I do not own AoT.
Hanji, who is currently in Wall Sheena district, is trying to deliver Ymir's letter to Historia. Historia recently became ruler of Paradis... After getting past the front gate of the towering royal buildings, Hanji walks down the hallway of the East Wing connecting into the queen's office. They greet various guards and acquaintances before they arrive. Some strike up small talk, most of them friendly. As Hanji approaches the door, they take a deep breath, and a step forward. "Historia? I have a little present for you." Hanji says, knocking and peeking in through a small gap between the door.
"Oh, Hanji! Come in." Historia gestures a wave towards herself after looking up from paperwork, smiling. "Would you like tea?" After Historia had been crowned as the new Ruler of the Walls, she had been tasked with abundant responsibilities regarding the government. It's stressful, but she can't take a break.
Hanji waves to answer no. "It's fine, really. I need to leave soon. I just wanted to deliver this to you." They hand Historia a stack of dirty papers. The blonde stretches out her arm to get the papers.
"What is this? More forms?" Historia sighs as she sets the papers down on the table, spreading them out. Tucking a few strands of hair behind her ear, she quickly scans through the first page and suddenly, widens her eyes. "F-from Ymir?!" she snatches the second page. Hanji sighs.
"Yeah. We just retrieved it from Reiner. He said it was imperative that you read it." Hanji cross their arms, waiting for Historia's reaction.
"I tried my best to deliver it to you as fast as possible".
There is a large tension in the room but is then cut by Historia's sudden crying.
Historia clenched her fingers against the letter, reading the letter over and over and over again. She couldn't believe it. Ymir, gone? She couldn't believe Ymir. Leaving her. Alone. She couldn't bear without Ymir's obnoxious personality. Her selfishness... Her kindness. Her company.
"Do y-"
knock knock.
Historia quickly turns toward the sound of quick knocks on the door to her office. She quickly wipes her tears and smiles. "Come in." She is then greeted by the sight of her former comrades.
"Krist- ...Historia." Eren says as he walks in with Mikasa, Armin, and Levi. "Oh, Hanji? Already here?"
Hanji stands up, patting Levi on the shoulder.
"Yeah, I just gave Historia Ymir's letter. We both need to get going though, the next meeting's in 20."
Levi brushes Hanji's hand away, sneering at the messy scientist. "Don't touch me like that, four eyes. I just wanted to check in with munchkin over here."
Hanji heartily laughs. "You're like her height! Don't talk to her highness like that either- you'll get executed. See ya later now, Historia!" She waves and walks out the door. Levi stops the door with his foot before it closes.
"Tch! That damn idiot... no etiquette. Goodbye." He follows Hanji and slams the door. The sound of his footsteps fade away.
Historia waved him goodbye and turns to Eren, Mikasa, and Armin. She then gets up from her seat. "I'm sorry; that took a while. What do you guys need from me?" She straightens her posture, displaying full attention to the three soldiers.
"We just wanted to check in on you... Being queen is not easy." Eren chuckles, scratching the back of his head.
"Yeah. I've been bombarded with tons of paperwork and requests. I am the only true royalty left, so I am the only one fit to take my father's place..." Historia smiles, causing Eren and Armin to blush slightly. Mikasa notices and one of her eyes twitch. "So- is there anything else? I appreciate your concern. You guys truly are kind."
Eren flinches. "I.. uh... we- we found something..." Mikasa nudges him towards Historia. He shoves his hand in his bag, digging something out. Eren then pulls out a crumpled up paper. "I think you'd want it."
"Trash?" Historia tilts her head, extending her arm to grab the paper. She chuckles, "Too lazy to throw it away yourself?" She takes it.
"N-no! It was in Hanji's office... Earlier we overheard them and Levi say something about Ymir's letter and how they should keep this one page from you to prevent something.." Armin perks up, continuing off of Eren. "They argued about how you should get as much information of Ymir as possible. They agreed on letting it sit to weigh out their options..."
"It's crumpled because Eren had to hide it quickly. Hanji was going back to their office earlier than we expected. We think it's really important you read it, though."
Historia nods, then straightens out the crumpled folded paper as best as she could. "Thank you... You do not know how much this means to me. I need to know as much as I can about Ymir..." Her voice waivers. She takes a seat.
