Erwin

"I've seen you in better shape. And to think you were lecturing me the other day." The Commander of the Military Police, Nile Dok, kneels down to a chained, beaten, and bloodied Erwin Smith. "You're getting an audience with the King. They'll decide how to dismantle the Scouts and announce your final sentence."

"Nile, Huh?" The Commander coughs. "Where was your house? Stohess District, was it? Is Marie...? Is your family doing well?"

"...They're doing fine. Both Marie and the kids. I haven't been home in a while, but...it's around Eastern Wall Rose."

"I see..." Erwin lowers his head.

"What's with the odd questions?"

"I entrusted something to Commander Pyxis. When, and if the time comes..." The Scout Commander looks back up to Nile. "When it comes, I will only watch. It's up to you to decide. You...and them."

The Throne Room

Settled deep within Mitras, the royal capital, is cultural and the economic center of the Walls. The city is inhabited mainly by people from the upper class and close to the royal family, enjoying a rich, and quiet life far from the threat of the Titans. A perfect place for injustice to take place.

"Erwin. Do you have any last words?"

The Commander of the Scouts, now kneeled and bound as his sentence is about to be carried out by the King himself and his assembled nobles. Many other members of the Interior Military Police have made their appearance today, along with Commander Nile Dok. Even Garrison Commander Dot Pyxis has made a special appearance. Many faces fall in disgust at the once renowned man of the Scout Regiment, now all they see is nothing but a monster of humanity.

"If humanity loses the Scout Regiment, that means humanity loses their spear. When enemies close in, you guard not with a shield, but a spear that eliminates the threat. Suppose now, if this instant, Wall Rose were to be breached... The residents of Wall Rose would again flee and take refuge in Wall Sina. But the earlier evacuation left stockpiles with no more than a few days at best. In the blink of an eye, most of the residents would be forced to fight for survival. Wall Rose and Sina... Humanity would be split into two factions and civil war would erupt. Even if the Wall was not breached, Wall Rose is continually suffering a food shortage. It may not be Titans that breach Wall Sina... There's a chance the residents of Wall Rose do it first. Reclaim Wall Maria. If humanity is to ever hope for a future, that is the only way."

"Are you implying that the Scouts are needed for such a cause?"

"Our duty as Scouts has always been to charge forth at the enemy. Cowering away will not solve anything. Or could it be...you have some sort of secret plan to overcome this ordeal?"

"Hmph. Erwin, I don't think you understand. The reason you're here today is not to discuss our future within the walls, nor is it because of something as simple as murder. Clause Six, Charter of Humanity. 'Thou shall not prioritize one's own gain over the longevity of humanity.' You're here for this grave offense."

"Indeed. You've refused to hand over Eren Jaeger multiple times. In doing so, you've violated the charter."

"But Eren is vital for reclaiming Wall Maria!"

"That is not for the Scouts to decide!"

"Eren Jaeger is a Titan whose powers are not understood! Sheltering him within the Walls is a risk to humanity! It's absurd for a single commander to have control of him alone."

"And yet, you stubbornly persisted in some plan of yours. Not only did you feign his abduction and conceal Eren Jaeger...but you silenced Dimo Reeves since he knew of your plans. This is clearly treason."

"It is not a stretch to say that you're the threat to humanity."

"Commander Pyxis."

"Hmm?"

"The Garrison and Scout Regiments both risk their lives on the front lines. How are we to know that you're not his comrade?"

"I'm quite disturbed that you believe we would align ourselves with the Scouts. Nothing is more senseless than humans killing humans. In this cramped world that we humans have, one spark will engulf all in no time. When it came to defend Trost District, that's what I told my soldiers before sending many to their deaths. If the Scout Regiment is that one spark, it should be smothered at all..." The Garrison Commander bears a smirk. "If the Titans manage to break the Wall and find hardly anyone left inside...those poor Titans might go hungry."

One noble laughs, but quickly covers his mouth and regains his composure. "Very well. Allow us to discuss."

Another stands, facing the King. "Your Majesty... May we?"

The nobles all discuss for the next few minutes. As for a certain commander, he can't help but think... Erwin... Is this how you want it to end?! The nobles once again take their seats, with one remaining standing, bowing to the kink, then facing back to the bound Erwin.

"In the name of the King, I will announce your judgment. Erwin Smith. For violating Clause Six of the Charter of Humanity, you are sentenced to death. Your execution will be carried out immediately. Take him."

Two Military Police soldiers begin to pull Erwin up to his feet, the only sound in the Throne Room is the cleaning of his rusty chains. It seems that The Scouts will be losing their Commander...and soon, their own lives.

