(open) ☀️ beach bonfire party

[niwabi]

WHO: Everyone! You and you and yes, YOU!
WHAT: Summer Beach Party
WHEN: June 23rd
WHERE: Solarpeak Beach
WARNINGS: none for now!

BEACH PARTY

The sun is shining, a cool, crisp ocean breeze flutters across the shores of Solarpeak Beach. There's not a single cloud in the sky, the perfect day to have a party! Whether you heard about it through Yoimiya's network post, word of mouth or just happen to stumble onto the festivities, everyone is invited to Ellipsa's scorching hot Beach Bonfire Party! Grab your swimsuits, sun dresses, or whatever you feel the most comfortable in, and join in on the fun.

➤

Gonna Soak Up the Sun

Through the combined efforts of Sisu, Yoimiya, and the many kind volunteers who lent their assistance in setting up the venue, the beach party is here and open to the public! Upon arrival, everyone will be given a choice of colorful, handmade hibiscus leis or bracelets to adorn for the party. They aren't mandatory in the slightest, just a cute little thank-you gift to those who are attending. After receiving a warm welcome from the hosts, you're free to set off and have fun! Meet up with friends or introduce yourself to new people from distant worlds, the party is your oyster. Of course, there will be plenty of other activities to partake in as well. Venture forth to the fun!

Feeling brave and daring? Sitting on top of the ocean is an inflatable balance beam built especially for water jousting. Foam joust poles and life jackets (if you wish to wear one!) will be given to would-be challengers looking to scratch the itch for a fight. The goal is to assert your dominance by knocking adversaries into the water and be the last person standing. Show off your strength and become the champion of the beach!

Perhaps you might be in the mood for a bit of fun in the sand. A large area of the beach is sectioned off for the grand Sandcastle Competition. Solarpeak residents from all across the city are bustling with excitement, flocking in to watch the artists do their magic, so go wild with your creations and give them a good show! Buildings, any kind of sculpture, or even just a basic castle are all accepted, let your imagination run free. You can even drag a buddy in for a helping hand if your work of art requires assistance. For the winner, the grand prize is a summer gift basket filled with goodies for a nice relaxing spa day at home. Tucked away inside the basket are gift cards to various restaurants in Ellipsa. Don't fret if you aren't interested in participating! Anyone is welcome to walk around and marvel at the competitor's creations.

➤

A Feast for All

The hosts are bound and determined to ensure that no one leaves this beach hungry. If you're craving a cold tasty treat to stave off the heat, a bustling shaved ice stall is here to cool down roasting attendees. An endless variety of flavors are available for mixing and matching, waiting to quench your thirst. If you are feeling adventurous, there are a few questionable flavors on the menu such as Bacon, Durian, Jalapeño, Ketchup, Mushroom, Pickle juice and Seaweed. Try them at your risk or if your palette is "hungry" for something more on the "unique" side.

For those who made inquiries about alcohol, special arrangements have been made! A small pop-up bar has been set up for today's joyous occasion. The bar's pride and joy is a variety of summer-themed cocktails but you can also find other basic liquor or non-alcoholic drinks if your tastebuds are craving simplicity. To go alongside the refreshing beverages, food is also provided at this small establishment. Some of the dishes on the menu are: kebabs with a hint of rum, peach bruschetta, spring rolls, fish and chips, crab hush puppies, and a spicy jalapeño popper dip (you can also ask for the ghost pepper version of this dip if you are feeling brave). All the hosts ask is that visitors to the bar be mindful of the people who can't or aren't interested in drinking.

Decorated across the shores of the beach are tables, picnic blankets, and sizzling hot grills for the designated picnic area. In a similar fashion to the potluck that took place a while back, several tables have been set up for those who like to go crazy in the kitchen or wish to advertise their food business by bringing samples to share.

Time flies when so much fun is taking place! As the last light of day begins to fade, the stars come out to brighten up the night sky on this clear summer day. However, just because there's no more sunlight, doesn't mean the party is over. Far from it! There's still lots of excitement to be had for the attendees who wish to stick around for the night festivities.

