Attack on Titan: A Wolf Among Sheep

by abcd12344321

Fen is not what most people would call normal. He does not age, he does not stay in one place for too long, and he does not bow to anyone. But within this shell of a man is a secret, what is the answer behind his immortal existence? And more importantly why is he so dethatched from the humans around him?

10. Chapter 10

Attack on Titan: A Wolf Among Sheep

Chapter 10: The Burden of the Truth

…

The dim candlelight flickered, casting elongated, dancing shadows on the stone walls of the outpost's main room. Rod Reiss, his eyes bearing the weight of a lifetime of memories, looked directly at Historia.

"Your sister, Freida," he began, his voice quivering with emotion, "She was the true heir to our family's legacy, the one who held the power of the First King."

Historia, her face pale, waited, her eyes urging him to continue.

"She was strong, compassionate, and wise beyond her years. She had the unique ability to erase memories, a power she used to protect our family. But more than that, she wanted to protect the walls and all its inhabitants." Rod's eyes glazed over with the weight of memories. "You were young, and she loved to spend time with you, even if you don't remember because of her ability to alter memories."

A heavy silence filled the room.

Rod's gaze then shifted to Eren. "You," he said, voice filled with a combination of accusation and deep regret, "You don't remember, do you?"

Eren, taken aback, stared back, confusion evident in his eyes. "Remember what?" His voice was barely above a whisper, the tension in the room palpable.

Rod buried his face in his hands, taking a moment to collect himself. He sighed heavily, "You should brace yourself for this, Eren."

Eren's heart rate increased, a sense of dread washing over him. He gripped the arms of his chair.

"To become a Titan shifter," Rod began, the weight of his words pressing down on everyone in the room, "One must first turn into a mindless Titan. And then... they must devour another Titan shifter, ending their life in the process."

Murmurs filled the room. The shocking revelation made everyone's blood run cold.

Rod looked Eren directly in the eyes, his voice filled with sorrow. "Have you ever wondered where your father disappeared to, after he took the power of the First King from our family?"

Eren's eyes widened. The implications of Rod's words slowly dawned on him. He could feel his throat constricting, his breathing erratic. Memories began to surface, fragmented and chaotic.

Levi, noticing Eren's distress, took a step forward, his protective instincts kicking in.

But Rod held up a hand. "I'm not saying this to hurt you, Eren. But you deserve the truth, no matter how painful it is."

Eren's voice, when it finally came out, was trembling and barely audible, "You're saying... My father... He..."

Rod nodded gravely, "Yes. Your father became a Titan and consumed Freida to gain the power of the First King. And later, he allowed you to..."

The weight of realization threatened to crush Eren. The horror, the guilt, the pain – all converged into a storm of emotions. He had carried so much pain from the loss of his mother, and now this? The truth about his father was another shattering blow.

Historia, despite her own turmoil, reached out, placing a comforting hand on Eren's arm. The room, filled with revelations, took on an even heavier silence, as everyone grappled with the devastating truths of their world.

The flicker of realization in Eren's eyes was immediately met with Fenrir's own haunted gaze. The weight of years and countless secrets hung heavily between them. Eren's voice rose, fraught with betrayal. "You knew! All this time, Fen! Why? Why didn't you tell me?"

Fenrir sat still for a heartbeat, the weight of Eren's accusation pressing down on him. Around them, the room tensed, every eye fixed on the ancient being who had lived among them, harboring secrets older than the walls themselves.

"It wasn't my place," Fenrir began, his voice laden with weariness. "The weight of memories, the pain of knowledge, I've carried it for millennia. It was not a burden I wished to impose upon you before it was necessary."

"But it's MY father we're talking about!" Eren's voice quaked with a mix of anger and anguish. "I had the right to know!"

Levi, his ever-watchful eyes darting between the two, intervened, "Eren, calm down. We're all grappling with a lot right now."

Fenrir, looking more aged and vulnerable than ever, met Eren's gaze. "You're right, Eren. But sometimes, the weight of truth can be unbearable. I hoped to spare you from it, at least for a little while longer."

