Attack on Titan: Reforged

By PurpleReignonHorses

NOTE: I do not own Attack on Titan or any of its characters. I'm just avid fanfiction writer.

NOTE: This is a redo/reposting since I could not update the original story in the correct numerical manner.

Story Legend

Locations and Times- Bold and Underlined

Character's thoughts- Italics

Normal text- Actions

Character Introductions- Bold

Prologue: A Calm Before the Colossus Part I

Shinganshina District, Wall Maria

Year 845

Ten-year-old Shinji Kaorosu was walking around the town market gathering his usual ingredients for the day. His mother Mikoto had charged him with getting some special type of bread for tonight's dinner. He took two pounds of bread from the merchant and forced it inside the rucksack his mother had given him. He then tossed the graying man three bronze coins and grinned at him. "Thank you, Mr. Otsuko! I'll come back soon!"

The graying man nodded back at the boy smiling.

Shinji's father, Tokou, was busy assisting Dr. Grisha Yeager in his offices.

The Kaorosu and Yeager families had formed quite a bond ever since Grisha's appearance in Shinganshina District many years ago. Tokou Kaorosu, as a young man, had come across Grisha's work and had marveled at his expertise in the medical field. He had practically begged the young doctor to take him under his wing. Grisha, much to his delight, had agreed to do so.

Because of this, Shinji had come to know Grisha's son Eren as the brother that he never knew he wanted. Eren looked up to the young Kaorosu boy as a brotherly figure. The two formed an unshakeable bond. Later, the Yeager family took custody of Mikasa Ackerman after the unfortunate death of her parents. She became Eren's adoptive sister as a result. Armin Artlert later met the two adoptive siblings and joined the group. Together, Shinji, Armin, Eren and Mikasa all became a sort of unspoken family unit. They were always seen hanging out together and always looked out for one another.

Shinji then hoisted the bag of groceries over his back and began to head to the Koarosu family home. He made the short journey home and knocked on the door. "Mom I'm home. I have the groceries you wanted." The door was quickly opened.

Mikoto Kaorosu then glanced at her dear son and flashed him a warm smile. She was dressed in a mustard yellow dress and had a chef's apron on. "There's a good boy. Come on in! Eren and Mikasa have been eagerly awaiting your return." Mikoto was a woman who aged with true grace. You could hardly make out the wrinkles in her face. Her raven hair fell to her shoulders.

Shinji gave his mother a grateful nod. "Thank you!" As he walked in, he noticed Eren and Mikasa sitting on the family couch.

Eren glanced his way and widely grinned at his adoptive brother. "Shinji you're here! Finally!" He quickly rushed at the young boy and wrapped him in a warm hug.

Shinji just let out a small chuckle and hugged the boy back. "Good to see you too Eren. What are you all doing here?"

Eren then broke the hug. There was an excitable look in his eyes. "I wanted you to come with me to see the Scout Regiment return from their latest expedition. They should return soon."

Shinji let out a frustrated sigh. This again. He then put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "How many times have I told you to let the Scout dream go?" Shinji then shot Mikasa a concerned look. "I thought you had talked him out of this."

Mikasa looked back at him with a sad look in her eyes. She cast her eyes to the ground and lightly tugged at the red scarf around her neck. A light blush came across her face. "I've tried to convince him against it. He still won't listen to me though."

Shinji let out a grunt in frustration and nodded at her. He then focused his eyes on Eren. I know Eren. He won't take no for an answer. Maybe he'll let this go if I humor him. Shinji then cleared his throat. "Alright Eren I'll come with you!"

Eren then thrusted a fist in the air. "Awesome! You won't regret this!" Shinji just rested his hand against him face and shook his head sadly. "I take it Mikasa is coming with us?"

Mikasa then got up off the couch and straightened the scarf around her neck. "I am."

Shinji let out a sigh. He walked up to his mother and handed her the rucksack of groceries he'd gathered. "I'll be back soon Mother. Eren wants me to come watch the Scout Regiment return with him."

Mikoto gave her only son a smiling nod. "Ok then. I'll take care of dinner from here. Please don't be late getting home!"

Shinji gave his mother an understanding nod. "I promise I won't be a minute late!" He then started out the door.

