Vengeance Of A Human

Warriors: Trouble in Paradis

"This is the border of Paradis. Set out after sunset and head north," Magath addresses the young warriors. "After that, just follow the plan. The Marleyan army anchors here every month on the day of the full moon. Make sure to proceed with the plan to retake the Founding Titan accordingly.""Yes sir!""Alright. Complete your mission and come back...all of you, with the Founding Titan."

Many hours the four kids traveled towards the first of the walls of Paradis. Reiner and his companions now rest around a campfire. The journey itself was quiet as it is now. Each teenager is nervous about the mission. At best, it will take months before the Founding Titan's location is identified. Without anyone guiding them further on, they'll have to survive amongst the devils.

"Like I thought, we couldn't travel very far in the night," Marcel, the Jaw Titan, says.

Reiner nods agreeably. "The clouds came out, not much we can do about that."

We're lucky we didn't run into a Titan," Bertholdt, the Colossal Titan, nervously adds. "They said that even if we destroy the wall the king won't use the power of the Founding Titan. I wonder if that's true."

It's too late for that kind of talk, Bertholdt," Reiner says. "That's what Marley's researchers say, you should trust them."

"That's right," Marcel softly says as he stares towards the fire with dead eyes. "There's no going back now... Tomorrow, we will destroy the wall…"

Reiner notices the sudden tone of sympathy in Marcel's voice. There's no way… "What is it? Don't tell me you're hesitant to kill the devils of this island? Did you forget what those bastards did to us, to Marley? They're the descendants of the devils who once turned this world into a living hell! Even now, they're a threat to the entire world! We are the warriors chosen as representatives of the whole world, to punish those demons!"

Marcel further drops his head. "I'm sorry, Reiner."

"Huh?"

"The truth is...you weren't supposed to be chosen as a warrior. I...kept talking praise of you while bad talking my brother in order to influence the army's decision. I… I…wanted to protect my brother. Reiner… I'm so sorry…"

Reiner stares at Marcel, unable to question the other boy. Is this true? If so, Reiner feels his entire world collapsing. His appointment is a lie. He's not a warrior chosen by merit, but by deception. No, that cannot be true. Reiner reasons this as he stands up. "Why...are you apologizing? I am a warrior. Chosen to inherit the power of the Armored Titan by our motherland Marley I will punish the devils of the island. I'll be the hero that saved the world-Gah!" Reiner is suddenly pushed by Marcel, just as a diminutive, large-headed Titan scoops Marcel with its mouth. Afraid, Reiner and the other warriors run from the eating Titan.

Reiner finds himself tired and alone as he comes to a lone tree in the vast plains. They have just arrived on Paradis, and he's lost his purpose and his friend. How great a "hero" he is.

"Hah...hah...Bertholdt...Annie...Marcel…" Reiner drops down to the ground, his mind ravaged by guilt. Because of him,Marcel was eaten. Because of him, Bertholdt and Annie might have too. Because of everything, he's now alone, an easy target for any Titan he's unaware of.

"AHHHHHH!" Sharp pain enters his gut and forces him on his back. Glancing up, he's met with a tired, angry Annie and a tired, nervous Bertholdt.