Chapter 21

Disclaimer: I do not own Attack on Titan

Rated M for gore violence, language, and sexuality

Enjoy

Mitras, 850...

"Erwin Smith, do you have any last words?"

Erwin was forced to kneel before the Council and the king. Katya stood off to the side with guards on either side of her. She wondered why there were so many surrounding Erwin, as if they needed a dozen men to keep him down. One guard wrapped the ropes binding Erwin, but kept the single shackle on his wrist in place as it was linked to the shackles on his ankles. "When facing your enemy, you can't just guard with a shield," he began. "You need a spear to dispatch the threat. You disband the Scout Regiment...it would be akin to humanity tossing its spear aside."

The Councilors deepened their frowns, but Erwin did not let it deter him. "Suppose in this very moment, Wall Rose was breached. Once again, half of humanity would be forced to flee. This time to Wall Sina. But the earlier evacuation left us only with a few more days' worth of supplies at best. And when they run out, locals and refugees will be forced to fight for survival. Wall Rose and Wall Sina...all of humanity would split and civil war would quickly erupt. Even if the Walls are not breached again, Wall Rose is suffering from a perpetual shortage of food."

Now, the MPs were looking at him, processing his words. Commander Pyxis stood with his Garrison Section Commanders, remaining unfazed by it all. "It may not be titans that breach Wall Sina," Erwin continued. "It's entirely possible that the residents of Wall Rose will do it first. Wall Maria must be reclaimed. If humanity's to have any hope for the future, then that is the way."

"And you think such an undertaking requires the Scouts?" Aurille asked.

"Our duty as Scouts has ever been to charge forth at the enemy. Cowering in wait behind these walls will solve nothing," he answered. "That's my belief. Unless you have some sort of secret plan by which we might overcome this ordeal?"

Aurille cleared his throat. "Commander, it seems you misunderstand what this is. The reason we brought you here is not to discuss the future within the walls nor is it on account of something as simple as murder. Clause Six of the Charter of Humanity: one must never prioritize their own gain over humanity's survival. You've broken the most sacred of laws."

"Indeed," Gerald agreed. "You have refused to hand over Eren Jaeger time and time again. And through this selfish action, have violated our charter."

"But Eren is vital for the reclamation of Wall Maria."

"That is not for the Scouts to determine!" Gerald snapped.

"Eren Jaeger is a titan whose abilities are far from understood," Deltoff added. "To shelter him within our walls is to put all of humanity at risk. And the very idea of allowing a single Commander to have control over him is absurd!"

"As shown by the way you maliciously scheme against the state," Aurille pointed out. "Not only did you feign his abduction in order to conceal his whereabouts, you also had your wife personally murder Dimo Reeves when he learned too much. This amounts to treason."

"It's not a stretch to describe you as a threat to humanity." Roderich, the priest, turned his glare to Katya. "Why else would one marry a cold-blooded killer?"

Erwin said nothing.

"Commander Pyxis," Gerald called. "The Garrison and Scout Regiments frequently risk their lives side-by-side on the front lines. How are we to know you aren't working together now?"

"I am deeply disturbed to hear you believe we would align ourselves with the Scout Regiment," Pyxis said, holding his head high. "There's nothing more senseless than humans killing each other. In this cramped bit of world that's been left to us, it would take but a single spark to engulf all. Just before the battle to retake Trost began, I said as much to the men I lead and then sent hundreds to their deaths. If the Scout Regiment is that fatal spark, then it should be smothered at once."

Nile widened his eyes in surprise, turning his had to stare at Pyxis. "Think about it," Pyxis continued. "What if the titans did manage to break through the walls only to find next to no one inside it? The poor monsters might have to go hungry."

Gerald let out a laugh then quickly silenced himself. He recomposed himself. "Very well then. Let's begin deliberations."

Aurille stood up and turned towards the king. "Your Majesty...with your permission."

As the nobles conferred, Nile was growing more and more nervous. He glanced down at Erwin who seemed to be waiting patiently, then at Pyxis who seemed indifferent. What confused him further was that Katya was as calm as ever, not a hint of worry or fear on her face. The hell? What is going on?

After a few moments, the nobles sat back down save for Aurille. He bowed to the king then turned to face Erwin. "Now then...in king's name, I'll announce your final judgement. Commander Erwin Smith, you have been guilty of violating Clause Six of the Charter of Humanity. Your sentence is death. Your execution will be carried out at once. Take him."

