Attack On Titan: Wings Of Crystal

by The Dragon Skull

"WARNING SPOILERS FOR AOT!" Wings of Crystal is an alternate retelling of the AOT storyline. It centeres around two of my original characters. Lazarus Averbach, a member of Marley's Warrior Unit and the sole survivor of a secret experiment that granted him a brand new Titan power. And Michael Smith, a resident of the walls whose life is changed when Titans destroyed Shiganshina.

93. Chapter 93: Toward the tree on that Hill

Attack On Titan: Wings Of Crystal

Chapter 93: Toward the Tree on That Hill

All was quiet. The Rumbling had stopped, and the sounds of death and terror had faded out. The people at Fort Salta were at the end of their ropes with it. There was nothing they could do but watch and pray to God that this nightmare would end once and for all. If there were a God up there somewhere, he seemed to have answered them.

All over the world the surviving 20% of humanity got to see the very Titans that trampled their homes, their families, and their very lives succumb to a long-awaited permanent rest by the new, and final, founder. A lot of emotions spread about at that moment. Some were beyond ecstatic to finally see this horror end and they get the chance to live another day. Others were traumatised beyond the point of being helped, unable to bear the weight of all they'd lost. The fear of the Eldian people and their island of devils will forever be engrained in their minds as a result of this.

The people at Fort Salta had been supervising the Battle of Heaven and Earth from the start. All the steam emitting from the Titans made it difficult to see the outcome of the conflict, but the silence made it clear that the Alliance had won the day.

"Is it over?" Onyankopon quietly uttered.

"I think so. I can't see anything." Muller replied.

The smoke slowly began to clear up a few minutes later, revealing the results. In the distance, they can see every Titan lying flat on the ground rapidly decaying, including the Warriors.

"No! We were so close!" Ludwig started venting in the background, ruining this pinnacle achievement for everyone else. "This could've been the start of a brave new world! Curse you, Lazarus Averbach!"

Onyankopon decided to spare the others any further blabbering by tying a piece of cloth around his mouth, shutting him up for good. "That's enough outta you, Doctor… Why didn't I think to do this sooner?" He asked himself.

The deranged Marleyan could only let out muffled moans behind his gag which everyone ignored. What became of him was up to the heroes who'd saved the world. They've earned the right to dish out the punishment.

Amid the steam clouds, the members of the Scout Regiment, Omega Unit and Wings of Crystal all started to recover from the aftermath of the final battle. All the Eldians who'd been turned into Titans against their free will sit up from the ground and rub the back of their heads in confusion. The crystal dome they'd been sealed inside of was crumbling into tiny dust particles that blew away in the wind.

They were all dazed and confused as to what happened and how they got there. From their perspectives, they were watching the final round against Eren from the safety of Fort Salta, only to blink and find themselves at the centre of the conflict.

"Wh- What happened? Where are we?" Gabi's father muttered under his breath.

"How'd we get down here?" Added Falco's mother.

Leonhart wakes up with his daughter lying next to him. He smiles warmly as he places his hand on her right arm. His touch caused Annie to stir and awaken just as muddled as everyone else. But she knew deep down what happened, and the fact that she and the others were human again meant only one thing.

"He did it. Lazarus changed us back, this time for good." She then suddenly remembered her baby and placed her hands atop her stomach, checking for any signs of life within her womb. She feared turning into a Pure Titan might've gotten them killed. She'd never forgive herself if that did happen.

Her father notices the look of stress on her face and takes her hand. Annie looks into his eyes and sees the look of reassurance in his. "Your baby is fine, Annie."

"How can you be sure of that?"

"Because they're a fighter, just like their mother and father."

Annie smiles and nods. A few feet away from them Erwin, Armin, Jean, Connie and Sasha recover from their Pure Titan episode as well. Once they'd gotten over it, they all thought back on their conversations with Eren that they'd just recollected after his death. That was the only thing on their minds right now.

"… It's all come back to me. All of it." Armin uttered under his breath as he looked at his hands. He soon spots Mikasa coming out from under the skeletal remains of Eren and Lazarus' Titans. She appeared to be carrying something in her arms. His scarf wrapped around her neck where it belonged. "Mikasa!" He quickly gets to his feet and runs towards her.

As he got closer he was beyond mortified to see that she was carrying Eren's severed head. The farm boy instantly broke down into tears and wailed in sorrow and despair as he mourned the loss of his childhood friend. From an outsider's perspective, it wouldn't make sense. Why mourn over the death of the monster who sought to flatten the world? But none of them knew Eren like he and Mikasa did.

Armin's cries echoed all over the bottom of the mesa, mindfully drawing the others' attention. The last of the Scout Regiment continued to look back on what Eren said to them in their memories. They all seemed to have had this talk at some point long before The Rumbling began. Most of what he told them was the same, but Eren also told them what he thought they needed to hear.

"I remember now. He talked to me, that piece of shit." Jean whispered.

"Eren, I can't believe you," Erwin added as he looked back at his fellow Eldians.

"Get this. Eren told me that my mom would turn back into a human. Said that it would always have happened regardless of who did it." Connie spoke up.

"He told me that he hoped we would all live long lives. And that we'd all have more than enough food to feed everyone equally." Sasha voiced in a heartfelt manner.

The Warriors all felt the same way as the rest of their comrades, except Pieck as she was the only one Eren didn't truly know. Not like she wanted to hear anything from him anyway.

They can all feel it deep in their blood. The power of the Titans has completely vanished. Any minor wounds they'd sustained from the fighting weren't healing like usual. To be 100% positive their War Chief's plan actually worked, Reiner bit the tip of his thumb hard enough to draw blood. He was making a reckless attempt to transform into The Armoured Titan near his allies. Had it worked he could have killed them, but he was confident Lazarus would deliver on his promise to turn all Eldians human and erase all traces of the Titans from their DNA forever. And he succeeded.

Reiner grits his teeth and chuckles to himself, feeling relieved and happy to see it is finally over. It had been a long time since he felt free of burden, he'd forgotten how good it felt.

Michael was the last to recover with the help of Gabi who leans him up against the smooth surface of the crystal dome. It was now halfway through its disintegration. The backside opened up to allow its captives to wander outside now the dangers passed. Michael remained still to get his breath back. He can feel the effects of his Titan powers dissipating through the lack of Titan's stamina. He was just a regular person again.

"He… he really went ahead and did it. The power of the Titans has been erased from existence, including my own." Michael muttered to himself as he stared at his hands. He attempted to summon hardening in his palms, but nothing happened. He sighs with defeat. "Eh, it was worth a try. I guess I have to accept the fact that I was the last Crystal Titan in the Ackerman bloodline."

"You're much more than that and you know it." Gabi addressed whilst standing over him. "Falco and I only wielded the power of the Titans twice, you don't hear us complaining."

Michael lightly chuckles as he pushes himself up against the dome to stand back up. "That wasn't a complaint. I just… can't believe it's finally over. Part of me was convinced that it would never end. Thought I would never know how it feels to be human again."

He stumbles forward as he tries to turn himself around to check up on Sasha and the others, only to smash his face into the wall. He shakes it off and pushes himself off of the dome to stand himself straight. However, he stopped short of a few meters when he spotted a reflection of a hand connected to his own. It looked too elderly to be his reflection. He took a few steady steps backwards to get a proper look and was in awe at the sight presented before him.

All of the past Crystal Titans in their human forms were standing together inside the crystal. They all appeared different compared to how he last saw them in The Paths. Their full faces were visible now whilst before their eyes were greyed out and empty like Ymir. They all looked happy now and their wrists and ankles were free of chains.

"Who're all these people?" Gabi asked him.

"My ancestors. Every incarnation of The Crystal Titan." Michael responded proudly. "They're all free now… Free to pass on to the afterlife."

As pleasing as it was to see all of them free and together, there were only two individuals Michael wanted to see again more than anyone else. Joseph and Noah, both of whom were standing in front of the others. It was Noah's hand Michael saw resting against his. He was smiling down at his grandson, giving him a look of approval.

"Grandad… Joseph… Everyone. Thank you. We couldn't have done it without all of your help. You've more than earned a rest." Noah responds with a simple nod, showing that he heard and agreed to what he just said. In the young Suurvalta's conclusive moments with his extended family, the dome was in its final stages of deconstruction. There wasn't much time left for a farewell speech, but Michael didn't need one. He only had to say four final words.