Historia. I hope that gorilla Reiner didn't drop any of my letters. Before I bid you farewell for the last time.. Let me explain.
I was talking to Reiner and Bert today. He was saying something about an experiment. To expand on that- There is a theory where you may transfer shifting powers to another person without being eaten... It may not work, but it stalls out the scenario where I get eaten by some guy.
They are planning to use me so there's no collateral on their own people. You know, in case there's some crazy side effects, I guess. I will not die from it, though. Well, this is what Reiner is saying. I wouldn't trust him too much.
I do not know any more about the experiment. Reiner is doing his best to help me right now. He's turning into a good guy, even if he's a Warrior.
K̶r̶i̶s̶t̶a̶ Historia, I miss you so much. My short temper got the best of me. Long story short, Reiner saved me from getting eaten right off the bat. So at this moment, I'm just waiting in a dirty ass cell for my demise.
I hope you are doing well, and others are treating you like a Goddess. If not- I'll rise from my grave and beat their asses.
No matter what, I will protect you.
See you later.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Ymir.
Historia puts a hand against her mouth, quivering. Tears come streaming down, over her hand.
"Y-Ymir..." She leans over the coffee table near the chair she was sitting in. Her teardrops wet the letter. "Ahh... You're such an idiot..."
The trio discuss something in quiet. Armin then suddenly steps towards Historia.
Armin puts his hand on her shoulder, attempting to console her. "We- we have a plan to get her back... but it's really risky."
Mikasa chimes in. "We know how much Ymir meant to you, and she's important to Paradis. She has all the knowledge of the old world- and she has titan powers. We're willing to risk it."
Eren walks over, thumbs pointing to his face, grinning ear to ear. "We need your help, though. You in?"
Historia looks up at the trio, with fire in her eyes.
"Anything for Ymir."
2 months later.
"It's been really hectic lately between Wall Sheena and the Survey Corps. It's hard to get us to meet up in private and have time to plan what we'll do to get Ymir back. So, what do we have so far?" Historia says as she closes the door to her office. She then takes a seat next to the coffee table in the corner. Armin steps closer to Historia, dragging Eren by hand to her.
"H-hey! Armin, hold on!"
"I have an idea. Eren would disguise as an Eldian held captive by the Marley." Armin points at Eren, grinning.
Historia interrupts. "But wouldn't Eren be recognised? How would he get to Ymir?"
"We will try as much as possible to change up his physical features so he doesn't get spotted while getting Ymir back here. He'll try to get incarcerated alongside Ymir. We go from there."
Armin stands up and puts his hand on Eren's head. "This starts with growing out Eren's hair. It's already pretty shaggy, so we should only wait a little more."
"Haah?!" Eren slaps Armin's hand away. "No way! Long hair is so much of a hassle! I was going to cut it today! Plus, it feels nasty! I'm not like you Armin. Not everyone deals with a bowl cut so easily."
Armin, clearly offended by Eren's statement makes a "why would you do this to me" face.
"Eren! We're doing this for Historia!" Mikasa says, trying to convince him to follow through.
"Tch...How long will it be?" Eren scoffs, clearly displeased.
"You see Mikasa's hair? Around that length. We will also need to cover up your face. An eye patch will do nicely."
Eren starts to argue, but stops and reluctantly nods. "Fine... But how will I get in? I can't just waltz in Marley territory and not get incarcerated on sight!"
Historia's face turns grim. "Every once in a while the Marley... they raid a small village and capture Eldians for slave work. They get shipped using a specific route, starting west of Wall Maria."
"Hey- didn't I seal it?!" Eren says, shocked.
"Yes, but Eren- there are exits everywhere in Wall Maria, not just the one you frequent."
Historia starts. "Alright. So we alter Eren's entire appearance, then get him in with the shipment of the next village Marley will raid. This is the best plan to do- we don't have any they options.
"But which one? It could be any! Will Eren be hurt during the raid?" Mikasa says, slamming her hands on the table. Historia flinches at the sudden action.
"In the scouting reports, the raids are usually non-violent... Villagers mostly surrender at the sight of the Marley warriors. Blood will not shed if no-one fights back." Historia gets up and goes over to her desk. She bends down and starts looking through the bottom right drawer, searching through files.
