Archive of Our Own ^beta

I do not own Attack on Titan, Hajime Isayama does.

Ocean Between Marley and Paradis; 850

Karina Braun sits, sulking in her cabin on the Marleyan ship. All around her, her fellow “true Eldians” shake in their seats. She herself was horrified when the Marleyan government told her that she, along with every other Eldian in Liberio, was being shipped off to Paradis. At the request of the DEVILS of all people (not that they can be called people). 

For the past five years she has boasted about how her son Reiner, born of Eldian and Marleyan (though that part she kept to herself), was given the honor of taking the power of the Armored Titan. Taking pride on how he was sent with the other Warriors to the Island of Devils, not just to save the world, not just to exterminate them for the good of all true Eldians and redeem their kind for the sins of their ancestors, but to make them pay for all the suffering that they put her through. From leaving their ancestors behind after fleeing and building a paradise for themselves, to continuing to prevent anyone from recognizing them as good Eldians by staining their name through the threat of the Rumbling (and just being devils in general). She was so excited when the Marleyan soldiers came to Liberio to make an announcement regarding the Paradis Island Operation. Karina fully expected to hear that her son had killed them all and retrieved the Founder. If not the retrieval of the Founder and soon extermination of the Devils by Marley's might or the feet of their own Colossal Titans. But what the soldier told them all shook Karina to the core:

“The Island Devils have captured the warriors.” 

He explained to the gasping crowd that they lost contact with the Beast and Cart Titans sent to check on the other Warriors status. Two weeks later (a week ago) they received word from the Devil’s. They said that they had defeated all the warriors and turned the Titans they’ve been sending to Paradis against them. However, the Devils offered NOT to declare war if they agreed to hand over every Eldian in Liberio (among other requests such as liberating all their annexed nations and granting equal rights to the other ethnicities in Marley, including Eldians). Many of the Liberians protested over being sent to the Island of Devils. They begged the Marleyan soldiers and suggested that they just go to war. Marley defeated the Devils once, they could do it again. The soldiers didn’t disagree with that, but they are following their government's orders and they want to make the devils think they are in control. Thankfully, as they were being boarded onto the ships that would take them to Paradis, the members of the Warrior Program (including Karina’s own niece, Gabi) informed them that they were given a new mission. To retrieve the Founder for Marley. Somehow.

So here she is now. Karina looks over at her brother and sister-in-law as they hug her youngest niece Gabi as she stares ahead with hateful determination. Before she was determined to become the next Armored Titan, and she still intends to. Now, somewhat thankfully, instead of having to eat her own cousin she will just have to eat the Devil that ate him. More importantly, however, she intends to face the Founder and devour them so she can be the hero of Marley. However, Karina can see an inkling of fear behind her determined mask, but she doesn't blame her. Karina could only imagine what horrors would await them once they arrived. 

Karina looks around and sees many of her fellow “true” Eldians showing their fear much more clearly. Huddled together, children crying in their parents arms asking if the devils of the island will hurt them. Although all of the ones that she sees are the former members of the warrior program. It was requested by the devils that the Liberian-Eldians with Honorary Marleyan status be grouped together on the main ship. She sees her friend Mr. Leonhart crouching with his face in his knees. She sees Mr. Hoover and Mr. Finger in a similar state. She sees the elderly Jaegers, with Dr. Jaeger and his wife touching their foreheads. She feels a tap on her shoulder and turns to face her brother, Kristian.

“Hey, are you ok?”

“Why wouldn’t I be ok?” Karina asks sarcastically. “Because after everything we’ve worked for we’re heading towards the Island of Devils. Who knows what those demons have in store for us. Or…” Karina closes her eyes to repress her tears. “What they have done to my boy by now.”

“He’s not dead,” Mr. Leonhart says, albeit in a voice like he’s trying to convince himself. “Annie promised me she would come back alive. If she’s alive then likely he is too.” He lets out a deep sigh. “I never should have forced her to go there.”

“Well, someone had to go,” Karina says. “Marley needed to save the world from the rumbling. We needed to-”

“No, you dumb ass,” Mr. Leonhart says. “Marley just wanted to attack them. I raised my daughter…as a tool…so that I could have a decent life again.” 

As Mr. Leonhart looks ashamed, Karina thinks back to how she raised Reiner. Sophia Jaeger turns to him.

“We didn't force our grandson to become a warrior, but I feel like me and our husband committed our own sins,” Sophia says looking at her husband, Hans, recounting shamefully how they dismissed the murder of their daughter to force their son to become obedient to the Marleyans. “It seems that judgment day has come for us at last.”

The hatch opens and a Marleyan soldier walks down the stairs to their level.

“A-Are we at Paradis?” Mr. Hoover asks.

“No, we're in their waters,” the Marelyan soldier says. “You will be loaded into the devils ships and they will take you the rest of the way. Now hurry up, Honorary Marleyans first.”

Dr. Hans Jaeger goes to help Mr. Finger and Sophia helps Mr. Hoover. As they walk ahead Mr. Leonhart followed. Porco and his parents went next, then Karina and her family. They walk up the stairs to the top of the ship where they feel the cool breeze of the sea and the warmth of the sun. Looking straight ahead, they see another ship connecting to theirs through a walkway. The people on the other side are wearing soldier uniforms with wing symbols on them and beyond even that is an island. Paradis. Looking around, they see several other Marelyan ships loading their fellow Eldians onto the Devils ships (identified by the nine-point-star symbol on the sides). The Marleyan guards bang on the rails and order them to move. 

Once all the Liberian-Eldians are loaded onto the Devil’s ship, the Devils with the wings break contact with the Marleyan ship and they sail towards the island. The fear of the Liberian-Eldians spiked as they see the island draw closer.

“So, I hear that you all in Liberio think you're better than us?” a devil-guard says to them.

“That ya want us all exterminated,” another guard sneers. “Hey, how would you feel if we shot you all dead? Huh?”

Their comrade was about to tell them to be quiet. To remind them that the Queen ordered them not to bring no harm to any of the Liberians. But little Gabi lost her cool.

“Do your worst you damn devils!”

“Gabi, quiet!” her mother shouts.

