Chapter 24

Disclaimer: I do not own Attack on Titan

Rated M for gore violence, language, and sexuality

Enjoy

Council Room, the Palace, Mitras, 850...

The room was silent as Cassandra scanned the latest draft of a section in the constitution she and the new royal council have been working on. She finished reading the document and set it down on the table. "It's a lot better, but...the part here were the monarch's veto can get overruled? Isn't that just putting too much power into parliament?"

Commander Pyxis gestured for the document and Cassandra slid it over. He read the part she had pointed out, and hummed in agreement. "She has a valid argument. The whole idea is to respect the authority of the Crown while also diving the power between branches of government. As significant as our coup was, we don't want the same thing happening later down the road."

"The crown and the military are the two pillars of this world," Cassandra added. "It's the only thing holding everyone together. Queen Historia can't look like a puppet ruler."

Zachary harrumphed. "Indeed. Yet, our queen prefers running an orphanage rather than the people. Perhaps we made a mistake in backing the wrong bastard."

"Okay, one: that was rude, sir. And two," Cassandra held up a finger with each count, "Queen Historia knows her own skills and strengths. Politics just isn't one of them. She's willing to learn, but she thought it'd be easier if I represented her on this. Besides, the people love her. They trust her and her decisions, and so should all of us."

Katya hummed in admiration, twirling a pen in her hands. "My, my...you've certainly come a long way since the queen legitimized you. And it's certainly ballsy to conduct a government system in a way that benefits the people...not the authority. Electing parliament members?"

"Well, it's ballsy that a simple businesswoman thinks herself such a proficient politician," she retorted. "Didn't you sell alcohol and skin products?"

Katya gently folded her hands on the table. "With all due respect, Princess, I had an unusual upbringing."

"Almost everyone has. That's what makes all of us so appealing," Cassandra said with a smile. "The people chose Historia and they've accepted me as her heir...until she has kids, but the point is...the people should get to choose who gets to govern them. It's only fair."

"And about those who worked hard and rose through the ranks?" Nile asked.

"The military is still vital. The structure of it won't change. We're just moving the focus to defending the people and enforcing the laws rather than any sort of governing...in addition to the Scouts' mission." Cassandra huffed, feeling frustrated. She shifted in her chair. Her butt wasn't used to sitting so much. "Look, it's only been two months. No one said this would be an easy transition. But we have to try something better. Something that balances the power to protect the people."

The council exchanged glances. Katya considered Cassandra's words. "No one is disagreeing with your vision, Princess. But, understand our concern. This council exists to advise and support the monarch. Serving at Queen Historia's pleasure. How can we do our jobs if her representative is here and not her grace herself?"

Some of the men hummed in agreement. "It's wonderful that you are here, being a part of this. And you may be her heir, but you said it yourself...once she has children, the line of succession will change," Katya continued. "What should the council do in the event her grace never participates? What should we do if her children, her grandchildren...would rather do as they please than govern the people?"

"What're you suggesting?" Cassandra asked.

Katya briefly glanced at Erwin before answering. "A compromise. An elected official who represents the monarch in government. That way...the council can conduct their meetings whether the queen is interested in attending or not."

"But that would slow down the powers written out in the articles draft," Pyxis pointed out as he flipped through to the section of the draft. "The monarch is still required to issue executive orders as well as sign or veto laws."

"Then this representative would consult the monarch," Katya suggested with a shrug. "If the monarch attends the council meetings, this wouldn't be an issue."

"But if we go ahead with this idea, and the monarch participates...does that mean we wouldn't have a representative?" Nile asked.

"Okay, okay, okay." Cassandra waved her hands about, quieting them down. "I like this idea, but I think we need to discuss it some other time. We're trying to get these articles completed as soon as possible so we can set up parliament before winter."

"Yes," Zachary agreed. "We can discuss the finer details later."

Cassandra nodded then glanced at the clock on the wall. "Let's move on to the next paragraph."

Private Office, later...

Premier Zachary quietly closed the door to the small office. It was fairly empty save for a simple table and some chairs. Commander Pyxis and Commander Erwin waited with Levi and Raisa. "Looks like I'm late. Sorry." Zachary sat down. "Have any luck? Were you able to establish what's in the container?"

