Attack on Titan: A Wolf Among Sheep

Chapter 11: Of Bystanders, and Ramen

…

As word of the nobles' downfall spread through the ranks, a collective sense of relief washed over Squad Levi. They gathered in a makeshift conference room, where Fen shared the latest correspondence from Erwin.

"It's over," Fen said, folding the letter and placing it on the table. "The nobles have lost all their support. The Military Police have sided with Erwin after he exposed their plans to seal off Wall Sina. They're finished."

A momentary silence followed, filled only by the shared, palpable relief. Then Levi spoke up, "Looks like Erwin played his cards right."

Hange chuckled, "When doesn't he?"

Fen glanced at Petra, who returned his gaze. Wordlessly, they stepped out of the room, finding a quiet corner away from the others. Both had been through so much, their emotions a whirlpool of fear, relief, and uncertain anticipation of the future.

As they stood there, Petra's mind wandered to the memories that weren't hers—Lilia's memories. They were becoming more vivid as the days passed, filling her mind like ghostly imprints. She remembered, or rather Lilia remembered, the day she met Fen in Shiganshina District. He was a stranger then, and she had offered him some bread. The memory was vivid and sentimental, almost as if Petra had lived it herself.

"Fen," Petra began, her voice tinged with both wonder and confusion, "it's strange, but I feel like I've known you for a very long time. Longer than we've actually known each other."

Fen looked at her deeply, sensing the layers of emotion and memory that now resided within her. "It's complicated, isn't it? Being filled with another person's life, their love."

She nodded. "Very. But also, it somehow feels... right. Although it's overwhelming at times."

Fen took her hand gently, "We'll get through it. One step at a time."

Just then, Levi walked by and noticed them but chose not to interrupt. However, something caught his eye. Petra's notepad was lying open, and the handwriting on it was different—more elegant and fluid, unlike Petra's usually meticulous script.

"It's like Lilia's handwriting," Levi thought as he walked away, further confirming that the lives and destinies entangled in this struggle were far more complex than anyone could have ever imagined.

Two months after Historia Reiss was crowned queen, a scene of peaceful domesticity unfolded on a farm in the countryside. Historia, the newly-crowned monarch, chased after laughing children with gleeful abandon. Observing her were Eren, Armin, Jean, and Ymir, sitting on the porch of the farm's main building.

"People are calling her the 'Cattle-Farming Goddess' now," Armin commented, his eyes following Historia as she played tag with the children.

"At this rate, no one will remember the guy who plugged up the hole in Trost District," Jean said, half-hoping to rile up Eren.

To his surprise, Eren didn't rise to the bait. Instead, he said, "This is what Historia wanted—to take care of the orphans and those who have nothing left. I can't think of a more fitting role for her."

As if summoned by their conversation, Historia ran up to the porch. "Come on, you lot, stop slacking! It's getting dark."

Groaning a little, Jean and Armin stood up and began to move. Eren rose too, but his expression was calm, even content. He fell into step beside Historia, a subtle air of shared understanding between them.

"My hardening experiments are going well," Eren said, almost casually. "But we need to hurry before we can return to Shiganshina."

Historia glanced at him, her expression serious. "What will you do if you have to face Reiner and Bertholdt again?" "Now that you have the hardening ability?"

"I'd have to kill them," Eren replied, his voice carrying a note of inevitability, devoid of any particular malice or excitement.

Off to the side, Fen and the rest of Levi's squad were doing their share of chores. With an axe in hand, Fen was splitting logs—massive ones, over two feet in diameter. With each swing, the logs splintered apart, as if they were made of matchsticks rather than solid wood. Petra, Eld, Oulo, and Gunther watched in awe, amazed at the ease with which Fen worked.

For Fen, it was more like an afterthought. His mind was elsewhere, thinking about the sequence of events that had led them all to this point, and what the future held for them. There was a peace here, in this little slice of the world they'd carved out. It was hard-won, and it was fragile, but for the moment, it was theirs.