“No! These Devils think they can take us prisoner? Ruin our chances to prove ourselves to Marley! Everything we and Reiner ever worked for to be seen as…as people!” She turns back and glares at the devils. “You might have killed our warriors but you haven’t killed their spirit! Marley and the true Eldians will make you pay for your sins! Pass that onto your queen when we’re gone!”

There was silence after that little girl's outburst, from Liberian and Paradisian alike. Some of the Paradians guards were glaring at the girl. Some were looking uninterested. Others were looking in sympathy.

“Oh you poor girl,” a woman’s voice says, the Jaegers freeze hearing it. “You really believed everything Marley ever told you?”

As the footsteps get louder, Hans and Sophie’s eyes widen in shock as they see a familiar blonde woman rise from the ground.

“It can't be…” Sophia mutters.

The blonde woman faces the group of Liberian-Marleyans.

“Bye the way, what do you mean by “true Eldians”?” she asks Gabi, curiously. “You consider yourselves TRUE Eldians by fighting the remains of ACTUAL Eldia for Marley?”

Karina steps forward and glares at her.

“What my niece means is that we're GOOD Eldians! Unlike you, Island Devils!”

“Actually, I'm from Liberio too,” the blonde woman says.

The elderly Jaegers push through the others to the front of the crowd. Hans and Sophie are completely taken aback by the sight of their non-Titan daughter-in-law.

“D-Dina?” Hans stammers.

The blonde woman, Dina, smiles sadly at them.

“Hello Hans. Hello Sophia.”

“You know her?” Karina asks.

“I was their daughter-in-law once,” says Dina. “But I was condemned to wander Paradis along with the rest of the Eldian restorationists. The Queen restored us to human form.”

“S-so…Grisha is human again too?”

Sophie has tears in her eyes. She and Hans look at Dina hopefully, but she averts her eyes and rubs her neck.

“Um…he was able to escape punishment and reach the walls, by becoming the Attack Titan.”

As the rest of the Liberian-Eldians are shocked, Hans and Sophia lose their hopeful expressions.

“If he became a shifter more than thirteen years ago then-” Hans trails off.

“However, Grisha lives on through his children,” Dina reassures them with a smile.

“His children?” Sophia asks.

Surely Dina only meant her son Zeke, right? Dina reaches into her coat pocket and pulls out a picture.

“I was a little upset to learn this myself, but he started a new family. The picture’s a bit dated, but the boy's name is Eren, he’s the Attack Titan now. The girl is Mikasa Ackerman. Grisha and Carla adopted her.”

Hans takes the picture and he stares at it along with his wife. Sophia caresses the image.

“They, they’re beautiful,” Sophia says. “Wait, Dina! Tell me you were able to convince them to spare Zeke. Please!”

“Don’t worry,” Dina says. “The Queen has also found a way to switch a shifters spinal fluid to transfer Titans. Grisha may be gone but Zeke is still alive, and the new Beast Titan is a boy named Jean Kirsten.”

Karina and her family gasp in shock. If this was true then that could mean that Reiner was still alive. She feels some relief was over her, although she wonders if this means the Devils are torturing him.

“Excuse me!” Porco shouts, although hearing this caused him to have some hope for his brother. “I hate to interrupt this nice little family reunion but what about the warriors!?”

“Yes,” says Mr. Leonhart. “What about my daughter, Annie?”

“And what are you going to do to us?” Karina asks. “Use us as leverage? Brainwash us into becoming traitors like you?”

“Leverage?” Dina asks. “That would imply that any of the Marleyans actually care about you. And no, you’re here because many of us from the mainland, including your children, admitted that you all hate Paradis in part because Karl Fritz fled to this island without you.” Dina lets out a bitter chuckle. “And I hate to admit that I once felt the same way. We can't bring all of the Eldians in Marley here, but the queen wanted to atleast bring Liberio to Paradis and force Marley to free the rest of the zones. You are welcome. Granted, I for one vouched to start a partial Rumbling to take over Marley and truly free all us mainland Eldians, but she doesn’t want to start a war.”

“One hundred years too late!” Karina spat. “All your so-called-queen has done is ruin our chances of being truly accepted!“

“Accepted by who?” Dina asks. “The world?” Dina scoffs. “You do realize that every time an Eldian fights for Marley to “redeem our ancestors” you’re just making the rest of the world, that Eldia also hurt, hate Eldians more, right? Over the last hundred years Paradis has been reaching out to countries hurt by Marley and negotiating for the freedom of their Eldians. And they have plenty of allies now, thanks to you. And as for Marley, you’d have better luck convincing a mindless Titan not to eat you than a Marleyan seeing any of us like human beings. They LIED about Paradis declaring war years ago because they wanted to steal their resources and if they had succeeded in wiping out this island you would have all been next! So, again, you're welcome!”

Karina is about to retort back, but Mr. Leonhart cuts her off.

“Please, about our children.”

“Yes,” says Mrs. Galliard. “About Marcel.”

“And Bertholdt.”

Dina recomposes herself.

“Ah, yes. Sorry, I lost touch for a minute. Most of your respective children are alive and their Titans are now held by members of the Paradisian military. And thankfully for Hans and Sophie they no longer have to worry about outliving any of their grandchildren.”

Karina let out a sigh of relief. The other honorary Marleyans feel a sense of relief wash over them as well. Sure, the devils now had all the Titans bar the Warhammer back, but at least their children didn’t have to die in the process. 

“Hold on, you said “most”,” says Mr. Hoover.

“Oh, yes,” Dina says, looking distraught. “On the Warriors' very first day on Paradis, Marcel Gilliard was eaten by a mindless Titan.”

The Gillard's gasp. Mrs. Gilliard starts to cry and Mr. Gilliard holds her. Porco looks shocked then distraught.

“What?”

“The current holder of the Jaw Titan is the queen's personal guard. Her name is Ymir.”

“You know what, I’m glad we’re going to that island now,” Porco says, fuming. “I’m gonna eat her then tear that place apart myself!”

Dina giggles.

“Such fire. You remind me of Eren. Karina, Hans, Sophia, Queen Historia wishes to meet you all after we arrive in the capital. The rest of you will be directed to your new homes in Wall Maria. As of now you are all Paradisians and so as long as you don’t try to contact Marley you will be free to explore the island as you please. You will each be given a guide to help get you situated into your new homes and find jobs for you.”

“I’m not living anywhere the Island Devils say!” an Eldian man from the back says and many others voice their agreement.