➤

A Midsummer Night's Glow

On the middle of the beach, a blazing bonfire burns ever so brightly inside a log fire pit. Eat snacks, catch up with friends, meet new people, or get cozy with others should one be feeling touch starved. In need of an icebreaker? A game of truth or dare or telling scary stories makes for a good way to pass the time. Maybe you'll have a fateful encounter and land yourself a date before the night is over.

With a sky full of beautiful stars, a bustling bonfire, and a large open space, the atmosphere is perfect for dancing. The DJ for the evening is the bright and energetic Aimoto Rinku, here to bust out an array of sick beats with her turntable. There's plenty of fun to be had in a group conga line or grab a partner for a slow, romantic bolero, and dance to whatever music piques your interest. A small makeshift stage is also set up for those who wish to sing, Rinku will be more than happy to work with any potential performers. From upbeat EDM to ballads, all types of genres fill the air with music. Let loose, enjoy the melody, and dance the night away!

➤

Festive Mementos

For one of the hosts, summer just isn't the same without fireworks exploding across the sky. To end the evening with a bang, a beautiful barrage of fireworks paints the night sky in various colors and patterns. As a final gift to the attendees, Yoimiya has prepared sparklers for everyone to play with. There are a variety of colors to choose from, pink, red, blue, green, orange, purple, yellow, etc. No matter what color catches your fancy, with a little flick of the wand, all of them appear like twinkling stars sparkling and flickering across the stick.

To end off the light show, fireworks representing each of the seasons burst into the sky. Blue snowflakes for Winter, pink cherry blossoms for spring, a yellow sun for Summer, and red maple leaves for Autumn. After the vibrant display, a final golden ray of light flickers and explodes into a bright, heartwarming message for all of the guests. "Thank you for attending! You are all amazing! Let's have a great time in Ellipsa!"

(OOC: Make your own top levels, mingle and have fun! ♡)

code

Comments

[hometown]

[ Maybe a lifetime of military training has prepared Reiner to roll with weird situations. Or maybe he's just … oddly charmed by Hange's apparent delight. Whatever the case, he remains right where he is, compliant as Hange snaps photographs. Watching them more than the starfish, trying to puzzle out their eccentrics. Like this, it's difficult to think of Hange as an enemy Commander. And that's…

Armin's words whisper in Reiner's mind again, the poison that made Bertolt scream with fury, all doubts eradicated as he called them children of the devil.

"They're inflicting pain on her every way they know how—"

Reiner's jaw tightens. Is Hange involved in Annie's torture? Would they approach it with the same enthusiasm as they do this starfish?

He swallows. Thinks of Gabi. Takes a breath. Resolves to keep trying. ]

… Commander, [ he starts, keeping his voice neutral. ] While this starfish has me here, may I ask you a question?

[titanscience]

[Oblivious to the inner workings of Reiner's mind in this moment, Hange answers rather nonchalantly as they continue to snap photographs of the creature while reaching out to poke it with a finger and watch it recoil.]

A question? Sure.

[hometown]

[ Reiner wasn't sure Hange would even acknowledge him, absorbed as they are with the starfish. But maybe if his question comes as a surprise, he'll get a more honest answer. Or maybe this will backfire, as things do. Maybe Reiner's lack of intel will bite him in the ass.

Whatever. No point in second-guessing himself now. ]

Armin told us about Annie being tortured. [ It's a testament to his determination that his voice remains steady, his fingers perfectly still as the starfish continues to cling. ] When does that end?

[ Because it has to end at some point. Reiner can't imagine a universe where he and Bertolt didn't manage to rescue Annie. ]

[titanscience]

[The questions is surprising enough that Hange actually stops to glance up at Reiner for a moment as they answer.]

Torture? When did he say that? Annie used her titan's hardening ability and encased herself in it. We couldn't torture her even if we wanted to.

[If she had not done so, they absolutely would have used methods to get her to talk, or attempt to find out the secret behind a titan's power. At the time, they were simply enemies of course, entirely ignorant as to the circumstances of their world.]

[Okay, back to the starfish! Hange leans in further to attempt to peel it from Reiner's hand.]

[hometown]

[ Reiner blinks. Blinks again. Parts his lips to say something, then just stands there, trying to absorb Hange's words.

