Attack On Titan: Wings Of Crystal
Chapter 72: Above and Below
Everyone was in shock over the discovery of Zeke's spinal fluid being in the wine. Hange and Onyankopon relentlessly poured water into Falco's mouth to wash it out. Even though Niccolo said it may be too late, there's still a slim possibility that he could be saved.
Intent on getting some answers from Niccolo, Jean unconsciously lets go of Michael, grabs the Marleyan chef and pushes him against the wall, demanding to know why Zeke's spinal fluid is in the wine.
He wasn't 100% sure if it was. All he did know was that the first survey fleet was filled to the brim with it, leaving him to wonder why they would need so much alcohol on a scouting mission. Just when he was settling in at his new job as a cook, he received orders to serve that wine to high-ranking military officers.
Michael listens carefully to his explanation. It was just as he'd suspected. This ploy was another execution of "Operation Grapevine." Lazarus's parents were the ones who invented this military tactic. It was how Marley managed to conquer the nation of Britannia.
"Who ordered this?!" Jean shouted as he pushed him harder against the wall.
Niccolo turns away from his gaze and answers slowly. "… It was Yelena. As far as I know, she's the only one who was in on it. I can't speak for the other volunteers."
Hange then shoots a glare over at Onyankopon, but the dark-skinned man swore that he did not know of this.
"This doesn't make sense though. When Zeke's spinal fluid is ingested by an Eldian they're supposed to freeze up." Connie pointed out.
"That's what he wanted you to think." Everyone looks over at Michael who is still restrained by Connie, though he wasn't doing a good enough job holding him still.
"He's not the only one who can utilise such an ability. Lazarus can too. As The Winged Titan, he can disperse his spinal fluid into his Titan skin and shed it like a how moth sheds its scales. Once shed, it disintegrates into dust particles. Any Titans that breathe it can be controlled by him. And any Eldians who breathe it can be turned into Titans with a scream. The whole freezing up thing is all a lie he made up to hide his true intentions. A small lie, but it had an enormous effect. Think about it. Did any of you ever see proof of his claims?"
Hange pauses. As much as it hurts to admit it, he was right. Nobody had ever seen actual evidence of people freezing up when ingesting his spinal fluid in any form. They have seen Lazarus employ the same tactic with Pure Titans though they never saw him use it on people. She now can't help but wonder, why didn't Lazarus distribute his spinal fluid during the Battle of Shiganshina. He could've turned all of them into Pure Titans and commanded them to give up Eren if he wanted to. They could've lost the moment he arrived. The fact that he didn't either meant he didn't think of the idea at the time… Or he didn't want to accomplish his mission that way.
"And how is it you know this? I bet you're a part of this too!" Jean accused Michael.
"I don't think so." Hange ironically defended him. "He looked just as shocked as we were. Remember that Zeke betrayed them first. I see no reason why he'd support this."
"Thank you, Hange," Michael replied sincerely. "I know because this wasn't the first time this happened. In the past, spinal fluid wine had been used to tremendous effect. One of the past Warrior Units used this tactic to turn the higher-ups of an enemy nation into Pure Titans, making them easier to conquer. They called it Operation Grapevine."
Despite his predicament, they all listened closely to Michael's explanation. He purposely left out that it was Lazarus's parents who came up with the idea as well as how he obtained this knowledge. The last thing he needs is for them to know about The Paths and risk his personal goal of returning there soon.
"Zeke must've found out about it and had Yelena carry it out here. My guess is the Yeagerists know about this and are using it to seize control of your military. Why else would they make sure only the high-ranking officers are infected?" He looks up at Hange. "I may still be a traitor, but I think we all know who the bigger enemy here is, and I'm not just talking about Zeke and Yelena."
Suddenly, Hange recalls a specific moment between Dot Pyxis and Ludwig Oppenheimer. It was when they returned to Paradis after the successful attack on Marley. At the time she saw it as a friendly exchange of words as they clinked their wine glasses together. Her eyes widened when she realised, they were drinking the tainted wine. Ludwig was Marleyan so it did not affect him. She assumed it was safe.
"How do you like the wine?" He asked the commander.
"Mmm, it is exquisite. What is it?"
"None other than Marley's rarest, fine wine. Please, feel free to drink as much as you like. You deserve it." Ludwig responded, a faint sinister smile forming on his face.
She had no idea. From the first time they met, she didn't trust Ludwig because of his Marleyan heritage. Yet somehow, over time, she started warming up to him, trusting him. Even went so far as to view him as a mentor figure, sharing her secrets with him. She should've known better. Levi tried to warn her, but she didn't listen. How could she be so foolish?
The room fell silent with only the vague sounds of people breathing and muttering. But all that was overshadowed by a sudden loud bang coming from the entrance. The bang was followed by footsteps that grew louder and louder. But it wasn't the footsteps that caught their attention, but the added noise of something tapping along the floor.
Michael and Hange were the first to figure out what it was. It was the sound of a cane tapping the floor. And there was only one person they knew who carried a cane.
Stepping into view, Ludwig Oppenheimer made his presence known to the group dressed in his trench coat and fedora. He looks over everyone in the room one by one until he finishes with Michael.
"Michael. I'd say it's a surprise to see you here, but that would be a lie. Eren foresaw you'd be here trying to rescue those children. You're too predictable." He then slams his cane down on the wooden floor twice.
That was the signal for the Yeagerists to storm the place and surround them. They forced everyone on their knees, even the Braus family, pointing their rifles at their heads. Floch then walks in and whispers something in Ludwig's ear.
"Excellent. Tell them not to touch them until I get back."
"Yes sir." Floch then leaves and heads down the hallway to the right instead of leaving through the front door to the left. What was he talking about? Michael wondered. However, it didn't take long to put two and two together.
"What have you done with Annie and Bertolt?!" He shouted.
"Don't fret, Michael. They're not dead… yet. They're being escorted to my lab in Shiganshina. There is where we will begin the transfer."
"What? I thought we had an agreement on who gets which Titan!" Jean stated.
"The decision was never down to any of your military. It was always going to be Eren who'd have the final say." He looks at Mikasa. "Just as he's decided you will be inheriting The Crystal Titan."
"No!" Gabi attempted to charge tackle Ludwig the same way she did Sasha, only to get smacked in the side of the head by the butt end of a Yeagerist's rifle.
Michael was very close to exacting his rage on that Yeagerist but was overpowered by the sheer number of soldiers pinning him to the floor. It took three of them just to overcome his Titan strength.
"Quite the feisty fighter, aren't you?" Ludwig mocked. He soon realises that Hange is among those who are on their knees right now. "It pains me to see you in this predicament, Hange. I was secretly hoping you would join me in my mission."
Hange just angrily glares at him. The image of him serving Pyxis the poisoned wine played over and over again in her mind which increased her anger.
"… Explain your actions."
"My actions?" Ludwig raised an eyebrow.
"For feeding the military tainted wine!" She angrily clarified.
"Oh that… I'm surprised you managed to figure it out. But I knew you would sooner or later. If you hadn't it would've meant I grossly overestimated your intelligence."
"You bastard!" She venomously growled.
