Chapter 16
In the Reiss Chapel, the heavy atmosphere of tension hangs thick as the soldiers, led by the notorious Kenny Ackermann, stand guard with their senses on high alert. The king has been summoned to a crucial government meeting, leaving the sacred grounds vulnerable. As they wait in anticipation, the air is pregnant with the promise of violence.
A sudden crash shatters the stillness, the sound of the door splintering under force. Kenny's sharp voice slices through the silence, demanding to know the intruder's identity. The soldiers' hands tighten around their weapons, readying themselves for the impending clash.
To their astonishment, three ominous barrels come tumbling into view, rolling menacingly toward them. Sasha, known for her precision and quick reflexes, doesn't hesitate. With a swift movement, she notches an arrow, setting it ablaze before releasing it into the barrels. The explosion echoes through the chapel, engulfing everything in a cloud of acrid smoke.
Kenny's eyes narrow as he assesses the aftermath. "Gunpowder," he growls, his voice laced with grim recognition. "And oil. They've turned this into a powder keg."
Caven, a seasoned soldier with nerves of steel, wipes the sweat from her brow as she takes in the chaotic scene. "This is bad," she mutters under her breath, her gaze darting around for any sign of the enemy's next move. "Stay sharp, everyone. They won't let us breathe easy."
As if on cue, a volley of green smoke erupts from the obscured corners of the chapel, accompanied by the shrill whistling of smoke signal flares. Caven curses under her breath, her frustration palpable. "They're using the smoke as cover," she grits out, her eyes scanning the haze for any hint of movement. "We'll be blind in this chaos."
As the Yeagerists soar through the air, Taka's sharp eyes scan the battlefield, swiftly counting the enemies maneuvering with ODM gear. "Twenty-four... thirty-two... thirty-five enemies spotted! They're regrouping behind the pillars! Maintain the plan! We'll wipe them out right here!" His voice carries determination and strategy, rallying the troops for the impending clash.
Caven's commanding tone cuts through the chaos, her orders ringing clear. "All units, disperse! Surround them individually and take them down!" The Yeagerists, fueled by their loyalty and conviction, engage in a synchronized dance of combat, their movements calculated and precise. Pieck and Mikasa, both formidable fighters in their own right, seamlessly join the fray, adding their expertise to the onslaught.
Meanwhile, Sasha's skilled marksmanship remains invaluable as she continues to target the strategically placed barrels, triggering more explosions and billowing clouds of smoke that obscure the battlefield, creating a chaotic backdrop for the brutal melee unfolding.
Blades clash and bodies fall as they push forward, each member of the team driven by a relentless determination to eliminate every visible threat, even if it means plunging their blades into flesh and bone. The Anti-personnel squad's bullets rain down, but the Yeagerists are shielded by the advanced military suits provided by Stammer and Valij, rendering them impervious to gunfire.
Amidst the cacophony of battle, Kenny Ackermann emerges as a force to be reckoned with, his sheer strength and expertise cutting a path through the enemy ranks, leaving a trail of fallen foes in his wake. However, his advance is met with fierce resistance, and some Yeagerists are forced to take cover, their breaths held in anticipation of the next move.
Then, a familiar voice cuts through the din, electrifying the air with renewed hope and determination. "KENNY!" The shout reverberates through the chaos, drawing everyone's attention as Captain Levi's elite Special Operations Squad swoops into the fray, their blades gleaming in the dim light of battle. The unexpected reinforcement sparks a surge of morale among the Yeagerists, as they find themselves bolstered by the legendary prowess of Levi and his squadmates, turning the tide of the conflict in their favor.
With a triumphant cry, Kenny Ackermann bursts onto the scene, his eyes locking onto Levi as he takes aim and fires. Levi's lightning-fast reflexes kick in, narrowly dodging the bullet as it collides with a nearby pillar, sending debris flying.
"Levi," Kenny taunts, his smirk filled with a mix of amusement and determination. "I don't have time to waste on you, but if you break through here, it's all over." Levi's steely gaze meets Kenny's, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead as he readies himself for the impending clash.
Kenny deftly reloads his gun, his movements precise and calculated. "So it goes," he mutters under his breath before launching into action. "Let's dance." With a sudden swing, he darts behind a nearby pillar, his laughter echoing through the chaos. "Neener, neener, neener!"
As Kenny peeks out from behind the cover, searching for his elusive opponent, Levi's tactical prowess comes into play. Rather than engaging in a direct confrontation, Levi takes advantage of the terrain, swiftly maneuvering below and springing upward in a surprise attack. His blade slashes through the air with deadly intent, aiming for Kenny's exposed flank.
Reacting with lightning reflexes, Kenny pivots, blocking Levi's sword with his gun in a clash of steel and metal. "You've got spirit," Kenny remarks, his voice tinged with admiration as he fires a shot at Levi, who effortlessly evades the bullet with a graceful dodge. "Tch."