Annie used her Titan's hardening ability? But if that's the case, she's not in danger. Not being tortured by devils. If she's safe within crystal confines, then there was no need for Bertolt and Reiner to spend months worrying. No need for Reiner to challenge Zeke, coming perilously close to gambling his life.

Could Hange's claim actually be true?

Reiner shakes his head, his fingers twitching and flexing, inadvertently making Hange's task more difficult. ]

He said it when…

[ … When Reiner and Bertolt had Eren in their custody. When they were fighting off Pure Titans and the Survey Corps at the same time. When they were holding their own despite the odds. When the only thing that could've enabled Eren's rescue was Bertolt losing his cool.

Reiner's fingers still. When he speaks again, he's not looking at Hange, nor is he really addressing them. He's staring into space, feeling utterly unmoored. ]

Armin lied.

[ And Reiner is so fucking stupid for believing it. ]

[titanscience]

[It doesn't take long for Hange to determine the period of time when this conversation took place. After Annie's capture, there were only a few encounters where both Reiner and Armin were present, and the truth was out regarding all three of them being titans- their enemies.]

[It was either during the clash in Shiganshina, or after Reiner and Bertolt's reveal and they attempted to make their escape with Eren. Either way, the reason for such a blatant lie is clear as day.]

Of course he did, to cause you to second-guess your plan and to create an opening. Why were you fighting us, when you could have been saving Annie?

[What an awkward conversation to have with someone as you are trying to unravel their fingers from a marine creature.. Hange eventually decides to let go and straighten up, waiting for Reiner to calm down before attempting to mess with the starfish again.]

The fact that you're asking me about it now, here on this beach, tells me that his plan worked.

[Honestly, good job Armin. That's my little commander-in-training ♥]

[hometown]

[ "Of course he did." Of course. Of course Armin would use Bertolt's feelings for Annie against him, weaponizing Bertolt's quiet devotion for a single moment of weakness. Of course the small, weak boy that Reiner looked after in training would turn Reiner's protective instincts into a liability. Of course their friend would betray them, just as he was betrayed.

Of course.

Reiner still doesn't look at Hange. He stares in the vague direction of the water, gaze unfocused, his sense of self shifting beneath his feet. Perhaps he looks a bit like Eren when the sense of "where" and "when" fall to pieces. Or perhaps he looks like he did atop Wall Rose just before he threw his soldier's life aside. ]

Guess so, [ he mutters, no feeling behind it. ] I don't know what I was thinking…

[ His hand is lax, at least. And the starfish, apparently disliking all the twitching and flexing, is relinquishing its grip on his fingers. ]

[titanscience]

[The starfish slips off of Reiners hand with a sad little 'plop' as it falls into the bucket of water, but Hange is not paying much attention to it other than a quick glance in its direction.

Should they not have said anything? Reiner is giving the water a thousand yard stare and a look like that rarely means anything good. But of course it has more meaning to him. Those events had been years ago for Hange, time to process the damage done and the lives lost and begin to heal from that loss. But for Reiner it had only been what, weeks? This whole time, he thought he was conversing with his friend's torturer?]

Can you blame him? You were fighting each other at the time, and Armin always was a quick thinker. He makes a good Scout.

[And for some added reassurance:]

You may not have reason to trust me, but I will tell you that Annie was unharmed during the time she was under our watch. As I said, that hardening ability was impenetrable. You can ask any of the others here, they'll tell you the same.

[hometown]

[ Can Reiner blame Armin? Not really. Armin did what he had to do to retrieve Eren. The sharp sting of betrayal is nonsensical, even as it tastes like ashes on Reiner's tongue.

He should've killed Armin. Should've cut Armin down the moment the boy realized the Female Titan housed a human in its nape. But Reiner couldn't do it. Too sentimental. Too much of a half-assed piece of shit.

Reiner's gaze drifts back to Hange, staring vacantly as their words slowly process. The idea of asking the others is laughable; the only person Reiner can fully trust is Gabi, who wasn't there. But there's someone else who guessed that Annie was unharmed. Someone who Reiner can trust, at least more than the Scouts. ]

Right. She knows how to take care of herself.

[ Zeke's words, not Reiner's. Though after he speaks them, he blinks, his expression losing some of that blankness. Regaining some focus. Remembering himself. ]

Why did she encase herself? What caused it?

