Attack On Titan: Wings Of Crystal
Chapter 71: Children of the Forest
Seven hours ago, before the Yeagerist uprising took place on Paradis, the Marleyan military was preparing for war against Eren and those who wished to see the Rumbling unleashed on the world.
Preparation was underway on the runway outside the hangar where all the airships were stationed. Soldiers were hard at work, readying weapons and equipment, and loading them into the airships. They had decided to go through with Lazarus's plan to launch an attack on the island now rather than wait for the global alliance.
General Magath and Willy Tybur were watching from outside the entrance of the hanger. Reiner, Pieck, Galliard, and Colt were helping with some of the heavy lifting. They were carrying boxes that seemed to contain pieces of a new special weapon. On the side of the box were the words "Cart Titan Artillery" implying it was something for Pieck to use in Titan form.
"This will be a day long remembered. The final battle between Eren and the world will begin soon." Willy spoke vividly as he watched them work.
"You don't have to come. You have no role in this battle." Magath replied as he turned his head to the left.
"That's where you're wrong. I do have a part to play in this performance… Someone needs to tell the world the story behind what'll transpire on that island. Tell them the story of how humanity fought back against the devil and won."
"All the more reason why you should remain here. The world will never hear your story if you're dead." Magath stated.
"My story wouldn't be true if I weren't there to watch it play out in person." Willy turns away from the general and gazes out at the ocean to their right. "In my travels, I have seen so many civilisations, experienced different cultures, met many interesting people. I've established strong connections with those people… Eren threatens to destroy them all. People who did nothing worthy of genocide. No, I refuse to sit back from the comfort of my marble palace as good people fight for what is arguably the biggest battle of our lives. It's time the Tyburs got off of their asses and help save the world… It's what my sister would've wanted."
Magath sighs, remembering that horrific moment of Eren using the Jaw Titan as a nutcracker to crush Lara into gallons of blood that he mercilessly drank. "Lara will be avenged, as will those who've died in Liberio. Eren, Ludwig, Zeke, they'll all pay for what they've done." He assured him.
"I appreciate the vote of confidence. But we both know there is only one among us who has the power to deliver that promise… During my speech, I said that Helos wasn't real. But that doesn't mean the story behind him has to be. For the world has a new Helos on its side, the hero who will rise up and save our world… And here he comes now."
Willy directs Magath's eyes towards Lazarus who was approaching them with the Warriors following behind their new War Chief. He was dressed up in his Warrior uniform complete with a long beige coat and his black armband with the red star, deciding to wear it one final time to show his devotion to the Omega Unit. That and he had a feeling it'll get torn up during his confrontation. Better Marley's uniform than his Wings of Crystal one.
"Where have you been, Averbach? We're about to ship out to Paradis soon." Magath demanded.
"Forgive me, I learned some rather… disturbing news about Annie and the others."
"You're not wearing your hat this time?" Willy pointed out.
"In case anything should happen to me today, I've decided to leave my hat at home where it's safe. Our enemy already knows what's underneath, so I see no reason to keep it hidden any longer… Now that we're all here, we can all agree that the time for diplomacy has passed. It is now time for action." He turns to the general. "I will always hate Marley for the way it's treated us. But Eren, Zeke, and Ludwig stand as a threat far worse. For one final time, the Omega Warrior Unit will aid Marley in this battle."
"As will we!"
Everyone turns their attention towards the entrance to the hanger. Everyone but Willy and Lazarus were shocked to see Erwin Smith step out into the light fully decked out in one of Lazarus's new Cloud Zero class ODM gear and wearing the Wings of Crystal Regiment uniform. Atop the crimson red jacket, he wore a hooded cloak identical to the Scouts only it was navy blue and bore the Wings of Crystal symbol on the back. He shaved his beard, and his hair was styled back to how it originally looked when he was commander of the Scouts.
Reiner never would've imagined seeing Erwin don a military uniform and ODM gear again after the Battle of Shiganshina, let alone one from the opposite side of Paradis. Willy and Lazarus smiled. A slight sense of nostalgia washed over Lazarus. Seeing Erwin like this reminded him of the good old days in the Scout Regiment. Probably one of the only good moments of his life on Paradis.
But Erwin didn't come alone. As he approached the others on the runway, a dozen Wings of Crystal soldiers followed behind him in rows of four, marching in sync with one another. All of them wore the same uniform and were all equipped with ODM gear. Some had Cloud Zeros whilst others had the Ace Barrel firearm type.
Their numbers weren't as big as the Marleyans, but Erwin did manage to recruit a total of 35 soldiers. They all reach the others and stand at attention. Erwin joins the others in the circle of war leaders, taking his place next to Lazarus.
"You shaved your beard?" He stated obviously.
"Wouldn't be appropriate to go into battle as a teacher." Erwin retorted.
Lazarus chuckled as he took Erwin's arm. He responds in kind, gazing at each other with respect and allegiance. "It's good to have you with us, Commander."
"I'm only here for two reasons. To get my son back, and to stop Eren." He directs his eyes over towards Magath. "Know that this alliance is only necessary to accomplish those goals. My loyalty will always be to Paradis and its people. Eren and Zeke's plan threatens them all."