Ymir, who had been silent till now, spoke up, her voice soft yet filled with conviction, "Eren, knowledge can be a curse. Maybe Fen was trying to protect you, in his own way."

Historia nodded in agreement, her hand still comfortingly on Eren's arm. "We all have our reasons for keeping secrets. Maybe it's time we understand and forgive."

Eren, his emotions still raw, looked between Historia and Fenrir. The weight of revelations, the past, and the present crashed around him. For a moment, anger, hurt, and confusion swirled in his eyes, but deep down, amidst the chaos, a flicker of understanding began to take root.

deciding to try diplomacy jean asks rod if this means they can come out of hiding now... and rod gives the honest answer... he doesn't know, the nobles, they aren't listening to me anymore... especially Kenny and his squad... but I can give you something to help you all, should the need arise... he then placed a doctor's bag on the table... the very one that belonged to Grisha Yeager... some of these serums, are unfamiliar to me, but one in particular might be of interest to you... and the vile he held up was labeled. armor... and upon closer inspection, fen, clarified, these are samples of spinal fluid... from titans, the nine titans to be precise... besides the founder... with these Eren may be able to plug the hole in the wall by hardening his titan body.

Levi's sharp eyes were immediately on the vial, studying it with a mix of curiosity and caution. "And how do you expect us to trust you, after all the deception and manipulation?"

Rod looked down; guilt evident on his face. "I know I've made mistakes, mistakes that have cost many their lives. But right now, this is all I have to offer as a gesture of goodwill."

Hange leaned in, peering at the vials with intense curiosity. "This... This could be a game changer. If Eren can harness this ability, we could finally secure the wall."

Historia looked at the vials, then to her father. "Why now, after all this time?"

Rod swallowed hard. "Seeing all that has transpired, realizing the full weight of my past actions... I wish to make amends, even if it's just a little."

Connie, still wary, asked, "And what do you want in return?"

Rod sighed, "Peace. For Historia, for all of you, for the people of the walls. If you succeed, maybe, just maybe, the sins of our past can finally be laid to rest."

Eren, still reeling from the earlier revelation, looked at the vial marked 'Armor'. He felt the weight of responsibility press on him once again. He turned to Fenrir, "Do you think this could work?"

Fenrir, always the enigma, paused for a moment. "It's possible. If combined correctly and with the right intention, these serums could indeed unlock latent abilities within a Titan shifter."

Mikasa, her protective instincts flaring, interjected, "It's risky. We don't know the side effects."

Armin, his analytical mind always at work, added, "True, but it could be our best chance to retake Wall Maria. We need every advantage we can get."

The room was filled with a mix of hope, fear, and determination. They all realized that the path ahead was fraught with danger, but armed with this new knowledge and potential power, they felt a renewed sense of purpose. The fight for humanity's survival had taken yet another twist, and they were determined to face it head-on.

As the group discussed their options, Fenrir's ears suddenly twitched, picking up on a faint murmur outside the room. His alertness was immediate and palpable. Before anyone could ask what was wrong, the door creaked open, revealing Hannes and Mitch.

"There's one of Kenny's men outside," Mitch reported quickly. "Says he came alone. He has a message for Rod Reiss and Fenrir."

Eyes wide, Rod paled. "What message?"

Hannes spoke, his voice gravely serious, "Kenny is waiting for you at the Reiss chapel. He's demanding that you and Fen come, accusing you of treachery."

Rod closed his eyes for a moment, memories flooding back. "The Reiss chapel... where the royalty would pass on the Founder's power... where Grisha Yeager took the lives of my family." His voice trembled, laden with emotion. "I'll face him. After all the pain and chaos, I've caused, it's the least I can do."

Petra, who had been silently listening, now stepped forward. "Fen, you can't go alone," she said, her voice filled with concern and love for Fenrir.

Fenrir was about to protest when Oluo, Gunther, and Eld voiced their commitment. "We're with you," Eld declared firmly.

Oluo added, "We've been through a lot together. We're not stopping now."

Gunther nodded, "We stand united."

