Days earlier, Historia

"I was born on a small farm in the northern region of Wall Rose. It was on land owned by the noble family of Reiss. As far back as I can remember, I was helping around the farm. But, my mother was always reading books, and not once did I see her doing housework. She was a beautiful woman. At night, someone would come for her in a wagon and she'd go off to the city wearing fancy clothes. For me, that was just life as I knew it. After I learned to read and write, I picked up a book to imitate my mother. Only then did I know how alone I was. In all the books, parents cared about their children. They talked, hugged, fought, or so the stories went. I had never experienced any of those things. One day, out of curiosity, I decided to try hugging my mother. I just wanted to see what kind of face she would make."

"Mother!" A gasp and a hand clasped over Historia's mouth, pushing her off to the side near the fence. Her nose bleeding, Historia holds her face but turns to the disgusted woman with an open smile.

"If only I had the courage to kill the girl…"

"She ended up shoving me away, but that was the first thing my mother ever did for me. That's why it made me so happy. And what she said afterward...those were...the first words my mother said to me. After that, she left the house and began living somewhere else. And then, five years ago, just days after Wall Maria fell, for the very first time, I met my father."

"Nice to meet you, Historia. My name is Rod Reiss… I'm your father."

"That man… He was the lord ruling the land we lived on. My mother I hadn't seen in years looked terribly frightened."

"Historia… You'll be living with me now."

"If Reiss came for you, why are you not with him now?"

"This is a problem, Lord Reiss." A man dressed in a dark suit appears from behind Reiss's carriage. Frightened, Historia's mother tries to run, but she's caught by him and another man as the man who spoke's accomplices come into view. "Let's avoid acting rashly now. Did the fall of Wall Maria make you a little scared?"

"Mother!"

"No! I am not the mother of that girl! She has nothing to do with me!"

"Oh, is that true, Lord Reiss? Do you really have nothing to do with this woman or child?" Historia looks to her father, feeling his hand recede from hers. In one night, in one moment...she's been disowned by both the mother who rejected her for years and the father who just claimed her.

"So be it. These two here have nothing to do with me."

"I thought that might be the case."

Historia's mother is pushed to her knees. "What? What are you…"

"You never existed," the man says as he reaches for a long knife in his coat. "You never worked at the estate either. Nobody knows who you are."

"That's not… Master! Please tell them that's not true!"

Fearing for her mother's life, Historia steps closer. "Mother…"

"If only… If only I never had you!"

"Those were my mother's last words. Moments before I was to be killed, my father proposed an idea. That if I were to be sent far away and live out a quiet life, perhaps they could spare me."

"Your name will be Christa Lenz."


Present

Reiss lets go of his daughter, looking at her wide pupils. "Please forgive me for everything. In order to protect you, I had no other choice."

"F-Father…"

"I was always thinking about you. I've always dreamed of the day I could hold you like this. You're special. Royal blood runs through you."

Historia lets tears run down her face. "It does?"

"That's right, Historia. Our Reiss family is the true royal line. And because you're special, you're the one and only person who can save all of humanity. Now, let us go, Historia. To the place it all began.


Elijah

"Eren will be eaten?!"

I nod. "Yes."

"Yeah," Hange says. "Eren remembered a conversation that went like this between Bertholdt and Ymir, that she once ate a human. Speculating based on that, Ymir was a Titan wandering alone outside the Wall. Bertholdt, Reiner, and Annie had a comrade that she ate."

"And based on that information," I continue. "it confirms what we thought of Connie's village, that Titans really are transformed humans. It also gives us the truth about the one thing we never figured out back in Trost and even out in the field. In their Titan forms, the shifters are still attacked by Titans despite being not human. Now we know why."

"When a Titan eats someone, they don't change back into a human. But, what if a Titan ate one of Reiner's comrades? They're humans who can transform into Titans. In other words, if a Titan eats someone with that power, they revert back into a human. Furthermore, they obtain the power of those they eat. In the other day's battle, Reiner was throwing Titans at Eren, who had escaped. Eren has the power to control Titans with his scream. He was trying to snatch that power with those Titans. In that case, Eren is just a vessel who is bound to be replaced. Basically, if the government has a Titan of their own, they'll be the one to eat Eren."

"In a way, I think I know why the Titans are after us. To them, we're just cattle...but as for Eren, Ymir, Annie, Reiner, and Bertholdt...they're the prized bulls."

Mikasa lets her emotions run and heads for the door. Levi catches her. "Calm down. Even if you go on a rampage, they're not going to give Eren back to us. Anyway, we head for the lands of Rod Reiss. Get ready to leave at once."


Erwin

"Excuse me, Commander Erwin, Pyxis is here for you."

"The commander?"

"Yes, he wants to see you."

"Let him in."

"Sir!" Erwin sets his book down as Pyxis steps into the room.