Is this what you wanted, Erwin?! With this, you're... As the commander is brought to a standing position, Nile can't help but notice...the commander... bearing a small smile.

BANG!

Everyone's attention is brought to the now slammed-open Throne Room door with a young Garrison woman along with four soldiers...with horrified looks in their eyes. The woman salutes. "Wall Rose...has been breached!" Horrified are were exchanged between everyone in the room, minus two commanders. "The Colossal Titan appeared out of nowhere! Along with the Armored Titan, they broke through both gates of Calaneth District! Currently, refugees from the east are flocking here for safety!"

"Establish a rote for the evacuees!" Commander Pyxis is the first to take action. "Have all Garrison troops converge and defend the East! Get the evacuees safely to Wall Sina! Everyone, hurry! Saving the evacuees is our top priority!"

The Garrison soldiers salute. "Sir!"

"No!"

Pyxis turns to the noble who spoke up. "Hmm?"

"Close up all of the gates to Wall Sina! Don't let a single refugee inside!"

"Huh?!" Nile exclaims. "B-But that's... All the Wall Rose residents? Your command is to sit back and watch as half of humanity dies?!"

"It's just like he said earlier! That's asking for civil war! We can't let the government lose control! If that happens, it's over!"

"B-But... That's only a mere possibility!"

"It's enough for that possibility to exist! Our authority is and always will be absolute! Now, get moving!"

Pyxis looks to the young Garrison woman, she nods, then swiftly leaves the room. Meanwhile, the nobles gather in front of the king, discussing amongst themselves. Terrified out of their minds by the possibility that their precious power could be taken from them.

"Shit... To think the Wall would be breached at a time like this..."

"Though, there is a silver lining. We've already found the power. All that's left is to bide our time until the vessel takes it."

"That's right. There's no need to be flustered by this little disaster. As long as Wall Sina holds up, We'll be fine."

"Yes, once Lord Reiss comes back..."

As for the King. The withering old man has not moved or said a single word since the beginning of this entire meeting. Only resting his head against his right fist with a cold, dead look in his eyes. As for the Military Police...

"Let's do it! Close the gates!"

"Wait!" Nile orders.

"It'll be too late if we wait!"

Who gets to choose? Who decides?

"What are you doing?!" The fat noble questions. "Hurry it up! It'll be treason if you don't!"

"...I will not!" Nile protests.

"What?!"

"I...am a human of Wall Rose! I will not allow the gates to be closed!" Nile says firmly, but with a tad look of fear in his eyes at the very action of disobeying his orders.

"You fool!"

"I will stand behind him."

The attention of the room is brought back to the entrance of the throne room once more. Only now, premier of the three regiments, Dhalis Zachary, along with a platoon of soldiers, each one carrying a rifle stand before everyone.

"Dhalis Zachary..."

"Are you surprised by their reaction, Premier Zachary?" Pyxis asks.

"No..." Zachary adjusts his glasses. "Not a bit."

"Zachary, what's the meaning of this?!"

"The report just now was a false alarm. Rest assured. At the moment, there has been no report of a Titan attack."

"You bastards! What is this farce?!"

"If you want the mastermind. It's me."

"Pyxis?"

"It seems most of the Interior Police are off somewhere or other. I suppose that's quite fortunate."

"What do you mean?!"

"Earlier, I declared to you that the Garrison Regiment isn't aligned with the Scout Regiment. But I did forget to mention one thing... I'm not aligned with any of you either. While I do possess some of the same feelings as Erwin here...I considered leaving things up to your government if that were the better choice for the sake of humanity. You are, after all, much wiser than is when it comes to the Titans and the Walls. Supposing you actually cared about saving as many people as possible, I would have been fine sending Erwin to the gallows. Of course, depending on your decision, all of us were prepared to forfeit our heads. However, the answer you've given us is very clear! We may be ignorant about the Titans and their powers, but...I daresay, we in our ignorance can save far more people than you ever could!"

"Y-You're a fool! What do you think undermining us will accomplish?! The citizens will never listen to you! They'll obey whatever the crown says! The regional lords will have none of this!"

"It seems you don't quite understand. This is no mere threat. It's a coup d'etat."

The young Garrison woman returns to the Throne Room, approaching Zachary, saluting. "We've successfully restrained the Interior Police!"

Zachary nods. "Hmm." Each one of the nobles is shocked and appalled. "The thing with soldiers, they'll obey their superior officer over the king."

"Especially when the king in question is a fraud," Pyxis adds. "We will put in place a new ruler of our own."

