Disclaimer: I don't own Attack on Titan, all rights go to Isayama.
Spoiler alert: This is for manga readers. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. Includes ch.130 and onwards.
This story starts right after Eren calls Historia the worst girl in the world.
Historia
A look of shock appeared on Historia's face when Eren called her that and her thoughts traveled back to that day she saved him.
Eren had been begging her to eat him, to take the sins of his father off his shoulders. He wanted her to kill him to save humanity, his face was full of sorrow and anguish. He told her he shouldn't have happened. She could not relate to him anymore than she did that day. It was one of the reasons why she couldn't do kill him along with Ymir's words.
Is that why did he seemed to care about her so much? Why would he go out of his way to protect her so often? She was immensely grateful of course and her heart swelled with affection when he showed his care. But was it all to repay her for saving him that day? He didn't need to do that, she told him she would always be his friend and ally. However, she couldn't possibly fathom the unimaginable scale of deaths that would be on her hands if she didn't do everything in her power to stop Eren right now. She would never be able to hold her head up high in her life again. She had to convince him that killing billions of innocent people is wrong.
"Eren is it because I saved you that day? You don't have to repay me you know. You've done more than enough for me. I can't be thankful enough for all the times you wanted to keep me safe. But I can't let you do this. I… I want to protect my people, but I also don't want to kill the billions of innocent ones outside these walls, that's beyond wrong. If the 50-year plan is the only way to keep Paradis safe while preventing the death of the outside world, I'll gladly sacrifice my life." Historia declared passionately. Eren looked at her with a gaze that made her nervous. He seemed angry… no, more disappointed.
"You're not Historia." He simply stated, a little disgust laced in his voice. Historia was confused. What was he implying? In fact, she felt a little bit of rage swelling up inside her.
"What are you saying? Of course, I'm me! What's wrong with not letting the whole outside world die?! This plan of yours beyond terrible and I will never comprehend why you want to kill so many innocent people who did nothing wrong. There are good people out there who are trying to do good things for the world. There are families out there whose lives you're going take away if you go through with this. You're condemning them to a horrible fate that should never happen to them!" She stated vehemently, her face contorted with anger. Eren met her glare with an eerily calm expression, but she could feel the remorse of behind his eyes. She can stop this without a fight, she can feel it.
"No, that's not who you are. That's who Christa is." Historia took a step back, her face covered in shock. No, she's not Christa, she's Historia. She'll never be Christa again. She will always be Historia. Historia would never sacrifice that many people for herself.
"No, you're wrong Eren. I am Historia." She said calmly, trying to reel her emotions in. Eren glared at her and she felt a drip of sweat running down her face when she met his intense green eyes.
"No, you're not. The Historia I know said she would be humanity's enemy. She would let them be wiped out by Titans. She's the worst girl in the world." Eren started. Historia was taken aback. She felt an intense anger at his stubbornness rising.
"You can't be serious Eren! I was overdoing it that day! You know I got carried away! I don't actually mean it! This is genocide we're talking about! Innocent lives are at stake if you do this! I won't let you kill so many people like that!" Historia cried angrily again. Yet again, she was met with a calm gaze from him. She hated how he can look so composed in this situation. Did he not feel anything right now?!
"No, I know you meant it. The Historia I know is honest with herself and her feelings. I never liked Christa. She acted fake, always hiding behind that masked persona of goodness. The Historia I know would never sacrifice her children to be used as cattle or tools. I know she's better than that. Most importantly, she would live for herself. If you take this route Historia, you know the consequences. You'll be submitting yourself and your future children to a horrible loveless life and a pathetic death. You'll reduce your lifespan to only 13 more years. Be honest with yourself. Is that what you want Historia? Is that living a life you're proud of?"
His words pierced her heart like an arrow. Historia clenched her fists. She realized she was submitting herself to a life that she would never want. But she had to do it! It was for the billions of innocent people outside the walls! So much blood would be on her hands if she didn't stop Eren right here and now. What… what would Ymir think?
"So, this is just a wish of mine. Live your life with pride." Ymir's voice echoed in her head again. It was just like that day again, at the cave. Historia was now at her crossroads. She clenched her fist tighter, yet her resolve was slowly crumbling away.
