...Arriving...
The smell was the first thing you observed about Marley.
A smoky, chemical-like scent webbed in the air. Nothing like Paradis, where everywhere you went, Mother Nature always accompanied you. Instead of the lush green forests, all you saw was building upon building upon building.
"What do you think?" asked Zeke. "Wonderful, isn't it?"
You loosely shrugged. You'd already planned to treat this kidnapping as a "vacation" so that you could still get the best out of what you'd have. Although this place was more architecturally advanced, probably somebody else's dream trip location, it just wasn't home. And because of that, you were already feeling a drop of resentment.
He led you onto a long moving vehicle that you learned to be the train. After the ride, he brought you to Marley's Military Base. A grand, white complex that spanned out into the land, with rows of soldiers standing guard under every few windows.
"This campus covers a vast number of acres. It's arguably the biggest military base in the world."
You remained unimpressed, making sure to show it transparently on your face. HQ is still better.
The interior was even blander, and the unnecessary number of guards stationed at every corner was laughable. Back home, three guards a floor was generous enough.
Soon, you waited in the interrogation room, fingers tapping on the steel desk. Outside, Zeke was conversing with a tall, tan man with wrinkles similar to Shadis'. You realized it'd been a while since you'd even thought of your old Commandant.
Two bright lights were directed at you, heated enough to make you sweat. But you still kept your calmness. Zeke had already sort of prepped you with questions they might ask, so you weren't coming into this blind. But you couldn't help but wonder why he was so willing. He claimed his benefit was for his secret to be kept, and his motive was to avoid history repeating, but your gut told you that wasn't all. Did he just really wanted to win your trust? What's he planning?
"Good to finally meet your acquaintance, Ms. Fritz-Ackerman," said the tan man with a stone-cold face. "I am General Magath."
You shook his hand. Lock in, girl. Performance time. "Nice to meet you too, General."
He sat down and crossed his arms. "What I've just gathered from Zeke is that you've suffered some head trauma, causing you to lose your memories. It happened before he rescued you from that island."
You wanted to laugh. "Rescue" my ass. "I guess that's the case, General."
"But I don't believe that to be the truth."
"What?" You pretended to look a little lost. You figured he wouldn't believe it this easily. Hell, you wouldn't even believe this shit.
"I like to cut the small talk and go straight to the point. I suspect you are feigning your amnesia in order to protect your knowledge of the Island of Paradis," he stated, gaze sharp, assessing for lies. Wasn't the first time you'd be dealing with someone like him. There had been Kenny. And before him, Mistress Mildred from the old orphanage.
"Well, sir, that's just an awfully stupid assumption."
He showed no discernable reaction.
"First of all, I don't even know what the hell 'amnesia' is." That was true. "And second, protecting knowledge of what? Was there something that important from where I came from? Zeke didn't tell me that. Though he did tell me I came from a very dangerous place. So yeah, I'm grateful for him for rescuing me," that was an utter lie, "and that's all I know."
"Amnesia is the medical term for memory loss," he defined. "It's what you are claiming to have."
You frowned. "Did you not listen to anything else I said? Why would anyone even claim to have amnesia if they didn't? That's pointless."
"Many reasons, Ms. Fritz-Ackerman. For attention. For the avoidance of accountability. For the protection of their knowledge."
You scoffed. "Alright, listen. Whatever you want from me that you think I have, I'm sorry, but I don't have it. And I'm going through something right now, too. My body still hurts from the fell, I had a shitty sleep and a dream that I can't remember, yet I still decided to show up. So maybe try to be understanding and a little more grateful. You never know what people are going through, you know?"
"I can only understand everything once you provide me with you know," he said. "Imagine you bring an outsider into your home. You'd be curious where they're from, wouldn't you be? You'd like to know everything about them so that you can help them, correct?"
"Why would I ever bring an outsider into my home in the first place?"
"Would you not offer asylum if they were in dire need of help?"
"Only if they asked," you said. "I'm not going to force somebody into my home if they didn't want the help. If they really needed it, they'd make it known. I'd just let them go about their lives."
He didn't respond, just kept staring at you. You pinched your sleeve under the table. Shit, did I say too much of what I actually think?
"The reason why we have offered you asylum even though you never asked is to protect your heritage. In the wrong hands, it'd be dangerous."
"What about it would be so dangerous?"
"Do you not know the importance of your birthright to the world?"
"I don't think I'd be asking if I did."
He proceeded to tell you what you'd already heard from Zeke. The world was at war right now, and Marley was aiming to unite all forces of the world. And the key to this union would be you. Or more specifically, your blood, though Zeke was the only one transparent enough to tell it to your face.