"So, this is the famous resistance against Marley you've been bragging about, Averbach?" Magath spoke up. He looks down at Erwin and narrows his eyes. "I remember you. The day we first met you told me you were Michael's father. But we all know that's not true. Michael's real father was killed in the Odiha explosion. You're just an islander who took him in and raised him as one of them… You played the part of a teacher, but I know a leader when I see one. And those eyes… you've seen a lot of death. You've even faced it."
"I have. It is only because of Lazarus I am standing here today. I was ready to die for my country until he robbed me of it." He glances back at the albino. "Lazarus has shown me that the world still has a purpose for me to fulfil, and it's not to help you stop Eren nor help him erase all Titans. No, my new goal… is to help Paradis claim its rightful place in this world as its own independent nation. I am Erwin Smith, former commander of the Scout Regiment. Father of Michael Smith. And now liberator of Paradis!" With that said, Erwin performs the Paradis military salute, prompting the Wings of Crystal Scouts behind him to do the same.
Colt and Galliard couldn't help but wonder where Erwin and Lazarus recruited all those soldiers, as well as how they were able to train them how to use ODM gear in the amount of time it took for Marley to officially begin their attack on Paradis.
Luckily, Willy was able to answer those questions before they had a chance to ask. "I am pleased to see the men I've assigned to you have been able to pick up how to use your ODM gear so quickly."
"These are your men?!" Galliard blurted out in shock.
"These are Eldians who have been in service to my family for generations. Our personal guard. As part of our agreement, I provided Erwin as many of my finest soldiers I could spare." He gazes over at the reinstated commander. "I apologise for not sending you more. My family's protection must always come first."
"There's no need for apologies. You have given us more than enough. With the aid of the Warriors and the Marleyan military, we have the numbers needed to combat the Yeagerists."
"It is settled then." Willy declared proudly, beginning what may or may not be his final speech. "Lazarus will lead the Warriors, while Magath commands the Marleyan military and Erwin the Wings of Crystal." He focuses his attention on Lazarus. "And once we've rescued your comrades, we'll have the power of three more Titans on our side… Therefore, let this be an official declaration of rebellion! Today we all vow to save the world! And soon, the world will finally be free of the Titans!"
All the soldiers from both sides raised their fists and let out a cheer that shook the runway. The Warriors smile at the level of devotion they're expressing. Every man and woman among them is full of hope for the world Lazarus seeks to build, and they would gladly give their lives to help him get closer to that goal.
But Magath and Erwin didn't share their level of optimism. They're the only ones who truly recognise the gravitas of what they're up against. Three of the world's most dangerous powerhouses have joined forces against the world. Each with their own goals that could only lead to more suffering.
Knowing this, Magath ordered his men to finish loading the airships and be ready to move out as soon as possible. Erwin does the same with his new Scout Regiment.
The Warriors all turn to their new leader who is just gazing out at the ocean. He couldn't stop thinking about the others who were at the mercy of Eren on the other side of the sea. He doesn't even know if they're still alive. Even if they were, they may be executed before they arrive.
"No." Lazarus shakes his head, clearing any negative thoughts from his mind. He will not give into despair, it's exactly what Eren and Ludwig want him to do. He had to stay strong for his unit on both sides of the sea.
The Warriors approach their new leader and stand beside him. Reiner pats him on the back, getting his attention. "You nervous?"
"About the attack? Yeah… I was hoping the day I returned to that island it wouldn't be to declare war. I've already gone down that path nine years ago. Back then I believed everyone there was evil and deserved it. But now I'm afraid of doing so again knowing the friends we made over there will have to die if they're with Eren."
"I highly doubt that." Reiner attempted to reassure him. "Mikasa maybe, but I can't imagine Jean, Connie, and Sasha supporting Eren's plan to flatten the whole world. Not even Hange or Levi."
"People change, Reiner. We're living proof of that. We're not the same little kids who saw the world as black and white. Everything is grey to us now. Everyone on both sides of this war has reasons for the atrocities they cause, even Eren. Though his reason I still haven't figured out yet."
"That's obvious." Galliard intervened. "He wants revenge on you for breaking their damn walls to begin with. Eren's only desire is to get even."
"No, that's not it." Lazarus dismissed his theory. "He claims his hatred for me is why he's doing this. That's just what he's telling himself to make the Rumbling a justifiable act to follow. One the others could relate to considering all the sins I've wrought upon their peaceful home… Once I've devoured Eren I will look into his memories and learn the truth for myself."
He turns around and faces his comrades. "But first we will rescue Michael, Annie, Bertolt, and the kids. The longer they stay on that island the higher our chances of losing them."
"What about Zeke?" Pieck asked.
Lazarus's head lowers and his eyes close. He hadn't forgotten him. To stop Eren from using the full powers of The Founding Titan they'll have to kill him. But he's not sure if he can bring himself to do that. At least without first learning why he betrayed them.
"I will deal with him personally. I have a right to know why he threw everything we've built together away for Eren. I will get the answers, even if I have to beat them outta him!" He clenches his fists tightly.
"Whatever happens, we've got your back." Reiner comforted him.
"We all do" Pieck added soft-heartedly with a genuine smile.
Lazarus smiles back at his friends/comrades, appreciating their support. Colt was too fixated on his horns to show his devotion to their new leader, something Lazarus took notice of.
