Chapter 23

Disclaimer: I do not own Attack on Titan

Rated M for gore violence, language, and sexuality

Enjoy

Underground Chapel, Reiss Estate, 850...

"Eren! Can you hear me?" Mikasa demanded. "Wake up!"

Mikasa slammed the blunt end of her handle against the hard, crystallized titan skin. It cracked, opening up to reveal Eren inside. Jean gasped in relief and helped Mikasa pull him out. They brought him down amongst everyone else. Historia was shielding Cassandra who was being bandaged by Raisa. Mikasa and Jean set Eren down and leaned him against a rock. It didn't take him too long to regain consciousness. Raisa finished with Cassandra and she shimmed her dress back down.

"Not too shabby, Eren," Levi noted. He admired the intricate web of hardened titan stone sprouting around Eren's titan body. "Even after we cut you from it, everything's still here. This could be a game changer."

Eren blinked, recalling the little bottle. "I almost forgot. Before I transformed, I drank from a bottle that said 'armor'."

Raisa tilted her head in curiosity, thinking out loud. "And that's all it took for you to be able to harden? Should've tried it before the experiments."

"He saved our lives," Levi continued. "You came up with everything and built this in a blink of an eye. It's not exactly pretty, but I can see its potential."

"Probably how the walls were made," Raisa added with a shrug. She knelt down beside Eren. "Do you know what this means? We finally have a real shot at plugging the hole in Wall Maria."

Eren gasped in realization. "Levi's right. This is a game changer," she continued. "We had hell of a time getting to this point, but now...look at the possibilities."

"Commander!" Sasha called as she lowered herself down from an opening in the ceiling. "We've secured an exit!"

"Hange's fine!" Conny added. "Armin and Moblit, too!"

Raisa sighed in relief. "Good. Glad to hear it."

Once they reached the ground, they rushed over. "Eren, you okay?" Conny asked.

Sasha dropped to her knees and slid along the dirt right up to Eren. She latched onto his shoulders and began shaking him. "We're all safe thanks to you! To be completely honest, when I saw you run off into the light stumbling like a drunk and wailing like a baby, I thought we were screwed! You looked like an idiot! It was awful!"

"Sasha, calm down!" Conny shook her to make her stop.

She let go of him and sat back, assuring everyone she was calm. Eren rubbed his head, feeling a little dizzy from all the shaking. Levi turned to Raisa. "We need to move. We have a big-ass titan to catch."

Above ground...

Erwin watched as the Scouts milled about around the giant titan. The trees surrounding it instantly burst into flames. It didn't seem to have the strength to stand upright. It crawled along the ground, dragging it's face and torso. And, it was obvious to him which direction the titan was headed. Peer rode up to report to Erwin. "Commander, we can't seem to distract it. It's an abnormal. It doesn't care about us."

"That's all right. Fall back," he ordered. "We know what direction it's going. That tells us enough to make a plan."

"We found Levi Squad!" Harold announced, riding towards them. "They're nearby! And they have Eren and the Reiss girls."

Erwin blinked in surprise. He ordered Harold to lead the way. Harold brought Erwin and his squad to them. Levi and Moblit were gently setting Hange down. While Sasha, Jean, Conny, and Mikasa mounted their horses, Eren, Historia, and Cassandra climbed into the wagon with Hange. Raisa glanced up from re-bandaging Hange's shoulder. "Hey, Erwin."

"Anyone hurt?" he asked, pulling his horse to stand beside the wagon.

"Two of us," she answered. "Though Cassandra's wounds aren't as severe as Hange's."

"I got...I got shot," Hange said. Her head was aching from the pain.

"She'll live," Raisa assured.

"Good. You've done excellent work, all of you."

"I got a whole slew of things to report, but first..." Raisa pointed to the giant titan.

Erwin glanced back at it. "Any intel on that titan?"

"It's Rod Reiss," Levi said bluntly, earning many surprised gasps. "Look forward to hearing your thoughts on this, Commander."

Erwin thought for a moment. The possible paths and directions of various plans were running through his head. He glanced at Eren and the girls before making a decision. "Time's short. We can't afford to stand here and chat. Head back to the wall."

"You're gonna let that thing drag it's fat ass all the way to Sina?" Levi asked.

