Reviews:
Pytomania101: Yes, I'm back. I can't promise regular updates, but I do write when I get the chance.
DarkscytheDrake: I know, it has been a while, but I hope the wait has been well worth it.
corvi1718: No problem! I know it's been a wait, but I was working on it as well as other things.
PaperbackAlloy: Yes, given how long it has been, a refresher read would be a good benefit. More answers to come.
muratira: It is alive! I hope that it won't be abandoned. Hopefully things can improve as well. As for that question, it will be addressed in due time.
god of all: Thank you, I'll try my best.
Zamasu black: Harry's Titan is a big focus of this chapter, hence the title, and more will be shown of its powers, but you seem to have read my mind in certain regards. And as the story progresses, he'll find useful ways of using said abilities.
adelalovesmadara: Yes, Historia was done dirty with her canon screentime, but she'll have plenty of relevancy here.
Disclaimer- Harry Potter is owned by J. K. Rowling and Attack on Titan/Shingeki no Kyojin is owned by Hajime Isayama. I own nothing.
Chapter 19: The Mystic Titan
The rising sun brought forth a radiant ominous shadow. Looking away from the western horizon the dark hue over the east loomed, reflecting the terror that had emerged from there all those years prior. Reaching into his jacket pocket, Reiner pulled out a cigarette, clicking his lighter a few times before it took. Taking a long drag, Reiner let the smoke fill his lungs with its pollutants. When he exhaled, the wind blew the smoke back into his eyes.
For a moment, Reiner was hit with more than a cancerous burn - a memory. One of releasing a firey breath as his Titan body sought to cool itself down. The hole he had made in the wall that day, soldiers died trying to stop him. Titans came through, the loss for them was immeasurable. One genocide after another.
"Knn!" Reiner flicked the ashes off of his finger. He hadn't meant to get lost in thought. But the burn did not hurt. He was no stranger to the feeling.
"You're here early."
Turning around, Reiner fixed his golden hazel eyes down on Pieck walking towards him.
"Morning," Reiner greeted, unsurprised by her presence. She had always been an early riser. "Just wanted to make sure everything was ready."
The newly constructed Liberio harbor was not as extensive as the old one had been, but that tended to happen when pieces of land mass were gone. Anchored at one of the docks was a repurposed luxury cruiser. The design was heavily inspired by the upper-class Marleyian echelon, but far more modest and lacking several features. But, the aptly named New Horizon had served their alliance well before with travel to other nations.
And now, they were returning to Paradis.
"Armin isn't even here yet," Pieck observed. "That's unusual."
"He went to go meet with Connie," Reiner replied, taking a short drag of his cigarette. "I guess he wanted him present for this."
"Ah."
"Everything okay?" Reiner asked, flicking away his half-finished smoke.
"For now." She could have referred to a multitude of things. "Just wondering how Connie will be. Even if we can call one another allies, I know he hasn't forgotten my involvement in his village incident."
Reiner knew that even though Connie's mother had been untitanized after the war, some resentment toward the old Warrior program still existed. Zeke was the primary perpetrator in Ragako's Titan creation and Connie had wanted to see him dead for it. But with the former War Chief under heavy incarceration, Pieck was left as the only other Shifter who was present for the process.
It wasn't as though Connie hated her, but he sure didn't take any time out of his day to spend with any of the former Warriors outside of summit meetings. Or on journeys such as this. Still, the cold shoulder treatment was a step above how Jean had reacted when Reiner confessed his hand in Marco's demise. And he deserved every blow the soldier had given to him. And more.
"Our alliance was built on tainted ground," Reiner acknowledged. "Whatever foundation was put in place is bound to have stress fractures. We all know who it is he's really mad at."
"I suppose," Pieck pondered. "And what about you? How are you holding up?"
"I..." how was he?
He was returning to Paradis, an island he had initially come to infiltrate and leave for dead. The second time he had returned, he hadn't done so in disguise as a soldier, but with Marley's might behind him. Both times he had come bearing the colors of war, first as an ignorant child, and then as a man full of self-loathing. Regardless, bad tidings followed him on Paradis. And now, this boy, the son of the man Reiner couldn't help but to relate, he would be twelve or so now. The same age Reiner had been when he helped breach their walls.
"I'll be alright," Reiner softly assured. "I wasn't Marley's Shield for no reason." Yes, it was because of you, Marcel.
"It's been a while since I've heard that title," Pieck mused. "Who knows, if there is a 'Mystic Titan,' as Armin claims, then-,"
"-Then we can only hope it doesn't get out to the rest of the world." Is this your doing, Eren? Would you actually condemn that boy - your own son, to a fate that cruel?
Pieck shuffled on her feet. "I didn't know Eren Yeager like you did during those cadet years, but all things considered with how far he can take things, how much do you think he had a hand in this?"
"Eren..." a pause. He had given plenty of thought to Eren. So much so that it was hard to put into words. "Eren wouldn't knowingly curse someone valuable to him. Especially if that person is a child of his. And also..." Reiner, we're the same. "Because I wouldn't."
His comrade gave little away in terms of her expression. "You know him much better than I. I'll take your word on that, for now." Reiner would just have to believe it himself. "By the way, does Gabi know?"
"Hm. I'm sure Falco had the same dream we all did. He's never been one to keep a secret from her so chances are she knows something isn't right."
"You're not wrong," Pieck agreed. "But that isn't what I meant. Does Gabi know that we're going to Paradis? Does she know you'll be there?"
"..." Reiner resisted the urge to light up another smoke. "I haven't had the chance to tell her. She and Falco are in a good spot, I don't want to cut her happiness short and have her worried over something that might be nothing." And if it was something?
"She's going to find out sooner or later," Pieck reinforced. "Even if she got over all the old Marley propaganda, we both know how she feels about Eren." Oh, he knew. Reiner felt it was much the same for himself back on Paradis. "Besides, you're her hero. You wouldn't want that version of yourself tainted in her eyes, would you?"
A hero. Of all the things she could have said, why did it have to be that? Partial savior of the world or not, was that not something anyone would've done?
"I... I should write to her," Reiner relented. "I don't know if any call would go through if they weren't home."
Pieck was already reaching into her pocket to pull out a piece of paper and a point of sharpened lead. "Just in case you needed it."