"I understand your anger." Ludwig began walking around the room, circling the prisoners as he spoke. "What we're doing may look treacherous, but I am fulfilling my promise to your people. Remember? I said I would give you more Winged Titans and that's what I intend to do."
"By turning people into Pure Titans?!" Michael blurted out. "What about Annie and Bertolt?!"
"Hoover will be fed to the prisoner you've kept locked away in the lower levels of the Shiganshina labs. As for Leonhart… Well, we can't exactly feed her to a Titan with that baby still inside her."
Everyone gasped in response to what they just heard, even Mikasa. Annie pregnant? How could that be?
"How can she be pregnant when she's a loner?" Sasha asked in a dumbfounded manner.
"Have you forgotten? She and Lazarus are a thing." Connie reminded her, amazed at how she could've forgotten something so obvious.
"Whoa whoa whoa! Lazarus is the father?!" Jean stated in disbelief.
"He won't be for long. Once I've returned to the lab, I will cut her stomach open and extract the unborn embryo. It'll act as the genetic template I need to produce more False Founder Serum… Soon you will have what you've always wanted. A whole army of Winged Titans." He spoke without a shred of remorse in his words.
The others could not believe what they were hearing. How could someone be so heartless to experiment on an early-stage fetus? Even if it was the spawn of Lazarus that doesn't mean it deserved to undergo the same horrific torture he'd gone through. The orphan children with the Braus's were suddenly terrified of this man. Just being in his presence was enough for their small bodies to tremble.
Ludwig was confused as to why they were looking at him in such a disgusted manner. This was for their benefit. They'd get what he promised them and decimate their greatest enemy at the same time. They should be pleased. Why show sympathy for the offspring of the man who started the whole conflict?
"You're sick! Fucked in the head!" Michael angrily declared.
Ludwig slowly turns to him with an eerie, sinister smile on his face. He slowly raises his index finger to his mouth and shushes him. "Try not to swear in front of the children. This is a family restaurant."
Floch re-enters the room as Ludwig is getting to the point of them being here.
"Now then, getting back on topic. Michael isn't the only reason we're here. We came knowing you'd arrive here sooner or later." He nods over at Floch. He responds by pulling out his pistol and aiming it at Hange. "If anyone can tell us where Zeke is, it's you. You're gonna give up his location and come quietly, or else we'll have to go with Plan B."
"Don't forget this is Eren's call, not yours." Floch reminded him.
"Speaking of whom, what did he say?"
"He wishes to see Mikasa and Michael in the next room."
"Eren's here?!" Mikasa piped up.
Ignoring her question, Ludwig ordered the Yeagerists who were pinning Michael to escort him to Eren while Mikasa was allowed to go willingly.
"Oh, take the girl too. If Michael tries anything, shoot her." Floch instructed his fellow Yeagerists who followed through with the order and practically dragged Gabi across the carpet kicking and screaming all the way.
In the next room, she, Michael and Mikasa were soon brought face to face with the tyrant himself, Eren Yeager. He was just casually sitting at the table in the middle of the room with a dull, blank expression on his face. Even when he saw Michael his expression didn't change, though the look in his eyes gave him the impression that he was very, VERY pissed to see him again.
Michael just gazed up at him with the same level of rage he directed at Ludwig moments ago. It was obvious he knew about Annie's child as well and was using it as the perfect opportunity to exact his revenge on Lazarus.
Had it not been for the cut on Erens hand, Michael would've speared him with a crystal spike. He could end him right now and avoid the outcome of The Rumbling altogether. But he can't. Not only will he put Gabi's life at risk but also cause The Founding Titan to be lost to them for a very long time. And he needed Lazarus to inherit it to carry out his secret plan. One that can only be accomplished in The Paths.
"Eren… It's been quite a while since we've last seen each other as human beings." Michael started, ending the intense, creepy silence. "What do you plan to do with me?"
Eren doesn't respond and slowly directs his attention towards Gabi. Her whole body froze with fear under the intensity of his gaze. It was like she was looking the devil straight in the eyes and was too scared to blink.
"Take a seat. We've got a lot to talk about." He finally spoke.
Mikasa was the first to sit down, taking the seat across from Eren. Michael sits in the chair closest to the door and Gabi sits across from him. Her hands were shaking uncontrollably. Before she vowed to kill Eren, but now that she's in his presence, all she could feel was fear. She couldn't find the strength to even look at him. The only places she could look were at her own hands and the very worried Michael in front of her.
Michael couldn't understand why he and Gabi had to be involved in this meeting. Mikasa was his closest friend so it made sense why she'd be here, but he was his enemy. The only logical explanation was that it had something to do with The Crystal Titan. And Gabi is here to ensure he gives into whatever demands he may have.
The silence continued for a bit. The only sound that could be heard was the ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner. Blood continued to drip from the wound in Eren's palm and onto the white tablecloth, staining it red. Gabi was too scared to speak, Mikasa wasn't sure what to say, and Michael was carefully thinking through what to say out of fear of pissing him off and triggering his transformation.
"I just wanna talk. More conflict isn't necessary to solve Eldia's problems. Hange and the others will be fine, we're just relocating them." He glances over at Michael. The last time he'd seen him face to face in their actual bodies was the day they discovered Lazarus, Reiner, and Bertolt's true selves. The day Michael Smith was killed and replaced by the Marleyan citizen, Michael Suurvalta. He hardly recognised him anymore. And that goes double for how Michael views him.
"I know what you are," Michael replied. "And I know what you will become… Is this really what you wanted? To let Ludwig use Lazarus's baby as a research experiment?! You must really hate him if you're willing to go that far to get revenge… You know what that makes you, Eren? It makes you an unsympathetic, irredeemable monster, even among devils!"
"You've got some nerve calling him unsympathetic when it was your decision to throw everything you've had with us away for the memories of a life you didn't know existed!" Mikasa scornfully replied. "You chose to become our enemy! Eren had been manipulated!"
Michael scoffed at Mikasa's attempt to defend his actions in Liberio. She had grown so blind, it was almost pitiful.
"You are blind, Mikasa! Blind! You don't even realise what he's doing to you… If you inherit my Titan, you'll only end up becoming his obedient slave with no mind of your own. Free to use how he sees fit, before throwing you away like yesterday's garbage!"
That did it. Mikasa stood up from her chair and was ready to throw down with Michael right here and now.
"I told you to sit down, Mikasa!" Eren raised his voice slightly, startling her. With a nervous gulp, Mikasa does as she's told and gently sits back down.
"… I'm free." He then uttered. They both glance over at him. "Everything single thing that I've done, I have decided to do. My actions are governed by nothing but my own free will."
Michael briefly looks at Mikasa, giving her an "I told you so" look. But in case she didn't get the memo, he pressed him for more clarification.
"So back in Liberio when we fought. The way you used my body as a battering ram, reducing all those innocent lives to blood splatter, you're saying that was all you?"
"Yes."
"No way! You're being manipulated!" Mikasa intervened, refusing to believe Michael was telling the truth. "The Eren I know would never involve civilians and children in a war even if they were enemies. And you wouldn't use me either. You said it yourself when Armin died that I'm all you have left to care about. Right?"