"Rest in peace, everyone." All the past Crystal Titans wave goodbye to their last incarnation before the dome shattered completely into nothingness. Michael exhales a sigh of fulfilment. Things may not have gone how he wanted them to go, but this was an acceptable outcome. At least as acceptable as it can get.

"What's wrong?" Gabi asked him worriedly.

"I remembered what Eren said to me." He looks over at his friends to his left. "I'm certain they do as well… Eren said he'd end up wiping out 80% of all humanity. It could've been 100% if we hadn't come here today. He worried about us but didn't bother worrying about himself. Jean was right all along; he really was a suicidal maniac… He also said some rather, shall we say, "disturbing" things about me and Lazarus."

"What did he tell you?"

He slowly turns around to look down at his former protege. "I'm afraid that's between me and Laz. Sorry Kid… Where is he anyway?" He quickly started looking all over for him, scanning the area for his white-haired friend, but all the steamy fog wasn't making it any easier for him.

All around him, he can see his friends basking in the solace of their victory. Gabi's ears pick up the faint sounds of Falco calling out her name, prompting her to leave Michael's side and be at his, which was fine by him. Erwin was standing by Levi's side and the two of them shared one final Paradis military salute for the souls of their fallen comrades. Like his ancestors, they can all rest peacefully knowing that the world was free of Titans forever.

"LAZARUS!" Michael shouted out loud, drawing some attention toward him. He carefully headed toward the skeleton of the Winged Colossal, continuously calling out the name of his best friend.

On the way, he notices Armin and Mikasa on their knees still mourning over Eren's head. But at this moment he could care less about that. He was more concerned about whether his friend had succeeded in fixing himself as much as he'd done everyone else. Part of him worried if he had and he didn't survive the explosion.

"No!" He shook his head in denial. He won't allow it. He played a major role in saving the world from The Rumbling, the least he deserved was to see the outcome.

He kept on pushing through the fog until he accidentally walked into one of the Titan's wingtips, causing him to stagger back. On the floor beside him, he found a long strand of white hair leading back to the skull. He followed the trail until he spotted a silhouette stumbling out from under the neck bones. His face lit up with excitement knowing it had to be him. However, he showed a hint of worry when he realised his horns were still sticking out of his head.

Lazarus slowly walks through the fog until everyone can see him to the best of their abilities. There wasn't so much as a scratch on him which was immediately seen as a bad sign rather than a good one. If he could still regenerate then he was still the immortal Winged Titan.

But their worries began to fade when they noticed the horns were cracking all over from the base to the tip. Lazarus could feel it happening as he walked and reached his hands up to grab them. Then, to Michael and Annie's surprise, he snaps them off of his head and brings them down to get one final look at them. The horns started to break up into tiny pieces from top to bottom until they'd been reduced to dust in his palms. Lazarus smiled and a single tear trailed down his left cheek. Words could not express how happy he felt to finally, after all these years, rid himself of his curse and reclaim his humanity. And to make it official, he tossed the clump of dust into the air and watched it get blown away in the breeze alongside the shining crystal particles.

"I'm… free. It's finally gone." He uttered to himself as he looked up at the blue sky.

"LAZARUS!" His eyes drift back down to the sight of his best friend and his beloved racing towards him with delight. The albino shared their feelings and was ready to embrace them both. Annie was the first to reach him and leaps into his arms, tackling him to the ground with her arms wrapped around his neck tightly. Michael chuckled and decided to slow his pace to allow them this embrace.

"You've got what you've always wanted, Lazarus. You're free." She muttered without pulling away.

"Did it work though?" Michael sceptically questioned him. "Your horns are gone but your hair and eye colours didn't change back to their original look."

Now was the time Annie felt the need to pull away to get a proper look at her man and realise Michael made a good point.

"He wasn't always an albino, you know. Before he had black hair and hazel eyes, like his birth mother, Lydia." Michael explained.

"It's okay, guys. I did fix myself; I really did. I just decided to keep my eyes and hair the way they are. I rather like myself this way."

"I do too," Annie added as she kissed him on the cheek. "What about your telepathy? Can you hear what I'm thinking right now?"

Lazarus shakes his head in denial. "Not at all. With my powers gone the telepathic link we once shared has faded. Your thoughts are now yours alone. It's for the best."

Annie and Lazarus soon get back up on their feet. Once up, Michael made his move on him and pulled him into a tight hug of his own. Lazarus grunted a little from how tight he was squeezing his body but decided not to fight it and let him get it out of his system.

"You did it, Laz. I still can't believe it worked despite knowing very little about whether the Founder could undo everything Ludwig did to you." He openly admitted as he released his hold on his brother-in-arms.

"If the Founder's power could rewrite the anatomy of all Eldian's bodies down to the littlest detail, I was sure it could do the same to me. At the end of the day, we all got what we wanted, who cares how exactly we did it?"

"Well, not everyone got something good out of it. Look." Michael points Lazarus over towards Mikasa and Armin with Eren's head. The albino was surprisingly calm seeing them grieve their friend despite all the evil he's done. That was because he remembered what went down between him and Eren moments after he devoured the Hallucigenia.

"Hey Annie, could you give me and Michael some privacy to talk please?"

"Of course. I'll go check on Reiner and Pieck." She replied before heading back the way she came. Now that she was out of earshot, Michael and Lazarus conversed, starting with the obvious question.

"Eren spoke to you in The Paths as well, didn't he?"

"He sure did," Michael answered honestly. "He said that we-

"… Were a mistake and all relating to us wasn't supposed to exist? That we're all just some added extras in the world he'd seen?" He answered for him before he could finish talking.

"So, he told you the same thing, eh? Do you believe him?"

"I… don't know honestly. He told me he saw the timelines of various worlds identical to our own. The fact that we only exist in this one feels so, I don't know, inconceivable?"

"I agree. Hard to imagine a version of this world without The Crystal Titan in it… But still, it's not as unbelievable compared to what he told me about Ymir herself."

"What about Ymir?" Lazarus asked with one eyebrow raised.

"Eren figured out why she, a little girl who'd been given the powers of a God, continued to serve that diabolical King Fritz even long after his death. She did it because." He pauses momentarily to take a calming breath. Even thinking about it felt wrong to him. "… The Founder, Ymir, was in love with King Fritz."

Lazarus' eyes widened in response. "You- You serious?! Love? That's what started all this?" Lazarus turns away from Michael and looks over at Mikasa and Armin. "… It all makes sense now."

Now it was Michael who appeared surprised by his reaction. He was expecting him to not take it as well as he did. Yet he just accepted it like it was the most normal thing he'd ever heard in his life. "How are you taking this so well? Doesn't it frustrate you?"

"Why would it? I actually find it to be fitting considering how I ended up using my love for the people I care about, living and dead, to redesign my Titan form and defeat Eren in the very end. I'd say everything has come full circle now." He explained.

Michael was just at a loss of words, unable to believe what he was hearing. Joseph himself was distraught when he uncovered the truth. He knew both Ymir and King Fritz in life and carried a great hatred of the tyrant ever since he conquered their village, murdered his family and cut out Ymir's tongue. She should have grown to hate him as much as he did, but instead, she felt the opposite. What kind of deranged person falls for a monster like Fritz?

Hearing himself ask that question then gave him an epiphany. Mikasa loved Eren even though he murdered three grown men as a kid and then millions more with The Rumbling. Sasha fell for him even though he betrayed Paradis and joined Marley, even if it was part of a much larger ploy. "…Maybe Ymir's love for Fritz isn't complete bullshit."

With that in mind, Michael follows closely behind his de-powered friend who decides to approach Mikasa and Armin. Eren's head hadn't left her arms once since she'd assassinated him. She wanted to make every second with him count before eventually burying him.

Lazarus gently places his hand atop Armin's back, compelling him to lift his head up and over his right shoulder and look upon the completely human albino. "You two should get him out of here if you wish to give him a proper burial. If anyone else sees this, they'll do everything in their power to ensure he gets what he deserves."

"Yeah, you're probably right. Mikasa and I will-

"I can go by myself." She interrupted. "You should go with them and help explain what happened. You've always been good with words… I already know the perfect place for him to rest… The place where we always found him napping."

