Chapter 23: The Rise and the Fallen
(Reiner)
A normal newlywed couple would be too occupied with each other during their honeymoon. A couple like Reiner and Mikasa; their honeymoon was at paused for the time being until this war was over.
"So how are we going to get the rest of the Paradisian military soldiers and assassins here?" Porco said while glancing at the massive map of Marley and Paradise Isle.
Reiner was in deep thought of the plan. He got an updated message from Commander Hange that they had moved to their location closer to deep woods by the coastline of the island. He wondered how the invaders didn't notice them when the soldiers left the Wall of Maria. Maybe they only focus on populated areas to keep it on lockdown.
"We can use a boat to sneak them out. If only we had some underwater ship to use them. It will make this mission go smoothly without getting caught." Armin said.
"What I remembered is that Hizuru had a submarine. Mikasa, could you check with Ambassador Azumabito if the nation, Hizuru, has any active submarines?" Reiner glanced at his wife.
Mikasa nodded. "Yeah, I'll go now." She went to the communication room while Reiner watched her leaving the big room.
He felt lucky having a woman like Mikasa as his wife. In fact, he's lucky enough to have a wife. Not in a million years had Reiner ended up married before his time ended. He will cherish every moment with Mikasa.
"Alright, we'll proceed with this plan once Mikasa checks in with Hizuru about the submarines then will go from there to contact Commander Hange about escaping to Liberio." Reiner concluded his meeting.
"You're all dismissed." He gestured to everyone to get back to their positions before coming here.
Later that day, Reiner stretched his arms up due to being sitting in his chair for hours to finalize the plan before executing it. He checked the time as it was late. Reiner decided to clean up his desk to organize and seal important documents. Hopefully, Mikasa is not waiting on him again. After he finished putting away his documents into a filing cabinet, the Marleyan Commander headed out of his office and walked to go to his room.
"Reiner! Wait up." A familiar voice got his attention. He turned around to see it was his younger cousin, Gabi.
"Gabi, why are you still up around this hour? You should have been in bed a few hours ago." His tone sounded like a father would scold his child.
Gabi rolled her eyes annoyingly. Ever since Gabi became an orphan, Reiner had been taking the role as her paternal figure. He had already been acting like a father figure when Gabi joined to be a candidate warrior for the Marley army unit. So pretty much this dynamic was already familiar between the cousins.
"I was hungry, so I sneaked into the base's kitchen to get a glass of milk. Aren't you supposed to be with Mikasa to try to make a baby?" She said so casually.
Reiner blushed from hearing what his little cousin had said. How does she know already about making babies? Did Mikasa give her the talk already?
"I- how do you know about babies?" He coughed from being flabbergasted.
"Annie said that now you two are married; a baby will be made soon. So, I asked her how babies are made and she told me to ask you since you're an expert on making it whatever the hell she meant." Her big light brown curiously stared at him.
Now, Reiner felt trapped with that complex question. Oh man, he was not ready to give the bees and the birds explanation. Oh, why Annie could have just kept her mouth shut?
"Um...see when-" Reiner spotted Armin walking the same hallway towards them. The commander felt a relief when the other blond man interrupted their potentially awkward conversation.
"Sorry, Commander Braun if I'm interrupting anything important, but we have got a message from Hizuru." Armin said while looking at both the Braun cousins.
"That was fast. Alright, let's go." Then Reiner turned his attention back to Gabi. "Gabi, we'll talk later ok. Try to go to sleep. Night little cousin." He gave her a warmth smile and hugged her then kissed the top of her head affectionately.
Gabi sighted but understood. "Fine, goodnight, big cousin. I'll go check if Mikasa is awake. She promised to give me a goodnight hug." She hugged back her older cousin and waved goodbye to Armin as she ran to go find Mikasa.
(Mikasa)
As the day had gotten dark, Mikasa was already tucked into bed while doing some homework for her kin, Ambassador Kiyomi. It's been 7 months since their marriage. Time had passed so quickly for her liking. How long does Reiner have left now? 3 or 2 months? It doesn't matter. This fucking war is taking away their time together. She prays for any higher being to hear her prayers. Mikasa placed her book aside and reached to the drawer next to her. As she pulled the handle and saw a box with the word pregnancy test label on it, her hand had picked up the small rectangle box and unboxed it. Thank God for Annie an extra or two. The blonde titan shifter had brought a few of them as she was fascinated on the other side of the world, there's sticks that predict if you're pregnant or not. Lately, Mikasa was stressed for many reasons like time is ticking away from Reiner's life span, the war, and not having any signs of being pregnant.