Reiner accepted her offering, giving a thankful nod to her foresight. Walking over to where the nearest post box was, Reiner put the tip of the lead to the paper and pondered.
Gabi,
I hope you and Falco are both doing well. The last time I spoke with my mother, she mentioned you were asking about me. Sorry. I've been dealing with important matters, not that I don't think of you as important, you're still my favorite little cousin. The alliance has been very active lately and we've chartered a ship to Paradis. By now, you've probably heard that the missing prince has returned home.
Don't worry. We're only going to ensure he is safe and no ramifications come from this. We shouldn't be on the island long. I'll be home before you know it and you can tell me about the trip you and Falco took. Until then, be safe.
Your cousin, Reiner Braun.
After reading it over once, Reiner procured an envelope and dropped it down the chute. Sighing, he reached into his pocket for another cigarette. He was all out.
As big as the palace in Mitras was, Harry found it pretty empty. Many of the floors were just the same design with a few different room placements, the retainers were present, yet sparse, and there was very little character to be had.
It was still nice to look at, and the prospect of exploring was a tempting thought as Ymir did mention she was sure secret passages did exist. Hogwarts had plenty of those to spare and the enchanted castle easily dwarfed this place of luxury. Even if Hogwarts, and that world as a whole, was not his original home, it did hold a unique charm to it that was hard to replicate or even fully quench.
Harry knew that must sound pretty stupid. All the work he did was to get him back here - to his real home. He had been so focused on that, he hadn't spared any thought to the cozy and whimsical castle he would be leaving behind. Meals were now small, private gatherings comprising only himself, Ymir, Queen Historia, Eren, Mikasa, and occasionally Jean; gone were the four long tables of students his age, above and younger. The only one his age here, and a true friend was Ymir. Time spent with her was always well worth it.
They opted for a shared room, with beds on opposite sides. Even if they were told by nannies that they were to have a strict schedule while present, that was a rule they both ignored in favor of chatting through the night. They spent time in the central garden, frequenting the hedge maze and sneaking fruit from some of the trees. They were able to find a few hidden rooms, but no secret passages of any real value. There was one that led someplace outside the palace in need of a quick escape, but they were told not to go near it. The stables were probably the most exciting as Ymir was friendly with many of the stablehands and was able to give a few riding lessons. It was far different from riding a broom, as this was a living creature with a mind of its own, but after a few shaky attempts, Harry was able to gain his composure and ride a few laps around the yard without falling.
Ymir cheered him from her own mount. Near the stable, Queen Historia watched fondly. Mikasa, seemingly insisting on following watched with a shared interest. Jean gave a small applause and from behind the stable, Harry spotted Eren as well. His face didn't give much away, but his eyes seemed brighter than usual.
"You performed excellently," the queen praised as Jean helped him off of his horse. "You're a fair rider."
"I suppose so," Harry agreed. "Back in... that other place, there was a class that taught something like this." Hermione berated him for going higher than instructed. It was almost comical now. He smiled.
"You sound almost wistful," she noted. "Do you... miss being there?"
"I didn't mean it like that," Harry tried to assure. "I'm happy to be here, I am. It's just that things can get a little... boring." Should he have said that?
Surprisingly, she didn't seem too upset by his answer. "Yes, your sister has expressed the same many times before."
Hearing her name as Jean helped her dismount, Ymir weighed in. "What about the cottage? There's plenty of land to explore out there. And no servants telling me how to act."
"Like you'd listen, anyway," Jean teased her. She stuck her tongue out.
"I suppose that is possible," the queen pondered. "A small trip wouldn't hurt much. Some of the aristocrats may not like the idea so much."
"It wouldn't be a bother, would it?" Harry asked. Having never gotten to go on a vacation of sorts, this would be the first.
"No one can blame you for wanting to be free of this place for a bit." Eren's voice drew their attention to him. "It'll be good to be out there again. I've taken Ymir there before, just the two of us. Having you there will mean a lot to her."
A place they had gone together. The only two people who had Titan powers on the island. The pieces fell into place. Looking over at Ymir, she was already nodding her head.
"You know there'll be an objection to going without a military escort," Mikasa added.
Jean was quick to rebuttal. "Then it's a good thing I'll be going, too."
"Eh?" Ymir looked up at him. Jean looked down.
"Don't go sounding too surprised there, Princess. If I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to hurt my feelings."
"Jean," at Mikasa's voice, the tall man sought out her gaze. "I'm sure they would just like time to themselves, is all. To make up for what was lost."
"I get that," Jean admitted. "Maybe that was a little selfish of me to say, but you said it yourself, Mikasa; the higher-ups will object to a lack of military presence. And what better escort than the Commander of the Scouts?"
"You're right, Jean." All eyes moved back to Eren. "Having you there will solve a lot of problems."
Jean cracked a dry smile. "Getting sentimental on me?"
"No," Eren simply said. "I know spending time with him is something you've been wanting to do, and you're too easily recognizable to take him out around the city or districts." Eren stared down at Harry. "Is that something that you're fine with?"
Eren was asking his opinion? Harry didn't know why that surprised him. Eren's style of guidance seemed far less conventional given how Ymir talked about him. "Uh, I wouldn't mind," Harry agreed. "Would Mikasa be coming, too?"
"If you'll have me," the other ravenette offered. Eren didn't seem to mind.
"Then we should start getting ready today," he said. "We can be out there after dawn tomorrow."
The queen called a chamberlain over. "Please inform my steward that I'll be taking a short leave of absence. If any of the other nobles ask, please tell them that Lady Mikasa requested a more serene location to discuss personal matters and Commander Kirstein will act as escort. We will only be gone for two days at most. Thank you."
Bowing for his queen, the chamberlain scurried off to fulfill his task. Ymir gave a tug at Harry's sleeve. "Wanna help me pack?"
Without much stuff of his own, Harry nodded. "Sure."
"Need another hand?" Mikasa offered her services. Ymir agreed, leading the way back to their shared room with Mikasa following along behind.
Closing the door behind them as they entered, Ymir set off to riffle through her dresser. She was able to procure a few simple dresses of white, green, and blue, along with a pair of pants and an older pair of shoes along with a headband or two. Stuffing her things into a travel trunk, she said, "Don't worry if you don't have much now. Mom will talk with a tailor about getting your measurements."