“If you won’t live in the homes the Queen generously prepared for you then you can live in the woods,” Dina says.

“Great!” that same man says. “Anything’s better than being surrounded by Devils!”

Dina sighs. She knew that it would be a difficult task encouraging the Liberians to let go of the hatred they were taught back in Marley. But she had hope that those at least willing to live in the towns would become accustomed to Paradis in time. She would have to keep a close eye on the others.

“If you’re taking these three to meet the Queen I’m going too,” Porco says. “I wanna face this Ymir. I want to look her in the eyes and tell her she’s gonna pay for what she did to my brother. And it’s gonna hurt.”

“Wow, you ARE a lot like Eren,” Dina says.

“I’m not like a damn island devil!” Porco shouts.

“That reminds me, bring out the gas,” Dina says to the Paradisian guards.

The guards leave and the Liberian-Eldians ask, worried, what this gas is. Dina tells them not to worry as the guards bring out a tank connected to a sprayer. Dina grabs the nozzle.

“The Founder-Kings of Paradis experimented with spinal fluid,” Dina explains. “Don’t worry, this serum won’t turn you into a Titan but it will heal any illnesses and injuries you have like you are one. Your children told us about some of your ailments.”

Before any of them could protest, Dina sprays the honorary Marleyans with the spinal fluid gas. The Liberian-Eldians step back in fear but the Paradisian guards are unfazed. Mr. Leonhart, Mr. Hoover, and Mr. Finger all cough as they breathe in the gas. Their bodies glow and…they feel great. They didn’t become Titans and their bodies healed like Dina said. Mr. Hoover and Mr. Finger felt their ailments fading. Their bodies became stronger, their breathing easier, and their hearts stopped aching. Mr. Leonhart felt his leg heal up and he was able to let go of his cane and stand up just fine. He moved his leg to test it and did a happy dance.

“If anyone else has any injuries or illnesses they want cured, please step forward,” Dina says.

As Finger, Hoover and Leonhart thank Dina, several other Liberian-Eldians step forward, though most of them just had minor wounds or colds. Hans talks to Dina about how many of his patients were loaded onto the other ships and requested that they be treated as well. Dina assures him that they will also receive the best psychological care that Paradis has to offer and that he could discuss this with Queen Historia when they meet. Karina, her family, the Gilliards and several other Liberian-Eldians still loyal to Marley watch in disgust.

Within several minutes, the ships were docked on the shores of Paradis. All of the Liberian-Eldians exited the ships hesitantly as they were met with a “welcome party” of Paradisian soldiers and dozens of wagons. Though they had all, in one form or another, been informed of their situation (including their memory wipe), they were all naturally scared to be sent to the infamous island of devils. After docking, the Liberian-Eldians exited the ships and stepped onto the Paradisian beach. In front of them is a tall freckled teenage girl. Beside her are two people that Hans and Sophia recognized as an older Eren Jaeger and Mikasa Ackerman (their grandchildren). Eren was recognizable by his dark hair and green eyes and Mikasa was recognizable by her Oriental features and her red scarf. On the other side of her is a blonde teenage boy and a shorter blonde girl that made Mr. Leonhart jump when he saw her.

“Hello Marelyan-Eldians,” says the freckled girl, reading off of index cards. “Welcome to Paradis Island. I hope you make yourselves at home here, just as I have. Your new homes have already been prepared for you in Wall Maria. In charge of the area you will be staying ate are appointed individuals who, like you, also came here from Marley. There are also several other Eldian refugees from other nations as well. You can talk to them if you have any questions about the way of life in the walls. If you wish to attend therapy sessions to help you let go of your old Marleyan conditioning, it is available but not necessary. Please choose a group to go with and you will be escorted to the walls.” The freckled girl then throws her cards. “And feel free to remove those arm bands. You don't need them anymore.” She notices some people are hesitant. “Go on, were all Eldians here, throw them to the ground.”

“These arm bands indicate that we are good Eldians!” Karina states. “And ours show that we are Honorary Marleyans! My boy gave himself to earn these for my family.”

“Fine, keep wearing a glorified dog collar,” says the freckled girl. “No skin off my nose. Just choose a wagon.”

“Excuse me,” Mr. Leonhart says, pushes through the group and rushes towards the blonde girl by the boy.

The blonde girl looks at him with tears in her eyes as he rushes closer. He stops in front of her and they hug.

“Annie.”

“Father.”

Mr. Leonhart pulls away from his daughter and they smile at each other, while still crying.

“Y-your so big,” he chokes out. “Im sorry, I never should have-”

“It’s ok,” Annie says. “I'm sorry to disappoint you but-” she holds up her bandaged finger. “-I'm not the Female Titan anymore.”

“Good,” Leonhart says. “I'm just glad you're alive.”

Father and daughter stare at each other for a while, then the blonde boy clears his throat.

“Um, hello. Mr. Leonhart.”

“Oh,” says Annie. “Father, this is Armin.”

Mr. Leonhart looks at the nervously smiling “coconut headed” blonde boy.

“Is he your parole officer?” he asks with slight hostility.

“Technically I am supposed to be watching her, yes,” says Armin. “But I was able to arrange for her to be here now so you two wouldn’t have to wait. In exchange for-” he whispers “-information, she was able to get a lesser sentence and she will be free in a couple of years.”

“There's also something else.”

Annie shares a look with Armin, and Mr. Leonhart slouches. Finding out that the daughter, who he hadn't seen in years, now had a boy she was close with didn't do any good for his fatherly instincts.

“Oh, good god.”

Porco walks up to the tall freckled woman.

“I would like to meet the Queen,” says Porco. “I want payback for my brother.”

“Marcel? Ah yes well, I assure you the Queen and her guard are very sorry about your brother,” the freckled girl says. “I know it doesn’t make up for the loss, but you will be compensated with a nice house and a hefty goodwill payment.”

“The only payment I want is this Ymir devils head on a spike,” Porco says with a growl.

“Yeah, that's not gonna happen,” the freckled girl says.

“Well you can tell her-”

“I am her.”

Porco stops and stares at the freckled girl, Ymir, the new Jaw Titan, the Titan that ate his brother and apparently the Devil Queen’s guard. Ymir smiles nervously at him.

“I’m sorry.”

“Sure you are.”