"No… I don't know. I just know it's wrong to do this Eren." She stated softly, her head ducked down and staring at her feet. What was she supposed to do? On one hand she would never allow herself to submit to a loveless life, forced to be a child-bearing machine. She'd never want to condemn the life of any of her future children, especially since she was a mistake herself. But she wouldn't be able to live with herself if she let so many people die in her selfish desire. Would it be better to just let Eren wipe her memories to protect herself? Just like Frieda? It would be the same thing all over again. She was stuck. It was a choice between herself or the world.
She looked back at Eren. He was not looking at her anymore but staring at the sunset. His face seemed considerably softer. He seemed a bit distant.
"I know it's difficult to digest, my offer to make the pain go away still stands. I… I'm not ok with this myself. It's beyond wrong to take away the freedom of other people, especially when they've done nothing wrong against you. The world is cruel, but beautiful. I know there are good people out there, that's where the beauty is. But… where the beauty lies, there's also so much hate and cruelty. Especially to us Eldians." Historia knew of this, after learning everything from the basement. She knew how the Marleyans and most of the world view the Eldians, as the devils. It was her responsibility as queen to talk things out and make peace, that started with Hizuru. But she knew Paradis would need much more help and time in convincing the other nations. She noticed Eren taking a sharp breath, before slowly exhaling. His face now looked melancholic. His eyes were still looking forward. It seemed like he was speaking to himself at this point and not her.
"In my father's memories, I saw my aunt and him when they were kids. She did nothing wrong. Her mistake was letting herself get dragged out past the internment camp of Liberio by my dad. She got ripped apart by dogs that the Marleyan guards used on her… as an educational lesson." Historia gasped and clutched her hand over her mouth. She fought the urge to throw up. She knew about what happened, but she never knew Eren himself saw it through his father's eyes.
"I saw fellow Eldians being shipped here from Marley. My father was tortured, all of his fingers were cut off before he inherited his Titan. He had to watch all his fellow patriots turned into Titans, being led to the walls to kill more of their fellow Eldians." He continued. Historia knew this of course but being reminded of it still hurts all over again. She couldn't imagine being in Eren's position. Yet, in the back her head, she wonders what else he saw.
"Armin and I used to read a book that showed the beauty of the outside world. The ocean was supposed to be the dream that we were supposed to reach but when we got there, I just couldn't get myself to feel happy. Not after everything I saw." Eren sighed softly afterwards. The atmosphere became heavy, laced with a sadness. Historia couldn't help but feel bad for him. Historia didn't want to pry any further, but her curiosity won over her manners.
"What else did you see?" She asked curiously. Eren frowned slightly, but he still didn't meet her eyes. Historia leaned against the fence next to Eren, awaiting his answer.
"The future." He whispered softly. Historia was perplexed.
"What?" She asked. Maybe she didn't hear him correctly.
"That day. At the awards ceremony… when I kissed your hand." Eren answered. Historia remembered that odd and scared reaction that he made for few seconds after that kiss. She didn't think anything else of it after that.
"How? What do you mean?" Historia questioned. Eren seemed to act distant again. His eyes slowly closed as he took a deep breath.
"The Attack Titan's power, it… it can see future memories." Historia's jaw dropped. See the future? How is that even possible? He's known the future for that long? Why didn't he tell anyone?
"What? What did you see?" She asked nervously. Eren took another deep breath. She had a feeling this wasn't going to be good.
"I didn't see everything. But I saw some memories from my future self… I… started the Rumbling." He answered. Historia didn't know what to think anymore. Can the future be changed? Were all actions made predetermined? Does it really have to end out like that?
"Eren, we can change this! It doesn't have to end out like that! There has to be another way! You don't have to do that! I can buy us more time for Paradis can catch up!" Historia begged. She hoped that it wouldn't have to end out like that. The Rumbling was the last thing she wanted to happen. Eren sighed, his shoulders slouched as he finally turned to face her. His green eyes now were burning into her.