"I didn't really think about it," Harry admitted. Apart from the clothes he had been wearing when he had arrived, he was gifted a few attires already such as the riding gear he was in now and a fancier doublet and trousers that felt a little too loose. He would've loved to explore more at night with Ymir under the invisibility cloak, but that had been lost to his Titan. Speaking of which...
"So while we're out at this cabin, we're actually going to be able to use our Titans?"
"Uh-huh!" Ymir nodded, tossing a bonnet in her case. "That's where Eren took me when he knew for sure I had that power. Everything I learned, I learned from him out there." She smiled fondly. "We'll see if we can figure out exactly what it is yours can do."
"So that's what you and Eren were up to out there," Mikasa said.
Ymir had the decency to look a little ashamed. "Sorry for keeping it a secret for so long. I wanted to tell you before plenty of times, but I was told it wasn't the right time."
"Would there ever have been?" Mikasa rhetorically asked. "I understand why Eren kept it secret, too." A cloud passed across her dark eyes for a second, leaving a partially clear sky in its wake.
"So everyone going knows, except for Jean?" Harry surmised. Ymir nodded. "Isn't he going to find out? If there are three Titans walking around, he's bound to notice."
"Do you not want him to know?" Ymir asked. "He does kinda have a right to, plus Mikasa can keep him distracted for a bit."
Harry could see her reasoning. Jean held the same title to them as Mikasa, and she hadn't reacted badly to him at all. But it was hard to tell what she was thinking. "He can keep a secret?"
"If he makes a promise to me, I know he'll keep it," Mikasa nodded. Her confidence was assuring. "He may not be as composed as I was, however." Figures.
"He'll be mad?"
"Er... not at you," Ymir guessed. "But... probably at first, yeah." A silence fell between them. "But... that's just a bridge to cross later. You'll still love it out there, Titan tests or not."
"Any kids our age?" Harry asked, remembering Ymir did say she had some friends, mainly around the palace though, and older.
"If there were, I doubt they'd take kindly to have seen my Titan," she replied. "It's peaceful, but nothing at all like Hogwarts. I am glad you were able to make friends over there."
Right, his friends. Neville was probably in class right now, with Ron and the other Gryffindor boys. They were probably goofing around between periods while Hermione was diligently taking notes and berating them for their antics. Hagrid was probably making tea down in his hut and finishing up the fall harvest. Pavarti and Lavender were no doubt keeping the gossip mill alive and well. The Weasley twins were already driving Filch to his breaking point with their series of pranks. And for as pompous as Malfoy was, Harry did miss internally laughing at the ponce's sense of pride. Even the other Slytherins like Tracey and Daphne, he missed seeing on a basis.
"Yeah, I was."
The time of departure had finally arrived. Looking out over the eastern horizon, Armin made his way to the bow. His thoughts shied away from the island that resided out that way, and more towards the vast blue in the space between. Even after all these years, the sight had not lost its magic.
Be it calm and serene, or a vicious maelstrom, or that grey area in the middle, the sea was one thing that would endure the world before and after. He couldn't help the small smile he felt growing on his face as he took this time to just breathe and contemplate. Where once there had been three children who longed for a sight like this, he was now but a single man. His face caught the salty breeze.
Folding his arms on the rail and leaning forward, Armin sought out any dolphins that might be nearby. They were very intelligent and social creatures, and reading up on marine biology had become a favorite pastime of his. There were so many species of animals living beneath them now that Armin knew it would take generations of research to document them all.
Generations that had nearly been wiped out completely.
His smile dropped as the memories came back to him. Somehow, they always came back. Mikasa has said the world was a cruel, yet beautiful place. That was largely due to the people in it. If humanity were to perish, the world would not end, it would keep going for another life to dominate. The sun would still rise and set and there wouldn't be a single human left alive to see it. Who would want that?
Armin tapped the side of his head. What was he even thinking? He needed a clear head going into this. Well, at least as clear a head as he could have when dealing with Eren. Why? Why did Eren always have to make things so complicated?
"Armin."
The deep voice of a taller blonde man drew his attention away from the rich blue and to the golden hazel of Reiner's gaze. Armin nodded. "Hello, Reiner. Something I can do for you?"
"I'm fine," Reiner replied quickly. "Thank you. I was just walking around the deck. Saw you over here. You looked lost in thought." Another sea breeze battered the bow. "Eren?"
"Mainly." Armin fixed his gaze back on the horizon. "All of them, really."
"Ah." Reiner approached, gripping the rail a meter or two away from him. "Did you talk to Annie about it at all?"
"Somewhat." His answer didn't seem to satisfy the taller man.
"Everything okay between you two?"
"She says it is."
"Yeah, that sounds pretty typical." Reiner fixed his gaze towards the horizon, too. "So what's the problem?"
"...I wouldn't call it a problem," Armin began. "Just a difference of opinion."
"That's how problems start." Armin knew the man was right on that. "You're good at talking. Need a set of ears?"
"Can I ask you a question first?" Reiner pondered before nodding. "Why haven't you married or started a family yet? With the aftermath, nations are trying to promote higher birth rates. You're Marley's Shield. You helped kill the main body of the Titan parasite. Surely you've been met with proposals, more than even since the blood tests were ruled outdated."
"You're... not entirely wrong," Reiner took in the loaded question. "There was a time where I - hell, any Eldian living in the internment zones would have been thrilled to be elevated to a position like that. Then I went to that island and met all of you." Reiner's jaw tightened. "I haven't told anyone this, but right before the festival where Willy Tybur declared war, I had the barrel of a rifle in my mouth."
"Reiner...!" Armin suspected during the mission to rescue Eren from Reiner and Bertholdt that Reiner's mind might have been compromised, but he had no idea it was that severe.
"Listen." Reiner's voice was softly commanding, like it had been during training. "Don't worry about me, Armin. I know who I am. But then, even now, the reason why I felt that way was because I felt I didn't deserve what I had."
"How can you say that?" Armin asked. "For all that happened before, you still-,"
"Don't deny what I did," Reiner cut him off. "I know how you feel about what Eren did, but was what I did any different? Was it for Annie?"
"..." Armin kept silent.
"Ah. I see." Reiner leaned more into the rail.
"I... I try every day to be as understanding with her as possible," Armin began. "She agreed to move in with me, she's been very upfront with what she thinks. And... even if she hasn't outright said what it is she feels... she has shown it. But... I had asked her to marry me. I'm sure she told you."