But you couldn't help but think how stupid the world was. So many things could've been avoided, yet people still chose to dig themselves into their own graves, then expect others to pull them out as if it wasn't their own fault for being down there.
"What you will become is the world's hero, as you've always been destined to be. Just like your predecessor. You will be of great help to our country and this world."
"How are you so sure that I even have the right blood? That you got the right person?"
"Zeke's word."
"He's that trustworthy?"
"He's the War Chief of our military."
Should've chosen better, you wanted to say. "So what do I get out of it?"
"You'd be honored with all the glory in the world, of course."
You made a sour face. "Oh, I need at least get a paycheck. And make it big, too. You know what? Make it the highest salary in the military." That wasn't acting. Inheriting those vaults back home unlocked a love for money that you'd never known before.
"We can discuss monetary benefits," he said, "once you drop this act you've been keeping on."
"This again." You waved a hand dismissively. "You'd think if I was a liar, I'd be a little bit more nervous, wouldn't I? Can't you tell the difference between a liar and a truth teller? Seriously, it's not as complicated as you're making it seem."
"I hope you can understand that as the General of the Marleyan military, there are precautions to be taken-"
"How long have you been in this position? Clearly not that long. If you were so experienced as you 'claim' you are, I think we'd already be done here. What I'm seeing is a man trying to convince himself he's right just to win and stroke his ego. That's real pathetic, just saying. What kind of wars are you people winning with a leader like you?"
What followed was silence and prickling eye contact that you refused to cower down from. Finally, you pinpointed the look on his face that you were waiting for. Agitation.
Good. That meant you had him right where you wanted himâthinking you were impulsive, hot-tongued, and lacked intellect. The more dumber and useless you were perceived, the less of a threat you'd be. You'd learned that from being under Levi's leadership a long time ago.
Magath stood up. "Welcome to Marley, Ms. Fritz-Ackerman. Zeke and the others will help you get situated here for your stay," that was all he said, and left.
You couldn't help but scoff, swelling with pride. Even if Magath still had suspicions, you had just successfully deceived your way into the enemy's environment. Who knew your specialty of annoying superiors would end up such an indespensible skill?
Unbeknownst to you, Zeke had been listening outside the room the entire time. She's a decent actress. That's good for her, he admitted. But that could mean more trouble for me.
Afterwards, the second hand you shook was a black haired girl with a softly rested face. "Y/n, this is Pieck," introduced Zeke, "Pieck, this is Y/n."
"The Fritz-Ackerman, yes, I've heard," she said in her sultry voice. "It's nice to finally meet you again in more civil circumstances. Though I was supposed to see you again sooner, but the Mid-East decided to move up the date for war."
"We've met before?"
"I was the Cart Titan you saw during the battle on the walls."
You tilted your head curiously. "Uh..." You turned to Zeke.
He briefly explained to her your "amnesia" from suffering a head trauma. "Oh, I see. I'm glad you're safe and okay, though," she sweetly said. Then Zeke announced he had some unfinished work, so Pieck would be in charge of introducing you to other people. You didn't object. The sooner that blond cave man got out of your face, the better you felt.
"So how does losing your memory feel like, Y/n?" she asked. "I'd assume it'd be difficult unable to remember your family and friends. I know I would become insane if I were in your shoes."
"It just feels like there's a massive hole in my brain. Like an empty box. But I don't think I'd go crazy since I'm not sure if I even had a family. Or friends. So."
"That's still heartbreaking, though. Can't imagine what you're going through."
Yeah, neither can I.
To every person she introduced you to, you gave a polite wave, dropped a quick "hi" or "nice to meet you," and carried on to the next. It was a literal meet and greet. One thing you did notice was they were much more disciplined over here. Shadis probably would've loved these soldiers. Hell, Levi probably, too.
Then she led you into a private lounge room. "Hey guys, I brought a new friend!"
A dirty-blond guy on the couch turned his head back. He whistled. "Goddamn, where are they finding these new recruits? And where can I find more?"
"Ugh, Porco, not the time. And she's not just a recruit. This is Y/n Fritz-Ackerman."
His eyes bulged. "Oh, fuck." He got up and shook your hand immediately. "Nice to meet you, miss."
"Yeah, you too."
"Sorry about that. They told us they were bringing back the Fritz-Ackerman, but they did not tell us she'd look like this." He flashed a charming smile and patted himself. "I'm Porco Galliard. Jaw Titan. Honored to be in your presence." Immediately, he reminded you of Jean, and that made you smile back a little.
Pieck swatted him off. "Porco, when will you become self aware of how pathetic you can be? Is this seriously how you want your first impression to go? You don't want to scare her away like the other girls. She'll be stuck with us from now on, after all."
