ACKERMAN IN MARLEY | PART1

Beryl-Tal

Note: Beryl-Tal is fantasy Island. There is no such location in both Manga and Series. I added it only for plotting purposes. Enjoy!

Tamara

With the arrival of spring, nature will be gorgeousness. Mist and cold clouds of winter will pass, so that warm sun shine with its golden rays. Fresh scent of sea will mingle with the fragrant of blooming flowers. As far as the eye can see, the bright green color extends evoking reassurance in the soul announcing the rebirth of hope.

Eren and I are now heading towards Beryl Tal Island. Early in the morning we set on ship voyage with number of high-ranking Marlyan officers to attend the inauguration ceremony of one of the branches of Public Security Authorities, Marley Government and Warrior's Headquarters. After four hours of sailing, the island began to appear on the distant horizon. Finally we're about to arrive!

I quickly headed towards the bow of the ship to took glimpses of its captivating shore. Warm sea water with its calm waves softly caressing the ship as the swallows hovered above us at low altitude. I can clearly hear the voice of my pondering heart, while I chuckled from ear to ear!

"Beautiful, is not it?"
Eren's silvery voice notified me he is close, I turned to see him standing nice and tall next to me, pleased. His clear blue eyes were sparkling as sea was shining under the sun.

"Splendid! I'm starting to think about settling here"

Eren snickered "Ooh slow down hothead, You haven't set foot on the island yet"

"It sounds peaceful Eren. Why didn't Marley just leave them alone?"

Eren eyes soften "This island is of strategic importance to Marley as it is located midway between us and Paradise, or Devil's stronghold as they call it. It covers an area of ​​1,500 square kilometers and contains priceless mineral wealth. There's noway they would ignore it"

"So they are trying to turn it into a military base?"

"It looks like they are planning for something bigger"

"I bet on that. I heard they have incurred heavy and tragic losses in order to tighten control over it three years ago."

"The island possesses advanced technologies and an indomitable military force, which made Marley trapped. Even though Titan Shifters engaged in battle, they barely have been able to turn the scales to their favour. Largest city was completely destroyed and it took three years to rebuild it"

As conversation took serious turn, my head hanged low, and called in shaky, quiet voice "Since the events of that campaign, not just that Island destiny changed, Damir too. You know He was the chief doctor at the warrior unit so he has to join their campaign. That one, among the others, fundamentally changed him"

"How was he after?"

"He was downcast and heavily injured, although commander Miller has always been keen on his safety. I had never seen him in such pain before, even when my parents died. He pretend to be fine, while his features gave the exact opposite. I wish he opened his heart and shared his sorrow with me. But he just keep it to himself"

"I am so sorry Tamara..."

"Eren, you are close to Damir! Didn't he tell you anything?"

"He lost his entire medical unit. They spent four years together and were close friends"

Nothing new! My hands began to tremble, it is horrible to lose the people close to you at once. I know what that feels like. Eren noticed, he quickly caught my hand to comfort me.

"Damir had a rough year after. Despite everything, his attitude towards me had not changed at all. He's still my older brother who protects me, checks on me, we make food together, we play chess. He helped me with journalism classes and took me with him on his outings to cover the news"

"He is always ready to do anything to make you happy and secured."

"My goal centered around protecting him, too! Six month later, Dami became absent from home for long time, which prompted me to follow him and discover your group. Following many burning breaths, he finally allowed me to join you"

"You've always been a troublemaker, Tami"

"If it wasn't for me being a naughty, you wouldn't have met me again, Idiot"

"Lucky me" he patted my head

"Even Damir laughed a lot when he heard that. He wondered how I could remember you eleven years later"

"And?"

"I told him I broke your ego by beating hell of you in chess game"

"I'm sure I pissed you off then"

"You were standing with your hands folded, your head held high glaring at us, mocking the way Mika and I played. Mika informed me you are arrogant boy who always play hard to win out your sister without considering her level "

Eren's face turned pale, his smile vanished as his eyes showed deep sorrow "Eren, I..."

"It's OK, Tami" ..."It was my last day as a normal child, my family was murdered the next evening"

I grabbed Eren arm by my hands, my head rested on his shoulder, "I lost my parents too year later. They went on a cruise to a country located in southwest of Marley to establish business deals. A severe sea storm blew up, the ship with its passengers and crew sank. No survivors were found."

"I am sorry for your lose. I remember your mother was benevolent and elegant. You have inherited many traits from her"

"Damir admired her so much, he used to call her mom"

"His mother died during child birth 29 years ago. Right? "

"Correct, After his mother's death, Damir lived a harsh and lonely childhood. My father was a frequent traveler and entrusted his upbringing to the butler, Uncle Philip. After nine years, dad met my mom, Yolanda. They got married year later and had me"

"Damir once told me credit goes to her for what he has achieved now"

"We both were lucky to have such a mother, whom filled home with warmth and blessing"

A minute of silence prevailed between us, during which we would only hear the sounds of sea waves and singing birds.

"Look how beautiful those love birds" familiar strident voice echoed through the air. We both turned towards the sound

"Master Sergeant Gross" I said while my eyes were down

"Forget it Gross, you embarrassed them" The blond middle aged man next to him said

"They shouldn't display emotion in public if they wants to avoid comments"

As I heard Hilda's last statement, adrenaline rushed throught my system. I confronted her with cold emotionless stare. Her hateful face is the last thing I want to see ever.

"Sergeant Hilda, say another word and your rank will be lowered again" Gross threatened her "I am here to introduce both of you to one of prominent figures of Marley; Mr. Liam Tybur"