THE VALKYRIE TITAN • ATTACK ON TITAN X OC •

XXXV.HIS UNCERTAINTY

(Year 850)

Everything was subtle, for Aera has not been exposed to the public. The officials were planning that once her time as the Valkyrie is done, they will hand over the power to a maiden that does not hail from the royal family. They believed that handing the Valkyrie to an ordinary individual might make her; the future holder to be able to use the power to resurrect the dead ones and will be immune to Annabelle's will.

The plan was merely a government secret and only the officials knew of this, including the high ranks. Despite it, Eren knew of their plan. Aera, too, knew of the matter. Though, she does not fear it since it will never happen at all.

Eren told his sister that he had recently examined her personal belongings, the stuff that was inside Scorpio's saddlebag; her journal, and the genealogical chart tapestry. He had thought that she would burst in anger, for he rummaged through her things but instead, Aera did not react and only stated that she no longer needed her things.

Suddenly, Eren cursed himself for forgetting about the bag. He merely left it at Clyde's estate. He swore that he would get it from his place until Aera stopped him and said that it is not necessary. She stated that the bag must remain at the place and one day, Clyde might find it and will finally discover the Valkyries' secrets. Though, she doubted that Clyde will find it much sooner but in the near future--he will surely learn of her goal.

Eren and Aera had planned everything regarding the rumbling but Eren occasionally acted reluctantly and hesitantly in the middle of their negotiation. He sometimes whispered to himself to 'fight' repeatedly. Meanwhile, Aera had to deal with his emotions. She was not irritated by his behavior nor hated his reluctance. It looked like her brother don't really want to start the rumbling. Eren seemed so tumultuous and confusing. But to her, it is normal to act horrified after discovering the future.

The strong throbbing on her head was only happening for a short while, unlike months ago when she has to deal with her past holders' commands. After convincing Eren, Annabelle and the others were satisfied with completing one of her most pivotal tasks.

Even if Aera was discovered to be a person from beyond the walls that held the Valkyrie Titan, they still don't know of her personally. The rally that had been halted by the Military Police surprisingly stopped as the people had grown quiet regarding Aera's ability to resurrect. The man who had spoken to Aera in the cell said to his friends that she lacked empathy and was under her past holder's spell, preventing her from using the power of the Valkyrie Titan.

(Year 851)

Roughly a year later, the Survey Corps journeyed to the shore of Paradis Island to defend the coast from Marleyan soldiers on the fleet. They eventually capture a soldier from the advance party of the first survey fleet, to use as a hostage. A soldier named Yelena shot the captain dead and agrees to join Hanji for tea.

At a camp nearby, after inspecting a Marleyan weaponry in amazement, Hanji guessed that Yelena and her comrades are agents who have infiltrated the Marleyan army, but Yelena explained to them that they are simply conscripted soldiers who have chosen to rally around Zeke Yeager in opposition of Marley as the Anti-Marleyan Volunteers. She later revealed that they wanted to speak with Eren and Vivienne Reiss.

A year ago, Ymir had spoken to the warriors that Vivienne Reiss is the current holder of the Valkyre Titan. They didn't actually know who Vivienne Reiss was. After receiving little information regarding it, Zeke had planned to seek a peaceful discussion with the Valkyrie Titan, without knowing that Vivienne Reiss was actually his sister.

"Zeke Yeager's requests are as follows" Hanji read the paper that is currently in her grasp. "Accept him onto the island of Paradis Island for the remainder of the time he has left."