[titanscience]

[Oh, why indeed?]

Because she was defeated in battle, and we managed to ensnare her. I assume she thought it her only option, a last line of defense once she realised she could no longer escape us.

[Annie knew that it wouldn't be a simple matter of the scouts killing an enemy in their home. No, they would have taken every step necessary in order to information from Annie, whether she gave it willingly or not. And Hange would have been at the forefront of it all.]

[Hange's affect shifts into something more serious, staring down Reiner as they continue to explain. It's probably going to piss him off, to know that Hange had every intention of doing exactly what Armin said, but lying to his face and pretending they were simply going to lock her up and give her a stern talking to would probably be worse, right? Better to face it head on now and deal with the outcome rather than have it raise its ugly head later on.]

I told her that I had every intention of extracting information from her by whatever means necessary. On that account, Armin's tale was not far from the truth. But you understand why it would have been necessary, right Reiner? Another person beside Eren, who could turn into a titan? But this one had killed countless scouts, our friends, and flattened half a city district in her escapades. Questions needed answers, for the sake of humanity and for the safety of those within the walls.

[It would be rather like the starfish, trapped in the bottom of Hange's bucket. Just enough water to let it breathe and not boil away in the sunlight, but it's hardly an enjoyable existence. One it won't be able to escape from until Hange's curiosity is satisfied.]

But the fact of the matter is, she did encase herself, so she remained unharmed. By the time she was free of it, we already knew the truth. And as I've told you before, I think we understood each other's points of view rather well by the end.

[hometown]

[ As Hange explains the details, Reiner's expression changes again. Not to that unfocused blankness with which he stared at the water, but to something flat. Distant. Less like shifting sand and more like stone.

It may be slightly disconcerting. Reiner's emotions run strong, and he tends to conceal them with other emotions, not blankness. However, right now, Reiner doesn't know what to feel. Doesn't know what to think. Doesn't know how to handle this situation. He's not a diplomat; he's not even a real leader. He's a teenager doing his best to protect his cousin. A solitary Warrior surrounded by enemies, trying to ensure his comrades won't be attacked when they arrive. A shattered mess struggling to remember who and what he is when every familiar face only adds to his confusion.

What is he supposed to do with Hange's words? What is he supposed to do with any of this?

Annie killed Scouts and flattened half a city district. Bertolt kicked down the gates to Shiganshina and Trost, damning their populations. Reiner barreled through Wall Maria, murdering countless more.

What the hell is Hange thinking, talking to him like this? What's in it for them? Is playing nice necessary? Precisely what are they hoping to avoid or achieve?

Annie encased herself. Reiner didn't fall to Levi's blades. Is that why Hange is acting like this? Is that why the Scouts haven't attacked? Are they figuring out how to trap or kill him?

Too many questions. Too much on top of Armin's betrayal, the bitter knowledge that Reiner and Bertolt were manipulated. Too much to sort through, too much to consider.

Too much.

The odd flatness in his eyes fades, and for a moment, Reiner looks … tired. Tired in a way that may be familiar, given how beaten down he appears in four years' time. His gaze flicks to the ocean, watching an incoming wave. Within a few seconds, he pulls himself together.

He always pulls himself together in the end, doesn't he? He keeps moving forward. That's all he can do. ]

Thanks for clearing that up, Commander.

[ It's almost a joke (albeit one delivered seriously), except he is glad to know Annie is safe. ]

[titanscience]

[Hange continues to study Reiner's expression, though once again it is not revealing much as to the inner workings of his mind in this moment. Hange assumes that it all must be uncomfortable to hear, but they hold hast in their belief that speaking the truth was best for both sides in this conversation.]

You're welcome.

[it sounds sincere, so an honest response is given in kind.]

[And just like that, Hange is bending over once again, poking a starfish limb to push it back into the bucket's water.]

Have you enjoyed spending time with Gabi?

[Things may be tense between Reiner and the scouts, but it's nice to think that he has someone here that he cares for. Gabi deserves it too, having part of her family here.]