In the military's barracks and research facilities, a different kind of activity buzzed. Following the coup d'état, a purge had been carried out within the military ranks. Those who had been loyal to the nobles were treated fairly, tried, and given a chance to atone for their crimes through service and imprisonment. It was a new chapter, not just for the Scout Regiment but for all branches of the military, a pivot towards pragmatism and greater justice.

One of the significant breakthroughs was the development of a new light source, utilizing the glowing ore from the Underground Chapel. It was a profound shift, promising to transform nighttime activities and even to assist in further exploration of the world beyond the Walls.

Another was an invention borne from Eren's hardening experiments. During a public demonstration, Hange Zoë gleefully unveiled what she dubbed the "Executioner from Hell"—a mechanism to exterminate Titans in a far more efficient manner than before. The device worked by luring Titans into a narrow, fortified corridor. As they reached for a human bait situated behind a barrier made of Eren's hardened Titan material, the Titans would get wedged in. Then, members of the Scout Regiment would drop a log on the immobilized Titan's nape, achieving a clean kill.

The invention was received with public awe and military appreciation, but for Fen, there was still an old-fashioned thrill in facing Titans the way he always had—in his wolf form, using his immense strength and agility to rip and tear through them. Occasionally, he would mix it up by casting an incantation or two, manipulating the elements to aid in his battles. The sensation of physical combat, the tactical decisions made in split seconds, and the visceral feeling of victory were aspects Fen enjoyed. It was as if the primitive art of battle helped him to feel grounded, reminding him that despite his powers and long life, he was still part of this world—at least for now.

Amid the aftermath of the battle, Ymir's gaze was inevitably drawn towards Fenrir. His form in combat was formidable and distinct, and yet she had come to know another side of him - one that resonated with the dichotomies of her own existence.

When Fen's wolf form receded, replaced by his human visage atop the wall, Ymir approached with purpose. "Fen," she began, her tone more certain than before, "I've been thinking."

He turned to her, those deep green eyes always seeming to see more than most. "About?"

"Everything we've discussed," she said, referencing their prior conversations about her past and origins. "The secrets I've held, the choices I've made. I can't avoid confronting the truth forever. Especially if we cross paths with Reiner and Bertholdt again."

Fen nodded thoughtfully. "Deciding when to reveal one's truths is never easy. But remember, whatever you choose, I'll back you up."

Ymir sighed, looking out at the horizon. "It's just... difficult. Knowing the weight of it all. Knowing that some will see me differently."

He stepped closer, offering her a supportive presence. "Those who matter, who truly understand, won't. And those who don't... well, perhaps it's time they learned."

Ymir chuckled softly. "Ever the philosopher, huh?"

Fen smirked, "Just a byproduct of a long life."

As they stood atop the Wall, two beings intertwined by secrets and shared understanding, Ymir felt fortified for the decisions that lay ahead. She wasn't alone, and that realization was more powerful than any secret she held.

…

In the cooling shadow of the late afternoon, the scouts gathered around, taking a much-needed respite from their duties. The atmosphere was light, filled with laughter and camaraderie, but as Ymir approached, a noticeable shift occurred. Her presence was deeply felt, and her purposeful stride suggested she bore news.

Fenrir, standing slightly behind her, exuded a subtle air of encouragement. As Ymir took a breath, it was clear she was going to unveil a part of her that had remained concealed for so long.

"I need to tell you all something," Ymir began, her voice firm yet filled with vulnerability. "It's about me, and the reason I know so much about the Titans, especially the shifters."

The camp went silent. Mikasa, Armin, Jean, and the others exchanged puzzled glances, but it was Hange, always curious and eager for knowledge, who leaned forward with a spark in her eyes.

Ymir continued, "Like Annie, Reiner, Bertholdt, and Eren, I am one of the nine Titan shifters." The weight of her confession hung in the air, dense and charged.

Connie was the first to break the silence. "Wait... you're one of them?"

Eren, his expression hard to read, shifted uncomfortably, but said nothing.

Ymir nodded slowly. "When Reiner, Bertholdt, and Annie first arrived on this island, I was already here... as a Titan. I... I ended up consuming their comrade. That's how I turned back into a human."

