Author: Hello Everyone! This is the first fanfic I have ever written. I wanted to make my contribution to Erehisu day. I hope you guys will enjoy it. Stay Blessed.
It has been 3 years since the decisive battle of Heaven And Earth took place. A dreadful incident that wiped out the human race outside the island of Paradis which was also known as the Island Of Devils by the world. The bringer of this heinous monstrosity was no other than Eren Yeager himself when he found no other option of protecting his country and people that ensured their guaranteed survival as the world forged a coalition to completely exterminate the nation of Paradis as inhabitants there were considered as beings capable of turning into Titans that pose threat to the humanity across the ocean.
But Eren was ready to pay this price as long as the freedom he craved for entire his life, for not only himself but also for the ones he loved. He was ready to shoulder the burden of sins he was about to commit. But this was not enough as the path he chose has an obstacle he needed to get over. That obstacle was his friends who stood against him. He was forced to make a sacrifice that was going to haunt him rest of his life. He had to take their lives as they sided with the world he was about to obliterate. He had to and in the end, he did it.
Now all there left was trauma. This was the price he paid.
A man dressed up in a black suit which consists of a long overcoat, underneath it he was wearing a white shirt with a tie that matched the color of his coat with black dress pants and matching derby shoes. He wears a black fedora that covers his head. The man is in his early 20s. Piercing green eyes that reflects years of experience that life has to offer. His hands, calloused, prominent veins demonstrate the result of hard work done by them. Eren stands there where he used to take naps under a tree when he came with Mikasa, his adoptive sister, to collect firewood for home. The place is now a graveyard, with flowers and lush grass that adores the area.
He is standing in front of a grave, on its tombstone information about the person to which it belongs is engraved. -Mikasa Ackerman- Yes, it is his sister's memorial grave, and this graveyard is of his friends, his comrades, his superiors, his fellows whom he spent his life, ate, laughed, shared his grief and happy moments, slept under the same roof, fought titans alongside with them and now all have left him.
"Mikasa, it's been a long time, isn't it?" Eren says placing a bouquet on the grave. "Time sure runs fast." Now his voice cracking, "I wish I could save you but why didn't you listened to me? Why were you so stubborn?! If you only stayed back from the fight... You didn't have to die and leave me like this." Now tears flowing onto his cheeks. "It should not have to be like this. I tried so hard to push you back from me but you kept chasing me into that hellhole. I was doing this for your sake. I wanted you and Armin to be safe and live long lives... YOU HEAR IT! Why dammit, WHY?!" Now Eren is sobbing and breathing uncontrollably, trembling violently as his vision was clouded by his tears because of remorse, regret, and pain. His chest gets heavier and heavier as the dreadful memory of his friend's death begins to resurface in his mind. He moves to another grave parallel to Mikasa's, it was Armin's grave. He composes himself and speaks again. "How are you, buddy? You have broken your promise, you know. What happened to us traveling to see the desert and those valleys of frozen land from a book you used to show me? Glacier it is called, I think." Trying his best to hold himself despite tears not stopping to flow. Then he walks to the other side of the tree where Jean, Connie's, and Captain Levi's memorial grave is located. He kneels, touches the tombstone of Levi's grave, and speaks again, "Hey Haichou! Aren't you doing to kick me around for my stupid actions? Hahaha... I think it will be embarrassing if you do it in front of my daughter. I wish you could see how stubborn she is just like me. She calls you uncle Levi, sounds old for you. I told her about how you used to boss us around during your cleaning freakouts." Then he turns towards Jean's and Connie's grave and goes quiet for a moment. As he feels himself getting a bit sober he speaks, "Hey horse face! Your pickup lines help me to make up with my wife when I make her mad. But she accuses me of not being smart enough to think of such tricks and has learned for someone else. Though I don't mention that you taught me. Hehe, anyway, thanks, Jean boy" Then he glances toward Connie's grave and continues, "Connie, I'm sorry. Your mother is now normal as I was able to break the titan curse. I wish you could meet her. But don't worry, she is in great care. This is the least I can do for you."