Eren and Mikasa then picked up their log packs, fastened them around their backs and followed the young boy.

Town Square, Shinganshina District, Wall Maria

Year 845

As the three friends were approaching the town square, they noticed a large conglomeration of townspeople gathering around the square. The Scout Regiment was just returning from their latest expedition outside the walls. Some were bandaged and riding on horseback. Others were laying in carts being driven by their comrades. All of them were getting looks of shock, awe and disgust from the gathering crowd. All the men had forlorn and aghast looks on their faces. They were bandaged up in various places on their face and body. The atmosphere was so quiet that anyone listening could clearly hear the Regiment's horses click-clocking with the ground. Shinji and Mikasa gazed at the men with sympathetic looks on their faces.

Shinji muttered to himself and shook his head. Poor fools! Risking their lives for nothing.

Mikasa let out a frustrated sigh and then turned towards Eren. The boy looked had an excited expression on his face. "This is so awesome! Look at them! They are out there bravely fighting for a future! Humanity's future!" He then sent the Scout Regiment a happy wave.

Commander Keith Shadis wasn't even registering the people around him at the moment. The man's face was one of no emotion at all. All those men and our base lost! And for what! They all died for nothing! The man then clenched his fists in rage and felt tears in his eyes. Damn it!

Suddenly, an old woman appeared before him and spoke, "Commander Shadis! Do you have a moment?"

Commander Shadis then warily met the woman's eyes. "Yes what is it?"

The old woman had tears in her eyes and a frantic expression on her face. "My son left with you when the expedition started. His name was Gertrud Baker. I was wondering if he returned with all of you. Please tell me where he is!"

Commander Shadis then gazed at the woman with a guilty expression in his eyes. Scout Baker. I saw him die in my arms. He then gripped the woman by the arms and fell to his knees. He finally broke down in tears and yelled, "Scout Baker was a brave Scout! One of the bravest I have ever known! But he died for nothing! The Titans slaughtered about ten percent of the entire Regiment. We have no gains to show for our losses! This is all we have left of him!" Commander Shadis then pulled out what looked like a bloodied arm wrapped in bandages.

The old woman's eyes widened in shock at her son's remains. She then dropped down to her knees and practically broke down in tears.

Eren's eyes widened in shock. They fought so hard! And came back with so little! That woman is crying! She will probably never see her son again. Reality then hit the young boy like a brick. He stared at his hands for a moment. Their sacrifices were necessary. Humanity will never beat the Titans if we don't make sacrifices. I must escape these walls and find true freedom. It would help if I exercised some caution though. He then began overhearing some of the commotion around him.

Two villagers were conversing amongst one another. "What a waste of our tax dollars! They are all going to these fat pigs so they can just go out and get themselves killed."

Eren felt the rage building up from within him. His fists tightened in anger.

Mikasa and Shinji both shot a quick glance at him.

Mikasa could tell from the look on his face that he was about to pop off again. He was practically glaring at the two villagers with daggers in his eyes. She then gazed at Eren with melancholy eyes. Oh Eren. She then put a hand on her shoulder. "Eren what's wrong?"

However, Eren wasn't listening to her. He picked up a small stick that was near him. He quickly ran at one of the men and thwacked him on the head with the stick. "You asshole! Those men died for our freedom!"

Shinji and Mikasa widened their eyes at this.

Shinji gritted his teeth in frustration. Dammit Eren! I have to get him out of there before he gets himself hurt!

Mikasa let out an anguished sigh. Eren. I have to get him out of there.

The man then turned around to face Eren with a look of anger in his eyes. "Why you little-"

Luckily for Eren, Mikasa and Shinji were already dragging him by the scruff of his neck and dragging him away from the two men.

The man yelled out after them. "That's right! You better run pipsqueak!"

Shinji and Mikasa then both ran into a back alley, dragging along Eren with them. They then let go. Some of the firewood Eren had managed to gather managed to splinter on the ground.

Eren managed to get back on his feet and glared at both. "What the hell was that for!"