Armin wipes away his tears with his shirt sleeve and smiles warmly knowing which location she was talking about. Michael and Lazarus had no clue what they were on about but decided it was best they didn't in case anyone asked. Their mission was done now. What becomes of Eren's head is no longer their concern.

"Armin. Mikasa." Lazarus uttered slowly. "I don't know if our paths will ever cross again, but I just wanted to thank you for helping me take this one chance to be free of The Winged Titan. You had no reason to do that, but you did it anyway, and I'll always be grateful for that."

"I think there have been enough grudges for one lifetime, don't you think?" Armin replied.

Lazarus nods in agreement and helps him stand up. He, Lazarus and Michael watch Mikasa turn her back to them and disappear into the fog. As soon as she was out of sight, the three of them joined up with the rest of the Alliance who were helping the Eldians come to terms with being turned into Titans unknowingly.

Michael spots his father speaking with Willy Tybur northeast of his position. Judging from the smiles and respectful handshaking, he can guess he was thanking him for saving his family, his people, and the world and not killing them once they were mindless Titans. It would've been more efficient than using up their strength to hold them back.

"Looks like all is well so far," Michael spoke up as they walked. "How long do you reckon it will last?"

"The era of the Titans may finally be over, but there's still a few loose ends to tie up first. The first will be convincing the Marleyans that Eldians are just regular human beings now. The second is Ludwig and what we should do with him. I still think you should've let me kill him." Lazarus replied.

"Maybe, but you already know he's too important to let die. You've made so much progress in bettering yourself compared to when we first met. Do you really want to regress yourself by murdering an old man in cold blood?" Armin asked him. "Even if he does deserve it."

Lazarus sighs with defeat and acknowledges he is right. Marley's brainwashing once convinced him that it was okay killing the people of Paradis because he thought they weren't real people, only to completely feel like the lowliest of scum for snuffing out so many lives. If he killed Ludwig with that same mindset it would contradict all the good he'd been doing to make up for his past mistakes.

"Don't worry, Laz. Karma will get him in the end. It comes for everyone who has it coming."

"Yeah, you're right… Still, there is also the matter of the Eldians within the Wall Titans. I changed them back but they're out of their time. They'll need help adjusting to their new lives in our modern world." Lazarus pointed out as he looked at all the decaying Colossal Titan bodies. Every single one of them has returned to their human forms for the first time in centuries. Lazarus could've just killed them, but after learning that 80% of humanity is gone, he hoped to increase their numbers again.

The only problem is, like Ymir who'd been a Titan for 60 years, they'll be out of touch with the world. So much has changed since they've been gone. But if anyone can take them in, it would be the citizens of Paradis.

"Hold that thought. Something's happening over there." Armin pointed them towards the gathered Eldians. They were not surprised to see the Marleyan soldiers pointing their rifles at them on instinct. Muller didn't give them any orders to do so but he wasn't telling them to stand down either.

"Please, Secretary Muller, listen," Willy spoke on behalf of the Eldian people. "Eren Yeager is dead and gone and the power of the Titans was destroyed with him. We're just people now, nothing more."

"Can you prove that for fact here and now?"

"If you took a blood test you can-

"I said HERE and NOW!" He raised his voice temporarily before taking a moment to calm himself down again. "I believe you, but one Marleyan speaking on your behalf won't be enough to prove anything. So please, find a way to convince the others that you are humans, not monsters."

Armin suddenly drops his ODM gear and quickens his pace to get in front of the WOC co-founders. A sense of familiarity washed over him seeing all those guns trained on his friends and civilians with their leader holding his hand up. It was just like how the Garrison Regiment reacted after seeing Eren emerge from his Titan form for the first time. They weren't convinced he was human and now the same thing was happening again. He needed to deal with this the same way he did four years ago.

"If we still had the ability to transform into Titans, we'd be using it to defend ourselves. But no, even as we stare down the barrels of your guns, we remain powerless. There can be no greater proof that we're human."

"Who are you?" The secretary asked calmly.

"I'm an Eldian from Paradis. My name is Armin Arlert. I was the one who captured Doctor Oppenheimer. I worked together with my comrades to stop The Rumbling…" He waited for Lazarus and Michael to close in and looked in their direction. "And allowed Lazarus Averbach to free himself of the False Founder Project."

Everyone who truly knew Lazarus looked upon him with shock and comfort. His horns were gone which served as all the proof they needed to convince them he was no longer The Winged Titan. In the background, his crimson eyes spot Ludwig on his knees with his hands tied behind his back and his mouth covered up. He could tell from the way he was glaring at him that he was beyond frustrated to see all his hard work being undone, which satisfied the albino greatly.

"It's all true, sir. My Titan powers have disappeared as well. The line of Crystal Titans has ended." Michael stepped up. He further proves this by cutting his hand with his knife. The Marleyans trembled and were on the brink of unloading their shots into him, but Muller ordered them to stand down.

Michael raises his injured hand high for all to see, showing them how it wasn't healing as the blood leaked out and dripped to the floor.

The Marleyans slowly lowered their rifles as Michael was getting his hand patched up by Sasha. They had all the evidence they needed to convince them that they were indeed human. Willy takes this chance to approach the secretary and make a proposition.

"Secretary, we'll all assist with the cleanup, but afterwards I have a promise to fulfil to my good friend, Erwin Smith." He glances back at the commander who responds with a respectful nod. "We must send word out to the survivors across the world that Eren Yeager and the power of the Titans have been vanquished. Like yourselves, they may not believe it. But once I share my story they'll learn to listen and maybe one day accept Paradis as a thriving nation. We owe it to all the lives taken by The Rumbling."

"I couldn't agree more. So, what do you need from me?" Asked Muller.

Willy and Erwin directed the secretary away from the rest of the group to discuss their demands in private. The others took this opportunity to gather their bearings and bask in the glory of this great victory with their loved ones. Armin thanks Lazarus one more time for saving his life, reminding him how if he hadn't turned him back into a human he wouldn't be standing here with them right now. He'll always be grateful to him for that regardless of his past sins.

Michael and Lazarus stood together and observed the others reconnecting with one another. A warm smile forms on their faces seeing the result of all their hard work and sacrifice. "I never thought I'd live long enough to see this day. I thought Gabi would end up taking my place." Michael commented.

"She did, in her own special way. Her Female Titan was remarkable. It shows how well you've been training her, you and Erwin."

"What about Falco? Who would've guessed he'd be able to fly like you? He could only obtain such an idea from his idol." He pauses for quite some time before changing the subject. "… You got what you wanted, Laz. I am happy for you, I really am. But I still stand by what I told you back home. Without our Titans, nothing is stopping Marley from going back on their word. Now that you're mortal they can kill you for good."

"Marley is gone, Michael. Everything it was. Everything it stood for had been crushed under the weight of The Rumbling. Those soldiers back there and whatever citizens survived are the only reminders of its existence. I'm certain those who wanted me dead are long gone."

"And if they're not?"

"Then I will keep on fighting as I always have. Even without my powers, I will always put the people I care about over my own life. That includes you too. After all the Omega Unit had done to Paradis in the past, I feel we'd no longer be welcome there. I'm not sure where we'll go from here, but I do know I've still got you, Annie and the others by my side. As long as we're all together who cares where we go."

Michael's smile went away as quickly as it formed. He appreciated what he'd said, but it also reminded him of something he'd been keeping hidden from him that he discussed with his father. He'll have to tell him now while he still can.

"Laz, in my heart you'll always be my friend… but things cannot be as they were before."

Lazarus' head quickly turns to Michael on his left. "I know we've been through a lot and kept a lot of secrets from each other, but I see no reason why we shouldn't-

"That's not what I meant." He takes a deep breath. "I mean we can't go back to being how we were when we were kids. Let's face it, Laz. We've both changed so much, perhaps a little too much… When I lost my memories I ended up growing up into a completely different person compared to the kid you once knew… The thing is, Laz, I'm going to be staying on Paradis with Dad and Sasha."

"What?!"

"The power of the Titans may be gone forever, but there is still conflict on that island. Many people who supported Eren and the Yeagerists will attempt to seize control now that the majority of the government has been eliminated. Dad and Historia will attempt to restore order, but they'll need help. That's why I've decided to go back. That island felt more like home to me than Marley ever did."

