*

YEAR 851 - SIX MONTHS LATER

Though time passed since we reached the very shoreline that lead beyond the open sea, we knew things were not ending there. Though the land now stripped bare with no titans in sight, it was announced free and claimed victory for our land to flourish without fear. Shiganshina finally was slowly rebuilding, and the winter was replaced with Spring then turning to summer quickly. 

It was all too new to me, after a hundred or more years of the titans tyranny. What was left of the land, was finally ours increasing our chances of survival again.

"What? This is amazing news!" Sasha exclaims, her brown eyes lighting up with such energy, while I stood before her. "So Levi knows? Are you sure, I mean of course your sure...I mean.."

My smile grew wider with a warm chuckle, my confidence was regained knowing we have finally become well rested. Colour surfacing the faces that were met at dismay, and trauma months ago, finally gained back.

"Yes........this time, Levi and I will do our best to make this happen," my words were strong, filled with determination.

A warm hand rested upon my shoulder, Jean towered over me with disbelief in his eyes, but he couldn't help laugh in response with a wide smile. "I can't believe this, we wish you all the best and safety,"

My hand brushed over the slight bump over my belly, as I'm just about three months along. Though it wasn't a shock this time, it felt surreal and scary to try again. However here I am, carrying my second child with more maternal care and awareness. Though I tried my best to hang in there and keep my head held up high, Levi was there with reassurance, love and security. 

"Wait does this mean you're going on maternity leave?" Connie questions, as he leans forward on the couch of the study room. Though it was an common question to ask, I wasn't ready for maternity leave. Twelve weeks, and I've kept myself nourished and rested that I found strength in my new found body. Though I was self conscious of my figure quietly tucked away in my mind, I proudly carried my child.

Shaking my head, "Not just yet, but........there is a few things I must do," implying our next mission, which was the woman we thought was the enemy. 

Regarding about two months ago when we laid an ambush on a fleet of Marleyan soldiers, around roughly thirty-two scout ships Marley ships. What even surprised us, which turned the table on us, were people called the Anti-Marleyan group, or volunteers in short. Though the plan was to threaten and use a hostage, to weave ourselves into figuring anything about Marley and their intentions, it was as if help arrived to an alliance.

*

{TWO MONTHS AGO ~ AT THE SHORELINE}

The night was dark as the moon was dark, only the stars littering the sky giving somewhat light we could get. Currently we were only figuring out that the Marley soldiers, have been watching from the coastline, as if collecting information on us which makes me believe they're wary of us now. Since we defeated the armoured, Levi beating the shit out of the Beast and took the Colossal's power, they have every right to fear us.

This time we had Eren transform to hide beneath the waters, awaiting for more ships to arrive, and lift their ships to land if we have to, which had done to many others from before. Many were wrecked, or in perfect shape, it all depended if they wanted to listen or learn the hard way.

We even set base up near the shoreline, given with how long the trip takes to get to the outer walls where people were transformed into mindless titans. In order to seek information, we needed people than ourselves to rely on. I knew very well there is someone, but I knew my non-existent clan was no more.

"You son of a bitch!" The blonde lunged towards Hanji, but Levi grabbed him by the collar forcefully tugging him back in a strangle. Levi's eyes remained still and stoic, while his strength was unmatched with this weak cook who helplessly cursed at us. His words brittle and uncouth, and his eyes filled with fear and cornered. Levi meets my eyes arching a slight brow, while I sighed tapping my foot.

"Are all Marleyan's like this one?" I questioned the Blonde, my hands perched upon my hips. "Because I'm a little disappointed, but I guess being a cook......you're not given talent to fight back like this....."

The Marleyan growled through his teeth as his head snapped towards me, eyes lit ablaze at my mocking and provocative comment. 

"You bitch! Us Marleyan's will end you devils!!!!" He spat angrily, thrashing against Levi's hold. "Your just a fucking disease to us all, so go to hell--!"

Levi's blade swiftly rested beneath his chin, the steel grazing his pale flesh with a ringing chime stringing through.

The Blonde's breath hitched in his throat, before choking on incoherent words as if he struck a nerve. Yet, Levi's eyes were flickering with a dangerous glare within his eyes, lowering his mouth to his ear, "Mind repeating that again, you little shit?" the blade subtly shifts, almost slicing a small cut near the adam's apple. "Don't speak like that to her.....got.that?"