Porco tries to throw a punch, but Ymir blocks it and kicks his leg, causing Porco to fall to the ground.

“YOU DEVIL!” Porco’s mother screams as she runs to her living son, tears in her eyes and Ymir sighs.

“Look, I was a mindless Titan at the time. I wasn’t in control of myself. Marley’s the one who sent me here in the first place.”

Porco’s father comes to cradle his wife as their son continues to glare at Ymir.

“Well if you were condemned to Paradis as a Titan, you must have done something to deserve it,” Mr. Gilliard snaps.

Mrs. Gilliard continues to cry as her husband holds her and Porco glares at her.

“You're not gonna get away with this,” Porco says. “You! Your bitch of a queen! And of you d-”

Porco was suddenly stopped by a swift kick in the face. Porco falls backwards with a bloody nose, unconscious. Ymir retracts her leg and everyone else is staring at her.

“Sorry, but no one insults my queen,” Ymir says. “Ok, mama Braun, old Jaegers, your coming with me.”

“Why should we?” Karina asks.

“Do you wanna see your kids/grandkids again?” Ymir asks. “It will just be a couple hours for dinner. After that you will be dropped back off in Shiganshina afterward.”

Karina reassured her brother and his family that she would be alright. That she was going to go find Reiner and they will work together to take down the Devils once and for all (with the added bonus of Karina seeing her son for the first time in years). The Jaegers didn't need much motivation to go. Despite their fear of the Island Devils, they were eager to meet their long lost grandchildren and they were more pleased to learn that none of their descendants will have to die in a few years. While the other Liberian-Eldians entered wagons that carried them into the forest to train tracks that carried them to Wall Maria, Ymir, Dina, Hans, Sophia, and Karina took a Military Police guarded vehicle to the capital. 

Upon reaching the city of Mitras, Ymir, Dina and the guards led the Jaegers and Karina into the castle. When they reached the throne room, Ymir stopped in front of the door and cleared her throat. Putting on her best “stuffy” voice and slowly pushing the door open.

“Presenting her grace. The queen of Paradis island,” Ymir pushes open the door and a short blonde girl can be seen sitting on a throne. “Her goddessness, the most beautiful woman to ever exist in the history of mankind.”

“Oh Ymir stop,” says the girl on the throne with the crown, blushing.

“Queen Historia Reiss, the first of her name,” says Ymir. “Or as I like to call her, cute butt.”

“Ymir!” Queen Historia shouts, angrily but blushing. “I told you not to call me that?”

“Oh, am I going to be punished, your majesty?” Ymir asks, teasingly. “Am I going to be whipped? I could give that kink a try.”

As Ymir and Queen Historia laughed, the Jaegers and Karina were dumbfounded at the scene.

‘These are the people who rule this island?’ Karina questions. ‘How could my boy lose to these dorks?’

“I'm sorry, your queen Historia?” Sophia asks.

“Oh yes,” Queen Historia says, standing up. “Welcome to Paradis island. You must be Hans and Sophia Jager. It is nice to finally make your acquaintance.”

“You're like twelve!?” Hans shouts.

“I'm fifteen,” Historia says, then she faces the middle aged woman glaring at her. “You must be Karina Braun. It's nice to meet you as well.”

“Oh, I bet it is,” Karina says, harshly. “Where is my son?”

“You can come out now!” Ymir shouts.

One of the doors on the right side opens and a few people step out. One of them is instantly recognized as war chief Zeke Jaeger. Hans and Sophia smile happily. The other is a well built teenage male with broad shoulders and blonde hair. His eyes widen when he sees Karina just as her eyes become watery. Though he’s grown since she last saw him, she could recognize her son Reiner. The guards who are beside Historia point their guns at them. 

“At ease,” Historia tells them.

The guards lower their guns and the Honorary Marleyans rush to the former warriors. Zeke hugs his grandparents and Karina caresses her son’s cheek.

“Grandma. Grandpa,” Zeke says.

“Oh Zeke, are you alright?” Sophia asks.

“Yes, I’m fine,” Zeke reassures her. “They are having us do cleanup in Shiganshina district but they don’t go out of their way to mistreat us.”

“Is it true? Are you free from the curse of Ymir?” Hans asks. 

“Yes,” Zeke says before showing his grandfather some cuts on his palm.

Though a part of them still dreaded the Beast Titan in the hands of the island devils, the elderly Jaegers are still happy their grandson isn’t going to die. Dina awkwardly walks toward the group and makes eye contact with Zeke.

“Mother.”

“Zeke. How was work today?”

“Fine. Nothing too strenuous.”

“Hmm. You know I can see if I can get you reassigned to something simpler. Or maybe an early pardon.”

“I’m fine. Thank you,” Zeke says, sharply.

Dina looks down.

“Mother,” Reiner says as his teary eyed mother embraces him.

“Oh, my boy,” Karina says fondly. “How you’ve grown. You look so much like your father.”

Both Reiner and Historia tense up. 

“I failed as a warrior,” Reiner says. “I am sorry.”

Karina brings him into a hug. She then whispers into his ear: “You haven’t failed yet. This devil queen made the mistake of bringing good Eldians to her island. We’ll take down this place from the inside and prove ourselves to Marley.”

“…Yeah.” Reiner says, trying to fake enthusiasm.

Hans and Sophia look back at the door where Zeke came out of when they hear footsteps. Their eyes widen when they see a teenage Asian girl with black hair, a beautiful woman with long dark hair escorted by a bald man, and a teenage boy who looks like a young male version of the woman. He is wearing a jacket with a winged symbol on it like the Asian girl. The teenagers look nervously at the elderly couple. The elderly Jaegers turn to Zeke, who gestures for them to talk to them. Hans and Sophia approach the group anxiously.

“Hello, I’m Eren. This is Mikasa,” the boy says while gesturing to the Asian girl.

“Oh, yes,” Sophia gives them a sad smile. “You two are so much bigger than in your photo.”

“What are you two doing?” Karina asks the elderly Jaegers. “Get away from them. They are devils! One of them has the Attack Titan.”

Hans hesitates. Then he pulls his hand back.

“Yes, of course,” Hans says, averting his eyes away from Eren and Mikasa.

Mikasa, Historia, Reiner, and Zeke frown at this. Eren glares at his grandfather. Hd dark haired woman looks at him sadly, before she turns to his wife.

