Chapter 2
As the night casts its veil over the refuge camp, Eren's restless mind churns with thoughts. The encounter with Mikasa and Armin earlier leaves a bitter taste in his mouth, a reminder of the past he's trying to escape. With determination fueling his steps, Eren slips away from the safety of the camp, driven by an urgent need to seek solace in the company of the one person who understands him – Historia.
Under the cloak of darkness, Eren ventures into the dense forest, each step a silent rebellion against the confines of his fate. His heart pounds with anticipation as he nears the designated meeting spot, a glimmer of hope amidst the shadows.
And then, there she is – Historia emerges from the darkness like a beacon of light, her presence a welcome reprieve from the chaos of his thoughts. Without hesitation, they rush into each other's arms, the embrace a silent testament to the bond they share.
Breaking free from the embrace, Eren takes a step back, his gaze fixed upon his queen with unwavering reverence. With a solemnity befitting a knight, he kneels before her, a gesture of loyalty and devotion.
"Your majesty," Eren's voice carries a solemn tone, "your faithful servant has arrived. Please forgive his delayed arrival."
A soft chuckle escapes Historia's lips, a rare moment of levity amidst the weight of their circumstances. She delicately covers her smile with her hand before assuming her regal composure.
"Your tardiness is pardoned, my dear friend," Historia's words are gentle yet authoritative as she extends her hand towards Eren. "Let us make the most of our time together. Devote yourself to your queen, Eren Jaeger."
Eren straightens himself, his eyes gleaming with determination. "We've done it. We've successfully traveled back to the past. It's the year 845 now, and we still have two years before we enlist in the military. Do you notice any changes from your perspective?"
Historia's expression shifts as she recalls the moment of her past. "When Father's man cut me with the knife," she begins, her voice tinged with wonder, "I saw smoke emanating from the wound, and it healed faster than before. Is that how you heal as a Titan?"
A sense of realization dawns upon Eren as he processes her words. "That means you possess the power of a Titan, just like me. Ymir wasn't joking about that," he remarks, his tone a mixture of awe and apprehension. "So, what's our next move? With both the Attack Titan and the Founding Titan at our disposal, we're practically invincible."
Before Eren can formulate a plan, Historia surprises him by pulling him down to the ground, her figure now hovering over his. "Do we really need to plan anything right now?" she whispers, her breath warm against his skin. "I'd much rather spend every moment by your side, my handsome husband."
Eren's laughter fills the air as he leans in to kiss her cheek. "You truly are the most incorrigible woman in all of humanity."
"But I'm still your ally," Historia replies firmly. "Firstly, we need to replicate our previous strategy – staging a coup. However, this time, we must rely on our own soldiers instead of seeking aid from the Survey Corps."
Eren nods in agreement. "Agreed. They won't be capable of executing what needs to be done, especially given the altered course of history and the betrayal we've faced despite our efforts for peace. We won't allow their moral compass to overshadow the darkness within their hearts this time."
Historia's brow furrows in contemplation. "I recall Zeke using wine laced with his spinal fluid on those who oppose our plans. I wonder if I can do the same now that I possess royal blood as a Titan."
Eren's eyes narrow in thought. "I'm uncertain. But speaking of Titans, how about we transform right now?"
With a shared sense of purpose, they dart into the forest. Each biting into their own hand, they summon forth the power within them. Bright flashes of yellow lightning envelop them as they undergo their transformation.
As the dust settles, Eren's gaze locks onto Historia's Titan form. It bears a striking resemblance to Annie's, yet with features reminiscent of Historia herself.
"Historia, can you hear me?" Eren's astonishment is palpable as he realizes he can communicate while in his Titan form.
"I can hear you loud and clear," Historia's voice resonates with a newfound depth. "So, this is what it feels like to be a Titan."
Hearing approaching footsteps, they swiftly retract from their Titan forms, taking cover behind a bush. Military Police members pass by, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of disturbance before eventually moving on, leaving Eren and Historia concealed but on edge.
"That was too close for comfort," Eren breathes a sigh of relief.
"Indeed," Historia agrees, her voice hushed. "But even if they had discovered us, we could simply alter their memories, couldn't we? Frieda did that to me countless times."
Eren nods thoughtfully. "True, but we must exercise caution. As for recruiting our own soldiers, I propose we take a more hands-on approach instead of relying solely on Floch."
"And don't expect me to play the role of a benevolent goddess," Historia interjects firmly. "As long as I maintain this false identity, the church won't pose a threat to me. There's no mention of forsaking my true self."
Eren's expression softens with understanding. "Of course. I haven't forgotten the burdens you've carried, the facade forced upon you by your father. Perhaps I can impart some combat techniques to aid us both in climbing the ranks and amassing our followers."
Historia nods in agreement before a thought strikes her. "Speaking of which, what's your plan regarding the other four shifters? How do you intend to approach them?"
