"Here and now, as a representative of the Marleyan government, I proclaim...  to the enemy forces of Paradis..." The building behind him is destroyed by Eren transforming. "...a declaration of War!"

Titan Eren roars out as he destroys the building sending debris everywhere he crushes Willy Tybur throws him into the air and lets his body splat on the floor. Marcel sighs seeing this and holds position with Marco. The duo place their blades away and grab the rifles at their feet. The pair level them and fire upon the heads of military when Eren rushes them. Marcel turns and fires at the people fleeing for their lives doing his best to save the warrior unit. But he watches as Udo is trampled and he notices Colt save Gabi from death.  He then turns to a lonely woman as she transforms into the War Hammer Titan. Eren doesn't let the transformation finish before he attacks her. The pair watch Eren get launched into the air via a giant pillar.  Soon enough the familiar sound of ODM gear arrives. And the artillery that fires at Eren is destroyed by Jean's attack group.

"Usurper, Eren Jaeger. Do you have any last words?"

"Now! Mikasa!" Marcel says into a radio.
Eren hums having exited his Titan body. "Now or never, Mikasa."

Mikasa arrives launching a row of Thunder spears into the War Hammer destroying its nape and landing on Eren's nape. Marcel & Marco join the pair the four now united together.

"You guys actually came." Eren comments.

"Marco & I have been here for a while." Marcel says.

Mikasa turns to Eren. "Ereh, please... come home."

Marco frowns looking down at the Warhammer Titan. "Eren... Do you have any idea what you've done? You killed civilians. Children, too. This can't be undone."

"Its not over yet."

Mikasa's eyes widen. "Impossible! I blew away its nape."

"And I crushed it with all my strength." Eren says.

"Mikasa, Eren, Keep it preoccupied." Marcel orders. The four leap away from Eren's Titan when the War Hammer makes a crossbow from its hardening and launches a bolt at them. "If this works Marco will eat the War Hammer."

Marco nods. "That's been part of the mission."

Meanwhile Gabi runs towards the battle field as the guards attempt to prevent her from going.

"Don't be an idiot, brat! You head back home and-!"nThe truck convoy that just went forward explodes each of the trucks are blown up one at a time as any soldiers who survive the explosions attempt to fire at their attackers.

"They're above!" The guard shouts.

"Shit!"

The guard turns to Gabi. "Go on, Gabi! Run!" His partner is then shot through the chest and he turns to the attacker only to be shot in the head. Gabi looks up at the attackers finding Sasha & Nanaba together Connie then lands with them.

"This side's blocked off, Section Commander." Connie says.

"Good. Let's make sure everything's set then group up with Miche. Set up the lights."

Connie nods. "Right." Gabi grabs the rifle from the soldiers and gives chase while they land with Jean & Miche. "Reinforcements have been stalled. The lights are up too. How are things here?"

"So far so good, except for Floch's insistence on taking out non-combatants." Jean says annoyed.

Miche stares forward. "Mikasa's distracting the war Hammer."

"Marcel & Marco are both waiting for Eren to set them up." Jean comments. "As long as we take out that thing in time. But who knows, anything can happen at this point. What's to come when this battle is over? For us to know, we have to survive."

"So that's it?"

Marcel nods to Eren as he jumps down grabbing a crystal from underground rips a cord from the crystal and the War Hammer collapses. Marcel opens the case and starts to make the preparations as Porco leaps for Eren from behind. Marco leaps away cutting the jaw of Porco's Titan preventing him from taking the founder from Eren. Porco then attempts to retreat as Mikasa prevents his escape through the rooftops. Several of the scouts move around swinging side to side in an attempt to take out Porco when a machine gun fires. Marcel growls as he leaves the Titan syringe at his foot and he takes cover drawing a carbine rifle and fires at the Panzer unit.

"Sorry guys, but I was never on your side." Marcel mutters. The War Hammer then sends a giant tree crystal into Eren as a loud thump is heard and the ground rattles. Marcel glances out from his cover with Marco & Miche. "So they all made it here."

"Let none escape. Kill 'em all." Zeke roars out to his fellow shifters.

Levi & Marcel both speak, Levi out loud to the scout regiment as a whole, Marcel to Marco and Miche next to him. "Don't die on me. Survive!"

Marcel grabs his rifle and aims launching a bullet that hits Pieck's Cart Titan in the eye when she turns to face him he's already ducked for cover and Miche's launched away, while Marco continues to watch the events with Eren as he tests if a titans teeth can break the crystal by attempting to comp down on an area that won't endanger the War Hammer but it fails leading to his jaw breaking. From the ground under the stage a pair of armored hands rise. Falco watches as his allies & friends are on the defense against the Scout Regiment. Several of the scouts attempt to attack Zeke but are mowed down by the Panzer unit. One tries to go for Pieck but she's defended by Porco. Eren jumps down making another body as the previous one begins evaporating. Everyone has eyes on Eren. Zeke then launches some rocks defeating some of the scouts in a single blow. As he calls out Marcel & Levi.