"Well...more specifically, I'm letting it continue towards Orvud district."

With that, Erwin gave the order to roll out. Moblit and Armin stepped into the driver's seat while Levi took the extra horse. Eren sat in-between Historia and Cassandra while Raisa sat beside Hange, keeping pressure on her wound. The ride towards Orvud wasn't smooth. Each jostle shook Hange and she swatted at Raisa to stop. "Damn it. You're making it worse."

"I'm trying to stop the bleeding so that you don't die," she countered.

"Ugh. Forget that, I need to think." Hange rubbed her forehead, annoyed that her vision was incredibly blurry. She turned to look at Eren and the girls. "Okay, so we know Lord Reiss was after the founding titan's power which currently resides within Eren. Except, only those with royal blood can use that power to it's full potential. But...when a royal does obtain that power, they're possessed by the King Karl's ideology?"

"I think Rod said it's what King Karl wanted in terms of peace," Cassandra added.

"Seriously? I'm gonna disagree with that...and I bet I'm not the only one."

"You know, we still have the option to go back," Eren interjected, slumping his shoulders. "We just need that titan to eat me and Reiss will become a human again. We'd be able to actually use that power."

"Wait, what?" Mikasa gasped.

"It's worth considering." Eren shrugged, ignoring Mikasa's panicked stare. "Once he turns back in a human, you could capture him...maybe undo the first king's brainwashing."

Levi raised an eyebrow. "Assuming that it can be done, tell me, Eren...if that turns out to be humanity's best bet, are you willing to do it?"

Eren turned to face him. "Yes, I am."

Cassandra let out an angry roar, throwing her hands up in frustration. "Are you kidding me, you suicidal maniac?! I did not take a sword in the back only for you to throw yourself into death's jaws."

"That isn't why you took a sword in the back," he argued. "And it wasn't for me! You were trying to protect Historia-!"

"You're such a fucking idiot."

"I'm trying to do the right thing-"

"-being eaten alive is one thing, but this really takes the cake on the list of historically idiotic things anyone's ever done."

"You're not even listening to me!"

"It's a bad idea, Eren!" She shoved him. It wasn't hard, but it was enough to surprise him. "And do you really think Mikasa is just gonna let you kill yourself?"

"That's not what this is about-"

"I said it once and I'll say it again, you're a fucking idiot!"

"She's right," Historia said.

Everyone whipped around to stare at her in shock. She shifted to face Eren. "The idea of feeding you to my father? It's not a flawless plan. For one thing, we have no idea if we'll be able to free my father from the first king's will. Besides, if he alters everyone's memories, we're finished. We don't have enough information...there's so much we don't know about this power. It just isn't worth the risk."

Cassandra gestured a 'thank you' to emphasize Historia's support. "Yeah, they're both right," Armin said. "We've never actually seen the ritual. Everything is just a hypothesis."

Historia nodded, feeling confidence flow through her. "We've only been led by destructive pacifists. We need to give humanity the chance to escape from them. Eren, your father wasn't evil. He was trying to save us from the first king."

"He killed your sister," Eren pointed out. "He murdered Rod's wife and children."

"Because he had no other choice."

Eren blinked. He didn't know what to think. Armin turned around in his seat. "They're both right. The Doctor Jaeger I knew would only have done something like that if he felt like he had to."

Mikasa nodded, feeling hopeful at Armin's arguement. "He must've known of another way save humanity without Reiss blood. And that must've been why he left you the key to the cellar."

"What? Your cellar? Oh, right...I'd forgotten all about that," Sasha confessed. "It's actually important now?"

"It's always been important," Jean spat. "But what matters most is that we have a solid way to plug Wall Maria like the Commander said earlier."

"That's actually a fairly convincing argument," Levi noted.

"For what it's worth, I think Eren is our best option," Hange said, having succumbed to Raisa's first aid. "But...are you sure about this, Historia? That titan's a major threat. Capturing it isn't an option which means...we'll have to kill your father."

Historia lowered her gaze at that revelation. She thought about how she felt when Rod embraced her, when he called her "daughter", when he said she was special...I won't let you murder me...you're a selfish bitch and you know it...Historia glanced at Cassandra then turned to Eren. "I'm sorry."