"Michael…"

"I know what you're going to say, but my mind is made up. We both know it's for the best." Michael interrupted him.

"What I was going to say is that while I disagree with this, I won't get in the way of what you wanna do. Still, it doesn't mean we can't keep in touch. I can always come to Paradis and see you. I'll bring Annie and our baby too, so you can meet them."

Michael regretfully shakes his head. "You can't… When Dad and I were discussing the fate of you and the other Warriors, we both concluded that the people will want justice for what you did nine years ago. To appease the masses Historia has decreed that you, Annie, Reiner, and Pieck are banished from Paradis for the rest of your lives. If any of you so much as set foot on the island's shores, you'll be executed."

Lazarus' eyes widened with shock. But at the same time, he can understand why she'd do this. The fact that she's only banishing the Omega Unit instead of outright killing them is most likely thanks to the role they played in stopping The Rumbling.

"I know it's hard, but I honestly think you've got a bargain. By keeping you away we're allowing you to live your lives however you wish. As long as you honour Historia's wishes, no harm will come to you, Annie or your baby."

"But I'll never get to see you or any of our friends again."

"The others maybe. But who says I can't find some time to leave the island to visit you?"

"Oh… I didn't think of that." Lazarus admitted embarrassingly, his cheeks turning red as he scratched the back of his head.

Michael chuckles. "Never change, Laz. Never change."

The two friends share what may be their final laugh – at least for now – with each other. It was soon interrupted by Gabi and Falco who appeared behind them. Falco had his hands behind his back while Gabi had her left arm over his shoulders.

"Michael. Lazarus."

The two co-founders of the Wings of Crystal turn themselves around to address their protégés and greet them with a warm smile. "You two did phenomenally well today. We're proud of you." They both said at the same time that it freaked them out upon realisation. The kids giggle in response.

"Gabi and I were wandering around talking about our future when we found this." Falco brings both his arms forward and unveils Lazarus' stetson which came a shock to the albino.

"My hat! You found it. I thought it was lost forever when the wind blew it away during my final transformation. Thank you, Falco. You too, Gabi." He says as he takes his hat back from him. But instead of putting it back atop his head he just stares down at it.

"…Lazarus? Is everything alright? It's not damaged or anything, is it?" Falco asked worriedly.

"No, it's fine. It's just that… This hat belonged to my father, Dante Averbach. He was a horse farmer before he became a Warrior. It served as his only reminder of the life he once had. He gave it to my mother, Lydia, as something to remember him by. She then gave it to Lucia when her death came, who then passed it down to me. For the longest time, its purpose had been to keep my horns hidden. Now that they've disappeared, I have nothing left to hide… I think it's time for this hat to be passed on once again, and I can think of nobody better than you." He says proudly as he places the hat atop Falco's head.

"Oh no, I can't take your dad's hat. It belongs to you."

"It's okay. I want you to have it. That way you'll always have something to remember me by." Falco was so touched by his kindness that he blindly leapt into his arms without thinking. Lazarus smiles and pats his back. "I was beyond delighted when I saw you soaring above the clouds with me today. Colt would've been proud."

"Yeah, he would've. He knew I've always wanted to be like you."

"Except you weren't", Lazarus uttered, forcing Falco to let go and back away in surprise. "…You were better… I couldn't have asked for anyone else." He concluded.

"You talk like we're never going to see each other again." Gabi butted in.

"We didn't say that," Michael added.

"We heard what you guys were talking about. You said you were going back to Paradis and staying there." Gabi reminded him.

"And I was just telling Lazarus that it doesn't mean I can't take some time off to see you guys again… Listen to me, all of you. No matter where we go or how long we're apart, we'll always have the memories we've made along the way." He reaches down his shirt and pulls out his crystal shield necklace, this prompts Lazarus to do the same with his sword pendant. "Whenever I look at this pendant, I'll remember those good times. I expect you three to do the same."

"Of course we will," Falco replied joyfully.

"Always," Lazarus added.

"But I don't have anything to remember you by?" Gabi pointed out.

"You still got that knife I gave you when you first became a candidate?" He asked. Gabi slowly reaches down her leg and pulls her trouser leg up, revealing it still resting in its holster strapped to her ankle. "There you go then."

He then pulled Gabi into a tight hug which took her by surprise but accepted nonetheless. "You've been a great protégé and an even greater friend. I know you and Falco will be doing great things out there in the world even if we're not here to witness them."

"Wait a minute, how are your necklaces still here? They're made of Titan crystal. Shouldn't they be fading away like the rest?" Falco questioned.

"Normally they would, but these crystals were made by my grandfather. He infused part of his soul into them to ensure they'd always find each other when they were apart. His soul is what's maintaining their forms." Michael explained. The kids appeared confused over this but decided to accept it as it was and not tarnish the moment further.

The four of them continue to converse for several more minutes until Lazarus catches sight of Muller finishing up his discussion with Erwin and Willy. He was now standing alone amidst the clearing fog lost in thought. Now was his chance to properly get to know this man and uncover his connection to Lucia.

He excuses himself from the group and approaches the old man who spots him coming out the corner of his eye.

"Lazarus Averbach. It's a privilege to finally meet the real you face to face."

"I don't mean to be rude, but can we skip the small talk and get to the part where you explain to me who you are and how you knew Lucia?"

Muller chuckled and sighed. "Hehe, she did say in her letters that you can be impatient at times." He then reaches into his pocket and pulls out his fob watch. He hands it to the albino Eldian who makes opening it his first act. Lazarus was shocked to see a small photograph of a younger Muller and Lucia holding each other in their wedding clothes. Words weren't needed to explain who he was to her.

Lazarus looks carefully at the picture before comparing it to the much older Muller now. "Lucia did tell me during our last day together that she married a Marleyan, and he'd been relocated to Fort Salta. But I didn't think you'd still be alive… I also heard that you allowed those Eldians to take shelter here instead of turning them away like most Marleyans would've done."

"Eldians to me were always just people made differently to us. It wasn't right how your kind got persecuted the way you had. But now those days are over, thanks to you."

"It wasn't just me. Everyone else played their parts just as efficiently as I have."

"But it was you who killed Eren Yeager in the end. Willy and Erwin told me so themselves." Muller explained.

Lazarus was taken aback by those last few words. Why would Erwin and Willy lie about that? They know all too well it was Mikasa who finished off Eren whilst he devoured the Hallucigenia.

"Oh, I see. They're ensuring that Mikasa can give Eren a proper burial by making them think I'd killed him. I don't want to take credit for something I didn't do, but if Erwin truly thinks this is the best route to take, then I won't interfere." He thought to himself before confirming what Muller told him as fact, deciding to go along with this story.

"What was she like, Lazarus?" Muller asked suddenly. "After I left, what kind of life did she live? Was she a great Warrior? And more importantly, was she there for you when you needed her?"

Now it was the albino's turn to chuckle, acting like he was shocked he'd even need to ask him such a question with the most obvious answer. "She was always there for me. She was the mother I needed after losing my real parents. She did a lot in her life. She opened up a blacksmith shop. Forged weapons only seen in other nations. Taught me everything I needed to know about being a Warrior. She always treated me like her son and best friend. Helped me look past all the bad Marley's put me through. Without her, I could've become something equally as bad… I owe her everything."

His answer appeared to have satisfied the secretary judging from the look on his face. It looked as if whatever doubts or regrets he'd been holding onto had been lifted off his shoulders. He was happy to learn his beloved wife got to live a happy life without him. The least he can do is do the same thing.

"I am glad to hear that she was happy. I would love to hear more stories about you and her. Perhaps you can join me for tea when you have the time."

"I'd like that a lot." Lazarus smiled and nodded in agreement. With that said, Muller took his leave and returned to his men to discuss what they should do with the war criminal, Ludwig Oppenheimer. Lazarus decided to turn around and walk away before he had any intrusive thoughts of strangling the old man to death.

As he walked on, he noticed Ymir's adult spirit standing in the fog staring at him with clear eyes, no longer greyed out and empty. Lazarus stops and stares back at her. Neither one of them appeared to hold any resentment for the other. Instead, they looked like they were glaring with respect.