Nile felt the world slow down. One of the guard bent down to help Erwin to his feet. Is this how you wanted it to end?! What about your dream? Nile feared Katya's reaction, but she remained still. In fact, she was still calm. What? But-! Nile whipped his gaze back to Erwin. He was smiling. Huh?

Suddenly, the doors were thrown open. Anka Rhineberger entered the throne room with a look of absolute dread. She saluted. "Wall Rose has fallen! The gates have been breached!"

Collective gasps filled the room. "It was just like Wall Maria. The Armored and Colossal Titan appeared out of thin air and broke through both gates in Calaneth District," Anka reported as more Garrison soldiers arrived. "Currently, countless refugees are flooding this way from the east."

Aurille began to shake from his shock. In fact, none of the nobles could move. But, Pyxis did not hesitate. "Secure an evacuation route! Order all available Garrison troops to make for the eastern front and defend the people. We must get those evacuees into Wall Sina. Hurry and go! Saving the people is our highest priority."

His soldiers saluted. "Sir!"

"No, wait!" Aurille blurted. "I want every last gate to Wall Sina closed off! Not a single refugee will be allowed inside this wall."

Nile frowned in disbelief. "But...all those people. Everyone in Wall Rose will die. You're commanding us to stand by while half of humanity gets devoured?"

"Like Erwin said, if we let them, we'll end up in a civil war," he reminded. "The rule of law must be protected above all. The government mustn't fail!"

"We can't be sure. That's only a possibility. There's no guarantee that-"

"It's enough that the possibility exists! Our authority is and must always be absolute. Now, follow your orders!"

Pyxis growled ever so slightly and shot Anka a knowing look. She nodded and ran off out of the room. The nobles gathered in a tight circle, whispering amongst themselves. One of the MP Officers turned to his men. "What're you waiting for? We have our orders!"

"Hold on," Nile ordered.

"The refugees are coming now!"

Nile gritted his teeth. What should I do? What should I do?!

Aurille noticed the MPs were still present. "What's taking so long?! Go do your duty! Ignoring my orders is an act of treason!"

Nile squeezed his eyes shut, clenching his fists. "Then I guess I'm a traitor."

"Say what?!"

"I can't," Nile said firmly. "I am a citizen of Wall Rose. I refuse to shut the gates on those people!"

"You dare to defy-"

"I stand with him."

The soldiers whirled around. Dhalis Zachary entered the throne room with over 20 of his personal guard, all of them wielding rifles. Aurille blinked, unable to believe the sight before him. "Premier Zachary?"

"Did you find the way they acted surprising or was it expected?" Pyxis asked.

Zachary pushed his glasses up. "Surprising? Not a bit."

"Premier Zachary, what's the meaning of this?" Gerald demanded.

"That report you all heard was fabricated. There's no cause for alarm. As of this moment, there have been no reports of any titan attack," he informed.

"Bastards! This was all a farce?" Aurille asked.

"It wasn't his plan. It was mine." Pyxis walked towards Erwin and Nile. "It would appear that most of the Interior Police are off rounding up Scouts somewhere which worked out nicely for me."

"What're you saying?"

"When you asked me, I declared to you in earnest that the Garrison Regiment is not align with the Survey Corps, but I forgot to mention something else." Pyxis stood proudly between his fellow Commanders and the nobles. "We're not align with your assembly either. That's right. Although I agree with Erwin on several points, I was still willing to put my trust in your government so long as you could prove yourselves the better choice for humanity. Because you have knowledge that we don't...about the titans and the walls."

Aurille took a step back as Pyxis took a step forward. "Had you shown you actually gave a damn about protecting the people you govern, I would have stood by and watched as you sent Erwin to the gallows." Katya flinched at his words. "In fact, depending on the choice you made, all of us were prepared to forfeit our lives. However, you made it clear that our suspicions were correct. It's true we soldiers know next to nothing about the titans and their powers, but I dare say that despite this fact, humanity is safer in our hands."

"What? Don't be such a fool! Just what do you expect to accomplish by threatening us? You failed! The people will never obey!" Aurille took two steps forward, his confidence surging. "The monarchy has ruled for over a hundred years. You would never gain the support of the nobles."