Hange, always the scientist, was a whirlwind of emotions. There was a rush of excitement, a thirst for knowledge, but also a touch of betrayal. "Why didn't you say something sooner, Ymir? Do you have any idea how valuable your insights could have been?"

Ymir took a deep breath, her gaze unwavering. "It wasn't easy for me to come forward. But I believe you all deserve to know the truth. I want to be trusted, and I can't achieve that by keeping secrets."

Mikasa looked at her, her eyes softened. "It doesn't change the fact that you've fought alongside us. We've seen where your loyalties lie."

Armin, ever the thinker, added, "The past is complex. Everyone has secrets, some more heavy than others. It's what you choose to do now that defines you."

Jean just sighed, "Great, more Titan drama."

Hange, processing the information, took a step closer to Ymir. "You will be questioned, extensively. We need to know everything. But... thank you for coming forward."

Fenrir, standing a little distance away, gave Ymir an approving nod. It was done. The truth was out, and now the real work could begin.

…

In the bustling environment of the Scout Regiment mess hall, the chatter of new recruits was impossible to miss. Their discussions revolved around one enigmatic figure: Fen.

"Have you heard? They say Fen can grow up to fifty meters tall in his wolf form," whispered one recruit, eyes wide with awe.

"Only fifty? I've heard he can grow up to ten times that if he really wanted to," countered another, trying to outdo the first.

The murmurs grew louder, drawing the attention of Squad Levi. Sasha tried, and failed, to stifle a giggle. "You guys are just scratching the surface with those stories!"

All eyes turned to Squad Levi, eager for answers. Petra, sitting right next to Fen, glanced at him, curiosity evident in her eyes. Fen sighed, an amused twinkle in his eyes.

"Alright, it seems I can't escape story time. Gather around," Fen beckoned.

The recruits huddled closer, with Mitch, Jean, Armin, Sasha, and Eren amongst them, waiting in anticipation.

"Yes, in my wolf form, I can reach heights of fifty meters," Fen began, a hint of pride in his voice. "But, if the situation demands, or should I say, if I truly wish to, I can push that to ten times the size."

The hall went silent, the magnitude of that statement sinking in.

Armin blinked in disbelief, "That's... monumental."

Eren, ever the curious one, asked, "But why would you ever need to be that large?"

Fen's expression grew distant, "Well, for starters, keeping up with my children can be a challenge. They do chase the sun and moon after all."

The hall erupted in whispers, trying to fathom the scale of such beings. Petra, ever the brave one, ventured, "That sounds like a tale from another world, Fen."

Fen nodded with a smile, "It's a tale as old as time. But myths, legends, and reality intertwine more often than you think."

Fen continued, his deep voice weaving a tale that captured the rapt attention of everyone present.

"In the beginning," Fen began, "there were two realms. Muspelheim, a blazing realm of endless fire and heat, and Niflheim, a stark contrast, a place of frigid cold and thick ice. Between these realms was the void, Ginnungagap."

The Scouts and recruits listened intently, their food forgotten as Fen's words painted vivid images in their minds.

"As the fires of Muspelheim licked the edges of the cold Niflheim, from the resulting steam and melt, the first giant came into existence, Ymir. Ymir was no ordinary being; he was massive, an elemental entity, from whom all other giants would later emerge. It's even said that the sweat from his armpits birthed the first frost giants."

He paused, letting the weight of the story settle before continuing, "But Ymir's existence wasn't eternal. He met his end at the hands of Odin and his brothers, Vili and Vé. And from his demise, our world was created. His flesh became the earth, bones the mountains, and from his blood, the oceans flowed. The sky we look up to? That was formed from his skull."

Hange, always inquisitive, raised a hand. "So, our world is... one giant?"

Fen chuckled, "In a manner of speaking, yes. But the story doesn't end there. From Ymir's legacy and the acts of Odin and his brothers, nine worlds were formed in the vast cosmic tree, Yggdrasil."