She had wondered if something was wrong with her not being able to be with a child. Maybe using this stick device, there will be hope for her to have a part of Reiner. Mikasa gets up to go to the bathroom. The newly Empress begins to follow the instruction. After peeing on the stick and leaving on the countertop of the sink for ten minutes. The raven-haired Ackerman was about to look at the next step of the instruction until she heard a child's voice in her room.
"Mikasa! Are you there?" Gabi barged into the room.
"Oh shit." Mikasa mumbled while walking out of the bathroom then closed the door behind her.
"Hello Gabi, do you need something? It's late for you. Why are you still awake and not in bed?" Mikasa glanced at the young girl.
Gabi pouted as she made a groaned sound. "Ugh, I'm not a little kid anymore. Besides, I have been in a war and killed a few. So, I don't need a bedtime anymore."
"Just because you have been in a war, it doesn't mean you are not still a child. Besides, there's nothing wrong with being a kid. Try to be a child as much as you can. Because once you reach adulthood, you will regret it." Mikasa was trying to give advice.
"But I'm not sleepy and I'm here because I do have a question that no one will answer. Not even my big cousin." The brunette pouted.
"Oh? Then if it's a question, come sit next to me and tell me and I'll try my best to answer." Mikasa patted the mattress for Gabi to come sit next to her.
The brown haired girl went to sit next to her. "So, here's my question. How do you make a baby? Reiner said to ask you when I asked him earlier. Annie said to ask you two since you're an expert on making one."
Mikasa felt her face become hot from what Gabi just asked her. How do you explain to a kid about sex and having kids? Her mother had the talk with her when she found out her parents were expecting another baby. The conversation was vague as the female Ackerman got older. Her mother told her it was the mother goddess who blessed the true lovers with fertility by praying. Now as an adult, it sounds full of shit. She must have guessed her mother felt nervous to try to have the talk with her. What made it worse Mikasa had asked that same question to Levi and oh boy it was awkward for both Ackermans. Levi had made a snarky remark because her praying to some goddess will magically make a baby appear for her. That was the time when she was in love with Eren. Levi had given her a reality check.
"Um...that's a good question. Well, why do you want to know where babies come from?" Mikasa asked her.
"I'm just curious. Because maybe one day, I will want one when I'm grown up." Gabi said.
Mikasa nodded. "Alright but remember to be careful on who you want to have a child within the future. It's better to...make them with someone who you are really in love with but also, they love you as well. Also wait when you get married, it makes it more meaningful."
Gabi nodded and waited for Mikasa to start explaining. Mikasa began to explain as much truth as she could. She doesn't want to taint Gabi but at the same time being vague about it. She doesn't want the young girl to be naive and become embarrassed as she reaches adulthood. After finishing explaining, Gabi was blushing awkwardly.
"Ew, I think I don't want one anymore." Gabi made a grossed-out face. Mikasa laughed from her reaction.
"When you find one, you will completely forget all about the gross part." Mikasa finally stopped chuckling.
"I guess but thanks anyway." Gabi finally yawned.
"I see you are finally sleepy. Go on now to bed. I will wake you and Falco up in the morning." Mikasa gives her a smile which Gabi smiles back then goes to hug her.
Once they hugged, Gabi pulled away then walked toward the door. "Goodnight, Mikasa."
"Goodnight, Gabi." The raven-haired woman said as Gabi finally left the room.
As Mikasa was now alone, she sighed and flopped her back on the mattress. In the morning she will spar with Annie and maybe take it out on her for putting her into an awkward situation by explaining to Gabi the fundamentals of procreation.
The raven-haired Ackerman was lost in her thoughts as her husband was already here. His arms wrapped around her waist while burying his face on her shoulder to give sweet kisses.
"You're still up?" His husky tone pulled her back to reality.