Eren's eyes drift shut as he contemplates their strategy. "They'll hold off their attack until our graduation ceremony, when they breach Wall Rose. Until then, we wait. Our priority will be to acquire their Titan powers. However, I'm particularly concerned about the Jaw Titan. Are you certain it's still your friend Ymir who possesses it?"
"I can't say for certain," Historia admits, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "But we must find out. If the current holder of the Jaw Titan proves to be an enemy, we'll eliminate them and perhaps locate Ymir's pure Titan to consume. If they're an ally, all the better."
"Your wisdom never ceases to impress me, my queen," Eren acknowledges with admiration.
Historia smiles softly, pulling Eren closer as they settle into each other's embrace. As they drift into slumber, the weight of their responsibilities momentarily lifted, they find solace in each other's presence, trusting in their partnership to see them through the trials ahead.
Mikasa wakes a bit earlier than usual, the early morning light casting a soft glow over the refuge camp. Only a handful of people have stirred from their slumber. A fleeting thought crosses her mind – perhaps she should ask Eren if he wants to go for a run before they begin their work in the fields.
Glancing towards where Armin sleeps nearby, she expects to see Eren by his side. But the spot is empty, devoid of Eren's presence. Panic claws at her chest as she forces herself into a sitting position, scanning the area frantically.
"Eren?" Her voice trembles with fear as she calls out, desperate for any sign of him. But her plea is met with silence, amplifying her growing dread.
Heart pounding, she rises to her feet, urgency propelling her into action. She shakes Armin awake, her movements harsh and urgent.
"W-what's wrong?" Armin's voice is groggy with sleep, his eyes struggling to focus as he attempts to rouse himself. Just as he's about to drift back into unconsciousness, Mikasa shakes him more forcefully, forcing him to fully awaken.
"Eren's not here," she blurts out, her words laced with panic, the weight of her realization pressing down on her.
"What?" Armin's reaction is a mixture of disbelief and alarm, his mind struggling to comprehend her words.
"Eren's not here. I can't find him," she repeats, her voice quivering as she helps Armin to his feet. The gravity of the situation settles over them, driving them to action as they set out to search for their missing comrade.
As Mikasa and Armin scour the area in search of Eren, their anxiety spikes when they finally spot him. But their relief quickly turns to bewilderment as they witness him engaged in animated conversation with a blonde-haired girl.
"Eren! There you are!" Mikasa's voice carries a mixture of relief and confusion as she moves to approach him, her hand outstretched.
Eren turns to them, a genuine smile lighting up his features. "Mikasa, Armin? What brings you here?"
Armin's brow furrows as he takes in the scene before them. "Who is she? And why weren't you in your bed? We were worried sick."
Eren's smile widens as he turns to the blonde girl beside him. "This is Christa Lenz. She's a friend I made even before we met."
Christa offers a polite smile, though there's a hint of something artificial in it. "So, you must be Armin and Mikasa. Eren's talked about you both a lot. It's nice to finally meet you."
Armin can only mumble in response, the sight of her leaving him momentarily speechless. "Goddess..."
Mikasa's unease grows as she watches the interaction between Eren and Christa. A pang of jealousy stirs within her at the sight of Eren forming a connection with another girl.
Eren's voice breaks through her thoughts as he continues, "Christa's been through a lot. Her siblings were killed by Titans, and her mother was a victim of the Military Police. Her father..." He trails off, leaving the rest unsaid. "She'll be staying with us from now on."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Armin offers sympathetically. "I'm Armin Arlert. It's nice to meet you."
"Mikasa Ackermann," Mikasa adds, her tone softened.
Historia nods in acknowledgment. "So, what are you planning?"
Eren's expression turns determined. "We're going to tend to the fields and do some training. We need to prepare ourselves to join the Survey Corps."
Mikasa's eyes narrow with concern. "I won't allow it. You're not joining the Survey Corps."
Eren's voice rises with frustration. "I've made up my mind, Mikasa. I'm going to avenge my mother's death at the hands of the Titans."
Historia interjects, her resolve evident. "If Eren is joining the Survey Corps, then count me in too. I have my own scores to settle with the Titans."
Eren's smile widens at Historia's support, his gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Historia," he says softly.
But Mikasa's reaction is far from warm. Anger simmers beneath the surface as she watches Historia stand by Eren's side so effortlessly as if she belongs there. Who did this girl think she was, to steal Eren away like that?
Armin notices Mikasa's tense demeanor and speaks up. "Mikasa? What's wrong?"
Eren and Historia exchange knowing looks, understanding the complexity of Mikasa's feelings. They both recognize Mikasa's deep attachment to Eren and her instinct to protect him above all else.
However, they also acknowledge that Mikasa needs time to confront and eventually move past these feelings. They give her the space and support she needs to navigate her emotions and ultimately find her own path forward.
Here is a new chapter, and from this chapter, Historia is going to stay with Eren and they are going to achieve greatness and conquer the Eldia. I hope you like this chapter.