"It would appear you've misunderstood what this is." Pyxis narrowed his eyes. "This is far more than a threat. It's a coup."

Anka jogged back into the room, squeezing her way up to Zachary. "The Interior Police have been subdued. The capital is secured, sir."

"Well done." Zachary turned back to the nobles. "To be a soldier can sometimes mean obeying your Commander over your king."

"And that's especially true when the king's a pretender," Katya added, surprising the soldiers.

Aurille glanced back and forth between each of them. "This is real? You plan to...don't think for one second this coup has a sliver of legitimacy!"

"Given the scenario you were presented with," Erwin interjected. "Your choice to close Sina's gates broke Clause Six of the Charter of Humanity. Furthermore, you installed a puppet king to seize the reins of power for yourselves. This crime is known as treason!"

Aurille threw his hands into the air. "Shit!" He marched over to the throne and kicked it. "Wake up!"

The old man snapped awake. "What? Is it dinner time?"

"Oh, shut your mouth, you stupid old-"

The soldiers of Zachary worked quickly. The puppet king did not resist as the soldiers arrested him, but the nobles begged and pleaded. Aurille was taken away kicking and screaming while the other nobles were separated and arrested at gunpoint. An MP unlocked Katya's shackles, and she thanked him as she rubbed her wrists. She marched over to Erwin who was freed from his bonds as well. Katya threw her arms around him.

He welcomed her hug, relieved to be able to do so. To hold her again. Nile sighed. "Well, Erwin, you managed to pull it off."

"While managing to nearly give me a heart attack," Katya noted as she unwrapped her arms.

Nile smiled, but it fell once he saw the look on Erwin's face. "Wait, why aren't you happy about this?"

"I'm thinking," he confessed. "Humanity's on a new path. One far more dangerous than the last."

Outside Stohess, several hours later...

The kids surrounded Levi, all trying to read the document in his hands. "And there you have it, the coup was successful," Hange explained. "Premier Zachary now has full control over the capital and government. For the time being at least, the nobles seem to be staying in line."

Armin popped his head up. "Okay, but what about the incident with Mr. Reeves?"

"We got a full confession out of one of the Interior Police," she revealed. "Flegel really came through for us. It's all written there. The abuse of power, the bogus charges against the Scouts, and that King Fritz was both a puppet and a fraud. It's clear we only acted in self-defense. In short, we're no longer criminals."

The kids exchanged glances and then erupted into cheers of relief and excitement. Sasha jumped and grabbed onto Mikasa, nearly knocking her over. Jean dropped to his knees, thanking god while Conny kicked about. The adults watched them, their cheers were loud enough to satisfy their own desires to cry out in relief. Raisa suddenly let out a panicked gasp, startling Levi and Hange. Levi grabbed Raisa's arm to keep her from falling over. "You alright?"

"I am, now," she said, thankful for his support. "I've been holding in all this frustration over the Scouts being labeled as rebels then traitors, all of us almost dying...and it's only been three fucking weeks!"

"Three weeks?" Hange echoed.

"Since the failed expedition when Annie first attacked." She took a deep, somewhat calming breathing. "Thank goodness Erwin's gamble paid off."

"It wasn't just him. Many people had to make a lot of hard choices for this to work," Hange pointed out.

Levi folded up the newspaper. "Whereas my choices got your people killed. I never apologized to you, Raisa. I'm sorry. And Hange, I'm sorry, too. Nifa was...she was a good MO."

Hange smiled sadly. Raisa grabbed his arm affectionately. "They didn't die in vain. This was a big win for them, but the fight's not over yet. Eren and the girls are still missing."

"I think I can help with that." Hange held up a book.

Mitras...

Katya hugged Erwin once more after he exited the platform that had been built as a gallows. He welcomed her embrace. He desperately needed her warmth and love. She pulled away and smiled up at him. "I'm going to head back east to fetch the kids. They'll be relieved to come home. To see you."

He smiled. "Sounds like a wonderful idea. I miss them."

Katya reached up and ran her fingers through his hair, combing it to the side the way he liked. "And they miss you. I promise I won't take long. It kills me to leave you at all."

"Forgive the interruption," Pyxis announced. "I'm terribly sorry about this, Mrs. Smith. I know you want nothing more than to see and hold your children, but if you wouldn't mind staying a little longer. To assist in interrogating the nobles."