Ymir, who had been observing the proceedings with her usual aloofness, now spoke up, her voice firm, "Historia's involved. That means I'm in."

Historia looked gratefully at her friend, moved by her dedication.

Levi surveyed the group, his gaze calculating. "We move as a unit then. But remember, Kenny is shrewd. We need to be prepared for anything."

Hange, deep in thought, started laying out a plan. "We'll split into two teams. One will act as a decoy while the other approaches the chapel."

As the team began to hash out details, a sense of determination filled the room. Despite the challenges ahead, they were united in purpose, ready to face whatever awaited them.

…

A day later…

The sun cast a golden glow upon the Reiss chapel, turning its aged stones and faded mosaics into something almost ethereal. However, the sense of serenity the chapel radiated stood in stark contrast to the tension in the air. Rod Reiss, Ymir, Oluo, Gunther, Eld, Hannes, and Fenrir made their way to the chapel's entrance, with Fen leading the way, determination in his step and Petra closely following him.

The surrounding trees were silent, but if one looked closely, the shadowed forms of Levi, Hange, Mikasa, Eren, Jean, Sasha, and Connie could be discerned, vigilantly watching every movement around the chapel.

Ymir's golden eyes darted around, scanning every nook and cranny. Being the Jaw Titan, she was always attuned to threats, and she knew that Kenny's men would be experts at ambush. As they approached, she also felt a strange rush of emotions. Here she was, helping the very people who had once hunted her, and it was all because of Fen.

In her mind's eye, she remembered the first time she saw Fenrir in his wolf form. It was an encounter filled with curiosity, caution, and mutual respect. Fenrir had sensed her secret – the power of the Jaw Titan – yet chose not to expose her. Over time, his quiet strength and undying hope for humanity had unknowingly changed her perspective.

She'd been a wanderer, a thief, a titan, but throughout her journey, the one thing she had come to value most was freedom. And as she walked beside Fenrir, she recognized that he too cherished that freedom, not just for himself but for all. The fact that he chose to live as a human, despite all his power, was testament to his character.

Ymir felt a surge of respect for Fen. He believed in the inherent goodness of humanity, that people could change if given the chance. It was this unwavering belief that had led him to protect her secret, even when he didn't have to.

As the group continued to advance, Ymir's thoughts returned to the present. Her senses alert, she prepared herself for what lay ahead. The chapel's doors loomed before them, holding secrets and threats they were yet to face.

The ancient chapel doors groaned as Fen pushed them open, revealing an expansive room with tall, arched ceilings and dim, ambient lighting. The entire space seemed bathed in an eerie, somber glow. In the center stood a large, ornate table upon which lay a single envelope, its seal already broken.

Petra's heart raced as she approached and picked up the letter, her fingers trembling. Her eyes scanned the words hastily scribbled on the paper. A sinking feeling of dread washed over her as she read, her voice faltering as she relayed the chilling message: "Kenny has your parents, Petra. They're deep within the caverns below. Want them back? Hand over Rod Reiss and Fen."

The room became a flurry of whispers and gasps. Fen's face turned stormy, a clear look of anger evident in his eyes. Oluo clenched his fists, the weight of the situation pressing down on everyone.

Petra felt her knees buckle but was caught by Fen before she could fall. Her voice barely above a whisper, she said, "We need to save them. I can't lose them... Not now..."

Fen nodded, reassuringly squeezing her shoulder. "We will get them back, Petra. I promise."

Gunther quickly signaled to those waiting outside, using a series of hand gestures. Within moments, Levi, Hange, Mikasa, and the others rushed in. They were swiftly updated about the situation, their faces darkening at the revelation.

Hange clenched her teeth. "Kenny always did know how to play dirty."

Eren's eyes burned with determination. "We're not going to let him get away with this. We'll rescue Petra's parents and put an end to his games."

Levi's sharp gaze swept across the room. "Our priority now is to navigate the caverns without getting ambushed. We need a plan. Fast."