Eren just stared at her with empty, uncaring eyes. Not even bothering to relieve her insecurities. She can't accept Eren for the monster Michael accused him of. He rescued her from those kidnappers in the cabin and wrapped his scarf around her neck. What kind of monster would do something like that? She thought.
But Michael knew exactly what he was. He shares the blame for what Eren has become, but he can't allow him to continue with this evil, nor let Ludwig fulfil whatever sick plan he has.
"A while back I spoke with Ludwig in Shiganshina. Learned a lot of things from him. Honestly, it seems like he knows even more about how Titans work than Zeke or Marley does. He told me everything I needed to know about The Crystal and Winged Titans… Michael, what is it that you are trying to accomplish here? Did you really join their side because of your past friendship with Lazarus?"
Michael was slightly taken aback by his question. Just what was he getting at?
"That day when we were captured by them, you were promised to get back the memories you lost. When you got them you could've turned against them and come back. Told us everything you knew about Marley. But instead, you chose to become our enemy. Back then I couldn't understand it, but now I do. And it had nothing to do with Lazarus… The truth is you have no allegiance to anyone but yourself. Even the Warriors are nothing to you. You're using them just like you've used us. You have a hidden motive behind everything you do. Everyone else is just a means to an end… You are so much like Noah."
Hearing his grandfather's name coming out of Eren's mouth triggered a hate-filled response from the former Scout. "You have no right to say his name! You know nothing about me!"
"Exactly. No one knows anything about the real you… Not even Lazarus. I was wrong before. You're nothing like your grandfather… You're more like Joseph."
Michael tightens his grip on the edge of the table, trying hard not to just get up, harden his fists, and smash in Eren's manipulative face. Mikasa took notice of this and was ready to attack, practically daring him to try anything.
"You're no different from him." Eren suddenly addressed Mikasa, catching her off guard. "Both of you are descendants of Joseph Ackerman, the first Crystal Titan. A man designed to be the perfect protector of Eldia's king. Before his death, the king made sure that all of his descendants would continue serving Eldia and The Founding Titan without question. All Ackermans carry his instinctive knowledge and training as a warrior. Your Ackerman instincts were dormant until, in that life-or-death situation, you heard me order you to fight."
Mikasa's eyes widen, thinking back to that moment when she was a little girl. When she was held captive by those men who murdered her parents. She was a scared, innocent child back then. Nothing at all like the ruthless woman she is now. All that changed when she felt an intense urge to stab the last guy in the back with the discarded knife. Until now she hadn't known that this was the will of Joseph that she felt flowing through her. The desire to kill all her enemies.
"The strength and certainty you felt in that moment were awakened because your blood mistook me for the hosts you were made to protect. That power surge you felt was nothing more than a fraction of The Crystal Titan's power. That is what gave you your strength."
"N- No… It can't be." She muttered under her breath.
"It can't? Why not?"
"It… wasn't a mistake. It's because it was you. It had to be you! You're why I became strong. How can that be a mistake?!"
"As an Ackerman with awakened powers, you're apparently supposed to get headaches pretty frequently. The research said this is a side effect of the Ackerman's true self trying to resist being forced to protect their host. Sound familiar?" Though he was looking at Mikasa when he said that, Michael couldn't help but feel that was meant for him.
Mikasa started trembling. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Why would Eren say those things to her? Was Michael telling the truth? Will she end up becoming Eren's slave if she inherits The Crystal Titan?
"Do you see now?" Michael addressed her. "Even without The Crystal Titan, we Ackermans are not completely free. But it is easier to cope with than having to live as The Crystal Titan. Those who inherit it are tormented by the souls of their past users, always whispering their thoughts into their ears, manipulating them into doing The Founder's bidding. My grandfather was driven mad by their voices to the point he wasted almost his whole life desperately trying to find a way to break the curse. When he succeeded, he passed that knowledge down to me alongside our Titan. But the cost of freedom was my memories… Once you inherit my Titan, the Curse of Joseph will resume and I will become another lost soul flooding your brain with my words. Is that what you want?"
"I… Eren won't let that happen. He can stop it!"
"The Founding Titan alone won't undo the curse. It needs to be wielded by someone of royal blood. But now Eren has the Founder. I'm sorry, Mikasa. But there's no way around this anymore. Eren got rid of your way out, just as he'll take your free will!" He narrows his eyes at Eren, daring him to convince her that he's wrong.
Mikasa immediately asked to prove him wrong, but Eren said nothing, further worrying her. There's no way in hell he'd take away her free will just to gain control of another Titan. He can never be that heartless.
"In Michael's hands, The Crystal Titan has the potential to increase Lazarus's chances of stopping me. I'd rather have it be controlled by you at the cost of your free will than allow him to continue using it against me."
Eren's words stabbed Mikasa right through the heart, causing some severe discomfort and instability in her psyche. Michael warned Eren to stop now while he still can. It was strange that he would defend her, but not completely unlikely to him.
"There's only one thing in this world I hate more than Lazarus. You wanna know what that is?" He rhetorically asked. "Anyone who isn't free. They're no better than cattle."
"Eren!"
"You said you would do everything for me the day Armin died, Mikasa. I believed you when you said it. But from the way your body is trembling, I'm starting to think that you weren't fully committed. Is avenging Armin not important enough to give up everything for? Did his death not mean anything to you?"
"Eren, please stop." Tears started forming under her eyes, unable to handle the guilt.
But Eren ignored her concerns and kept the torment coming. "You've always been useless to me, Mikasa. Even now something is holding you back. If you won't become The Crystal Titan by choice… Then I will force you to become it, whether you like it or not. Michael will suffer within you, and you WILL obey me!"
That's it, enough is enough. Michael will no longer tolerate this level of verbal abuse. As twisted as Eren had become, he had no idea how far gone he was until he started hurting Mikasa, the one person he used to give a damn about. He quickly stands up, reels his right arm back, and hardens his fist as he brings it back around as fast as he can.
Mikasa's Ackerman instincts soon kick in and she puts Michael in a chokehold before the punch could land. Eren was unfazed by Michael's attempt to smash his face with a hardened punch. Not even the G-force behind him triggered a response. A blow to the head like that could've killed him with how much force was put behind it.
"See? That's the Mikasa I need for my plans. The one who always follows orders without question."
Mikasa stops upon realising what she is doing and loosens her grip. She didn't think when she grabbed him, she just acted on her Ackerman instincts. Michael uses this chance to break free from her grasp and attempt another hit on Eren. However, Eren manages to dodge his second punch by leaning to his right.
Michael unleashed a flurry of punches at him. But Eren was dodging every one of them with ease by leaning and side-stepping out of the way.
"How is he dodging me so effortlessly?! It's as if he can predict my every move before I even make it!"
And when he least expected, Eren suddenly switched from defence to offence and caught Michael's hardened fist. He tugs on his right arm, pulling Michael forward and well within striking range of a headbutt. Michael staggers back, allowing Eren to sidekick him in the gut, sending him crashing into the wine cabinet by the door. All the plates on the top shelf fall over and smash against his head.
Two Yeagerists burst into the room hearing the commotion, their guns trained on Michael, ready to shoot at their leader's command. Eren raises his hand, ordering them to back off. He didn't need any help putting him in his place.
