a treasure trove. They could make good use of all these.
"This is all the Titan Transformation Serum we were able to steal from Marley." Yelena addresses the commander. "Sorry, but it's hard to reproduce."
"It's fine for our purposes," Pyxis reassured her. He turns to Ludwig. "I assume this should be plenty for the False Founder Project?" He asked.
"Unfortunately, that is not the case, Commander Pyxis." Ludwig began. "To restart the project I will need more than Pure Titan serum. I need spinal fluid from all Ten Titans. But Yelena wasn't able to find any more. Even if I could extract some from Eren and the prisoners, I'd still be missing the Armoured, Jaw, and Cart Titans. I need all of them for the serum to be complete."
"So you're saying it's impossible to make more False Founder Serum?" One of his officers asked on the commander's behalf.
"Yes, would be the answer I'd normally give. But thanks to Zeke, I may have an alternative." Ludwig gently places his briefcase on the table and opens it, revealing old documents, files, various bottles with different drugs, and test tubes with blood samples inside.
"This is all that remains of my old False Founder research back in Marley. One of my scientists stole it in the hopes of selling it to the highest bidder. Zeke's predecessor, Tom Xaver, took it back and hid it away where no one but he knew where to find it. When Zeke inherited his memories he was able to find where he'd stored it and returned it to me."
Ludwig picks up one of the blood samples inside and holds it up for Pyxis and everyone else to properly see. "What you're all looking at is a sample of Lazarus' blood after he'd taken the serum. I cannot guarantee anything, but with a deep analysis, I may find traces of the original serum and the combined spinal fluids. I can use its components to create an improved formula. One that will increase the subjects' chances of survival."
"We're pleased to hear that. From what Yelena just told us, it may be a matter of time until Marley invades our island for a counterattack. How soon can you have the serum ready for us?" Pyxis asked sternly.
"Just get me your finest lab, researchers, and chosen candidates and I'll get started right away. Mind you, Commander, this process cannot be rushed. If you wish for me to perfect it, I need you, and the rest of the island, to put your complete faith in me."
"Of course. You've already proven to us that you can be trusted with all you've done for us over the years. I just wish that we were in a position to return your kindness." He directs his eyes back at Yelena. "We owe you so much already. You turned our ignorance into hope and got nothing in return. For us to doubt the people who saved us, we're truly no better than devils."
Ludwig leans in closer, regaining the commander's attention. "Please stop calling yourselves that. It's bad enough the rest of the world calls you devils, your people don't need their leaders calling themselves as such. You Eldians are truly the best kind of people this world has to offer. Those who cannot see you as I do are the true devils."
Pyxis was a little surprised by Ludwig's kind words. Whatever doubts he had left about putting the island's future in the hands of this Marleyan have faded away, which made it all the more difficult for his men to point the new pistols they'd given them at him and his followers. Though he appreciated everything he's done for them, he still had to take precautions. It was necessary for the sake of their island. Ludwig knew this yet he praised and agreed to help them anyway.
Though Yelena and the other volunteers couldn't help but feel a little betrayed.
"It is my opinion that we've proven ourselves to be your loyal friends over these past three years. This is a shame. The weapons that we offered you as gifts were intended to bring freedom to the Eldian people." She reminded him as she gazed at the soldiers pointing guns at her.
"I know that this is a selfish request, but would you please overlook our weakness for a time? We're going to great lengths to keep Zeke on a tight leash."
"It's fine, Commander. I understand. The day will soon come when we sit at the same table once again."
After the meeting had concluded, the volunteers were escorted out of the Garrison Regiment's headquarters by some of its soldiers. Yelena waited until they were outside and well out of earshot before speaking to her uncle.
"Why did you lie to them about the project? You said you couldn't make another Winged Titan unless the subject was of royal blood. I doubt Eren would let you use Historia or her children in your experiments, not even to get back at Lazarus." She whispered in his left ear.
"It wasn't a lie. I do intend to deliver them more Winged Titans. I'll just have to find a way to do so without getting on Eren's bad side… I need you to do me a favour, Yelena."
"What is it?" She asked immediately.
"Find out if there are other inhabitants with royal blood on this island. Using Zeke isn't an option. The serum will only work for those who don't possess one of the Ten. It has to be someone Eren wouldn't care to see die should the experiment fail. We need Eren on our side for my plan to work.
"You mean our plan, right?" Yelena corrected him. "You haven't forgotten what we're really doing, have you?"
Ludwig pauses for a moment and properly turns around to face his – slightly shorter than him – niece. "I haven't forgotten. The promise for more Winged Titans is only a cover story to talk them out of using The Rumbling. Forgive me, I needed to make it look convincing. They had to know how passionate I was about the project that I would immediately jump at the chance to start it again… Still, having at least one more Winged Titan under Paradis's control is the only guarantee Eren will go through with Zeke's plan."