Eren's curiosity was piqued. "Nine worlds? Including ours?"

Fen nodded, counting them off on his fingers, "Asgard, the realm of the Aesir gods; Vanaheim, home to the Vanir gods; Alfheim, where light elves reside; Midgard, our world; Jotunheim, the land of giants; Svartalfheim, home to the dwarfs and dark elves; Nidavellir, another realm of dwarfs; Helheim, the land of the dead; and of course, Muspelheim and Niflheim which I mentioned before."

Armin, eyes sparkling with wonder, whispered, "It's like a tapestry of worlds, all connected, all intertwined."

Fen smiled, "Exactly, Armin. We're all a part of a grander tale, mere threads in an immense cosmic design."

For a moment, the hall was silent, everyone lost in thoughts of giants, gods, and the vast universe. The scale and intricacy of the cosmos, as described by Fen, put their struggles into a broader perspective, reminding them of the larger mysteries beyond their comprehension.

Ymir had been listening, her eyes reflecting a mix of astonishment and introspection. Fen's narrative was so grand, so ethereal, it made the challenges they faced seem almost inconsequential. The weight of her name, one she carried without fully understanding its origins, suddenly bore down on her with newfound gravity.

Turning his gaze towards her, Fen softly said, "Ymir, to answer the question you never voiced but I know lingers in your heart, yes... Your ancestor, the progenitor of all Titans, was named after that Ymir. The very first being, the giant from whom the world was sculpted."

He paused, a gentle smile forming on his lips, "And so are you. It's not just a name, Ymir. It's a legacy. A testament to the power of beginnings, the strength inherent in creation. It's a title that bears weight, responsibility, but also honor. Quite the title, isn't it?"

Ymir swallowed, taking a moment to process everything. Then, with a hint of a smile and a newfound understanding in her eyes, she whispered, "It truly is."

…

Fen's story had everyone captivated, and questions swirled in the air. Floch, never one to shy away from speaking his mind, piped up with a question that seemed to be on several minds. "So, if Ymir's body was divided to create the worlds, which part was used to make Asgard?"

There was a hush, the question hanging in the air. Everyone looked expectantly at Fen, eager to hear the answer.

With a sly grin, Fenrir answered, "The eyebrows. Along with the skin around them."

A few gasps of disbelief echoed throughout the room. Some faces contorted in confusion, trying to fathom the sheer scale of the giant Ymir. Floch blinked a few times, struggling to grasp the magnitude of what was just shared.

Eren let out a chuckle, breaking the tension. "Eyebrows... that's... hard to even imagine."

Fen nodded, "It truly speaks to the enormity of Ymir. The cosmos has many mysteries, and the creation of the nine worlds from one being is among the grandest of them all."

Jean smirked, "Must've been some impressive eyebrows."

The room erupted in a mix of laughter and chatter; the weightiness of the story lightened by the humorous note. Yet the lesson wasn't lost. It provided a deeper understanding of their world's myths, and more importantly, the significance of the name 'Ymir'.

With the room still buzzing from the revelations of Ymir and the cosmos, Fen's eyes began to glimmer with a mischievous spark. "Would any of you care to see a little demonstration of the magic of the realms?"

Murmurs of curiosity and nods of affirmation spread throughout the gathered soldiers. But before anyone could voice their agreement, Fen was already on the move, stepping gracefully towards Levi. "Captain," he began, his tone respectful yet teasing, "May I?"

Levi arched an eyebrow, but with a short nod, he drew out his blades, holding them by their hilts for Fen to inspect. Fen's fingers danced lightly over the blades before settling on the handles. He closed his eyes and began to chant softly, each word carrying a weight and depth that seemed to make the very air around them vibrate.

As the chant concluded, Fen uttered two inscriptions: "Styrkur," which resonated with a sense of raw power, and "Helheimar Frost," which made the room's temperature drop perceptibly. The handles of Levi's blades began to glow – one with a fierce, bright intensity and the other with an icy, shimmering blue.