Eren stands up and takes few steps backward to get a better view of his friends' graves, looks at the bright blue sky, birds flying across in a flock through white puffy clouds. Cool breeze touching his face, drying his cheeks which were wet from tears he just shed. Taking a deep sigh he looks back at the graves and spoke "I may be living through hell all the time, but it doesn't mean I regret what I achieved in the end. I know my place is in hell after taking so many innocent lives but I didn't want the world, you guys sided with, to just come and kill every one of our people while I keep spectating the slaughter of children who have been caged by the walls that stood in front of them. I didn't want children to wander in the forest only to be eaten by animals from the outside world. I just couldn't let children being burdened by the duties of their elders over and over again. I couldn't stand to watch any child devouring their parent just so the pointless cycle of cannibalism continues just for the sake of our survival."
"I hated you all when..." now Eren's tone changing to a much angrier one. "You guys easily agreed with sacrificing Historia, dumping all of your problems on her, and didn't even bother to utter a single word in her defense. Wasn't she a comrade? Above all, she was a human being whose freedom was being stripped away in front of you. I couldn't stand that."
"I regretted all my life for not being able to save my mother. And to think her children would have to eat her was unacceptable for me. I did what I had to do. I admit I'm selfish, but I wanted to save the person who saved me when I was about to give up on my life. We, children of Ymir, deserved freedom we were stripped of.
Ymir deserved freedom".
After letting his heart out, Eren decides to take leave after bidding farewell to the deceased. He has to continue to live and go through the guilt as it is the punishment he has to face. He continues his walk until the boundary wall of Shiganshina where previous 50-meter walls used to stand, came into vision. Though, this boundary is just for the demarcation of the city's premises. When he reaches the gate, two soldiers immediately recognize him, salutes while bowing to him, saying in one voice "Welcome Yeager-san!" Although Eren appreciates the gesture with a nod but deep down gets annoyed by the fact of being treated like royalty. He wants people to treat him as a normal person even though he knows that people see him as a national hero and a messiah. He enters the city which was now very diverse as compared to it was in the past. New buildings comprising restaurants, cafes, inns, and shops now stand in the municipality making it almost unrecognizable from the old war-torn city. When Eren is passing through the marketplace he sees people going on about their daily routines, children running by with smiles on their faces carefree of their surroundings. Perhaps, this is the freedom he always wanted for the children of his country. No fear and no worries. He goes to a candy shop where an old woman is busy preparing various kinds of colorful confections. She notices Eren and greets him by clasping both of her hands together giving him a low bow. "Damn, again with those formalities." Eren thought in his mind. "How can I help you, Yeager-san?" said the elderly woman. "I would like to have some milk chocolate bar I use to have." After paying for the chocolate, he slides it inside his coat pocket and continues his march towards the train station. He takes a train to Sina district where his house is located on a farm. After a one-hour ride, Eren gets off the train and starts to walk towards the countryside which is roughly two miles ahead. It was nearly sunset time as he walks on the dirt path leading towards his home where his family, his only reason to live in this world waits for his return.
Sunset was approaching, a lady in her early twenties, glances at the clock, hanging onto the nearby wall. She wears a simple white dress accompanied by a teal green blouse and a woollen pink shawl covering her shoulders. Her long blonde hair is tied up in a ponytail that otherwise reaches her back. Her bright ocean blue eyes locked on the door in front of her and she waits for a certain someone's return. Sitting on a chair with a book lying in front of her at a table, this is Historia, now referred to as Historia Yeager after she revealed her marriage to Eren Yeager, the infamous hero of Paradis.
Historia resigned from her position as the monarch of the country one year ago after setting up a democratic system. Yeager faction was revamped into military force and veterans were given positions in the bureaucracy. Historia in those two years did her best to stabilize the country and made quick reforms to accommodate the people in the best way possible. Eren most of the time remained in the farmhouse, tending to their daughter but attended important meetings whenever he was required. He supported Historia in her decision of giving up the ruling so she could live a normal life with her family. But people of Paradis continued to love and cherish the Yeager family. Ymir was considered princess of the entire Island.