[hometown]

[ It's a startling but welcome change of subject. If nothing else, it helps to center Reiner, his creeping fatigue receding as he shifts focus to his cousin. Gabi, who is the entire reason Reiner is trying so hard to make peace with his enemies. Gabi, who thinks that the people of Paradis want a non-aggression pact, too. Gabi, who made that bewildering plea, begging Reiner's past self to not break the Wall—a moment he still doesn't know how to address, even weeks after the fact. ]

Yeah. Yeah, she's wonderful.

[ He could leave it at that. Instead, he watches Hange poke at the starfish, allowing himself to consider how strange a creature it must be to them. He supposes they're both experiencing new things in this world, aren't they? ]

She was three years old when I left home. Fierce as anything, even back then. [ A small smile makes its way onto his lips, his voice warming. ] She acted like she could take on the whole world. Still does. Getting to know her here has been…

[ An opportunity cut short back home, Reiner's time expiring before Gabi hit fifteen. ]

… Priceless.

[titanscience]

[That description of Gabi honestly sounds similar to the same girl that Hange has met, both here and back in their home world. It ignites a smile in return, for even though they have not spent too much time in each other's company, Hange really likes Gabi. They also know that she plays an important role in Levi's future, to watch over him and make sure he isn't quite so lonely now that all their friends have passed, so it really means a lot..]

Hah! That sounds a lot like her. You know, I really admire her spirit! She's not afraid to speak her mind either, I like that!

[Hange decides that the starfish has been poked enough for now so they straighten up once more to give Reiner their undivided attention. Talking about Gabi is a welcome change from the tension of their previous conversation, and maybe it can be used as a bridge of some sorts to enable Reiner to trust Hange a little...]

I don't know what Gabi has told you, but I treat her the same as I do the other scouts here. I suppose she might not need us now that you're here, but if she's ever in trouble I intend to help her out.

[The sincerity is genuine, and Hange hopes that it comes across well enough. Though considering that talk just now about Armin using Bertolt's weakness against him, they can also sense the possibility it may not. But it's better to try, all the same!]

Hah, you know a month or two ago I even gave Gabi her own special rank? On the Commander's authority, she has explicit permission to order Levi around if she ever feels the need to make him do something. And I wouldn't give that to just anyone, you know! I'm the only other person who can do that.

[hometown]

[ Hange's words seem genuine, their fondness sincere. It's enough to keep the little smile on Reiner's lips, even once Hange starts watching him instead of the starfish.

He still doesn't understand how Gabi knows the Scouts, much less how they came to be on good terms. It's one of the many things that strike Reiner as distinctly wrong with the future. (Gabi shouldn't be anywhere near Paradis; when Reiner returns to their world, he intends to fix that.) However, Reiner staunchly refuses to ask Gabi for details—at least, not yet. Part of that is for Gabi's sake, born of a desire to protect her. The other part is because Reiner knows his mind isn't what it used to be; he's afraid of what might happen if he breaks without Bertolt here to put him back together.

Still, Reiner's small smile remains in place … right up until Hange mentions Levi. Then it falls away, confusion and uncertainty taking hold. ]

That's … good?

[ It comes out as perplexed as he feels. But honestly, what the hell does he even say to that? ]

[titanscience]

It's good!

[Of course it's good, Reiner! What a silly question!]

I already told you she isn't afraid of anything, right? Not even 'humanity's strongest'! But don't worry, I believe her and Levi get along quite well so you don't have anything to worry about there.

[Hange is well aware that many of the people they know here tend to treat him with equal parts respect and fear, and that may be even more true for Reiner who doesn't exactly consider them to be friends. Even though to Hange, Levi may just be a grump with a soft heart once you peel away those 500 layers! Fortunately (or unfortunately?) they are not aware of the certain incident that will happen on the beach today, because otherwise it would be better not to bring up that troublemaker Levi at all...]

What I'm trying to say is that we're all friends here! You're okay with that, right? Of course if I ever want to see Gabi, you're welcome to tag along.

[hometown]

[ If it were up to Reiner, Gabi would be an ocean away from Levi at all times. He's not terribly enthused with the idea of Gabi and Hange hanging out, either. However, he won't dictate what his cousin can and cannot do—even if he's wary at best, suspicious that the Scouts intend to use Gabi against him. Not by poisoning her mind (although that may have happened already), but by using her as leverage.