"Not me, Pieck." Reiner let him take a moment. "You didn't leave when you didn't hear what you wanted. That says a lot."
"I suppose. I just believed her when she told me a piece of metal and a document weren't necessary."
"Why should they be?" Reiner asked. "If Annie didn't want you, she wouldn't have stuck around this long. She's always been aloof, but I get where she's coming from on this. A ring. A license. A ceremony. All that stuff says to the world she's getting something - someone great. It's no different than Er-,"
"-I understand, Reiner. Thank you. I understand."
"...Right." Reiner straightened himself out. "Sorry for dumping that on you earlier."
"There's no need," Armin told him. "Am I the only one who you...?"
"I think Pieck knows. She's intuitive. And... Eren probably does, as well. And now you."
"I understand. I won't tell anyone."
Reiner nodded. "As long as you know." He knew, alright.
"There it is!"
Ymir's cheerful cry had his ear ringing with anticipation. After having departed from the capital in the early hours of the mourning, the party of six had boarded a horse-drawn carriage and had been on the road since. Harry knew this place was very rural, and he felt it once the stone-laden road transitioned over to dirt and gravel and all the bumps that came along with it.
Taking a peek out of the window, Harry spotted what Ymir directed. At the end of their earthen road lay a rustic cabin. It wasn't grandiose like the architecture around the capital had been, but it retained a space necessary for hosting a moderate family unit. It was at least two stories with space above for an attic. It seemed to be entirely made out of wood and stone with room for a small stable space for wood storage and a chopping block right out front. The patches of forest behind and around the meadows and fields made it seem like a summer home of sorts.
"I know you're excited, but don't forget we still have to unpack," Historia's voice brought the smaller blonde back to the present. Her motherly tone remained consistent even if her wardrobe did not.
Unlike the gowns and dresses that she had adorned before, Historia held a much more modest look. Her golden blonde locks weren't contained to an elaborate bun, but something she let hang freely and in a plaited braid that hung over her shoulder. Her blouse and dress were in good condition but clearly suited more for an outdoor environment. If Harry hadn't seen her with the crown and getup before, he knew she could pass for being an average citizen. But even so, her eyes didn't change one bit. When she looked over at him, her blue eyes seemed to shine, and a radiant smile pulled on her face. Harry couldn't help but to smile back.
Ymir plopped down next to him. "I know, I know. But we don't have too much."
"So what's so special about this place?" Harry decided to ask. "I mean, it looks nice."
"This cabin was used as a safe house during the uprising to house us and a few other Survey Corps members," Eren answered. "It had been abandoned for some time before then so it was more-or-less up for grabs. Afterward, it and the surrounding land were placed in the custody of the crown. It's better as a getaway from the city."
Historia nodded. "I did feel a little guilty for procuring it as such, but the regional Marquis relinquished his claim on the land claiming without proper defenses, it was no longer profitable."
Defenses? Oh. There had been a war that was fought here. But the only defenses he had been told and had seen from his dreams were... "Is it because the walls are gone?"
No one answered.
There had been plenty of awkward pauses before when he arrived, but this was different. This was... somber. Historia's smile slanted, her lips pursing in silent shame. Ymir had gone quiet, dangling her feet and focusing intently on them. Mikasa was watching him from the corner of her eye, her hand gripping something that wasn't there. Eren was... it didn't even seem like he was there at all. His eyes seemed so sullen and sunken that he could've been a skeleton sitting in their company. Jean appeared the most befuddled, staring at Harry as though two extra heads had grown from his body.
"Er, did I say something wrong?"
"...No," Eren answered. "You're right. The walls are all gone."
He didn't sound proud. Ymir had said before that Eren had always hated walls and being confined. Harry nodded. "I know a little of what happened. There used to be three of them."
"Harry..." Ymir said.
"What?" he asked. "That's what you told me when - when I got back, remember?" Harry caught himself before he could slip. He knew Jean would be let in the know on this trip, but he didn't want to blow it before then.
"Yeah, three walls," Eren answered, blankly. Realizing he had touched on a sensitive subject, Harry kept quiet as their carriage pulled to a stop at the end of the earthy path.
Jean was the first to exit, helping the ladies and kids first and letting Eren climb out after. The two men got to work unloading the carriage, setting the luggage down for Mikasa to organize.
"Ymir," Historia called to her daughter. "Before you start showing Zi- Harry around, remember what I said. Help unpack, first."
"Yes, Mom," Ymir almost groaned, stopping herself before she could rush inside and the two twins went to grab what was theirs.
"Mikasa, would you mind giving me a hand with the rest of our belongings?" Historia asked the taller woman.
"Not at all."
"Don't strain yourself, too much," Jean said. "Yeager and I can handle some of that, too. Just leave some for us." Turning directly towards the other man, he asked, "Mind helping me chop some wood, first? I heard it's supposed to be a bit chilly tonight."
Eren regarded him for a pause. "Sure, Jean. I'll give a hand."
Clapping him on the shoulder, Jean took the lead and came back with an arm-full of short logs and two axes. Setting a log in place, Jean raised the blade and brought it down, splitting the wood neatly in two. Placing another on the stump, he let Eren take the next swing. More wood fell into their pile. They continued for a bit until Mikasa disappeared inside with her last chest.
"You can ask me what's on your mind now," Eren said once the other four were out of earshot.
"Oh, how considerate of you. Where do I even start?" Jean said, splitting another log in half. "I guess I could start with, how in the hell does your kid not know about the Rumbling?" Jean asked, hefting his axe on his shoulder. "That's not exactly something anyone in the world can cover up."
Eren held his gaze before answering, "He was purposely kept ignorant of the truth when he was captive. The people holding him were trying to ensure the truth would never be known to him." Eren brought his axe down with more intensity, having to wiggle the blade to free it from the stump.
"Uh-huh," Jean observed him as he set up the next log. "Let me ask you this, do you think you can still fool me with your little half-truths?"
"It is the truth."
"Half," Jean firmed. "That makes all the things you're saying now basically invalid to me. Now are you going to tell me, or not?"
Eren let a soft exhale escape. "Would you believe me if I told you it was a wizard that took him?"
"I'd punch you in your face if you said that," Jean let his axe drop to emphasize. "So who exactly took him?"