Still winded from the kick to the gut, Michael struggles to get back up. Broken pieces of plate fall off his body as he stands. He leans his left elbow on one of the cabinet shelves to keep himself upright.
"Hey, Michael. Remember the first time we properly met? As I recall, you were the most gifted fighter out of all of us." He throws another right hook across Michael's face, knocking his glasses off. "Look at you now." He grabs him by his shirt collar and holds him still as he mercilessly smashes his face in. "All that time in Marley has made you weak."
Michael struggles to keep his eyes open due to all the bruising he'd received from the strikes. He was in dire pain. Blood started leaking out of his mouth and nose. Yet he refuses to let Eren get inside his head.
"Oh, I'm still a good fighter. I'm a really good fighter… But you. You've become a better one. At least that's what you're making it out to be. But we both know you're cheating. Nobody can perfectly predict every single punch coming their way. You knew exactly what I was gonna do. You probably knew way before we had this "talk"." Michael then spits his own blood onto Eren's face, blinding him in one eye. "Did you see that coming?" He mockingly asked.
Eren responded by kneeing him in the gut, winding him and forcing him onto the floor. Michael holds onto his sides and curls up into a ball, allowing Eren to continuously stomp on him while he's down.
"STOP! LEAVE HIM ALONE!" Gabi races past the Yeagerists and throws herself on top of Michael, prompting Eren to stop. She gazes up at Eren with tears in her eyes, begging him to stop hurting him.
Eren slowly lowers his leg and continues to glare down at the duo. He wipes Michael's blood off of his face as he addresses Mikasa. "Like I said at the start, conflict isn't necessary, at least not if you tell us where Zeke is. So just come along quietly… Take them."
The two Yeagerists responded with a "Yes sir" as they lifted Michael and Gabi off the floor. Gabi managed to place his glasses back on his face before she was restrained. One of the lenses was cracked from the fight, making things a little difficult for him to see. Michael was coughing almost nonstop, feeling even more winded after that second jab. Gabi attempted to hold him, but the Yeagerist refused to let her go.
"…You're not free!" He weakly muttered. His only open eye focused on Eren, giving him the mother of all death glares. "If your idea of freedom is to take away Mikasa's then your will is beyond fucked up… You're a slave, Eren! A slave to your own twisted delusions!"
Eren bares his teeth and snarls at him. He was tempted to lay another smackdown on him, but he didn't wanna risk killing him and letting Gabi inherit The Crystal Titan.
"Who are you calling a slave?!" He replied venomously. "Let's go. Bring the kid too. Kill her if he tries anything else." He instructed them. He turns to Mikasa one last time. "Enjoy what little freedom you have left. You'll lose it once the transfer is complete."
Mikasa scowls at him. "Where are we going?"
"To the place where it all started… Shiganshina."
Hange and the others were escorted out of the restaurant and taken to Shiganshina. The time has come for the Yeagerists and the volunteers to enact the final stage of their plan. To unite Eren and Zeke and begin The Rumbling. Then Ludwig can begin the False Founder Project once he extracts Annie's baby.
The whole time the volunteers have been on this island no one had suspected the possibility of drinking poisoned wine. That is until moments ago when everyone started feeling a sudden shock within their bodies. As if they'd been struck by lightning but only for less than a second. Those who hadn't drunk the wine felt nothing, confused by the higher-ups' strange behaviour.
It didn't take long for Commander Pyxis to figure out that they'd been deceived. He and every other high-ranking officer are infected with Zeke's spinal fluid. The fact that they were able to feel his presence from the Forest of Giant Trees miles away from their current location shows how hopeless their situation is. They can be turned into Titans at any moment, lose their humanity and be forced to do his bidding.
This - and Premier Zachery's assassination - has destabilised the military and the general state of affairs within the walls. Paradis was under the control of The Yeagerists. There were just a few more loose ends they needed to tie up.
Floch begins recruiting the members of the 109th Cadet Corps into their ranks, giving an inspiring speech about Eren's plan to revive the Eldian Empire. All of them joined almost immediately, no longer seeing the point in learning how to kill Titans when it is humans who are their enemy now.
To prove their loyalty to the cause, Floch orders them to beat up Commandant Shadis. He represented the obsolete traditions that he refused to let go of. The goal was to sever all ties to the past and look to the future. The future they believe Eren will bring. Hange was forced to watch in despair as the recruits savagely beat Shadis to the point he could no longer stand.
Eren watched everything unfold from a window. He spots Ludwig and a few Yeagerists escorting the three re-captured Warriors in the direction of his old house. The place where the new Eden's Nest had been constructed. The time had almost come for Mikasa to accept her destiny as the new Crystal Titan. Or so that's what he told himself.
He thought back to what he said to her and started having regrets. He meant what he said about the Ackerman's Titan being better off with her than Michael, though he'll admit he might've gone too far. Still, it was necessary to force her to abandon him before the atrocious acts he was fated to do were carried out.
His mind flashes back to the meeting he had with Doctor Oppenheimer in the underground lab before he and his movement came to the restaurant. He came down alone as Ludwig requested, but he was nowhere to be found in the main lab on the first floor, which means he was in the lower basement.
Eren makes his way down the flight of stairs until he reaches the very bottom. The room was completely dark with only the light from atop the stairs as the only illumination he had. At the end of the room, he spotted the old Marleyan scientist peering through a small window embedded in a massive vault door.
Eren's shadow looms over Ludwig, alerting him to his presence. He quickly slides the window hatch to the side, sealing it shut.
"Ah, Eren, it's so good to see you again, dear boy. Thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to meet with me."
"This isn't a social visit, Ludwig. Floch said you had something urgent to tell me." He bluntly replied. He wasn't in the mood for any of his shenanigans right now.
"Yes, of course. And yes, it is. I will happily explain it to you, but not here. Let's head upstairs to the lab."
Eren peers over Ludwig's shoulder and gazes at the vault door behind him. "Is it ready?"
"Yes. The new Titan transfer chamber is complete. It took a while to make the room large enough for a fifteen-meter Titan to stand in. Took even longer to test how strong the walls are. Can't have any Titans breaking out, can we?"
Eren wasn't paying attention to a word he just said. He was still fixed on the door, or rather what was behind it. Clearing his throat, Ludwig guides Eren out of the lower basement and back upstairs to the lab.
Once they reached the lab Eren pulled up a chair and sat down at the lab table. Ludwig was making himself a cup of coffee and offered one to Eren, though he refused. He'd only tried coffee once and didn't like it. It tasted extremely bitter compared to tea and the aftertaste was just as awful. If he were to describe the taste as an emotion he would use the word: "despair." Shrugging, Ludwig helped himself and took a seat right across from his new ally.
Getting back to the business at hand, Ludwig thoroughly explains his discovery of Annie's pregnancy to Eren, finally giving him some good news on the restoration of the False Founder Project. His reaction was just as Ludwig had anticipated. Though his expression hadn't shifted from his empty, emotionless look, he detected a glimmer in his eyes. He can't tell if he was pleased by this or having second thoughts.
