Chapter 5 Reply
"You had your time, but it's over!" Flegel said. "Look above you morons!"
Hange and Moblit jumped from the roof and kicked two Military Police members, Roger tried to shoot Hange, but missed as Hange shove a fist into his face, knocking him to the ground.
"No matter how many times we've seen it, they are awesome." Hange says.
"I agree. I guess this is some sort of preview since we watched the last episode before lunch." Erwin says.
"Where are Eren and Christa?"
After taking the feet off, the MP coughed and said, "It's no use. If you don't turn yourselves in, every last Scout we captured will get the noose!"
"I entrusted something to Commander Pyxis. When it comes, I will only watch. It's up to you to decide. You... and them." Erwin said.
Wagons were rushing into the hall, and the crowd were muttering. "Those sure are a lot of wagons." "What's going on?" "You don't know? Right now, all the heads of the military are meeting inside the castle to finally dismantle the Scout Regiment. See?"
Two MPs are preparing for the hanging stage. "There's the gallows for hanging their commander. I bet it's ongoing as we speak... his final judgment."
"Seriously? Are they really going to hang Commander Erwin?" Jean asks.
"Without Commander Erwin, the Scouts are a lost cause!" Connie says.
"We can't let that happen." Eren says.
Now Erwin was kneeling in front of the royal family, with the Military Police and Garrison behind him, both Nile and Pyxis are also in the hall as well.
"If humanity loses the Scout Regiment, that means humanity loses their spear. When enemies close in, you guard not with a shield, but a spear that eliminates the threat. Suppose now, if this instant, Wall Rose were to be breached... The residents of Wall Rose would again flee and take refuge in Wall Sina. But the earlier evacuation left stockpiles with no more than a few days at best. In the blink of an eye, most of the residents would be forced to fight for survival. Wall Rose and Sina... Humanity would be split into two factions and civil war would erupt." Erwin said. "Even if the wall was not breached, Wall Rose is continually suffering a food shortage. It may not be Titans that breach Wall Sina...There's a chance the residents of Wall Rose do it first."
Everyone in the Military Police and Garrison was sweating and looking nervous.
"That sure is some good thinking." Armin says.
"Retake Wall Maria. If humanity is to ever hope for a future, that is the only way." Erwin said.
"Are you implying that the Scouts are needed for such a cause?" Aurille asked.
"Our duty as Scouts has always been to charge forth at the enemy. Cowering away will not solve anything." Erwin said. "Or could it be... you have some sort of secret plan to overcome this ordeal?" Erwin's face got a closer look, with a swell top of his right eye and purple surrounding it, blood at his mouth, and some scars.
"Commander, your face..." Hange gasps.
"I guess that's how they treat me for this..." Erwin sighs.
Aurille coughed and said, "Erwin, I don't think you understand. The reason you're here today is not to discuss our future within the walls, nor is it because of something as simple as murder. Clause Six, Charter of Humanity. "Thou shall not prioritize one's own gain over the longevity of humanity." You're here for this grave offense."
"Indeed. You've refused to hand over Eren Yeager multiple times." Gerald said. "In doing so, you've violated the Charter."
"But Eren is vital for reclaiming Wall Maria!" Erwin said.
"That's not for the Scouts to decide!" Deltoff said.
"Eren Yeager is a Titan whose powers are not understood!" Roderich said. "Sheltering him within the walls is a risk to humanity! It's absurd for a single commander to have control of him alone."
Eren clenched his fists, it is because of him that his friends and Commander Erwin was in trouble.
"And yet, you stubbornly persisted in some plan of yours." Aurille said. "Not only did you feign his abduction and conceal Eren Yeager...but you silenced Dimo Reeves since he knew of your plans. This is clearly treason."
"It is not a stretch to say that you're the threat to humanity." Deltoff said.
"Commander Pyxis." Gerald said, "The Garrison and Scout Regiments both risk their lives on the front lines. How are we to know that you're not his comrade?"
"I'm quite disturbed that you believe we would align ourselves with the Scouts." Pyxis said. "Nothing is more senseless than humans killing humans. In this cramped world that we humans have, one spark will engulf all in no time. When it came time to defend Trost District, that's what I told my soldiers before sending many to their deaths. If the Scout Regiment is that one spark, it should be smothered at once."