Fen opened his eyes and met Levi's gaze. "Your blades are now bound with the strength of the realms. The grip will channel the raw force of the cosmos, and the blade now bears the cold of Helheim's winds."

Hange's eyes were wide with amazement, her scientific curiosity clear for all to see. "Remarkable," she whispered, inching closer to inspect the blades. "Why hasn't anyone thought of enchanting weaponry before?"

Levi, holding his transformed blades, could feel the power emanating from them. He swung them a couple of times, feeling their enhanced balance and the cool touch of the Helheim frost against his skin. "These... are something else," he admitted, a note of rare excitement in his voice.

Fen chuckled, clearly pleased with himself. "I thought you might like them. Remember, the magic of the realms is vast and ancient. Use them wisely."

Eren, watching the entire spectacle, couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and anticipation. "Looks like our next mission just got a bit more interesting," he remarked with a grin.

That night, after Floch and his companions left, the room's atmosphere shifted to a more somber tone. Conny stood, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm thinking of visiting my village in the morning," he admitted, eyes distant, haunted by memories of his transformed family and the reality that had befallen his hometown.

He hesitated, glancing over at Fen. "If it's not too much to ask, Fen... could you transport me there?"

Fen nodded without hesitation, understanding the depth of pain and loss that underpinned Conny's request. "Of course, Conny. Whenever you're ready tomorrow, I'll be there to take you."

Conny's eyes welled up with gratitude, a simple nod conveying his thanks.

Petra, who had quietly observed the exchange, approached Fen, gently placing her hand in his. The two of them found a secluded spot, away from prying eyes. Petra leaned into Fen, resting her head on his shoulder, a silent gesture of comfort. The worries of the world seemed to fade away, if only for a few moments. Fen's protective presence enveloped her, and she fell into a restful sleep.

The first rays of dawn began to pierce through the room's windows. Fen remained awake, ever vigilant, his senses attuned to the world around him. Noticing a stray hair on Petra's face, he gently brushed it aside, admiring her serene expression.

Conny's voice broke the tranquility as he entered, a soft chuckle escaping him at the sight. "Morning, you two," he greeted, a teasing glint in his eyes.

Rising to his feet and gently helping Petra stand, Fen gave Conny a nod. "Ready?"

Together, they stepped outside. Fen summoned his power, and a swirling green rift opened before them. Conny, Fen, and a few accompanying Scouts stepped through, finding themselves instantly transported to the eerie silence of Ragako village.

Among the ruins, a familiar but heart-wrenching sight greeted them. Conny's mother, transformed into a titan, lay immobilized amidst the wreckage of their family home. Her once kind eyes now vacant, her massive form a tragic testament to the horrors of their world.

Conny approached slowly, his footsteps tentative. "Mom..." His voice quivered, the weight of grief evident.

Fen watched the scene, his eyes compassionate. After a moment of contemplation, he stepped forward. "Conny," he began gently, "I may be able to help. There's a rune of mental clarity that, if it works on her Titan form, could allow you to communicate with her. It's not a guarantee, but it's worth a try."

Conny looked up, hope and desperation in his eyes. "If there's even a slight chance I could talk to her, I want to try."

Nodding, Fen closed his eyes and began to chant an incantation in an ancient tongue. The runes glowed faintly around his hands as he gently touched the Titan's forehead. The energy pulsed through her form, and for a moment, everything seemed still.

Then, the Titan's eyes, which had previously been vacant, began to show a glimmer of recognition. A deep, yet oddly familiar voice emerged, filled with confusion and warmth. "Conny? Is that you?"

Tears streamed down Conny's face as he replied, "Yes, Mom, it's me. I'm here."

The two of them conversed, their conversation filled with tears, smiles, and memories. It was a bittersweet reunion, a chance for Conny to find closure and for his mother to express her love and regrets.

The other Scouts watched from a distance, deeply moved by the raw emotion of the moment. Petra stood beside Fen, her hand gripping his. "You gave him a precious gift," she whispered.

Fen nodded, his expression solemn. "It's temporary. But for this brief moment, they can find some semblance of peace."

