A/N: Hello, readers! Welcome to another chapter! Enjoy!

edited on july 4th, 2022 @ 11:44am

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𝓒𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙵𝙾𝚁𝚃𝚈-𝙵𝙸𝚅𝙴,
𝓐 𝚂𝙾𝚄𝙽𝙳 𝙰𝚁𝙶𝚄𝙼𝙴𝙽𝚃.

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《 𝖳𝖶𝖮 𝖸𝖤𝖠𝖱𝖲 𝖠𝖦𝖮 》

THE SCOUTS WERE IN THEIR dark green uniforms, facing the volunteers. "Eren, I haven't seen you since you lifted out ship a whole year ago." Yelena extended her hand out. "I'm honored to work with you."

Levi stepped in front of Eren, holding his hand out. "No, you won't be working together. You're lucky enough to see his face." He claimed.

Simon snorted. "He's acting like a father protecting his kid from strangers." He said in his head.

"Plenty enough for me. Today will be a joyous day." Yelena raised her arms up towards the ocean. "The port is complete and we're welcoming our first outside visitor. From Paradis Island's sole friendly nation, Hizuru— Special Envoy, Kiyomi Azumabito."

The Azumabitos soon arrived as they headed to the District of Shiganshina for a meeting. Kiyomi and the others were brought to the palace.

Kiyomi took out a box, showing Mikasa a piece of cloth with a symbol on it.

"Do you recognize this family crest?" She asked.

Eren and Mikasa's eyes widened as she touched her wrist. "That's..." Mikasa trailed off.

"Show it, Mikasa." Eren told her.

"But my mom said to keep it secret." Mikasa argued.

"You showed it to me when we were little. It's a secret meant for today. Go on." Eren urged.

Mikasa unwrapped the bandage on her wrist and held her hand up, revealing the crest. The Azumabitos eyes widened at the sight of it.

"Before she died, this symbol was passed down to me from my mother. She said I should pass it on to my child." Mikasa explained.

Kiyomi walked forward, placing her hands on Mikasa's shoulders. "What an admirable deed! Over a century ago, the shogun we Azumabitos descended from had a son. He was on friendly terms with King Fritz and often came to Paradis. After the Great Titan War, Hizuru was defeated and in disarray. In the confusion, a child of the shogunate was left behind on the island. You're the lost descendant of our nation's ruler! You're the hope for Hizuru!"

Later, the soldiers of Paradis went outside to discuss, leaving the Azumabitos with the volunteers.

"I still don't get what a nation is."

"Anyways, now we've got leverage with Hizuru!"

"What if it's a trap? I suppose we should ask Yelena's opinion."

"No! That's exactly what they want!"

"One thing is for certain: The sea has joined us to the world, but we're still just a child learning to walk. We should sit quiet and hear what others have to say." Pixis informed.

They soon went back inside the room and sat on the chairs in front of a long table.

"It's a historic day for both our nations. Today is the only possible thanks to the one who brought us together, Zeke Yeager. After meeting with him in secret, we agreed to an arrangement under the condition we were able to meet Lady Mikasa. Zeke Yeager said if we cooperate with him, our nation may just helm an industry that restores it to its former glory. And yet, he hasn't even prospected your reserves. But a resource like that in this age of modernization would be worth its weight in jewels and treasure." Kiyomi licked her lips

"Yelena said the talks would go well since the Azumabitos are money grubbers." Hange said in their thoughts.

"After all, it's not worth the risk coming here unless money is involved." Pixis thought.

"And? What exactly is the arrangement you have with Zeke Yeager?" Historia questioned.

"As you know, Zeke Yeager has a secret plan in mind. To achieve it, Hizuru's cooperation is needed. Here are his three points to protect Paradis with the rumbling." Kiyomi replied, handing them pieces of papers with writing written on them.

"The first set is a test run of the rumbling— to release a sample of its power and show the world its devastation. Next is Hizuru's cooperation. Your military must be strengthened until use of the rumbling isn't necessary. Lastly, the Founding Titan and a Titan with royal blood must be passed down. That's the third point. Zeke will pass on the Beast Titan to someone of royal blood. Until their 13-year term ends, they must bear as many kids as possible." Kiyomi explained as all of them were shocked. Some were angry.

"Even if the weaponry advances, the rumbling itself is powerful. Unless we get rid of it, inheriting Titans will continue for generations to come. Is it right for us to push this problem on our descendants to save ourselves now?" Simon glanced over at Historia. "Of course not. But..."

"Very well. I will inherit the Beast Titan. As long as the rumbling is tied to our survival." Historia announced as Kiyomi looked away.

"Historia..." Mikasa muttered.

Eren stood up in anger, gritting his teeth. "After years of getting trampled on, now we've gotta breed like livestock? If that's the price of getting to live, Zeke Yeager can take his damn plan and shove it!" He declared. "It's too dangerous to gamble on having the rumbling. We need to spend our time exploring what other options are available to us."

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A year later, the Scouts were building rails for the train in the summer heat as Simon, Hange, and Levi were seen riding their horses.

"Hey!" Hange called out to them.

The three got off their horses as the others approached them. "Man, you're all working in this heat!" Hange pointed out.

"Yeah, well, we're stuck watching this idiot." Jean complained, looking over at Eren.

"Unbeliveable. You're all growing so damn big." Levi said with his arms crossed.

"Is it about Hizuru?" Eren asked.

"The Azumabitos sent their reply." Julian replied.

"And?" Eren questioned.

"No good. Looks like we can't turn to Hizuru. It seems they want to monopolize Paradis Island's resources. They won't help us trade with the others. The world wants Paradis Island to be the root of all evil. It helps to unite all nations and brings stability to the world." Hange explained.

"So, we've got no choice but to rely on the rumbling and sacrifice Historia?" Eren asked.

"That's right." Levi replied.

"You're kidding! They decided we're devils without knowing our intentions?" Armin asked in disbelief. "Why won't they consider the path a path of peace?"

"I think... because they don't know. They fear us because they don't know what we are." Mikasa stated.

"That's right. They won't trust people whose faces they haven't seen. So let's meet 'em! If you don't understand something, go figure it out!" Hange said.

Levi and Simon glance over at Hange with surprised looks on their faces. "Isn't that what we Scouts do?" Hange questioned.

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Night had soon fallen as Levi's squad was drinking wine that was delivered to them, along with Oliver and Dillon.

"Hey, Section Commander! Stop being so tense and come drink with us!" Dillon shouted out, his words slurred.

"Dillon, you're drunk." Oliver sighed out, taking another sip from the bottle.

"No, you're drunk."

Oliver scrunched up his nose. "Lay off the wine for a while, okay buddy?" He said.

"Don't tell me what to do ya piece of shit."

Simon rolled his eyes before chuckling. He didn't know what he would do without Oliver and Dillon in his life.

He may have lost Farlan, Isabel, and his brother. Along with Alastrine and Rachel. Simon didn't want to lose Oliver and Dillon as well.

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A/N: Another chapter is done! Thanks for reading!

Word Count: 1275 words.