Nile stared at Pyxis with sweat. Pyxis said, "After all, if the Titans do manage to break the wall and find hardly anyone left inside, those poor Titans might go hungry."
"I thought Commander Pyxis was on our side!" Connie frowns.
"He has to say that in front of the government." Levi says. "To save his own skin. But something tells me that there is more.
Ray smiles as they know what they're planning.
"Very well." Gerald said. "Allow us to discuss."
Aurille turned to the king and said, "Your Majesty... May we?"
The king sat on his throne without saying something.
Eren says, "That king has been doing the same pose since episode 1, for some reason, I thought he was dead..."
"Eren, how could you say something like that? It's the king!" Armin says.
"Is he really the king? I wonder?" Hange asks.
After the discussion, Nile thought, Erwin. Is this how you want it to end? He then looked at Pyxis who had his eyes closed.
Aurille then stood up and bowed at the king. "In the name of the King, I will announce your judgment. Erwin Smith. For violating Clause Six of the Charter of Humanity, you are sentenced to death."
"What?" Jean says in shock.
"No way!" Sasha shouts.
"I hate this guy." Mikasa says while glaring at him.
"Your execution will be carried out immediately. Take him."
"Is it showing my death?" Erwin questions.
"No way. Your plan must be in motion." Levi says.
Erwin, is this what you wanted?! With this, you're... Nile thinks as Erwin slowly stands up. Nile gasps as a garrison member swings open the door.
"Dramatic much." Jean says.
"Wall Rose... has been breached!"
There is silence for a moment as everyone takes in the news. Everyone's mouths fall open.
"She shitting us right?" Connie says.
"No fucking way." Jean says while looking down.
"Why? Why did they have to breach now?" Armin says.
"The Colossal Titan appeared out of nowhere! Along with the Armored Titan, they broke through both gates of Calaneth District!"
"Caleneth district?" Erwin says while raising his eyebrow.
"So Reiner and Bertolt are back again..." Eren mutters, "If only those Titans have finished them off..."
"But what about Ymir?" Historia asks. "Is she with them as well?"
"What is actually their goal?" Armin asks.
"Currnetly, refugees from the East are flocking here for safety!"
The Royalties were shocked, and Pyxis yelled, "Establish a route for the evacuees! Have all the Garrison troops converge and defend the East! Get the evacuees safely to Wall Sina! Everyone, hurry! Saving the evacuees is our top priority!"
"Commander Pyxis was so fast..." Sasha says.
"As expected from the commander." Hange says.
"Sir!"
"No, wait!"
"Hm?" Pyxis said while turning his head.
"Close up all of the gates to Wall Sina! Don't let a single refugee inside!" Aurille commanded.
"Excuse me?" Hange asks.
"Did I hear that right?" Connie says.
"Huh? Is he serious?" Jean asks enraged.
"Do they know how many people will die?" Eren shouts.
"Half of humanity would be wiped out if they did that." Armin says.
"They should be removed from their position." Mikasa says while glaring.
"Yeah, these guys are crazy. They're letting so many people die." Historia whispers.
"Huh?" Nile asked. "B-but that's... all the Wall Rose Residents? Your command is to sit back and watch as half of humanity dies?"
"It's just like he said earlier! That's asking for civil war! We can't let the government lose control! If that happens, it's over!" Aurille said.
"I hate this guy." Historia says while glaring at him.
"You're not the only one." Sasha responds.
"So they only care about themselves." Mikasa says in disgust.
"B-but... That's only a mere possibility!" Nile said.
"It's enough for that possibility to exist!" Aurille said. "Our authority is and always will be absolute! Now, get moving!"
"This guy needs to shut the hell up!" Eren shouts.
"Tch, they're using their power to justify their actions." Levi says annoyed.
Pyxis looked at Anka who let out a gasp and ran off. Gerald said, "To think the wall would be breached at a time like this..."
Aurille said, "Though, there is a silver lining. We've already found the power. All that's left is to bide our time until the vessel takes it."
"Do you think the vessel means Historia?" Hange asks.
"Me? They want me to what?" Historia asks.
"That's right. There's no need to be flustered by this little disaster." Deltoff said. "As long as Wall Sina holds up, we'll be fine."
"Yes, once Lord Reiss comes back..." Roderich said. The king just watched in the same position.
"Um, why isn't the king moving or saying anything?" Sasha questions.
An MP said, "Let's do it! Close the gates!"