"The thing is we can't. We're running out of time. The world is soon going to declare war on us. They're most likely planning to launch their attack on the island as we speak. There's no way out of this. We've had over 3 years to solve this, but it's gotten us close to nowhere. The world and Marley hate Paradis, Historia. You know that. Diplomacy hasn't gotten us anywhere. When I visited Marley with the scouts, I went to a convention in Marley. They have no plans of backing down, they plan to exterminate us like animals. They're planning to combine their military might along with the world's to end us once and for all. The Rumbling is our only way out. It's us against the world. We have to fight." Eren concluded calmly. Historia was seething.
"THERE IS NO US! We don't have to resort to the full Rumbling! I can buy more time for Paradis! Have Zeke be fed to me and that's that! We can cripple their military bases and that should slow them down. That should be enough time for the island to catch up. The entire world doesn't have to be flattened!" Historia screamed in fury. Eren's calm demeanor made her even more mad! Did he really not care anymore?
"No Historia. I can't let you do that. You can't sacrifice yourself and your future children. You're acting like Christa again." He replied cooly. Historia didn't think she could get any angrier at Eren than she is now.
"You can't control me! I'm not your damn slave! I can do what I want when I want. I want to save the world and I can't let you destroy it! WHY THE HELL DO YOU EVEN CARE ABOUT ME SO MUCH?! IS IT BECAUSE I SAVED YOU?! WHAT AM I TO YOU?" Historia cried in anger. Eren didn't even seem fazed.
"You're special." He stated calmly, meeting her glare with his relaxed gaze. Historia felt her anger slowly fading. What the hell is he talking about? She was not really special. She had nothing going for her other than being a former soldier and now a puppet queen.
"What? What do you mean? Is it because I saved you? You don't owe me anything Eren. We're friends and we're supposed to look out for each other." She stated more calmly now. He really didn't need to concern himself with her. She can't understand why he cares so much for her. Only Frieda and Ymir ever showed her that much attention, even when she was considered the so called "goddess" of the 104th. Eren never cared about her then. If her saving him was why he cared so much for her, then he doesn't need to tie himself with her if she drops whatever "debt" he owes her.
"You don't seem to be looking after yourself." He commented, almost sounding sarcastic. Historia can feel the irritation seeping into her veins.
"I can't afford to Eren! The fate of world, Paradis and billions of innocents rests on my shoulder if I don't stop you right now!" She exclaimed. Eren still kept that passive gaze which pissed her off to no ends. What can she do to get through to that stubborn head of his?
"It doesn't have to be like that Historia. You're right, I don't owe you anything, but you don't have to do it alone. We're friends right? We can share our sins. I can help take the burden off your shoulders. You don't have to worry about Paradis, I can secure its future. We… we can fall together." Eren said. His eyes were so full of confidence and if she didn't know that they were talking about genocide, she may have agreed.
"Eren, I can't forsake the outside world because of my selfishness. I… I don't want to have my life shortened and I don't want to condemn my future children. But I don't want you to do this." Historia replied sadly.
"I know but you don't have to be Christa anymore. You can be you Historia. Leave Christa behind. You don't have to sacrifice yourself. You have the freedom to do so, but it's not a necessity. I… I want this to end. This pointless hate against Eldians. Royal blooded Eldians inheriting Titan powers and getting eaten by their children. The outside world can't and doesn't want to change. I admit that it would be best that Eldians don't exist anymore. But I'm not going to obey the world's whim. I'm not going to lay down and die. We are special… because we were born into this world Historia. That's our birthright, the freedom that no one should ever take away from us. I know I'm a hypocrite, but I have to take away their freedom to keep mine, yours, our friends, and the rest of Paradis. The only way to win Historia… is to fight." Eren explained. His eyes were locked on hers and she could feel her guilt rising. Historia wants to live but she doesn't want to risk innocent people dying because of her.
"Eren… I just can't. No matter how much I want to live. I just can't. This is genocide! I can't condone this. How would I ever be able to live with myself? I don't want you to erase my memories either, Frieda has done that far more than enough." Her eyes now focused on the grass. If she dared look at his eyes, she may actually change her mind. Eren seems to have somehow read her mind. His feet closed the distance between them, and a finger lifted her chin up. Their eyes are locked again once more. Historia clenched her teeth and tried everything to push the guilt from rising up again.