Katya batted her eyelashes as innocently as she could despite her disheveled appearance. "Interrogate the nobles? Why would you want my help with that?"

"No need to be coy. We are all well aware of your...skill-set." He briefly glanced at Erwin. "I'm afraid there's not a lot of time, too many nobles, and Premier Zachary isn't particularly interested in answers. Especially since your sister, Section Commander Raisa, isn't here."

Katya turned to Erwin. She only ever used her skill-set for his benefit. Whatever he needed done. Erwin nodded. "Go. He's right. We need answers."

She sighed and relented. But, before she could follow after Pyxis, Erwin held onto her hand. "Katya," he said softly. "Thank you...for staying by my side. For trusting me."

Katya gave him a loving smile. She said nothing as she kissed his hand, her nose brushing against his knuckles. With that, she slipped her own hand free and followed Pyxis back inside.

Northern Lands of Wall Sina...

"Hange, you said you might know where they are?" Mikasa asked.

"Oh, yeah. Guess I should explain how." Hange was sitting in the wagon with Mikasa, Raisa, and Levi while Armin sat in the driver's bench with Moblit. The others were riding on their own horses, keeping a steady pace. "Erwin gave me the background report his wife did into the Reiss family and estate. There's part in here detailing a certain incident that occurred five years ago."

"Five years?" Armin asked.

"Yes, the day Wall Maria was breached." Hange opened the book, flipping to the report she spoke of. "So, as far as regional lords went, Lord Reiss was fair and respected by the people. He had five children. The most well-known of them was his eldest daughter, Frieda. She was a down-to-Earth girl whom even the peasants adored. But then disaster struck...five years, in the chaos following the fall of Wall Maria, bandits raided and set fire to the only chapel around. Unfortunately for them, the entire Reiss family had gathered there to pray. The family was massacred by the bandits save one."

"Rod Reiss was the only survivor?" Raisa asked, raising a brow.

"Yes. Not to mention, the very next day, Lord Reiss had Historia officially legitimized as his trueborn heir," Hange continued. "Also, the same day the legitimization paperwork went through...a warrant was put out for Cassandra. To be captured alive at all costs. She was found by the Interior MPs in Trost. Rod loses his entire family in a tragic accident, and he immediately seeks out his illegitimate daughters?"

"They're both of royal blood," Levi pointed out. "Unless you think there's some other purpose?"

"It's possible. What stood out to me was that large parts of the chapel were destroyed." Hange flipped a few more pages. "It was built from stone...not something easily destroyed by fire. Most bandits are only interested in taking what they need and getting out as quickly as possible. Lord Reiss was the only reported witness. No one else. Then, he rebuilt the chapel almost immediately."

Everyone exchanged glances with each other. "When you think about it, the story only makes sense if it involved a titan attack," she theorized. "Maybe I'm jumping to conclusions, but it's the only lead we have."

"Well, no doubt Lord Reiss' land will be crawling with our soldiers before the night is over," Raisa said. "But there's no way he's just going to sit by and wait for us."

"Right," Hange agreed. "We have to get there as soon as possible...before Eren ends up in someone's stomach."

Underground Chapel, Reiss Estate, two days ago...

Cassandra was in a permanent state of confusion and resentment. She sat against a column of glowing stone, her wrists and ankles still shackled. Interior MPs were carrying a tranquilized Eren to a clearing up ahead. Thoughts of escape were constantly running through her mind, but her major concern was Historia and Eren. Historia was the only one not restrained. She stood by their father's side. Cassandra didn't feel jealous, just angry. Interior MPs were milling about, prepping provisions and supplies. Does this mean they feel cornered? Maybe everyone's on their way to rescue us...? Again.

Historia walked over to help Cassandra up. "I know you're angry, but you need to stay calm."

"You realize that's essentially impossible at this point," she seethed. "Eren's knocked out, and I'm still tied up."

"You're only tied up because you keep glaring at everyone like you're gonna rip their throats out," Historia pointed out. She leaned in to whisper. "I'm trying to convince Father to let you go. He says he will so long as you remain calm."

Cassandra fumed. "If you tell me to stay calm one more time, I swear I'm going to-"

"-going to...what?"