"Five, four, three, two-!" Marcel counts down. A large explosion destroys the navy launching their battleships into the air and Armin in his full Colossal glory stands at the epicenter of the explosion. Porco goes to jump at Eren. As Levi takes down Zeke and causes an explosion at his nape Pieck & the Panzer unit defend themselves until Sasha & Nanaba fire a single shot each killing two of the men inside. As Pieck goes to charge the pair Jean & Miche launch a thunder spear into her titans head. And several scouts launch thunder spears into the Panzer unit burning them alive. Pieck then crashes to the ground next to Gabi, Falco and Commander Magath. Jean goes to continue the attack as Falco gets in the way. He launches the thunder spear but steam erupts, whether it was the cause or not the spear misses. Anyone else who attempts the attack is shot at and forced to retreat. Porco goes to attack Eren he manages to land a few good hits but when he attempts to strike at Eren's neck he blocks with the Crystal. Mikasa attempts to attack Porco but he evades. Marcel grabs the injector and prepares to inject Marco. The duo watching the action. Several of the scouts begin retreating and attaching themselves to a blimp. Where on board are Hange, Armin, Moblit, and Petra.

"What a crazy plan. Only one shot. Any stragglers are out of luck. If we're not shot down first that is." Hange says.

"It seems Marcel has learned from the two commanders before him." Moblit comments looking at the massive casualties before him.

Hange scoffs. "Moblit, we may be engaged, but I'm still your commander."

Moblit chuckles. "Yes Ma'am."

Miche stands with Jean & Co. as they look towards the approaching blimp.

Connie takes a breath out of relief. "Jean, it's here."

"Yeah, right on time."

Porco runs for Eren but his legs are removed by Mikasa. Eren nods to Marcel and he injects Marco. Marco let's out a breath and jumps down to the ground cutting one of his fingers his transformation beginning. Eren quickly removes The Jaw titans arms and places the crystal of the war Hammer in its mouth.  He then holds Porco above Marco who's jaw hangs open thanks to Marcel & Mikasa slicing it open. Everyone watches as Eren uses Porco like a nut-cracker and crushes the War Hammer's host and her blood drips into Marco's mouth and he drinks the crystal and blood. Marco's Titan suddenly collapses and from the nape Marco rises still in full gear. He attempts to extract himself when Marcel helps cut him out. Marcel sighs placing an arm around Marco and blasting away. He then hurries to the route of the blimp. And glance back when a spark fires behind him. Reiner is on the scene. Reiner & Eren clash briefly but as Reiner saves Porco he's also launched away from Eren who decides to retreat. Marcel & Marco rise into the ship. With Marco and Marcel looking out the window at the destroyed city.

Marco looks down slightly confused. "That... that's a lot of damage..."

"Eren did a lot. Come on, we've got a meeting." Marcel says still dragging Marco to him. "Jean, make sure that everyone behaves during the flight back, alright?"

Jean salutes. "Sir."

Marcel sighs as he walks onto the airship with Marco. The pair look out a window watching as Mikasa begins to bring Eren to the ship. He looks away and to the crew in the back as Sasha & Jean stand with Connie, Miche & Nanaba near the back of the group watching everyone. Meanwhile on the ground after seeing the Scout Regiment retreating, Gabi chases after them with Falco giving chase after her.

"Eren Jaeger!" Gabi shouts.

"Gabi!"

"You won't get away! I'm gonna kill you!" Gabi shouts.

As Eren boards the ship Levi is the first to greet him. Levi kicks the Titan boy, before he's surrounded by Marcel, Petra, and Mina all pointing weapons at him. Mikasa attempts to help him but is stopped by Armin.

"This brings back memories, Eren." Levi comments. "You have such a kickable face. After you're all tied up, we'll have a chat."

"That's fine, but I explained everything in the letters. Did you not understand it?" Eren asks.

Levi makes an audible tsk, and stares at Eren. "That face... It reminds me of the rotten shits who lived underground. Never thought I'd see it on you."

"Mina, get the rope." Marcel orders. "Cheer up, Eren. Everything happened like I wanted." Marcel says with a grin. The duo take Eren away. Marcel waits outside the door not wanting to enter as reports come in. "Jean, Sasha, report."

"We're still waiting on Lima Squad. So far only six casualties." Sasha says.