He gestured to the syringe case with his eyes. "We have a vague idea, but unfortunately, with the limits of our technology, we can't determine exactly what it is," Hange confessed. "Based on Eren's testimony, we believe it's some sort of human bodily fluid. However, it vaporizes when exposed to air, making further analysis virtually impossible to perform. Whoever made it must have had equipment and technology far superior to ours. I have no idea how the Reiss family procured this."

Zachary hummed in thought. Pyxis closed the case. "Well, rather than tamper with it, we should put it to use for our current objective."

"But to whom do we entrust it?" Zachary shifted his gaze. "To you, Erwin?"

Erwin shook his head, grabbing his stump. "No, I would be a poor choice. This syringe...it belongs in the hands of one of our elite. Someone with the best odds of survival. Levi, will you accept it?"

Levi blinked. "If it's an order, just say so. Why even bother asking?"

"When we need to use this, there may not be time to plan," he explained. "We'll be relying on you to make a decision swiftly, and with little deliberation. Judging when to use it and on whom...will be your responsibility. Will you accept it?"

Levi tilted his head. "If this dream of yours comes true, what will you do then?"

Erwin blinked, a little surprised by his question. "I don't know...and I won't. Not until it happens."

With that, Levi relented. He picked up the case and stuffed it into his pocket. "Fine. I'll do it."

Zachary harrumphed in agreement, and folded his hands together. "Now then, I'd like to discuss that work of mine. As you know, I'm hoping to unveil it soon. Have you given it any thought?"

Raisa and Hange exchanged concerned glances while Pyxis frowned disapprovingly. "You mean you still haven't given up on that? If the public were to see such a repulsive display, whatever trust they have in the military would evaporate."

"You don't know art when you see it."

Royal Office Suite, Garrison Headquarters, Trost District, Wall Rose, the next day...

Cassandra was sitting on the soft rug with her back up against the couch. She had pushed the coffee table over and was reading the latest notes on the articles as well as the recent military reports. In the solitude, she sat very unladylike despite the nice dress she was wearing. It wasn't something a royal or noble would wear, just a buttoned shirt and full skirt. She heard a soft knock on the door. "Come in!"

She had asked for another plate of dessert an hour ago, so she didn't look up as she heard footsteps approaching. "You gotta be the only Scout soldier with their own office."

Cassandra snapped her head up. "Eren? Hi." She quickly processed his question. "Uh, yeah. Royalty has it's perks. What're you doing here? Shouldn't you be resting?"

"I'm fine." He sat down beside her, his shoulder almost touching hers. "Actually, I just got back from the southern training headquarters. Had to talk to Sadies."

"What for?" she asked as she set the papers down.

"One of those memories I told you about. When Rod and Historia touched me back in the save, I had a mix of things from my father's memories. I saw a man...and it was Sadies." Eren heaved a heavy sigh. "He knew my father...and my mother."

Cassandra listened intently and patiently as he talked. He told her everything Sadies had told him. How he introduced Grisha to Carla, how he desperately wished to push mankind forward, how he stayed silent about what happened in the woods when Eren was forced to eat Grisha. "I still don't remember any of this, but I know he was telling the truth."

"Well...I'm guessing from the story that Hange believes your dad is from the same place Reiner is from...?" Eren nodded sullenly. "Jeez, your dad must've been as crazy as you are to survive in titan country for however long. It's gotta be hereditary. I fear for your future children, Eren. I really do."

Eren turned his head away to glare at the edge of the rug. "My father wasn't anything like me. He was special. He came from beyond the Walls. He tried to save humanity."

"So have you."

He frowned at her dubiously. "What did I ever do? My first mission: I got eaten. I almost got captured by Annie...twice, and a lot of people died. Reiner actually did capture me, and a lot of people died trying to get me back. You almost died. Commander Erwin lost an arm. I deluded myself into believing I was special because of my powers, but the reality is I'm not. I'm just the son of someone special."

Smack!

Eren grabbed his cheek in shock. "What the hell was that for?!