"Huh? Oh yeah. I was waiting for you." Mikasa said while embracing his kisses on her shoulder and now her neck.
"Mikasa, you don't have to wait for me. I want you to get your full sleep, especially as we will very soon help defeat the Templars and the Jaegerists." Reiner said.
Mikasa glanced at the bathroom's door. She remembered the pregnancy stick was on the counter sink. She turned her sight at her husband. "Ok, let me throw away the trash on the sink."
The raven-haired woman went to the bathroom and picked up the stick to read negative. She frowned then threw the stick including the empty box into the trash can. Mikasa was not pleased with the result she read. All she could hear was the time ticking. This is torturous for her.
Reiner noticed how his wife had changed her mood rapidly. They both tuck into bed. "Mikasa, what's wrong?" He asked.
"Nothing. Reiner. I'm just grouchy from being tired." She gave an excuse for not wanting to give the real reason. She doesn't want to give him false hope.
"Alright, let's try to sleep then." He smiled and wrapped his arm around her waist to cuddle her.
Mikasa felt a kiss on her forehead and cheek from him. "Goodnight, my warrioress." He whispered.
"Night, my warrior." She gave him a smile.
(Arne)
Halonus, Eldia Empire 1556
The captured farmer had been dragged to a spacious room. Arne was forced to kneel in front of the altar where a huge man sat on the throne made of gold. All he saw was the fine leather boots the royal ruler was wearing. So, this must be the King? He thought to himself.
"Stay kneel, farmer. You're in the presence of our mighty King." One of the guards said while the other gripped on to Arne's back neck to make sure he was kneeling.
"Arne!" Ingrid cried as she tried to run towards him. She was worried about the way he looks.
When he heard her cries, the dark-haired man was relieved she was still alive and safe. He mumbled in low tone to the gods and goddesses in thanking them for hearing his praying.
Ingrid was being held back by two more guards. "Let go of me!" She screamed and raged at them.
The king had enough of the noblewoman's wailing since the kidnapping. He glared at Ingrid with cold malicious eyes. "Woman enough of your wailing." His hand was back slapped her cheek which left a reddish mark on her pale skin.
"You bastard! Don't you ever lay your hand on her!" Arne growled in anger when he heard the slap sound echoing the room. Now Ingrid was whimpering quietly. He felt useless right now for not being able to protect her. Just hearing her whimpering in pain, something in him telling to kill these guards and the king to protect her. He doesn't know what it was but it sounded so promising to listen to that sinister voice he's hearing. Maybe some demon had possessed him in the dungeon? Whatever it was; it's becoming stronger.
"Silent, boy. You both should feel lucky that I have not let my son get what he wants by executing both of you. As you both are spare for now, be grateful." The king's voice was stern.
"The reason why I let you live is because I needed a "volunteer" for my scientists that I funded. It's been weeks since you were injected with a very special serum to make you stronger and lethal. I need a loyal soldier who will protect me and my bloodline." The king continued.
"W-what did you do to me?!" Arne used enough strength to lift his head to glare at the king. The king was pleased to see his result was progressing as Arne's eyes flickering glowing silver.
"This is such a promising result. The scientists have done a good job. I'll reward them handsomely once the experiment is completed." The king chuckled.
"Many lab rats before had died or turned into a mindless titan. On the other hand, you had survived the first phase. The second phase is starting by the look of your eyes. Oh, what a majestic sight! Soon you will only obey me and serve me. One day, I'll kindly grant you a new bride and you will start a bloodline of warriors to serve and protect my bloodline for centuries." The king said.
"No! No! You can't do that! We're married. Please, your majesty. Don't-" Ingrid was silent again.
"What have I told you. Silent! Your marriage with this boy had been annulled by me weeks ago. That bastard you had was miscarried, so it's best you don't have a burden with you for my son to deal with. As a merciful king, I allowed you to live and give you another chance to make up for the humiliation you caused for me and my son. Do you understand?" The ruler glanced at the sobbing woman.
Arne felt his world darken. His unborn child won't get to live. Perhaps, it was for the best. The unborn child would have suffered the sins of his and Ingrid's. It was still heartbreaking that he would ever meet his unborn child with Ingrid. Ingrid must be devastated. Arne wanted to take her away to comfort her. They are not husband and wife anymore and soon. She will be sent away to be married off with that fucking prince.