"Pieck, what the fuck?" he hissed through gritted teeth.
As the two bickered back and forth, somebody else echoed your name. It almost went unnoticed. But when your gaze landed on the source of the voice, your heart plummeted. My fucking god.
Reiner fucking Braun. Looking like he'd aged five years in one. Acting like he'd just seen his mother's corpse or something. I talked with Eren about a moment like this, you recalled. Didn't ever cross your mind that it'd come true.
"Hi, nice to meet you, too. And you are?"
His eyes flickered to your extended hand. "Youâyou don't remember who I am?"
"Oh, forgot to explain," cut in Pieck. Then she gave them the same news she heard from Zeke. "All she knows is her full name. She didn't even know what titans and war was."
"I knew that bit from what Zeke taught me," you said. "Just not that you were the Cart Titan."
"So you don't remember where you came from?" asked Porco.
You shook your head.
"You don't remember the devils?"
Your brows furrowed. "What devils?"
"He means the people of the Island of Paradis," said Pieck.
"They can hardly be considered people based on the stories Reiner told us," said Porco, turning to him. "Hey, didn't you say you knew her or something?"
Reiner barely blinked from staring at you. "Yeah...we were in the military together. We were comrades."
"I was a soldier?" You hummed, nodding. "I didn't know that. You should tell Magath, too. It'd probably be useful to him."
"I...I've already told him enough of what happened there." There was as if a shadow had casted over his face, pulling his lips down in a depressed frown.
"God, not again," muttered Porco. "Don't mind him. Ever since he came back, he's either rambling to himself nonstop or on the verge of tears constantly. Seems like the devils traumatized him so badly that he can't even sleep with the lights off."
Your eyebrows jumped up. "Really? Wow, these devils really must be something. Glad we're both not there anymore." While you sent a warm enough smile to Reiner, you secretly wished to choke the soul out of him. Traumatized by us? Fucking give me a break, you victim-acting piece of shit.
After getting through most of the floor, Pieck led you to a storage room with supplies for female soldiers. She helped you grab and stuff into a bag some Marleyan clothes and necessities that you didn't even know existed.
You told her, "Thank you."
"No worries," she replied. "You know, you're so much nicer than Bertholdt said you were."
When you glanced at her, she was already watching you. "Sorry, was that one of the thirty guys I met? Because I can't name you a single name or match it to their face. Memory issue, you know that."
"Oh, I apologize, I meant Reiner," she said, chuckling. But she didn't look one bit embarrassed from misspeaking.
You were not a fool. She's trying to throw me off. Meaning she didn't trust you yet. You wouldn't blame her.
"The sulking blond?" You snorted. "He did know the old me. What else has he said?"
She tapped her chin. "That you were an impressive soldier. And you were cruel and cold sometimes. Also that you had a few screws loose in your brain. But, oh well." She shrugged. "His opinions were mixed with his trauma anyway. Don't worry, we won't hold it against you."
"I'd hope not."
Go fuck yourself, Reiner. Was it true that you had some loose screws? Definitely. But that bitch didn't deserve to judge.
You purged him out of your mind. The more you thought of folding that bastard's skull inside out, the more you were beginning to think about Eren. You knew if you let it occupy your mind even for a second more, you would be unable to stop thinking about him.
Zeke picked you up at the gates. He handed you a blue arm band with a star. "Eldians are required to wear the armbands. The average civilian wears a yellow one. Ours are red because we are Warriors."
"So why's mine blue?"
"Because you're the Fritz-Ackerman."
"Right." You still hadn't gotten used to being "special" whereever you went.
After the train ride, you arrived to a gated city. Zeke explained it to be Liberio, the internment zone for all Eldians in Marley. "If you ask me, frankly, we're caged like animals."
But these gates reminded you of home. And instead of these tall steel fences, you were behind Colossal Titan sized walls. Then that means I've been a caged animal my whole life.
The Eldians of Liberio looked just like how the Eldians on Paradis looked, and they were every bit as human as the Marleyans did. Made you ponder how could humans hate their own kind just because of different bloodsystems. More importantly, how Eldians could hate their own kind. You really wanted to ask them how could they expect anyone to respect them if they didn't even respect each other.
Zeke stopped outside a house by a crooked tree. "This is my grandparent's house," he said. "Where you'll be staying."
"Aren't I lucky, meeting Eren's grandparents before he does."
"More like they get to know you exist before him."
You snorted. Damn it, he's kind of funny.
Inside wasn't drastically different than any other two-story house you'd seen. An elderly couple sat at the dining table, drinking tea. "Zeke, you're back early. How was your journey?" asked the old man. "And who is this young lady?"