"Someone very far from here," Eren answered. "You can say their land was spared from the Rumbling."
"How's that possible?" Jean pressed.
"The distance from there to here was too great," Eren replied.
"Not great enough to stop them from abducting a kid," Jean retorted.
A scowl marred Eren's features. "I guess not."
"So he really has no idea?" Jean further. "None at all?"
"He knows some things so far," Eren supplied. "He's a smart kid. I'm sure he can connect the dots, plus Ymir-,"
"That's not her responsibility to tell him and you damn well know it," Jean all but shouted. "Everything that happened, all that chaos, that was your doing, Eren." The next log was spared from the swing of an axe. "Do you know why I agreed to be named godfather? Apart from Armin refusing. It's because I wanted to make sure they know who their father is. The good, and the bad. I can understand why you did it, but I will never justify it. And that's not a conversation I look forward to having with that kid."
"I will tell him," Eren cemented. Jean appeared skeptical. "I only meant Ymir can fill him in on everything he's missed since that day. I already told her not to mention that in full."
"You better," Jean stated, taking another swing downward.
"I gave you my word, didn't I?"
"For as good as your word is. I know you're withholding on me. I can accept that. I've accepted it long ago."
"Would you have tried to stop me if I had told you all my plan back then?" As if he didn't already know that answer.
"If I had, maybe you wouldn't be feeling guilty about telling him."
"Guilt is only part of it," Eren mentioned. "There's also - I'm also - I'm afraid."
The sentiment caused Jean to pause in his swing. Looking directly at Eren, he saw the fangs that had been lurking behind his dull eyes had retreated. He had seen his look on Eren a few times before, none of them ever boding anything good. He had no doubt that Eren was being genuine, but...
"Then I guess you got your own answer for what you did."
The land surrounding the cabin was vast. Not as vast as the land surrounding Hogwarts, but still more than enough to explore. Ymir bound up in front of him, grabbing his sleeve and beckoning him along.
"Easy!" Harry cautioned. "You're going to pull me down."
"I just want you to hurry up!" Ymir lightly whined. "I want to get there before it gets dark."
"It's only just past midday," Harry informed. At least, it should be. The sun rose and set in the opposite order as it had in the other world, making Harry experience a strange sense of vertigo when dealing with the time of day.
"We have plenty of time," Eren said, walking up beside them. "Besides, we're almost there."
"Positive?" Historia asked as she caught up to them. "I'm sure we passed by plenty of suitable spots."
Eren glanced up at the sky above. Some decent cloud coverage had come rolling in from the south. "I just want to be far enough away."
"Yeah, we've come out here plenty of times before," Ymir informed the other blonde.
"Define 'plenty.'"
"Um, enough to know where we're going," Ymir meekly supplied.
"Ah. I see. Just promise me you know how to be safe."
"She knows," Eren informed. "If anything happens, anything at all, I'll get them out."
"She isn't the only one I'm telling," Historia clarified, walking closer to Harry.
"Oh. I know." Harry assured. "I had good control when I was with Mikasa. I don't think I'm going to go on a rampage or anything." His assurance was met with silence.
"Losing control isn't the only thing," Eren supplied, slowing his pace so Harry could walk in tandem. "The power that you have, and not just your magic, it isn't a toy. It's not something to use lightly, or at all if it can be helped."
His words reminded Harry of his confrontation with Quirrell before the end of the first year. Harry had barely used a fraction of his Titan power then and the professor had been a literal doll in his hand then. Even what came after.
"I... did use it against someone," Harry admitted. "I'm sure Ymir told you, but-,"
"-But you would have been killed otherwise." Eren faced him fully, kneeling down to his level. His dull eyes were now vibrant. "I wish you hadn't had to. But I'm glad it happened the way it did. I would've done the same had I been there."
A comforting hand was placed on his shoulder. Historia pulled him closer to her. "I can't claim to understand everything, but I'm willing to listen should you ever need it."
Feeling suddenly clammy, Harry just nodded. After a bit more walking, the group found themselves in a large clearing in an isolated patch of woods.
"This is it?" Harry asked, not noticing anything inherently special.
"It's big enough," Ymir took a few long strides toward the center meadow.
"Hold on." Eren moved with her. "Don't go trying to show off."
"I wasn't going to," Ymir denied, her ears turning a shade of pink. Eren clearly wasn't convinced.
"What I told him applies to you, too. You know that."
"I know," Ymir pouted lightly.
Eren gave a light pinch to her cheek to which she began swatting his hand away. "Just let me go first. It'll be easier that way." Ymir just nodded. "Ready?"
At Ymir's nod, Eren took backward strides to where he was about center in the clearing. Nodding to the young girl, Eren brought his hand up to his mouth and bit into in just hard enough to draw a hint of blood. That was all it took.
A dreamy look fell over Ymir's eyes and from above, a golden bolt of lightning shot down from the clouds, striking Eren where he stood. Smoke filled the air and Historia moved a hand in front of his eyes to shield him from any debris. When she moved her hand, Harry could see a thick mass of steam in place of where Eren had been. And from that steam, a low growl was heard. A dark shape, huge in stature began to take form. Harry had to crane his neck up and when he did, he saw a pair of bright green glowing eyes staring down at him through the steam 15 meters in the air.
A leg, as long and thick as some of the surrounding trees emerged, and a massive foot stepped down. Harry had to bend his knees as the shockwave spread over them. With it, the torso soon followed. Built with impressive musculature, long sinewy arms, broad, hulking shoulders, it proved to be an intimidating sight. And then the head. It was covered in shaggy dark hair that fell to its shoulders. The ears were pointed, almost like an elf or a goblin, and the maw was void of any lips, allowing the teeth to be presented in a snarling fashion. And the eyes, the same shade as Eren's but far brighter and seemingly more predatory. It was the Attack Titan.
The Titan opened its lipless maw, letting a breath of hot steam escape. Had it been ready for a battle, Harry had no doubt a fearsome and defiant roar would've escaped instead. It had a very reptilian way of blinking as it stared down at the three humans it towered above. If he was not being held by Historia, Harry didn't know if he'd continue to stand, or if he'd be tempted to go and try and touch the titanic figure.
