I rode on the back of Wisteria as we followed another Scout in front of us. He came across us when we were circling around Rod's Titan form. Historia had told us what happened when grabbing the horses. The guy was big but man is he slow. The horses easily outran him. Commander Erwin was out with the remainder of the Scouts. We were being led to their location now.
I noticed a white horse running in our direction. Speaking of the Commander. We came to a stop as Erwin approached us.
"Erwin." Levi announced.
"Anyone hurt?" Erwin asked as he approached the wagon.
"Yeah, Hange took a hit." Levi informed him. Hange waved hi to Erwin with her bloodied fingers.
"Doesn't look like anything too serious. You've done excellent work, all of you." Erwin commended all of us.
"I've a slew of things to report but first-"
"Anything on that Titan?" Erwin questioned.
"It's Rod Reiss. Look forward to your thoughts on this, Commander." Erwin furrowed his brows as he began to think.
"Time's short, we can't afford to just stand here and chat. Head back to the wall." Erwin turned his horse around to face the Titan.
"You're gonna let that fat ass get all the way to Sina?" Levi questioned.
"Well more specifically. I'm allowing it to continue to head towards the Orvud District." Erwin corrected.
"You heard him. Let's go." Levi ordered. We set the horses back off as they ran back to Wall Sina.
Minutes passed in silence as the horses ran through the open field. The silence finally broke when Hange spoke.
"Alright, time to think. First off, Lord Reiss was after the Founding Titan's power. That power currently resides in Eren. Thing is, the power of the Founding Titan can only be used with someone with royal blood. But then again, when a royal does obtain the Founding Titan's power they suddenly take on the first King's ideology. Which means they'll do nothing about the Titans. Well, this certainly is a conundrum. So the first King truly thinks this is peace huh? I'm gonna have to go ahead and disagree with him there." Hange argued.
"I think it's safe to say this is the reason why Reiner, Bertholdt and Annie were so focused on trying to get Eren. They possibly could have found this out as well. They want the Founding Titan's power just as badly as Rod Reiss did. But I bet they had a different motive for wanting that power." I stated.
"We're on a mission, our goal is to ensure mankind's extinction." I gritted my teeth as Reiner's words echoed through my head. Were they really aiming to wipe everyone out with Eren's power?
"You know, we still have the option to go back. We need that Titan to eat me then Reiss would become human again. We can still have a true Founding Titan. It's possible." Eren stated.
"Wait, you don't mean…" Mikasa trailed off.
"It's worth considering. We could capture Reiss once he's human and undo the first King's brainwashing. Assuming it could be done it could open a path to save humanity. Tell me Eren, if that turns out to be our best bet are you really willing to do it?" Levi questioned him.
"Yes I am." Eren assured us. I looked at Eren in suspense. I always knew he was the martyr type but this is a bit extreme. Even for Eren.
"Eren, I can't let you." Mikasa argued.
"Let's not forget the other option. First off, the plan you're making is full of flaws. It might not be possible to break my father free from the first King's will. And no matter how you restrain him, if he removes everyone's memories, we'll be finished. And consider how much there is we still don't know about the Founding Titan. This isn't worth the risk." Historia argued. She's got a point. The plan is flawed.
"She's right. It's not even a guarantee if Rod Reiss would return back as human after eating Eren. That's just a hypothesis, no one's actually seen it happen before." Armin added.
Historia nodded before continuing, "So far we've only been led by destructive pacifists. If they kept the Founding Titan's power then that's how it would stay. This is humanity's first chance to escape from them." Eren looked at her in shock and Historia looked him in the eye.
"Eren, your father wasn't evil. He was trying to save humanity from the first King. He stole the Founding Titan from my sister and then he murdered my father's wife and children. Because he had no other choice." Eren's eyes widened. I watched as he held his head with his hand.
"You mean…" Eren trailed off.
"Yeah, that's right! The Dr. Jaeger I knew would only do something like that if he knew he had to." Armin defended Eren's father.
"Agreed. He must have known another way. A way to save humanity without Reiss' blood. That must be why he left you the key to the cellar." Mikasa backed up Armin.
"Oh yeah, the cellar. I completely forgot all about that. You mean it's actually important now?" Sasha asked.
"Apparently it is." Connie added.
"Come to think of it. Reiner and Bertholdt also seemed interested in whatever that cellar held. Especially when it was mentioned it would contain secrets of the Titans. There might be some information there that they don't want us to know." I recounted the conversation from weeks ago.