"Why?"

"Back in the underground chapel...I really considered turning into a titan...and eating you," she confessed. "I wanted...I wanted my father to like me, to love me...because I thought he could fulfill that familial bond I've been craving so much. But I already have that...Cassandra is my family, and I will do whatever is necessary."

Garrison Headquarters, Orvud District, Wall Sina...

The Scouts had brought the horses directly to the Garrison headquarters. Eren was helping Historia out of the wagon while Levi was easing the tired horses. Moblit had disappeared inside with Hange and Raisa. Cassandra finally felt fatigue catch up with her. Why do I always feel so tired? She couldn't recall the last time she slept soundly. Even her time at the safehouse was restless. That was just a few days ago...but it feels like months.

Harold came jogging from inside, hurrying over to Levi. "Sir, they're almost ready to begin the meeting."

"Good."

"Um...there's something else. Commander Erwin wanted your report before we proceed with the plan to crown Historia as the new queen."

All of the teenagers froze. They exchanged confused glances as Historia took a second to process Harold's words. "I'm sorry, what?"

Harold leaned in to whisper to Levi. "You didn't tell them, sir?"

"I forgot." He turned to Historia. "Once we take care of that titan, we'll proceed with the plan to crown Historia as the new queen."

"Wait, Queen Historia?" Sasha gasped. "That's insane."

"The coup was successful, but the people won't follow military rule forever," Levi continued. "We need to give them a heartwarming story. One where the rightful heir retakes her crown from the pretender."

"But..." Historia could barely string her thoughts together. "What about...what about Cassandra? She's...older."

"But not the next in line for the throne," he revealed. "Cassandra is indeed older...but you've been legitimized as Rod Reiss' heir by royal decree."

This shocked her even more. "He made me...his heir?"

Cassandra's eyes widened in realization. "Historia is legitimate, now...that means she's a true Reiss the people can back. A royal decree like that requires more than just the king's approval, but of the Royal Council as well."

"Yes. They signed off on it. It's a legal document that still exists."

Historia felt her knees beginning to shake. Everyone around kept talking like her being queen was a for-sure thing. Like it was something she would just accept. Even Cassandra. The very notion of being queen was insane. All that confidence she was building earlier, the determination...it was all fading away. "N...No...I can't..."

Her voice was quiet, barely a whisper. But Levi heard her. "Yeah," he said, walking towards her. "If someone walked up to me and told me to become the ruler of the world...even I gotta admit I wouldn't be able to look them dead in the eye and say yes."

He stopped a foot away, looming over her. "But it doesn't matter. Do it. Take your place as queen."

She couldn't meet his gaze. "I...I'm not...I can't. Cassandra would be...better. I'm just a..."

"So, no?"

Historia didn't answer.

"Fine." He grabbed her by her collar and lifted her up, causing her to cry out in surprise. "Then run."

"Captain Levi, wait!" Cassandra grabbed his arm. "Stop it!"

He jabbed his elbow out, shoving her away. He shook Historia, ignoring her attempts to claw herself free. "If you're not gonna do this, then you need to run. As far away as you, as fast as you can. Because we will do everything in our power to make sure you end up on the throne. Maybe Cassandra would be a better fit, but you're the only fucking legitimate option we've got."

Cassandra had gotten back to her feet and resumed trying to yank his hold on Historia. "Captain, stop! Please! Let go!"

Levi suddenly released her. Historia dropped to the ground, rubbing her neck and coughing as air came rushing back into her lungs. Cassandra knelt down beside her. She wrapped an arm protectively around Historia as she tried to see her face. "Are you okay?"

Historia couldn't answer, only wheeze as she struggled to breathe. "You need to decide," Levi continued. "Spend the rest of your life running from us who want to use you, or...stand with us and take your rightful place as queen. What's it gonna be?"

"I..." She didn't know what to say. Historia looked to Cassandra, silently pleading for an answer.

"Run away or fight? Choose one. I don't care which. Just-" he suddenly knelt down and grabbed her face, forcing her to look at him "-fucking choose! Right now! Decide!"

"I'll do it!" she shouted back. Despite how firmly he was grabbing her face, she didn't resist him. "I'll...do it."

"All right." Levi let go of her and got up. He offered his hand, and she accepted it.