“Hello, my name is Carla,” she says to Sophia. “I guess I’m your daughter-in-law.”

“Well former, technically,” the bald man says. “Don’t mind me. My name is Keith Shadis. I am Carla’s new boyfriend.”

Eren averts his eyes.

“Oh, Carla. Yes nice to meet you,” Sophia says.

Reiner smiles at the woman, knowing that for all of the terrible things he did when he was 12, one of them isn't permanent.

Mikasa recalled the day the Wall fell. She and Eren rushed home to make sure Carla was alright. They were horrified to find her pinned to the ground under the rubble of their house. Eren tried desperately to lift the roof and free his mother, even as his hands were bleeding. Carla pleaded with them to run, saying her legs were crushed and she couldn’t run anyways. As Carla and Eren argued, Mikasa was in distress. She lost one mother, she didn’t want to lose another. Suddenly her mind flashed back to Dr. Jaeger giving her a shot of an oddly colored substance. Dr. Heater always gave her and Eren the first of whatever vaccines came out, but he put Mikasa aside one day to give her a “special shot” that he said Eren didn’t need but she did. He said that it was supposed to tap into her strength and make her even stronger. Mikasa then felt a rush go through her body. It was like when she killed the kidnapper who was strangling Eren when they met, but the flow of energy in this moment (and since) was even greater. Mikasa’s eyes sparked, energy trailed down her arms (to both Eren’s, Carla’s, and Hannes, who arrived just in time, shock). The wood she gripped shattered as Mikasa screamed and lifted the roof over her head. Carla and Eren pulled Carla out and Hannes carried the crippled woman to safety as Mikasa dragged Eren away. As fast as an automobile. All four of them made it to the escape boat and though Eren was still upset about his mothers crippling (enough to swear to kill the Colossal Titan) he was so happy she was alive that he hugged and thanked Mikasa. The Asian girl considered that the silver lining in that dark day. Then just some months ago, around the time Historia took the throne and Erwin Smith became the new Founder/Prime Minister, the power of the Founding Titan was able to heal her spine and free her from the wheelchair.

“Anyway, I think it’s time for dinner,” Historia says. “Ymir, would you please get Frieda?”

“Of course.”

Ymir walks toward the door on the right side. Reiner feels a sense of unease wash over him.

“You're bringing more devils to dine with us?” Karina asks.

“You mean my daughter, yes,” Historia says.

“D-daughter?!” Hans stammers. “At your age?”

“It’s a long story,” Mikasa tells him.

Several minutes later, Reiner, Zeke, Hans, Sophia, Karina, Eren, Mikasa, Dina, Historia, Carla, Keith, and Ymir are eating at a long dinner table. In the center is a roasted pig along with vegetables and potatoes. Hans had to admit that the boar was tasty, Karina agreed but kept it to herself, and Keith said that it was a Colossal Boar hunted by a soldier named Sasha Braus. Who, he added, was on his shit list due to her eating habits. Carla held his hand. Historia fed her daughter, a newborn old baby with blonde hair in a high chair. Little Frieda laughs and giggles as her mother dots on her. Ymir sends them both loving looks. Reiner looks at them longingly. Eren sends skeptical looks to Reiner. And Karina glares hatefully at the Devil Queen and Devil Princess. She felt a great hatred for the tiny Queen, who had taken her from Marley just when they were recognizing her family's worth. Robbing them of their chance to have good lives. If only her son hadn’t failed in wiping this cursed island out, then her family would be back home and finally happy. 

“So Carla, how did you and Grisha meet?” Sophia asks, breaking the awkward silence.

“I actually played a part in that, Mrs. Jaeger,” Keith says. “Before I got my current job as a training instructor for new recruits I was part of the Survey Corp. One of the jobs is to patrol the island and keep lookout for, you know, invaders. One day, I found Grisha outside the walls. I thought he was just someone who got out of the walls and he claimed to have amnesia. So I took him to the bar where Carla worked and I “reminded” him about how life in the walls is. He said he remembered he was a doctor so I set him up at a clinic.”

“I was already friends with Keith and I got to know Grisha too,” Carla says. “Then one day a plague struck. Me and my parents were affected.” Sophia and Hans send her shocked looks. “Keith carried me to the clinic, but it was Grisha that cured us. I fell for him then and we were married the following year.”

“Yes, I remember that day,” Keith says, looking down. 

Carla holds his hand. Thinking back now, Keith’s feelings should have been obvious to her, but she never realized until after her son was revealed as a Titan Shifter and he confessed to her. They entered a relationship soon after.

“It’s a pity,” Karina says, cutting a piece of her pork. “That you did not die.”

“Mother,” Reiner says, shocked.

Eren stands up, slams his hand on the table, and snarls at her. 

“Excuse me?!”

“It’s a shame that this whole island is still alive,” Karina says, unfazed. 

“Is that what they taught you in Marley?” Historia asks.

“It’s the truth,” Karina says, spitefully. “You devils turned the world into hell, then you fled and abandoned the rest of us to suffer. Instead of accepting punishment you threatened to flatten the world, only continuing to give us true Eldians a bad name. It is only by the gracious mercy of Marley that we have been allowed to live. My son dedicated himself to Marley to earn our family descent lives. All we had left to do was wipe out you island devils so the world would see that the only Eldians left in the world are good ones.” She gives Carla a stern glare. “It’s bad enough you cheated death twice, but you lived to pump out more devil spawn with a traitor.” Karina ignores Eren’s glare and scowls at Historia. “And you stripped my boy of his hard earned Titan, made him and the rest of us in Liberio prisoners, and you think you can get away with it? No. I swear to you, Historia Reiss, Marley will come and your kind will receive its long deserved penance. And when the walls are rubble and you're rotting in the ground I’ll be there, dancing.”

After her rant Karina takes a drink of her wine glass. She is then interrupted by Ymir’s crackling.

“Oh my god, you’re a moron,” Dina tells Karina. “I mean, just about everyone in Libero is broken and brainwashed to an extent. But you’ve really eaten every ounce of crap Marley ever gave you, haven’t you? You’re like a well trained dog who only knows her master's commands.”

“I will not be criticized by a traitor who was betrayed by her own son,” Karina says.