Jean looks down. "Shit..."

"That's nothing compared to the damage we did! It's a huge victory!" Floch shouts.

"I thought my orders were clear to keep civilian casualties to a minimum, Floch." Marcel says standing by the door to the where the higher ups are at.

Floch scoffs. "There are no innocents there. Only enemies and the places they lived in. The New Eldian Empire's first battle ends in victory!"

Marcel groans in annoyance. "For the last time, it's the Nation of Eldia."

Many of the crowd cheer for Floch and his call for celebration. Marcel and his squad watch the celebration unamused.

Jean looks down. "First battle, huh? How many more until the fighting ends?" He asks through a trembling breath.

"If Floch has his way, it'll never end." Marcel says standing next to Jean. "Jean, if I die in the next few years... You'll be Armin's right hand. And if Armin dies then you'll need to take command. Ensure Floch is unable to destroy us from within."

Gabi continues to run after the ship with Falco chasing her the duo finally stop "C'mon, that's enough. They're flying away. Running after them is pointless. Even you know that."

Gabi turns to Falco enraged. "Zofia... Zofia's body was crushed under debris. I was sitting right next to her. Udo tried to help her, but he got trampled by the stampede. Stepped on, over and over, until his head split open. And the two gate guards... They stopped me. I was trying to run back to the plaza. I'm an Eldian, but they told me to turn back because it's dangerous. Then they were shot by two girls on the roof and died. Being an Eldian in the zone, people spit at me when I go outside. I've had a lot of miserable memories, but that's why I try so hard. To show the world that Eldians are good people! So that someday, we could be proud of our Eldian armbands! I worked hard believing it could happen! But they crushed everything! This internment zone is my home! It's where the people I care about live! Isn't trampling on it unforgivable?! And yet, you're telling me to not run after them? When Zeke was killed before our eyes and we could do nothing? Not knowing why any of this happened?!"

"They were trampled on." Falco says.

Gabi's eyes widen. "Huh?"

"The Enemy was attacked by Marley Warriors and lots of people died. This is revenge." Falco says understanding empathy more than anyone.

"Did you... see it happen?" Gabi asks.

"No, I didn't."

Gabi stares at Falco. "Neither did I."

Gabi takes aim and shoots at Lobov killing him with a head shot. She and Falco grab his gear with Gabi attempting to use it to get to the ship, and Falco grabs her in an attempt to stop her. The pair launch into the air as Colt arrives unable to grab onto them. When they reach the ship they slam into the bottom of the airship and a quiet thud happens. Sasha seems to hear it as her head is turned towards it.

"Did you hear a sound just now?" Sasha asks.

Jean moves forward towards the celebrators. "Hey, quiet down!"

"Make some noise! Victory!" Floch says in rebellion to his captain.

"He said be quiet!" Marcel shouts.

Floch continues to try and overpower his officers. "Victory!"

Connie turns to Nanaba. "Isn't Lobov still Out there?"

"No, I think he came aboard." J3an comments.

"Someone should check."

Gabi then rolls onto the ship levels the rifle and fires a shot that hits its mark everyone watches as Nanaba stumbles for a few steps before collapsing back.

"Nanaba!" Marco shouts.

Gabi aims for Marcel next but Jean aims at her the pair firing simultaneously as Mina pulls Marcel back, the bullet barely missing him while Falco helps Gabi evade by tackling her away from Jean's bullet. Several of the scouts attempt to surge forward pushing Sasha aside as she slams into the wall of the ship and slumps over. Petra, Jean, and Mina hold them off, a few of the scouts land hits on Gabi, But Falco stays protected by Marco and Connie as Marcel crouches in front of Nanaba.

"Nanaba! Hey! Hang in there! Nanaba!"

Nanaba speaks, her voice weak, her eyes look into the ceiling at the lights above. "M... Marcel... Tell... tell Marcel that Erwin... Erwin hopes he does well... as a... as a recruit..."

Marcel looks up for anyone listening. "Bandages, now! We've gotta stop the bleeding! Nanaba! Make it to the island!" Marcel says through a cracking voice.

"Miche..." Nanaba says weakly.

They rush to get the bandaged as Jean & Connie go to check on Sasha while Marcel & Miche wrap Nanaba in bandages. However the bleeding doesn't stop. Mina takes over for Marcel as Jean & Marcel sit against a  wall of the ship before turning to Gabi & Falco being held by Marco.

Marco holds the pair down. "Marcel, they climbed aboard using Lobov's ODM gear."

Jean's eyes widen. "Lobov..."

Floch steps forward. "Let's just toss 'em outside. All right?"

"Gabi... and Falco?" Marcel says recognizing the two children.