"Eren told me that he foresaw Mikasa being the one to kill him in the end instead of me. I wonder if you had any part in that. You reached out to Mikasa because you saw yourself in her. You were the first Founder, and I was the last… We can finally rest now."

Ymir said nothing but Lazarus could tell from the way she was smiling that she understood what he was saying. Ymir soon disappeared along with the patch of fog that maintained her spirit, finally being put to rest after 2,000 years of slavery.

"We're free now, Ymir… Rest in peace."

---

Three years after the so-called Battle of Heaven and Earth, there are still far more people dead than left to mourn. As for those who did survive, they surely still suffered from unhealed wounds. It had taken some time for Willy Tybur to travel the globe and share his experiences in watching the heroes of Paradis rise to stop The Rumbling. Of course, they didn't want to believe it at first. But time has a way of healing all wounds, including past grudges. In time, the remaining 20% of humanity came to accept that Eldians are human, and the power of the Titans had been erased by the once-feared Winged Titan.

Time also allowed the barren trampled lands to heal and allow new life to grow within. It would take a lot longer than three years for the world to completely recover, but with the aid of its surviving people and animals, it is sure to happen.

Many of the survivors were forced to live in tents and survive off of whatever food they could find in the newly grown forests. It was hard, but after all they'd been through, they were just grateful to be alive and kept their anger in check. The last thing anyone needed was to spark more discrimination.

Back on Paradis Island, Historia had given birth to a beautiful baby girl and was celebrating her third birthday in her little cottage out in the countryside with her chosen husband. Though she would often return to the capital to enact her duties as queen. Her first act as ruler of the island without the walls was to make Erwin Smith the new premier.

The generous former commander accepted his new position with pride and instigated the Wings of Crystal as the official military force of Paradis. Many people who supported Eren were against this decision and demanded they be known as the Yeagerists. But at the end of it all, the decision was made final by Queen Historia herself.

All the people from the era of the 145th king raised the world's population from 20% to 40. Their bodies may be in the present, but their hearts, minds and souls are stuck in the past. Most of them were welcomed to Paradis with open arms and entered the WOC's induction program, helping them adjust to their new lives and come to terms with their actions as Titans. Others who regained their humanity in other parts of the world weren't so lucky. Some of them struggle with the realisation that the world they were born and grew up in is gone, so much so that for some it was too much to bear. It would take decades for those who survive to come close to living a life as normal as it can get.

Under WOC rule, the nation of Eldia is rapidly building its military strength. Not everyone beyond the sea will learn to look past the errors of the past and some may reprise against them. As such, the island shouts with one voice. "Kill or be killed. Fight for your life. The only way to live is to fight. So fight. Just fight". Words Eren Yeager lived by and continued to stick with Historia and everyone else who knew him in life. The end of Titans does not mean the end of conflict, Eren made that clear to her when he gave her knowledge of the future. If they are to continue to fight it would be to put an end to fighting.

With his new position, Erwin passed the title of Scout Commander down to his son, Michael. Even though he was still viewed as a traitor to some of the island's citizens, Erwin could think of no one other than Levi or Armin to take his place. Unfortunately, Levi was done fighting. He wanted to get off the island, see the world and finally open up that tea shop he'd always dreamt of doing. He needed to learn to put his swords down and just enjoy himself now that the war was over.

Armin was given a special task to act as ambassador on behalf of Paradis, to establish relations with all surviving nations and try to move on from the past. It wasn't going to be easy, but he knew he could depend on Jean and Connie who agreed to come with him. Reiner and Pieck were there too, hoping to give their new lives purpose. They weren't ready to settle down and rest yet as Lazarus and Annie did.

As for Sasha, she decided to go back to her farm and spend time with her family and the orphans they've taken in. Michael would often visit her and put more focus on their relationship and see if it could continue to grow. They told the children stories of their adventures as Scouts and how they saved the world, of course, they left out the details that were deemed too graphic for little kids.

The only one who hadn't earned a happy ending was Ludwig Oppenheimer, who spent the remainder of his callous life locked up in a dark, dingy cell. Every day since he'd been subjected to physical and mental torture to pick his brain of all his knowledge not just for the Atomic Bomb, but every idea he's had to benefit Paradis' military even further. With the power of the Titans gone, conventional weapons are the only way forwards. Many assumed he'd put up a fight and make it difficult for them, but the shock of seeing Eren fall at the hands of his own failed creation had really gotten to him.

As soon as the Wings of Crystal military force obtained all they needed from him, Premier Smith ordered his immediate execution. The Marleyan is to be hanged in the centre of the capital for crimes against humanity. And with his death, all traces of the Yeagerists, and all that Marley once was, will be erased forever.

The day before his sentence, Ludwig was curled up on his bed staring at the wall with his back turned to the cell door. All he could do in his final hours was reflect on his life and think "How did it come to this?" He'd never felt lower than dirt. If only he could turn back the clock and change the outcome. He could've been standing in a new world full of Titan-abled humans right now.

His ears twitch in response to the sounds of the door to the dungeons opening far to his right followed by footsteps casually going down the stone steps. Someone was paying him a visit. "I've already told you everything I know! You've got it all recorded. I have nothing left to give you fools!"

"I tend to disagree. There's still one final matter I feel needs to be addressed between us." Ludwig's eyes shoot wide open. That wasn't the sound of WOC soldiers. It was a feminine voice; one he knew all to well.

He sits up on his bed and turns himself around. Standing opposite him on the other side of the bars was his niece, Yelena Oppenheimer, staring at him with the same emotionless glare she'd always had. Only this time he can tell she carries resentment for how he betrayed her and was too cowardly to say why in person.

"Yelena? I didn't think you'd been given permission to return to Paradis, let alone visit me."

"I was banished, but the new premier and the queen allowed me to return just to attend your execution tomorrow. Took a lot of convincing to get them to let me see you before then… I've come to say goodbye, Uncle."

"Really? I know you, Yelena. We both know that's not the only reason you're here. You want to know why I betrayed you to Eren. I already explained it in my letter."

"Well, that's not good enough! I wanna hear it straight from the horse's mouth!" She raised her voice a little. "You were against the Euthanization Plan from the start. Did you not care at all about what I wanted? Was your desire for evolution so ingrained in your brain that everything else didn't matter? I want to hear you say it. Tell me I didn't matter!"

Ludwig sighs and gives his niece the answer she sought. "… Yes. At that moment, nothing mattered but the mission. As a scientist I was duty-bound to ensure humanity progresses, not the other way around. Zeke's plan would only digress the world. You think the world will be at peace because the power of the Titans is gone? It won't. The military seized my research just so they could develop more powerful weapons. Whose to say the rest of the world won't be afraid to retaliate?"

Then, to Yelena's surprise, Ludwig started smiling again, probably for the first time since he'd been locked up. "Things may not have gone how I wanted them to go, but I had a lot of time to think in here, and I've come to a satisfactory conclusion… I still win."

Yelena quirks an eyebrow in confusion. Ludwig took that as his cue to continue. "Before I was devastated Titans won't be the dominating species, but now I realise that their fall will grant the possibility for something far greater to rise up and succeed where Eren failed. And Paradis taking my research is the key to starting it. Picture it, Yelena. Humanity evolving through technology and conventional weapons. Building cities with it. Enhancing themselves. Even simpler means such as making a cup of coffee. The era of Titans may be over, but the era of technology will be upon us soon… Too bad I won't be around to see it."

"Interesting theory, Uncle. But I think you've been cooped up in here too long to the point of insanity. Or maybe you never had any sanity to begin with. Even now you're deluded into thinking your genius will make any impact on the world. But your life's work on the False Founder Project is now destroyed. Paradis won't be using your Atomic Bomb and other research to wage wars. The world has learned to back off after The Rumbling. They're not foolish enough to provoke another war so soon."

"Oh, my sweet Yelena. War is inevitable, it always will be. Human beings will always find an excuse to kill one another. Paradis may claim to keep my research out of warmongering hands, but power cannot be contained forever. It always has a way of corrupting those who hold it to become warmongers themselves. It happened with Marley, and it will happen with the Wings of Crystal. The cycle of war and hatred will never end because humans find peace and equality boring and difficult. Trust me, in many years from now, if you live long enough, you'll see that I was right."