“Ok,” Ymir starts, her laughter dying down. “First of all, lady, they are not responsible for your shit life. Yes, we were left behind. And yes, our lives sucked. But it’s not Frtiz’s fault. And the Rumbling was just a warning to keep the world at bay so they wouldn’t, you know, kill us all! It wasn’t supposed to ever be actually used. They could have unleashed it at any time, heck, after we captured your warriors but they didn’t. And Fritz didn’t tell Marley to put you in an internment zone and treat you like trash. Don’t blame them for that.”

“Marley didn’t spare us out of mercy, Ms. Braun,” Dina says. “They just wanted to use us to as fodder in their wars.”

Ymir starts up again.

“For the last one hundred years Marley has used Eldians, or more specifically Titans, to constantly expand. Wage war and crush other nations. Conquer or wipe out countries. Forcibly conscript the populations and treat them like trash. Oh hey, isn’t that all the things they call US devils for and say we should be wiped out because of it?”

Karina growls.

“It’s different for us,” Hans says regretfully. “Our ancestor made a deal with the devil. We wiped out whole cultures. We tried to do that to Marley and-“

“We aren’t responsible for any of it,” Eren tells his grandfather. 

Eren recalls his father’s memories. What Hans said to his father Grisha after the death of Faye. It made his blood boil seeing his grandfather THANK the man who killed his daughter then demean his son. Trying to convince him that they deserve to suffer. That it didn't matter that they weren’t “directly responsible” for the crimes.

“Responsible means we played a role in what happened,” Eren says. “We aren’t responsible, directly or otherwise, for something that happened before we were even born! Marley just shoved it down your throats that we are because they are racist fucks!”

“Do you have any idea how many peoples have suffered throughout history because of your ancestors?” Karina asks. 

“OUR ancestors! OUR!”

“How many Eldians lived and died without facing retribution?” Karina continues. “Their sins are so terrible that they are shouldered onto us. It is only when an Eldian accepts their sins can they begin to seek atonement.”

“Every empire has a dirty past!” Ymir exclaims. “Marley was sprawling well before Eldia conquered it. Do you think all that land and cities fell into their laps or do you think they killed for it? Have you read a history book on the Hizurese empire? Oh wait, you haven’t. Well I did on my trip to Hizuru, and trust me, it’s not too pretty either. Every country thinks they are the good guy and does whatever to help themselves. The difference is that Eldia had the best winning streak.”

“Now, Ymir,” Historia says. “Though I agree that our…means we’re quite horrifying. Having said that the rest of the world views Marley with the same negative light since they are using Titans themselves. Your country is nicknamed the New Eldia.”

“And whatever past Eldia did, those are not our sins,” Eren adds, looking between his grandfather and Karina. “All those guys are dead. The people who hated them, suffered under them, and got back at them, are dead. People are responsible for their own actions. Nothing more. Anyone who thinks it’s ok to punish a whole race, or family, of innocent people because of a few monsters is an even bigger monster. And if we thought that way you would be in prison suits right now along with these two.” Eren points at Zeke and Reiner. “Now, you ranted about how you hate us because we left you behind. That’s why me and Historia negotiated for Marley to bring you here. We thought you would appreciate it, but I guess we were wrong. You aren’t prisoners, so if you don’t wanna live here then you can move to Hizuru or one of our other allied nations that actually treat Eldians like people now. Hell, if you are whining so hard about it we could even send you back to Marley. But I honestly have no idea why you would want to return to a place that treats you like monsters and guilt trips you into sacrificing yourself for a false promise.”

There is a tense silence that fills the room. Everyone is speechless. Hans and Sophia look at Eren in shock, seeing their son in him. Zeke and Dina have similar thoughts, though Dina is more pleased than Zeke is. Everyone else is waiting for a response. Karina speaks up.

“Spoken like a true devil.”

Eren screams and stomps out of the room.

“Eren, wait!” Mikasa says as she runs after him.

Historia holds baby Frieda as she cries while Dina leaves to go check on Eren and Mikasa.

“Do you really expect me to believe these lies?” Karina asks Historia.

“Oh, you wanna talk about lies?” Historia mumbles, looking briefly at Reiner. “So Karina, where’s Reiner's father?”

Karina’s haughty face falls. She turns to her son, who is looking at her for a response, then back to the Devil Queen.

“I learned a bit about him based on what you told Reiner during a Founder-related incident,” Historia says. “He was a Marleyan, correct?” 

“Wait, really?” Zeke asks Karina, while his grandparents look at her shocked.

“Yes,” continues Historia as Ymir gives Karina a smug look. “I believe you told Reiner that when he was a little kid. You told him that the two of you couldn't be with him since you were Eldians. That was Reiners main motivation to become a warrior, to earn Honorary Marleyan status. So, you two must have reconnected after Reiner came to Paradis right?”

Karina clenches her jaw. 

“Ah, yes well,” Karina clears her throat and looks at Reiner with a regretful face. “Reiner, I’m sorry to tell you this but…your father is dead.”

“Dead?” Reiner questions.

“Yes, it seems that he died in a car crash a year before you left for your mission.” Karina cries. “It’s such a shame. I know he would have loved to meet you.”

Reiner frowns and glares at his mother as she cries. Historia’s glare is no less dark.

“It’s funny but that’s actually something I have in common with Reiner,” Historia says. “You see, I am not a legitimate Reiss.”

Karina and the elderly Jaegers look at Historia surprised.

“My biological father, Rod, had a weakness for women. That included my biological mother, Alma Lenz, his maid.” Carla frowns hearing that name. “Now, of course, Alma mostly entered a relationship with Rod in hopes of becoming Lady Alma Reiss one day. But she got pregnant with me before she could convince him to put a ring on her finger. Normally a noble having an affair, especially with a servant, is disgraceful enough. Having an illegitimate child is not only the cherry on top but living proof of it. But when you're the king and part of the family who holds the Titan power the assembly basically worships as god it’s extra shameful. My father knew that if they found out about me and my mother they would execute the both of us to erase the “stain” on the royal honor.”

The elderly Jaegers look at her horrified. Carla clenches her fist, and Karina mentally notes similarities.