Ludwig then turns to one of the volunteers behind him. "Are they enjoying the wine?"
"Heh, they couldn't get enough of it. We may need to order more crates if this keeps up. Levi's squad already took one of them with them to the forest."
"I see. Well, I am very pleased to hear that they appreciate some of what Marley has offered them, hehehe."
Back in Marley, the city of Liberio was left in ruin after the massacre had ended. Soldiers and civilians who weren't injured in the attack, helped out as much as they could, cleaning up all the debris and smashed building parts. The hospitals were still overcrowded with patients who weren't as lucky as others. The only good news they could give the families of the patients was being able to make time and room for them since most of the others died from their wounds.
There wasn't much hope for the restoration of the port either. Ludwig's bomb had caused so much destruction that it could take decades for them to recover. Almost as long as it took to rebuild Odiha after The Winged Titan's explosion. There's no hope of relying on the navel fleet anytime soon.
It had only been 19 hours since the raid ended and the Scouts had retreated. An emergency meeting has been called to order by General Magath, requesting all the Warriors of the Omega Unit come together.
Willy Tybur was also summoned to the meeting room to provide his expertise on what their next move should be. He'd only recently learned of his sister's fate and took any free time he had before being summoned to mourn her loss with his family.
Magath and the Warriors waited patiently for Willy to arrive. They each used this moment of silence to think back on the raid and wonder how things had gone horribly wrong. The general, and those who had just learned of Zeke's betrayal, were still having difficulty accepting it. What's worse is Lazarus' reveal of Zeke having royal blood like him, meaning he and his brother could activate the full potential of The Founding Titan. From their point of view, this means their enemies can obliterate them with The Rumbling at any given time, making this whole situation even worse than it already is.
And their enemy now has access to Anti-Titan weaponry that matches – if not exceeded – the ones used by the Mid-East Allied Forces. This was Marley's worst day in recent history. They desperately needed to think about their options. On their own, they're helpless against Eren.
That was why Lazarus was called into the meeting. He came in moments after Willy arrived. Even though he is no longer an ally of Marley, Magath knew he was their best chance at stopping Eren. He owes him for providing his military with the information behind Zeke and his heritage. What he could not explain was how Paradis was able to possess a weapon as powerful as The Colossal Titan.
The only hope they had for answers was from one of the Middle Eastern soldiers captured during the end of the war. It didn't sit well with the general that all of the nations would challenge Marley knowing they had all their Titans and recruited the Crystal. They'd have to have access to some highly advanced weaponry to think they had a chance. Weapons like The Atomic Bomb.
For the time being he focuses on the ODM gear stolen off the corpse of a Yeagerist. On the surface, it looked like any ordinary firearm-type gear used by the Anti-Personal Squad. But as soon as Lazarus properly examined the device and compared it to the one Michael brought back with him, he knew something was off about it.
"Well, Averbach, what do you make of it?" The general asked.
"This Anti-Personal ODM gear is nothing like the one Michael showed me. It utilises Marleyan tech, and it's not one of mine either. Everything I've built has Lucia's insignia inscribed on it. As talented as Hange is, I doubt she'd come up with something like this alone. She had help from someone who has vast knowledge of modern technology. There's also the matter of how they escaped on a stolen airship. The people of Paradis have no idea what an airship is, let alone how to fly one. Only a veteran pilot could've executed such advanced manoeuvres."
"Just as I suspected. This, and the discovery of only finding Zeke's arms and legs, confirms our theory… Zeke conspired with the enemy to stage his death in order to hide the fact that he had defected to their side. He is the traitor we have long suspected to be among our ranks." He glances over to Lazarus at the other end of the table. "You knew all along he had royal blood yet you chose to keep it to yourself."
"I did so because I didn't want Marley taking advantage of it. Zeke and I had our differences, but at the end of the day he was still my friend… Or so I thought. If you think my defection has anything to do with his betrayal then you're wrong! I feel just as hurt as the rest of you." Lazarus hurtfully responded, still processing this whole development.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I believe you." The general replied calmly. "When you defected Zeke must've used it to throw us off the trail. He was the one who suggested that we keep you and Suurvalta under surveillance in case you went against our deal. While all eyes were on you he was free to carry out his plans in secret. He played us all for fools."
Lazarus looks away from the table and clenches his fists tightly. The others can see how much Zeke's betrayal is still affecting him. They can't help but wonder what's going through his head right now. Is he angry? Confused? Desperate to understand why he turned on them and what his ultimate goal is? Or was he thinking about Michael, Annie, and Bertolt, who had been reported missing at the start of the raid
Suddenly, in a fit of rage, Lazarus turns around and punches a hole straight through the wall to his left, startling Colt, and the Warriors.