"I'll repeat myself again. You are not Christa, you're Historia. You're the worst girl in the world. You are humanity's enemy and so am I. If I have to throw away my humanity and life away to end it all, to end this cycle of hatred… I'll do it. I want to make change, but not at the cost of your life." He stated calmly, yet confident passion was embedded in his tone.
Historia's lips quivered and she could feel the tears dropping down her cheeks. She clenched her fists tightly. Her resolve was slipping, and she was about to give in. That was until Eren interrupted her, his finger dropping from her chin.
"I know you need time to process this. Please think about it, Historia. I know you have the day off tomorrow, so I'll meet you here in the afternoon." With that, Eren turned around and walked away. Historia was now alone, left to her own thoughts.
The next day…
Eren
"So, have you made your choice?"
Eren was nervous, he had future memories, but he had no clue on what Historia was going to pick. It was beyond reckless of him tell anyone of his true plan except Floch. What made him think that it was a good idea to tell Historia? He steered clear from all his other friends, even Armin and Mikasa. He knew they would never have accepted his plans. But what made Historia different? Eren had come to warn her of the MP's plans of feeding Zeke to her. When she had agreed to become a sacrifice for Paradis, he felt sick to his stomach, she was becoming Christa all over again. The last thing he wanted was for her to get pregnant, eat Zeke and have her children eat her. Also… what the hell made him want to tell her his whole plan?! He was risking everything on the chance of whether or not she agreed with him! He could have at least lied to her and told her he was doing a partial Rumbling, but why did he tell her almost everything?! What caused his brain to tell the whole truth whenever he was around her? Why does he always feel at ease around her? She could've told everyone about his plans, but nobody had attacked or restrained him or looked suspicious at him this morning. He felt hope tugging at his heart.
"Yes. I'm with you." Eren's eyes widened slightly and he felt as if the weight of the world was lifted off his back. Now it was on both of theirs, they both had to carry it. His head lowered to his feet and he took a sigh of relief.
"I… thank you Historia." He whispered. The atrocities he would soon commit will be beyond redemption. On top of everything, he hadn't planned on living after the Rumbling anyways, he only had less than 5 years left. There was no way in hell he would live with the guilt of killing billions of innocent people, death would his only out. He doesn't deserve to be saved. There's no way he would be able to face his friends after everything is over. But as long as his friends and Historia are alive, and Paradis's future is secure, his duty is done. He knows they won't be happy with what he's going to do but their safety is his priority.
"I have one question though." Historia said. Her face was more monotone but held a hint of sadness covering it.
"What is it?"
"What are you going to do about our friends?" She asked, showing concern.
"I can keep them locked up until the Rumbling is over." Eren answered. That should be the best way to keep them out of harm's way.
"And if they break out?"
Eren was in dilemma. He knows they can oppose him. Part of the reason for the Rumbling was to protect them. If they break out, would he be able to keep moving forward? No, he can trust Floch and the Yeagerists to keep them out of harm's way. He can't fail and he can't stop. Not when so much is at stake. The moment he starts, the first life he takes will indicate that he will not stop. Should he stop, all those deaths would be for nothing. This is an action he can't take back. Should he fail, Paradis will be destroyed.
"They won't. I'll make sure of it." Eren reaffirms. He'll make sure his friends are safe.
"So, what now? What's your plan?" Historia asks.
"I'm leaving for Liberio soon. Marley and the world will declare war on Paradis eventually and when they gather up, I'll strike. I'll weaken the military by taking out the commanders and officers there when they gather. That should buy us some time before the world military strikes. I'll call our friends and we'll secure Zeke and the Warhammer Titan power. When we get back, Floch and his crew will detain my friends. Then I'll initiate the Rumbling using Zeke." Eren explained. He sees Historia take a deep breath.
"Eren, what are you planning to do once the Rumbling is done?" She asked.
"I'm not planning on anything. I'm not coming back once this is over. I know our friends will be unhappy, but I know they can move on. I want them to live their lives free of hate against them. They'll be safe and free to explore the outside world. I won't be able to face them again when this is done. Paradis's future will be secured, and I'll take my powers to my grave. My duty to my nation and friends will be fulfilled." A hand flew across his cheek and Eren looks at Historia in shock. Eren noticed that her fists were clenched and shaking as she glared him in the eyes, her ocean blue eyes pinching his soul.