"Cause you're being more suicidal than normal, you fucking maniac!" she spat.

"How is what I said suicidal? I'm just-!" She tried to hit him again, but he caught her wrist. The moment his skin touched hers, a rush of memories flashed through his head. A man that looked like Rod and a beautiful woman with auburn hair like Cassandra. They were fighting. He could feel their rage. He killed my brother! I demand vengeance! Eren let go of Cassandra. The heavy emotions still fresh in his mind.

"Eren?" Cassandra didn't touch him, but hovered in concern. "Are you okay? What's wrong? What happened?"

He rubbed his forehead, feeling a faint headache. "I think...I think I saw a memory of your dad."

"What?" she gasped.

"Your parents were...fighting. Kenny Ackerman killed your mom's brother...?" Eren raised his gaze to meet hers but found tears running down her cheeks. "Hey, I didn't mean to make you cry. Cassandra!"

She turned away, covering her face with her hands. What's wrong with me? I knew my mother stole me away. I knew she hated my father, but...some part of me wanted to believe they were in love. She wiped the tears on her sleeves. "I, uh...I'm fine. I'm just really tired."

Eren furred his brows. He couldn't see her face, but her shoulders were shaking. "I should go."

"No!" She turned back around, wiping away the tears threatening to unleash. "No, wait. Look, Eren...I know things haven't exactly calmed down since the coup. This whole government thing has been really stressful, and I kinda compartmentalized the family stuff and-"

He waved his hands for her to stop. "You don't have to explain anything to me. I'm the one who came in here and started wallowing in self-pity. I...I don't even know why I'm here. I just..."

"Needed someone to talk to?" she guessed. She smiled softly upon seeing his realization. "I think it's been awhile since we've really had a chance to talk like this. All that time with the original Levi Squad...those nights when I watched over you in the dungeon..."

Eren lowed his gaze. "You were always comforting me. Still are...in a way. I used to get real embarrassed when you'd see me like some baby. I remember...on the ride back to Calaneth after Annie's ambush, I was hating myself for not being able to save our comrades. For letting myself get captured. That whole time you were grieving and you...you held my hand."

He raised his hand as he recalled the memory. "And I remember the nights in the dungeon. I remember how you held me when I had nightmares. It's sounds super lame, but...I needed all that. And I'm sorry I never thanked you for it. You've done so much for me. Thank you."

Cassandra leaned forward and kissed him. A soft, gentle touch against his lips. She didn't feel nervous or scared. It felt...right. Like it was meant to be. His lips were surprisingly soft. But, she quickly pulled away and sat back. "I-I'm sorry. That was inappropriate."

Eren leaned forward, smashing his lips against hers. He slid a hand around the back of her head, cupping her jaw as he breathed her in. Cassandra wrapped her arms around him, and together, they fell back onto the floor. A passion he had never felt before erupted between them. Eren ran his fingers through her soft hair as he pressed against her. Though he was on top, Cassandra had control. He happily followed her lead, letting her part his lips. A strange sensation awoke deep within as he felt her tongue against his. His instincts took over, becoming more and more aroused as Cassandra moaned ever so softly. She blindly pulled at her skirt, freeing herself to wrap her legs around him.

He began to press his hips into hers, and Cassandra instinctively rocked up into him. Heat radiated from her core as a familiar feeling of want blossomed between her legs. The growing pressure from his groin excited her, nearly making her tremble with anticipation. She started to lift his shirt, but Eren suddenly broke away, pushing himself up. "Wait," he breathed. "Wait, wait..."

Cassandra stared up at him. His face was too far away. She wanted to kiss him again, taste him again. But her head was beginning to clear. She realized his hands were on hers, preventing her from lifting his shirt any higher. "You don't want to...?"

"I...," he shook his head, trying to think, "...I don't want you to do anything you don't want to. I don't want you to regret...this."

Oh. Cassandra withdrew her hands and scooted to sit upright. She tucked her hair behind her ears. "You know...most guys wouldn't be so considerate at this point. They'd have their pants off."

Eren snorted. "Or maybe there's just something wrong with me."