The Attack Titan's bright eyes settled on Ymir's small figure. She met its gaze without apprehension. Slowly, the Attack Titan gave her a small nod of its fierce head. Bringing her hand to her mouth in a similar fashion, Ymir bit the tip of her thumb to where she was able to break the skin.
Just as before, a second bolt of golden lightning arched down, striking her and creating another bout of steam. Harry could see the body of the Titan materialize from seemingly nowhere as the giant figure began to take shape. The steam cleared much faster for hers than it did for Eren, perhaps because her Titan wasn't as large. It was still huge standing at 13 meters, two less than Eren's, and hers also appeared a bit more tranquil in its appearance.
It had the same shade of golden blonde hair, but appeared longer on her Titan than in human form. Her face was far less intimidating, but still possessed the pointed ears as seen on the Attack Titan. It had lips, although the mouth did seem a bit small. The eyes were different. The right was the same shade of green as her usual, but the left eye was a glowing amethyst hue. The torso drew his attention as well as it seemed like the ribcage protruded from the skin of her Titan as a form of exoskeleton.
Ymir's Titan fixated on him with her heterochromatic gaze. Her mouth began to open. "I see you, Harry."
It caught him off guard. "Yours talks?!"
"One of the few that can."
The talking wasn't what was throwing him off, it was how it didn't really sound like Ymir. She had been a voice in his head long enough for him to know exactly how she should sound, and this was not it. This voice sounded warped and distorted, like a creature that had heard Ymir speak and was now trying its best to imitate her and failing with every inflection.
"Does it scare you?" with the way her Titan body leaned forward and the slight tilt of her head, Harry could imagine her actually doing it, but hearing that offset voice threw the illusion out completely.
"It's weird," Harry loudly said, thinking his voice would reach her.
Ymir's Titan tried to flash a reassuring smile, but the otherwordly features of her face made it fall short of a kilometer. "That's what he said after I spoke for the first time." The Attack Titan watched from behind, its face betrayed no emotion. "I guess you're glad yours can use telepathy."
Right, his Titan. Looking at Historia who was watching the scene with concerned interest, he asked, "Does this mean that it's my turn?"
Her big blue eyes softened at his tone. "I suppose that it is. Just..." she took his hand in hers. "Please be careful with this."
Hearing her concern ignited a determination of sorts within him. Harry nodded. "I will be. I promise."
Then, Historia did something that caught him a bit off guard. She lightly pressed her lips to his forehead, brushing aside his messy locks. She smiled. "I'll be right here when you get out." She took a few steps back to the tree line, giving him ample space for when it happened.
Following the footsteps of the two that came before him, Harry lifted a hand up to his mouth and bit down at the base of his thumb. His eyes watered a bit as a drop of red marred his flesh. And then it happened. A blinding flash of light overtook him and when Harry opened his eyes, he was in a familiar setting of sand and clay and a vast void of endless night sky. And he was not alone.
The body of the Titan was rising up out of the depths of clay, its form taking a more definitive shape the higher it rose. It was reaching a giant hand out to him. With his own, Harry reached out and touched it.
When he opened his eyes, another pair opened with him. He was encased in the warm, steamy nape of his Titan. The second pair of eyes he stared out of gave him a brief distorted feeling as he took a step back to try and steady himself. It was too much, and his body began to list backward, falling.
Harry moved his Titan hand to try and cushion his fall, but it never came. He thought he was stuck in suspended animation before he became aware that something had grabbed hold of his other arm. Turning his massive head around, Harry saw through both sets of eyes that there was another Titan arm holding him up. An arm that belonged to the Attack Titan.
With seemingly zero effort, the Attack Titan pulled back and Harry found his Titan body standing back upright. That was helpful, Harry thought.
It takes getting used to, Eren's voice said, filling his space.
Like using my telepathy? Harry asked, embarrassed that he had not even been away he was using it.
Yes, Eren affirmed. It's probably based on who you want to let in and hear from. The Attack Titan regarded him. You and your sister have already used it before.
He was right. They did. Reaching out for that familiar feeling, Harry called out, Ymir, can you hear me?
Her Titan blinked in acknowledgment. It's like you never left. I guess this makes my Titan speech a little redundant.
I'm not complaining. That voice was really throwing me off.
I like the voice! Ymir defended. It makes me sound intimidating.
I think a 13-meter giant is intimidating enough, Harry argued.
"Is everything okay?!" Historia shouted from below. Fixing his second pair of eyes on her, Historia's already petite frame appeared even smaller than before.
Harry raised the hand of his Titan in a good gesture. I'm fine.
Historia clearly was not ready to hear his voice talking to her in her own head as she nearly jumped from the shock. She recovered quite quickly. "Th-that is good to hear!" she shouted up. "I know it wasn't your fault, but please try to give me some kind of warning before that happens?!"
He gave a nod of his Titan head before turning his attention back to the other two Titans present.
You can still hear me? Eren's voice called in his head.
Yeah.
I see. I guess that means that the telepathy link can be opened for as long as you keep your Titan form. Have you seen your full Titan body?
Mikasa gave me a glance with the swords she had on her. It wasn't much, though.
The Attack Titan stretched out its arm and a crystalline material began to materialize from its flesh. It looked as if the skin was hardening, but when it began expanding outwards, it was clear there was more to it. the crystal began to take a circular shape akin to a shield but with a far more polished and glassy finish to it. This must be the War Hammer ability that he possessed as well. The power to create weapons and objects of Titan crystals. Satisfied with his creation, the Attack Titan held the polished surface for him to see.
With Ymir's Titan next to him, he was able to see that he was of the same height as hers, standing at 13 meters. A thick mess of unruly, dark hair covered his Titan's head, much like his real body. He was better to examine his eyes. They held the same green firey glow as Eren's, but his scalera was midnight black and dotted with white lights that could be heavenly stars. His ears were also unpointed like the two others, in fact, they were more rounded and circular. The outline of lips was present, but it seemed a membrane of skin had grown over them. When Harry focused on moving his jaw, he could see the skin over the lips stretch, but remained unbroken. His arms were rather long and lanky, but it was his spine that drew the most attention. From just below his nape and running down to his tailbone, body spikes protruded down his back.
"What do you think?" Ymir asked out loud. "I think that it suits you."
In what way? Harry mentally asked.
It looks otherwordly, Ymir answered via thought. Since you were in two different ones.