"How could he do this to us?! To me?! Annie, Bertolt, and now Michael, are in danger of being eaten because of him!" He pauses for a moment to take a few deep, calming breaths to subside his anger. He then addresses the others properly. "He and Eren need to be stopped!"
His body shuddered in anger before he felt a hand rest upon his right shoulder. He turns around and sees that it is Willy. He'd finally arrived. Now the discussion on their next move can really begin.
"They will be stopped, Lazarus. And we will get your captured comrades back."
Lazarus acknowledges Willy's assuredness and gives a single nod in response. Now that Willy has arrived, Magath fills him in on the same details regarding Zeke and how he's allied himself with Eren. It was just as Willy foretold in his speech. Now they know Zeke is of royal blood, the Yeager brothers could begin The Rumbling the moment they make contact.
"It's not just our comrades who're in danger. Gabi and Falco are on that island too." Colt added in a worried tone.
"Willy, what do you make of all this?" Magath asked, hoping he may shine some light on how they should proceed.
"My guards have been interrogating the Allied prisoners, asking them where they got the ideas for their technology from. It didn't take long for one of them to crack and tell us all they know" He takes a seat next to the general and addresses the albino Warrior. "... Lazarus, you may want to sit down for this part.
Lazarus was about to question why but chose not to ask and simply took his advice and heard what it was he'd been told. He's still in a state of shock from Zeke's betrayal, something Willy knows for a fact. But surely nothing more can affect his mental state as much as this, right?
"The prisoner mentioned the promise of a bomb being used in the Mid-East War. A weapon of immense power that could surpass all of Marley's Titans. That same bomb was used to destroy Marley's port. Whoever's been working with Paradis has also prompted the Allied Forces to declare war on us… The person responsible is Doctor Ludwig Oppenheimer."
Only Lazarus and Magath responded with shock while the rest of the room was unclear on who this individual was. Lazarus was so startled by this discovery that he felt the need to stand up and back away from the others until he hit the wall behind him. The situation was far worse than he could ever imagine.
"He- He survived?!"
"What's going on? Who's Ludwig Oppenheimer?" Colt asked with a look of confusion in his eyes.
"A Marleyan scientist my father, Thomas, hired to overlook all experiments and projects that went on in Eden's Nest," Willy answered first. "He is one of the most gifted minds in the world. On many occasions he has developed weapons for Marley, shaping it into the nation it is today."
"That's right." Everyone turns to General Magath. "All of Marley's ideas for conventional weapons originated from him. He's the ultimate expert on Titans. Honestly, he may know more about how they work than our military does."
"That's why my father hired him to be head of the False Founder Project." Willy continued. "He's the creator of The Winged Titan."
The Warriors all look at each other, and then they all glare at Lazarus, curious to see how he's taking this revelation. It's no surprise he is distraught. Pieck and Galliard partially understand after seeing all the markings Lazarus left in the underground pit they fell into. This Ludwig was responsible for making him what he is today. The reason he was locked in that hole and treated the way he was by the Marleyans.
Reiner recalled the graphic details Lazarus went into when he opened up about his traumatic past. There wasn't much mention of Ludwig himself, but all the scientists involved viewed him as nothing more than a test subject and didn't give a damn about the brutality of their deaths.
"But you said he was a Marleyan. Why would he betray his own country and work with the Island Devils?" Galliard questioned the general.
"Because Ludwig is the only Marleyan in the world who views Eldians not as devils, but as gifts from God as he puts it. He believes everyone should be like the Subjects of Ymir. That the power of the Titans is the next stage in human evolution." Lazarus answered first, remembering the conversation he heard between Ludwig and Thomas in his parents' memories.
"But still, even if he were alive, I doubt Eren and the Scouts would ever entertain the idea of teaming up with a Marleyan. Especially the one who made you The Winged Titan." Reiner pointed out.
"Why not?" Galliard interrupted. "The Eldian/Marleyan alliance works for us… most of the time." He muttered that last part to himself.
"You all realise how much worse this is for us, right?" Magath addressed the Warriors. "Both Zeke and Ludwig have allied themselves with Eren. Not only do they have the means to activate The Rumbling, but also develop more advanced technology that will lead to the return of the Eldian Empire. Something the entire world had been afraid of for hundreds of years. We can't let that happen. As part of a global alliance, we'll launch a scorched Earth campaign against Paradis in the next six months."
"Wait, we're waiting that long?!" Colt quickly rose from his chair. "We're not gonna try and save Falco, Gabi, and the other Warriors for six months?!"
"They're the most talented Warrior Candidates we have, sir. If we lost them before they had a chance to inherit one of the Nine, it would be a major blow to Marley." Galliard explained, agreeing with Colt's thoughts on the plan.