From atop the stairs, a new voice calls down to Yelena. "Hey, visiting hour's up! Time to leave!"

Yelena sighed, turned herself towards the exit and prepared to leave but not without saying one last thing to her uncle. "All your life you've been going on about this evolution bullshit, but I think it is you who needed to change the most. We've all evolved into better people in the three years since, while you stayed the same. I'd ask you to try and change but it's too late for that now… Goodbye forever, Doctor Oppenheimer." She uttered before making her way up the stairs and exiting the dungeon area.

As the door slams shut Ludwig continues to sit on his bed with his hands resting on his knees and a grin forming on his face. "I may die tomorrow, but one day someone like me will rise and continue my legacy. The world will continue to change but humanity will always stay the same, that I am certain."

---

The next day the news of Ludwig's execution made the front page. As expected of the people, their opinions were divisive. Many were glad to see that monster finally pay for all he's done whilst others thought he deserved better for his support in Eren's crusade.

Yelena couldn't bring herself to watch her uncle's lifeless body drop through the trapdoor and dangle in place. Everybody would understand if she felt nothing for him after all he'd done, but a small part of her couldn't help but pity him. Eventually, she was forced to leave the island after the execution was done and return to wherever she was staying. To help make up for her sins, she offered to do some community work with Onyankopon and help the survivors get their lives back on track.

Falco and Gabi were also there planting new trees to replace the ones that had been trampled. They were both in their early teens now, around the same age as their idols when they graduated from the 104th Cadet Corp. To this day Falco is still wearing Lazarus' stetson in honour of him. They missed them and their families every day, but they both agreed that they wanted to go out into the world and help heal it. They may not be Warriors anymore, but their desire to protect remained strong.

The following night, Michael and Sasha met up and got together atop a grassy hill overlooking the vast countryside and the shimmering lake he and Lazarus had decided to make their special place. The lovable potato girl rested her head on Michael's shoulder and he responded in kind as they took in the peaceful view.

"It is nice out here. Feels good to get away from all the responsibilities of being the commander of the Wings of Crystal." Michael commented.

"You hate it?" Sasha questioned him.

"Not so much hate it, more I just wish I had more breaks from it. It feels like my free time to spend with you is getting shorter every day."

"Well, you're here now, that's all that matters." She says as she unbuttons her jacket and opens it up so she can feel the cool breeze on her body properly. Michael glanced down at her stomach and noticed that it had gotten a little rounder compared to when they last met.

"Hey, Sasha?" He waits for her to turn and face him before continuing. "Is it my imagination or have you gotten a bit fat? You been eating too many potatoes again?"

As to be expected, Sasha didn't take too kindly to that question and answered him with a well-placed slap across the face, knocking his glasses off his face and him to the ground. "Deserved…" he moaned. "Ow…"

"Don't you know it's rude to call a woman fat?! You and I know all too well I'm pregnant! It's the reason I quit the Scouts in the first place!"

Michael laughs as he picks himself up and rubs his cheek where he got clobbered. "I was only joking, you know… Still, I can't believe your parents are completely fine with it." He says as he places his glasses back on.

"My father's always been grateful to you for how you saved me and Kaya from that Titan that wandered into our village. He likes you. The kids like you too. You know, Kaya still has that horse statue you made her."

"Yeah, I know, I saw it on the mantle last time I came over for dinner. It's nice to know that some of my crystals are still around long after my powers vanished." He looks down at his shield pendant as he says this. He begins to ponder about Lazarus and wonders where he is right now.

"You thinking about Lazarus?"

Michael nods without turning his head in her direction. "I know it's only been two days since I sent him that letter, but I can't help but wonder when I'll hear from him again. I haven't seen him in three years. Last I heard he, Annie and their kids are taking refuge in the new nation Willy Tybur built from the ashes of Marley's motherland. I get why Historia banished the Omega Unit from ever returning to Paradis, but I wish he could come here and see how much this place had changed for the better."

"You could always go over there and see him instead." She suggested.

"You know why I can't do that. My dad couldn't drop everything to spend time with me, and now I understand how hard his job is. Maybe someday, if I find the most suitable replacement, I can make time to see him and spend time with our child. But I don't see that happening for at least another ten years."

"Eh, I've been waiting this long. What's ten more years?" Sasha replied.

Michael smiles and kisses her on the lips. The happy couple continue to hold each other in silence as they look up at the starry night sky. Michael continued to think about his best friend and wondered what he must be doing right now.

---

Michael was right. Willy Tybur had been building a new nation atop the ashes of Marley. Muller and his men helped with the preparation for the first batch of buildings with the help of various builders and engineers. Willy reached out to all his connections with many people he'd befriended on his travels to come on down to make his dream of a united nation of various cultures thriving together a reality.

People from Hizuru, Courland, and even Britannia had been gathered on what used to be Marleyan soil to build the new one in its place. Paradis was offered a chance to help but turned it down out of respect for the others who're still suffering from the aftermath of The Rumbling. Any thoughts on negotiations would be mute until after the new nation was complete.

Ten years they've been working their hardest to complete what may be the largest city ever constructed and there was still so much to do before they could welcome in everyone without a home. Of course, the essential constructs to ensure the nation's survival assumed top priority such as a military force with a strong headquarters, hospitals, schools, and apartment buildings for the people. Everything else would come after.

When the city was on the brink of full functionality, Willy established a council consisting of the leaders of the other nations who took part in the construction of the city to enact its laws and keep it running properly and equally. Willy felt it would be appropriate and fair to have their united nation be ruled as a democracy rather than a singular royalist or a group of various persons of the same nation as Marley did. Everyone gets a say in how they can improve things and make life better for their citizens. To make their new nation official to the rest of the world and prove that the corrupt ways of Marley were well and truly over, they've voted henceforth, that they shall be known as The Grand Union.

One of the new buildings formed to assist in the construction was a blacksmith shop titled "The Diamond Anvil". Although most people just called it "Averbach's Forge." Lazarus had decided to carry on his mentor's legacy by opening a brand-new shop in the heart of the new city. The interior was much larger than the one Lucia owned which held a lot of space for all the equipment and merchandise. On top of the shop was a second level that acted as the house for the members of the Averbach family. Lazarus, Annie and their three children. There was even a guest room for Leonhart to stay in.

In the following months after The Rumbling ended Annie had given birth to not one child, but twins. Two girls. The third child didn't come until three years later, and this one was a boy. Both girls heavily resembled their mother but had their father's red eyes and white hair. Their youngest son looked more like his father but had Annie's blonde hair and blue eyes. To honour the memory of Lazarus' parents, Annie agreed to name the girls Lydia and Lucia and their son, Dante. Annie didn't exactly have anyone she cherished as much as him to suggest anything else. But she liked the idea as much as her husband did.

Lazarus and Annie themselves didn't look that much different over the ten years that followed other than Annie's hair had grown longer, and she started letting it all hang down rather than tie it back in her usual bun. And Lazarus had gotten as tall as his father did in his life and his arms had grown stronger from all the smithing he'd done over the years.

One faithful night, the entire Averbach family was gathered around a large dining table littered with all kinds of delicious food handsomely provided by one of their guests, Muller, one of the members of the new council. He and Lazarus spent much of their time getting to know each other and sharing stories about the times they've spent with Lucia. It felt like she was still with them.

Lazarus and Annie worked together to set the cutlery while their children were engaged in one of Leonhart's stories about his homeland and what life was like over there compared to here. But they were startled by the sound of someone knocking on the door leading down to the shop.

"You mind finishing up here while I answer it?" Lazarus asked his wife.

"Sure, honey." She replied as she began placing the plates down on the table.

Lazarus kisses her on the cheek before departing for the front door. He wasted no time opening it and was greeted by the warm smiles of his old friends Pieck and Reiner. Like him, neither of them had changed at all over the years aside from a few small features like Reiner's beard or how Pieck has her hair tied back into a ponytail. Both were dressed up somewhat formally. They've been told today was a special day but didn't know the details behind it and assumed it was a surprise.

"Pieck! Reiner! You made it!" He said happily as he hugged Pieck. He then turns to Reiner and greets him with a handshake. "You both look great. Please come in.

"Thanks, Lazarus, you look like you've been doing well too judging from how big your arms have gotten." Pieck teased.