"Wait!" Nile said.
"It'll be too late if we wait!" Another one said.
Who gets to choose, who decides? Erwin's words echoed in Nile's mind.
"What are you doing?! Hurry up!" Aurille yelled at the MPs in the hall. "It'll be treason if you don't!"
Nile then said, "I will not!"
"Yeah you tell him!" Jean yells.
"Stand up to this horrible government!" Histoira shouts.
"Yes!" Connie cheers.
"What?" Aurille asked.
"But sir." An MP said.
I... am a human of Wall Rose! I will not allow the gates to be closed!" Nile said.
Sasha, Connie, Jean, and Eren cheer even louder.
"Yeah, you tell that asshole!" Eren shouts.
"Do what's right!" Sasha screams.
"Your amazing!" Connie shouts to him.
"I didn't realize some Mp actually had balls." Mikasa whispers while Armin laughs.
"You fool!" Aurille said.
"I will stand behind him." Zachary said as he entered with soldiers holding guns.
"Premier Zachary!" Hange gasps.
"Look at all the soldiers!" Armin adds.
"Dhalis Zachary..." Aurille was stunned.
"Are you surprised at all by their reaction, Premier Zachary?" Pyxis asked.
"No... Not a bit." He said while pushing his glasses up.
"Woah, Woah, what's going on?" Connie says while scratching his head.
"Zachary, what's the meaning of this?!" Deltoff asked.
"That report just now was a false alarm. Rest assured."
Everyone lets out a giant sigh of relief.
"Oh thank god!" Connie says while sliding off his chair.
"Yes it was fake!" Sasha says while cheering.
Erwin says, "So this is what I'm planning this time..."
"At the moment, there has been no report of a Titan attack." Zachary said.
"You bastards! What is this farce?!" Aurille yelled.
"If you want the mastermind, it's me." Pyxis said. "It seems most of the Interior Police are off somewhere or other. I suppose that's quite fortunate."
"What do you mean?" Aurille demanded.
"Earlier, I declared to you that the Garrison Regiment isn't aligned with the Scout Regiment. But I did forget to mention one thing... I'm not aligned with any of you either. While I do possess some of the same feelings as Erwin here... I considered leaving things up to your government if that were the better choice for the sake of humanity. You are, after all, much wiser than us when it comes to Titans and the Walls."
"I wonder what that knowledge is." Erwin says.
"Yeah, what could they be hiding." Levi states.
"Supposing you actually cared about saving as many people as possible, I would have been fine sending Erwin to the gallows. Of course, depending on your decision, all of us were prepared to forfeit our heads. However, the answer you've given us is very clear! We may be ignorant about the Titans and their powers, but...I daresay, we in our ignorance can save far more people than you ever could!"
"Yeah, we won't go and close gates on helpless innocents." Hange spits back.
"Thanks to this TV we might no longer be ignorant." Armin says while smiling.
"Y-You're a fool! What do you think undermining us will accomplish?!" Aurille demanded. "The citizens will never listen to you! They'll obey whatever the crown says! The regional lords will have none of this!"
"It seems you don't quite understand. This is no mere threat. It's a coup d'etat." Pyxis said.
Anka walked in and said, "We've successfully restrained the Interior Police!"
"Hm." Zachary said, and the Royal Government had fear on their faces.
The soldiers were pointing guns at the Interior Police, and Zachary said, "The thing with soldiers, they'll obey their superior officer over the king."
"Especially when the king in question is a fraud." Pyxis said. "We will put in place a new ruler of our own."
"Knew it." Erwin says.
"So we're going to have Historia be the queen!" Eren says as everyone cheers for her.
"It can't be... They're actually...Don't even think you can get away with this hoax!" Aurille yelled.
"If that disaster had in fact happened...The decision that all of you made violates Clause Six of the Charter of Humanity." Erwin said. "Furthermore, is installing a fake king to personally control and run the government not punishable by death?"
With everyone staring at the government, Aurille gritted his teeth and kicked the chair where the King was sitting. "Shit! Wake up, dotard!"
"What? Time to eat?" The King asked.
"Shut up, you useless oaf!" Aurille said as they were all arrested.
"So the king really is sleeping!" Jean gasps.
"How could he sleep when something like this happen in front of him?" Connie asks.
After freeing Erwin from the handcuffs, Nile said, "Erwin... This is your victory. Aren't you happy?"