"…Eren, this is good news. We can finally get Project False Founder underway using Lazarus' baby as the template. Historia, or her children, are no longer the only option. And the best part is, this gives you the perfect opportunity to exact your revenge on Subject 14. Seeing his offspring being used to make more of him would destroy him. He would suffer, begging for death knowing it'll never come… Isn't that what you wanted?"
There was a long pause as Eren processed this information. Yes, he did say he wanted nothing more than to make Lazarus pay for what he's done, as well as take away his freedom. A freedom he felt he didn't deserve. But subjecting a baby to horrific experimentation? Was that really the only way he could exact vengeance? It was disgusting. Beyond monstrous. Even if he told himself countless times that he deserved it, it still felt wrong.
He already knows what kind of person he'll become. The wrongs Lazarus had done were nothing compared to what he'll do. He thinks back to the time he and his friends visited Marley for the first time. He remembered seeing a kid getting beaten up for stealing. He wondered if he should bother saving him knowing he was going to die by his hand later. But he wound up rescuing him anyway because it's just who he is… Or used to be.
Whether he agrees to Ludwig's proposal or not it doesn't matter. The outcome will always be the same. However, he's still unable to see any visions involving Lazarus, Michael, or Ludwig. The possibilities revolving around them were always unclear. He can't even see their involvement during The Rumbling. That was why he was so determined to have The Crystal Titan passed down to Mikasa. At least with her, he'll know where its loyalties lie. Though that's still up for Mikasa to decide.
"Eren?" Ludwig gently taps his shoulder, snapping out of his in-depth train of thought. "I hope you're not having second thoughts about this. Don't forget during the meeting that you supported the idea of reviving the False Founder Project. You said you'd do it if Historia wasn't involved."
"I know what I said."
"Then what's the problem? You haven't forgotten what Lazarus had done to you, did you?" Ludwig stands up from his chair and slowly walks around the table, his eyes still focused on The Founder's host. "Lazarus lied to you. He manipulated you into believing he was a hero. A gifted leader. He killed your best friend, Armin. Tore his Titan body apart from the inside. He caused the nightmare that befell your island nine years ago. I think you are beyond second-guessing. Subject 14 is a threat to Paradis. And be it a threat of my own making… No more." He whispers into Eren's ear, persuading him to focus only on all the bad he's done.
His words were the fuel that spread the fires of rage within Eren. His fists tightly close around the edge of the table.
"Think of it. Once you unleash The Rumbling and eradicate all of humanity beyond this island, Lazarus will stand alone as the last of Eldia's enemies. He'll have nothing. No home. No family. No friends. No hope… And no freedom. Everywhere he goes he'll find nothing but barren, flattened landscapes devoid of life. Any attempt to come to Paradis will result in his capture. And with more Winged Titans under Eldia's control, he won't be able to fight back."
"The Rumbling?" Eren quirked an eyebrow at him. "So that's what your intention was from the start. You were never on board with Zeke and Yelena's plan."
"Of course not! My only desire is to see the Subjects of Ymir take over as the new humanity. Zeke's Euthanisation Plan means the end of them." He finishes circling the table and sits back down in his chair across from Eren. "So, you did manage to meet with Zeke in Liberio. His plan, do you support it?"
Eren offensively gazes at him, insulted that he would even think he'd agree to such a repulsive plan. He didn't have to answer, Ludwig already knew what his true intentions were.
The one thing Eren couldn't understand was why Ludwig was supportive of the use of The Rumbling. He should know that this involves the destruction of all humanity beyond their shores, including Marley. Any friends, family, or associates he had will be trampled under the feet of the Wall Titans. Billions of innocent lives will be lost, and he doesn't seem worried about it. Does he not care?
"You know why I have to do this, but what about you? Why do you want to see The Rumbling destroy everything?" Eren asked.
Ludwig was in the middle of finishing his last sip of coffee when he was asked that question. He moves his mug to the far-left side of the table, making room for him to put his elbows on the table. His fingers intertwine so that he can rest his chin on them.
"As I've told you, my one true goal is for Subjects of Ymir to be the norm for human evolution. Make all of humanity like you. This world has been discriminating against Eldians for hundreds of years and I wish to help you put an end to it. But in order to create a new world, the old one needs to be eradicated. The Rumbling is more efficient than a flock of Winged Titans. To create enough to accomplish what The Rumbling can, it would take decades. And we both know we don't have that kind of time. You only have a few years left to live and I'm getting too old for this."
"This may surprise you, but there have been many extinction events before the Titans came into existence. Human beings have been around for millions of years. When the time comes for their lives on Earth to end, God smites them! He burns the old world down, allowing new life to develop and flourish in the next one… Our world goes through different eras, each one fated to end. I believe now is the time for this era of humanity to conclude. The Rumbling will wipe the slate clean, allowing the life on this island to branch out and expand. In many years from now the Eldian population will grow and grow until all of humanity are equal to each other. With my help, I will ensure all Eldians in that new era can manifest and control their own Titans at will. It will be a new world where Titans and humans are harmoniously one and the same." He joyfully explained.
He pictured what this new world would look like in his mind. He can see the Eldian Empire claiming the whole world as theirs and see all of its subjects transforming into Titans at will but without the burden of the thirteen-year curse. He can even picture Eren being praised as Eldia's greatest hero for bringing about the end of the cycle of hatred between different races.
But Eren couldn't see it. His idea of a new world felt unreal. There was also one slight error in this plan that he voiced to Ludwig. "If you did that it would make you the only non-Eldian left. My people could turn on you for being different… I guess deep down we're no better than Marley."
"You don't have to worry about me, Eren. I'm an old man, I've had my time. I intend to die when this is all over, but not until I've carried out my final purpose of making more Titans like you and Lazarus… To be honest, you are who I was hoping Subject 14 would become. A being who can bring about this new world I wanna help build. But Lazarus is too naïve. Too obsessed with trying to save everyone. Make people see the error of their ways and change for the better. He's living a fantasy… But you. You can see the realism of your situation and have the will to carry out the most sensible solution. You succeeded where Lazarus failed."
"Even after I'm dead and gone, I promise you that my work will live on. I have done so much for the world in my lifetime. Accomplished the unthinkable. Someday a successor will come forth and carry out my legacy. Continue to make the world a better place." He finally finished his speech.
The room falls silent as Ludwig patiently awaits Eren's final answer to his proposal. Now that he knows his true intentions for the future of the Eldian Empire, it was down to the young Yeager brother to make the final call.
Eren then gets up and takes a look around the lab. The layout slowly fades away from his vision and a flashback image of Grisha's study takes its place. Though the walls were different, it still felt the same to him. Same feel. Same air. Even the scent of the oils Grisha used to preserve his three journals still filled his nostrils. So much had happened since the day he saw his father's final memories before his death.
He remembered the horrible feeling of Grisha's Attack Titan crushing the members of the Reiss family, smearing their children like bugs. Had those kids survived, The Founding Titan would still be in the royal family's hands and bound to the Vow Renouncing War. The death of those children is what allowed them to live.
The day he first reached the sea he wondered if he would finally be free once he's killed all his enemies on the other side of it. His desire to be free had only grown stronger since he learned of Lazarus' immortality. He knew now that true freedom does exist, but it is currently in the hands of his sworn enemy. Taking that freedom is all he wants.