"Listen," she grabbed his hands, "I get why you're being so considerate, and...I will regret my relationship with Reiner till the day I die. But...that in no way affects how I feel about you. Besides, I've never thought there was anything wrong with you. Sure, you're not always the sharpest tool in the shed-"

"Hey!"

"-but you're brave. You're selfless, passionate, caring...in a sense." She shrugged, feeling a little bashful. "Honestly, I admire you. Not because you have powers or because you're special. It's just who you are. Plus, normalcy is a matter of perspective, so...don't beat yourself up too much about appearances."

Eren took a deep breath. His chest felt lighter. Cassandra squeezed his hands. "Also, if you tell anyone I said any of this, I will deny it and have your ass thrown in jail."

"That power has really gone to your head," he noted.

She batted her eyelashes. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Erwin's Office, the next day...

The room was silent as Erwin read through Hange's report. She and Raisa sat with the other newly promoted Commanders and Captains surrounding the coffee table. Levi sat in a chair against the wall. Erwin set the documents down. "Based on your conversation with Sadies, it seems that Grisha Jaeger indeed originate from outside the walls."

"Yes," Hange answered. "Like the others, he was a titan shifter. But where those three sought to undermine it, he was supportive of us."

"If he was really that supportive of the Scouts, he coulda thrown a bit more information our way," Klaus grumbled.

"Remember, he was alone in his mission," Raisa pointed out. "He told no one. Not even his family what his true goals were. He must've had some incredible resolve to do the things he did."

"And let's not forget, that same man later wanted to show his young son, eager to join the Scouts, something important," Hange added. "He said the truth of it all was there in the cellar. But what's down there? What was he hiding?"

Erwin thought of his father, and his father's speculations. "Things that couldn't be spoken. Raisa's right. He was alone. We've been living in a mist of lies and lost memories. But one way or another, we will learn the truth. The final preparations are now complete. We leave for Shiganshina at sunset tomorrow. Wanna know what's in that cellar? Let's go see for ourselves. We're Scouts. That's what we do. I'll leave it to you to alert your squads."

"We'll keep it quiet for now," Dirk said as he stood up along with everyone else.

"I think our troops deserve some meat on a day like this," Harold suggested with a smile.

Marlene smiled. "Good idea. Gotta show those kids they can count on us."

"What about Commandant Sadies?" Dirk asked as he opened the door. "Keeping important secrets from us?"

"Forget him," Hange snipped. "He's not a priority."

Raisa wrapped her arm around Hange. "You must be so disappointed. You used to have such a huge crush-"

"Shut up!" She shook Raisa off, trying to hide her blush. She happened to glanced over her shoulder and noticed Levi shutting the door. "Huh? What's he doing?"

"Talking to Erwin," Raisa said. "Come on. We've got meat to order!"

Main Hall, that night...

All of the Scouts stared in awe. At each table, plates of pig roast and beef brisket were laid out with chicken, veggies, and pitchers of ale. Harold stood up from the officers' table. "This may be a special night, but we don't want the public knowing our plans. So, behave like the disciplined soldiers you are."

Conny began to salivate, unable to believe the sight before him. "No way. Is this...? It's real. That's meat."

Sasha touched her fingers to her head. "Am I dreaming?"

"All right. Here's to the re-taking of Wall Maria!" Harold raised his mug. "A toast-huh? Wait!"

The Scouts erupted into screams of delight and fear as they dove in to the meat. They stabbed at it, each person trying to get a big share. Sasha grabbed the whole roast and tried to shove it in her mouth. Conny got up and wrapped Sasha into a headlock. Jean tried to take the roast back while everyone watched patiently. "What the hell do you think you're doing, potato girl?! No way we're gonna let you pull this shit!"

"Drop the meat, Sasha," Conny begged, squeezing her neck. "Come on...I really don't wanna have to kill you."

"You can't eat the whole thing alone, you pig!" Jean finally managed to yank the roast from her hands and he dropped it back onto the plate. Cassandra maneuvered around them, and began cutting the roast into equal-size portions for everyone. Sasha lurched forward and chomped down on Jean's hand. He screamed. "You're eating me! My hand! My hand!"