"Training new candidates isn't just expensive, it also takes several years to do right," Pieck added.
"That's true, but if Marley attempts to attack Paradis without backup, we'll only be driven back like we were before." Magath pointed out. "We must wait for the Allied Forces to gather."
"That's exactly what Zeke and Ludwig are hoping for," Lazarus spoke up, forcing all attention to befall him. "They're betting Marley wouldn't dare launch a counterattack right after taking such a heavy blow. If we give them half a year to prepare, Ludwig will have more bombs like the one used to destroy the port. Or worse… He may try and make more Winged Titans."
Everyone gasped simultaneously. "Can- Can he do that?!" Colt was almost afraid to ask.
"Yeah, he can," Reiner spoke up. "Back on Paradis, Zeke showed us some vials of Lazarus' blood. That was when we learned he was a descendant of Eldian royalty. He told us that he was able to salvage some of the research behind the False Founder Project. More than enough to begin again."
"Exactly. The Rumbling is bad enough, but if Ludwig can turn everyone on Paradis into immortal Winged Titans like me, there will be no stopping the resurrection of the Eldian Empire. They'll dominate the entire planet. We can't afford to wait for the global alliance. We have no choice. We need to attack them at once!" Lazarus declared as he leaned over the table and looked Magath straight in the eye.
The room fell silent. This was a lot to take in. Zeke's betrayal. Eren's desire to eliminate all his enemies in the world. Ludwig's plan to make more Winged Titans. The possible return of the Eldian Empire. Individually these goals would have disastrous consequences for every nation on the planet. But if pulled off together successfully, the world will head into a dark age in which Subjects of Ymir are the only dominant species.
Lazarus wanted to rid the world of Titans whilst Ludwig wished for a world where only intelligent Titans rule. And because of his deep animosity towards him, Eren would jump at the chance to fulfil that plan. They have to end this nightmare before it gets a chance to begin.
"The only reason you're here, Averbach, is because we cannot hope to defeat Eren without you. But now we know Ludwig is involved, I fear not even The Winged Titan would be enough to stop him. While I agree with you that we should attack when they least expect it, Marley cannot take Eren on alone, especially if they manage to claim the Crystal, Female, and Colossal Titans. You're still one man. You alone won't make much of a difference."
Who says I'm alone? I've got the support of the Omega Unit behind me, as well as a few others."
"Others?" Magath raised an eyebrow at him.
"General Magath, there's something you should know… After Michael and I defected from Marley, we started forming a resistance movement within its borders. Our original goal was to rise against you and take over from within, demanding justice for all Eldians, not just here, but on Paradis as well."
Magath wasn't surprised. He suspected things were going too quietly for The Winged and Crystal Titans. Though he was curious to figure out how they were able to hide their plans from them. Ever since Lazarus announced his defection he had spies keep tabs on him and Michael at all times. Yet somehow they managed to stay under their radar. He decided to question him on how for another time. Right now, he had something else he needed to ask.
"So, you were planning on going back on our deal from the start, huh?"
"I know you're not like most Marleyans, General. But I know you would have jumped at the first chance you'd gotten to take me out if it presented itself to you, which is exactly what Paradis has done with Ludwig… The point I'm trying to make is that Marley is no longer the Wings of Crystal's target. Our new mission is to stop Eren and Zeke from unleashing The Rumbling and put an end to Titans forever, including the ones Ludwig hopes to create. You may not trust me now after what I've just told you, but you said yourself that you cannot stop Eren alone. Neither of us can. We have to put our differences aside and form an alliance."
Lazarus walks around the table and stands directly in front of the general. "I'm proposing a new deal. We will help Marley stop Eren, Zeke, and Ludwig from destroying the world and rebuilding the Eldian Empire. But in exchange I want Marley to change its ways. I know it's impossible for everyone to suddenly accept Eldians. I know there will always be hate and discrimination. But you can steer public opinion by revealing that it was Eldians who stood up to their own kind and ended the era of the Titans." He looks over at Willy. "You can tell the world how we saved the world from Eren just as Helos did in the story."
He turns back to Magath. "And when this war is over, I demand that you let us all leave Marley's military and live our lives how we want to. I'd say that's a fair deal, wouldn't you say?"
Lazarus extends his right hand to him, hoping to seal the new deal with a handshake. Magath didn't agree to it yet, for he was still thinking it over, wondering what the downsides were to it. As Lazarus stated, he can't expect the people to suddenly accept Eldians even if they did save the world. But Willy seemed to be encouraging him to accept the deal. Even if Eldians may not be fully accepted by their society, they can at least look back on the day they ended the power of the Titans and be reminded of the match they ignited to start this forest fire.