Cassandra froze. That voice. She knew that voice. It haunted her dreams. Her scar throbbed as the voice's footsteps approached. Historia glared up at the man, but Cassandra couldn't look at him. Her fear forcing her to shrink away. Kenny Ackerman approached with a smirk on his face. "Man, neither one of you pipsqueaks grew much over the years. I'm surrounded by mice."

He attempted to casual place his hand on Cassandra's shoulder, but she recoiled. "Don't touch me!"

"Easy there. No need to get all hysterical-"

"Stay away from me," she warned, taking a step back. "I never asked to be a part of whatever this is! I'm not joining some weird religious Wall cult. This place is weird, and...?"

Kenny started laughing. "Oh, man...this is like deja vu. You're just as spirited as your mama. You know, Jess went to great lengths to keep you so well hidden from us, and all she had to do was kill you. Would've solved a lot of her problems."

"How is that my fault?" she growled.

"Tell me, little mouse, did Jess tell you to kill yourself if we ever caught you?"

Cassandra furred her eyebrows, her angry bravado crumbling in an instant. Kenny's smile widened upon seeing her shock. "I knew it. Jess was always a coward."

"Leave her be." Rod approached. He was carrying a satchel. "You should check on your squad. It's very important we're not interrupted."

Kenny glared down at Rod who seemed unfazed by the infamous killer. Kenny made a tsk sound and turned away. "Fine. As you wish, your grace."

Once he was out of earshot, Rod turned to Cassandra. "I'm sorry for his behavior. I understand how his presence must make you feel. And your mother...I never got the chance to properly console you for how she raised you. No parent should ever abuse their child."

Cassandra narrowed her eyes as she frowned dubiously. "If things had been different," he continued, "perhaps...you would've been able to grow up alongside Historia on the farm."

"What good are your apologies, now?" she snapped, surprising him. "You think it'll make up for the shitty childhoods? Historia might buy it, but I won't! Did you pick her as your heir because my mother ran away from you instead of hers?!"

Rod raised an eyebrow. "You think I'm your father?"

"Aren't you?!"

"No, I'm not," he said calmly. "I'm your uncle."

Historia gasped softly. Uncle? This whole time I thought...we thought we were sisters. Cassandra was struggling to process his revelation. Never ask about your father again, she remembered her mother said once. Never! "Your father's name was Uri Reiss. He was my younger brother." Rod stepped forward and placed his hands on Cassandra's shoulders. "Look at me, child."

Cassandra slowly raised her head, her eyes watery with confusion. "I will tell you about him. Everything you want to know," he promised. "But, you must do as I say. I'll untie you and you can stand beside Historia to protect her during the ritual."

"What...ritual?"

Rod lowered his hands to the shackles on her wrist. He pulled out a key from his pocket. "I'll explain that in due time. First, I need to tell you something."

He tossed the wrist shackles aside, and they clattered loudly against the stone floor. Rod knelt down to unlock the ones on her ankles. "For generations, the Ackerman Clan has served the royal family. The Crown's Sword...that's what they were called."

He tossed the ankle shackles over near the other, and stood up as Cassandra rubbed her wrists. "But...a hundred years ago, the Ackerman family abandoned their duty. They disobeyed the orders of our ancestor, King Karl Fritz...and for their betrayal, they were hunted down and executed. Many scattered to the wind and lived in hiding. They were once a strong, large clan...now, there's only a few of them left."

Cassandra thought about Mikasa and Captain Levi. "Oh...kay, but what does this-"

"Typically, those that tried to reach out to us...make amends or beg for clemency...were put down without a second thought. Except for one. Your mother, Jessamine Ackerman."

"What?" she breathed. "My mother was a...a..."

"Yes, she was an Ackerman. A first cousin-once-removed to Kenny, I believe," he explained. "Your mother was very beautiful...with a lovely voice. She would often circle the Interior, singing for the nobles and rich merchants at various clubs and saloons. My brother fell in love with her, and because of that, she was spared the fate of her family."

Cassandra's gaze darkened. "Is this part where you tell me she was my father's whore?"

"Unfortunately," he confirmed with a nod. "You see, the royal bloodline has been carefully monitored. My wife was chosen for me by the Royal Council. Uri loved Jessamine. Loved her so much that he wanted to marry her, but the Council would not sanction the union. They agreed that so long as Jessamine remained faithful and obedient, she could be his mistress."

Cassandra lowered her gaze. So I am illegitimate. Was it because of me that mom ran away? Did he not want me? Did he get tired of her?

