The remaining titans

The days that followed were peaceful for Akane and her crew, but tiring and nerve-racking for the Survey Corps. While all the foreign enemies had been captured, ending up either killed or in the dungeon, the chance of there being spies in the Surey Corps itself was still present. There was also the fact that they still had one unknown titan remaining on this island that you could turn into a human. The one that ate Marcel Galliard.

Descriptions had been given of the titan form, but any other information had been completely useless, as there was no clear indication of what the human form looked like.

This is where Shinobu came in.

So far, after the event of Zeke Yeager, Shinobu had safely extracted the remaining powers of the other titans, turning them back into humans. This process had been arduous and painful, but no lasting damage remained.

Now, Shinobu had four vials of liquids that moved on their own, squirming up and down the glass containers. With further research on the titan powers, Shinobu had been able to create a certain substance that would make only the titans fall unconscious when inhaled.

How she knew?

It had been generously tested on Eren Yeager, who wasn't in the best of shape when he woke up.

His face had carried a deathly palor, but he recovered within a day or two.

Nothing to truly worry about.

Now the plan had been set in motion, as members of the Survey Corps had spread out in the different soldier Corps, gathering the members for an 'important meeting'. One that was held in an enclosed space to maximize the effectiveness.

The plan was set in motion as soon as the signal had been given.

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Gathered in a large indoor training ground, the recruits from the Survey Corps were waiting for Levi Ackerman to make his appearance. A notice had been put out for all personel to gather. The newest recruits that joined the Survey Corps were standing at the front, as the more experienced members were talking amongst each other, not worried in the least about the abnormal summons.

"Eren. Do you have any idea as what is going on? The Survey Corps has been rather silent these days. We haven't heard anything concerning the fall of Wall Maria, which concerns me."

Armin muttered, staring anxiously at the empty scaffold in front of them. Levi hadn't shown himself yet, making Armin even more on edge. Something was definitely going on behind the scenes.

"Just wait. We'll know soon."

Eren curtly replied. Him being so calm was the oddest thing of all, as he was known as a hotheaded idiot.

"Armin."

Mikasa just called out to Armin, saying nothing else, but the message was clear.

Their friends were nervous as well, especially since they heard of the disappearance of Bertolt and Reiner. Annie had vanished as well, boding nothing but bad news.

Soft but clear footsteps were heard as Levi finally appeared. At his side was Erwin, a casual smile on his face, something that wasn't seen often.

As the door closed behind them, the rest of the room quieted down.

Stopping on the middle of the scaffold, looking down on all the members of the Survey Corps gathered in front of him.

"Everyone, we live in dangerous times. The peaceful years within these walls have all but vanished with the news of the ever closing in titans. Our numbers are thinning, with fewer and fewer people wanting to join the Survey Corps. Those that finish their training join either the Military Police or the Garisson Regiment."

A soft murmur ensued, as more than a few amonst them had almost chosen to join that garrison as well.

"Yet, the information we have gathered through the power of the Survey Corps has brought us closer and closer to the erradication of the titans and finding out the truth about their very being. This very information has been attained in these last few days, if only just a part of it. The fact that people can turn into titans, that the titans outside these walls were former titans. As well as the fact that we have finally found a way to reclaim our land."

Silence permeated through the room. Not a single word was said as they all waited for the commander to continue.

Erwin glanced over the crowd, giving a short nod in satisfaction. This gesture was both a praise for his men, as well as a signal to a certain someone.

Immediately a thin gaseous spray was released for the floor above them, being so thin in nature that it was hard to spot without prior knowledge of its existence.

Taking a deep breath, Erwin could taste the faint minty components of the mist, leaving him with nothing but a feeling a refreshment.

This was something that was experienced by most, yet two individuals were having trouble standing. Eren was swaying on his legs, having already expected this to happen. The other person was a dark haired woman, a girl that belonged to the same group as Eren. Ymir was gasping softly for breath, already feeling rather faint, grabbing the arm of Krista beside her.

Glancing at the scaffolding, a piercing gaze was staring down at her, causing Ymir's grip to tighten as the first reaction she had was an attempt to transform and flee. Yet her eyes felt heavy, her legs like lead. All her head was telling her was to close her eyes and sleep.

Krista looked on in worry as Ymir fell to the ground, followed shortly after by Eren.

"But first we need to find those hidden in our ranks."

Erwin finished, gesturing for the ones in the known to move. Petra and Mike rushed forward and detained the unconcious figure of Ymir. Eren was brought out as well, under much more lenient methods.

Krista clasped her hands tightly in worry, following after Ymir for as long as she could, being blocked not long after at the door.

Chaotic whispers had spread, only to be quelled by Erwin when Ymir had been dragged out.

"What happened in this room will not be heard outside. In exchange I will impart you the information I have obtained about the truth from beyond the walls."

Silence returned, as all waited in fervent concentration for what Erwin was about to say.

"The reason for the titans outside of our walls is an enemy nation by the name or Marley. It has been injecting the subjects of Ymir, our ancestor, with a serum that will turn them into titans. They have no sense of self, nor any human emotions remaining. Yet there is hope for them, as well as for us. The titans can be reverted to human beings, making the titans disappear and freeing us from their terror. I ask for you to wait for just a bit longer. For us to reclaim our land and be free of the terror that has been forced upon humanity!"

Erwin yelled, his gaze never wavering for a second.

The corps members were quiet, only for them to follow it up with a heartfelt salute. Some of them were confused, but most of them were hopefull and gratefull. An end was in sight. One that would free them from their fear. Commander Erwin had given them a solution and they would wait for it to work, even if it took a lifetime.

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A few days had passed since Ymir had been taken into custody. Ymir had spoken little, but what she did say revealed she had no ties to the enemy, only cementing that she had been but a casualty of how cruel fate could be.

Krista had arrived not much later that week, having stepped forward with a piece of information, one that would shed some light on the problems they were having inside the walls instead of outside of them. The only thing she asked for was the safety of Ymir.

Erwin had stared at the slightly shivering figure of Krista, urging her to speak first before giving his reply. Knowing she had no option besides her current one, Krista opened up, hoping this would be for the better.

She revealed herself to be not Krista Lenz, but Historia Reiss, the illigitimate child of Rod Reiss. What was important about this was the fact that the Reiss family was the true royal family, one that ruled from the shadows. For some reason they had gone into hiding, masking themselves as a minor noble family.

Having certain suspicions, Erwin kept quiet, his mind wandering in multiple directions. Krista, or now known as Historia, remained silent and waited for Erwin's answer.

Erwin pondered for a while, his eyes transfixed on Historia.

"Ymir will be kept unharmed. Her titan powers will be stripped from her, but her life will be spared. But first, the information you have shared needs to be confirmed."

Erwin motioned for Historia to leave, as Levi, Mike and Akane joined Erwin in his study, the doors closing behind them.