The Marleyan trembled with fear coursing through him, sweating profusely knowing that he's not sure when his life will be cut short. We aren't killers, but we will have to negotiate or interrogate for information if we must. Adjusting my forest green cloak, I glance over in the distance seeing a glint of a light in the distance beyond the shoreline.

A small hum leaves my lips before shifting back my attention to Hanji, as she has already acknowledged the next ship of Marleyan's.

"Guess those guys decided to come for their advance unit, we must make our move," my voice comes off low, and cautious. Eren was in place beneath the ocean's surface, as the sound of the men on board that ship profusely grew louder. Quickly Hanji rushes off ahead, while Levi follows with the young cook in his grasp. Sharing one more glance, I remain on the side in case something blows up.

The star lit sky gave us leverage to spot our enemies, but being well adjusted to the night, it was still an advantage to the potential threat.

Soon not long after waiting, Eren makes his move by lifting the ship from underneath with all his strength. The ship tips slightly back due to the length of the ship making it lopsided causing many men to slide down deck. Though it never mattered, their screams and hollers were of surprise and fear. The water showers around Eren, before he walks over to where Hanji and Levi were waiting

Dropping the ship with cautious, with some force Hanji rushes to the edge of the headland that narrows to the sea, "Hello, ladies and gentlemen of Marley!!!" greeting with their usual enthusiasm, she presents herself so casually and glee. "Welcome to Paradis Island! Nice to meet'cha, I'm Hanji! And it's an honour to welcome guests who've sailed from oh-so-far across the sea to come here! "gesturing to join alongside us. "The trip must've left you exhausted, so why not join us for some tea?"

Glancing over I saw the young marleyan Cook's eyes widen in shock

 Hanji doesn't pause there, exclaims knowingly, "Oh! I almost forgot," Hanji rushes towards Niccolo. "If you were curious about this guest of ours, he arrived just before you and we're already getting along splendidly!" as she throws an arm around his shoulder, patting him on the chest with a chuckle.

The young Marleyan was uncomfortably squirming underneath her grip, and Levi's threatening blade resting against his back, "Isn't that right? Tell them, Niccolo!" following with a high pitch giggle.

Levi angles his grip tighter, while his eyes darken while calmly threatening our hostage.

"Please, Captain!" Niccolo cries out, desperately whilst in restraints while standing between two doors to death if he tries anything funny. "Forget about me and gun these devils down while you can!!!"

Hanji's face turns more crazed and threatening, "Huh? What are you saying?" trying to get Niccolo to play his part in the skit, that Hanji tried to plan out just minutes earlier. Obviously this cook had a death wish, because he really wants us to die like they all do.

"Captain!!!!!" Niccolo cries out, while Levi's eyes meet mine with a slight eye roll of annoyance.

"He's saying that he doesn't wanna be part of your shitty skit," Levi comments out, blatantly. 

My gaze follows back up to the shaken up men, before one of them stands back up with a loaded rifle in hand. My hand reaches to my thigh holster with my blade, beneath my dark green cloak. "Know this, you wretched devils!!!!!" Their leader, I presume, declared angrily. "Marley doesn't negotiate with filthy-bloods like you, and we're certainly not gonna sit down with you and drink the pig piss you call tea!!!!"

"Huh?! Aw, Ya sure about that?!" Hanji challenged him, with a voice bursting with robust energy. "Maybe you should be more polite! Unless you wanna piss off the titan looming behind you!"

Seeing their heads turn so sharply, as Eren's titan form looms over them with a dark threatening stance. Clearly they're outmatched with manpower now, yet it wasn't convincing for some...

The man rushes back towards us at the head of the ship, aiming his rifle threateningly, "Marley will never bend to the power of devils!!! This is all she has to say to you!!!!!" following with a gunshot.

Everything felt a rush hearing Hanji gasps, but after when I hear a gunshot ring my eyes slowly widen in surprise.

A tall soldier, no, a woman stood with her gun in the direction where the sound came from. I've never been taken by the turn of events, or even stooped to the level to turn on my own comrades. Yet, what is this woman thinking? Did she aim on purpose? Rush? There was something that didn't sit right, as I calmly kept my hand on the hilt of my blade.