When he looks at Lazarus, Magath is reminded of the day he caught him wandering the halls after curfew. He knew back then this little boy was gonna be trouble for him. This is the second time now he's forced his hand and left him with no other choice but to accept his offer. Though this one he can learn to live with since there was no threat to destroy Marley this time. He grasps Lazarus' hand and firmly shakes it.
"Oh, and one more thing." Lazarus suddenly added. "I wish to be the new War Chief of the Omega Unit." He turns to his comrades. "But only if they want me."
Reiner stands up from his chair and smiles at him, showing his support. "You've done a great job leading us on Paradis. I know you will do so again when we return."
Pieck then stands up and nods in agreement with Reiner. "Honestly, I think you should've been chosen instead of Zeke from the start. You've always been honest with me when he hasn't."
Colt was next to stand. "My brother had always looked up to you. You had the perfect chance to kill Eren during the raid, but you chose to protect him and Gabi instead. That's what a true leader should always do. Prioritise the lives of those that serve under him over the lives of the enemy."
Everyone then turns to Galliard, expecting him to say his part. But he couldn't be bothered. He had nothing nice to say about Lazarus, other than he's a better candidate than Zeke was. But he didn't want any part in this cliché rally behind the hero moment.
"Nothing I say will affect the majority of the others. I don't like the idea of being bossed around by you, but it is better than nothing. Plus, I do owe you for bringing my brother's Jaw Titan back and giving me my chance to become a Warrior. Consider me helping you out the downpayment… Besides that, I want nothing more than to make Eren pay for the way he trampled our home!"
"Looks like the aye's have it. Congratulations, Averbach. You are the new War Chief of the Omega Unit." Magath announced.
After the Warriors had been informed of their new leader, Magath and Willy began discussing the layout of their mission to invade Paradis and help Lazarus steal The Founding Titan from Eren.
But before they could get into it, Lazarus asked permission to leave for a moment. He felt Erwin had every right to listen in on this plan and provide his spin on it. Nobody knows Paradis's military and its bases better than he does. With his aid, they'll be able to rescue the captured Warriors and Candidates hopefully before the Scouts have a chance to feed them to their chosen soldiers.
They don't know how much time they've got before they choose their inheritors, but they know it won't be long until they begin the ceremony to make Mikasa the next Crystal Titan.
As for Ludwig, Willy has assured them that the chances of him creating another Winged Titan won't be possible without an individual of royal blood, something he discovered from his father. The only candidate available to Paradis was Historia. Lazarus knows Eren well enough that he would never let them sacrifice her for another Winged Titan, not even to get at him. They have a higher chance of stopping Ludwig than they did The Rumbling.
But Pieck was the only one among them who knew of another possible candidate for the restarting of the False Founder Project. The unborn child of Lazarus growing within Annie.
Annie made her swear to not tell Lazarus out of fear it would distract him from his goals. But Pieck couldn't help but think of the horrific experimentation Ludwig would conduct on her friends' unborn child should the enemy ever discover Annie's pregnancy.
Without asking for permission from the general, Pieck walked out of the meeting room and chased after Lazarus whom she barely caught a few feet away from the entrance.
"Lazarus, wait!" She shouted, gaining his attention.
"Pieck? What's wrong?"
"Listen, there's something else you need to know. It's about Annie."
"Everything will be alright." He attempted to calm her down, completely misunderstanding the situation. "I am worried for her and the others, but I know we will rescue them. Once we do, they can join us in the final battle against Eren and the Yeagerists."
"She won't be able to use her Titan against them, or for any situation ever again." She raised her voice slightly, shutting him up so that he could pay attention to what she was really saying.
"What? How could she not use her Titan? What is this really about?"
"There's a reason why she couldn't use her Titan during the raid, or ever again. She's worried it would kill…" She hesitated for a moment, remembering her promise to Annie. She usually never breaks promises. She's tried her hardest to be as honest as she can with people. Annie would most likely hate her for going back on her word, but he needed to know that it wasn't just her life that was in danger.
"Lazarus… Annie is pregnant with your child." She slowly voiced her response, struggling to look him in the eye.
The albino Warrior just froze as those words crept into his ears. Pieck looked up at him and noticed the shocked expression on his face. She could use their telepathic link to listen to whatever thoughts may be playing in his head, but she respected his privacy and chose to wait to let the news sink in.
"P-pregnant? Annie's pregnant? With m-my child? I'm… a father?" Lazarus took a couple of steps backwards, still in shock at this discovery. "How long?"
"Only a month. She told me you two were intimate two days before the Warrior meeting."
"And you knew all this time?" He asked her.