"Ah... It's right here. The most recent raid report. The latest raids were from Wall Rose... The raiding route indicates the next target will continue west... This leads to the village of Riese." Historia sets the reports down on the desk. The trio goes over to her side, looming over the journals.
"Shouldn't we stop this raid then?!" Eren picks up the paper where the information on the village of Riese is.
"Eren... we need the Marley to take the villagers to where they reside to get Ymir. We- we need to let it happen. No matter what happens when you are in the village, do not fight back. This is our only chance." Mikasa places her hand on Eren's shoulder.
"B-but-" Eren stops. He knows this is for a greater cause. Having Ymir will help Paradis with the battle against the Marley.
"Okay. When should I go?"
Historia bites her lip. "Now. We don't know when the Marley will strike, and you need to familiarise with the villagers to fit in."
"What about the Survey Corps? Won't they ask where I am? Wait- did you even tell them about our plan?!" Eren puts his hand over his chest to emphasize.
"No! They can't know! They won't let you go! Levi- Hanji- Everyone! They'll say it's too much of a danger; that you'll get hurt, and we'll lose your powers!" Historia suddenly perks up. "Then- Ymir won't return!" She tears up.
"Then how would we deal with them?" Armin steps in. "We can't say Eren is suddenly sick. What's a good excuse?"
"Nothing. We should just tell the truth."
"Mikasa! But- They'll say no; they won't help us. They already have a lot on their hands from Wall Rose!"
"It's our only choice. Excuses won't make sense, and even if Levi and the others believe it, it won't last for long." Mikasa hides her face in her scarf. "I'm sorry."
An awkward silence follows.
Hanji suddenly barges in. "Tension break!", their enthusiastic voice booming. Levi follows suit with crossed arms.
"Didn't mean to eavesdrop, but- we only wanted to drop by!"
"Y-you heard everything...?" Eren stutters- clearly shocked from the sudden company.
"Yeah, we did you imbecile. Maybe don't shout every 2 sentences?" Levi says as he stares them down.
"Calm down, Heichou! But yes, we did hear everything. The plan to get... Ymir back?"
Historia looks down at her feet. She takes a gulp and opens her mouth.
"Yes... But Ymir is very dear to me! I'd be willing to give it my all! Anything!"
Hanji laughs. "Levi and I were discussing your plan outside the door. We want part of this little mission."
"You three stole something from us. I don't think you can just go free from that. But in short, yes. We.. will help."
Historia's head shoots up. "What? Really?!" An angelic aura forms around her.
The Goddess is back...! Everyone thinks.
"You see... Levi has lost a lot in the past. He doesn't want anyone to feel the same way anymore. Surprisingly, haha- OUCH!" Hanji recoils in pain as they grab their foot.
Levi wipes down his boot. "Don't believe this idiot... much. For now, we agree with your plan. However, we need to take it up to the council and change it up a bit. You monkeys agreed on the plan too hastily."
"Ahhh Levi...! We can just do it independently! Much easier, right?"
"Idiot! We will get reprimanded by the government." Levi bumps Hanji, annoyed on how reckless they're being. They don't budge.
"Just like Historia said before- they won't agree! They hold Eren's power too tightly to let him just go to Marley territory alone!"
"Then we'll send the whole squad with him. Think about the bigger picture. I'll arrange a meeting this week."
"No! We don't know when the Marley will get to the next village! We need to get to Ymir as soon as possible."
Levi shoots Historia a glare, causing her to freeze up. "I'll do my best, then. For now, continue on with your work. Eren, Mikasa, Armin- come by my office later today." He suddenly turns around and goes out the door without warning. The three shudder at the thought if what might happen to them.
"H-hey! Wait for me!" Hanji runs after Levi and shuts the door. Everyone sits back down.
Armin awkwardly asks, "What now?"
Historia sits down and sighs.
"Our only choice is to wait if we want to have a good chance of getting Ymir back."
I can't believe I left this on hiatus for 3 months! I revised most of the story so far. I decided to take a different path, having the surviving 104th Trainees Squad along with Levi and Hanji infiltrate the Marley instead of only having the Shiganshina Trio go due to the events that unfolded in the manga.