"But...I will only accept the crown on one condition."

He raised an eyebrow. "And that is?"

Historia swallowed her fear. She swallowed back her uncertainty, the questions and doubts that built up in her head. She inhaled as confidently as she could and met Levi's expectant glare. "While my fate is still my own, I want to put everything I have on the line."

War Room...

Historia entered the grand room having changed into a button-down and pants. She was fortunate that the Garrison soldiers were able to find clothes petite enough for her and Cassandra. She stepped into line between Mikasa and Cassandra against the wall. Mikasa leaned down and whispered. "Once you're queen, you can punch that smug runt right in the face."

Historia tried to suppress a smile, having noticed Raisa staring in curiosity. Commander Erwin stood beside Commander Carsten at the head of the table. A soldier named Jakob approached. "Sirs. We have determined the titan's location. It's southwest approaching Orvud. At it's current speed, it'll reach the walls before dawn."

Carsten nodded. "Understood. Commander Erwin, I'm sure everyone here would like to hear your plan. What is the best course of action in evacuting the people on such short notice?"

"That's not part of the plan."

Carsten blinked. "What?"

"The people of Orvud District will need to stay exactly where they are."

Carsten suddenly grabbed Erwin by his jacket collar and pulled him down to his level. "What the hell are you thinking?! We don't get these civilians out of here, they'll die by the thousands! That fucking monstrosity will be a stone's throw from the walls by morning!"

"That titan is an abnormal," Hange interjected.

Carsten eased his grip on the unfazed Erwin to glare at Hange, his right eye twitching. "And what the hell does that even mean?"

"It behaves strangely." Hange held up a hand to silence Carsten before he burst into rage. "Unlike most titans we encounter, this one is only attracted to large groups of people. Given the choice between a few soldiers right next to it and a distant but densely populated city...it'll choose the city."

Carsten finally released Erwin. "But what about the evacuation?"

"If we proceed with it now, the titan would just change it's course," she argued. "Destroying the wall and anything else in it's path which would be the capital as that's the closest city. As we rode here, we had Eren Jaeger attempt to use his recently discovered power to control titans. However, the titan didn't react in any way."

"To stop this thing, it'll have to have to be outside the walls of Orvud District," Erwin said. "For that to happen, we require the citizens here to act as bait. however, this doesn't change the fact that our first and foremost duty as soldiers is to protect the people."

"Yeah? How exactly do you propose we do that?" Carsten spat.

"In the event that we're unable to halt the target, we'll take measures to minimize civilian losses. We'll announce a district-wide evacuation drill tonight. The people will be gathered away from the outer wall, ready to escape if the battle is lost."

Carsten wanted to argue. But their logic was too convincing. He clenched his fists, shaking more from fear than anger. "It seems...there's no other choice."

Erwin scanned the other officers' faces, seeing their fearful agreement to the plan. He glanced at Raisa and she nodded as she leaned on the table. "The body of this titan is the largest we've seen yet, but it's also an easy target. The wall-mounted cannons should prove to be far more effective than the ground ones. However, in the event the artillery fails...the Scout Regiment will step in."

Carsten's gaze darkened. "Let's pray it doesn't come to that."

Atop Wall Sina, a few hours later...

"Fire!"

The Scouts stood several hundred meters away as Carsten commanded his troops in firing the cannons simultaneously. The Rod titan became surrounded in smoke and fire as wave after wave was unleashed until every cannon was empty. Erwin raised an eyebrow. "Well, how'd that do?"

A giant hand shot out from the clouds of smoke and latched onto the ground, destroying a patch of pine trees. Carsten ordered reloading of the cannons for another wave against the approaching monster. Raisa peeked down over the side of the wall. "Looks like the field cannons are even less effective...as I said."

"Carsten wanted to try everything," Levi reminded. "And yeah, the wall cannons have a better angle, but they're not doing shit to it either. So, what's the problem?"

"Unprepared soldiers, scraped together cannons, and shallow leadership," Erwin answered. "The titans have always attacked from the south. Not only is this a northern garrison, it's in the interior. This is the best we're going to get."

"And that's painfully obvious," Raisa retorted nonchalantly. "Of course, your strategy for getting us through this battle comes down to a gamble. Just like every other plan that you've come up with."

