Chapter Text
Since Grisha Yeager got behind the walls, he start studying his new curse as best he could (not forgetting the main task of returning Founding Titan of course). The previous shifter's memories helped a lot - Eren Kruger had access to extensive knowledge, thanks to his cover. The resumption of medical practice allowed Grisha to expand the study of the subject from theory to some practice (exclusively on himself). He was even lucky to take part in a couple of expeditions of Survey Corps, in the role of a field physician: a more or less solitary stay at a safe base (until the wounded arrived, that is) allowed him to collect some interesting samples from some pure titans.
Grisha never forgot about Marley and the threat from the outside. Or about the expiration date for his own life. Especially when he met a charming and forthright Carla. It was the realization of his own mortality that helped him not to miss his second chance for happiness. New love may not have healed all his soul's wounds, but of course it gave him something to protect and to fight for.
He also understood the need to preserve and transmit knowledge that was cost so many lives. But no matter how supportive Carla was, and no matter how much he loved her, Grisha could not entrust her with this secret. This is a risk that he was not ready to take. Not with Carla, nor with anyone else from this new life, where knowing too much was just as dangerous as in his previous life.
The only logical solution was to leave the work of his life to his own heir. It was also a risk (which he had already dealed once and not in the best way), but this time everything will be different. He has reviewed countless times (and regretted about) all the mistakes he made with Zeke. Life already punished him for this, and he was determined not to repeat them.
Although, there is remained the question of the logistics for preserving and transferring his titan: he certainly was not going to, after his thirteen-year term, simply go and rush off the Wall Maria, in the hope that by some miracle he would survive the fall long enough for one of pure titans would pass nearby. Not only because the implementation of such a plan was extremely problematic, but also because the recipient of his titan would be completely at mercy of the chances. What was simply unacceptable - not all humans turned into titans were like Grisha and his associates... Although there was another way. And Grisha had advanced medical knowledge for its implementation. He knew how to perform a spinal puncture. But he was hardly able to do this on himself.
Therefore, immediately after the wedding, Grisha started to expand his own practice and began to take apprentices. His contribution to suppressing the epidemic (and his innovative methods) did not go unnoticed: there were enough people who wanted to learn from him so that he could choose a pair of gifted assistants with more than acceptable medical training, steady hands and an open minds. Which was very helpful, because not long after the wedding, Carla was with a child. Grisha began to teach his apprentices with extra zeal, wishing to ensure that both assistants were fully functional without his constant supervision by the end of his wife’s pregnancy. And at the end of the first trimester, both were already able to make simple calls on their own (although fully accountable so far).
The third of November, eight hundred thirty-fourth, was one such day. The longitude of the day was already noticeably reduced, and therefore the Yaeger couple did not fail to take advantage of the pleasant weather conditions and went for a slow walk around the city, after Grisha warned his assistants about his plans for the day - in case of an emergency. The sun was at its zenith, and the couple walked along the promenade when they heard yells. Looks like someone asked for a doctor...
“...seen Dr. Yeager?.. Oh! Wait! Dr. Yeager!.. Dr. Yeager, wait!” a familiar voice. Isn't that the owner of the book shop? Raban Arlert is it? Looking back, Grisha saw how they with Carla were caught up by a rather nimble old man with a reddened face from tension. Having caught up with the couple, he rested his hands on his knees to catch his breath.
“How good... You are here... Please... My daughter-in-law... She is in labor... But something wrong!”
Well, beside the fact that Nicole Arlert get into labor a week before the predicted date, Grisha could not yet say that something was wrong with the woman in question or with the child. Previous examinations did not bode ill. But it’s better to be prepared for everything. In general, Grisha sincerely loved his calling, he wanted to help people... it just that sometimes he wanted this calling to be less off-hour. Grisha exchanged a glance with Carla, went up to the man and helped him straighten up. “Let's go. Tell me everything along the way.”
And something was really wrong. Nicole Arlert showed all the signs of a Rapid Labor. But thanks to timely help, the worst was avoided and in less than two hours the newborn boy issued his first cry. Happy and tired parents crowded together, inseparably watching the baby.
“Your boy was in a hurry to get out,” smiled Greta, the assistant who was the first to get to the woman. “Have you already decided with a name?”
“We named him Armin. My father found this name. It is perfect for our little fighter.” answered Ivo, proud new father. The newborn just gurgled on his mother’s chest. Grisha Yereg, whowas writting down the recommendations for postpartum care, froze for a second. Armin? Somewhere he already heard that name... Well, Shiganshina is a rather large district, of course he heard it somewhere. Having dismissed an incomprehensible sensation, the doctor continued his chores. Having examined the mother and son again, leaving strict instructions for both the newly parents and Greta, who have stayed with the Arlerts until the end of the day (just in case), and promising to pay a visit the next day, the doctor went home.
And only the next morning, in a half-asleep haze, he remembered two names, randomly spoken by Eren Kruger.
Such a strange coincidence.