"If you're wondering if you were the cause of their separation, I assure you...you're not." Cassandra blinked in surprise. "Not long after your parents got together, Kenny was employed into Uri's service. He and Jessamine never quite...got along. I think for Uri's sake, they maintained civility, but...a few months after you were born, Kenny murdered Jessamine's brother. While she demanded retribution by right, Uri would not grant it. Therefore-"

"Wait," Cassandra interjected. "You said...a few months after I was born, they...my father knew about me?"

Rod raised his eyebrows in mild surprise. "Yes. Your mother fled when you were barely a year old. She didn't tell you?"

Cassandra shook her head. "She said...she said she gave birth to me alone and almost left me in the woods to die."

Rod sighed. "I'm sorry. Uri knew about you. He wanted you, and was perfectly willing to defy the Council in order to insure your survival. But by running away, your mother broke the agreement."

"Why didn't...why didn't he ever look for me?"

"He did. For years, he sent the MPs after her to retrieve you. But he became sick, and died eight years ago." Rod gently grabbed her face, forcing her to look at him. "Listen to me...just like Historia, the blood of the King flows through your veins...but so does the blood of the Sword. As the Crown's Sword, you are duty-bound to protect Historia. She will have to carry the fate of this entire world on her shoulders, and many will try to take that power from her. You have to protect her, defend her, serve her...can you do this? Will you do this? Protect Historia for her enemies? Will you live and die for her?"

Cassandra studied his seriousness. He was desperate, that much she could tell. Protect Historia. Cassandra felt an odd sensation as if something ancient was stirring in her bones. Like, a soft hum. She set aside her fear, her confusion. "Yes," she said. "I will protect Historia."

Mitras, present...

Katya took a deep breath and wiped the sweat off her forehead with the back of her hand. Her fingers were coated in blood. She had changed out of the dress she had been wearing for the last couple days' now wearing pants and a button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up. The dungeons were usually cold and damp, but at the moment, she felt hot. "I could use a break. How about you?"

Gerald said nothing. He was sitting against the wall, hunched over and motionless. Katya turned to the table beside her and used a rag to clean her hands. "Your cooperation is much appreciated, sir. I'll be right back."

With that, she went to the door and knocked. A Garrison soldier opened it to let her out. Muffled, angry screams echoed down the hall. Katya went to the last door on the left and another Garrison soldier let her in. Inside, Premier Zachary was cackling with delight as he was stuffing a tube down Aurille's throat. Aurille was strapped upside to a torture chair of Zachary's own creation. Katya watched them with indifference. Aurille had noticed her, but gave her no look of mercy. Zachary finally stopped. "Oh, are you done with yours already?"

"I think I've gotten all of the necessary information."

He harrumphed. "This one is stubborn, but...one way or another, I'll get the truth out of him."

"I could speed things along for you."

"No. I'm having too much fun." He motioned to resume the torture, but stopped when he noticed the look on her face. "Hypocrisy ruins your beauty, my dear. It takes one to know one as they say."

Katya said nothing. She simply turned on her heels and left the room, trying to ignore the muffled screams as Zachary resumed. There were buckets of clean water by the dungeon entrance. She knelt down in front of one to rinse the remaining blood off her hands. Zachary's taunts were replaying in her head. It takes one to know one. She thought about her own interrogation of Gerald. How easy it was. How she smiled at his horror...the same way he had smiled at hers. Katya splashed the water in anger. Goddamn it. She rubbed her forehead, feeling a dull ache. I can't be like this. I can't...like it...not anymore.

"Mrs. Smith?" Katya raised her head. Anka was standing in the doorway. "Were you able to uncover any information?"

She nodded. Anka instructed Katya to follow up to the main courtyard. The Scouts that had been freed were preparing to ride out. Erwin was standing with Pyxis in the center, relaying orders to their respective soldiers. They stopped once Anka caught their attention. "Ah, I take it the interrogations went well?" Pyxis asked.

Katya took a deep breath and nodded. "It was a rough start, but yes. And it's very bad. The Reiss family has the power to alter the people's memories as it suits them," she revealed, surprising both men. "Aside from certain bloodlines that are immune, this power can affect everyone everywhere."

"Everyone?" Erwin found it almost impossible to believe. "So then, they could still..."