"So what the hell am I then?! Your confession booth?! To dump all your guilt on before you leave to go on your suicide mission?! What happened to the "we're enemies of humanity" shit you were going on about?! I thought we would watch each other's backs? Why even tell me your full plan at all?! You're just like those two!" Historia cried angrily.
Eren sighed. It was stupid of him to confess his full plans to her and he's still trying to figure out why he always felt truthful around her. He needed to make it up to her. He doesn't want to hurt her anymore.
"I'm sorry, I can still erase the memory of our talk before I die. You don't have to remember this if you don't want to. It was stupid of me to tell you." Historia suddenly gripped the collar of his shirt with her small but strong hands. The fact that she was a head shorter than him didn't make her any less intimidating. She tip toed so that her face was only a foot away from his.
"Too late. I'm not getting my memories wiped again. I'm also not letting another person I care about leave me again. You wanted to share your guilt with me, so we'll damn share it together. I'm the queen so I don't care what the military say, I'll defend you. I don't care what the people say, I'll defend you. I don't care what our friends say, I'll defend you. I'll defend you until my last dying breath. Just promise you'll come back. Promise me!" She cried, almost desperately. Her face was stern, but he could see the tears threatening to escape. It broke his heart to see her like this and it made him angry at himself that it was his stupidity that led her to feel like this.
"You know I can't. Not after everything that's going to happen. I don't deserve to live after it's over. I can never atone for the lives I will take. You don't need me tying you down. I'll take the sins of the outside world to my grave." He stated sadly, his eyes were unable to meet hers. Eren knew his fate and was ready to accept it. He had no desire to come back. He heard a dry laugh coming from Historia.
"Wow. You are really a hypocrite. Did you forget everything you told me yesterday? Or is it only applicable to me? You choose to share everything with me, so we'll share it, whether you like it or not. You don't get to take the easy way out Eren." The glow of the setting sun made Historia's eyes shined brighter than the stars he would see at night. Eren had never seen something so bright. He wanted to stay with her and his friends. But he knows it can't be possible. He has to make her let go of him now.
"Historia please, let me go. I was the one who got your sister killed." Eren stated, his head tilted towards the ground. Historia glared at him, dropping her grip on his collar before backing up.
"What?" She spat angrily.
"One of my future memories showed me talking to my father. He never wanted to kill your family. I persuaded him to do so he could secure the founding Titan for me. Without me, your sister could've been alive. I killed your sister." He said. He didn't dare meet her eyes. She just needs to tell him to leave and all this nonsense would be over.
"I don't care."
Eren's head shot up so quickly his head almost snapped up. Her gaze seemed angry but not the full out fury he was expecting.
"What?" He asked, not believing why he's not flipped onto the ground right now.
"I said I don't care." She repeated firmly.
"Why?!" Eren was still trying to wrap his head around her reaction. Why hadn't she punched him in the face or kick his crotch? He just told her he killed her sister.
"Eren, it's stupid to hold a grudge against you. Everything happens for a reason. Don't get me wrong, I'm beyond pissed with you getting my sister killed and I almost want to screech at you and never look at your face again. But it's worthless to waste my time hating you when you've shown nothing but honesty and care for me. Who knows what could've happen if you hadn't done that? Without you, I would have been most likely been stuck on that farm with my horrible mother for the rest of my life, or if I was found out by Kenny I would've died. I would've likely never met Ymir or made many friends at the 104th. Most importantly, I would've never met you. I don't regret a single second I've spent with you, nor will I ever do so." Eren's cool façade was breaking and tears were threatening to spill. He had to end this nonsense before he becomes more attached to her than he already is.
"I can't. I'm sorry. I can't come back. My friends will probably never want to look at me again. I have no family left. What is there left for me?" Eren's voice nearly cracked with emotion as he stated each word. His eyes were were gathering too much tears. There was nothing left for him. He didn't need an answer. Historia doesn't need to associate with a mass murderer like him, nor does anyone else. Historia's right hand moved to grip the front of her left shoulder. She looked... nervous. Her brows were arched lightly, showing concern. But why for him? He doesn't deserve any. The setting sun slowly lowered itself behind him. Historia locked her soft blue gaze with his green one.