Meanwhile, amidst the chaos of battle, Mikasa emerges, her face streaked with blood, a testament to the fierce struggle unfolding. With a ferocious determination, she lunges at Caven, her blade slicing through the air with lethal precision. Caven reacts swiftly, narrowly dodging the attack that leaves strands of her hair drifting to the ground, a close call that fuels her adrenaline and resolve.
"Not tired of games yet? Pathetic," Kenny sneers at Levi as he deftly maneuvers behind a sturdy pillar, evading Levi's keen eyes for a brief moment. However, Kenny's voice betrays his position, a mistake Levi doesn't fail to capitalize on. "Haven't you learned anything? When you're hunting, keep your eyes everywhere, not just straight ahead!"
Using his quick thinking, Kenny retreats backward, his finger pulling the trigger to send a bullet into a wooden platform. The structure crumbles and crashes down towards Levi, who reacts with lightning reflexes, narrowly escaping the falling debris. "I'm right here, you moron!" Kenny's taunting shout echoes through the chaos as he charges toward Levi with a knife poised for a deadly strike. The blade grazes Levi's face, drawing blood as testament to Kenny's skill and ruthlessness.
Seizing an opportunity amidst the chaos, Levi swiftly tosses a bag filled with oil towards Kenny. Without hesitation, Kenny takes aim and fires, igniting the flammable contents and unleashing a massive explosion that engulfs the area in flames. As the firestorm rages, Kenny retreats, his eyes narrowing as he watches Levi emerge from the inferno unscathed, his determination unwavering.
In a desperate attempt to defend himself, Kenny raises his knife to block Levi's incoming sword, but Levi's speed and precision are unmatched. The blade cuts through Kenny's defenses, slicing into his stomach with a vicious blow. Kenny staggers back, clutching his wounded abdomen, the pain evident in his grimace.
"You... damn you," Kenny grits out through clenched teeth, his grip tightening on his injured midsection. "That hurts like hell!" His pride wounded as much as his body, Kenny braces himself for the relentless onslaught, knowing that the battle is far from over and that every move counts in this deadly dance of blades and bloodshed.
As Taka harness the power of Titans, their colossal transformation reverberates through the Reiss Chapel with a deafening roar, shaking the very foundations of the ancient structure. The ground quakes violently, causing pillars to crack and debris to rain down, heralding the collapse of the once-stalwart edifice.
Amidst the chaos, Taka's voice booms above the cacophony, a command laced with urgency and determination. "Our mission is accomplished! Make your escape while there's still time!" The urgency in his tone spurs the remaining forces into action, their adrenaline-fueled instincts driving them towards survival.
The Yeagerists, the Levi Squad, and even remnants of the Anti-Personnel Squad scramble amidst the crumbling ruins, their steps hastened by the looming threat of total destruction. The once-bustling chapel now echoes with the frantic sounds of footsteps, strained breaths, and the occasional crash of falling debris.
Caught in the chaos and the looming collapse, Kenny Ackermann can only watch in frustration and disbelief as his carefully laid plans crumble along with the chapel. "Damn it," he mutters under his breath, his voice tinged with a mixture of anger and resignation. The relentless cascade of destruction leaves him with no choice but to focus on survival, his thoughts racing as he navigates the treacherous terrain, each step a battle against time and fate.
Historia's voice carries a mix of resolve and defiance as she presents her palm, the fresh cut stark against her skin, a testament to her inner turmoil and newfound determination. "I am one of the Titans who fought to save Trost," she declares, her gaze unwavering as she addresses her adversaries. "But what about all of you? I know the twisted legacy of the first Reiss King, his plan to let the Titans ravage humanity within the walls, bound by an insidious vow."
Her eyes narrow, flickering with a steely determination as she continues, "Yet, thanks to Grisha Yeager, the same man who ended the lives of my siblings, I am liberated from that dark oath. I hold the power to transform right here and now, and not even the might of the military police can stand in our way."
Beside her, Eren steps forward, pulling back the hood to reveal his determined expression. "Historia and I have also claimed the powers of the Colossal and the Armored Titans," he states boldly, his voice carrying the weight of their newfound strength. "And let's not forget, the Attack Titan possesses the ability to glimpse into the future, a fact my father, Grisha Yeager, mentioned long ago. We are not blind to your schemes."
As the Military Police burst into the scene, the shock on their faces is palpable as they come face to face with unexpected familiar faces. Jean, Marco, and a contingent of new recruits led by Commander Nile of the Military Police stand stunned, their disbelief evident as they stare at Eren and Historia.
"Eren? Christa?" Marco's voice trembles with disbelief, confusion clouding his expression. Christa's response is curt, her tone icy as she corrects him, "It's Historia to you."
Without missing a beat, Historia draws her own weapon, the cold metal glinting in the dim light as she fires a warning shot into the ground. The sudden bang reverberates through the tense silence, prompting gasps from the onlookers. "I suggest you all stay back," she states firmly, her eyes steeling with resolve. "I have unfinished business with my father and the corrupt royal government."