"These freak you out, don't they?" He asked rhetorically.
"Sorry, I- I didn't mean to…" Colt was about to apologise but Lazarus raised his index finger up, telling him to stop.
"I don't blame you for staring. They still freak me out whenever I see my reflection in the mirror. I'm so used to hiding them with my hat that I often forget what's underneath."
"Has Falco ever seen you like this?" He almost hesitated to ask.
He focuses his attention solely on Colt. "No. But when he does, he'll be more focused on helping us win this war. You, he and Gabi are still the best candidates we have left. We're counting on you to carry on the fight if any of us are unable to continue." He glances back at his friends one more time. "Let's hope it never comes to that."
"Warriors!" They all looked over at Magath as he shouted to get their attention. "Airships are loaded! Prepare to move out! And Averbach, get ready to transform on my command!"
With a nod, the Warriors get ready to leave. Lazarus continues to stare out at the sea, wondering what'll transpire once they arrive.
"So far everything my visions foretold came true. If Eren's uprising is in play as of now, then the Rumbling isn't far behind. I don't know if us coming early will affect the outcome, but I have to be prepared for whatever comes next."
His mind thinks back to that one singular moment when Pieck revealed Annie's pregnancy to him. If the Rumbling does end up happening it won't just be the lives of his loved ones at risk, but also his child's. A child he hadn't gotten the privilege to meet yet… like his father before him.
"The Curse of Ymir took my father from me before I ever got the chance to meet him, and I barely remember the time I had with my mother. I WON'T let the same fate befall my child!" He clenches his fists tightly and a look of anger dawned on his face. "Ludwig, if you plan on using my baby as an object in your plans for revenge, then both of you will face the full fury of The Winged Titan! This I promise you!" His eyes glowed a bright crimson red as his determination to end his tyranny flared throughout his body like the very flames he'd rain down on them.
The Crystal Titan continued to navigate the almost never-ending labyrinth of tunnels. Michael maintained a firm hold on Annie and Bertolt resting within the bowl of both his hands. He focused his mind on the piece of him inside Gabi and used it to track her movements. Before she was somewhere within the outskirts of Wall Rose. Most notably the village Sasha was born in. But now she was on the move, heading for the interior.
By now the Military Police should be fully aware of their escape and have soldiers out in full force searching for them. Even staying underground didn't guarantee their safety. It would be strange if after all these years they haven't learned of the tunnel system. For all he knows, they could end up running into a trap similar to the one Kenny Ackerman's Anti-Personal Squad set up for him. He would have to defend Annie and Bertolt as neither of them is capable of putting up a fight at this time.
The two Warriors were just sitting in his hands bored. There was nothing to look at but the crystal walls, floor, and ceiling, which got old really fast. Annie turns away from the path ahead, still holding onto the claw-like tip of the Crystal Titan's index finger. She notices Bertolt curled up into a ball again, keeping to himself. She can't help but contemplate what must be on his mind other than what he'd already told her.
"Bertolt…" She spoke slowly, waiting for him to turn his eyes in her direction. "I'm sorry you lost your family the way you did. I can't imagine how you must've felt in that moment."
There was no response from him. He just turns away from her and focuses his gaze on the fast-moving crystal walls to his right. He couldn't bring himself to converse with Annie right now, not after what he'd recently learned about her.
"Bertolt, please talk to me. Like it or not, you, me, and Michael are all in this together. We have to work as one if we're gonna get Gabi and Falco back."
Bertolt scoffed and responded to her statement without turning around to look at her. "You have changed so much, Annie."
Quirking an eyebrow, Annie asks him what he meant by that.
"Back when we were candidates you only looked out for yourself. The only person you could rely on was you. The rest of us were just allies you didn't have any trust in… Ever since we first came to this island you've changed. You're no longer the angry loner you once were." Now was the time for him to turn himself around and properly look her in the eyes. "Why did you change, Annie?"
"You know why. It's because of Lazarus. He helped me realise that I am more than what the Marleyans moulded me to be. Because-
"Because you love him?" Bertolt finished before she could. "Yeah, I know. You wouldn't be carrying his child if you didn't."
Annie momentarily looks down at her stomach before replying. She started to understand what this was all about. "Bertolt, we talked about this. You told me back at Fort Slava that you've accepted our relationship. That you've moved past your feelings for me."
"That was before I found out you were pregnant… I know what I said, and I meant it. But there's a tiny part of me that wished that I was the one who changed you. That I was as fearless and optimistic as Lazarus. I fear I can never compete with someone like him."
"Nobody is asking you to." Annie retorted. "Back in Shiganshina, you've shown everyone that you've changed. You held your own against the Scouts, buying Lazarus enough time to rescue me. You were fearless."
"Yeah, because I thought I was going to die that day." He glares up at Michael. "Then he came along and saved me… I wanted to die a confident Warrior. But instead, I get to live and devolve back into a coward!"
The Crystal Titan suddenly comes to a stop, cutting this conversation short much to Annie's relief. He directs his eyes down towards the two Warriors in his hands. He carefully puts them down before undoing the hardening on the nape, allowing his human body to emerge from it.
Annie and Bertolt look towards the path ahead wondering why they've stopped, only to see they have reached a dead end.