Harry could see her reasoning. His could almost resemble a common depiction of an alien in a lot of ways. The eyes really did distinguish its features. They were darkly radiant, almost mystical and magical and...
Ymir.
Yes?
Remember how you said things can sometimes get lost in Paths? And how my cloak was one of them?
It was hard to see the expression on her Titan's face, but he knew her eyes had grown wide. Looking to try?
How would I?
It was Eren's voice that answered. If you're trying to use a power, you have to will it into being. If you know what it is that you want, it will come to you.
Will it? He had used the cloak enough when sneaking around Hogwarts grounds to know what the cloak had felt like. It's silky, yet watery texture. How lightweight it had been, even how it had felt to wear it. How it had felt less like a cloak and more like a second skin that-,
Just like that. Eren's voice drew his attention.
Like what? What was he talking... about...? And then he saw it. Or rather, he didn't see it at all. Where his hand had been - where his entire reflection had been, there was nothing. He was still there, he knew it, but an entire 13-meter Titan had disappeared from sight.
"You're invisible," Ymir remarked.
"Invisible?!" Historia shouted from below. "Is that what happened?! He hasn't gone again, has he?!"
"It's okay. He's right here. I can feel him." Ymir stuck out a hand and pressed it against his Titan arm. She demonstrated the resistance she was experiencing to give Historia some peace of mind. "Why don't you turn visible again? Just to show her."
So long as he knew how. Focusing, imagining himself taking off the cloak, Harry became aware of an oozing sensation across the body of his Titan. Almost as if it was shedding a layer of skin that he didn't even know he had. As the sensation continued, his reflection came back into focus.
Natural camouflage, Eren observed, dissolving the shield into tiny fractals no bigger than snowflakes.
Not just that, it was also magic. Harry hoped he didn't sound too naive saying that. Here they were in Titan bodies so how far of a stretch was it for magic to exist? And from what he remembered of the story of Ymir Fritz, maybe that organism was something otherwordly as well.
Harry, Ymir's voice echoed inside his head. Do you think that because you could do magic before, you can do it now as a Titan?
I mean... with everything all the other Titans can do, is it that hard to believe? He hoped they weren't looking at him like he was crazy.
The Attack Titan took a few long strides away. What sort of spells do you think you could do?
I... I don't really know. They taught us a few good ones like how to unlock things, to repair, levitate, stuff like that. I always had a wand for that, though.
You didn't need one to turn invisible just now, Eren commented. Would you like to try?
It wasn't even a hard question. Yes. He could finally see just what his Titan was capable of.
Alright. The Attack Titan nodded. With zero effort, it gripped a tree about half its height and pulled it straight out of the ground, roots and all. Tossing the uprooted tree, it landed right at the foot of Harry's own Titan. Want to try to levitate that?
It seemed easy enough. Levitation was a first-year spell. reaching his hand out without touching, Harry spoke the words in his mind. Winguardum Leviosa!
Nothing happened. It didn't even budge. Ymir's Titan bent down to examine it. "Before, you always did magic with a wand." Her massive hand snapped a large branch clean off. "Maybe try it with this?"
With nothing to lose, Harry accepted and tried again. Winguardum Leviosa! Same result. I don't get it. I feel myself wanting to do it, but-,
It was your first couple of tries, Eren communicated. You're not hurt, and no one here is hurt. It isn't a big deal.
I... I know. I just want to know I can do it.
So keep believing in yourself.
In himself. Hang on. Discarding the makeshift "wand" Harry instead pointed his large finger directly at the fallen tree. There was something he had neglected, the movement Professor Flitwick had taught. Swish and flick.
Copying the movement with his wrist, Harry once again uttered the incantation in his head. Winguardum Leviosa!
Invisible strings seemed to have attached themselves at various points along the tree as it was suddenly lifted straight off the ground. It floated upward until it was just above Harry's pointer finger, just as the feather had been with his wand. He had done it.
It worked!
The Attack Titan approached. Yeah, it did. And you were able to do it. Good work. Not exactly knowing what to say, Harry just nodded. You said you also know how to repair? Care to try that? Another nod.
Grabbing the tree from where it remained suspended in the air, the spell lifted as the Attack Titan lifted it up above its head and brought it down, easily breaking it in half above his knee. Eren let the splintered pieces drop back down to the ground and stepped back for Harry to perform.
Prepared this time, Harry went over the wand movements he had been shown and thought aloud, Reparo!
Hands, invisible to any eyes, snapped the two broken halves back together. It even went out and reattached the branch Ymir had broken off previously. Once all its limbs had been reattached, the tree seemed to fly backward, planting itself back where it had been unceremoniously yanked up.
I did it! Harry couldn't help but feel proud. It was even better than I- ugh!
Feeling a sudden fatigue, his Titan dropped down to its knees, making a small shock wave. Ymir was quick to catch him with her Titan, supporting him on her shoulder. Are you alright? she asked.
Fine, he answered. I just... just felt exhausted.
Your Titan isn't used to performing magic, Eren approached. The longer and harder you utilize a Titan, the shorter amount of time you'll have to sustain it.
I haven't been a Titan that long.
No, but you did a lot of activity with it just now, including turning invisible. It might not have been long now, but if you treat it like a muscle and keep training it, it'll get stronger. Harry let those words sink in. For now, let's get you out of there. Can you do it yourself?
Not fully. He did need Mikasa to cut him out last time.
Don't move, Eren clearly instructed. The Attack Titan was moving towards his nape, careful of the spiked protrusions from his spine. It must've bitten down on his nape for when it jerked its head back, the flesh encasing him tore free. A flash of steam escaped from the inside of his Titan as the tissue membrane around his eyes released him, leaving only fadeable marks in their place.
Ymir offered him her hand to act as a platform as she brought him down to the ground where Historia was waiting for him. She instantly enveloped him in a hug, checking him for any injuries and asking him if he was alright. Harry gave her every assurance he could, even as Ymir exited her own Titan form and she was given the same treatment as him.
"We're fine, we're both fine!" Ymir insisted. "We both promised you, didn't we?"
"You can't blame me for getting checking," Historia chastized. "How would you react if you saw your children transform in front of you?"
"I wouldn't know because I don't have kids," Ymir rhetorically answered.