"It can't be... They're actually..." The fat noble compels himself. "Don't even think you can get away with this hoax!"

"If that disaster had in fact happened..." Erwin now speaks. "The decision that all of you made violates Clause Six of the Charter of Humanity. Furthermore, is installing a fake king to personally control and run the government not punishable by death?"

"Shit!" The fat noble storms to the fake king's throne, kicking it. "Wake up, dotard!"

Completely unaware of the whole situation, he looks to the fat noble. "What? Time to eat?"

"Shut up, you useless oaf!" Two soldiers approach from behind, restraining the noble, taking him away along with the others and the false king. Erwin is released from his chains.

"Erwin... This is your victory." Nile notices the solemn look on the commander's face. "Aren't you happy?"

"Nile," Erwin says with a serious look in his eyes. "Humanity has just begun down a new path... One far more dangerous than before."

Elijah

"Told you so, Captain. It's no use. One way or another, the Scouts will soon come to an end!"

The incoming figures come into the moonlight that shines upon the tall grass ahead of us. By now, I can see it's only two people...who I recognize without fail. Stepping out from behind the tree, I sheath my blades and raise a hand to the others. "It's Hange and Moblit." The most surprised out of this is the Interior Police officer himself, who was sure we were being approached by the enemy. As the Captain goes to meet with my superiors, I 'accidentally' jump on the man's broken arm. "Oops. Looks like the Scouts live another day, asshole."

Levi returns and sits with a paper in his hand, the others crowding around him to see what Hange and Moblit brought us. After roping the officer again, I join them to read the news that the government is no more. "And there you have it. The coup d'etat was successful. Premier Zachary has control of the capital and administrative district. For the time being, the nobility hasn't rebelled."

"What about the Boss Reeves incident?" Armin asks.

"We got a confession that proved the charges unfounded. His son Flegel really pulled through big time. Just like it's written right there, it shows the charges were bogus, they abused their power, and that King Fritz was a total fake. All our actions were justified self-defense. In other words, we're free people now."

Us cadets look to each other and celebrate, though I feel a little sorry for Mikasa who's been lifted off her feet by Sasha. I even see Petra getting a little comfy with the Captain...and he's not resisting. I clap hands with Armin, smiling to my friend. "You still think we're criminals?"

"In a totally different kind of way, we are."

"If it's the fun way, I'll take it." I hug my friend.

"The thing is..." We tune back to Levi and Hange's conversation. "Part of the Interior Police, their leader, Eren, and Historia are somewhere else. If we don't find them soon..."

"I may have a clue about that." Hange holds out a book. "Let's get there and put an end to this battle."

With the quiet darkness around us, we set out for the northern lands of Reiss. Moblit and the cadets, minus me and Mikasa, ride on horseback carrying torches. Armin directs the horses that pulls the wagon me, Mikasa, Petra, Hange, and Levi sit in. For the time being, we keep quiet until Mikasa speaks up. "Hange. You might know where they are?"

"Yeah, I'll explain. Erwin gave me this Scout Investigation report regarding Lord Reiss' land. Most of it has to do with an incident five years ago that shook up the Reiss family."

Armin looks back for a moment. "Five years ago?"

"Right. On the day Wall Maria was breached."

I sigh. "Some coincidence."

"I'll summarize the important bits from the beginning. As the lord of his territory, popular opinion of Rod Reiss wasn't all that bad. He had five children, and his eldest daughter Frieda was a down-to-earth girl that even the peasants adored. But that night, five years ago, disaster struck. With the world having plunged into pure chaos, some bandits raided and set fire to the only chapel around. Unfortunately, that night, the entire Reiss family was there praying together. And so, the whole family, save for the head of the house, Rod Reiss, was massacred that night by the bandits. To top it off, this incident occurred just a few days before Historia's mother was killed by the Interior Police. In other words, immediately after losing his family, Reiss sought out Historia. There must be a reason he and his lackeys are after Historia."

"The same bloodline?" Levi questions. "Is there some secret to their blood?"

"I don't know for sure yet. But what really makes me curious is that parts of the chapel are completely wrecked. The chapel itself is stone. It would take tons of time and effort to destroy it. Bandits would take what they can and make a quick escape. Plus, the only one who saw those bandits was Rod Reiss himself. Soon after, he used his own fortune to rebuild the chapel. But why?"

"What could it have been?" I say. "There wasn't a Titan attack..."