"Are we here?" Bertolt asked, deciding to move on from the previous topic of discussion and putting his focus back on the task at hand.
"No," Michael called down to them as he pulled his arms free from the strands of flesh. "We've still got ten miles left to go, but this is as far as we're going underground. We need to continue from above."
Once freed, Michael climbs down using the crystal shards sticking out of his Titan body as stepping stones until he's safe on the ground. He approaches the dead end and places his hands on the wall. Blue Titan energy seeps out of his hands climbs up the wall and burrows into the ceiling. A ring of energy can be seen before disappearing into the hole being made within. A crystal ladder then forms on the wall underneath the hole.
"Here's our way out. Let's go." He instructed as he started climbing the ladder.
Annie and Bertolt follow and slowly make their way up the crystal steps. The hole continues to expand upwards until it reaches the surface, allowing sunlight to shine through the hole, forcing Michael to shut his eyes and look away.
As he climbs out, he notices they are standing on a small hill under a tree. Standing northwest of his position was the town he tracked Gabi to. It was not as far as he was expecting, but from the looks of the distance, it would still take an hour or two to get there on foot.
Annie pops her head out of the hole next. Michael kneels and extends his hand to her which she accepts. He repeats this with Bertolt, helping him climb out of the hole. After that he wastes no time sealing it up again, trying his hardest to hide any evidence of the entrance he made.
"Gabi and Falco are somewhere in that town." He points them in the direction he's facing.
"That place will be crawling with soldiers. We'll need a disguise." Annie suggested.
"Where are we gonna find some? It's not like some random patrol is gonna come walking by with our exact measurements." Bertolt exclaims.
The three of them all keep a lookout for the aforementioned patrols. But surprisingly there was nobody in the area. Bertolt was secretly hoping there would be after telling a jinx like that, but not this time.
"Nice try, Bertolt. But I don't think that's how karma works… Come on, let's just focus on getting there, then we'll worry about getting past the MPs." Michael responded.
The others nod and follow him down the hill and carefully make their way towards the town without giving away their location.
"Wow! This building's so big!" One of the orphans voiced her amazement.
"I've never seen anything like it!" Another added.
The Braus family have arrived at one of Wall Rose's finest restaurants. The children have been excited about this trip since Mister Braus mentioned it to them. Before the volunteers arrived, it wasn't any different from the many other restaurants spread throughout the three walls. But Niccolo helped it stand out thanks to his exquisite ingenuity in cooking. People from all over the island came on down to try his food, with Sasha being his biggest fan of them all.
Business had been booming since then, it was packed every day. Usually, commoners are unable to afford any of the food items on the new menu, and those that could were unable to find a table and forced to leave. But Niccolo personally invited the Braus's to come on down and cook them a special meal for them and Sasha to celebrate the success of the Liberio Raid.
Gabi and Falco were with them, not like they had a choice. But they didn't come for the food. Gabi plans to get away from them and try and learn where Michael is being kept while Falco decides it isn't worth the risk. They're already in danger just by being here in the open. Soldiers could be stationed within the building, and some might recognise them as the escaped Marleyan prisoners. Gabi could be at risk of execution for bashing that guard's head in with a brick.
While the other kids were all excited for some fine dining, the candidates were constantly looking out for trouble. Something Mister Braus took notice of.
"What's the matter, Mia? You got the jitters?"
"Uh… No, I- I'm fine thanks." She stuttered, still distracted by the fear of being found out.
"All this fancy stuff make you nervous?" The girl with the Southern accent asked.
"I knew you were country kids, but I didn't know it was this bad." One of the boys lightly teased.
"No, I…" She quickly leans over to Kaya and whispers in her ear. "Kaya, is there really a Marleyan prisoner of war working at this place?"
"Yeah, he's here for sure, so get a grip." She whispered back annoyed. "Watch out, cuz soldiers eat here too."
Falco feared she'd say that. Coming here was a huge gamble. But he knows this won't stop Gabi from at least trying to get in contact with the Marleyan and hopefully through him, learn Michael's location. That is if he even knows at all.
"Even if this prisoner can help us get out it'll be good to know." He whispered, letting Gabi know he was with her even if he had a bad feeling.
Eventually, the Braus Family were invited into the dining hall by Niccolo himself who welcomed them in with a warm smile. "Mister Braus, I am glad you were able to come."
"So am I. Thanks for the invitation." He replied with a warm smile and a wave of his hand. He, his wife, and the kids take a good look around the room, admiring the large, neatly set table to their right.
Niccolo was surprised to see so many kids with them. Since he was kind enough to cook for them free of charge, they figured why not bring the whole family. He did spot Gabi and Falco in the corner but didn't recognise them as Warrior Candidates. He was only a chef after all. To him, they were just two additions to Sasha's family.
"Huh, Sasha's not here yet? Would've thought she'd be the first one sittin' at the table, hehe."
"That's what I thought too." Niccolo chuckled. "She'll be here shortly. She and her squad were escorting the captured Warriors to the underground prison in Wall Sina."
Gabi's ears perked up in response to what Niccolo just told them. He does know where they're being held. At first, they weren't sure, but now that they knew they had to find a way to get him alone so she could get him to give them directions.
The family make their way over to the table and take their seats while Kaya, Gabi, and Falco hang back.