The incantation's effects began to fade, and Conny's mother's clarity waned. Before the connection broke, she managed a final, heartfelt, "I love you, Conny."

He sobbed, kneeling before her. "I love you too, Mom."

The group trudged along, heading to the Garrison. Eren's steps were particularly heavy, burdened by the weight of his father's memories. Fen, sensing the tense atmosphere, began to speak.

"Outside these walls, life goes on," Fen began, his voice a haunting lullaby amidst the silence. "But it isn't much different from here. Conflicts, power struggles, love, betrayal... it's all the same. Even the gods, like Freya and Freyr, find themselves in the midst of such turmoils. It's the nature of existence. Every race that rises, every civilization that's built, experiences these cycles."

Armin turned to him; curiosity evident in his eyes. "What about Ymir? Our ancestor... What was she like?"

Fen paused, collecting his thoughts. "Ymir... she was a symbol of the cruelty and injustices of this world. She was but a slave, a pawn in the twisted games of King Fritz. He mutilated her, cutting out her tongue to ensure her silence. She bore him three daughters, not out of love but by force. And when she sacrificed her life to save his from an assassin's spear, how did he repay her? By feeding her remains to their daughters, Maria, Rosa, and Sina."

He looked over at the massive walls that surrounded them, named after those very daughters. "And he did not stop there. The cycle of cruelty continued with their children and their children's children. That's where the nine Titans came from. The twisted legacy of a tyrant."

The group walked in silence, each lost in their thoughts. Eren's fists clenched at the story's brutality. "Why are humans... Why are we like this?"

Fen looked at Eren, a mix of sadness and understanding in his eyes. "Power, Eren. Power and fear. The desire to control, to rule, to ensure one's survival. But remember, amidst all this darkness, there is light. For every Fritz, there's an Ymir, a symbol of resilience, hope, and sacrifice."

…

As the members of the Scout Regiment walked through the garrison's entrance, the ambiance immediately shifted. The air was laden with a mix of respect and apprehension. Among the group, Fen's presence was especially intimidating. His mythical aura both inspired and instilled fear, the tales of his prowess and legends having preceded him. Even within these walls, whispers of the mighty wolf who walked among men had reached ears.

Keith Sadies, a tall figure with a stoic face chiseled by years of combat and leadership, locked eyes with Levi. His gaze then swept across each member of the Special Operations Squad before finally coming to rest upon Fen. The wolf's legendary countenance held Keith's attention, the air around them pulsating with intensity.

The usual unyielding demeanor of Keith seemed somewhat perturbed. "I've heard the tales, seen the hushed exchanges between soldiers, but I never imagined that Fen of the legends would walk amidst us." His voice, usually so firm, wavered ever so slightly.

Sasha, with her wild brown hair and fierce eyes, stood slightly apart. Her stance was that of a cornered animal, every muscle taut. Memories of the grueling training under Keith's watchful eye were fresh, even if months had passed.

Seeing her discomfort, Keith let out a small chuckle, the seriousness momentarily breaking. "Some things don't change, it seems," he said, nodding toward Sasha. "I remember her endless hunger more than her combat skills." A few members laughed softly, drawing a slight smirk from Sasha.

His gaze then settled on Eren. The resemblance was uncanny. "You've got your mother's features," he started slowly, "but those intense, determined eyes? They're Grisha's."

Sensing the urgency of their mission, Hange leaned in, her glasses glinting. "Keith, there's a reason we're here. Eren's father, Grisha. What do you know about him?"

Drawing a deep breath, Keith began to recount his story, painting a vivid picture of the days when Wall Maria fell. He recalled the panic, the uncertainty, and amidst it all, finding Grisha and learning of Carla's death. The tale grew even more personal as he described the fateful night when he last saw Grisha, the mysterious flash of light, and the eerie thunder that followed.

As he narrated the haunting memory of finding a dazed and confused Eren alone the next dawn, the room's atmosphere grew thick with emotion. The implication was clear, and the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place.

Mikasa, her voice barely above a whisper, broke the silence. "It was him... Grisha. He gave his power to Eren."