Shinji felt his temper rise but managed to calm himself down. He shot Eren a glare and shook him by the shoulders "You were about to pick a fight you were never going to win. You were about to get your ass handed to you again." Shinji then let him go and spoke calmly, "I understand why you are upset Eren. For the record, I think what the Scout Regiment is doing out there is both honorable and dangerous. I respect them for it. But those men had a point. The Titans haven't breached the Walls for eight hundred and forty-five years. Humanity is safe behind these walls. There is no point in trying to reclaim land from our Titan enemies. All the Regiment is doing is sending lambs to the slaughter!"

Mikasa then joined in. She looked Eren dead in his eyes and pleaded, "Is that what you want Eren? Think of your mother and father! We have people waiting at home for us! Imagine if that old woman was your mother. She would be absolutely crushed if the Commander had given her your remains! Do you really want to put her through that kind of loss? I understand you are going to do what you feel is right. I'm with you all the way." Mikasa began to choke up a bit but managed to regain control of her emotions. "Please understand this. All Shinji and I want is for you to think this through."

Eren fell to his knees and was silent for a while. Mikasa and Shinji both let out a sigh of relief. Maybe we finally got through to him. They both kneeled beside him and wrapped him in a big hug.

Eren then let out a sigh. He could feel his whole-body shake. I need a moment. He then glanced at both. "Please just give me a moment. I need to clear my head."

Both Shinji and Mikasa nodded at him. They broke the hug and took some steps back.

Eren stood up and rolled his shoulders back. He finally exhaled the long breath he had been holding in. Fucking hell. They have a point. I want to be free. But Shinji, Armin and Mikasa are my best friends. My mother means something to me. They have had my back since day one. If I turn my back on them to follow my dream, then what kind of man does that make me. I may be impulsive, but I am not a fool. He then turned to face his two best friends with a determined expression on his face. "I'll think about it! I won't promise anything though!" He then let out the breath he was desperately holding in. He then flashed both a nervous smile.

Mikasa smiled warmly at him. She tugged lightly at the red scarf around her neck. Her face flushed a bit. "That's all we're asking of you Eren!"

Shinji gave his adoptive brother an approving nod. "Indeed."

Mikasa then cleared her throat, "We should be on our way home Eren. Your mom is expecting us home soon."

Eren then grumbled to himself," Right."

Mikasa then let out a sigh and turned her gaze on Shinji. "And Shinji?"

He turned to look at her. "Yeah?" The raven-haired girl then flashed him a small smile. "Your father is over at our house discussing things with Dad. I hear they are going on an important business trip to Wall Sina. Would you like to go see him?"

Shinji let out a frustrated sigh. Of course! He decides to go on some crazy trip and doesn't tell us. He glanced at Mikasa and duly nodded. "Yeah sure."

Yeager Household, Shinganshina District, Wall Maria

Year 845

Eren, Mikasa and Shinji quickly trekked the way towards the Yeager household.

Eren called out as they entered the house. "We're home! We brought some firewood as well!" There was some bitterness in his tone.

Carla Yeager turned around and smiled warmly at her only son. "Ah you're back! Welcome home you two!" She then spotted Shinji behind Eren and Mikasa. The woman's eyes opened in realization. "Hello Shinji! It is so good to see you again!"

The tall boy gave her a nod. "Nice to see you too Mrs. Yeager!"

Grisha was sitting at the dining table with Tokou discussing their important business trip. Mikasa immediately put her firewood in the wooden chest and began washing dishes.

Eren then chatted up his dad. "So Dad where are you and Tokou going on your trip?" Grisha gave his son a small nod. "Shinji's father and I are going to Wall Sina to see a client. They need our assistance with a medical issue. We should be back in a week."

Tokou turned towards Shinji and gave him a nervous grin. "Yes sorry my boy. I'll have to miss dinner again."

Shinji just shrugged his shoulders and looked away from the man. "Whatever."

Tokou sighed to himself. Someday my boy. You will understand why I've done what I have done. I just hope you will forgive me some day.

Eren gave his father a curt nod and dumped his firewood in the firewood chest.

Carla walked up to him and cooed, "Aw looks like somebody was working hard to keep us fueled for the next few days!"

Eren looked at her warily. "Yeah whatever."

Carla let out a frustrated sigh. Oh Eren. Why are you always such a difficult child? She then noticed that Eren's earlobes was red. Carla then shook her head at him and pulled at it.

