"You should talk to him."
Eren frowned at Mikasa's words. Not because he necessarily disagreed with her, but because he knew that although she was right, it was also something he couldn't do. His eyes looked around the open field, but in spite of so many being present there were few chances of being overheard.
"I can't. If I do, then things will go wrong."
"How much more wrong can they go!?" Mikasa looked around as she suddenly realised how loud she had been. In a hushed whisper, she leaned in. "All of those people dead… how would warning Gohan about Cell make things worse?"
"It's… complicated." Mikasa frowned at him, but he didn't blame her for that. He knew it sounded bizarre, but he also knew what he had seen. "If we tell Gohan about Cell then he'll go looking for him. I know it sounds impossible, but things always go wrong. We've been over this, there's a better way."
"I know." His and Mikasa's argument would resurface every few months, or more regularly when they were discussing their upcoming plans. "This is all so insane… and you're sure about this?"
"I held Historia's hand at the banquet last week, everything still looks as we thought it would."
One of the few things they'd been able to come to agreement on was that Historia had clearly been a trigger for something relating to his Titan powers that had allowed him to see the future. Or at least, some version of it. He had seen variations, different ways the world had ended.
So much death…
There was only a few options he had found, a small chance for them to succeed. And so, he and Mikasa had set out to ensure that they met that future.
"What if you're wrong?"
"If I'm right so far, Gohan will be here in a few seconds…"
A few seconds later, Gohan flashed into sight as he decelerated from his flight. Some people started at his sudden appearance, however most were actually quite used to it all now. Gohan being so fast he could appear and disappear on a regular basis was quickly becoming just a regular bit of day-to-day life.
"Hey guys, you're looking well."
Mikasa and Eren exchanged greetings even as the two of them shared a look with one another. Gohan put his hands on his hips as he sighed.
"So, todays the day huh?"
On cue, a shadow passed overhead. A squadron of massive airships crossed the sky above them and began to descend. Throughout the field, large markings had been laid out to indicate where they should land. From his position on the ground, Gohan watched carefully as they moved, eyeing for any potential damage or accident.
Fortunately, as had been the case several times before, they landed safely and without incident. Ropes were thrown out, and the airships were tied in place with engines being deactivated. From the inside of one of them, Armin walked out with another copy of Gohan in tow.
"Armin! It's good to see you." Eren walked over with arms wide open and pulled his friend into a hug as the two Gohan's merged. They may have seen each other recently for his mother's pregnancy party, but the two of them had been rather distant over the last two years with how busy they had both been.
"Eren, it's good to see you too. You as well Mikasa, are you growing your hair back out?"
"A little." Mikasa blushed slightly, tucking a loose strand behind her ear and giving Armin a hug as well. "Without needing ODM gear anymore, it's a little more manageable to have longer hair now."
It was still relatively short, but Armin was sure that Jean would have been pleased with seeing the return of her "long raven locks". To his surprise, Armin could see the man in question now actually. With a short wave, Jean made his way over with another soldier in tow.
"Jean! Been quite some time, it's good to see you. You're looking a little taller than last time I saw you horse face." Eren sized the man up with a good-natured smile.
"That's captain horse face to you Eren." The man jokingly jabbed Eren in the chest. "I'm your senior officer now."
"You're leading the company? Oh man we're screwed." The friends all shared a cheery laugh, not noticing the growing scowl on the face of the soldier by Jean's side.
"How dare you address your senior in such a manner!"
The laughter stopped and the friends all turned to the soldier, her face red and her hands curled tight into fists. Jean sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose before he turned to face her fully.
"It's fine Sandra, at ease. Go and see if Deputy Commander Levi needs anything from us."
"Yes sir!" She snapped a salute that he returned before she marched off.
Jean turned back to them with a regretful look on his face. "Sorry about that, you'll have to forgive Sandra. She's a bit of a stickler for the rules."
"Who is she? Did you get an assistant?"
"Basically Eren. She's good, but she's very strict. Hard on herself too, doesn't take even a single screw up on her part well."
"I think she likes you Jean." Mikasa smirked as he suddenly looked crestfallen. "One of the youngest officers to inherit their position through merit and not just battlefield promotions? She must think you're something special."
"Man, I hope that's not the case. Last thing I need is some workplace romance." Jean suddenly frowned as he remembered something. "Shit, I think you're right actually. Marco and Carly had that party a few weeks ago and she asked me if I was bringing anyone, gave me the cold shoulder all day when I said I was going by myself."
"Really? What happened with that girl you were with, the nurse?"
"Too busy." Jean waved away the memory of that girl. Calling what they had a relationship would have been pushing it excessively. Although they had dated for a while, by the end it had been name only entirely. "We called things off but we were over months ago. What about you guys? Only one single here now is Armin."