He knows what must be done in order to protect Ingrid. The King resumed talking.
"Women and their crying." He scoffed. "Once phase 2 is complete, the last phase will be testing your abilities and how you respond to my orders. If this has turned out well, you will not need to be at the dungeon. I will provide you a room with bed and clothes, and warm meals. Maybe if you do well, I will reward you with money and women until I see fit in finding you a proper bride. See how generous I can be?" The huge king smirked.
With a defeated tone, Arne was feeling exhausted as this strange power in him was taking too much energy. "May I speak to Ingrid alone to say farewell before our departure?"
The King was contemplating for a bit then gestured to the guards to let him go. "Hm, you are a smart man, Ackerman. If you do anything to jeopardize both of your chances, I will kill Ingrid and your farmer parents. You would watch them being executed and live with guilt and sorrow for the rest of your miserable life." The king threatened him.
The king got up and walked away with most of his guards. Only a few were in the room guarding the two lovers. Now Arne and Ingrid were together for a short time.
"Arne, my love. What have they done to you?" She ran towards him to help him up.
"Ingrid...I'm fine. How about you?" Arne glanced softly at the woman he loves.
"I'm hanging in there...I lost the baby...our child. I'm so sorry. If this would have happened, I would have not reached out to my family. This is all my fault. I should have listened to you." She felt tears falling while speaking.
"Shhh Ingrid. Don't blame yourself. You thought your family would help you. I should have tried to get a better job to support you and our baby better. I'm sorry that I fault you as your husband." He whispered with sorrow. Ingrid felt her heart crumbling from hearing his sadness.
"I don't want to be away from you, Arne. I love you…" Ingrid pleaded with him.
"I know my love, but this is the only way. I loved you but we need to let go of each other. Maybe in the next life we'll be together and grow old with children." His words were comforting for Ingrid.
"Then, I'll see you in the next life. Promise?" Ingrid said.
"Yes, I promise. I'll see you in the next life to marry you and build a family with you." He promised her.
Ingrid struggled to let go of his hand. The guards felt they had enough time saying goodbye. They pulled apart from them. Ingrid screamed and cried from knowing what her fate would come. Arne hoped in their next life, the gods would allow them to be together no matter what.
"This isn't a goodbye, Arne. I love you always and forever ok!" She screamed at him one last time until the guards dragged her away. Now he was alone with two more guards.
"I love you too forever and always." He whispered.
(Historia)
The queen remembered the conversation with Nathaniel about her elder sister. She was shocked that a nice compassionate woman like her sister was in love with someone who's cruel like him.
(Flashback)
"So, let me get this straight. You and Frida were engaged to be married? Was it for love or arranged by my father and yours?" Historia said curiously.
"It was arranged but I fell for her at first sight. You can say it was a love match." Nathaniel said.
"I see…. aren't you into men?" Historia said with a careful tone.
"I am, but when I met Frieda; it felt like peace. I would do anything for her." He said with a soft tone.
(End of Flashback)
This got her thinking more on who Nathaniel really is? Historia had been on her mind of what he said to her. The way his tone had changed when he talked about her big sister. It felt pure love just like she has with Levi. Of course, in the beginning it was lust and filling the void of her pain from losing her close friend, Ymir.
Oh Levi, I hope he made it out safely, Historia thought to herself. Her hand was placed on her empty womb. She is still counting down the days since her baby boy was born. Most nights, she dreamt of raising her son like the good mother she had dreamt to be. All the promises Historia whispered to her son were becoming empty as days passed.
Sometimes when the queen couldn't sleep, she began to sing a lullaby that her older sister, Frieda used to sing to her as a small child. Historia's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on her door.
"Yes, come in." She didn't bother to look at the door.
Behind her one of the servants came in with a tray of teapot sets. "Your Highness. Your tea is here. Shall I pour a cup for you?"
Historia glanced at the lady then nodded. "Yes, please." Usually, Eveline would serve her tea, but her handmaiden hasn't come to work for a while. This made her worried. Historia had seen her as a sister.
"Barbara, where's Eveline? She missed work today. Is she ok?" The queen was concerned.