"That chef, named Niccolo, is the Marleyan who invited us here. See if he can help you." Kaya whispered to them as they watched Niccolo politely pull out the chair for Mister Braus.
"Why was someone like Mister Braus invited here anyway? I mean he's not a soldier." Gabi wondered.
"Because Sasha and Niccolo became close friends since he arrived. She loved his cooking, so he decided to cook a special meal for her and her family… I overheard him and Sasha talking one time. He told her he loved her."
Gabi and Falco turn to Kaya with a look of surprise and confusion. "B- But you said she was in love with Michael!" Gabi reminded her.
"I never said she accepted his feelings… Sasha told him she only had one true love, and it was his food. They both laughed it off and that's when he decided to arrange this get-together." She explained.
That was an obvious lie if Gabi ever heard one. She recalled the brief moments when Michael would talk about her. He too made jokes about how this Sasha Braus only loved food and nothing, or nobody, else. But she knew that was all talk. It was obvious she turned Niccolo down because she still harboured feelings for Michael despite being a traitor to Paradis. She wondered what she looked like. Part of her is almost afraid to find out when she arrives.
They join the others at the table and dig into the starter meal. Falco's tastebuds erupted with delight the moment the first bite landed on his tongue. It was the most delicious meal he'd ever had in his whole life. And that was only the first serving. Niccolo wondered how he'd fair when he'd finished the main course.
Things were going well so far, until the sous-chef, Griez, walked in carrying some dishes, letting Niccolo know that the members of the Scout Regiment had arrived. He casually walks out of the kitchen to meet them. He notices Sasha standing among them and gives her a light-hearted wave. Sasha awkwardly waves back unable to look him in the eye. It would seem that the awkwardness between them the day he confessed still hadn't fully dissipated yet.
"Hello there. Sorry, but I'm in the middle of preparing a main course for the Braus'."
Sasha's eyes widen in shock, suddenly remembering she was supposed to join them today. Damn! I completely forgot!" She looks over at Hange who notices a pleading look on her face, like she's begging her to give the word to join them.
"You can go join them, but don't take too long. Don't forget we're on business." Hange sighed.
"Yes! Uh, I mean, thank you, sir. Uh, ma'am!" Hoping to avoid the awkwardness of the situation before it escalates further, Sasha races past Niccolo and bursts through the doors to the private dining hall.
Everyone stood in silence for a moment before getting back to the topic at hand. Onyankopon tells Niccolo that the Scouts are investigating their detainment, hoping he can help them.
Niccolo escorts them into the main dining area of the restaurant and asks them to wait until he's finished serving the Brauses. Jean picks up a bottle of Marleyan wine and examines it from top to bottom. He'd heard everyone from all over talking about it, that it's so rare and nice that it's only served to high-ranking officers of the military. He and Connie feel the desire to take a sip from it, thinking they deserve it for all they've done in Liberio.
But Niccolo quickly snatched it out of his hands, telling him that it was too precious to waste on Eldians. This – to no one's surprise – pisses Jean off. By now he should've long stopped spouting that nonsense, but apparently, all Marleyans are still the same. Too proud to view Eldians as human beings.
He quickly makes his exit out of fear of getting punched in the face. It pained him to say those things, but he couldn't let them drink this particular brand of wine.
Moments before the Scouts arrived, the escaped members of the Omega Unit soon reached the restaurant. They travelled in shadow, using trees, bushes, and anything else they could find as cover to stay out of sight. Michael raises his hand, halting their approach behind some bushes just in front of the building. He can sense Gabi inside. She appeared to be heading downstairs below the floor.
"Gabi's here alright. This building must have a basement. You guys…" He attempted to telepathically order Bertolt and Annie to stay hidden while he found a way inside, only to remind himself that telepathic communication only works when Lazarus is nearby, and it was a one-way between him and whoever ingested his spinal fluid.
"They're in there." He whispered to them.
Annie checks her surroundings "Get down!"
Bertolt was about to ask what's up, only to be shushed by the small blonde with her index finger resting on his lips. She points the boys in the direction of horses approaching the restaurant. They were shocked to see the Scout Regiment arriving with a dark-skinned man whom neither of them had seen before. Michael assumed he was one of Zeke and Yelena's followers.
"Shit." He quietly muttered to himself. "If they're here then they must be looking for us."
"But how could they have known we'd be coming here? Nobody should've been able to track us in the tunnels." Bertolt assumed.
"They don't seem to be on high alert. Maybe they don't know we're here." Annie pointed out. "They're probably here on some other urgent business."
"Maybe. But just to be safe I think I should go in alone. You two hang back here and stay hidden." Michael suggested as he was about to step out of the bushes, only to be stopped by Annie grabbing his arm and pulling him back down into a crouching position.
"Are you insane?! That place will be swarming with soldiers! They'll spot you the moment you come within range of the place."
"You think I don't know that? That's exactly why I should go alone! If I get caught you two can get away."
"They'll kill you!" Bertolt warned.
"No. They still need me alive for Mikasa to receive my Titan. They can't afford to kill me, and you know it."
"The same is said for us as well," Annie added.
"Maybe. But between the three of us, I'd rather be the one at risk. You're carrying Lazarus's child. And we can't lose The Colossal Titan… Just stay hidden, I'll sneak in, grab the kids, and get out before they even notice."