"Put your hands up, Yelena!" Another soldier demands, appalled by his soldiers actions to her superior. She turns more calmly redirected her weapon towards the soldier, her other arm resting behind her lower back.

She seems very calm and collected, and not as anxious as the rest. 

Not much could be heard from where I stood, but in the end it seems the woman wasn't a threat. It was mere coincidence this changed everyone, as Yelena, as i heard, walks to the head centre of the ship. Taking her helmet off, was a sign she wasn't commencing an attack.

"Hanji, I'd like to accept your invitation!" Yelena endorses Hanji's proposition, with a calm steady voice. "Let's have some tea."

Lowering my hand from my blade I walk out from the shadows of the wall of rock on the side, while Hanji was left speechless. The tall woman's eyes slices across to meet my gaze, but the intensity alone was enough to keep my guard up about this woman. Trust was merely an alliance, and she has to prove her trust in negotiation.

"We'll gladly have you, come," I urge her, while keeping myself guarded. Levi's shoulder brushed against mine, with a brief warm sigh brushing against my cheek.

"This better be good," he mutters, while dragging Niccolo with us.

*

After leaving our young soldiers outside on watch outside the campsite, while I'm still suspicious and cautious. Hating the fact I'm still a little paranoid, since my late Uncle's arrival on Paradis, that it gives me the chills at the thought.

Opening the tent flaps I noticed a few unfamiliar military weapons, sprawled side by side in front of Hanji. 

"Apologies for being late," excusing myself, I sat myself down beside Levi and Hanji feeling my lower back slightly aching.

The woman waves her hand dismissively, "It's fine, we're only about to start," assuring us, while her eyes remain on me for a moment. The warm glow of the lanterns flicker faintly, brightening the tent as it illuminates Yelena's unfamiliar face. 

My gaze shifts upon the darker man, that sat in silence without breaking eye contact with Levi and I. Onyankopon his name is.

"So these military weaponry, is this what you use in battle?" I assume, gathering from how it was used just minutes ago on the Captain. 

"That's correct," She simply replies.

The sound of clanking and whirring sounds, came from hanji staring into barrel of the gun that was wielded. Her eyes filled with curiosity and in amazement, "Huh....I see...." murmuring to herself. "...So this lets you shoot multiple times without reloading."

Yelena's eyes were down-casted with tea in hand, "Back in Marley, those weapons are standard-issue," She spoke up, drinking her tea whilst Levi keeps his usual cold gaze upon the stranger.  "The Marleyan army is compromised of fifty divisions, each made up twenty-thousand troops. That comes out to a million soldiers in total....."

My eyes lift more in acknowledgement, taking in the information. 

"Then there's the Marleyan Navy," Yelena continues forth, lowering her cup to give her full attention to us. "It's divided into three fleets, with twenty-one battleships each. Marley's been developing new weapons, too. They're making strides in the field of aerial warfare."

My brow slightly creases, still not understanding the outside world's customs and current times.

"Ae...rial?" Hanji murmurs, puzzled to what it means.

"Tch," Levi grimaces slightly.

With a slightly tap on her shoe, "Please keep it together, or they'll think we're weak," I hissed inaudibly, only for her to hear. 

"I know that," She whispered back.

"In other words, they're making flying ships!" Onyankopon breaks the still silence, as my eyes shift back subtly with a stern expression. "Which can circumvent walls by attacking from the sky."

Without warning hanji stood up, "Huh?! They'll attack from the sky?!"

"Hanji!" I scowl again, when Levi's hand brushed over mine beneath the table. His grip was firm, but comfortable enough to know what he's thinking. 

Hanji slowly calms down with a nervous smile, "If Marley truly has the kind of Military capabilities you just described to us...." furrowing her eyebrows with a inquiring expression. "....why haven't they sent an invasion force in the past year? Tell me...."

Yelena lifts her head up to Hanji's height, "There are two primary reasons," she began, already having an answer. "The first is the Pure Titans Marley released here. They pose a serious threat to a landing force, even if that force is armed with the latest weaponry. They were originally taken here to keep you Eldian's confined within your walls, but in more recent times...they served as Eldia's first line of defense."

Hanji sits back down, while Levi dryly scoffs.