"Sasha! That's Jean!" Conny tried pulling her back. "We don't eat our friends, okay?"

Jean managed to pull his hand free, and he sat back, checking his wound. Sasha began flailing her fists about. She swung her elbow back and Cassandra ducked her head to avoid it as she cut a chicken thigh for herself. Marlo munched on his slice of beef nonchalantly. "Does the Scout Regiment never get any meat? That's just sad-!"

Sasha jabbed her fist directly into his nose. She continued punching randomly, even hitting Mikasa in the gut. "Conny, would you just knock her out already?"

"I'm trying!" He squeezed Sasha's neck harder. "It's like her mind's shut down, but she's still moving somehow!"

Everyone at the officers' table watched with in difference. Marlene craned her neck, seeing Marlo covering his bloody nose. "Hey, I think we've got casualties."

"Who's brilliant idea was it to serve meat?" Hange asked.

Raisa pointed with her thumb. "Harold."

He slumped his shoulders. "I just wanted to treat them. How often do we get to blow the whole food budget for a night of celebrating?"

After about 10 minutes, Sasha finally passed out. Eren helped Conny tie her to the support beam to keep her from going berserk again. Cassandra relocated and sat in-between Mikasa and Conny. Armin finished his bite of potatoes and smiled at Cassandra. "You know, I'm surprised you're participating in the mission. You're Historia's heir."

"Until she has kids," she reminded. "Besides, I'm still technically on Levi Squad and I want to see Eren plug up the hole."

"You're not going to engage in combat, are you?" he asked worriedly. "You're a royal. Not to mention you haven't participated in the training drills the last couple months, and you've gotten..." his voice trailed off as he thought of the right word to say.

Cassandra set down her fork. "Gotten what? Fat?"

"I didn't say that."

"I've gained ten pounds, Armin. It's not a big deal, okay?" she snapped. "I'm not used to eating royal rations, and I really like cake. They never cut me off."

He waved his hands defensively. "That's not what I was trying to say. I'm sorry. I meant...you're preoccupied with structuring the new government. It's taken up a lot of your time, and I've heard there's still more to work on."

Cassandra continued to glare, but calmed a bit. "Well, I have no doubt our mission will succeed which is why I'm going. And I won't engage in combat. I'll be with Commander Erwin in the command guard."

"Lucky you," Marlo said. "They have all of us recruits in the rear guard which is pointless in my opinion."

"You got no experience," Jean pointed out. "Rookies get rear guard."

Marlo's eyebrow twitched. "I may be less knowledgeable than the rest of you, but isn't the vanguard the best place to learn how the enemy moves?"

"What's this?" Jean eyed him disapprovingly. "You think you can lecture a veteran about self-sacrifice?"

"Isn't that what makes us effective? Being wiling to put ourselves in harm's way?"

"Listen, everyone starts out as a recruit, okay? If we throw recruits into battle like cannon fodder, then they'll all be too dead to learn. That's why for now, its your job to watch from the rear, so you can make it back in one piece. The ones who really suck-" he leaned against Armin to sneer at Eren "-are the suicidal maniacs who think the only way to fight is to charge in blind. Right?"

Eren lowered his mug. "Are you talking about somebody in particular?"

Jean blinked in surprise and then resumed his sneer. "Yeah. I'm looking right at him. Suicidal maniac."

Eren leaned against Armin, mirroring Jean's sneer. "You see, the funny thing is that I recently discovered that I'm actually a pretty normal person. So, hey, if that's how you really see me, then maybe you're just a coward, Jean. Right?"

Jean jolted to his feet and grabbed a fistful of Eren's shirt. Armin ducked in time to avoid being hit. "You think you're so cool, don't you?!" Jean accused. "You piece of shit!"

"That's a pretty shaggy looking mane you're growing there, horse face!" Eren dragged Jean away from the table as he yelled.

"Jerk!"

"Bitch! Hey, you're gonna rip my shirt!"

"You bastard!"

"Try not to kill each other," Conny warned halfheartedly.