"Are you complaining?"

Raisa thought for a moment. "No."

"Erwin!" Hange called as bounded onto the wall from the elevator. "I found some goodies!"

The Scouts soldiers unloaded the supplies she had managed to gather. "All the gunpowder, ropes, and netting I could find! We still need to put it together, though. Ooh! got this, too!"

Moblit wheeled over a barrel of gunpowder strapped to a small cart with ODM handles. "There's another one just like it a bit further down," Hange continued. "The trigger's held in place, so once fired, it'll wind itself right back up, just like ODM gear."

"How diabolical and ingenious," Raisa said as she admired the mobile bomb.

Hange smiled proudly then glanced at the Garrison soldiers still firing at the titan. "So, we do any damage?"

"Imagine a swarm of cicadas pissing on it," Levi said.

Hange's eyes lit up. "Then we'll actually get to use these things. Exciting!"

"Captain Levi," Erwin called as he pointed westward. "Jean, Sasha, Conny...you handle that side."

"Yes, sir!"

Levi and the kids ran off with the Scouts taking the other half of the supplies over to the other side of the cannons. Once they were gone, Raisa held up a section of the rope netting. "So, how do you want to approach this?"

"Lemme think." Hange stroked her chin like she was stroking a beard. "How about...like we're wrapping up a nice gift for someone special? It's his birthday, right?"

"I doubt it."

"Perfect! That settles it!"

Erwin shifted his gaze from his Section Commanders to the Reiss girls. Cassandra and Historia were prepping the ropes to bind the giant present together. He walked over and leaned down to speak quietly. "Historia, I believe you heard from Levi. Assuming we live through this, we'll have you become the new queen who rules this world within the walls."

"More like he beat her until she agreed," Cassandra grumbled.

"It's not a big deal," Historia said. "He asked me to decide, and I did. You said would support me on this."

"Of course, I-"

"I will be queen," she said determinedly.

Erwin stood up straight. "So naturally, you'll understand why I can't have you fighting on the front line. We can handle this."

"What? No."

"He's right," Cassandra said, setting down her spool of rope. "You're the heir. You're way too important to risk in this battle. The people will rally behind you no matter what happens. The military will make sure of it."

"That won't work."

"Why not?"

"For one, you're important, too," Historia snapped, but then quickly calmed herself. "Second, the people won't bow to a queen in name alone. They aren't that naïve."

"What're you suggesting?" Erwin asked.

Historia met his gaze as confidentially as she could, ignoring the strain in her neck from looking up. "The people need someone who's more than willing to fight with them. So...you need to let me be the one to deal the killing blow."

"What?!" Cassandra gasped.

"Because then we'll have a story the people can get behind," she continued. "A story to unite the walls."

"I understand your reasons, but...I can't approve you entering combat," Erwin said, then he began to turn away. "However, I can't physically stop you, now can I?"

"I can," Cassandra retorted.

Historia stood her ground against her cousin, trying to overpower her intimidation. "I have to do this. This is my purpose-my duty, Cassandra. This isn't me trying to have some sort of heroic death. I'm done with all that."

She grabbed Cassandra's hands and pulled her close. "Please...trust me."

Cassandra searched Historia's gaze, seeing her sincerity. She took a breath and nodded. "Okay. I trust you."

"Watch out!"

Everyone turned their attention to the Garrison soldiers. The blazing smoke of the titan suddenly shifted with the wind, rushing over the soldiers. Despite their blindness, the soldiers unleashed another barrage of cannon fire. Erwin narrowed his eyes, trying to see through the smoke. "That wasn't enough."

The titan pushed itself up, dragging it's face along the wall. The Garrison soldiers dispersed as the titan's right hand latched onto the top of the wall, crushing the cannons. The titan lifted it's left hand, and held onto the top tightly. The soldiers anchored themselves as the titan lifted itself upright. It's face was completely shredded, showing the grated insides of it's head and torso. It's guts slipped out of place and began oozing out onto the wall. It roared, hungry for the thousands of people below.

"Sir, we're ready," Raisa announced as the Scouts were soaking themselves in cool water.

"Good," he said. "Eren! It's time!"