Eren then glared at her," What was that for?"

Carla responded sweetly, "Your earlobe is red my sweet boy. That means you are hiding something. Mikasa helped you out again didn't she?"

Eren merely grunted in response.

Carla thought to herself. Yup that is what I thought. She turned Eren's face towards hers. There was a pleading look in her eyes. "Eren why are you always like this? What is bugging you? C'mon you can tell me. I'm your mother."

Eren sighed and felt his defenses break down a little. Maybe I should just communicate with her. I don't expect her to understand but I should at least try to talk to her. He took in a deep breath and felt all the tension leave his body. Here goes. He looked his mother in the eyes for the first time and stated, "I hate it here Mom. We are nothing but prisoners here in a prison of our own design. There is freedom outside the walls. I know this. Armin told me a while ago. I want to fight for our real home out there. That's why I'm so fascinated with the Scouts. I want to help reclaim the land we've lost.

Carla Yeager suddenly felt a volcano of rage rise inside of her. The nerve! She grabbed her son by the shoulders and rested her forehead against his. Her eyes were full of a type of rage only a mother could possess. "You listen to me Eren Yeager! You get that ridiculous thought out of your head right this instant! I will not have my son become Titan fodder! You are the only child I have, and I will not lose you to those suicidal maniacs! Am I clear!"

Eren looked back at her with eyes that spoke of equal rage. "Stop yelling at me!"

Suddenly, Grisha spoke with a calm tone. "It's a nightmare Eren. You have no idea what life is like out there."

Both Carla and Eran looked at him with shock.

Eren focused his gaze on his father and spoke, "No you don't understand. I get that it is dangerous. I am not stupid. I know that I would be facing certain death on the outside. But taking that chance has got to be better than this. The Scout Regiment has a dream that one day we can reclaim the land lost to our ancestors. I believe in that dream and I won't let it go! Otherwise, this nightmare will never end!"

Everyone stared at Eren with pure shock in their eyes.

Grisha's eyes widened for a moment. He then readjusted his glasses. I see now. The older Yeager then stood up out of his chair and started to walk out of the house. "Excuse me. Tokou and I are late for the ferry." He then turned his gazed towards Tokou. "I expect you at the ferry as soon as possible Tokou. Is that clear?"

Tokou then gave the man a respectful bow. "Yes sir."

Carla Yeager's eyes widened in fear as she watched her husband walk away from her. "Wait Grisha! At least scold the boy or talk him out of this lunacy!" She ran forward and tightly grabbed the man by his sleeves. "He's your son."

Grisha sighed ruefully and turned towards her. He put a hand on her shoulder and stated plainly, "My dear wife. Can you not see that words will not sway him? He has already decided that this is what he wants to do. Nothing I say now will change that."

Carla let out a gasp and covered her mouth. Tears began flowing out of her eyes. She started sobbing softly.

Grisha shook his head sadly. I'm sorry Eren. I wish I had done better than to lead you towards this fate. He then glanced at Eren. "Eren!"

The boy stood at attention. "Yes sir!"

Grisha eyed the boy seriously. "I want you to promise me you will behave! If you behave, Tokou and I will show you and Shinji what we've been working on in the cellar." Grisha then showed Eren the golden necklace around his neck. It was pure gold and had a key on it.

Eren's eyes suddenly brightened up. Yeah! I've always wanted to see what was in the cellar! "You got a deal!"

Shinji just muttered out. "Sure why not." He then crossed his arms.

Grisha then gave his son one final nod. "Alright I'm off then!"

Tokou spoke up, "I'll catch up with you later Grisha! I need to speak with my son before we go."

Shinji then raised an eyebrow at his father. What in the hell would he want to talk about? I have no interest in speaking with him. He is almost never home, and he has never spent an iota of time with me.

Grisha gave his longtime partner a nod. "Just don't be late!"

Tokou nodded back at him.

Grisha then left the house.

Eren, Mikasa and Carla followed him outside.

Soon, it was just Tokou and his son in the Yeager home.

Tokou then gave his son a small smile. "Now Shinji come sit with me for a moment. I have some important things to tell you."