Erwin frowned and said, "Nile. Humanity has just begun down a new path...One far more dangerous than before."
In the woods where the Levi Squad was, it turned out the two figures in cloaks were Hange and Moblit.
"I knew it was Hange and Moblit." Eren says.
Everyone gathered and looked at the news. Hange said, "And there you have it. The coup d'etat was successful. Premier Zachary has control of the capital and administrative district. For the time being, the nobility hasn't rebelled."
"What about the Boss Reeves incident?" Armin asked.
"We got a confession that proved the charges unfounded." Hange said. "His son Flegel really pulled through big time."
Flegel was grabbing Roy by the collar and said, "Don't you get it?! The government doesn't give a shit about saving any of us! Face the truth now, because it'll be too late when you're dead!"
Peaure said, "That's right! If Titans attack us again, there'll be nothing left this time! Not the company! Not our families! Let's print the truth before that happens!"
The two news reporters are working, and Hange said, "Just like it's written right there, it shows the charges were bogus, they abused their power, and that King Fritz was a total fake. All our actions were justified in self-defense. In other words, we're free people now."
Everyone started to cheer, with the MP tied on the tree muttered, "No... This can't be..."
"While you're cheering there, who else remembers that I was still being kidnapped?" Eren asks.
"Don't worry, we'll save you no matter what." Mikasa says.
Levi said, "Looks like the gamble paid off."
Hange said, "Yeah. It wasn't just Erwin though. The lone choices of many managed to change the world."
"And I managed to kill the three people you loaned me." Levi said. "I'm sorry."
Hange gave a small smile. Levi said, "The thing is, part of the Interior Police, their leader, Eren, and Historia are somewhere else. If we don't find them soon..."
"I may have a clue about that." Hange showed the book. "Let's get there and put an end to that battle."
"Good thing Captain Levi still remembered that I was still being kidnapped..." Eren sighs.
"And seems like we know where you're hiding." Armin adds.
"As a result of Erwin's actions, it was declared that the current regime would be ousted. That announcement came immediately after the military gained control of the capital and administrative district. And took place upon the gallows constructed specifically for him."
Zachary and Erwin were shown standing on top of the stage as they told the crowd about everything about the government.
"That's right. It's exactly how Premier Zachary explained in the speech." Nile said to the crowd. "Understand that our goal is not to establish military rule. In place of Fritz, a new ruler will come from the true royal family. They will be the ones responsible for leading the people."
"I understand that well enough, but do you really think people will simply accept a new ruler just like that?" A reporter asked. "There are a lot of citizens out there who are very worried." "At this point, who do we trust?"
"They have a good point. If we have Historia become the queen, the crowd might not go to trust her instantly." Erwin says.
"So what should we do then? How are we going to convince them?" Hange asks.
"Maybe this TV will provide answers." Eren says.
In the Wagon, Erwin said, "As far as humanity is concerned, we should have let the government do as they please. Like Commander Pyxis was saying, they've somehow devised a means of keeping humanity alive until now. Even if they watch as half of humanity dies, it's better than us going extinct. Should I have let Eren go, risked my comrade's lives, giving up both my life and my duty, and entrusted it all to the government? If humanity is more precious than one single life..."
Zachary replied, "Your duty is as painful as ever. Dying seems a far easier option. In that case, why didn't you do as you say?"
"That's..." Erwin muttered.
"Shall I tell you my reason?" Zachary suddenly outbursted, "For a long time, I've hated those bastards! They piss me off! Those pompous pricks and pigs who think they're important..."
"Woah, this is the first time I see someone like Premier Zachary outburst like that..." Eren gasps.
"I thought he was always cool." Mikasa nods.
"No... Maybe I actually liked them. I've been dreaming of this day to come for ages. That is... Even if you hadn't done it, I would've given it a shot before I kicked the bucket. I couldn't care less if this coup d'etat is good or bad for humanity. I'm quite the scoundrel, right? But you're no different than me. You didn't want to die. Just like me, you prioritize yourself over the fate of humanity."
"I... must be very conceited to think that." Erwin said.
"What's your reason?" Zachary asked. "Now it's your turn to answer."
"I... have a dream. One I've had since I was a child..." Erwin said.
"Okay, this episode is quite too much..." Levi says.
"Yeah, to think everything changed so fast...It's like a dream." Erwin says.