Eren nodded as the others backed away, getting into position. He bit his hand and transformed, roaring before kneeling down beside the wrapped up gunpowder. Armin rolled the gunpowder cart into position and Sasha did the same on the other side. Erwin raised his flare gun. "On my mark!" He pulled the trigger. "Now!"

In unison, Armin and Sasha fired the anchors. They latched onto the titan's wrists and they squeezed the trigger to reel it in. Upon impact, they exploded. The titan roared in surprise as it's wrists crumbled under it's weight. Hange cheered in relieved delight as the titan slumped forward, resting it's head on the wall. Erwin fired another flare. "Eren, do it!"

Eren leapt into a sprint as he grabbed the present. He closed the distance quickly, hurdling over the giant hand and making his way to the titan's face. The titan raised it's head a little, sensing Eren's presence. He roared defiantly as he tossed the present straight into the titan's mouth. It barreled into the titan's throat and then ignited. Eren ducked as the entirety of the titan exploded. It's form blew apart, giant chucks soaring into the sky. "Go!" Erwin ordered. "Deploy your ODM gear and finish it off!"

The Scouts took off into the sky. Each one of them zeroing in on a large 1-meter chunk of titan flesh. Historia noticed a vertebrae beginning to arch down. She pushed her gas output and dove towards it. She raised her swords as she approached it and sliced. And something raddled within her brain, within her very being. A sudden rush of emotions and memories. Angry towards a father, love for a brother, pride for a daughter. Anguish, lust, despair.

Historia wasn't sure how she ended up on a padded wagon, and she didn't really care. She could hear people talking, asking her questions. Was that real? Did I...? Father... She sat up, letting go of her blades. Dozens of faces were staring at her, waiting, wondering. Is this my choice? Is this what I want?

Historia noticed movement on the roof of the building across the street. Cassandra was watching, curious and concerned. Historia felt her determination return as she got onto her feet. I can't have any doubts. This is my choice! "It's okay," she told the people. "My name is Historia Reiss. I am the true ruler of the walls. I am your queen."

Reiss land, the former underground chapel, sunset...

Raisa stepped to the edge of the newly made cliff. Down below, Levi was leading the remnants of Mike's section in searching the ruins. Raisa had ordered her men to search the ground-level perimeter. They needed to know who survived. "Commander!"

Arden came running up at full speed. He stopped and doubled over, trying to catch his breath. "C-Commander, we...we found Kenny Ackerman! He's alive!"

Raisa blinked in surprise. She turned to Harold. "Go get Levi. Now."

"Yes, ma'am."

She turned back to Arden as Harold hopped off the edge to fly down. "Where is he?"

Arden led her a dozen meters south. Kenny Ackerman was leaning against a tree, holding his side. His vest and shirt were soaked in his blood from the giant wound, and half his face was burned away. Raisa cradled the rifle in her hands. Kenny looked dead, but she noticed his chest moving ever so slowly. It would be so easy. To end him. To put him out of his misery. Kenny opened his good eye and groaned. "Ah, shit...you're the runt's...old lady."

"And you're still alive," Raisa said, tilting her head. "Haven't found any other survivors. We think your squad was crushing in the cave-in."

"Probably. It's a...fuckin' miracle I made it out."

Raisa noticed Levi approaching. She glanced at Arden. "Continue scanning the perimeter. Take Harold with you."

Arden blinked in surprise but obeyed nonetheless. He stopped Harold and relayed the orders. Levi lowered his rifle upon seeing Kenny's state. "As he tried anything? Said anything?"

"Between the burns and the blood-loss, there's nothing to try," she told him. "We could bring him in, but I doubt he'd survive the trip."

"Oh, yeah?" Kenny chuckled, drawing both of their attention as he set down a small box. "I wonder."

He opened the box, revealing the single syringe and titan serum. Kenny's smirk grew on seeing their surprised faces. "Swiped this sucker out of rod's bag back in the cave. Seems if I just stick myself, I'll turn into a big, strong titan. One of the dumb ones, unfortunately. But for a while, it oughta keep me...alive."

Raisa took a step forward, but Levi gestured for her to wait. "You had the time and strength to inject yourself before we got here, if you wanted. Why didn't you?"