"Oh no, I'm not staying around for any of this teasing." Armin began walking away with his hands raised defensively. "I have airships to inspect."
"Coward." Jean called after him as he left, but he turned back to the others with a grin. "Well, this really is it isn't it?"
"Yep." They turned to look at the crowd of assembled troops. Most were doing final inspections of their kit, others were chatting with friends or the large number of medical personnel who would be joining them. "It's still strange to see. So many soldiers, so few familiar faces."
"Our comrades are still out here." Eren interjected. "Sasha, Mina, Hanna, Franz… there's others too."
"I know I know, it's just… now we're all officers. Leaders. I still don't feel like I know what I'm doing half the time."
"You're too hard on yourself Jean." Gohan put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I've seen you leading, you know what you're doing. You have the trust of your soldiers and deservedly so."
Jean let out a non-committal murmur before he shifted the topic. As they talked, Gohan smiled in enjoyment of the conversation. As always however, his mind was a split focus.
"We shall be arriving soon your highness."
"Thank you, you're dismissed." Queen Historia watched as the man bowed before walking smartly out and into the next train car. The attendants that surrounded her finished their work on the last of her makeup, holding up a mirror that showed her face. In the background, she could just about see Ymir standing with approval.
"You look beautiful as always."
"Their work is exemplary as always." Historia made sure to praise her assistants, who bowed graciously at her words.
"Because their model makes it look so good."
Historia turned to smile at her wife. Unlike her, Ymir was dressed in a formal but rather understated attire. There was no fancy and bold dress like Historia wore, instead Ymir wore a combination of jacket and pants that could almost make her look like a soldier were it not so impeccably designed and decorated.
Ymir smiled back and took a step forwards, only for Historia's finger to press against her lips.
"Do you know how long this lipstick alone took? I'm not kissing you right now."
"Well, just know that I want to."
"You always do." Historia smirked at Ymir before the sound of a door opening took her attention. She turned to see several officers enter, many of the most prominent members of their military. Premier Pixis stood at the head of the small procession, looking firm and strong in his uniform. His dry streak of not drinking had done wonders for his health, a colour to his cheeks that for no longer came from alcohol.
Commander Erwin followed behind along with Commander Zacharius, both stood at military attention in stark contrast to one of their most important followers. Gohan stood amongst the rest of them, still dressed smartly but notably a lot more relaxed than them. Gohan was not disrespectful to her rank of Queen, and neither nobles nor commonfolk had raised complaints about his attitude, but their was such a stark difference between their levels of importance that it was hard to blame him for not following the formalities so strictly.
"You look good your highness."
"As bold as always Gohan." Historia smiled at seeing him. He was a regular sight amongst her royal duties, but Gohan was a nice reprieve from those who treated her so rigidly as their Queen. "Premier Pixis, you are looking well this morning."
"Thank you, your highness. Eager to make history."
"That we shall. Commander Smith, Commander Zacharius, are your troops ready?"
"Yes, your highness."
"Good, good." The door of her train car behind her opened and a pair of guards stepped inside. "What's the news Marco?"
"The soldiers at the station have been alerted to your imminent arrival your highness." Marco looked good in his new uniform, a slightly fancier version of the new military garb. Like all of her guards, he too had been given Ki training and no longer carried a weapon, his Ki powers being more than enough to take on any foe. "The military officers are expected to make their exit first, and we will follow when the signal has been given during the speech."
"Excellent work Marco. Premier Pixis, I trust your speech is ready?"
"I am ready your highness."
"Very well." The train began to slow, and several guards took their places. Despite the curtains being drawn closed, Historia could make out the background of their arrival. One of the newest military bases that had been set up, predominantly made up only of barracks and large open areas for training. It was rarely used long term, and today was serving mostly as a gathering location.
Still, there was a reasonable amount of infrastructure at the station where they arrived, alongside a great deal of guards and locals waiting to see them all. Most were here for the military spectacle, however some were also present as trains were still a rarity in their kingdom. It helped that the royal train was very fancifully decorated.
With a few final words, the officers made their way out to the cheering of the populace. It was a staunch difference from only a few years ago. Thanks in large part to Gohan's efforts, the military had been transformed into a force that was seen constantly helping out the local populace, and with their new Ki powers there was a renewed sense of hope across the entire land.
Gohan himself had stepped into a different part of the train but was not off yet, leaving Historia with her wife and her assistants. It was as much privacy as she ever got outside of the bedroom.
"Do you feel nervous?"
"I'm about to order the launch of an operation that will in effect declare war on the people of Marley. Surprisingly I'm not… why is that?"
Ymir tossed her head from side to side. "A few options. But really, I think it's because it was inevitable."