"Hehe, don't let Annie hear you say that."

"Too late!" Annie shouted from the dining room, followed by their kids laughing.

As soon as Reiner and Pieck are let in, Lazarus is greeted by the appearance of Gabi and Falco standing in the doorway. "Surprise!" They both cry out with excitement.

"No way! Nobody told me you were coming!" Lazarus pulls the two young teens in for a tight embrace, thrilled to be in their presence again. "My god you two have grown up big."

"Not as big as your arms are," Gabi commented.

"Please don't bring that up again. Annie's already beating Pieck with a bat for mentioning them." He joked. He looks over at Falco and is pleased to see him still wearing his old hat. It looked roughed up and dirty over the years. There was even a slit on the edge. "Still wearing that dirty old thing, huh?"

"You told me to, remember?"

"I know I did, Kiddo. Still, it looks like it has seen better days."

"Gabi and I have seen so much during our travels."

"Well, you can tell us all about it over dinner in a few minutes. We're still waiting for one more guest to arrive, so why don't you catch up with the others in the dining room?"

He guides Gabi and Falco up the stairs to the housing area, telling them to take the first right to reach the dining room. Before Lazarus could turn around and leave, he was stopped by Gabi who grabbed his arm. "Hey, Laz, is there any chance Michael is here or showing up too?"

That question struck Lazarus like a knife to the gut. His joy-filled expression slowly faded away and was replaced with sadness. "… I'm afraid not, Gabi. Michael's commander of Paradis' new military force now. He doesn't have the freedom to travel across the sea to visit us. I wish he was here as much as you do, but you can't get everything you want… Anyway, follow me to the next room, smells like Annie's serving the turkey." He said, changing the subject entirely.

Gabi and Falco glance at each other with worry as they follow the albino into the other room.

They were greeted by the illustrious aroma of all kinds of foreign food, though it wasn't foreign to the inhabitants of this united city. There was a big roast turkey in the middle of the table with plates filled with different sides such as potato salad, pigs in blanket sausages, carrots and peas, corn on a cob, bread rolls, and a jug of gravy. To the guests for the evening, it was a glorious banquet. They've never seen so much food sitting together on one table before.

The hosts and guests all take their seats with Lazarus at the head of the table with Annie, his three kids and Leonhart sitting on his right and the guests of honour sitting on the left. Lazarus clinks his glass with the end of his fork to gather all their attention for his welcoming toast.

"Normally we aren't allowed to start without all guests present, but I just wanted to take this chance to thank you all for coming to dine with us here tonight. To you, our guests, all of this is completely new to you. But what we've been gathered here today for is a new tradition created by The Union Council to celebrate the coming together of the various nations who agreed to help us build this great city atop what used to be Marley's motherland. It is called "Thanksgiving". A reminder of not only what we've built here, but also how close we all came to losing it all when The Rumbling began. To remind us how fortunate we are to be here today with this year's harvest in the presence of loved ones. Furthermore…"

The speech was suddenly interrupted by another knock on the front door, startling some of the guests. "We expecting anyone else, Dad?" Lydia asked her father.

"Ah, that must be Mister Muller. He's finished work much earlier than I was expecting. I'll go let him in. Kids, don't touch any of the food until after he's seated."

"We won't, Dad." Dante, Lydia and Lucia said simultaneously, triggering a snicker from Gabi and Reiner.

Lazarus once again leaves the table, heads downstairs, approaches the front door and opens it wide. Standing on the other side wasn't Muller like he was expecting. It was a face he hadn't seen in ten years and one he thought he'd never see again. His oldest and closest friend.

"Mi- Michael?!"

"And Sasha." She butted in as she pokes her head out from behind Michael with a cheerful smile. She then pulls her arms to the side and reveals her and Michael's eight-year-old boy with short brown hair and ocean-blue eyes like his father. "And little Joe here."

Lazarus was completely stunned and stuttered, struggling to form words right now. Noticing his difficulty, Michael decided to make the first move for him. "You got any room for three more for old time's sake?"

"Michael… Sasha. I- I can't believe you're here. This is just… Wait, how did you even know where to find us?"

"Reiner gave us your address and Pieck mentioned you were hosting some kind of party or something. When I heard Gabi and Falco were gonna be there we just had to come along." Michael explained.

"But what about Paradis? Who's watching over the Wings of Crystal in your place?"

"Captain Levi, of course. Who else?"

"I thought Levi was retired. Gabi and Falco said he was with them when they were going through with Operation Colonise."

"Well, you know Levi. Tree-hugging is not really his thing. Part of him still misses being a soldier no matter how many times Dad and I told him to just take it easy. He did open up a tea shop, but he said retirement was not all it's cracked up to be. I don't think he knows how to let loose and enjoy life fully yet… Maybe another part of him is telling him to do this in honour of Hange."

Lazarus chuckles a little before looking over at Sasha and her and Michael's son. He notices how shy he is and kneels to his level to appear less intimidating in his eyes. "It's so nice to finally meet you, Joe. Your father told me all about you in the letters he's been sending me. My name's Lazarus. Your father and I grew up together. Known each other since we were younger than you. You're eight years old, right?"

"Y-yes sir." He quietly muttered under his breath, still feeling shy around him.

"That's good, because my son, Dante, is turning eight today. Would you like to meet him?" Joe shyly nods. "Then let me introduce you and your parents to them now. Follow me, everyone."

---

After Michael and his family were seated at the table, everyone was finally permitted to dig into this marvellous feast. Muller did arrive in the end only seven minutes after Michael, Sasha and Joe were seated. Now that all the chairs were filled, Lazarus continued his speech and announced his son's birthday as something to celebrate on top of Thanksgiving and promised them a big birthday cake to act as the dessert for the evening.

Everyone conversed with one another as they ate, talking about the many great things they've been doing over the years. Reiner proudly told Lazarus that Armin's ambassador mission was a success, and the world now recognises Paradis as a strong nation, and the same can be said about the new Grand Union. Gabi and Falco mention that Operation Colonise was going well and the Earth had now reclaimed more than half of its wildlife. In a decade or two it'll look like the world hadn't been trampled. Things were finally starting to get back to normal again. This may be the beginning of an era of peace.

To finish off this wonderful evening, the guests all sing Happy Birthday to young Dante as Lazarus and Annie present him with his special cake. They all cheer as he blows out the candles and makes a special wish, though he would not tell them what it was or else it wouldn't come true.

After the feast, Lazarus and Annie bid their guests farewell and thanked them for coming and spending time together just like the good old days. "Here's hoping they'll have more thanksgivings as amazing as this one," Lazarus thought to himself.

The last ones to leave were, to nobody's surprise, Michael, Sasha and Joe. However, Lucia, Lydia and Dante didn't want their new friend to leave yet as they were still trying to get to know him better. They started begging their mother to let them stay just a while longer. Despite Annie's protests, Lazarus agreed to it, instantly winning his kids' affection and gratitude.

The reason behind this was so he and Michael could spend some time alone somewhere to properly talk things over unlike how their last meeting went ten years ago. Both of them didn't know what to say at the moment and were forced to leave without saying so much as a proper goodbye.

Lazarus leads Michael through the dark, empty streets lit up by streetlamps, having a casual conversation to pass the time until they reach what appears to be a dock. The two of them took a seat on the edge of the port and dangle their legs over the water. All was quiet aside from the sounds of the waves crashing against the stone slabs they were sitting on.

"This is a pretty nice spot, Laz."

"I figured you'd like it. We've technically been here before… back when it was just a beach."

Michael's eyes widen and his head slowly turns towards his red-eyed friend. "You mean this is…"

"Uh-huh. We are sitting at the port where Odiha used to stand."

"No wonder you were determined to bring me here despite it being an hour's walk away from your house… I can't believe you did this. How'd you even know this is Odiha?"

Lazarus points behind them over to a circle of statues surrounding what appears to be a curved bowl in the ground. On close inspection, Michael discovers that the statues surrounding it were all miniaturised sculptures of their Titan bodies as well as the rest of the Omega Unit and the two Zeta Warriors. Standing in between the Titan statues were smaller ones that resembled the people who were involved in the Alliance such as Hange. And the bowl they were standing around wasn't a bowl, it was what remained of the crater formed during The Winged Titan's first transformation.