"Annie made me promise not to tell you. She was worried you finding out would distract you from your goal of using the Founder to fix yourself and the world. She also feared what Marley would do if they found out. The only reason I'm breaking it now is that I fear what Paradis may do to her and the baby will be far worse… A baby with royal blood."
Lazarus's eyes stretch as wide open as they physically can. It didn't take a genius to figure out what she was on about. Until now, Historia and any children she may birth have been Ludwig's only hope of creating a new Winged Titan. But Eren's wish to keep her out of harm's way, incidentally, got in the way. This changes everything.
"If Ludwig finds out Annie is bearing a child of royal blood, nothing will stop him from delivering on his desire for a new Winged Titan. And Eren, he'll be on board with this plan knowing it would destroy me… Why would he care for the well-being of my child? I doubt Ludwig will wait for the baby to be born either. He could just cut Annie open and harvest the embryo."
Lazarus's shocked expression suddenly changed to one of rage. His eyes start glowing red and his chest begins to glow. He knows Ludwig will do anything in the name of science and his mission, even murder an unborn baby. The very thought of how cold and uncaring he is sickens him.
He clenches his fists. Hardening covers them, reacting to his emotional turmoil.
"Lazarus, are you alright?" She asked him worriedly.
"No… I won't be until I rescue Annie and the others from that evil bastard!" He looks up at the sky, thinking about the friends he'd lost and are now in the hands of the most dangerous man in the world. "Hold on, guys. We'll save you."
Michael, Annie, Bertolt, Gabi, and Falco were escorted by the MPs to the island's prison. The three Titan Shifters had their hands covered up by specialised metal cuffs. Their arms and legs were bound by chains and were attached to each other, forming a line. Michael was in the front, Annie was in the middle, and Bertolt was at the back. One of the MPs held the end of the chain, forcing them to follow.
Gabi and Falco were bound by normal handcuffs and were being escorted by another MP away from the Warriors. Gabi fought against her captors, desperate to be with her mentor.
"Let me go!" She shouted up at the guard.
"What's going on? Where are you taking the kids?" Michael demanded.
"You three are being escorted to a special underground prison where you will remain until we've decided who gets to eat you. As for those brats, they're going to HQ's cell block." The MP yanks on the chain, forcing the Warriors to keep moving. "Say goodbye while you can, damn monsters."
Gabi's anger flares up more when she sees Michael, Annie, and Bertolt being treated so horribly. She was ready to break free of her captor and unleash her fury on the one holding them. Falco tries to plead with her not to, but she isn't listening.
"You're the real monsters for following someone like Eren Yeager! He destroyed my home! Killed my friends!"
"Yeah, we know… They had it coming." The guard coldly replied, showing no remorse for all the innocent lives lost that day.
That was the last straw that broke the camel's back. Now there was no stopping Gabi from taking her anger out on him.
"Stop it, Gabi!" Michael called out to her, causing her to stop what she was about to do. "… Please don't make the situation any worse than it already is. Don't assume everyone here is supportive of Eren. Some of these people are merely victims of the Omega Unit's first attack on their home. They've been carrying around the same rage you have for years… Please, just do as they say and no harm will come to you or Falco." He turns to the guard and glares at him. "Right?"
Floch soon confronts them and reminds them who's in charge here and how things are gonna proceed from here on out. "If it were down to me, I'd have those kids shot for killing two of our men. But Hange has ordered otherwise. She must still care about you, though I'll never understand why. You're a traitor, Michael. And you will be dealt with as one. The same goes for you two.
Annie just glares at Floch coldly while Bertolt looks down at his feet with sadness. Floch orders the guards to cover their mouths with cloth, preventing them from speaking or biting their tongues as a last-ditch effort to trigger their Titan transformations.
"And if either of you ever think about escaping or trying anything, then you will have the privilege of watching those little kids die." He leans in closer towards Michael. "So play nice."
Michael narrows his eyes, angrily glaring at the fiendish and unsympathetic Floch. He was so tempted to harden his forehead and headbutt him so hard his skull cracked. But he can't risk getting the candidates killed because of his urge to wipe that smirk off his face. He just told Gabi not to give into a blind rage and not make their situation worse. What kind of role model would he be if he didn't follow his own advice?
Gabi slowly calms down and willingly allows the guard to escort her and Falco to their cell. Michael, Annie, and Bertolt were soon taken away in the opposite direction from the candidates. On the way, they catch a glimpse of the other 104th members departing the airship. Jean, Connie, and Sasha watched as their former comrades were being taken away.
Jean and Connie weren't at all sorry for them. They had it coming. But Sasha didn't feel the same way. She felt guilty for the role she played in Eren obtaining the Warhammer Titan. She was only doing what she was told, but the idea of telling Michael her true feelings was nobody's idea but her own.