"Rather sad isn't it? Though I suppose what is worse will be what come's next. After this operation, things will only get harder. So many people will die."
"Not ours," Ymir reminder her, "after Gohan's training, there's nothing Marley could do to hurt us. Especially not with Gohan standing between them and us."
"They're still people Ymir." Historia disapproved of Ymir's attitude towards Marley, though she certainly understood it. Marley as a nation was evil and had committed too many acts to be forgiven, but there was a lot of people involved who had simply been misled and brainwashed. They were going to force an end to those evil actions, but it would come at the cost of many lives.
Unfortunately, she was certain that many of them would be innocent.
A radio crackled, and her guards indicated it was time for her to step out. As she began her walk, she remained resolute in the decision she had made so long ago. Marley would not take any more Eldian lives.
Historia stepped into view and the crowd roared with cheers. The people loved her, genuinely, and she waved and smiled to those she saw. It was a practiced, regal action, but genuine in response as well. Some of the children she could recognise, those who had been brought into the adoption system that she had set up as one of her first acts as Queen.
She had not seen many of them in quite some time, too busy as Queen, but she had memorised each face carefully.
Within a short space of time, she reached the steps and was making her way up and onto the stage. Premier Pixis had finished his speech and was standing aside in salute, the podium and microphone awaiting her. There were many other important figures on the stage, such as the military officers and Gohan who had travelled with her. Also present, was commandant Keith Shadis. The drill instructor had continued his position somewhat, taking a more senior and advisory position with Gohan's reforms and Ki training taking precedent. As she took to the stage and he saluted her, he seemed to do so with honest to god pride in her. She was one of his cadets, a soldier he had moulded and trained into the woman who now walked before him. If it wasn't improper, she may have saluted him back.
As she took her place, the soldiers before her stood at salute. Members of the Scouts were almost entirely included in the formation, now filled with those who had once been Garrison or even some Military Police soldiers. Those had been their roles years ago however, and now they stood as a united Eldian military. Not hundreds of elite soldiers as the Scouts were, but thousands of only a first wave of superhuman soldiers.
She felt proud to call them hers.
"Men and women of Paradis Island. Soldiers of the Eldian Military. Today marks the day where we forever change the balance of the world. Over a hundred years ago, the Eldian people ruled the lands beyond our waters. During all those years since, our people suffered under the vengeance of those who took our place. For over a hundred years we were condemned to suffer at the hands of monstrous creatures, as our brothers and sisters were forced into squalor and misery. Treated as less than human, as monsters. Today, that time has come to an end. With your mission today, you shall set free those who are oppressed. You shall free our brothers and sisters to return to their people, to live in safety and peace. You shall put an end to the will of a nation that seeks an eternal vengeance on our people for past sins. Today you shall embark on a mission to right the wrongs of the world beyond our waters. You have all been trained by the saviour of our people, the breaker of the walls that imprisoned us, the destroyer of the monsters that preyed on us. Each and every one of you has been trained in the powers that will keep you, your comrades, and our people safe. There will be danger. There will be death. But there will be hope. A hope that will fill all of our brethren across the waters, a hope for a new and better life. You! Soldiers of Paradis! Soldiers of the Eldian people! You will deliver unto them the peace and safety they have long yearned, and onto our enemies the justice that they have long deserved! Our people will never again be prisoners! Not on this land or any other! Our people will be free! You will give them this freedom! And so I proudly send you forth, to liberate our people from their prison! Free them from their oppressors! Free them from the evils of a nation that hates them! Free with us! For the Eldian people! For Paradis Island! For the sake of goodness and justice! I command you, GO FORTH!"
A roar rose from the crowd. Officers barked orders. And thousands of soldiers of the Eldian Military turned and began their march onto the airships that would transport them to Marley. To war. From her position at the stage, Historia watched them with pride.
Now, now was the start of a new war.
Soldiers sat shoulder to shoulder in the airships as they travelled across the sea. Despite the obvious nervousness that many felt, quite a number were still happily talking. There was a feeling of excitement amongst them. They were about to launch a strike against an enemy that had been besieging them for a hundred years. Every soldier who had died to Titan hands had been laid at the feet of Marley, and they were about to get their vengeance.
They knew that wasn't the priority of their mission of course, they were on their way to liberate long lost countrymen. But it was a consistent reminder in the backs of their heads that Marley was to blame for so much of their suffering. Now they were all enhanced beyond comprehension, effectively immune to anything that Marley would try and throw at them. The possibilities were… exciting.
"Keep yourselves focused on your mission and your objectives." Deputy Commander Levi Ackerman walked up and down his airship. "Don't get cocky, don't get distracted. I want every one of you returning home after this mission, and I want every one of you to have done your job right. No screw ups. No acting out of line. Am I clear?"