"What about him?" Harry asked before an argument could break out. Both of their Titan forms were already slowly dissolving into mist, but the Attack Titan still towered above them.
Ymir answered, "Jean is going to find out while we are out here, remember?"
"So he's just going to walk back like that?" It was so simple that it almost seemed unbelievable.
"Being subtle isn't always his strongest suit," Historia quietly sighed. "Best we get going now. It'll be just after sunset when we get back."
And Historia was right. The sun was just about to start its decline in the eastern sky. A light plume of smoke could be seen in the distance, and as they neared, they saw it belonged to the chimney of their cabin. Mikasa was outside, holding something in her hand. It reflected the light of the setting sun and Harry recognized it as one of the swords she had brought along with her. She seemed to be practicing with it.
She spotted them on approach and sheathed her weapon. They didn't see Jean until they neared Mikasa. He was coming along from the side of the cabin, carrying some more freshly chopped wood. He smiled at their approach.
"Hey, welcome back! You have fun out there?"
"Oh, yeah!" Harry answered. "It was... it was a new experience."
"Surprised you didn't take the horses out," Jean commented. "You were a good rider. Maybe tomorrow I can take 'em out with you. So long as I get the say-so." Jean paused. "Three of you. What happened to Yeager? He get lost, or something?"
Historia pursed her lips. "Or something."
Before Jean could ask her exactly what she meant by that, a tremor rippled through the ground. From a nearby tree, a flock of birds took to the sky. Another rumble. And another. And another. Emerging from the trees behind the cabin, the Attack Titan stepped into the open.
No one moved, no one spoke. Words would've been useless anyway. The Titan regarded them with its calculated gaze before slouching forward and releasing a burst of steam from the nape of its neck. Slowly, the body lowered itself to lay flat on the ground as the man inside climbed out. Eren had emerged.
And Eren couldn't have taken more than two steps before Jean was already sprinting toward him, his long legs carrying him far. His legs were fast, and so was his fist. The punch collided square with Eren's jaw, halting the Shifter in place.
"And you goddamn serious, Eren?!" Jean yelled, grabbing a fistful of Eren's shirt and punching him again. "All this time? All this time about Titan powers not existing, it was just another one of your lies!"
Eren's dull eyes locked with Jean's ire. "Just a half-truth."
"Oh! Big difference!" Jean violently shook the man who just stood his ground. "You keep it secret for all these years and of all times now choose to come clean?! Why? What at any point made you think that this was-?" Jean stopped his assault, looking back to where Harry and Ymir stood rooted. "No. You don't actually mean..."
"Since birth." Eren's truth did not appease Jean as he delivered another punch, his long hair coming loose.
"Of all the reckless, idiotic, stupid ideas you've ever had, even if I didn't agree with them... I knew you believed in what you did. But now... if you really think I'm going to respect a man who knowingly damns his own kids to a cruel fate like that, you're dead wrong! Damnit! They're both twelve... one year. They've got one year to live, you bastard! Are the deaths of countless other kids weighing on you so heavily that you'd doom yours to that fate? Huh?!"
Jean went for another punch, but this time, Eren caught him by the wrist. His once dull eyes sparked to life, quick as a wildfire. "Hate me all you want, but don't hate me because of them. They aren't cursed. That ended. Now, are you going to let me explain?"
It didn't seem that Jean was going to. He was absolutely fuming, shaking with rage. Mikasa approached, placing a hand on Jean's shoulder. The tension in his body seemed to lessen at her touch. He pivoted his head to look over his shoulder at her. "After all that happened, even now, you're still going to defend him?"
"I... I can't defend what he's done," Mikasa spoke. "But I can defend those two. Please, Jean, just hear him out."
Having an internal debate with himself, Jean finally straightened out, pushing Eren away as he turned to the cabin. "Inside. You have one hour to explain and have this make sense to me."
One hour. It sure felt longer than that.
As they all sat around the hearth, Eren got to work on explaining everything Jean had been in the dark about. Everything from the 13-year curse being undone to Ymir Fritz's soul splitting to give them life during birth and the repercussions of that. What each of their Titans could do and even where Harry had been for all these years.
Jean must've figured Eren was lying about the Wizarding World as he proceeded to hit him in the face one more time before seeing how serious the other man was. By the end, Jean could just sit there, chin resting on his hands as he processed all he had been told.
"A whole other world, huh?" Jean phrased. "And... it's not that continent out to the far west, is it?"
"Uh, no, I'm sure," Harry meekly answered, but Jean's fury had not been directed at him through all of this.
"Yeah. Yeah, I figured." Jean ran a hand through his windswept hair. "It does make more sense that way. How else would you not know?"
That caught Harry off guard. "Know what?" The intensity returned to Jean's eyes once more, but still not at him.
"So, you still haven't told him?" it was directed at Eren. "How long are you going to put this off?"
A brief flash crossed Eren's eyes before he could answer. "Hold on." He rose from his seat and walked through the kitchen to where the front door was. He yanked it open before the person on the other end could deliver the knock.
"O-oh! Eren Yeager." The woman was dressed in a soldier's outfit. "Is the queen present?"
Historia was already walking over. "Captain Dreyse, what's happening?"
The woman straightened. "Sorry, Your Highness. Since there aren't any telegraph lines out here, we couldn't contact you sooner. We've received... diplomatic visitors. They insisted it was urgent they speak with you immediately."
"And who is it that would be coming all the way out here?" Historia asked.
"Armin Arlert and company of the World Alliance."
If the tension had been thick before, it seemed to have amplified tenfold. Mikasa and Jean had both risen from their seats and joined the other adults at the threshold. He and Ymir had but to share a look before they went over to see the commotion as well. Through the crowd of bodies and behind Captain Dreyse, they could see a small ensemble of people gathered. Five in total. They were all faces he had seen before, through eyes that did not belong to him.
A man with close-cut hair, a woman with long, dark hair and tired eyes, another, shorter blonde woman with an impassive look on her face. A tall, burly man with golden hair and golden hazel eyes that made him seem like a sun warrior. And finally, a blonde man of average height and build with bright blue eyes.
Armin stepped forward with cautious cordiality. "Hello, Eren."
Thank you for reading. The wait wasn't too long this time, but as I said, this will be inconsistent updates. Next chapter, a surprise visit yields much tension as the veil of peace grows thin. Chapter 20: Titan Alliance.