"Sorry about the late visit. I just couldn't stand still, you see. I finished reading your letter. I came with some thoughts of my own. But first I need to ask… Are you serious?"

Erwin turns from the window he covered with the hanging cloth to the seated Pyxis. "Yes. In order to retake Wall Maria, we'll overthrow the government."

Pyxis palms his head as Erwin sits across from him. "I knew this would happen one day. This cramped world can only hold people for so long before they begin to lash out. And when that time came, I'd have to point my gun at the King as well."

"If my guess proves correct, this plan will not require military forces to take action. Nor should it be necessary for anyone to die."

"Oh? Do tell me then. Is such a method possible?"

"However, the groundwork for this to happen is not quite ready. And if everything is not in order, me and everyone else will be hanged, no doubt."

Pyxis chuckles. "Oh, that's all? In other words, it's another huge gamble."

"It seems I may be a betting man. The news should come shortly. Until it arrives, I'd like you to hear a story regarding my childhood."

"Hmm?"

"My father… He was a teacher. One day, we were learning history. To protect themselves from the Titans, humanity took refuge within the walls and realized years of peace. In doing so, any records of our earlier past were lost for all of time. That's what we're all taught. However, I...having doubts of my own, asked my father a question. My father evaded answering the question and ended class as normal. But after we got home, my father answered my question. He said the history books given by the government were full of contradictions and mysteries. My father continued to tell me more, and even as a child, I was astounded. There's a reason he didn't tell that story to the entire class, but I wasn't smart enough to know. I'd been telling the other kids my father's story, and one day, the Military Police came to question me. My father didn't come home that day… He died in some accident in a faraway town. Based on what I knew, my father was killed by the government. One hundred and seven years ago... Humanity that fled into these walls… The King had altered their memories to make them easy to rule. That was my father's theory."

"Oh? Because if they hadn't done that, civilization within the walls could never succeed?"

"Yes. Ever since I was a child, I've been thinking… Why did my father have to die for nothing more than getting close to the truth? Even those in the government would believe what they're doing is just. However, I realized one thing about them… What they're trying to protect is not humanity, but their gardens, houses, and lands. Rather, if anyone dares to threaten their authority, they'll be extinguished, whoever they are. In the end, there was nothing to justify my father's death. My father was killed by human greed...and the foolishness of his own son. Before I knew it, my father's theory became truth inside my heart. Now, my mission in life… It's to prove my father's theory once and for all."

"Excuse me! Erwin." Hange and Moblit appear at the commander's door for the second time tonight, this time without their protege. The section commander leans into Erwin's ear, whispering the news he longed for.

"I thought as much." He turns to Pyxis. "My gamble was right after all, Commander. One of the First Interior Squad confessed. The current royal family is a fraud. Reiss is the true royal family."

Pyxis' eyebrows raise. "My word!"

"Right now, Squad Levi is underway rescuing Eren and Historia. Once they're recovered, we'll have Historia Reiss enthroned as Queen. As one possessing the true royal blood."

"And you'll force the makeshift King to relinquish the crown? To the true Queen…"

"Without spilling any blood, we will overthrow the government. And right in front of the people, we'll reveal that the system as they know it has all been a lie."

Pyxis stands up, thinking to himself quietly. Erwin, however, did not worry about the Garrison commander, for not a second later Pyxis looks to Erwin with a daring smile. "Very well. I'll back up your plan. However, whether or not it should be carried out is not for us to decide. You understand that, don't you, Erwin?"

"Of course, Commander."


"Did anything come of the Reiss investigation?"

"I found out as much as I could." Erwin hands Hange a large book. "From all I learned, one curious incident stuck out."

"Incident?"

"Commander Erwin!" The Scout from earlier opens the door suddenly. "The Interior Squad demands you turn yourself in! They're making a scene in the middle of the city that you organized a murder!"

"It seems the enemy's been making plans of their own. Hange, get far from here."

"Huh? What are you planning to do?"

Erwin puts his more formal Scout attire on. "I need to be the face of the Scout Regiment. You should act at your discretion. Furthermore, the next commander of the Scout Regiment, Hange Zoe, is you. The Scouts are in your hands."


Elijah

"Captain, we bought the supplies." We look up to Jean, Armin, and Mikasa as they come back from town with supplies. Armin continues to walk in front of Levi, handing him a piece of paper.

"The Military Police were handing out these. If this is true, the Scouts will be disbanded, I heard they're hunting us for tonight. They're also putting guards on all vital roads, and it's impossible to get through without a pass."

I read the paper from over Levi's shoulder. We're blamed for the death of the elder Reeves and being rounded up as a result of keeping Eren to ourselves? "Looks like our enemies are making their move."

"What do we do now, Captain?"