"Grandma, Grandpa, this is Y/n Fritz-Ackerman. The girl I rescued from the Island of Paradis."
The two of them were on their feet immediately. "Oh, my dear," said the old woman, taking your hands in her wrinkly ones. "It must've been torture living there. Please tell us they have not done anything unspeakable to you."
What kind of stories are they feeding these Eldians? "Oh, I wouldn't remember if they did, sadly."
"She suffered from memory loss before we left. Inflicted by the people of the Island as I tried rescuing her."
You gritted your teeth behind your polite smile. Lie stacked upon lie, huh? While they conversed, you searched the two elders' appearances. Only their dark-brown hair scattered with white streaks looked barely familiar to you. It made your stomach churn even more.
That was what you'd been subconsciously doing ever since you got here, searching for familiar traits of your friends in everyone you met. You'd seen a little bit of Erwin in Zeke, a whole lot of Shadis in Magath, Historia's gentleness in Pieck, Jean's pretentious ass in Porco, and a little bit of Grisha in both the grandparents. No sign of the others yet. And certainly, no sign of Eren. Not even in his blood from two generations ago.
"That must be for the better," said Mr. Jaeger. "You must be exhausted from your travels."
"She can...she can take Fey's old room," suggested Mrs. Jaeger, nodding. "Yes, that'll do. That room has been deserted for quite some time."
Fey is Grisha's dead sister, you reminded yourself. "And, uh, this Fey wouldn't mind me taking over her room?"
"She wouldn't, no worries. She hasn't been back home in a while."
As you followed Mrs. Jaeger up the stairs, you observed the photographs on the walls. Most were when Zeke was a kid. He looked nothing like kid Eren. One of the pictures was Grisha as a teenager around your age. As for him, you thanked whatever lord's above that Eren ended up taking after the beautiful Carla. Not that Grisha was ugly, but he simply looked like he was born miserable. And that wouldn't be a good look on someone like Eren.
She led you to a little bedroom. You helped her put in a new set of mattresses, pillowcase, and blankets. And she tidied up the deskspace for you. "From now on, call us Grandma and Grandpa. This'll be your home from now on, after all. Is there anything else you need?"
"Would you happen to have a blank journal and pen?"
She pulled a stack of paper and dusty journals from a drawer, and a handful of pens. "Use whatever you'd like. I'd assume they'd have a lot of work for you. Good work, of course. Good for the people."
Once she bid you goodnight, you picked out a small leather notebook.
The entire day, you were remembering as much information as you could so that you could document it down. Because you decided that since you were on enemy grounds, might as well make yourself useful. It'd be a shame not to take advantage of this opportunity and return empty-handed. You could already imagine how ecstatic Hange would be.
As always, you'd rather focus on getting shit done than getting defeated by your own emotions. Besides, you had a feeling you wouldn't be here for long.
You flipped to the first page and picked up a pen.
1st day. 1st month. Y 850
* . * .
The Scouts left for the serach party with hundreds of soldiers. Came back with barely 57. This time, it wasn't just the titans; man's fear and incompetence overtook themselves first. Suicide, accidents, falls, physical disputes between each other, trampled by hooves, all that.
Just as some had guessed, there was no single trace of you left to pursue. Naturally, they called off all search parties and said they'd "put a pin in this situation." The only party that seemed to benefit was the Press, as they'd never published so many papers that week. The papers reached all three walls, even the smallest villages, to the Training Corps, and even the Underground City. There wasn't anybody who didn't know that their enemies had taken away their Princess.
Along came the speculation. The rumors. The conspiracies. Some thought you were already dead, and the government was trying to pin the blame on outside forces to cover it up.
Others thought they were covering it up because either Eren Jaeger the Founding Titan, or Armin Arlert the Colossal Titan lost control and accidentally killed you.
And then there were even some that thought the Queen was behind it because she wanted all the power for herself.
Ridiculous, uttler lies, yet Eren accepted all of it, letting it take refuge in his mind. Letting it consume him whole, even if guilt was chewing him up. He was so desperate that anything, absolutely anything that involved you, he wanted to hear about it. To read about it. To learn about it. Anythinginvolving you, he just wanted to know
So when the next kid passing by on the street recognizes him and starts crying to their mom about the "titan who killed the princess," he'd stop in his tracks as the mom dragged that kid away. Just to hear your name out of that little kid's mouth one more time.
*
i basically made yall the princess diana of aot. historia ur spotlight got stolen.
20k?? was only at like 10k reads two chaps ago. as always, thank u to the silent mfs and the few lovely loud ones ð