Keith's face paled, realization dawning. "Grisha was a... a titan shifter?"

Levi, his face grave, responded, "Not just any titan shifter, Keith. He possessed the Founding Titan. And that power, he passed onto Eren."

Keith sat back, the weight of the revelation pressing down on him. The room was filled with a poignant silence, each person grappling with the magnitude of their discovery and its implications for the future.

Oluo who was deep in thought, asked, "What are your siblings like? You've hardly mentioned them outside of your brother being a giant world ending snake, and your sister being the goddess of the dead?"

Oluo's question was simple but hit a raw nerve. The atmosphere grew tense, and the group could sense the storm of emotions Fen was trying to contain.

"My family... yes," Fen began, his voice weighed down with centuries of pain and anger. "The Aesir, they feared us. I don't believe it was purely because of the prophecies, but rather, they envied our raw power and were intimidated by what we represented."

He swallowed hard, "The gods... they've done unspeakable things in the name of maintaining their rule. My brother Jörmungandr, the Midgard Serpent, was cast into the ocean where he encircles the world. An eternal prisoner of the deep. My sister, Hel, they banished her to the underworld, forever segregating her from the realms of the living."

Pausing, Fen's voice broke slightly as he approached the topic of his lesser-known siblings, "But perhaps the most tragic of all were my two younger brothers, both of whom few have ever spoken of. The Aesir... in their cruelty... They turned one of my brothers into a rabid beast, a mindless wolf. In his madness, he slew our other brother, and the gods, in their twisted sense of justice, used his innards to bind my father to a rock."

The group looked at Fen in horror, imagining the torment and agony he and his family went through. The cruel fate that was meted out to them by the gods they had once considered allies.

"The venom from a serpent drip onto my father's face as he lies bound. Each drop causes him unimaginable pain," Fen said, his voice now barely a whisper. The group could see the anguish in his eyes, the weight of the memories pulling him down. It was a rare moment of vulnerability for the mighty wolf, and it made him seem more human than ever.

Oluo, regret evident on his face, whispered, "I'm sorry... I shouldn't have asked."

Fen shook his head slowly, "No, it's important for you to know. It's a part of who I am. But it also shows you the lengths the gods can go to maintain their power. However, it's these very chains, these very cruelties, that have made me who I am today.

Taking a deep breath, Fen continued, a certain melancholy permeating his voice, "All beings, be they mortal or divine, grapple with their fate. My fate, as written, is one of devastation. But it's also one of a choice. A choice I've spent countless ages contemplating."

He glanced over at Ymir, seeing a flicker of understanding in her eyes, "Ragnarök, the end of all things. I am to play a significant role in it, a harbinger of destruction. It's a destiny that looms over me every day, every moment. But with it comes the internal conflict I face. Do I surrender to the path written for me, to be the monster of legends? Or do I try to carve out my own path, one where I live not as a beast but as a man, driven by will and purpose, not fate?"

There was a heavy pause. Ymir, her voice soft, said, "The boot... The one meant to stretch your jaws open. By Vidar, Odin's son. It's symbolic, isn't it? Of how they see you, as something to be controlled, manipulated, and ultimately destroyed."

Fen nodded, "Yes. It's a symbol of their attempt to subdue and defeat me. But there's more to it. That very act, the moment my jaws are stretched open, is also symbolic of the choices I've made, the internal struggles I've faced. In that instant, will I be the beast they expect me to be, or will I be something more? It's an answer I've yet to find."

He sighed, a heavy weight evident in his expression, "It's not about the ending, Ymir. It's about the journey. And whether Ragnarök is an inevitable ending or just a chapter, I've chosen to live my life on my terms, not as a pawn in someone else's game."

The atmosphere among the scouts grew contemplative. Every individual, though they couldn't fully comprehend the depths of Fen's struggle, felt a resonance with his words. After all, everyone was battling their own internal wars, trying to find meaning in a world filled with uncertainty.

