Chapter 3
Two years have passed since the fateful day when Eren and Historia embarked on their journey through time. In that span of time, they've woven a tapestry of clandestine activities, hidden from the watchful eyes of Mikasa and the rest of the Survey Corps.
Their Titan training sessions often necessitate slipping away from Mikasa's vigilant gaze, resorting to concocting excuses or even resorting to drastic measures like incapacitating her momentarily to ensure she doesn't follow. Venturing beyond the protective confines of Wall Rose becomes their routine, a calculated move to minimize the risk to themselves and those around them.
Yet, even the briefest absences stir Mikasa into a frenzy of worry. Her distress drives her to seek aid from the indifferent Military Police, who remain indifferent to the plight of missing children, viewing them merely as expendable resources in their twisted hierarchy of power. Mikasa's frustration simmers, boiling over into seething resentment toward the apathetic authority figures.
Eren and Historia, forced to navigate the treacherous landscape of secrecy and survival, find themselves grappling with new challenges. Transforming Pure Titans back into their human forms proves to be a daunting task, one fraught with uncertainty and danger. Each attempt is a delicate dance between mastery and misstep, with every success a hard-won victory against the oppressive forces that seek to control them.
Their efforts yield unexpected allies among the ranks of the Eldian Restorationists, kindred souls bound by a shared desire for freedom and redemption. Among them is Dina Fritz, a figure both revered and reviled, her royal bloodline intertwining her fate with Historia's in ways neither could have foreseen. For Eren, the presence of his stepmother is a bitter reminder of past betrayals and heartache, her transformation into a Titan forever staining his memories with anguish and regret.
Yet, amidst the tangled web of history and fate, Eren finds himself grappling with conflicting emotions. Though he harbors a deep-seated resentment towards Dina for her unwitting role in his mother's demise, he cannot deny the complexities of their intertwined destinies. His own actions, driven by a thirst for vengeance, have blurred the lines between victim and perpetrator, leaving him adrift in a sea of moral ambiguity.
As Dina Yeager and the other Restorationists gradually awaken, their eyes blink open to a scene of unfamiliar surroundings, their senses tingling with confusion and disbelief. As they gather in the village's plaza, the towering walls that encircle them serve as a stark reminder of their newfound reality.
Eren and Historia, appearing before them as mere children, evoke a chorus of astonishment and incredulity among the bewildered group. Dina, her gaze steady despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her, steps forward, her voice tinged with urgency as she seeks answers amidst the chaos.
"Who are you, and where are we?" she demands, her words echoing through the hushed air of uncertainty.
"This is Paradis Island, the infamous 'Island of Devils,'" Historia replies, her tone firm yet tinged with compassion. "You were once pure Titans, trapped in a never-ending nightmare. But with the power of the Founding Titan, we've freed you from that curse."
The revelation sends shockwaves rippling through the gathered crowd, their collective gasps punctuating the heavy silence that descends upon them. To realize that they now stand upon the very land they once feared and revered, saved by the hand of the mythical Founding Titan, is a truth too profound to comprehend.
Eren steps forward, his presence commanding attention as he offers his own introduction, his words laden with a weighty significance that reverberates through the air.
"I am Historia Reiss, holder of the Founding Titan," Historia announces, her voice steady despite the weight of her burden. "And I am Eren Yeager, bearer of the Attack Titan."
At the mention of Eren's last name, a palpable tension fills the air, every eye turning to him with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Dina, her gaze piercing, approaches him slowly, her voice trembling with emotion as she seeks confirmation of a haunting suspicion.
"Are you related to Grisha Yeager?" she asks, her words hanging heavy in the air.
Eren's response is unwavering, his voice carrying the weight of generations past as he acknowledges his lineage with a solemn nod.
"Grisha Yeager is my father," he confirms, his words echoing through the plaza with a gravity that leaves no room for doubt. "However, I'm sorry to say that he no longer exists. He died so that the power of the Attack Titan would be given to me."
The revelation causes Dina to be upset, though he can hear some of the Restorationists badmouthing him because of Zeke Yeager.
"By devouring my father, I gain his memories," Eren explains. "I can feel the guilt from my father for all of your misery; he was also turned into a Pure Titan like you all. However, the Owl showed up, killed all the Marley Public Security who turned all of you into Titans, and then fed himself to my father so that he could obtain the power of the Attack Titan. He continued the mission on his own, and eventually, we secured Historia Reiss as our possible ally."
Dina starts to form tears in her eyes, and she asks, "Eren, right? Was Grisha a good father to you? Did he force his ideals onto you?"
Eren shakes his head. "No, my father cared deeply for me. He even postponed his task of taking the Founding Titan for me... It's when Marley's warriors invaded the island that he continued his mission and left the powers to me. Right now, Wall Maria has been breached, and we have warrior spies on the island, so basically, we are not really safe."
Everyone starts to fear, and Dina is also concerned for Zeke. "You said the warriors are also here, does that mean Zeke-"
"If you meant my stepbrother Zeke, I'm afraid he will come after four more years as the Beast Titan Warrior. But sorry to say that I can't trust him," Eren responds. "The Attack Titan has the power to see the future, and there would be a meeting for me with Zeke so that he would tell me his plan: That is, to enthuse Eldians so that they will all die in the end."
The hatred for Zeke has grown more, and Dina kneels and mutters, "If only we didn't treat Zeke that badly... to think he is trying to kill all the Eldians..."