“But back then the Founder needed to have as many kids as possible, so rather than let Alma abort me he sent her back to her parents farm and told her to raise me in secret. But Alma was only concerned with her own life,” Historia says sadly. “She blamed me for her situation. She hated me. Growing up she never talked to me or acknowledged me. She just read by herself or went into town. One day I tried hugging her just to see if it would get a reaction. She threw me off of her and said her first words to me: “If only I had the courage to kill this girl”. She walked away crying and left the farm right after.”

The Jaegers look at her horrified. Ymir, Reiner, and Carla growl. Even Karina is disturbed.

“But it wasn’t all bad,” Historia says. “Sure, my grandparents and the farm hands weren’t much better. And the kids next door were jerks who threw rocks at me, but I had two friends. One was Frieda, my older half sister.” Historia then tickles baby Frieda, in remembrance of her namesake. “The other was Dr. Jaeger.”

Hans and Sophia stare at her.

“Grisha?”

“He wanted to get the Founder so he could use it to take over Marley,” Carla explains. “Of course he knew that even if he got the Founder he wouldn’t be able to use it since he’s not Royal blood, but after a while on the island searching through his ancestral memories he discovered a work around.”

“If a non-royal founder is touching a Titan, shifter or not, that has Royal blood then they can use it,” Zeke explains.

Karina’s eyes light up. She would have to remember that for later.

“Dr. Jaeger made a lot of trips to the interior,” Historia continued. “At some point he found out about me. So he made an effort to visit me once in a while to build a connection. To use me for his plans. As a royal I had the inherit ability to change into an intelligent Titan at will.”

“It was something that her ancestors worked on after coming to this island,” Dina explains.

“I can turn into a Titan and retain my intelligence for a few minutes, but my ability was capped.” Historia then slits her palm with a table knife and the wound heals. “He stole a serum designed to uncap me and use me to activate the Founder once he got it.”

“Grisha told me about Historia,” Carla says. “Of course, he refrained from telling anyone, including me, his real past so I thought he was just being kind to a poor child who was neglected by her parents for being the bastard of a regional lord. I still like to think he promised to take her home someday out of care, but using her to use the Founder was another reason.”

Zeke scoffs.

“He forced me to be a warrior. He made Eren a shifter without knowing about the transfer method. He experimented on Mikasa to make her stronger and he planned to use Historia as a battery.” Zeke laughs bitterly. “That man just couldn’t stop using children.”

Sophia and Hans look ashamed.

“Grisha brought Historia to me when the Wall fell.”

“He also confronted my biological family to get the Founder,” says Historia. “Then after giving me a real mother in Carla, siblings in Eren and Mikasa, he fed himself to Eren. I mean, I know he was in his thirteenth year and the MP’s were likely on his trail anyways, but he didn’t even leave a note or explain anything. We all felt like we were abandoned,” Historia recounts with sadness and anger.

“Devils,” Karina says with venom. “Can’t even care about their own blood. Why are you telling us this?”

“So you understand we are not so different,” Historia says. “You’re all free to go now.”

Historia picks up baby Frieda and sends a glance to Reiner before Ymir leads her away. One of the guards then escorts Zeke and Reiner away while the other guards escort Karina and the elderly Jaegers back to the other Liberian-Eldians.

The Next Day, 

Carla is at her (rebuilt) home in Shiganshina district. She had just gotten off the phone with Eren and Mikasa (she calls them every day) as well as just talked to Keith about what time he will be home for dinner. She walks around the house and dusts where she can. Then, she hears a knock on the door and she opens it. It is Hans Jaeger.

“Hello, Carla right?”

“Dr. Jaeger?”

“You can call me Hans, please.”

“Ok, Hans,” says Carla. “What are you doing here? how do you even know where I live?”

“I asked Dina,” Hans says. “She is one of the people in charge of the refugee community. Are Eren and Mikasa here?”

“Hey are hardly here,” Carla says. “They stay in the military base.”

“Right,” Hans says. “Anyways, I wanted to apologize for how I acted the other night.”

“It’s ok, I understand,” Carla says. “You’ve been taught that the people of this island are bad your whole life. This must all be difficult for you.”

Hans sighs.

“Yeah, well aside from a few dirty looks I haven’t exactly been treated so badly as of yet,” Hans admits.

Since he and the other Liberian-Eldians got situated in their new homes things have been pretty ok. The homes are well built, they are placed in a nice neighborhood, and they are allowed free range of the island. But some of the locals have been giving them strange looks, considering that they are the same type of Eldians who were taught by Marley to hate them and think they are better than them. Some of the ones who hadn’t left to build their own village with the Brauns and the Gilliards still insisted on wearing their arm bands. Half of them felt strange without it, others felt the bands separated them from the “devils” of this island. Of course many of the Paradisians assumed it was the latter reason. But aside from that it was clear that no one was allowed to harm them, just as we weren’t allowed to harm any of the locals or other refugees.

“But even so, despite our differences, we’re family,” Hans says. “I’ve learned by now that we shouldn’t take our families for granted because they won’t always be there.”

Carla nods and Hans slumps. 

“And I’m already full of regrets,” Hans says, becoming more distressed. “I was always so hard on Grisha to be a doctor. That’s why he left the wall that day.” Hans remembers young Grisha and his deceased daughter Faye leaving the house together, then finding out Faye was dead, the look of betrayal on Grisha’s face when he thanked the gatekeepers and demeaned himself to them. “That’s why he…” Hans remembers when Zeke outed Grisha and Dina as the Eldian restorationists, then being taken away to Paradis. 

Carla grabs Hans’ hand when she realizes he is under distress. He starts to calm down and looks at her.

“Would you like to come inside for tea?” Carla asks with a gentle smile.

“Y-yes, I would. Thank you.”

Carla steps out of the way and Hans enters the house.

“You know, Eren was quite upset with your and Ms. Braun's reactions,” Carla tells him.

“Yes, I realized that when he ran away screaming.”

“He wanted to be a soldier since he was a boy,” Carla tells him. “I was always against it, Grisha encouraged it, but Eren wanted to join the Survey Corps.”

“The ones that keep look-out?”

“They also infiltrate other countries for information,” Carla says. “He wanted to join because he wanted to help the people in the internment zones.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, Eren always hated that there were people who were imprisoned and mistreated just for being Eldian. His greatest dream was to crush the people in charge of them and free everyone. So finding out that though people are conditioned to hate us too, it hit him hard.”

“I will apologize to him next time I see him,” Hans says. 