"If you think about it, it's actually stranger that there were no traces of Titans. Even if I'm jumping to conclusions, something this suspicious deserves us checking it out. Before the night is over, we'll have soldiers all over Reiss' land. Unfortunately, I doubt he'll be waiting that long. If we don't hurry and get there, Eren may end up being eaten."

If Eren is eaten by whoever Reiss has as a Titan, Eren's powers gets transferred to that person. That's what Ymir said… I gasp, my eyes widening as a dreadful thought passes through my head. For as long as I've known Eren, not once has he had memory of this power. Then...how in the hell did he become who he is now? When did he become a Titan? ...Did he...? No...

Eren

"Shit!" Eren gives up on trying to break free from his chains. With his mouth wired open by some metal tool that prevents his tongue from slipping between his teeth, Eren is unable to transform. How good that will do him is questionable, given his failure the other day. Once again, he's a prisoner and the others will have to come save him.

Once more, she's somehow roped into this. Historia walks into the large crystal chamber that is Eren's new prison, standing a few feet below his position on a overhanging crystal platform. "Eren, you're awake? Just hang in there a while longer. Everything is fine." She sounds so apologetic, but at least she's okay. He doesn't take her 'everything is fine' for himself though, as he's been tied up ever since they were captured. "Eren, listen to me. My father has been an ally to all of humanity within the walls for many years past and many years to come. We were clearly mistaken about him. It's true that he's been a problem for the Scouts and his people did kill Pastor Nick. But he didn't have any other choice. Everything he's done, he had to do for the sake of humanity."

"Historia. Let me explain the rest." The man of the hour, Rod Reiss, walks up behind his daughter.

"It's coming back to me… Yeah… The last thing I can remember is those two. How long has it been? Captain… Armin… What happened to the Scouts?" Eren looks around him, inspecting the crystal chamber around him. The pillars that rise between the ground and the ceiling seem to go on forever. "What's up with these walls, glowing like that? I can't tell if it's day or night. No, hold on a second… Haven't I been to this place before?"

"What's wrong?" Reiss says from somewhere behind Eren. "This is the first time you've come here. Though, it wouldn't be strange if you recognize it."

"What does he mean by that?"

"Father, explain to Eren."

"Yes, I intend to. However, there's something I want to try first. If we do this, he may remember all on his own." Two cold, very different hands touch Eren's back, and his mind goes bonkers. He sees this chamber again, but from the perspective of someone else as Rod Reiss, a woman his age, and five other younger people look at 'Eren' in shock. The next image is that of the young, raven-haired woman who bit her hand like Eren does. Her eyes flash dark purple and light blue as she does so. Then there's her Titan, smoke coming out of her upper right chest. Then he grabs one of the boys, the oldest one.

A church on fire.

A familiar-looking Scout with horrified eyes.

A key wrapped in a young person's hand.

A young boy with his arm outstretched as a syringe is prepared.

That boy...becomes a Titan.

That Titan...his eyes...the image in his eye before blood covers everything…

That boy, all alone, holds a pair of glasses. "Dad?"

"Well? Did you remember? Your father's sin?"

"Father?"

Historia

Just as she's sure Eren is having a mental trip of his own, Historia clutches her head as her own recessed memories rush to the forefront. A memory...of a girl she knew but was made to forget about.

"What's wrong, Historia?"

"Why?! Why did I forget about that until now?! I was never alone. That girl was always there for me. She gave me books, taught me how to read and write, and was so kind to me. How could I forget about her?!"

"You met Frieda?" Reiss asks with some uncertainty.

"Frieda?"

"If it was a young girl with long, black hair, it was most likely Frieda Reiss. She was your half-sister. She must have been worried and came to check up on you occasionally. If she was erasing your memories, it was all done to protect you."

"Huh? Erasing my memories?"

"Yes, but touching your hand to him seems to have uncovered those memories again."

She looks down at Eren, the boy quiet but slumped over in his kneeling form. What could he be going through? "Um, Father? Where is Frieda now? I'd like to see and thank her. If she wasn't there for me, I… I need to thank her for what she did for me then."

Reiss' face grows grim as he responds. "Frieda is no longer in this world. At one time, I had five children. But my wife and all of my children, Frieda included, were killed five years ago by his father, Grisha Jaeger. Grisha was a person with the Power of the Titans. I do not know who the man was, but his goal was to steal the power the Reiss family possessed. This power Grisha sought to obtain, it was the Power of the Titans residing within Frieda. Frieda's Titan was superior to all other Titans. You could say her Titan had unsurpassable power. However, she did not have the experience to properly wield it. Unable to unleash her true potential, she was eaten by Grisha and he stole the power. But that's not all. He then attacked my entire family. His rampage sought to eradicate the Reiss family. He crushed the 14-year-old Dirk and 12-year-old Abel. He trampled over my wife and 10-year-old Florian still clutched in her arms. Lastly, he took my eldest son, Ulklin, and squeezed the life out of him. Miraculously, I was the only one who made it away."

