Chapter 332: Judge, Jury and Executioner (1/2)
The execution was kicking into full force as the final masses of the Garden had gathered for an evening promised to kick into motion the plan to save them all. There was little over a few hundred people piled into the small village, with others sitting on the outskirts watching from a distance. Lucas was right in the middle, in awe at such a large gathering. ”Have you ever seen so many people all together in one place?”
Richard shook his head, whistling to himself. ”It's sure something, isn't it? People aren't just here to see the execution but also hear the Gardeners' plan to win this war. From what I've heard going around the garrison, the war is on the verge of victory.”
”Even with three Stages missing?” Lucas questioned, conflicted.
”I heard that the Gardeners are actually going to take part in the battle now.”
”The Gardeners?! Fight with us? I don't believe it.”
”It is hard to believe. But if the word is going around that they are fighting. Things must be serious up on the earth.” Chloe muttered, hands in her pocket. ”Anyone else worried about this? I mean, not only did the humans hold us back but take down three Stages. I can't help but wonder if we've got any chance.”
”Look at you, always so paranoid. Stop getting anxious and just wait it out. The Gardeners will come through for us.” Richard poked at.
Lucas kept looking through the crowds, still in awe, until she stopped seeing Eve moving through the crowd. Then, feeling ecstatic that Eve was at the execution, he called out. ”Eve! Over here, hey Eve!”
Eve turned, looking troubled, seeing Lucas as she darted back into the crowd, vanishing. ”What was that all about?” Eren questioned, walking up holding a cup of water. ”You sure that was Eve?”
”I'm positive…. She looked just like her. Something must be wrong.”
”Hey, mister Eren, are you off for the day?”
”Just till the execution. Although Bargaining had reminded me to keep an eye out for any strange activity.”
”Strange activity? What could possibly count as strange?”
Eren gave a strange look shrugging his shoulders. ”I don't know. There's always an off chance someone turns up to save Zinnia.”
”Wait, you don't think Alton is coming here?!”
”God no, now that is unlikely. He'll have to get through Depression first. We checked up on him a few hours ago, and he still is holding the line. So we're going to check in every hour just to be on the safe side.”
Lucas let out a deep breath relieved, but this was short-lived. ”If those stories we hear of him are true…. I'm terrified to see what my friend has become. Do you. Do you think we could save him?”
”From Fairy-Tale? Hard to say…. Hey Rich, Chloe. Do you mind letting me talk to Lucas alone here for a while?”
”Sure, we'll see you at the execution Lucas!” Richard boasted, taking Chloe by the handoff to enjoy the rest of the day.
Lucas turned to Eren, lost. ”What is it you want to talk to me about?”
Eren took a long breath rubbing the back of his head. ”I've taken good care of you, right? I did a good job for your mother?”
”Where's this coming from? Mum would be proud if she was here.”
”I'm glad to hear that. I did my best, you know…. Your mother and I, we were old friends. We went back ages alongside your father. But when he died during the first war, she was left to look after you…. When I found her…. I just thought she would never take her own life.”
”Eren? What's wrong? Why are we talking about this for?”
”I guess what I'm trying to say. Is no matter what happens tonight, I'm proud of you. If Anger is given to you after that girl's death, just keep sight of who you were and where you came from, promise?”