Michael glances over at her and narrows his eyes. It was clear he was angry with her and she didn't blame him. She would be too had anyone done what she'd done to her. She just has to face the fact that she and Michael are, and always will be, on opposite sides. There is no hope for a relationship and there never will be.
The Titan Shifters were soon brought to a specially built prison deep underground within the borders of Wall Sina. It was located underneath the Military Police headquarters where Annie was once kept. After Lazarus broke her out the basement had been constructed into a more secure dungeon for Titan Shifters. There was a total of five cells, each one had walls made of steel and thick doors instead of bars with only a small, barred window on the door as their only viewpoint.
Michael and Bertolt shared a cell that only had two beds and a bucket for them to share. Annie was placed in the one opposite theirs. Hers was no different. Fortunately, she didn't have to share a bucket with anyone.
It was cold, dark, and eerily quiet. Too quiet for their liking. All that they could hear were the sounds of their breathing. It was beginning to take its toll on Michael who started banging on the door, shouting through the window, threatening the Yeagerists that they better not touch a hair on Gabi and Falco's heads. He can't help but fear what they plan to do with them. They served no purpose to their cause. The only reason they're still alive is to keep him, Annie, and Bertolt from trying anything.
Even if they wanted to, there's no chance of escaping. Turning Titan would only result in them crushing each other. The cells are all made of metal, preventing Michael from summoning crystals out of the ground. His hands were still covered up so hardening his fists was out of the question.
For the time being, all they could do was sit in silence and pray the others would come and save them.
"This is the end… we're not gonna get out of here," Bertolt muttered under his breath. "This is where I meet my end."
"Don't talk like that, Bertolt." Michael sternly responded, turning away from the window. "The others will come for us. We're not beaten yet."
"Open your eyes, Michael!" Bertolt suddenly shouted at him, startling Michael into silence. "Haven't you figured out yet that nothing we do is gonna stop what's happening?!"
"What are you…" He attempted to question him, only to be silenced again by the emotionally unstable Bertolt.
"Lazarus told us he'd already seen the future. The raid on Liberio, the Yeagerists, those things have already happened. Nothing we did could prevent them… that means The Rumbling is fated to happen no matter what we do." He looks away from Michael and curls up into a ball on his bed in the corner of the cell.
"What's the point in trying anymore? They've already surpassed my Colossal Titan. How long until they surpass the Winged?" Tears start building up in his eyes, no longer able to hold back his emotions. "I can't do this anymore, Michael. I've tried to hold out like Reiner and I promised, but… I no longer have the will to carry on the fight."
Michael was surprised. Bertolt seemed to have reverted back to how he was when the rest of the 104th confronted the Warriors on their betrayal. Back in Shiganshina, he was more confident in finishing their mission and returning home. What changed? Curious to find out, Michael asks him calmly.
Bertolt hesitates to answer. It was difficult for him to forget that day. The day he was prepared to end this nightmare of a mission he was trapped in and return home, or die trying. And when it seemed he was about to die, Michael swoops in and saves him at the last second.
"… Do you remember what I said to the others back then?" He answered with another question. "I said one of them had to stain their hands with my blood. I was hoping they'd make good on that promise at the end of the battle." He directs his now angry eyes at his cellmate. "And then you cheated me out of it!"
"I saved your life! Had I not got involved they would've fed you to Armin and taken the Colossal Titan. Are you saying you wished you'd died that day?"
"YES!" He shouted at him. The whole room returned to its eerie silence as Michael and Annie took a moment to process Bertolt's confession.
Before any of them could ask why, Bertolt proceeded to answer them. "I appreciate you saving me, but I can't help but wish you hadn't. For as long as I can remember, I've always felt useless as a Warrior. The only roles I've had in our mission were to kick holes in the walls and blow stuff up. That may look easy from everyone else's perspective, but not me! … My parents are dead. I only became a Warrior to help make their lives easier. Told myself all those hardships I'd endured after coming here would all be worth it in the end. But it's not!"
He looks into Michael's eyes. "I don't want to fight anymore, Michael. I've got nothing left to fight for. And don't say I've got you guys. You're perfectly capable of fighting for yourselves and others than I am. You don't need me anymore… So when the guards come in to take me away to get eaten, don't bother saving me this time. I'm going to die anyway, whether it's by The Rumbling or The Curse of Ymir. I might as well go out first, give you and Annie more time to be rescued. You're more useful to the Warriors than I am."
With his rant over, Bertolt turns his back to Michael and stares at the wall behind him. Michael wanted to say something to lift his spirits and remind him of all the good he's got, but he doubted he'd listen. As much as he refused to accept it, he is somewhat right. The Colossal Titan is big and powerful but that's all it is good at being. It can't move fast like the Jaw and Cart. Use hand-to-hand combat like the Female and Armoured. He can't harden like the Crystal and Warhammer. And he can't control Titans like the Beast and Winged. Its greatest ability is its explosive entrance. But now that is being overshadowed by Ludwig's Atomic Bomb.