"Fine." Annie eventually gave in. "You better not get caught."
"If I do, you run!" That was his final piece of advice before he quickly ran out of the bushes and dashed for the left side of the building. He immediately gets behind the wall, pressing his back against it and swiftly checking his left and right sides for anyone. To his right, he spots a trap door that leads down to the basement where Gabi is.
Keeping to the shadows, Michael stealthily shimmies across the wall until he reaches it. Once he got close enough his ears picked up the distant, muffled sounds of voices coming from within. He places his left ear on the door and closes his eyes, focusing on his hearing. He recognised two of the voices as the missing candidates, but the third was one he'd never heard before. Whoever it was they didn't sound hostile, at least for now. If only he could understand what they're saying.
Michael gulped as he ever so slightly opened one of the doors and peered down into the basement. As it turns out, it was a wine cellar, full of barrels and shelves housing various bottles of vintage wine. He spots Gabi and Falco talking with Niccolo though he's unable to get a proper look from the angle he was peeking from.
"…I'm sorry, but I can't help you."
"Please, Niccolo. You have to tell us where Michael, Annie, and Bertolt are being held." Falco pleaded.
"They were looking for us. More importantly, they somehow managed to escape their cells. How did they accomplish that?" Michael thought to himself.
"Do you realise how dangerous it is for you two to be here? The Scouts are waiting in the main dining room. If they see you, you're dead! Killing that Garrison soldier has only confirmed that you two are armed and dangerous. They won't hesitate to gun you down." Niccolo warned them.
Michael was slightly put off guard by that remark. Even more so when Niccolo went into the details of how she killed him. He'd hoped that it wasn't intentional when she caved that soldier's face in and only meant to knock him out or something.
Niccolo sighs and turns his attention away from the candidates and towards the bottle of wine he snatched away from Jean earlier. "Look, I don't wanna get you kids killed, neither do I wish to help you. Just go back upstairs and rejoin the others. I won't say anything to them. Just act like everything is normal. Then the first chance you get, leave this place and get as far away from the town as you can. Got it?"
Gabi was angered by his response. How could he not help them in their hour of need? Their predecessors/friends are about to be fed to Pure Titans and he doesn't even care. If it weren't for Falco speaking for them both and dragging her back upstairs, she'd have demanded a proper answer from him.
Niccolo soon follows behind them, escorting them back to the private room, leaving the cellar empty. The perfect opportunity for Michael to sneak in, closing the hatch door behind him. Though now his rescue mission had become much more difficult. Had he gone in moments ago Niccolo might've warned the Scouts upstairs, resulting in his and the others' capture. He made the right call hanging back. But how can he get to Gabi and Falco without anyone noticing?
Back upstairs Niccolo was bringing the candidates back to the private dining room. As they entered, they saw that Sasha was in the middle of telling her family about how the Liberio Raid went down, going on about how she'd used her expert marksmanship to take out one of the Panzer Unit members from within one of the Cart Titan's turrets. The kids were all awed in amazement.
Gabi's eyes widen with shock. She recognised this woman. It was the same one who gunned down those two Marleyan soldiers who guarded the entrance to Liberio. The one she almost shot down aboard their airship had Michael not intervened.
Hearing the doors opening, Sasha turns towards them as she talks, only to be silenced when she sees Gabi and Falco. She too recognised her, both as the one who shot Leon and the prisoners she was tasked to find. The two brunettes just shockingly gazed at each other with their mouths hanging open.
"IT'S YOU!" Both of them simultaneously shouted aloud whilst pointing their fingers at each other.
"Sasha, what's going on here? You know these young'uns?" Her father asked, confused by her reaction.
"She's the girl who almost shot me! That boy was there with her… Wait, how do you know them?" She asked, finally taking her eyes off of Gabi.
"This is Sasha?!" Gabi internally shouted in disbelief. It was all starting to make sense to her now why Michael stopped her from shooting her. He was protecting the so-called girl he had feelings for all this time.
The Brauses all look over at Gabi with shock over learning that she was not at all what she claimed to be. All this time they've had a pair of Marleyan Warrior Candidates under their roof, and they had no idea. Even Kaya was shocked to learn that Gabi almost came close to killing her big sister figure. The fact that she failed didn't change how hurt she felt. Even if she missed the intention was there. And by the anger flaring up on her face, she looked like she was about to try again.
Without thinking, Gabi charge tackles Sasha and manages to knock her into a shelf of plates, causing it to open and drop its contents atop her head. One of the broken shards managed to slice the side of her left cheek, leaving a gash that was inches from her eye. She was lucky it didn't hit it directly.
The loud thud of the cabinet and its plates falling over did not go unnoticed by the members of the Scout Regiment sitting patiently in the other room. Michael was also able to pick it up from the cellar and knew immediately that something was wrong.
"Shit! Gabi!" Like his chosen successor, he too charges up the stairs without fear of getting caught. Those thoughts ceased to be in his mind as all he was focused on was protecting the kids.
As he pushed the cellar door open to the right, Jean was running down the hallway on his left. Neither of them saw the other coming and ended up running into each other and falling to the floor hard.