Hange insists that they're all friends here. Reiner doesn't answer their question, the assumption that he's okay with it. Regardless of what Hange says, he knows that not everyone here is his friend. Levi would like to see him get what he deserves. Mikasa looked at him with hate in her eyes. Historia doesn't trust him. And Jean and Eren are … complicated, albeit in different ways.

Is Hange trying to distract him? Make him second-guess his plan, just as Armin did?

Reiner still appears faintly perplexed, but his voice is steady when he speaks. ]

You understand why I find that difficult to believe, right, Commander? Why I'm seeking something more formal than an assurance that 'we're all friends'?

[titanscience]

[In Hange's opinion, persistence will be the key here. They can't fault Reiner for not believing what Hange tells them (even if that would make everything so much easier) but maybe the repetition of telling him that they don't intend to do him harm, or Gabi either, will enable trust to be built up over time. Brick by brick, until there is eventually something solid there that they can build upon.]

[And Reiner's right, the formal pact would be a necessary step in the right direction. Hange only wished they had a formative answer to give.]

I understand that. The only reason I have not answered it officially is because I'm still working out a few... difficulties regarding certain people. I wouldn't be a good Commander if I gave you an answer and then tried to backtrack on it, would I now?

[Which may not be what Reiner wishes to hear, but it is all that Hange can offer for now.]

Sorry, I know it's not the answer you're looking for. But I'm doing my best. And once it's settled, we'll put it to writing. And everyone can sign. To honor the deal officially, right?

[hometown]

[ Reiner nods. Hange is right: it isn't the answer he's looking for. However, he's willing to be patient. What other choice does he have? ]

Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.

[ He can guess that the "difficulties" Hange mentioned likely concern Zeke. Honesty compels him to say, ]

You should know that I didn't ask Gabi for details. I don't intend to, either. Whatever she's been through, I'm not going to ask her to relive it.

[ His tone isn't aggressive, but it's firm. Protective. Filled with that familial love that will one day drive Reiner to chase Gabi all the way to Paradis. ]

[titanscience]

[Hange cannot fault Reiner for avoiding the conversation with Gabi. They don't know how much Reiner knows and what Gabi is willing to tell him, but she shouldn't be forced into it even though Hange kind of.... alluded to just that in the previous conversation. Whoops.]

That's fine. You're right, she shouldn't have to if she doesn't want to.

[Time for the two of them to add another brick to that wall of trust.]

There are certain topics I am not going to discuss with many of the other scouts here also. If they haven't experienced it yet, there's not point in worrying them, especially when reliving those moments cannot change them.

You already know that some of us have, erm, issues with Zeke Yaeger, but I don't intend to share those with the others who haven't encountered him yet. At least not as him rather than that Beast.

[It would be an easy thing, to spill all the secrets of Zeke and his plans. The massacre of the survey corps, the wine, his defection, everything to make him seem untrustworthy and not someone that any of them should be dealing with. Hange believes with that, they could easily forge this non-aggression pact while keeping Zeke out of it, Reiner would have no option other than to compromise on it.

But in doing so would open far too many uncomfortable questions, about a future and a hostile world that the rest of them simply to not need to know. Sometimes, ignorance unknowingly can be bliss..]

[hometown]

[ Surprise crosses Reiner's face, impossible to hide. He genuinely didn't expect Hange to hold back about Zeke. After all, Reiner knows he's negotiating from a weaker position; he knows the Scouts could make all sorts of demands, and he would likely have little choice but to agree. He's prepared for that to an extent. If it means keeping Gabi safe, there's little Reiner won't do.

But here Hange is, saying they won't play a powerful card. He's not so arrogant as to assume it's for his sake. Still, it means something.

Given what he is, Hange's differentiation between "Zeke" and "the Beast" is odd to Reiner. Sure, there was a period at the start where Reiner couldn't control the Armored. However, all his actions since then have been his, no matter how different he may look as his Titan. But Reiner doesn't argue the semantics; what purpose would that serve?

He inclines his head, quiet for a moment before he speaks again, more honesty slipping free. ]

For what it's worth, I'm not trying to protect Zeke out of some misplaced sentiment. We have our issues; Captain Levi saw some of that in one of those memory portals.