"We are not going to let that happen," Historia declares firmly, her eyes ablaze with determination. "Despite my father being the king, he has done nothing to save Eldians. Which is why we need your help. We are trying to gather more allies to take over the island, and once we do, we're going to eliminate the threats towards our island, be it the Rumbling or if we have another good plan."
Her words resonate with conviction, stirring a sense of purpose among the gathered Restorationists. Each individual nods in silent agreement, understanding the gravity of their shared mission and the sacrifices it may demand.
As they return to Mikasa and Armin, the tension in the air is palpable, Mikasa's stern gaze piercing through them like a blade. Her words of admonishment hang heavy in the air, a reminder of the risks they face with every step they take.
But Eren and Historia remain resolute in their resolve, their determination unshaken by Mikasa's reproach. They exchange a knowing glance, silently reaffirming their commitment to their cause even in the face of adversity.
However, their plans are soon met with a harsh reality as the Royal Government dispatches a multitude of refugees on a mission to retake Wall Maria. The ensuing chaos leaves a trail of death and destruction in its wake, pure Titans claiming the lives of countless innocents in their relentless onslaught.
Eren and Historia watch in anguish as the tragedy unfolds before them, their hands tied by Mikasa's vigilant watch. They exchange a wordless glance, a silent acknowledgment of the pain and helplessness that grips them both.
Among the casualties is Armin's grandfather, his grief palpable as he struggles to come to terms with the loss. Eren and Historia stand by his side, offering what little comfort they can in the face of such overwhelming sorrow.
"It's all the Titans' fault," Eren murmurs softly, his voice heavy with sorrow. "If we could just subdue them, our place in the world could be ours again."
Armin nods solemnly, his eyes shining with determination. "I'm going to apply for the military next year," he declares, his voice tinged with resolve. "I'm going to gain the strength to fight the Titans!"
This time, Armin and Mikasa are willing to join the Corps, their shared grief and determination binding them together in solidarity. Yet, even as they prepare to embark on this new chapter of their journey, Eren and Historia cannot shake the nagging sense of unease that lingers in their hearts.
As they force smiles to mask their inner turmoil, they steel themselves for the challenges that lie ahead, knowing that the road to freedom will be fraught with hardship and sacrifice. But together, they stand united, determined to defy fate and carve out a future of their own making.
Under the cloak of darkness, Eren and Historia manage to slip away while Mikasa slumbers, their footsteps muffled by the stillness of the night. Yet, their senses prickling with suspicion, they soon detect the presence of an unwelcome follower trailing in their wake.
With practiced ease, they confront the intruder, their gazes sharp and unyielding as they demand answers. The boy, his raven hair tousled and his eyes wide with fear, stammers out an explanation, his voice trembling with uncertainty.
"I was just curious about you," he protests, his words falling on deaf ears as Historia fixes him with a withering glare.
"Curious or not, you were following us," she retorts, her tone clipped and unforgiving.
As they inspect the boy's injured knee, Eren's keen eyes catch sight of the telltale signs of a Titan shifter, his suspicions sparking to life. With a mixture of caution and curiosity, he poses the question that lingers on the tip of his tongue.
"You're... a Titan shifter," he observes, his voice low and measured. "Are you an enemy?"
The boy recoils at the accusation, his hands raised in a gesture of surrender. "No, you're mistaken," he insists, his voice tinged with desperation. "I'm not your enemy. My name is Taka, and I'm an Eldian from the Valij nation."
"The Valij nation?" Historia echoes, her brow furrowing in confusion. "The nation known for its freezing lands? What are you doing here on Paradis Island?"
Taka's shoulders slump in resignation as he recounts the harrowing tale of his family's plight at the hands of Marley. His words paint a grim picture of betrayal and injustice, leaving Eren and Historia reeling with indignation.
"Marley wronged us," Taka explains, his voice heavy with bitterness. "They tore up our permits, fabricated false crimes against us, and dragged us to this island to be turned into Titans. I was fortunate enough to encounter the Warriors as a Titan and devour one of them."
"So I assume you've harbored a deep-seated resentment toward Marley all this time?" Eren interjects, his voice tinged with sympathy.
Taka nods grimly, his gaze steely with determination. "Yeah, because of them my parents are gone, and I've had to scrape by as a street rat here to survive," he admits bitterly. "Until I heard news of a girl named Christa Lenz from the church. That's when I decided to search for her. You two are Titan shifters, right?"
Eren and Historia exchange a glance, a silent understanding passing between them. Despite the risks, they recognize a kindred spirit in Taka, a fellow victim of Marley's cruelty.
"We are," Eren confirms, his voice steady with resolve. "Historia Reiss here has the Founding Titan, and I have the Attack Titan. So what are your goals?"
Taka's gaze hardens with determination as he meets Eren's steady gaze. "I want to avenge the world for making us suffer," he declares, his voice tinged with righteous anger. "I know about the Rumbling, and I want it to happen as well."
"We are not sure if we are going to pursue the Rumbling," Historia interjects, her tone measured yet empathetic. "But we need allies if we are to take back the island and fight against our enemies. So how about you join our cause?"
Eren extends a hand toward Taka, a silent invitation to stand united in their shared struggle. Without hesitation, Taka clasps Eren's hand in a firm shake, sealing their newfound alliance with a vow to stand together against the forces that seek to oppress them.
Here is a new chapter, and we have the new Jaws Shifter because I am not fond of Ymir because in the end she left Historia and go back to Marley. I hope you like this chapter.