"Ow!" They both uttered as they rubbed their foreheads. They both quickly noticed each other, and time seemed to stop from both their perspectives. Neither of them expected to see the other again, especially like this. They continued to sit there in silence, waiting to see which of them would make the first daring move.
As fortune would have it, Michael moved first. As he got up Jean attempted to shout back to the others, alerting them to Michael's position. But the young Suurvalta managed to land an unexpected right hook across his face, causing Jean to stumble backwards and fall down the stairs into the cellar. Michael quickly shuts the door and locks it with the key that was left in the lock.
"Sorry, Jean." He then quickly sprints for the private dining area and catches Gabi on top of Sasha ready to punch her. "GABI!"
Gabi froze as she was about to thrust her right arm into the side of her face. She gets off her and turns around to see Michael standing in front of her and he is not happy.
"Michael! You've escaped! We came to save-"
"Get away from her, Gabi." Michael calmly addressed her in a scary, authoritative tone.
Gabi's smile disappeared once she noticed how serious Michael was looking at her. She felt a cold shiver running up her spine. It's as if she was being scolded by her father for misbehaving but somehow much worse.
"Now!" Michael raised his voice slightly, scaring her into doing as he'd told. She slowly backs away from Sasha, allowing her to get up. She feels the cut on her face and shudders in response to seeing the blood on the tip of her fingers.
Her family continued to stay back and watch this interaction play out in silence. Mister Braus wasn't sure how to handle the situation. He hadn't seen Michael in four years, not since he saved Sasha and Kaya from a Titan. Back at their home, he described him as half a man. But looking at him now, he can tell he'd become whole.
Turning his attention to Sasha, Michael asks if she's alright, prioritising her well-being over everything else to Gabi's surprise. Thankfully the cut wasn't too deep so it could be healed with time and not leave any permanent scarring like the one under Mikasa's right eye she got from Eren.
That was all he could bring himself to say to her at this time. He had so much else he wanted to get off his chest with her about, but now wasn't the time nor the place. Not in front of her family and the kids. He returns his attention to Gabi and Falco who look up at him with worry.
Gabi was expecting a slap or a brutal shouting coming from him given how pissed he looked when he first came in. But to their surprise, Michael pulls them into a warm embrace and cups the back of their heads in his hands.
"Michael… I'm confused. I thought you were angry with us." Gabi uttered in his ear.
"Oh, I'm angry alright. But I'm also glad you're safe." He lets go so that he can properly look at her and give her that telling off she was afraid of. "What the hell were you thinking?! Smashing a guard's head in with a brick?! I thought you were well past Marley's brainwashing! I thought we taught you better than that!"
"I- I didn't mean to kill him! All I meant to do was knock him unconscious with it… but I underestimated my strength. I thought I was holding back but I wasn't." She bashfully answered, her eyes looking down to her feet, too afraid to meet his gaze.
Michael's look of anger was soon replaced with one of concern. What happened may've been his fault, he thought. Gabi's increase in strength may've been a side effect of the partial Titan transfer. It would explain how she was able to tackle Sasha, a woman twice her size, into the cabinet.
Michael sighs as he stands back on his feet again. If his hypothesis is true, then he can't completely hold it against her. Still, he was relieved she hadn't reverted to her old, brainwashed Marleyan self.
"The guard I can understand. But I will not condone this! You shouldn't have attacked Sasha like that! And in front of her family too! What did I tell you about letting your anger get the better of you?!"
Sasha was taken aback at how Michael was defending her despite the things she'd done to him in Liberio.
"But she's one of them!" Gabi spoke up, attempting to justify her actions. "She betrayed you! She professed her love to you knowing you'd drop your guard! She's the reason Eren has eaten the War Hammer! She probably never loved you to begin with! As your successor, it is my duty to eliminate all threats to you before my time comes!"
"No! Your duty is to stay alive and be prepared to inherit my Titan should anything happen to me, and that's all! Who the hell told you to start getting revenge on my behalf because it sure as shit wasn't me!"
As the two of them were talking, Sasha was left dumbfounded by what just happened. Her eyes shifted back and forth between Michael, Gabi, Niccolo, and her parents.
"What the hell is going on?! I was coming in hoping to have a nice, delicious meal with my family. Only to run into that girl who almost shot me! Then they attacked me! Then Michael shows up to defend me only to follow it up with tell her off! Also, she's Michael's successor?! What. The. Hell. Is. Going. On!"
She wasn't alone on this. Niccolo stood there and trembled with fright over seeing Sasha being hurt like that. Seeing the cut on her face triggered an uncontrollable rage that had been building up within him the moment Gabi laid a finger on the girl who meant everything to him.
"…Listen. I'm not happy with what she did either." He briefly glances at Sasha as he says this. "But nothing she says or does will ever make me think about getting payback. Sasha is, and always will be, my friend. Even if we're fated to be enemies till the day we die."
"Even if she's with Eren?" She curiously asked.
Michael paused, unsure of how he should answer that. Hell, he's not sure if he can answer it at all. He hates the thought of Sasha potentially being on board with Eren's wishes to wipe out humanity with the Rumbling or Ludwig's desire to create more Winged Titans like Lazarus. It was evident that she'd changed in the last four years. They both have in a way. But there was no denying his feelings for her were still strong and genuine. However the question of whether she still feels the same is left up for debate.