People were being to notice Eren and Jean, and turned into their seats to watch. some even egging them on. At the officers' table, Harold despaired over the complete disregard of his order to behave. Jean yanked harder on Eren's shirt. "Seriously. If you didn't have titan powers, you'd be dead ten times over. But I guess Mikasa would've swooped in every time to save your worthless ass. You so eager to die? Fine, then I'll kill you!"

Jean jabbed his fist deep into Eren's gut. Eren recovered and returned the hit. "Give it your best shot, asshole! You oughta start showing your mom some more respect, Jean-boy!"

"Would you forget that?!" Jean punched him again.

"Never! Stupid horse face!"

Mikasa watched calmly with Cassandra sitting beside her as she ate another slice of brisket. Armin leaned down to Mikasa. "Should we let them keep going?"

"Yes," Cassandra answered quickly. "I wanna see who passes out first."

Mikasa nodded in agreement. "Yeah. I think it's fine."

Eren and Jean continued to throw punch after punch, their anger fueling them. But as the minutes went by, their strength quickly waned. Eren hardly had any anger left, his face dripping with sweat. Jean tried to punch again, but only managed to tap Eren's shoulder. "Hey."

Levi grabbed Jean's shoulder and kicked Eren to the ground. He turned on his heels and punched up into Jean's gut, causing him to collapse. "That's enough celebrating. Go to bed." Jean vomited. "And clean that up."

"Yes, sir!"

Smith Residence...

Erwin closed the children's book he had been reading. His sons were fast sleep, snoring ever so softly. He tucked the book back onto the bookshelf, and turned out the light. He lingered in the doorway, admiring his children for a moment. He couldn't help but wonder what their future would entail once the truth of the world was unveiled. Erwin softly closed the door and made his way to the master bedroom. Katya was sitting in bed, already in her night shift, reading reports from work. She greeted him with a smile. "Big bad wolf?"

Erwin nodded as he sat on his side of the bed, and began undressing. "It's their favorite."

"Anastasia outgrew that story by the time she was six."

"Dominic's five," he pointed out.

Katya looked up from her paper. "Did I tell you Nile came up with a title for the representative idea?"

Erwin smirked. He never admitted it, but he thought it was cute how horrible she was at changing the subject. "What is it?"

"Prime Minister."

Erwin turned to look at her. "Minister? It sounds...a little cleric."

"It does, doesn't it? I'm not sure about it either. Commander Morgen suggested 'Lord', but that's unoriginal." She sighed and set the papers down on the nightstand. "Whenever we do pick a proper title, I think...I'm going to put forth my name for the position."

"Really?" He tossed his shirt onto the chair in the corner. "Is that what you want?"

"I think so. I mean...I don't know if I'd be any good at it." She lowered her gaze to her hands, fidgeting with her nails. "I'm the only non-military person on the Council, so I don't know if they'd let me. Not to mention I used to be a ruthless mercenary."

Erwin crawled across the bed to sit next to her. He placed his hand on her thigh. "If this is truly what you want, then do it. I know this is all new for you, but you shouldn't have any self-doubt. You're an incredible woman, and a wonderful mother. You've seen the dark and light sides of society. I know you'll do right by the people."

Katya smiled softly as she caressed his cheek. "Keep talking like that, and I'm going to end up pregnant again."

"That wouldn't be a bad thing."

Katya raised an eyebrow as her smile grew. Erwin leaned onto her and kissed her as he wrapped his arm around her. Katya happily pulled him close. She slipped her left arm under his right armpit to support him. As they kissed, Erwin slid his hand down her body and pulled her shift up around her waist. She pressed against his hand, eager for his touch. She opened legs as he massaged her, teasing and rubbing. Katya broke away and sat up. She got onto her knees and steered him to lay down on the pillows. She smiled coyly as she untied the front ribbon of her shift, pulling it down to expose her breasts. Erwin mirrored her smile as she trailed kisses down his chest.