"Sir yes sir!" A chorus responded back. Though the words were easy to say, Levi would be relying a great deal on many of the officers to keep the soldiers in line.
Jean knew he would among those most important, but he too would be relying on others. Sasha and Mina had both ended up as officers under his command, and he found little to worry about with them in charge. Sasha had always had something of an serious streak that was easy to miss amongst her otherwise ridiculous demeanour. Mina too had developed to have a 'take no bullshit' attitude, though he had heard that she and Sasha still had the occasional night of drinking their sorrows away.
Speaking of which, his senses told him that Petra was in the airship next to him. She too would be leading many soldiers, though her other half would potentially be fairly uninvolved. Despite Gohan's immense power and tutelage, he was deliberately playing a minor role in the attack itself.
Gohan would be overseeing and provide emergency support when needed, but this mission was the role of the Eldian Military. This was their time to prove themselves, and their people was their responsibility. The man himself was like a beacon of Ki. Normally kept subdued, Gohan was actively flaring his Ki for this mission, acting as a guide as they flew towards their destination.
Jean also knew that this wasn't even the barest fraction of his real power. Something that he was going to reveal another sliver of in Marley. His foot began to bounce, anxiousness bubbling up inside of him, and he quashed it down. An officer couldn't afford to be so visibly emotional. He had to be cool, collected, no matter the whirlwind of emotions he felt.
It was almost time.
"They're almost here. Is everyone ready?"
Gohan looked over the eyes of Eldian citizens, finding them all looking back resolutely. Each and every one of them had once been a regular citizen of the Liberio Internment Camp, treated as second class citizens and eternally suspected of becoming monsters. Now, they were to free themselves.
"Good. Everyone needs to go to their stations and be ready to get everyone moving. Don't worry about the Marleyan soldiers, they won't be able to stop you. Speaking of…"
There was a loud banging upstairs as a door was bust open and several soldiers charged inside. They were shouting out orders, demanding that people show themselves, but from their hidden position beneath the house the conspirators were safe.
"That's them! How did they find us?"
"It was only a matter of time." Gohan stood and placed a soothing hand on the man's shoulder. "It's okay, they can't hurt you."
The man clearly wanted to believe, but their was undeniable fear in his eyes. Gohan could see most of them were still firm in their convictions, but a few others did show doubts.
'Looks like I'll need to prove it.'
Gohan began making his way towards the staircase, waving down the complaints of the other conspirators. He walked up the stairs openly, his footsteps loud enough to alert the soldiers easily. When he reached the top of the stairs and opened the hidden door, a half dozen rifles were centred on him.
"GET DOWN ON THE GROUND! NOW!"
Gohan didn't. Instead, he took a half step forward and was immediately shot by each rifle. The bullets fell to the floor in time with his foot, harmlessly flattening themselves against his skin.
"He-he's bulletproof!"
Half a second later, each soldier suddenly collapsed unconscious as Gohan moved in a blur of speed. Moving faster than any of them could even see, he carefully knocked each of them out safely and dropped them to the ground. Perhaps the conspirators would have wanted them dead, but he just found it a little distasteful to kill those so far beneath him.
A ruckus of footsteps sounded behind him as the Eldians came racing up with makeshift weapons in hand, ready to strike back and protect their saviour. There was of course no need.
"Go and alert everyone to begin preparations. Grab your essentials and anything you can't leave behind." He reached down and placed his hand on one of the soldiers' heads, quickly scanning through the man's mind. "They don't know the full story of what's happening, they think this was just an unsanctioned meetup. Nobody will be waiting for you at your homes."
They began to nervously hurry outside, looking around anxiously but seeing his words to seem true, as no other soldiers awaited them. This was a small force, not expecting anything like what was really happening.
Gohan watched them all race away, smiling back at the final thanks they gave him before they moved to grab their friends, families, and comrades. Each of them had not only been briefed but had spread the word of what was about to happen.
A full evacuation of every Eldian from the Liberio internment zone.
All those who wanted to leave that was. He didn't truly understand it, but he knew that many would not want to leave. Whether it was that they had accepted their place in Marley, or simply did not trust the Eldians of Paradis Island, a great many would be staying. But for those ready to leave, all they now needed was the signal.
He hovered up slowly, flying up past the Liberio skyline until he would be visible from anywhere in the city. Many would have already seen him, but he aimed to make it utterly impossible to miss him.
Clouds began to twist, thundering rumbling in heavens, and the ground quaking beneath their feet. He powered up slowly, dramatically, feeling his power echo through the planet itself until he roared. An explosion of golden light enveloped his body, a fiery aura wrapping around him.
Above the skyline of Liberio, the Super Saiyan appeared to rescue them. And off in the distance, a fleet of airships became visible.