"Well. Eren. What would you think… about me having a child?"
Eren
Eren sits quietly on a bench. He sees that boy again. Falco is his name. Eren hadn't forgotten the act of kindness that the boy had shown to him. Falco reminded him of another boy he met at Marley, the one he saved from the merchants. Another innocent life he was going take away, another beautiful thing in this cruel world. The guilt pained him even more but he can't turn back now. It was time to put his plan into motion.
"Heeey." Eren calls calmly. The boy turns his head.
"Thanks for the other day."
"Oh." The boy makes his way to Eren, taking a seat next him.
"Um... it looks like you're recovering well... you can talk now, at least..." The boy starts awkwardly.
"Eh. I'm here for treatment of psychological wounds. But mine are fake." Eren replies.
"Huh?" The boy looks at him in mild surprise.
"I've said I can't go home because I have memory loss. But in reality, I just don't want to go back. It's too hard to face my family now." It was a lie but mixed in with truth. Eren knows he can't face his family... not yet.
"Are you gonna tell the hospital staff?" Eren asks.
"No... I wouldn't do that." Falco answers. Eren assesses Falco's wounds. The boy is injured, his face covered in a few bruises.
"You're hurt. From training to be a Marleyan warrior?" Eren asks, already knowing the answer.
"Yes. But... I can't become a warrior."
"Why's that?"
"There's another talented candidate in my class... and I don't think I'll get my turn." Eren almost smiles. A boy like Falco doesn't deserve the fate of a warrior.
"Oh. That's good to hear."
"Huh?"
"You're a good kid. I'd be happy if you lived a nice, long life." Eren's words were laced with truth even though it's all pointless in the end.
"But... I... don't want this person to become a soldier." Falco says sadly.
"Why... do you say that?" Eren asks. The boy seems embarassed. Oh... Eren knows now. Falco's just like him. Their motivations are the same.
"Is this talented candidate... a girl?" Eren hits the mark as a small blush appears on the boy's face.
"She's famous here in this district. She's even been recognized for what she did in war already. Just about everyone would say that the next armor should be her... but I'm powerless. So... it's all going to end without me doing a thing." Falco says with a depressed look. Eren wanted to be selfish and tell the boy to fight for the girl he loves but it's all going to end the same way. Eren knows none of it will matter in the end but the boy was lost. Falco needed guidance and motivation. Eren wants to be selfish one more time.
"I... I've been thinking everyday since coming here. How did things turn out this way? Ruined minds and bodies... people with no freedom left... people who have even lost themselves... what kind of person would want to go to war... if they knew they were going to end up like this? But... there was something there, all along... pushing us right into this hell. For most of us, that something... is not our own free will. We're forced to by others, or by our environment. That's why... the people who push themselves into hell see a different hell from the rest of us. They also see something beyond that hell. Maybe it's hope. Maybe it's yet another hell. I don't know which it is. The only people who do know... are the ones who keep moving forward." Eren is undoubtedly one of those people. He can't stop, he has to keep moving forward. For his people, for his friends... and for his family.
Falco looks to Eren with an astonished face. Eren gives him a light smile. He's repeating the same mistake he made with the other kid, but he can't stop himself.
"Falco, if you want to save the girl you love, you have to move forward. You can't let anyone stop you, not even her." Eren states gently. The young boy stands up, face filled with confidence.
"You're right! I can't give up on her. Thank you for the advice. I'll continue to train until I'm better than her. I'll save Gabi even if I have to sacrifice myself." Falco declares with a confident and a passionate smile. There was a gleam in his eyes that reminded Eren of his younger self... when he was childish and naive... when he was pure. The reality of this cruel world took almost everything away from him. His mission now was protect whatever he had left even if he had to resort to the most extreme methods.
"Falco. I want to ask you for a favor..." Falco smiles brightly at Eren. It hurts Eren even more to deceive the boy but he had a job to do.
"What is it Mister Kruger?" He asks kindly. Eren reaches into his jacket pocket, located above his heart, and pulls out an envelop.
"I want to send a letter... but they'll look inside if I send it from this internment zone, right?" Eren asks.
"Yeah." Falco confirms.