In the dimly lit chapel, Rod Reiss stepped forward, breaking the tense silence that had enveloped the group. "Listen," he began, his voice carrying a weight of responsibility and age. "As much as I despise Kenny for his actions, I know him. He's cunning, but also predictable. We go along with his demands for now, just long enough to ensure the safety of Petra's parents."

Fen's face remained impassive, but his eyes held a fierce determination. "I'll do whatever it takes to ensure their safety," he declared, looking directly at Petra, who nodded tearfully. "Even if I have to submit to Kenny's whims for now, I can always use my abilities to ensure we can get out if things turn south."

Petra reached out, placing a hand on Fen's arm. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

Levi frowned, clearly not thrilled about the idea, but he could see the logic behind Rod's suggestion. "Fine," he begrudgingly agreed. "But we move in with caution. We can't underestimate Kenny and his team."

Ymir, shifting uneasily on her feet, spoke up, "Fen's right. If things go south, we'll rely on his abilities to get us out. But for now, let's try to do this without any casualties."

Historia, looking at her friend with newfound admiration, added, "Ymir, you and I can try and find another entrance to the caverns. We know this place better than anyone else here."

Eld, Gunther, and Oluo voiced their commitment to ensuring the safety of everyone involved. "We've got your back, no matter what," Eld stated firmly.

The cavern was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The very walls seemed to pulsate with a profound, ancient power. Every step they took echoed through the immense expanse, and the dim light emanating from luminescent crystals embedded in the rock walls gave everything an ethereal glow.

Petra's hand instinctively sought Fen's, her grip tight with anxiety. The enormity of the situation was becoming very real to her. Fen gave her hand a reassuring squeeze but kept his gaze forward, every fiber of his being alert.

As the group descended further, shadows seemed to detach themselves from the surrounding darkness — Kenny's men. Clinging to the pillars and walls, they watched with hawk-like intensity, their fingers never far from the triggers of their guns.

Finally, they reached the platform — a broad, raised area that had seen countless ceremonies and, with them, the passing of the royal power from one heir to the next. And there, standing with a confident smirk, was Kenny, the dangerous glint in his eyes belying his casual stance. To his left and right stood two of his most loyal men, their weapons trained on two trembling figures – Petra's parents.

"Ah, you made it," Kenny drawled, his voice echoing in the cavernous space. "Was wondering if you'd chicken out."

Rod stepped forward, his face drawn but determined. "Release them, Kenny. This is between us. They have nothing to do with our history."

Kenny tilted his head, the smirk never leaving his lips. "Now, Rod, you know it's not that simple. They're collateral. Insurance, you could say."

Fen's eyes narrowed, every fiber of his being itching to make a move. But the lives at stake forced him to check his impulse. Beside him, Ymir shifted restlessly, her eyes darting around the space, looking for an opening, a way to turn the tide. But for now, she too was constrained.

Petra, her voice barely above a whisper, spoke up. "Kenny, please. My parents have done nothing wrong."

Kenny looked at her, his eyes momentarily softening. "It's not about right or wrong, sweetheart. It's about leverage." He paused, looking back at Rod and Fen. "So, what's it gonna be? How do we settle this?"Top of Form

As Kenny spoke fen noticed the look in his eyes... and the syringe in his hand... that's your plan? to become a titan and eat Eren...? you hope to get the founder? well I've got news for you Kenny it won't work. Ackerman's can't become titans. it's always been that way since their ancestors experimented with the titan serum... that's why your people have enhanced strength.

Kenny's smirk faltered for a split second, replaced by a more contemplative look. "So, the big bad wolf has been doing his homework," he responded, feigning amusement. "I've heard rumors, myths... but how sure are you?"

Rod Reiss, who'd been quiet until now, stepped forward, his face grave. "He's right, Kenny. You're an Ackerman. The serum won't work on you."

A flicker of doubt crossed Kenny's face, and for a brief moment, the usually composed man looked genuinely uncertain. But he masked it quickly. "Who's to say I'm planning to use it on myself? There are plenty of ways to use a tool, Fen."

Kenny's words carried a chilling implication. If he couldn't use the serum, he could always use it on someone else and control the chaos that would ensue.