"Are those meant to be our Titans?" He asked rhetorically. "Why would anyone want to see that after everything Titans have done?"

"It was our Titans that saved the world from The Rumbling, the people of this nation know that. Willy wanted to put them there to remind the world who it was that saved it, to teach the next generation as an important moment in human history."

"Ah, I see. Well, I'm glad it's not just the Titans getting the recognition. Everyone played an important role in the mission, and some didn't get to live long enough to see the results. Like Hange and Bertolt."

"Yeah, I wish they could've seen what their sacrifices have done. It's thanks to them the survivors of humanity came back strong and built all this." He spreads his arms out, making it appear he is holding the whole city in his hands. "This is true progress, unlike the deluded world Ludwig saw. I hear he's dead now. Good riddance."

Michael nods in agreement. The two of them continue to talk about the things they've done with their lives after they were separated until Lazarus brings up a new topic of discussion. "You mentioned in your letter that you saw Mikasa recently. How is she?"

"That was years ago, man. But yes, I did see her a few times after returning to Paradis. She ended up burying Eren under their tree at the top of that one hill in Shiganshina. I would always find her there talking to him, always wearing his scarf around her neck. She looked like she preferred being alone with him so I decided to stop coming. I haven't seen her since. Though rumour has it she and Jean got together and settled down, but I find it hard to believe… Sasha's also been seeing Connie and his mother quite frequently in Ragako Village. He's still thankful for what you've done."

"It was nothing. Just another good deed to make up for all the bad things I've done in my reckless youth."

There were a few minutes of silence between them as they watched the tide coming in and out on repeat. During that silence, Lazarus reminded himself of the horrible things he'd done when the Omega Unit first arrived on Paradis and then compared it to the great life he forged today. There was one question brewing in the back of his mind that he felt needed to be said aloud.

"Michael… do you think I deserve all these nice things?" Michael turns his head back in his direction. "I've caused so much suffering when we breached those walls. I lied and manipulated you and everyone else who trusted me, and I got so many innocent people killed. From an outsider's perspective, if they saw the life I'm living now, knowing what I've done, it wouldn't be fair. In fact, it would be downright wrong. They'd say that I don't deserve all this and should be rotting in hell for my sins. Would you agree?"

"I get where you're coming from. And yes, there will always be people who are against it. But it doesn't matter what they think. It's pointless to complain about it now that it's already happened. The way I see it, if there were a God, and he saw your past actions as unredeemable, then why would he allow you all these just rewards? All I can say is that this is how your story ends, and if anyone has a problem with it, they can take it up with the man upstairs. I for one think you've earned a pardon, and you can continue making up for your sins by ensuring your kids don't go down the wrong path you and Annie took."

Lazarus was in awe over Michael's words of wisdom. He was right. Life is unpredictable. No person can determine what will happen next or how it will end regardless of the actions of the person. Whatever phenomenal cosmic power ensured his life turned out this way, it didn't matter. He must make the most of it by keeping up the good work he's been doing.

"That's very insightful of you, Michael. You are getting wiser with age."

"I'm only 28, you moron!"

"And there's the immaturity I know you for."

"Oh, you bastard!" He playfully wraps his arm around Lazarus' head and gives him a noogie. They both burst into laughter for the first time in a decade and bask in the rekindling of their friendship. They've both missed these little moments between them and are glad to see they've not lost their mojo. Their sword and shield necklaces start emitting a faint glow upon being close to each other, but they are too distracted to notice.

They break off their playful embrace and let out a calming exhale of breath as their bodies relax. It was beginning to get even darker outside, causing Michael to start worrying about his family.

"Oh shit, how long have we been sitting out here?! Sasha must be wondering where I am."

"You're right, we should start heading back… Thanks for coming out here with me, bud. Feels just like old times."

"Yeah." He and Lazarus stand up and face one another. Michael then extends his right hand towards him. "Here's to the start of the next chapter of our lives."

"To the next chapter." The albino repeated as he took hold of Michael's hands and shook it. "I'm so glad you were my friend, Michael Suurvalta."

"You too, Lazarus Averbach. But, for future reference, it's Michael Braus now."

"You took Sasha's last name? Why?"

"Like I just said, this is the start of a new chapter in our lives. I wanted to start it off with a new name and sever all attachments to the old life I once had."

"I suppose that makes sense. Still, it's gonna take some getting used to." He commented as the two of them started walking back home. "So, I take it that means you didn't name your son after The Reaper then? I assumed Joe was short for Joseph."

"Not at all. Joe was the name of Sasha's grandfather. I wanted to be a part of her legacy rather than her being a part of mine." Michael answered honestly.

"That's really noble of him". The albino thought as they started making their way back.

As they walked on, Lazarus suddenly stopped when he noticed a mysterious figure out the corner of his right eye standing in the middle of the ocean atop the water. He was too far away and it was too dark to try and make out who it could be, but Lazarus had a feeling it wasn't human given how it was just casually standing on the water like it was solid. He started feeling this strange sensation riding up his spine the longer he looked at them. It's as if that figure was putting strange thoughts into his head. Just what the hell is that thing?

"Lazarus!" Michael called back to him, snapping him out of his unknowing trance and facing forwards. "Why're you falling behind? Don't forget I'm the one following you here."

"Did- Did you see that?!" He pointed out to the sea, trying to show Michael what he saw, but there was nothing there.

"See what? There's nothing out there but water and docked boats. Now let's hurry up and get back before our wives get angry."

Lazarus looks back and forth between Michael and the ocean. The mysterious figure had just vanished without a trace. Did he just imagine that or was it real somehow? What even was that? Was it Ludwig's ghost coming back to haunt him? The albino shook his head in denial, refusing to believe that was the case. As much as he wanted to keep dwelling on it, he'd left Michael hanging long enough. It was for the best he'd forget about it and focus on leading them home.

Both of them weren't sure what the future has in store for them and their world in the years ahead. Many believe the peace they've built now won't last forever and the world will be spiralling into another war that could lead to the deaths of millions more like The Rumbling. Perhaps one day a descendant of Ludwig Oppenheimer will appear and bring back the horrors of the Atomic Bomb. Maybe technology will continue to grow to the point it becomes far more powerful and unstoppable than the power of the Titans itself. Or worst-case scenario, the power of the Titans somehow returns in the modern era.

Whatever will occur, it was something for future generations to worry about. All this one can do is make sure they're well prepared for it and carry on living within their memories.

The End

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Story 1 out of 10 Completed. There will be more upcoming fanfics that are all connected in my own Fanfic Multiverse. Be sure to read them all before the big crossover final story coming soon in the far future.

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Author's Note: Here we are at last, the grand finale to Wings of Crystal. Words cannot express how proud I am to finally bring this long-running story, two years in the making, to what I hope was a satisfying conclusion for you all. There have been a couple moments where I felt like giving up and struggling to figure out how to progress, but all the love and support you guys have been showing inspired me to push on till the very end. Thank you all so much for following this story from beginning to end and enjoying what I've added to the well thought out and beautifully told world of Attack On Titan by Hajime Isayama.

As it says above, this story is only the first installment in a series of fanfics that are all connected to my own multiverse of stories. The mysterious figure at the end that Lazarus saw is forshadowing to what I hope to show you all when we reach the epic final crossover story where my OC's from each entry will come together to stop the biggest threat of their lives.

From this moment forwards I'm thinking of woking on multiple fics at a time instead of focussing on one to help progress my Fanfic Multiverse faster. So be sure to follow me and add me to your author's alert list to be notified on whenever I add a new chapter to one of the three new stories I'm working on next. Below are a couple hints/riddles as to what kind of fanfics I'll be doing next and what anime/movie/TV show/video game or other they're set in.

Hint for the first new story: All that glitters is not gold, but for two brothers, it is all that matters.

Hint for the second new story: Soon come chaos… Chaos soon come.

Hint for the third new story: Three worlds hang in the balance. Souls can either be whole or hollow. Only the reapers in black can decide the fates of each.

And with that, guys, this is where I will say goodbye for now. Be sure to check out the other two stories I've written while you're waiting for the next installments of my fanfic multiverse. Thank you again for all your love and support and I look forward to getting to work on the next stories.