She kept her marriage a secret to the public because for obvious reasons as Eren, at the time of war, was seen as a renegade in eyes of the government for taking unauthorized actions to overthrow the current establishment with the help of Floch Forster, who played a key role in churning up revolution.
When Eren was bringing ruin to the world, Historia was fighting her battle by giving birth to their child. She knew Eren's plan and stood by him as she promised to be forever his ally in the cave. She shared the burden of actions that Eren took. She felt guilty for not going with the plan that Zeke Yeager proposed as Eren from day one opposed the idea of scapegoating Historia for Paradis survival. She knew that her desire to live cost millions of lives outside the ocean. She felt horrible for it but Eren refused to let her become Krista again. They made a promise that day, during their secret meeting before Eren was to leave for Marley, to live with no regrets whatsoever, and that promise was now right in front of her. Their daughter, Ymir.
The memory of Eren coming back to the farmhouse after the battle is still fresh in her mind.
FLASHBACK
She was cradling their promise in her arms as she saw a complete war-torn, wrecked Eren devoid of life in his eyes, approached her. He wasn't even able to walk properly, stumbling miserably, she didn't know was it because of exhaustion or remorse, or maybe both. His eyes bloodshot because of excessive crying while his hands trembling, he fell to his knees and started whimpering uncontrollably. Fresh tears slid over his cheeks. Historia had never seen him in such a broken state before.
She runs towards him, taking him in a hug, resting his head against her chest. She calls the farmer who was taking care of her all this time, playing the role of her husband to avoid suspicion about her relation to Eren, hands him the baby so she can tend to Eren. Running her fingers through his long hair while using her other free arm to hold his back to comfort him. Eren's sobs soon turn into loud cries. "I'm a monster, I-I killed them..." he finally speaks.
"No, you are not a monster, Eren," she said while hugging him tighter.
"I AM! I KILLED MY FRIENDS! I KILLED INNOCENTS ACROSS THE OCEAN WHO DIDN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THIS SHITTY WAR! I KILLED MIKASA, ARMIN, JEAN, CONNIE, LEVI, HANGE. I COULDN'T BRING MYSELF TO STOP! I'M A MURDERER. I SHOULDN'T EXIST!"
"You had no other choice Eren, you wanted to protect our people, you fought for the future of children of this island. You freed us. I share your wounds, I promised to stay by your side, Eren. Have you forgotten the promise you made?" She then gestures to the farmer and he hands her the baby. "Look at your child, Eren. You have to LIVE! For her, for me." Eren takes a good look at his daughter as her small lips make a movement then opens her eyes to see her father for the first time. Eren feels like time is stopped. The sparkle in her eyes makes his heart flutter, noticing that she inherited his eye color and Historia's features. Eren takes his daughter in his arms with caution, tears begin to roll out from his eyes but this time not of sorrow but joy. He looks at Historia as she reciprocates with a soft smile. "Thank you, Historia, for blessing me with this miracle. I will live for her and you." Historia puts her hand on the side of his face, leaning in until their foreheads touch with each other. "As I said before, my beloved, I will always be your ally. Thanks for choosing us over the world." Historia then proceeds to place a kiss on Eren's forehead and continues, "Ymir, I want to name her that in memory of my late friend. Are you fine with it?" Eren gives a smile and nods as he looks up into the sky while remembering someone. He answers, "I like this name, maybe someone wanted it too." Then Eren rests his daughter's head on his shoulder and whispers in her ears lovingly, "You are free".
FLASHBACK ENDS
She stands from the chair and walks into the kitchen to heat the food she prepared for the evening. Meanwhile, she hears the door opening with a cracking sound revealing Eren entering the home. He removed his shoes and puts them aside. Ymir turns her head to Eren and her eyes twinkle with excitement. She runs towards Eren, "Papa! Welcome home!" Eren goes on to one knee and spreads his arms, catching his daughter in an affectionate hug while kissing her head. "How is my little angel? Did you behave well when while I was out, right?" Ymir pulled back from the hug and places her small hands on both sides of Eren's face, squeezing his cheeks. "Yup, I remained a good girl. Now, where's my reward?" She said the last part in a low voice so Historia can't hear.