"They'll figure out I'm faking an illness if that happens. So I want you to put this in a mailbox outside the internment zone." Eren requests.
"Okay. Is it to your family?"
"Yes. I just want to tell my family... that I'm here, and that I'm all right." It was a lie. His family knows where he already is. He already made his promise that he would come back. This letter... was to his friends.
"Alright, I'll do it. Thanks for everything Mister Krueger. I'll talk to you later!" Falco takes the letter and happily waves to Eren as he runs off. Eren blinks slowly, watching the boy disappear from view.
"I'm sorry."
Eren
Eren stands in the realm of paths. His hands were tied by chains. He looks down at his older brother Zeke. His brother is wearing a shocked look.
"He told me... it won't play out as I wish... that it'll go down your way." Zeke says with a fearful face. Eren stares Zeke with a determined face. Eren knows everything will end out the way he wants it to. He had accepted it. It is the biggest redeeming thing after this hell is over... once he puts an end to 'this' world. He wanted this.
"Yes. I saw it four years ago... memories of a future me... within our old man's memories." He knew what his old man first saw... something filled with horror, death and destruction. But his future self showed Grisha one more thing that changed his mind, to persuade him to give Eren his powers. It was the hope beyond this hell. Eren didn't understand when he first saw it, it seemed... strange. But he does now. It was one of the most beautiful things he had ever seen. No one's going to stop him from reaching that freedom. A scenery full of hope. The thing that makes all of this sacrifice, all this bloodshed meaningful. It was...
"Of that sight..." Eren couldn't help but smile. A dream that will come true after all this hell was over... his dream. The true reason why he won't stop.
"Ymir, the Founder! Steal the ability to reproduce from all Subjects of Ymir!" Zeke screams out. Eren's heart freezes. Eren pulls on his chains as he turns around. seeing Ymir walking towards the tree of light.
"Mgh! The Coordinate!" He growls in shock.
"Grisha told me something. He said to stop you. He regretted doing as you said." Eren clenched his teeth tightly, pulling on the chains as hard as he could. It can't end like this.
"I don't know what kind of future you saw within father's memories... but it's not as if you saw it all. Just as you didn't know you couldn't use the power of the Founder here." Zeke continues. Eren felt searing pain in his hands but he kept pulling. Zeke flashes a small smile in victory, knowing that he's already won.
"You're as powerless as ever." Zeke states calmly. Eren screams as he pulls with all his might, adrenaline dulling the aching pain on his hands.
"AAAAGH!" Eren roars with fury. Both of his thumbs came flying off his hands as Eren escapes his chains, sprinting toward Ymir the Founder. Desperation covered Eren's face, he absolutely cannot let her reach the Coordinate.
"It's pointless Eren... once Ymir, the Founder begins to move... nothing in this world can stop her." Zeke says.
Eren catches up to Ymir and stretches out his hand. It won't end like this. Eren won't let it. An image of a woman pops into his mind, a small soft hand was cupped on his cheek. Her face held a soft but sad smile. She leaned in closer to him...
Historia
Historia sits quietly on the rocking chair. She stares off into the distance. The setting sun is disappearing into the mountains. Everyone outside the walls are doomed because she chose herself. It was the most selfish thing she had ever done in her life. Everyday she feels pain knowing that she let the outside world die. She feels empty, not just at the thought of the world's fate but at the absence of her special someone.
Her hands hold her swollen belly. A child is growing in her. The child is their promise. Her promise to always be his ally, even when the world is against him. His promise to come back to her after this hell is over. They would take care of the child, a child born free of the hatred of the outside world. The child wouldn't have to inherit Titan powers anymore. The child wouldn't have to be burdened because of its royal blood. The child... would be free.
The door besides her opens, a man approaches her.
"Come in, Historia. You need to take better care of yourself." He says. The guy used to rocks at her during her childhood but he's paying off his debt now. He is to be the cover. Historia stares at him passively. She slowly rises from her chair and walks into the house, leaving the farmer behind.
She walks up the stairs and reaches her room. Historia heads inside, locks the door behind her and slowly sits down in front of her work desk. She pulls open a drawer and pulls out a small case. She lifts the lid and inside the case contains two silver rings next to each other. She smiles softly at them. They promised not to wear them, not until this hell was over. No one must ever know the identity of her husband. She touched the right ring.