[ Reiner's brow furrows. He starts to fold his arms, then catches himself, settling for resting his hands on his hips. ]

Zeke was never nice to me. But he looked after us. All of us. I don't know what changed in him between my time and yours, but the man I know wouldn't harm a Warrior Candidate. Bertolt will tell you the same when he shows up.

[ "When," not "if." ]

I still believe that if Zeke arrives, the first step needs to be assessing when he's from. If he doesn't know who any of you are, then attacking him would only earn you a very powerful enemy.

[titanscience]

[The differentiation comes from unknowing exactly how much everyone present knows about Zeke, Reiner included. Of course Eren, Levi, and Gabi know all the details. The fellow scouts surely remember the beast titan, and the name has been brought up to them due to the discussion of the non-hostility negotiations, but providing answers runs the risk of being asked uncomfortable follow-up questions.

And what about Reiner? He knows Zeke, obviously, but does he know that he and Eren are brothers? How would all of that play out? Having made no mention of it Hange assumes that he does not, for that would also be a powerful card to play would it not?]

Oh, the memory portals? I was stuck in a few of those, talk about troublesome!

[They'll have to ask Levi some time, in regards to what he ended up seeing. But as far as the Zeke Problem stands, at least Hange can agree with Reiner's take on the situation.]

That is one point we can definitely agree on. I don't really like using the words "both sides" here-

[Because can't they all get along? Except for Zeke i guess oops!!]

-But if anyone from our world shows up, whether it is Zeke, or Bertolt, or perhaps another member of the Scouts, I believe the first step should be to assess what they know, and go from there.

[Nothing good can come from slicing the head off a guy who doesn't even know what he's done to deserve it. Others here may disagree, and if it came down to do Hange would not stop them from doing so, but dealing with the fallout after would be likely be intense... but they'll burn that bridge when they get to it!]

[The mention of Bertolt does not phase Hange either, despite knowing his fate. They're here themselves, walking and talking after all, so why shouldn't anyone else be able to do the same?]

Besides, this world's magic is all over the place when you think about it! I showed up from a point in time several years after a lot of you. What if Zeke Yaeger is summoned and he's four years old or something similar? Instead of punishing him for future actions, we might end up arguing over who becomes his official guardian instead..

[Ever think about THAT, Reiner?]

[hometown]

[ Reiner has, in fact, considered the possibility of his comrades arriving much younger (or a bit older) than himself. It's hard for him to avoid such thoughts, what with his own time being so out of sync with the likes of Eren. He's thought about a young Zeke, too, though not one as young as four. Still, he immediately says, ]

I'd be his guardian.

[ Because obviously, the seventeen-year-old with unaddressed mental health issues and a decided lack of good role models should take on the responsibility of raising a child. Obviously!

Then he frowns, confused. ]

Why would you want to be his guardian?

[ To Reiner, it simply makes sense that he would be Zeke's guardian. He'd be the guardian of any of his fellow Warriors. They grew up together; he knows them and cares about each of them in their own way. What doesn't make sense is why any of the Scouts would want to be Zeke's guardian, especially when they bear such a grudge against him. ]

[titanscience]

Huh? Me?

[Oh. Hah, no way! Hange had meant it more as in fellow warriors such as Reiner, or relatives such as Eren. But... welp this is not the time for that giant mess.]

I didn't mean it like that. I was talking about a general hypothetical, if you're here you'll take him, right? Problem solved!

[Please do not bring a baby Zeke here into the equation please please please..]

[hometown]

Right.

[ Reiner appears a bit nonplussed by the idea of it even being a hypothetical question. The answer is obvious, isn't it? Still frowning, he says, ]

I figured that any younger Warriors or Warrior Candidates who show up would be my responsibility, and you lot would take care of any younger Scouts or Cadets.

[ Hange may not want to use terms like "both sides," but Reiner still sees that division. He can safely assume any other Warrior or Warrior Candidate would see it, too—especially if they haven't lived among the people of Paradis. Their loyalty is too hardwired, their indoctrination too complete. Even Reiner struggles with it, feeling like he's betrayed his nation simply by caring about his friends.

He tips his head to the side. ]

Was that assumption off-base?