A small smile creeps on Eren's lips and he put his hand inside the coat and pulls out the chocolate bar he brought with him. "Here." And before Ymir could get the hold of her reward, Historia grabs it from Eren's hand and gives him an annoyed scoff.
"Yeager, how many times do I have to tell you that too much chocolate isn't good for your princess's teeth!" Ymir was, obviously not happy and Eren raises an eyebrow, standing up pulling Historia close to him by grabbing her by the waist, startling the woman in the process. Ymir took advantage of the situation and snatched the sweet from her mother's hands and took off, flashing a grin towards Eren.
"You two always gang up against me, I don't like that!" Historia blushes while saying. Eren amused by her protest places a peck on her lips, making her blush even more. Then he let her go of her and goes into their bedroom while Historia prepares the table for dinner.
Eren takes a shower and changes into his normal outfit that consists of his signature beige shirt and black pants. He hears Historia's call for dinner and joins. The family enjoys the food while Historia tells Eren about her day and the usual stuff. When they finished their food, Historia takes Ymir to the bathroom to give her a shower while Eren takes care of the dishes.
When Historia finished giving a bath to Ymir, she puts the night suit on her and carries her out of the bathroom. Historia, on her way to Ymir's room, encounters Eren who just finished the dishes. He comes to them and gives a goodnight kiss on Ymir's head. After it, he leaves for his room. Historia puts Ymir on in her bed, cover her with bedsheets. She gently stroke her daughter's golden locks which match her own. Paying attention to her delicate features like how she is a mix of both her and Eren. Sparkling pair of jade eyes that make her heart jump in awe. Her small and soft lips rocking a characteristic frown of her father. She even has Eren's energy and stubbornness, which sometimes become a challenge while handling her but Historia finds it amusing at times. Ymir also has strong willpower and a sense of justice just like Eren the Mr. Freedom. Though Eren has become a more calm and collective person still he carries his old self inside him.
Historia tells Ymir a bedtime story and after some time she falls asleep. Adjusting her bedsheets properly and kissing her on the forehead, Historia proceeds to leave. A satisfactory smile adores Historia's face seeing her daughter's sleeping face, thinking that she's able to give her child a mother's love she never had.
Historia enters the room in which Eren is. He stands by the window looking at the sky, admiring the moon as it illuminates the night. Historia silently walks towards him without making him notice her presence. She gently hugs him from behind, placing her slender arms on his stomach, resting her head on his strong back. Eren's body immediately stiffs at the foreign touch but quickly goes back to normal as he smells Historia's fragrance.
"How was your visit, Eren?" He lowered his head in sorrow, sensing this Historia quickly added, "I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't bring this up at this time. You must be tired. Let's sleep." She circled her hand against his chest to soothe him. Eren feels the guilt in her voice and turns toward her. "No, it's okay Historia. You don't need to apologize. I felt lighter by going there. There was so much on my mind. I let out my thoughts there. I still feel horrible for my actions, I'm ashamed for what I did and I have to keep on living with this. I wonder if there was another way. But what I have now is what I needed." Placing his hand on Historia's rosy cheek she leaned in until their lips meet each other. A soft yet passionate kiss. Then breaking the kiss as she protested with a hitched scowl "As long as you are by my side, my worst girl in the world. This is all I wanted." Historia's eyes fill with tears as he still to this day remembers their most memorable moment in life. "Thank you, Eren for giving me a family, a home, and a future with you. I will continue to share your burdens and let's save each other again. My devil" For some reason whenever Historia calls him "devil" turns up a knot inside his stomach. Perhaps, this woman knows how to control him.
Truly a Queen.
And he was her soldier.
Soon they found themselves in bed cuddling in each other's arms. No worries for tomorrow. No unseen danger for them now. Just the two of them with their daughter.
Their PROMISE to continue moving forward.
Ahh... Thanks for reading till the end. I'm not a natural writer so please ignore my mistakes in this fic. Let me know if you guys are interested in ERENxFRIEDA crackship. I will write a fic on this pairing.