For the first time in his life, Shinji was glaring at his father with daggers in his eyes. All the angst and the betrayal that he had been holding in for years came out. "Why should I? You've never once engaged me in conversation unless it was to inform me that you would be late for dinner or away on some trip! When I was little, you were never around to console me when I cried or even to acknowledge my existence! Mom was always the one who took care of me!" Shinji could feel the rage build from within him. "All I have ever wanted was a normal day where we could spend time as a family! I never thought I was asking for much! Just one day!" He then planted both hands on the table and got in the man's face. "So before I do anything, you are going to tell me why you abandoned me! Why you have abandoned Mother for so long! What was so damn important that you had to forsake your own family?

Tokou took in a deep breath. It is a risk. But this is the only way I can make him understand. Please forgive me Grisha. The bearded and balding man then stood up and grabbed his briefcase. He opened in and placed it on the table. "Take a look at this."

Shinji, out of curiosity, sat down and started looking through the files. The Kaorosu Bloodline? The history of the Kaorosu family? The Sokken Risu? As he analyzed everything before him, Shinji was left with more questions than answers. He stared up at his father with a shocked look on his face. "Father I do not understand."

Tokou then spoke gently and put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Then let me start from the beginning. The Kaorosu clan has the ability to transform into a Titan. We also have the ability to control groups of Titans and make them fight for us. We are not part of the Nine Titans however. Long ago, our abilities were used by a king to fight a war against an empire of great size. We were supposed to be cloaked in secrecy, but the enemy found us and slaughtered our numbers down to one. The lone survivor was your great-grandfather Kyoshi Kaorosu. He survived and escaped to these walls. That bloodline now survives through you. That is why you must remember this last bit I tell you now." Tokou then leaned in and whispered in his son's ear "Retake Eldia and reclaim our people's land at any cost! Is that understood?"

Shinji could suddenly feel his whole body shaking. I don't understand at all but I guess I'll say yes. "Yes Father!" Shinji then saluted his father. Tokou then took in a deep breath. There I cannot say anymore. Not that I know of much else anyway. He then stood up and made for the door. Shinji stammered out, "Wait I have so many questions! Don't go!"

Tokou sighed sadly and stated, "I'm sorry my son. I have nothing else to tell you." He then kneeled before his only son and stated, "I am sorry that I couldn't be a real father to you my boy. Grisha and I needed to find out our peoples' history so that the Eldian people could finally be free from these walls that have caged us in. That is what lies in that cellar. That is why you and Eren must venture down there somehow. Within that cellar resides the last hope of the Eldian people." The man then gave his son a ring. It was made of pure gold and had an emerald in the middle. "This ring is the Sokken Risu. It is the key to unlocking our Command power. It has been passed down from generation to generation in the Kaorosu clan. Guard it well. I was going to give it to you when you got older. However, it seems that fate has forced my hand." Tokou then slipped the ring on Shinji's hand. It fit exactly like a glove on his finger. The ring let off a crackle of electricity as it connected with the finger.

Shinji let out a grunt in pain. That hurt!

Tokou then grasped the ring finger and spoke in a serious manner, "When you want to activate your power, just focus mentally on a goal you want to accomplish and self-harm yourself. You may use this power at your own discretion. Just know that once you do, be prepared for the worst case scenario. As you already know, many people in the walls aren't fond of Titans."

Shinji gave him an understanding nod.

Tokou then continued, "Another important thing to remember is that you must keep our ability and all I have said to you a secret at any cost. The only person who can know is Eren. If anyone finds out about any of this, you and him will be killed on the spot. You understand me? The fake king is a puppet of the Marleyans and he has been successful in killing or silencing anyone who dares speak of the Eldian Empire. He truly fears our people. You must be careful who you trust. It doesn't matter what Regiment they are in. The king and his elites have spies everywhere. You understand?"

Shinji gave his father a dutiful nod. "Yes Father!" Tokou then kissed his son on the forehead. Shinji felt like his heart was going to beat out of his chest. He showed me affection for the first time. "Goodbye my son. Remember what I told you and that I love you!"

Shinji then watched with tears in his eyes and his father's silhouette disappeared. He reached out to him, but only felt gentle whisps of air on his fingers. Father.