The maid, Barbara stopped pouring two handed the teacup to the queen. "I don't know your majesty. But I heard Zeke had forced her to rest for her pregnancy's sake."
"If that would be the case, she or Eren would have notified me." This made her feel suspicious.
"I guess, but it's all I know, your majesty." The maid said while shrugging.
"I see. Barbara, help me dress up properly. I will be going to visit Eren and Eveline." Historia got up while placing her tea on her desk.
"Oh, Eren Jaeger is in the palace. If you want, I can go get him for you." Barbara said.
"Alright, but I still need help to dress up with one of my gowns." Historia said while walking to her closet.
"As you wish, your majesty." Barbara went to the queen and helped her choose a gown for her to wear.
(Eren)
*On the day, Eve was kidnapped*
It's been an hour since he was waiting for his fiancée. He began to worry and went back into the palace. His gut feeling was telling him something wasn't right. He glanced at the big clock tower from the plaza of the capital.
"Damn it Natasha, what's taking you so long?" He sighed.
Eren looked at the main entrance of the palace as some staff members were coming in and out. Finally, he stopped waiting to go back inside the palace to find his fiancée. As he walked through familiar hallways, someone called out his name.
"Eren!" He turned around to see Queen Historia walking towards him.
"Your Majesty, is there something I can help you with?" Eren said while feeling agitated from not seeing Natasha with the queen.
"Yes, of course. I wanted to go with you to check on Eveline. I heard she wasn't feeling well again, and I wanted to cheer her up." The queen gave a warm smile.
This alarmed Eren from what Historia had said.
"What do you mean she wasn't feeling well? Eveline was ok when she went to work." He paused for a moment. "Don't tell me she hasn't come to work?"
"No, she didn't return back from her break. I thought she went home because of her pregnancy." Historia said with concern.
Eren's eyebrows furrowed as his anxiety started to show. "Something must have happened to her, and I think my brother knows something about it."
He glared at his brother having a chat with Yelena and Filch from the second level of the indoor balcony. Before Historia could say anything, Eren already went upstairs towards where his brother and both trusted Jaegerists were.
"Ah Eren! I'm glad you're here. We were discussing the plans to defend ourselves from Marley–" Zeke was interrupted by his brother while he was pinned to the wall. The blonde older Jaeger was startled by how his little brother's aggressive approach towards him.
"Where is she?" Eren's green eyes glowed with anger. His worst nightmare was coming true. The multi titan holder remembered Zeke's hint of threat on him if he did anything to betray Zeke's trust. Perhaps Zeke or Yelena found out of him being a spy for the Assassins and the last remaining soldiers of the three regiment.
"W-what are you talking about?" Zeke was choking as Eren's hand gripped on his throat to choke him with firmness.
"Don't play dumb with me, big brother! Where is she? If you hurt her and my unborn child; I will eat you to take your titan power away." His tone changed dark. His body began to let out static around him.
Before Eren continued to morph into the Attack Titan form, he felt a needle injected into him which he let go of his brother to fall on his knees. He suddenly felt lightheaded until he passed out. Zeke gasped for air once his brother let go of him. The older Jaeger glanced up to see it was Yelena who injected Eren with the special serum to knock out a titan holder. This serum was recently made by one of the scientists who works for the Templars.
"Shit, that was so close. Thank you, Yelena." His voice was still wheezy from the strong grip from Eren.
Yelena silently nodded at him. Filch looked down at Eren's unconscious body. "So, what do we do with him?" His smirk was flashy on his face. He was happy that Eren finally fell down from hero of the Eldian Empire to a fallen disgrace.
"We will put him in a deep sleep until the time is right. All he does lately was being distracted from that future Ackerman girl." Zeke said with disappointment from his little brother. This wouldn't happen if Eren kept going the path he was destined to do. Zeke looked down from the balcony to see Queen Historia's shadow disappearing from his view. Now, it's time to show the king of Historia's involvement in freeing Levi.
A/N: Ok, I'm just going to end this chapter. I know; I took too long, but I had personal reasons. I want to thank you all who have been keeping up this story. I really appreciated it! Your comments, reviews, and kudos are what kept me being motivated to continue this story. Until next time with a new chapter. Love you guys!