Falco stares at Marcel. "Mr... Moblit?"

"If we toss the kids out of an airship, will the killing ever end?" Jean asks to himself.

Petra walks to the door and knocks on it as Marcel stands with Jean above Gabi & Falco. "Don't touch me, you devils! We haven't lost yet!" Gabi roars. "The rest of our comrades will carry on the will of War Chief Zeke!"

"Gabi! Stop!"

"What do we do with 'em, Section Commander?" Floch asks Marcel.

Gabi bends backwards to look at Marcel. "Us true Eldians are gonna haunt you till you die! Pass that onto you your ringleader after I'm dead!"

Marcel speaks quietly staring into Gabi's eyes. "I am the ringleader. I'll take you to the others since you want to give them the message. You can tell them what you told me, Gabi Braun." He opens the door to where Levi & Eren are as Marco joins him. He stares at Levi with sorrow in his eye as everyone turns to him. There sitting in his own blood and steam Zeke Jaeger.

"Gabi... Falco...? Why are you here?" Zeke asks stunned.

Falco's eyes widen. "Why? Why are you?"

"You're alive?! Why did you let them capture you?!"

Levi looks to Marcel. "Who are these kids?"

"Gabi Braun and Falco Grice. Two of the candidates to receive Reiner's Armored Titan. They climbed aboard using Lobov's gear... Gabi shot Nanaba... I, uh... I doubt she'll make it."

Levi's eyes widen as do Armin & Mikasa's the pair rush past Marco & Marcel closing the door. Another one opens and Hange & Moblit exit the pilots room. "It's all you, Onyankopon." Hange says.

Onyankopon speaks from the pilots seat. "You've got it, Commander!"

Hange turns to Zeke. "Well? Did everything play out as you two hoped, Zeke Jaeger, Marcel Smith?"

Gabi's eyes widen. "Huh?"

"For the most part, but there were a few miscalculations." Zeke says still staring at Gabi & Falco.

Gabi's eyes remain wide and stunned. "Zeke...?"

"Huh? Who are these kids?" Moblit asks.

"Miscalculations." Zeke says.

"Hange, Moblit..." Marcel speaks his face giving away his concern. "Nanaba... might not make it."

"Yelena! What the hell happened to trapping the Cart & Jaw?! People died because of you!" Jean shouts.

Yelena rubs the back of her nape. "I'm sorry. I assure you they fell down the hole, but it's still my fault."

"And to cover for that slip-up, the beast chucked more rocks at us than planned. That was some improve for a clown like you. Wouldn't you say, hairball?" Levi says glaring at Zeke.

"Don't glare at me like that, Levi. What if I piss my pants?"

"Then how about I glare at you, fuzzy?" Marcel says handing the kids to Marco.

"That'd be even worse. You're both quite the actors yourselves, considering you both want to kill me so bad."

Marcel scoffs. "Of course I do. You killed my dad."

"I'm the kind of person who saves the best bite for last. I like to savor the taste." Levi says still standing above Zeke.

"We killed the Marley brass and destroyed their port and fleet. Just as your plan entailed, Marcel. That should buy us some time." Eren says.

"Until the world launches a joint attack on Paradis, you mean." Marcel retorts full of sass and sarcasm. "My plan was a stalling tactic. Hopefully we've bought enough time. Every time you're caught by the enemy, we sacrifice lives to get you back. Happened with Annie, Reiner & Bertholdt, Rod Reiss, and even now. No matter how many it takes. And despite that fact, you went so far as to make yourself a hostage. Forcing Marco & I into action, which in turn led the entire scouts in. Just as you hoped, we didn't have much of a chance. You put trust in us, but... we've lost all trust in you, Eren Jaeger."

"But now we have the founding Titan and a Titan with Royal Blood. The cost of those sacrifices will be paid through Eldia's freedom." Zeke says.

"And atop that we gained three dozen more files of serum." Marcel says.

The door is then opened by Mina her eyes sunken in. "Nanaba... is dead."

Marcel looks down. "And Sasha?" He says trying to hide his pain.

"She's alive, but she hit her head hard. I don't know when she'll awaken."

Marco looks back. "A coma?" He then quietly speaks. "Damn it."

Eren then looks over. "Mina, did Nanaba... have any last words?"

"She said... she was proud of you Marcel." Mina says solemnly.

Eren then laughs though his anguish would be visible if anyone could see his face. Marcel seeing and hearing this kicks Eren across the face he continues repeatedly driving his knee into Eren and kicking his stomach breaking ribs and teeth from the Titan shifter. Marcel cries as he does this, his rage in starch contrast to the broken look in his eyes.

Chapter End.