The scene changed to the Levi Squad riding horses and carriages. Mikasa asked, "Hange-san. You might know where they are?"
"Yeah, I'll explain." Hange said. "Erwin gave me this Scout investigation report regarding Lord Reiss' land. Most of it has to do with an incident five years ago that shook up the Reiss family."
"Five years ago?" Armin asked.
"Right. On the day Wall Maria was breached. I'll summarize the important bits from the beginning. As the lord of his territory, the popular opinion of Rod Reiss wasn't all that bad. He had five children, and his eldest daughter Frieda was a down-to-earth girl that even the peasants adored."
The scene showed a black-haired woman waving to farmers on the road.
Seeing Frieda's face brings back a rush of memories to Historia. "I remember...that's my sister! I can't believe I never remembered her in five years since I last saw her!"
"You never remembered her? Why?" Armin asks.
"But that night, five years ago, disaster struck. With the world having plunged into pure chaos, some bandits raided and set fire to the only chapel around. Unfortunately, that night, the entire Reiss family was there praying together. And so, the whole family, save for the head of the house, Rod Reiss... was massacred that night by the bandits."
This causes everyone to gasp in shock. Historia asks, "Is this the reason why my Dad went to find me that day? Because Frieda and my other siblings were killed?"
"It could be the reason." Levi says.
Mikasa and Armin stared at Hange, who said, "To top it off, this incident occurred just a few days before Historia's mother was killed by the Interior Police. In other words, immediately after losing his family, Rod Reiss sought out Historia. There must be a reason he and his lackeys are after Historia."
Levi asked, "The same bloodline? Is there some secret to their blood?"
"I don't know for sure yet." Hange replied. "But what really makes me curious is that parts of the chapel are completely wrecked. The chapel itself is stone. It would take tons of time and effort to destroy it. Bandits would take what they can and make a quick escape. Plus, the only one who saw those bandits was Rod Reiss himself. Soon after, he used his own fortune to rebuild the chapel. But why?"
Everyone stared at Hange, before she said, "If you think about it, it's actually stranger that there were no traces of Titans. Even if I'm jumping to conclusions, something this suspicious deserves us checking it out."
"I wonder, is it really the bandits that destroy the chapel?" Armin asks. "What if it's just a cover story and there is something else?"
Seeing Ray's frown face, Historia asks, "Is what Armin said true? That Frieda and the others were killed by someone else?"
Ray says, "Yes. But it would be revealed."
In a place filled with crystals, Eren was having a vision of a girl brushing her hair. When he looked into the mirror, he found a dark-haired girl with blue eyes.
"Frieda?" Historia gasps.
Eren woke up to find that he was chained around his arm which was in bandages.
"Where's your shirt?" Jean asks while snarling.
"Forget that! Where is his hand?!" Armin asks in alarm.
"Where is he? What are all those glowing pillars?" Hange looks in amazement.
Eren touches his head as he looks at that place. "That place.. it feels familiar somehow." Eren asks.
"What do you mean?" Mikasa asks him.
"I don't know it feels like I've been there before." Eren responds.
What the hell?! Eren looked alarmed after seeing himself chained up.
"Yeah, what the hell..." Eren mutters.
Elsewhere, Erwin prepared the Scouts to move out. Hange's voice rang in his head. "Before the night is over, we'll have soldiers all over Reiss' land. Unfortunately, I doubt he'll be waiting that long. If we don't hurry and get there, Eren may end up being eaten."
If a Titan eats a person who can change into a Titan and thus inherits their powers... If that's actually true... When and how did Eren become a Titan, and who did he eat to gain his powers? Armin thinks.
"That sure is a good question, do you remember something, Eren?" Erwin asks.
Eren holds his head and widens his eyes, That serum my father injected me that day...could it be the reason why I've become a Titan? But that means... "My mind is still a little blurry, maybe we'll know in the future?"
"I guess so. We will soon find out." Levi says.
Eren was trying to struggle free from the chains, but then he failed and noticed Historia, dressed white, standing in front of him. "Historia?"
Ray says, "Okay, we'll end the episode here."
Historia says, "Why am I dressed up like that? Did I play a part in chaining Eren like that?"
"I just hope that was only your father's doing." Eren says. "But I think I want to know answers as soon as I can..."
"Of course, we want to know the truth as well." Armin says.
Here is a new chapter, and I hope you like it.