Bertolt felt useless. He tried to hold on like he and Reiner promised each other. But in the end, neither of them had the will to hold true to that vow. The difference is that Reiner now has an excuse to stick around longer. He and the others plan to invade Paradis to save them and stop Eren. But what can he do? The way Paradis' technology has been progressing, his Colossal Titan will be taken down before it even has a chance to fight.
"Except I can't fight either."
Michael and Bertolt lift their heads in response to the sound of Annie's voice in the cell opposite theirs. Michael peers out the barred window and spots her doing the same, increasing the chances of hearing her.
"What do you mean? Don't tell me you've given up too?"
"I'm sorry, Michael. But I don't wanna fight anymore either." She regretfully answered.
"Are you kidding me?! Bertolt I can understand, but you? The woman who single-handedly flipped Eren, Reiner, and me on our asses during combat training. You're one of the deadliest fighters I've ever had the misfortune of using my Titan for the first time against. Now you're just gonna give up and fall into depression like him?!"
"You don't understand!" She yelled back at him, silencing his accusations. "I don't wanna fight anymore because I can't risk the life of our baby!"
Her response triggered a dumbfounded look from Bertolt, finally giving him an excuse to get off his bed and rush to the window, squished next to Michael. Both of them struggle to see Annie through it. She appeared to be blushing, ashamed to have let that detail slip out. Thankfully there weren't any guards or other prisoners around to hear her.
"Annie… You're pregnant?" Bertolt asked.
"… With Lazarus's child?" Michael finished for him, both of their eyes going wide in utter shock.
Now she had no choice but to come clean to them. She appears back in their field of view and takes a deep breath before answering. Her hand unconsciously rests atop her stomach.
"Yes… Pieck and I found out halfway through the musical performance. Other than her, you're the only ones that know about this."
"You haven't told Lazarus?!" Michael whisper-shouted in a dumbfounded manner. "He has a right to know!"
"I know, but… I was scared." She answered slowly. "I feared how he'd take it. I'm also afraid of what might happen if the wrong people found out, like Marley. Because our baby…
"Might have royal blood." Michael finished that sentence for her. Annie nodded and looked down at her stomach. She gently rubs it in a circular motion. "I want our baby to live in a world where the war is over, at least for the next few decades. The kind of world Lazarus is trying to build. The kind of world Eren threatens to destroy with The Rumbling… I don't want our child to grow up living in a flattened world with no vegetation, mountains, oceans, everything that makes it beautiful."
The boys decide to let Annie take some time to herself so they can properly let all this sink in. They were happy for her and Lazarus, but at the same time, this knowledge presents a problem. If the Scouts feed Annie to a chosen candidate they'll not only kill her but the baby too. And if Lazarus were to ever find out, he would unleash the full fury of the Hellfire Force upon Paradis in a blind rage.
This changes things. Michael can no longer just sit around and wait for their execution. They need to find a way out, rescue the kids, and get off this island now.
"You wanted a reason to stick around, Bertolt? How about being a part of this baby's life? I know you used to have feelings for Annie. Now that you know she's carrying Lazarus's child, are you really going to let them get eaten by a Titan?"
"I-I … No." Bertolt stuttered, still taken aback by the pregnancy news.
"Good. Listen, if you don't wanna fight anymore, that's fine. But killing yourself is not the way to do it. Lazarus has mastered the Titan transfer ability. He placed a piece of the Crystal Titan inside Gabi. He can do the same for you." He turns back to Annie. "You too, Annie. All you need to do is stay alive. Once Lazarus and the others come for us, he'll transfer your Titans to Gabi and Falco. You will be free of the thirteen-year curse, and you won't have to risk your lives anymore… What do you say?"
Bertolt glances over at Annie who gives him a reassuring look. She seemed to be on board with this plan. He faces Michael once again and nods with a determined look on his face.
"I meant what I said before. I don't want to fight anymore. I would at least like the chance to meet Annie's baby before my death. I'm in."
Michael smiles and the two of them shake hands. All three Warriors agreed. They won't allow themselves to get eaten today or any other day. They will find a way out of this prison and locate the candidates.
Unbeknownst to them, Floch had been listening in on their conversation from atop the stairway that leads to the surface of the prison. He had heard everything that was said between them. He came hoping they would unveil any secrets behind Marley. But he did not expect this.
"So, Annie Leonhart is pregnant with Lazarus' baby, huh? A child of royal blood that isn't Historia's… Eren and Doctor Oppenheimer are going to love this. Hahaha!"
To Be Continued