Erwin ran his fingers through her hair as she moved further down. Katya undid his pants, pulling them off. He inhaled sharply as she took him into her mouth. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes, becoming lost in the blissful sensations. Katya paused to gaze up at him, making sure her hands continued the rhythm. Erwin raised his head, meeting her loving gaze. He hooked his hand around the back of her neck and pulled her up to him. He breathed in her kiss, moaning into her mouth. He trailed kisses along her jar to her ear. "Get on top."

Katya happily complied. Erwin relaxed as he leaned back, letting her situate herself. Katya straddled his waist, gently positioning him as she lowered herself down. She moaned as she took him completely, feeling her walls stretch deliciously. She grabbed onto his shoulders as she began rocking her hips, setting her own pace. "Wait," he said. "I want to see."

She paused, processing his request. Katya blushed once she realized what he wanted. Erwin kissed her softly. "I want to see."

Katya nodded, kissing him again. He held onto her hip as she pulled her knees up. She placed her hands behind her, bracing herself as she firmly planted her feet beside his hips. Opening her legs so that he had a full view of their connection. Katya shook her hair off her face and resumed her earlier rhythm. Slow at first, building gradually. Erwin kept his hand on her hip as he watched her bounce up and down his length. Instinctively, he began to thrust upwards in tandem with her. Katya threw her head back, relishing in the pleasure as she moaned. Erwin succumbed to the sight of his beautiful wife. In all her glory.

He memorized everything. The smoothness of her skin, her dark curls, the curves of her body, the taste of her sweat. The warmth of her smile. The faint marks on her stomach from bearing their children. She was beautiful. He ingrained every piece of her into his memory. He did this every time they made love. Not out of fear, but of hope. Hope that in his final moments, he would think of her. And all the happiness she has brought into his life. Erwin pulled on her hip, getting her to lean forward. Katya lowered her legs so that she was kneeling once again, still never breaking the rhythm.

Erwin wrapped his arm around her as they kissed. He leaned back to stare longingly in her eyes. Katya rocked harder as she pressed her forehead against his. "I love you, Erwin. I love you."

"I love you," he whispered back. He told her again. And again, and again. Whispering it in her ear as they held each other tightly, coming together. In that moment, Erwin silently prayed he'd survive his mission.

Garrison Headquarters...

Eren walked quietly through the building. The halls were quiet and he was careful not to make any sounds. Though his heart was pounding, he was determined. He had no doubts in his decision. He stopped at the office doors and slipped inside. The room was dark and empty. He crossed the room to another door beside the fireplace. Eren took a deep breath and knocked. He heard soft footsteps approach. The door opened, illuminating the dark office with candle light.

Cassandra blinked in surprise. She was wearing a robe, and her hair was wet. Eren could smell a faint scent of lavender. Before she could say anything, he stepped inside. Cassandra backed up, never breaking their steady gaze as Eren closed the door.

Wall Rose, the next evening...

The Scouts moved calmly as to not arouse suspicion. Levi joined Raisa, Hange, and Dirk on the elevator to the top. They heard shouting below and peeked over the edge. "Hey! Hange! Good luck!"

"Flegel?"

Down below, Flegel Reeves stood on a raised stone platform, screaming his support with several other civilians. The last of the Scouts reached the top of the wall and gathered at the edge as the civilians continued to shout their support. Urging the Scouts to reclaim Wall Maria and make them proud. One merchant shouted his gratitude to Levi. Another one said urged them to come back in one piece. Levi deepened his frown. "Someone's got a big mouth."

"Well, that party got pretty rowdy," Raisa noted.

Harold closed his eyes, embarrassment settling in. "Actually, we ordered all of that meat from the reeves company, so..."

"Flegel," Dirk cursed.

"Yeah!" Jean, Conny, and Sasha screamed in unison. "You can count on us!"

Raisa leaned in to Levi. "I wonder how long it's been since the Scouts got a send off like this."

"Never."

"Yes, this is a first. The first time the people truly believed in us," Erwin noted. He beamed and raised his fist high. He roared his excitement at the people, and they returned his excitement ten-fold. The Scouts watched in shock as Erwin roared again and the people did the same, cheering and clapping. Erwin drew his blade and pointed it south. "The operation to retake Wall Maria begins now! Scouts, move out!"

End of Chapter 24