"Do it, Ludwig." He finally responded, startling the tall doctor a little. "Use Lazarus' child to bring about a new age of Titans. Ones that everyone can wield at will without the fear of shortening their lives. If killing one baby is the cost for a thriving new paradise… Then so be it."
Ludwig smiles menacingly. Just the words he'd been waiting to hear. Now there is no turning back. Nothing to stop him from beginning the False Founder Project for the second and final time.
"I am glad you finally see things my way, Eren. You and I are going to change the world… I do have one last favour to ask."
"What?"
"When the time comes, I wish to bear witness to the end of the old world first-hand. To see The Rumbling trample Marley. Will you allow me that honour?"
"Sure, whatever." Eren simply muttered.
"Excellent. Thank you, Eren. It's not every day one gets to watch the world burn. But the anticipation of how beautiful the world will look after The Rumbling is done will be worth it." A creepy smile forms on his face, causing Eren to already start regretting his answer.
Ludwig and Eren shake hands, making the decision official. This time tomorrow, Yeager and Oppenheimer are going to make history.
The time would soon come when military leaders of Paradis and the Anti-Marleyan volunteers would sit at the same table once again. That was what Yelena promised Commander Pyxis after it was decided the volunteers couldn't be trusted even after all the help that had given them the past four years.
It would seem he was in the right all along, though Zeke and his followers remained one Titan-sized step ahead of them. Now he is forced to eat dinner with traitors. So many of his old, trusted comrades are now pointing guns at his back. Some felt guilty while others felt no remorse and Pyxis can tell the difference thanks to the new armband system the volunteers employed.
Those who betray the military early are rewarded with a white armband, marking them as proud Yeagerists. Red armbands are given to those who were coerced into aiding the Yeagerists after learning they had drunk tainted wine. Finally, the black armbands, which he wore, marked the rest of them as ignorant fools who drank the wine without suspecting something was amiss. He can't help but be reminded of Marley's armband system for their Eldian citizens.
Every single soldier who drank the wine had been gathered together in Shiganshina. Their purpose is to be used as test subjects for the first new generation of Titan Shifters. The crowning achievement of Ludwig Oppenheimer's career.
As of now, he is back in his lab, prepping Annie Leonhart for surgery. Michael was chained up in the corner of the lab with his mouth gagged. A Yeagerist was keeping watch over him, making sure he didn't try anything funny. He had regular handcuffs on this time instead of the special ones he had in the prison. He could harden his fists and break free with ease had Eren not kept Gabi hostage. He's already heard what will happen if he does escape again. And he hadn't a clue where Falco was.
Annie, who was passed out for quite some time, slowly regains consciousness. She was blinded by the bright light shining down above. Her ears could only hear the muffled voices of people conversing.
"Doctor Oppenheimer, she's regaining consciousness."
"Keep her restrained." He instructed the other scientist.
"Yes sir."
She starts feeling an uncomfortable tightness on both her wrists and ankles, snapping her awake. Her eyes widen with horror once she discovers that she is strapped to an operation table with her clothes stripped off apart from her bra and panties. She screams with terror as she effortlessly tries to break free from her restraints. Eventually, she gives up on trying to break free and spots Michael held at gunpoint in the empty corner of the lab.
"My my, you are quite the screamer." She jolts her head over to the right where Ludwig stood. "Unfortunately for you, there are no Titans to summon to your aid… yet."
"You bastard! Let me outta here!" Annie growled at her captor.
"I will… as soon as I cut that baby out of your womb." Annie's whole body froze with terror. She glares down at her stomach and only now notices the markings on her stomach. The kind surgeons use to help guide their scalpels through cutting flesh. "Normally I would put my patients under before performing surgery. But I forgot to stock up on sedatives. I always seem to forget to do that, just as I did when I injected your lover with the serum. Hahaha!"
"Damn monster!" Without thinking, Michael tries to grab at him, but his chains prevent him from even getting close. The Yeagerist guard smacks him in the side of the head with the butt end of his rifle, knocking Michael back on his ass.
"Do not fret, Michael. The procedure won't kill her. We still need to feed her to a chosen successor." He turns his attention back to Annie. "Just like your friend, Bertolt. He's been taken down to the Titan transfer vault. He should be chained to the altar by now. If either of you plan on saving him, don't bother. He'll be dead any second."
"No!" Annie once again attempts to break free of her binds. Amused by her pathetic attempts, Ludwig creepily caresses her cheek with the back of his hand. Annie moves away as far as she can, disgusted by this old man's perverted actions.
"Such a small and fragile thing you are. You and your baby." He pulls out a scalpel and sharpens it on a block of granite. "You weren't supposed to get pregnant you know. I designed the serum to make it so all successful subjects are incapable of breeding. I still can't wrap my head around how Subject 14 was able to override his programming."
"His name is Lazarus!" She venomously goaded at him. "And he is more than just your experiment! He is a Warrior, a friend, and a hero!"
"Hero? Hahahaha! No, he's not. He is a research experiment gone wrong! One I plan to correct once I extract the template inside you."
"You really are an evil man, you know that?" Michael spoke up, interrupting him before he could begin the operation. "I've seen some despicable acts from both sides of this war, myself included. But you've proven to be the most wicked piece of human organism I've ever had the misfortune of knowing. Even as you stand there talking about murdering a baby, your words don't have a speck of guilt in them. If Marley is a pile of shit, you're the maggot crawling inside it!"
Ludwig only shakes his head in disapproval towards Michael's remark. It was clear to him how narrow-minded he was. Does he seriously think a few hurtful words are gonna get him to stop what is arguably the dawning of a new age? Of course not. He's a simpleton, he thought. Nobody but Eren can truly see the best path ahead for all of humanity. He's not insane, just focused.
"You wanna accuse someone of being evil? You should be pointing your fingers at Zeke and his so-called Euthanisation Plan."
"Wh- What?" Michael uttered in a dumbfounded manner.
"You didn't know? Huh, guess he really didn't trust you the whole time you've been fighting by his side… The fool wanted to eradicate Eldians from the world in the next hundred years or so by using The Founding Titan to make you all infertile. And my poor deluded niece hopes to win his love by ensuring this plan happens."
Michael couldn't believe what he was hearing. That was Zeke's plan all along? Taking away Eldian's freedom to reproduce and allow future generations to live their lives? This was what he betrayed Lazarus over? It was unforgivable. It may not be as bad as The Rumbling, but it's not a better alternative either. Poor Lazarus. He can't imagine what his reaction will be when he finds out. It would forever tarnish whatever hopes he had for his former roommate.
"People like you and him will never understand. Eldians are what humanity should be. They shouldn't be purged because the rest of the world fears them. Normal humans are weak and pathetic creatures compared to Subjects of Ymir. Always prone to destroy anything that is not them. Why be human at all when we can be so much more? Bigger! Stronger! Mightier! ... The Rumbling is almost upon us. Eren will see to it that all lesser beings, other than Subjects of Ymir, are expunged from this world. Including myself… This discussion is over. I've kept the others waiting long enough. Hold her steady!"
The other scientists grasp Annie's limbs tightly, minimising as much movement as possible. Another quickly covers up her mouth with a piece of cloth, drowning out her screams. Annie hyperventilates as she focuses on the scalpel being held a few feet above her torso.