"Unbelievable…" Historia turns her face, pressed against her father's torso as he hugs her, to Eren. "That's how she… Why would he do such a terrible thing?" Eren...are you seeing what your father did? Does it play over and over in your mind?

"Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. What the hell are you guts blabbering about in here?" Christa looks down beyond Eren, seeing a familiar man standing below. It's just not anyone, she notices, but the man who killed her mother and almost herself. "I hope you know a buncha shit is going down outside."

"Kenny? What happened?"

"The Scouts started a coup d'etat and all the regiments changed sides. Everyone knows the King's a big fake, and all the big shots ended up getting captured. Oh yeah, it's a royal shit show. Only a matter of time till they show up here. You oughta wrap it up lickety-split."

"Yes, all right. Take your Anti-Personnel Control Squad and defend the entrance. I believe I told you already I need you and your crew to leave for the ceremony."

"Whoa now, King. Did I make you mad?" Historia's father just stares down at the man. "Sorry 'bout that. I'm just so worried about you."

"Kenny, I trust you. Go."

"So do I, King."

Mikasa

"Understand? He's Kenny the Ripper. If he's there, he'll be our biggest obstacle. In terms of how much of a threat he is, equate him to me as an enemy. No... With those weapons of his, he's deadlier than me."

"Then he's unbeatable, at least for us..." Sasha barely whispers.

"If we could meet up with the troops-"

"Absolutely not," Mikasa snaps at Connie.

"I know, absolutely not! If we wait until morning, Eren might end up getting eaten!"

"Not to mention what could happen to Historia," Elijah adds whilst leaning back on the end of the wagon. "We have no idea what Reiss' plan is for her, but it can't be something as simple as wanting his daughter. If Reiss has his priorities right, he'll have Kenny protecting Historia. He'll be tough."

Petra scoffs. "That's putting it lightly."

"Though, if what the Captain says is true, it's not like he has no weak points."

Jean tilts his head back. "For real, Armin?"

"Yeah, I'm sure he's trained plenty, but having combat experience is something else."

"I wonder," Hange directs to Levi. "How is it that you lived with Kenny the Ripper but know almost nothing about him, Levi?"

"Sorry, but I only found out his full name not too long ago. Apparently, It's Kenny Ackermann. He some relative of yours?"

Mikasa clutches her knees to her chest. She hadn't thought much of her family in a long time, not until Kenny's name was revealed. It's the first time since she met Eren that she speaks of her family, meaning this is the first time even Armin and Elijah are hearing it. "I heard from my parents when they were alive that my dad's side, the Ackermanns, were persecuted in the cities. My mom's family was Oriental, so being a different race meant they didn't fit in anywhere. Both were people chased deep in the mountains near the edge of the Walls so that's how they met and married. But I never found out why the Ackermanns were persecuted. My dad didn't seem like a different race like my mom was"

"Has there ever been a moment where it's felt like power suddenly awakened inside you?"

"...There has." Back when Eren saved me from those bandits...

"Kenny Ackermann had a moment like that, too. One time, out of nowhere, he felt an absurd amount of strength surging within him and he knew exactly what he had to do. I've had moments like that, too."

Elijah

We made it to the chapel, wasting no time getting inside. Hange manages to find a trapdoor poorly hidden underneath a rug. As the two officers talk amongst themselves, the rest of us prepare a little surprise for the enemy below.

"All right," Armin says to the Captain and Section Commander as he finalizes his preparations. "We're good to go!"

"Are we? Is everyone ready to get their hands dirty, too?" None of us say anything. I can't speak for my friends, yet I know that we're not all fond of the idea we're killing humans in human form. But ever since they took Eren and Historia away... I turn to Mikasa, knowing exactly what's going through her head. I glance up in front of Armin, the boy who once labeled us 'criminals' prepared to take out the enemy in the same way he lamented. Jean still looks uneasy, but I know him well enough now to know he will fight on. Petra looks unnerved, but I see that slight shake in her left hand. I know she doesn't like this idea as much as the rest of us. Connie looks absolutely horrified, and that's all there is to it. Sasha holds her bow over her shoulder, looking grim with the idea of killing humans, but as we hold each other's hand, I know she'll be there for all of us. I know she's ready.

"Guess so."