Before Michael could voice his answer, Niccolo, in a fit of rage, raises the bottle high, ready to smash it over Gabi's head.
"GABI, WATCH OUT!" But Falco winds up pushing her to the side and taking the full force of the swing. The bottle smashes over his head, knocking him unconscious. The red wine splashes all over the place with most of it staining his hair red. It trickled down his face and onto his jacket. Some of it even managed to get into his mouth.
"Falco!" Gabi quickly rushes to his side and checks his head for any signs of skull fracture.
"Niccolo, what have you done?!" Mister Braus finally spoke after staying silent all this time.
Sasha quickly gets up and smacks the broken bottle out of his hand, disarming him.
"Sasha, I-
Niccolo is then grabbed by the enraged Michael who grabs him by his shirt collar and forces him against the wall. A serrated crystal dagger manifests in his hand. Michael raises it to his neck.
"Michael, don't!" Sasha pleaded, worried he was gonna slit his throat.
"I don't know who you are, but if you ever lay a hand on those kids again, I will gut you! Understand?!"
"Drop the knife, Michael!"
Everyone turns to the entrance and sees Hange and the others standing there with their rifles aimed at Michael. Including Jean who managed to escape the wine cellar.
As if he needed convincing, Michael lowers the knife and lets go of Niccolo. He walks over to Gabi's side and checks Falco's neck to see if there is a pulse.
"He's not moving! Is he…
"He's alive," Michael assured her. "It doesn't look like there's any serious injury to his skull. But until he wakes up, we won't know if there's any damage to the brain.
Jean and Connie quickly move in and apprehend Michael, dragging him away from the candidates. They then force him onto his knees. Jean then punches him in the face as payback for the one he received from him moments ago.
Hange then approaches him and looks down at him. "This is the second time I've seen you on your knees beaten up defending these kids. You must really care about them, huh?"
Michael's head shoots up and he gives Hange a death glare, fearing what she may be implying with that tone.
"Before you say anything, no. No harm will come to them. We only came here looking for you and we got what we came for… Though Annie and Bertolt are still missing. I'm guessing you know where they are but won't tell us?"
"They're not here. I came on my own. I told them to go in the opposite direction while I looked for the children. Do you think I'm stupid enough to bring them with me knowing there was a high chance we'd be captured or killed together?" He rhetorically asked.
"If there's one thing I know about you, Michael, it's that you're anything but stupid." Hange glances over at Gabi who continues holding Falco in her arms. "… As admirable as it was saving those kids, it doesn't change your fate."
"I know." Was all he could muster.
Jean and Connie continue to hold Michael in place as Mikasa examines Gabi for any wounds. However, she pulls away from her hand, refusing to accept help from the woman who wishes to steal her mentor's powers.
Sasha apologises to her family for being forced to watch all that. This wasn't at all how she wanted the evening out to go. She'd give anything to turn back the clock and make it so it never turned out this way.
But her father was more concerned with Gabi and Falco's wellbeing. Despite learning what she is, he chose not to view her differently. He raised Sasha to be self-sufficient. Taught her how to use a bow when she was very young and before long, she grew old enough to hunt for food in their forest. It was their way of life and he refused to give it up. But after Wall Maria fell, he knew they'd have to change with the tides or die with the old ways. That was why he sent Sasha to join civilisation.
Gabi was no different to her in his eyes. She too was forced to grow up fast and learn how to survive. The world she comes from is no different to the forest he raised his family in. Though hers was much bigger, the same rules of kill or be killed still applied. Michael ended up trading the forest he came from for a smaller one in the hopes of an easier life. Only to end up becoming half the man he was meant to be. Sasha was the one who guided him out of that forest, never knowing that it would cost him his old life as her fellow hunter.
Looking over at Michael, he can see how desperate he was to get those children out of their forest, fearing if they wandered in it for too long, they'd lose themselves just as he almost did.
When it comes to shouldering the sins of the past, that burden should fall to adults like him and Niccolo. No child should ever be cursed to live with such a burden.
After some time has passed and things have calmed down, Niccolo finally manages to come back to his senses and realise the gravitas of what he's done. He can't even comprehend what went over him at the moment. He just… lost it. He didn't even think when he raised the wine bottle in his hands and swung it at the young boy's head. Whatever it was, he could only pray it doesn't happen again. He gazes over at the table. The meal he prepared must've gotten cold by now. No way they can eat it.
"Hange, you should rinse that kid's mouth out with water. Some of the wine got into it."
Hange and Michael look at him with confusion. Why should they be concerned with a few drops of wine getting into his mouth? Michael could feel the cogs in his brain slowly turning as he slowly pieced together where Niccolo was getting at.
"Although, it's probably too late." He uttered in defeat and guilt.
"Why do you say that?" Now Hange was starting to worry. She glances down at the broken bottle and recognises it as the same wine he desperately tried to keep away from Jean. "… What's in the wine?"
Michael's eyes slowly widen. A sense of deja vu overwhelmed him. This wasn't the first time he'd heard of wine being used for some nefarious purpose. He recalled seeing a situation like this before. Back when he and Lazarus explored Dante and Lydia's past.
"My god, is he saying…"
"I think… It's Zeke's spinal fluid."
To Be Continued