"You don't say, well....isn't that funny?" He retorts lowly, sarcasm dripping from his voice.

"But....it'll be morning shortly," Yelena continues, glancing to the small gap of the tent flap to see the crack of day. "So day is when titans become active. Which tells me that if we're still here, sipping tea in the wilderness beyond the walls, you must have killed all the Pure titans that were roaming around...." she turns back to meet my eyes, with a cold collected look. "...is my assessment correct?"

"I--" Hanji hesitates, while I bit my tongue hesitantly wanting to speak up.

"And what if it is?" Levi questions abruptly. "You gonna take that intel back to Marley?"

Yelena's expression suddenly lights her face more, as if she is bewildered by her assumption gathering by Levi's remark. "Never. It's amazing...I am in awe," she honestly replies, breathless even.

My eyes narrow arching an eyebrow, "So what's the second reason?" 

"Marley is occupied, it's at war with an alliance of several nations," Her bewildered look fades back to being dull, lifting her tea cup. "It can't be bothered to deal with Paradis now. You defeated the warrior unit: the pride of Marley, and assumed killed Marley's best rogue assassin. And in doing so, you stripped Marley of two of it's best weapons: The Colossal and Female titans..."

My jaw clenched tightly, when she mention Marley's rogue assassin. So I'm assuming my Uncle really had gone mad, more preferably to call it by wanting to finish off his kill list. Clearly his words never left my mind, his eyes kept invading my head when I slept. It was a repetitive nightmare. 

"...Marley is a nation with many enemies," Yelena resume further. "Once they saw that you'd left it in a weakened state, they quickly joined as one and declared war," she sips her tea.

"I'm guessing that group infiltrated the Marleyan Army, because you have some sort of grudge against it," Hanji spoke up, undertaking Yelena's actions earlier. "Are you undercover agents from some of the nations that Marley's conquered?"

"...."

The two strangers fall silent, without batting an eye which cleared some things up or by assumption.

"...."

"Oh? So I'm right!" Hanji exclaims, her voice bubbling in excitement. "If you're willing to go up against Marley, then you must be working with some seriously powerful backers."

Yelena placed her tea up down, lowering her eyes. "Sorry to disappoint, but we're not agents or anything of the sort," She informs her. "We were utterly powerless. Marley took our homes and conscripted us into it's army. The hope that we could eventually strike back faded more every day.....That is, until we met him...."

"Him?"

She sighs, "People feared that titan the world, they called him a devil," she recalls her memories of this titan. "But to me, he looked like something else entirely. A god. One that gave hope to the powerless," her eyes were filled with admiration, before shifting back to a determined look. "Our mutiny was carried out at the express command of Zeke Yeager. We're the Anti-Marleyan Volunteers....and our goal is to free the Eldian people."

Clearly after the meeting, confliction was my friend for the time being. 

Yelena has always been a closed off person, but I guess we're all conservative humans. Despite revealing who they were, it still didn't conclude everything in what they have come for. Thankfully we now know they use these modernised weapons such as semi-automatic pistols, bolt-action rifles and plans to come.

"Mrs Ackerman...."

Pausing in my steps from the abrupt disturbance, Yelena stood with the tent flap open ushering for me to return back inside. 

"It's Section Commander," my eyes slant upwards, with a low steady tone. However she continue to give me a look, that it was important.

With a heavy sigh of reluctance, I chew on the inside of my cheek.

Hesitant while glancing over to see Hanji and Levi discussing to themselves outside the tent, I bite the bullet and reluctantly walk back inside. Yelena turns to me once I walk inside, her eyes studying me from head to tow and back up.

What's her deal? She's rather strange.....

"Ronin Yamasaki......"

My breath subtly hitches with my eyes narrow slightly, "Excuse me?"

She arched a brow with a crease forming at the corner of her lip, "Marley's greatest Assassin, the Yamasaki clan's last remaining survivor......" she continued, her eyes studying me as if she knows something. Or even confirmation. "......I guess the genes run in the family strongly, if I'm not mistaken......?"

The silence falls between us, while my jaw clenched not wanting to be in the same level with that bastard.

Yelena noticed my hesitant and steady self, "Oh, apologies for being forward to you without explaining," She apologies, before her eyes grew ominous and more serious. "It seems Ronin's