Panic sets in among the royal government officials, their voices rising in a frenzy as they command the Military Police to take action. Commander Nile's voice cuts through the chaos, his tone a mix of confusion and authority. "What is the meaning of this? Are you threatening the government?"
Eren steps forward, his own resolve unwavering as he meets Nile's gaze head-on. "What if we are?" he retorts, his voice dripping with defiance. "We know the truth about the corruption within the government and the military, and we refuse to be pawns in their twisted games any longer. We will take matters into our own hands."
Before any further words can be exchanged, the Military Police find themselves surrounded, their ranks encircled by the imposing figures of the Yeagerists. Lara Tybur and Annie Leonhart, wearing the distinctive new uniforms of the Yeagerist faction, stand at the forefront, their expressions unreadable.
"Annie? What's happening?" Marlowe's voice trembles with disbelief and apprehension as he addresses Annie.
Annie's response is chilling in its coldness. "Surrender now," she commands, her tone devoid of emotion. "And perhaps nobody needs to get hurt." The air hangs heavy with tension as the standoff reaches a critical juncture, the fate of those gathered in the balance as alliances shift and tensions escalate.
"You're a fool!" one of the officials exclaims, their tone dripping with disdain. "Do you honestly believe that undermining us will achieve anything? The citizens will never follow your lead! They'll continue to obey the crown's commands without question! And the regional lords will never stand for this insubordination!"
Eren's response is as cold as ice, his eyes narrowing with unwavering resolve. "It seems you fail to grasp the gravity of the situation," he retorts sharply. "This is not a mere warning. It's a full-fledged coup d'etat. We have spent five years meticulously planning this, and we will not submit to a government that has allowed the suffering and destruction of our people."
Historia steps forward, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Furthermore," she adds, her tone carrying authority, "the decision you all made blatantly violates Clause Six of the Charter of Humanity. Moreover, isn't the installation of a false king, used as a puppet to manipulate and control the government, punishable by death according to our laws?"
The revelation of a "fake king" shocks the Military Police, their disbelief evident as they exchange glances of confusion and anger. One member, unable to contain his rage, strides forward and kicks the chair where the King sits, his frustration boiling over. "Damn it! Wake up, you old fool!" he snaps.
The King, seemingly unfazed by the chaos around him, responds with a clueless remark. "What? Is it time for dinner?" he mutters innocently.
"Shut up, you useless imbecile!" the member barks.
Rod Reiss's panic is palpable as he tries to reason with Historia, his voice trembling with desperation. "Historia, there must be another way," he pleads, his eyes wide with fear. "You don't have to go through with this. We can find a compromise."
Historia's response is resolute, her tone unwavering as she cuts through Rod's attempts at justification. "I don't want to hear your excuses," she declares coldly, her gaze steely. "You should have thought about that before you betrayed me at the farm, denying our connection and callously murdering my mother before my eyes."
Eren steps forward, his presence commanding as he reinforces their stance. "And as for your belief that the people won't follow us," he interjects, his voice carrying a hint of satisfaction. "You're mistaken. We've already leaked crucial information to the press, exposing your crimes and unveiling the true nature of this world. The people are awakening to the reality of your tyranny."
Without hesitation, Eren gestures towards Rod and the other corrupt government officials. "Take them away," he commands, his voice authoritative. The Yeagerists swiftly moves into action, apprehending Rod Reiss and his cohorts, their once-confident facades crumbling under the weight of their crimes.
Historia's voice echoes through the grand chamber as she takes her rightful place on the throne, her words carrying the weight of her heritage and determination. "As the sole heir of the Royal bloodline," she proclaims with authority, "I hereby declare myself the Queen of the Walls. It is time to acknowledge your ruler. Now bow to your queen."
A hushed murmur sweeps through the room as the Military Police officers, once staunch defenders of the old regime, find themselves compelled to obey. Their bodies move as if guided by an unseen force, each one bowing before Historia, acknowledging her sovereignty.
Eren, standing by Historia's side, issues a decisive order to the gathered Yeagerists. "Escort them to the Military Police headquarters," he commands, his voice firm and unwavering. "Secure them and prepare for a meeting. We have matters to discuss."
The Yeagerists, loyal to their cause and leaders, salute in unison before springing into action. They swiftly and efficiently take control of the situation, guiding the now-subdued Military Police officers to their destination. Some of the officers attempt to resist, only to realize that their uniforms, imbued with advanced technology, are impenetrable and render them powerless to resist.
With the old guard subdued and locked away, a new era dawns within the walls. Historia, now officially crowned as Queen, and Eren, standing as a symbol of change and revolution, prepare to reshape the future of humanity within the confines of their nation. The power dynamics have shifted, and the stage is set for a new chapter in the history of the walls.
This chapter is not easy to write, but I still manage to make is somehow. I hope you like this chapter.