"Try to relax, it'll make it easier." He calmly, yet sinisterly utters. He gently brings the tiny blade down to her stomach and slowly digs it into her body.
Annie's head shoots back, her muffled screams fill the whole room at full volume. Michael closes his eyes and looks away, unable to bear listening to her being tortured. This wasn't like Armin's bluff back then. This was real.
"Where are you, Lazarus?!"
Gabi was locked up in a storage room within Shiganshina's castle. She was sitting on the cold, hard ground all alone, waiting for her fate to be decided. She had nothing but time on her hands, and she spent that time thinking about Michael, Falco, and the others. Seeing Eren beat her mentor to a pulp was difficult to watch. In the past, she viewed Michael and his Titan as an impenetrable wall that could tank any devastating blow thrown at him. But Eren shattered her vision of him just as he destroyed her home and killed her friends.
She was consumed with so much despair that she couldn't even think about fighting back. She didn't want to be responsible for any more pain. Falco ended up getting some of Zeke's poisoned wine in his mouth trying to protect her. He'll turn into a Titan because of her. What's worse is that she doesn't know it yet.
The sound of the door opening snaps her back into reality, though her fears remain once she sees that it was Eren who came to see her in person.
"You're coming with me." That was all he had to say to her.
Gabi shuffles backwards until she hits the end of the wall. "Huh? What do you want?"
"If you're hoping to save Falco, you'll help me."
"He-Help you?" Her looks of fear were soon replaced by anger. "Why would I help you after what you did to Michael?!"
"Because if you value Falco's life as much as you do him, you will do as I say… You will put out a distress call on the radio, to lure out any spies who've infiltrated our walls."
Eren lifts his left leg, attempting to approach Gabi. But he stops on account of hearing the soldier with him gargling and gasping for air. When he checked to see where the disturbance was coming from, he was face to face with Pieck Finger, holding a pistol to his head. She was dressed in a military Scout uniform, implying she must've snuck in undercover.
Gabi's face lit up and tears began to build in her eyes, relieved to see a friendly face come to her rescue. Pieck was too focused on keeping Eren at bay to express how glad she was to see her unharmed. She tells Gabi to be quiet as she closes the door behind her.
"Now then, just to bed sure, it's Eren Yeager, correct?"
Eren just stands there with his hands in his pockets, not at all intimidated or surprised to see the Cart Titan's host standing before him. He'd already established that there may be enemy spies within the walls. It was only a matter of time until one of them confronted him. Gabi rushes over to the dead Yeagerist's rifle, picks it up, and aims it at him also.
"Eren, move your hands from your pockets," Pieck ordered.
"And what'll you do if I don't?"
"I'll fire this pistol and you will be dead, brains on the floor. Ever seen that? You won't have time to transform."
"Ok, so why haven't you shot me?" He questioned, calling her bluff. "If you aren't here to pull that trigger then what did you come here to do? What'll happen if I keep my hands in my pockets?"
Pieck closes her left eye, focusing her other one down the sight, aiming for Eren's head "Doesn't seem like that's something you'll ever get to know, seeing as your brains will be on the floor…
"I DO know." Eren interrupted her. He knew she was bluffing. "You aren't gonna shoot. Because you weren't given permission to shoot the Founding Titan." He closes the gap between them and presses his head against the barrel, further proving his point. "You were told to retrieve it no matter what. But in order to do that you'd need to get me to stay still while you transformed into a Titan and ate me alive. That right?"
Panicked, Gabi aims Eren as well, fearing he will harm Pieck. But the motherly Warrior tells her to stand down.
He got her there. He saw right through her mask, which was a first considering how well she was able to fool people in the past. But Eren was right. If she were to defy her orders by shooting him, she wouldn't pay the price alone. Her father would pay it with her.
She puts her hands up, allowing Eren to take the pistol from her. Gabi couldn't believe what she was witnessing. Pieck was just giving up just like that? That's so unlike her, she thought. But when it comes to Eren she knows when deception will not work. Everything that has transpired here has almost gone according to his plan.
"You found my Titan footprints from when I first snuck onto the island, right? I still think I did alright. This was a hell of a time to try and infiltrate your military without getting thrown in jail. But I actually have another reason not to shoot you. If you can use The Founding Titan's power then you have the strength to defeat Marley, don't you? … You made the world your enemy. You wouldn't have done that unless you knew you had a chance of winning, right? What do you know that I don't? Do you have more than just the Founder?"
"Hold on, Pieck. What are you doing?" Gabi questioned, confused by her uncharacteristic behaviour.
"Suppose I did, what is it that you want?" Eren asked.
"Freedom for all Eldians, and an end to their subjugation by Marley and the rest of the world. Also, I want to get my family out of the Internment Zone." She calmly answered. "I became a Warrior to help my father. The one person I can call family to get proper medical care. He got the treatment he needed and survived, but knowing that my term would be over soon, he's been inconsolable. Before I die and leave him on his own, I want to show him that Eldia has a bright future. And for that to happen, Marley's great empire needs to be crushed. There's nothing I won't do toward that end! So long as we can slaughter all the Marleyans, I'll help you however I can."
Eren looked deep into her eyes, trying to find the slightest hint of dishonesty. But there was nothing. She either must be a very good liar, or she's being serious. The former seems more plausible.
"You're lying." He denied her devotion. "You already have Lazarus on your side. He's more than capable of destroying Marley on his own. Why would you risk yourself coming to me instead of confiding in him?"
"Because Lazarus is incapable of carrying out my desire. The five years he spent on this island changed him. He can no longer stomach the thought of wiping out an entire civilisation, even if they were deserving of it. He has the power to end Marley, but he doesn't have the will to act on it. But you do, Eren. That's what makes you stronger than him. He can never make the choices you have made."
Pieck tried her best to maintain her poker face as she continued to lie to Eren. She couldn't tell if that was enough to fool him. It certainly fooled Gabi. She now believes that she is a traitor to the Omega Unit just like Zeke. She was reaching the cusp of how much betrayal she could take. She's not sure who to trust anymore.
Pieck reminded her that they are nothing more than weapons to be used by Marley. At the end of it all they will always be seen as a race of devils that can turn, or be turned, into Titans. And as proven during the Battle of Fort Slava, conventional weapons are quickly making Titans obsolete. Once they no longer have any use for them, the Marleyans will slaughter them no matter how much they prove their loyalty. They have to secure their freedom with their own hands even if it means getting them dirty.
This explanation of hers was almost enough to convince Eren she was on his side. Almost. He cuts his right index finger and shows it to Pieck. "I need proof. If you honestly intend to cooperate with us then back up your words with action."
Pieck understandably nods. "I'll show you where to find the soldiers who snuck into town with me."
"How exactly?"
"If you take me up to the roof of this building, I can point them out for you."
"Fine." Eren stops holding back on his healing factor and lets his finger heal, but secretly keeps his wound open a tiny bit as a trigger for his Titan transformation as a precaution.
Eren and a squad of Yeagerists lead Pieck and Gabi through the castle's candlelit hallway. They pass the meeting hall where a lot of the armband-wearing soldiers are being kept. A lot of the men were awestruck by Pieck's beauty. She warmly smiles and graces them with a wave of both hands. The men all smile and wave back with blushing red cheeks, completely unaware that Porco Galliard was hiding among them.