Seeing the pain in Fen's eyes, Petra didn't hesitate. She stepped closer to him, wrapping her arms tightly around his tall, humanoid form. As Fen's partner, she knew the depths of the struggles he faced internally, having been there for many of them. He looked down at her, his wild hair casting shadows over his face, but his eyes - deep and ancient - softened at her touch.

He gently returned her embrace, his large hands resting on the small of her back. Petra's head settled against his chest, listening to the strong heartbeat that pulsed steadily beneath. In his human form, every emotion was more evident., more pronounced. His vulnerability was laid bare.

"I've got you," Petra whispered, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt, offering comfort and reassurance.

"And I, you," Fen murmured into her hair, sealing the bond that had grown between them. They stood like that for a while, drawing strength from one another, united in their shared challenges and the love they felt for each other.

That evening, Petra decided to bake bread for the Scouts, wanting to provide some semblance of home and comfort before the upcoming mission. Fen, always eager to be by her side, decided to help. While Petra had never baked bread in this life, fragments of Lilia's memories were beginning to resurface, influencing her choices.

One particular memory stood out to her as they mixed the dough together. In that flashback, she was Lilia, and the sun cast golden hues on the cobblestone streets of Shiganshina District. She remembered the warmth of the bakery, the smell of fresh bread wafting into the street, drawing her inside.

Fen was there too, not as the monstrous wolf, but in his human form. He was leaning against the counter, offering suggestions to the local baker. "Have you tried seasoning the bread before it goes into the oven?" he had asked, his voice gentle and rich with the wisdom of ages.

Lilia, curious, had watched as the baker, slightly skeptical but willing to humor Fen, sprinkled a blend of rosemary and thyme over the top of a fresh loaf. Once baked, she took a slice and tasted it. The bread was transformed - aromatic and flavorful in ways she had never experienced.

Returning to the present, Petra smiled to herself, remembering the delight in Lilia's heart. "Fen," she began, "do you remember that time in Shiganshina when you suggested adding seasonings to the bread?"

Fen chuckled, "I remember. It seems my culinary suggestions have spanned lifetimes." With a playful smirk, he added, "Would you like to try it again?"

Petra nodded; her smile radiant. "I would. Let's make this meal memorable for everyone."

Together, they began to season the dough, intertwining both their memories and the present, creating something new and beautiful for the Scouts to cherish.

The bustling kitchen was filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread, but Petra and Fen felt like adding another surprise to the menu. Fen, with a sly grin, leaned over and whispered something in Petra's ear, which instantly piqued her curiosity.

"How about we introduce them to something a bit... different?" he suggested, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

Petra looked puzzled for a moment. "Different how?"

With a flourish, Fen unveiled a set of ingredients from his pouch: fine, slender noodles, slivers of meat, aromatic spices, and a handful of vibrant vegetables. "Ramen," he announced proudly.

Petra's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Ramen? What's that?"

"It's a noodle soup from a place called Japan in East Asia," Fen explained as he started to set up a pot on the fire. "It's a rich broth with noodles, meat, and sometimes topped with vegetables and eggs. It's delicious, warm, and filling."

As they worked together to prepare the ramen, Petra mused aloud, "Japan... That's where Mikasa's and Levi's ancestors come from, right?"

Fen nodded as he slowly stirred the simmering broth. "Indeed. The Ackermans hail from there. It's a place rich with culture, history, and culinary wonders like ramen."

Once ready, they served the ramen in large bowls, the steam wafting up in fragrant tendrils. The Scouts, familiar only with the bread and stews of their homeland, looked upon the ramen with curious eyes.

Levi and Mikasa approached the table, the mention of Japan stirring a deep-rooted connection within them. They were the first to taste, and as the rich flavors danced on their palate, there was a flash of recognition in their eyes.

"Is this from...?" Mikasa began, her voice trailing off.

Fen simply nodded, "From the land of your ancestors."

Throughout the meal, laughter and conversation filled the room. The mix of familiar bread and exotic ramen created a unique atmosphere of companionship. For a fleeting moment, amidst the uncertainties of their mission, they all found solace in each other's company and the food that brought them together.