"Come home soon."
Historia
Historia stands alone in her house, looking outside her window. The farmer had left her. He went with the Yeagerists to help her husband. She then feels a shock pulsing through her body. She now stands in the realm of paths, surrounded by fellow Eldians. She takes a deep breath and sighs, her face remaining passive. It was time.
"Hear me, all Subjects of Ymir. My name is Eren Yeager. I now speak to all the Subjects of Ymir by way of the Founding Titan's power. Every wall on the island of Paradis has been unhardened. All the Titans within them have begun to walk. My goal... is to protect the people of Paradis, who bore me and raised me. But the world desires the extinction of the people of Paradis. Over countless years, their hatred has grown beyond this island. They surely will not stop until they have killed every one of the Subjects of Ymir. I reject their desire. The Titans of the walls will trample and rumble all the lands beyond this island. Until the lives there are eliminated from this world."
She now stands alone in the house again. She sighs again.
(A/N: Play Name of Love by Cinema staff for maximum enjoyment :) )
"Why are you asking me that?" Eren asked her. Historia smiled softly. He was still as dense as ever.
"You have no reason to come back. So I'm going to give you one." She said calmly. She knew Eren was a suicidal bastard. That was his nickname in the 104th after all. But she wasn't going to let him run off and kill himself. Then... she saw it in his eyes. He finally understood what she was implying. His eyes widened and his mouth dropped.
"No Historia. No, I'm not doing that to you. I can't do that to you. I have only five years left. I can't father a child in my state. You... you can find someone better than me." She noticed him struggling to speak the last statement, as if he couldn't swallow a big pill. Her eyebrows raised slightly in surprise. Does he...
"I'm not worth it, especially after what I'm going to do. You'll be safe with our friends. You all can live happy lives without me." He continued with a sad tone. He was lost again, Historia could tell. It was just like that day at the cave.
"Our friends may find happiness in their lives sooner or later Eren, but I never will... not without you." Eren's eyes widened in surprise and he took a small but sharp breath.
"Eren... our friends may or may not want to accept you. But I will. I'll always be your ally. Remember, I'm the queen. I can help lead our nation to a better tomorrow after this hell is over. I can lead the new generation of Eldians. But I can't do it alone. I need someone by my side... someone I completely trust, someone special to me... someone I love." Eren stepped back from her, his face covered in shock. Did she go too far?
She was being honest with her feelings. He stood up for her during the meeting with Hizuru. He understood her better than anyone else did, other than Ymir. He saved her once again from making a choice that would condemn her for the rest of her life. He reminded her of who she truly was... Historia, before she became Christa again. She couldn't bear the thought of losing him, of him abandoning her just like Ymir and Frieda. She wanted to be selfish one more time.
"You... love me?" He asked slowly, as if testing the waters. Historia smiles and steps closer.
"I do Eren. I really do." She answered softly. She sees Eren tearing up. She had never seen him this emotional since that day at the cave.
"Eren, be honest with your feelings. What do you really feel for me? What... am I to you?" She asked him one more time. She could handle the rejection, but she doesn't want him to die without ever knowing how she felt for him. She looked down at her feet, she couldn't face his eyes without crying.
A finger lifted up her chin and a soft kiss was placed on her lips. It was over as quickly as it happened. Historia stared at Eren in surprise, but her face brightened with joy. He was blushing but his eyes weren't focused hers. He was looking down with a soft frown.
"I... I feel the same. But I have no right to." He said softly. Historia's eyes widened.
"Why?" She asked. She panicked, her insecurities flaring. Was she not good enough? Was she being too forceful?
"I can't start a relationship. I want you to live freely and have a long life. I want to be a part of it... but I'm leaving you in less than 5 years. That's beyond selfish of me." He said shyly. Her hands went to cup his. Eren looked at her in shock.
"Eren. I don't want to die and I don't want to be the kind of mother who wishes her children had never been born. With whatever time we have left, let's not live with any regrets." Historia slowly stands up on her tip toes. Her right hand moved up to cup his cheek. She gave him a soft but sad smile. She leaned in closer to him. She whispered to him sweetly.
"Let's be selfish one more time."