"So, is it safe to say that you've decided to let us defect to your side?" She asks Eren.
"If you actually give up the other infiltrators. Until you do, I'm keeping you cuffed to the kid. You try to turn into a Titan, and she'll be burned to ash." He stated coldly.
"That's understandable." Pieck holds Gabi close to her, placing her free hand on her shoulder. "And don't worry, the kid will come around soon enough."
"With how devoted she is to Michael; I highly doubt that."
All parties stayed quiet as they walked on. It wasn't until they reached the bottom of the stairs that Gabi decided to break the silence. "Hey, what did you do with Falco?"
"He's around here too. But it seems he drank some of Zeke's spinal fluid."
Both Pieck and Gabi's eyes widen in shock. This was the first either of them had heard about this. "How'd it happen?"
"Who knows? All I heard was that the wine got into his mouth somehow."
Gabi explains to Pieck that it was her fault that happened. He only got infected trying to protect her. She seemed more concerned about The Yeagerists using the same method the Alpha Warriors who proceeded her utilised. Only Zeke could've told them about it.
"I see. So, you took over the military using Operation Grapevine."
"Is that what you call it?" Eren asked.
"It was a military tactic designed to make conquering nations much easier and less costly of lives. It was invented by the Alpha Unit's war and vice chiefs, Dante and Lydia Averbach."
Eren momentarily stops and looks over his left shoulder. "Lazarus' parents." He uttered.
"Yes. Zeke had been studying this method for as long as I can remember." Eren faced forward and continued heading upstairs. Pieck continued, both speaking and walking. "Ever since I've met Zeke it's felt as though every word that came out of his mouth was a lie. Four years ago, I confirmed that hunch when I finally heard him speak sincerely to you. "Believe me, Eren, I get it. I know how you feel. Someday I'll come back and save you from this". If he wouldn't lie to you then surely he would've told you the secret of his special power."
Eren remained quiet as they reached the top of the castle. The doors swing open inwardly, allowing sunlight to seep in. Pieck notices Yelena standing at the entrance waiting for them. She questioned why she shaved her fake beard, claiming it suited her.
Everyone stays back as Pieck and Gabi approach the end of the balcony, giving them a complete view of Shiganshina. Yelena advised Eren not to trust her, but he was no fool. He knows something's off here and he'll be ready for whatever comes his way.
An arc of electricity shoots out of the cut on his finger which only grew in intensity the closer he got to the bound Warrior and Candidate. All the Yeagerists aim their rifles at them as an extra precaution.
"So, why haven't you used The Founder's power yet? Where's Zeke?" Pieck asked, glancing back at him over her left shoulder.
"You'll find that out soon enough… Now show me. Where's the enemy?"
Tensions rise with everyone on high alert. Pieck notices Gabi's hands are shaking and grasps one of them firmly. The two of them share a look of awareness before Pieck turns around and points directly at Eren.
"Right there!"
She then grabs Gabi and dives away from the centre of the castle floor. The floor then bursts outwards as The Jaw Titan lunges upwards, attacking Eren from below. He only had moments to dodge out of the way as the floor crumbled apart underneath his feet. However, he wasn't quick enough to get away completely unscathed.
Galliard managed to bite both his legs off as he completely burst through. Now was the time to let loose. Lightning strikes the castle. The Attack Titan begins manifesting around Eren's body, letting loose a thunderous roar.
The Jaw Titan perched over Pieck and Gabi, shielding them from the flying debris of the castle. Eren's transformation shook the entire structure, gaining the attention of everyone in the district, including the remaining members of the 104th in the dungeons.
The sounds of the Attack Titan's roar drew the attention of Ludwig and his team in the lab, forcing him to stop the procedure moments after he started cutting into Annie.
"That roar. It's the Attack Titan!" He exclaimed.
Michael, Annie, and Bertolt, who was being held up by chains on both sides of the vault, heard it too. They all gaze up at the ceiling.
"I think it's started… The Titans have started to move." Michael thought to himself.
Back on the surface, Gabi was stunned to see The Jaw Titan here protecting them.
"He warned me this wouldn't work, but it was still worth a shot," Pieck muttered to herself.
"Wait, Pieck, you mean you're not actually a traitor?"
"Gabi, you really thought I'd sell out my comrades?"
"Bu-But you said that if we kept fighting for Marley, we'd end up getting killed."
"Look up there." She directs her up at the sky. Just when all hope seemed lost for the young candidate, she sees a fleet of Marleyan airships hovering over Shiganshina in a V formation. The one leading them was none other than The Winged Titan.
"Lazarus! You mean… Everyone's here?!"
The Winged Titan unleashes its roar that echoes all over the district, drawing everyone's attention to the sky, including Eren.
"I don't trust Marley one bit… Having said that, I trust the comrades who fought at my side completely. And I trust in Lazarus' plan… He doesn't have the will to destroy the world. But he does have the will to save it."
As The Winged Titan and airships closed in, everyone on the ground below noticed something different about Lazarus' Titan. It was carrying another large, metal container identical to the one he carried his fellow Warriors to Fort Slava. Only this one was much larger and was supported by over a dozen chains on each side. All of them fused to the Titan's hands.
Inside the container was Erwin and his squad of WOC Scouts equipped with the new Cloud Zero and Ace Barrel ODM gear. They were all secured to their chairs, waiting for Lazarus to drop them.
The Winged Titan scans the district with its bird's eye view until he spots Pieck and Gabi with Galliard. And standing a few feet away from them was Eren in his Titan form.
"I see them! They're standing a few feet away from Eren." He telepathically told Reiner, who relays this information to General Magath.
Colt and Willy Tybur stood on the bridge of one of the airships alongside the general and vice chief. Willy raises a pair of binoculars to his eyes to get a good look at their comrades.
"It worked. Pieck and Galliard managed to track him down and force him out into the open. The Founder is here."
"Good. Let's pay him back for Liberio! I want that bastard dead!" Magath ordered. The others all saluted in sync with one another.
Though he was high in the sky, Lazarus could feel Eren glaring at him. He can see Gabi, but there is no sign of Falco. But until his body is discovered, or someone tells him otherwise, he will hold onto the hope that he is still alive somewhere down there.
For now, all of his focus must be on locating Michael, Annie, and Bertolt and dropping the Wings of Crystal Scouts off at their location. Then he'll go after Eren and Zeke. Within his Titan's nape, Lazarus wore a look of determination on his face. He can feel in his bones that this will be the moment where his nightmares of The Rumbling begin. It's down to him to ensure that the nightmare doesn't become reality no matter what.
"I've been careless letting you go on this long, Eren. Three times I've had the perfect chance to end this war but chose not to take it at the cost of someone else… Not this time! This time I intend to finish you right here and now! I won't stop until I've taken The Founding Titan away from you!"
The Attack Titan continues to glare up at his greatest enemy of all. Though he can't hear his thoughts, he knows Lazarus shares the same thing he wants… to end this conflict once and for all.
"Bring it on then… Lazarus!"
To Be Continued