"If we don't hurry, Eren-"

"Calm down," Levi tells Mikasa and Armin. "They're using a wagon. It'll take at least a day to reach Reiss territory. We'll have to use that time to come up with a plan."

"Captain, I hear footsteps... They're coming this way."

I turn to Sasha. "I thought I heard something, how many are there?"

"Four?"

"Two people then." Standing up, I look to Levi. "Captain, we'll handle this. Armin, Mikasa, with me."


Mikasa and I watch from the treetops as Armin wades a bucket through the water of a creek, hopefully creating enough noise to draw the two Military Police soldiers. Sure enough, they come, rifles raised. "Don't move! Slowly turn this way." Armin releases the buckets and stands on his feet, lifting his arms in surrender as he turns around. "You must be a Scout. Just like that... Not a word. Now listen to me and do as I-"

I nod to Mikasa and we descend on the soldiers, holding one arm to their back and the other arm that holds their guns up as our swords reach underneath to hold a blade to their neck. "What was that you were saying? Oh, yeah. Now, hand over your guns to the one in front of you." I nod to Armin, who takes the guns.

"And not a word, right?"


If we disguise ourselves as Military Police, there's a chance we can get past the guards. We might be able to find out the location of Eren and Historia, but I doubt any one of these guys knows anything.

"Captain."

I watch as Jean gives Levi some paper. The captain stands up and walks over to the captured soldiers. "Now then... Stohess District Military Police. Private Marlo Freundenberg. Same assignment, Private Hitch Dreyes. As for how we'll dispose of you..."

"Because of you guys..." Hitch says with fear and anger. "over 100 people from Stohess District were killed!"

"Huh?"

"Hey!" Marlo interjects.

"You people... You might think that you're all heroes of justice, but the victims and their families were dropped straight into hell!"

"Yeah, I know," Levi says dryly.

Hitch looks to me, Armin, Jean, and Mikasa. "You there... You're from the Southern Cadet Corps, yeah? Just like Annie Leonhart. Were you friends of hers?" We say nothing. "No... I doubt she had any friends. Being as gloomy and aloof as she was. It's like she was a kid afraid of other people... I never got the chance to know anything about her. And the reason they still haven't found her...is because she was pulverized by a Titan into a puddle of jelly!"

"No...because the Titan in hiding was Annie Leonhart herself." The stunned faces of the Military Police privates are nothing short of a surprise, being we had that same look. "Goddammit, it makes me sick. Nobody knows a damn thing about this world... Not us or anyone else. Except for those bastards at the center of it all. We'll release you both as soon as we get out of here."

"Annie was...?"

"Captain Levi!" Marlo shouts. "Please let me help you! I don't think what you guys are doing is wrong! If I can help correct this world's injustices, I'll do whatever it takes!"

"What's with this guy?"

"I beg of you, Captain Levi!"

"Not a chance. I can't tell how prepared you are about making an enemy of the government." He sheaths the blade he kept on his shoulder as he looks to us three Shiganshinans. "Let's go. Sahsa! Tie them up somewhere nearby."

"Yes, sir!"

I linger behind, looking to the horror on Hitch's face. Taking some pity, I kneel down in front of her. "Annie...in her own way, was my friend. That doesn't excuse her for all she's done, but...that aside, she was a good person. And...you're wrong about us, we're not 'heroes', we're just...people. I truly wish that the people of Stohess didn't have to witness the horror of the Titans, but we all need to learn sooner or later. I'm sorry if either of you lost anyone close to you in all the destruction." I clutch my chest, forgetting that my necklace is now in the possession of someone else. "I know what it's like to lose..." Standing up, I see Jean here taking the place of Sasha. He bears a frown on his face, deep in thought. I walk up to him, speaking so only he can hear. "What are you thinking?"

"Something tells me...we should trust them. One damn suicidal maniac is talking in my head."

"Hmm. So, you have a plan then?"

"Yes."


"Stop." I loosely follow Jean as he guides Hitch and Marlo deeper into the woods until they reach a rockside. I quickly get myself to the top of the cliff above them to get a good vantage point if anything goes south. This plan of yours better work, Horse-Face. The Military Police privates face Jean, holding a knife in his right hand and bearing...a somewhat decent try at an intimidating look. ...Mine's definitely better.

"We'll forget what we saw here."

"Yeah, you will!" Jean flips the knife and raises it. "Because both of you will die here!"

The pair backs up against the rock wall, Hitch holding onto Marlo as he raises his bound hands up in defense. "That's not what he said!"

"Letting you two run free is too dangerous. "I'll take it upon myself to kill you!"

"Please, believe us! We know you guys are fighting to try and save humanity! Right, Hitch?!"

The frightened woman nods her head profusely "Mhmm! Mhmm!"

"As if I could trust you. Especially you, Mr. Bowl Cut. Who in their right mind would cut their hair like that?" Well someone had to say it. "You'll get no sympathy from this guy!"