“I’ll let him know,” Carla says with a smile.

Meanwhile, the Brauns and Gilliards have been planning their coup against the queen. While many of the Liberian-Eldians loyal who still feared and hated the Paradisians decided to build their own community in the Forest of the Giant Trees (New Liberio) they stayed in Wall Maria solely so they could gather information and recruit more followers for their cause. While there were some amongst those who fled to New Liberio who wished them luck, they were hesitant to officially join until they had a plan and more support. 

Karina and Porco were already brainstorming how they could take down Paradis from the inside. Their current plan involved kidnapping baby Frieda while one of them took the Founder from Prime Minister Smith. But they needed help. So, they visited each of the former warriors as they worked in in Shiganshina.

“No,” Annie says bluntly.

“What do you mean “no”?” Porco asks.

“I have a good thing going on here,” Annie says. “In two years I'm going to be pardoned and I’ll be able to live the rest of my life as an MP. Armin was able to set that up for me and I don't even have to shovel debris, just watch others as they do. He’s so sweet.”

“How could you just betray Marley for the Devils?!” Karina asks.

“Because all that stuff they’ve ever taught us is bull crap,” Annie says simply.

“You’ve been corrupted by the devils,” Karina says.

“No, she’s always thought that,” Porco admits.

“There are no devils and there’s no good country either,” Annie says. “Everyone only cares about themselves. And I’m no different. I only became a warrior because my dad made me so we could have better lives. I was only determined to see the mission through because if I didn’t we’d be screwed. And you do realize that the rumbling was a lie the whole time, right? Well, we’re both here now, we have a chance at a good life, an actual life, and I’m gonna take it.”

“You damn traitor!” Karina yells. “Marley will execute you for this! I suppose I will just have to rely on your comrades.”

Karina and Porco turn to Pieck, Bertolt, and Reiner as they work on clearing debris.

“Yeah, um…” Bertholdt says, hesitantly. “They have all of our Titans, and I’m just not sure how we can win this. Also, Marley DID lie to us and Paradis saved my father’s life, so…consider me a neutral party.” 

“Pieck, please,” Porco pleads.

Pieck thought long and hard about the current situation. On one hand, Pieck was completely aware that no matter how much Eldians fought for Marley they would always be feared and hated Subjects of Ymir. She was also certain that with the prevalence of anti-Titan weapons soon the power of the Titans will be obsolete, leading to Marley discarding them after conquering and taking the resources of this island. Furthermore, the Queen of Paradis has refused to unleash the Rumbling despite having full justification too. They have been surprisingly civil despite everything she was taught growing up. And her efforts in reaching out to other countries seems to be improving the lives of Eldians as a whole. Which would likely be destroyed should Marley destroy them. Furthermore, she felt some personal gratitude for curing her father. But on the other hand, she really doesn’t know much about anyone on this island. There’s no guarantee that the Queen or some future Founder won’t get arrogant and power hungry resulting in another Titan war. Or that Paradis’ supposed allies won’t turn on them after defeating Marley. Also, despite everything, Pieck still has faith in their Marleyan allies such as commander Magath and her Panzer Squad that  they won’t allow their extermination to come. Nor did she wish to betray any of them. Also, Paradis is basically keeping her as a prisoner right now.

“Pock, do you have a plan?” Pieck asks. “A real one?”

“…We have an idea. Details are a work in progress.”

“When you have a for-sure plan, come back to me.”

In the best case scenario, they could get the Founder and use it to help Marley take over Paradis, whilst coercing them into freeing the Eldian people. Maybe even use the Founder to “cure” them of their affliction of becoming Titans. As Pieck saw a Paradisian woman and child walk bye, a part of her also hoped that they could achieve this without causing complete genocide. At the very least she had to convince Porco and Magath of that.

“Well, at least we have Reiner,” Karina says. 

Karina was most sure that her son would help. Porco was against it since he was, in his words, “a failure who let (his) brother get eaten”. But Karina reminded him that he was chosen for the Armored Titan over him and that they need all the Warriors they can get. But Karina was disappointed when Reiner stayed silent and continued his work as if they weren’t there.

“Reiner, didn’t you hear me?” Karina asks. “This is our chance to make up for your failure. To destroy the devils and prove ourselves to Marley.”

“Mother, they have the Titan powers, including the Founder,” Reiner says, thinking of an excuse. “Anti-Titan weapons. Ackermans. Do you really think any plan you come up with will work? They were able to take our powers without even killing us.”

“And that was their greatest mistake!” Karina proclaims. “Come on son. Don’t you want to make the devil's pay for their sins? Your father would want you to do so.”

Reiner remains silent. He scowls then replies solemnly…

“I’m tired, mother. I just don’t want to fight any more.” Reiner then looks at Porco. “Porco. Your brother's death has weighed on my consciousness every day. I’ve tried so hard since then to be like him.” Porco scoffs. “Marcel also shared something with me before he died.” Reiner gives a sorry look to his mother, who is confused. “I should never have become the Armored Titan. You should have. Marcel talked me up and criticized you to our superiors so I would be chosen instead. He just didn’t want you to die in thirteen years.”

Porco’s eyes widened in shock. He clenches his jaw and tears roll down his face. Then Reiner turns to his mother, who looks at him with disappointment.

“I never should have been chosen as a Warrior. I should have died that day. Perhaps, if you had been chosen the mission would have been a success,” Reiner says before facing Porco again. “You were always a better warrior than me. So whatever you plan to do, you don’t need me for it.”

Porco wipes his tears and glares at Reiner.

“You’re right, I don’t,” Porco walks away. “Come on Karina.”

Karina continues to stare at Reiner, who looks apologetically at his mother.

“I’m sorry, mother,” Reiner says. “I’m not the son you wanted.”

Karina doesn’t say a word. She just turns around and walks after Porco, leaving Reiner alone. 

“Are you ok?” Annie asks Reiner.

“I will be, just don’t tell anyone about this, ok?” Reiner asks, fearing what will happen to his mother if Zackly or Flich finds out.

“Sure, it’s not like they gave a chance anyways.”

Reiner nods sadly. The others accept this and resume their work. Reiner thinks about his mother and family, who must now hate him. He thinks about Historia and Frieda, who he can’t be with. Reiner resumes his work and cries.

All Comments Are Appreciated. Thank you.