"If Lord Reiss obtains Eren's power, all of this...everything would've amounted to nothing," she confirmed. Katya picked at her nails, noticing the blood had stained her nails. "Honestly, Gerald and Aurille were the only ones who put up any sort of resistance. The others spoke willingly. They probably think it's not worth fighting against us."

"Right," Erwin agreed. "Because if Lord Reiss succeeds, we'll forget everything."

Katya folded her arms under her chest. "Although, its fair to say they'd prefer my interrogation methods over what would await them if they were handed over to Premier Zachary."

Pyxis hummed in disapproval. "I don't understand him. To think he'd dedicate his life to such a morbid goal."

Erwin blinked in surprise. "You knew what he was planning?"

"It was a slip of the tongue," he said. "I suspected. At the very least, I knew his motivations were perverse. And unlike you, I'm none too fond of gambling. Also unlike you, I'm willing to die if it means protecting what's left of humanity."

"You say that and yet you were the one to ask me to interrogate the nobles," Katya scolded. "Unfortunately, we have to make do with a monster as our ally."

Pyxis sighed. "I once heard in a song once that someday humans would stop fighting. When will that be?"

Katya raised a brow in curiosity and looked to Erwin. Before he could speak, Peer came running up. "Commander! The wagons are ready, sir. Troops are standing by. We await your command."

Erwin nodded then turned back to Pyxis. "Peace between men will never be certain. Not until our numbers fall to one or less."

Pyxis chuckled, a deep, hearty sound. "Shit. And here I was hoping you had something optimistic to say."

"Did you get all the information out of the nobles? Everything?" he asked Katya.

"I believe so, but I can keep digging if need be."

Erwin studied her demeanor. Despite the dim lighting of the lanterns, she looked pale. Drained, almost. "No, you should rest. I'm going to take my regiment to the chapel on the Reiss land. We're going to recover Eren and the girls, and put a stop to Lord Reiss' plans."

Underground Chapel, Reiss Estate...

Eren struggled against the chains around his wrists. He could hardly move. His arms stretched out, a metal gag in his mouth, and he was forced to kneel. Chains were strapped around his waist, keeping him down. He had absolutely no idea where he was, or how he ended up like this. And he was cold. He wasn't wearing a shirt or shoes. Plus, his hands were tightly bandaged. What the fuck is going on?!

Footsteps grabbed his attention. He realized he was on a platform with stairs descending down on either side of him. Below, Historia and Cassandra were staring up at him. Historia was dressed in white robes as was Cassandra, but Cassandra held an ancient-looking sword. "Oh, you're awake," Historia noted. "I'm glad. You're gonna be okay. We're okay. Just...stay calm."

They don't seem to be hurt. Eren relaxed a little. "Eren, my father's always been humanity's ally," Historia began. "His only goal is to keep the people within the walls safe. It's clear to me now that we misunderstood him. He didn't deny anything. It's true he went after the Scouts, and his people did kill Pastor Nick. But, he did that because he had no choice. Everything he's done, he did for the sake of humanity."

"Thank you, Historia," came Rod's voice as he entered the clearing. "Please, let me explain the rest. Come."

He grabbed her hand and motioned towards the stairs on the right. Cassandra stopped them, however. "Wait. Is it safe?"

Rod glanced up Eren, realizing her cause for concern. "There's nothing to fear. He couldn't transform even if he wanted to. Besides, he needs to know the truth."

He stepped around her, leading Historia up the stairs. Cassandra watched them carefully. Eren glanced around. His confusion had lessened, he recognized the cavern. Have I...been here before? This all seems so familiar. Rod noticed Eren's expression. "If you're wondering, no, you haven't been here before. Although, you make recognize it nonetheless."

Eren frowned at him. What's that supposed to mean?

Rod and Historia reached the top of the stairs and walked up behind Eren. He raised his hand, hovering over Eren's bare back. "Um, what're you doing?" Historia asked.

"An experiment, if you will." He grabbed her hand, motioning her to follow his lead. "This might make him remember without us having to say a word."

Historia obliged and together, they placed their hands onto Eren's back. Eren shivered as if a surge of lightning ran through him. Cassandra raised her eyebrows at the strange look on his face. What is that look...? Clarity? Rod and Historia removed their hands. "Well?" he asked Eren. "Do you remember? Have you learned of your father's sin?"

End of Chapter 21