"Fair point. Cough! I guess I'm just scared," he confessed as more blood oozed from his wound. "If I don't inject it right, I...might end up all fucked up...like Rod."

"I know you're not just sitting here waiting to bleed to death," Levi accused. "Surely you have a better excuse than that."

Kenny chuckled. "Well, runt...the thing is, I don't...I don't feel like dying without my dream comin' true. But...I see, now." His eyes glazed over as he recalled an old memory. "After all the time...I think I see now why he did it."

"What? Who?"

Kenny closed his eyes, shaking his head ever so slightly. "We humans, we're all the same. Every last one of us. From some, it's drinkin'. For some, it's women. For some, even religion. Family. The king. Dreams. Children. Power. All of us had to spend our lives drunk on somethin'...else we have no cause to keep pushin' on. Everyone...was a slave to somethin'. Even him." He opened his eyes and met Levi's gaze. "So...what's your poison?"

Levi handed his rifle to Raisa. He knelt down in front of Kenny. "Tell me everything you know about the First king. Everything. Now."

"I don't know nothin', runt."

Levi grabbed Kenny's shoulders, almost shaking him. "Why didn't he want mankind to survive?"

"Beats me." Kenny struggled to focus, feeling the world spin around him. "Though...I know that's part of the reason...that we Ackermans decided to turn coat. You should thank me...runt. Your kids would've-!"

Kenny erupted into a fit of coughs. Blood spewed from his mouth, going everywhere. Even splashing on Levi's cheek. But it didn't bother him. "Ackerman. All this time I never knew you had the same name. Who are you? What were you to my mom?"

Kenny chuckled again, albeit weakly. "Fuckin' dumbass. Kuchel was...my sister."

Levi blinked through his surprise. "That day...why? Why did you leave me?"

"Because...I just wasn't cut out...to be somebody's dad."

Kenny used the last of his strength to shove the syringe case against Levi's chest. Levi took it as Kenny's hand lost all strength. He opened his mouth to say something, but stopped upon seeing Kenny staring up into the sky. His mouth hanging open and his eyes empty and dead. Raisa knelt down beside Levi and set the rifles down. She grabbed Levi's shoulder, and gently turned him to face her. His gaze was unfocused. Raisa caressed his cheek as she pressed her forehead against his. Levi stared at Kenny's lifeless body as Raisa wrapped her arms around him. He welcomed her warmth and comfort. "Kenny..."

Mitras, the next day...

Historia knelt before Premier Zachary. Her hair had been styled back into a regal bun, and she wore make-up for the first time. The king's cloak felt heavy on her shoulders, but she did not mind the weight. The military commanders stood in line behind them on the platform with Cassandra. She wanted Cassandra to be present. She wanted the people to know her as well. Zachary set the crown gently atop her head. This, she thought, this was who I was meant to be.

"Long live the true ruler of the walls!"

Historia stood up and faced the people, saluting as Zachary, Cassandra, and the Commanders bowed. She raised her chin proudly as the people chanted. "Long live Queen Historia!"

Outside the throne room, later...

"Wait, you're actually doing it?" Eren asked. "For real?"

"Yeah," Historia said firmly. "I am."

Everyone followed her as she marched down the hall. Historia still wore her white robe, but had put away her crown and coronation cape. "Come on, Mikasa was just joking," Eren continued. "Right?"

"After you've smacked him, you should dare him to hit you back," she replied bluntly.

Eren rolled his eyes and looked to Cassandra. "You're with me, right? This is a bad idea."

"Hell no. It's a great idea!" Cassandra leaned in to Historia. "It's better to be feared and loved."

"Yeah, pound that runt," Jean added.

"Shit, there he is!" Sasha announced.

Everyone stopped some five yards from where Levi waited. He stepped away from the window to face Historia, and held a rolled up parchment in his right hand. Historia felt fear creep up her spine. She clenched her fists and then roared, fighting her doubt and fear. Levi showed no reaction as she lunged at him. He turned ever so slightly and her fist tapped his left elbow. Historia stepped back, keeping her fists raised as she laughed in a mixture of shock and relief. "Did that hurt? Too bad! I'm queen now, so if you have a problem-"

Levi chuckled, shocking the kids. He smiled at them. "Thanks, you guys. I needed that."

End of Chapter 23