Jean flips the knife upright, then charges to the cowering privates, only to end up tripping and falling on his face as he drops the knife. This gives Marlo an opening as he picks up the knife with his bound hands. "Hitch, run!" But Marlo is pinned against the wall with his hands raised above his head before he can do anything else, with Jean now holding his rifle up to his jaw.

"My gun is faster, you know. Wanna take your chances?" With Jean occupied with Marlo, he doesn't notice Hitch running away. I'd go after her, but I have my part to play here. "Your knife and my gun... Let's race!"

"Wait! I really am your ally!"

"Why the hell would anyone believe you'd wanna join us? We're so severely outmatched, you really think we can save humanity?"

"...Then, why are you... Why are you still with the Scouts then? ...I picked the wrong regiment to join. As long as you guys have it in you to risk your lives and keep fighting...I will trust you." Marlo throws the knife away from the pair of them, Jean sighs in relief, knowing that Marlo passed. I smile to myself seeing my friend's plan succeed. Nice wo-

"GAUGH!" My brief relief is short bringing as Hitch has come back with a broken tree branch, hitting Jean right in his right temple.

"You damn horse-face!"

"Wait, Hitch!" Marlo blocks the girl from hitting Jean again. "He was just testing us!"

"Huh?!"

"Hey, you. What would you have done if I swung the knife at you?"

"Well," I finally speak up as I drop down in front of them. "I would've stopped you."

"H-How long you were here?!" Hitch exclaims.

"Long enough to see you pass."

"...Why?" Marlo directs his question to Jean. "Why did you trust me so much?"

"Somehow or another, you remind me of a guy I hate. A damn idiot."

"Or suicidal maniac," I add.

"This idiot... suicidal maniac... Is it the same one Annie talked about?"

"..."

"Hell if I know." Jean sits up from the ground. "Everyone's an idiot."

I help him up. "That includes you too, you know? And me."

"Exactly. We're all just as dumb. Marlo, I think you have proven your dedication. That should be enough to convince Captain Levi. We're counting on you."


"That over there is the least manned checkpoint around."

Levi nods. "All right. We'll handle it ourselves. Get back to your squad before it gets suspicious."

"Yes, sir."

"Marlo, Hitch. We're grateful."

The pair salutes. "Sir!"

As the privates depart, Levi turns to us. "Let's go! It's our turn to pick a fight!" That 'turn' of ours leads to us crashing into the checkpoint with a wagon minutes later, a short fight, then while the others check our surroundings, Levi and I find the chief of this checkpoint and drag him away. Looks like our luck is with us for the moment...

"It's me."

"Captain, he's..."

"Interior Police. Armin."

"Yes. I've got a few questions for him."

I glare down at our newly honored guest. looks like you're in for a special treat.


"Stop it..."

Levi drops his foot and crouches down to the soldier's level. "Where are Eren and Christa?"

"Oh, you're so brave. That checkpoint back there was just recruits who could barely wipe their own ass. You think you're some sort of hero, beating them down?"

"Aww, poor things," I say while leaning against the tree the man is roped to. "I think I'm shedding a tear, Captain."

"I'm out of tissues, Everett. What an atrocious thing we've done." Levi sticks his foot in the man's mouth, making him choke. "But what's more atrocious is this mouth of yours. I recommend you start talking while you're still able to use it. Where are Eren and Christa?"

"It's no use! All that's left for you now is to run and hide inside these walls, covered in mud and shit! If you don't turn yourselves in, every last Scout we've captured will get the noose! Starting with the most guilty of all, Erwin Smith."

Levi picks the man up and pushes him against the tree, breaking his arm in the process. "Shut up. That's for not answering my question. Some Scout's lives are more valuable than others. Only those dumb enough to acknowledge that joins us. Tell me where Eren and Christa are at."

The man sulks to the ground after Levi releases him, but the Captain put the fear in him. "I-I don't know! I'm not allowed to know! Kenny Ackermann is a very cautious man!"

"Ackermann? I know Kenny... Is that his last name?" The faces of surprise on both Mikasa and Levi are short-lived, but underneath the moonlight, I can see my friend's lingering confusion.

"It is, but..."

"True, there's a lot of things he doesn't divulge... Especially the important stuff. But you must have a rough idea. You best try to remember..."

"Stop it!"

Levi grabs the man. "You still have plenty of bones to break."

"You... You're insane!"

"Maybe I am."

"Someone's coming from that way!" We all get into a position ready to attack, with Levi on top of our guest. Hiding behind a tree, I look to Sasha.

"How many?"

"More than one!"

I look to Levi, hoping he'll say something, but he keeps himself on the prisoner. "Told you so, Captain. It's no use. One way or another, the Scouts will soon come to an end!"