Fen's mind raced, considering the possibilities. Every move mattered, every word carried weight. Petra's parents were the immediate concern, but the ramifications of Kenny wielding that serum extended far beyond the cavern.

Ymir, understanding the weight of the situation, spoke, her voice filled with defiance. "You won't get away with this, Kenny. The moment you use that serum, you lose any semblance of control."

Petra, her gaze unwavering from her parents, added, "This is bigger than all of us. Kenny, you have to see reason."

Kenny sighed dramatically, the syringe glinting ominously in the dim light. "You all make compelling arguments. Really, you do. But I've been in this game too long to be swayed by words."

A tense silence settled over the cavern. The next move, the next choice, could determine the fate of not just those present, but potentially all of humanity within the walls.

Then… Fenrir had enough.

"Is this what you envisioned when you all thought of protecting humanity?! to kill your own people?! to turn them into the very things you sought to destroy?! Well... I've got news for all of you... HUMANITY ISNT GONE FROM BEYOND THE WALLS! WHERE ELSE DO YOU THINK TITANS COME FROM! THEIR YOUR PEOPLE FROM BEYOND THE WALLS WHO SUFFER CAPITAL PUNISHMENT! THEY GO THROUGH WHAT YOU ARE DOING NOW! THAT'S WHY TITANS KEEP ON COMING! YOUR ON AN ISLAND!"

Kenny's initial look of self-assuredness seemed to falter for a split second. The gathered soldiers exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of Fen's words pressing on them. The ambient noise of the cavern, the soft sound of breathing and the distant echo of footsteps, only accentuated the thick tension in the air.

Rod Reiss's expression was unreadable, but the grip he had on the edge of his cloak tightened. "Do you understand now, Kenny?" he murmured. "The cycle of violence, of vengeance—it needs to end."

Ymir's eyes darted around, observing the reactions of Kenny's subordinates. She could see doubt, fear, and regret in some of their faces. The revelations Fen had brought to light were world-shattering for many of them, who had dedicated their lives to the defense of humanity from the Titans.

Petra stepped forward, her voice trembling but determined. "Kenny, look around you. This isn't the solution. Using the serum, creating more Titans—it won't bring peace or security. We've been living a lie, and it's time to face the truth."

Kenny looked taken aback, his brow furrowed. He glanced at the syringe in his hand, then back at Fen, clearly contemplating his next move. "You talk of truths, of revelations," he began slowly, "But can humanity handle such truths? Maybe the lies were a mercy."

Fen responded, his voice steady, "Lies that lead to needless death are no mercy. The world has changed, and it's time for us to change with it. The old ways won't work anymore."

The cavern remained still for what felt like an eternity, each person present grappling with the weight of the information and the decisions that lay ahead.

For a moment Kenny was deep in thought scanning fen's eyes for any deceit any lie that would show, yet, he found none..., then... after a minute or two... he put the syringe back into the case which he got it from... "Stand down... We've already lost, besides... even if we fought back, fen alone would be enough to take us all out... we've lost..."

The abrupt change in Kenny's demeanor surprised many in the room. The tension in the air began to ease as realization dawned upon Kenny's subordinates. Their weapons slowly lowered, their faces revealing a mixture of relief, confusion, and exhaustion.

Petra's parents, tears streaming down their faces, were hurriedly released by the two guards who had kept them at gunpoint. Petra rushed to embrace them, their reunion bittersweet amid the chilling atmosphere of the underground chamber.

Ymir took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving Kenny. "So, what now? We walk out of here like nothing happened?"

Kenny looked around, seemingly taking in the magnitude of his actions and the reality of the situation. "No," he replied, his voice tinged with weariness. "There's much to answer for. But for now, we need to reassess our priorities, find a new path."

Rod Reiss approached him cautiously. "Kenny, the years we've spent on opposing sides... Maybe it's time to work together, for all of humanity."

Fen nodded in agreement. "The truth is out there now. It's time to come together, bridge the divide, and heal."

Kenny gave a resigned smirk, "Always the idealist, huh Fen? But maybe... maybe you're right. Maybe there's hope after all."