"What matters most to me right now is that we plug up Wall Maria. The way I see it, that makes our choice pretty clear." Jean argued. He's right. We need Eren's newfound ability to plug up the hole. We can't just sacrifice him to Rod Reiss.
"You know that's a fairly convincing argument." Levi agreed.
"For whatever it's worth, I think we should stick with Eren too. But listen, are you sure about this Historia? That Titan is a major threat. It's not like we can just let it wander freely inside the walls. Capturing it isn't an option. It's way too big. Which means, our only way forward is to kill your father." Hange stated and pointed her bloody fingers to Rod's Titan form.
We rode in silence as Historia seemed to be in thought. "Eren, I should apologize." I looked at Historia in confusion. What is she talking about?
"What?" Eren asked.
"Back there under the Reiss chapel. I really considered turning into a Titan and killing you. And honestly, it wasn't to save humanity. I just wanted to believe that my father was right. Even more than that I wanted him to like me. But it's time for me and him to part ways now." I felt eyes on me. I looked up to see Mikasa staring at me. That's right, I never knew my…our father. The thought always did run through my head what he would have thought of me now. Unfortunately for me, I now know that Kaiden Ackerman is dead. Mikasa was only nine when he died. I would have been ten. That makes it six years that he's been gone.
"I'm sure he would have loved to see you one more time." Mikasa's quiet voice snapped me from my thoughts.
I let out a sad chuckle, "Maybe. I was kind of a brat as a kid. Gave mom way too many gray hairs." I stated sadly.
"Wait, what's going on?" Eren asked, confused.
"That's right, we haven't told you two yet." Armin said as he turned his head towards them.
"Tell us what?" Eren questioned again.
"We found out on the way here. The topic of the last name Ackerman came up and well…turns out. Mikasa and Vivien share the same father. They're half-sisters." Eren and Historia stared at us in disbelief.
"Wait, seriously? How'd you find that out?" Eren asked in complete shock.
"Vivien has a drawing of her parents. When I saw the picture of the man, it looked exactly like my dad. When I asked her to describe him and give me his name. She was right on both accounts. Her mom met our dad before he ever met my mom." Mikasa explained to Eren.
"Guess that explains why you two are so alike then." Eren muttered out. I raised a brow at that and both Mikasa and I exchanged glances. Were we really that alike?
"You all can discuss this family reunion later. We're approaching Wall Sina. Be ready." Levi ordered us.
"Sir."
I petted Wisteria's neck as she happily enjoyed eating the oats I had just given her. We finally made it back to Wall Sina. The Scouts were getting ready and the Levi Squad began unloading.
"Historia," I stopped mid pet as Levi approached us, "I forgot to tell you. There's something we need you to do." The rest of the squad filed over to the Captain.
"What's that?" Historia asked.
"This is an order from Erwin. Once we finish off this Titan, seeing as you are the true successor to the throne. You'll become Queen." We all gasped lightly in surprise. That's right, the throne is currently empty. The military is briefly operating the government but that spot needs to be filled.
"Wait, Queen Historia? You're kidding right?" Sasha questioned.
"The coup d'etat was successful but people won't follow military rule forever. We need to give them a heartwarming story. One where the rightful ruler takes her crown from the pretender." Historia bowed her head.
"Oh, I see." She sounded disappointed.
"Hey uh, Captain. You heard what Historia was saying earlier right? Cause well uh…it sounded like to me maybe in siding against her dad. She finally broke off from that part of her life, you know? It's just like-"
"Like what?" Levi interrupted Connie, "If you have something to say, then say it." Levi ushered him to finish.
"Um well…"
"Hey Captain," Levi turned to Jean, "What he's trying to say is she finally broke free from the Reiss family. She decided she's much more than a bloodline. So for us to force her into another role for that reason I..just don't think it's fair." Jean advocated for Historia.
"It's fine. If my next duty is to become a Queen, then that's what I'll do." Historia agreed.
"But Historia…" Armin trailed off.
"I do appreciate your concern but if this is really forced on me is for me to decide. And I've decided. Captain, before that I have one condition for you." Historia countered.
"And that is?"
"While my fate is still my own. I want to put everything I have on the line. I want to join the fight against my father." I gave a proud smile to Historia. She agreed to someone else's wishes but in exchange, she wanted something first. Way to go Historia, Ymir would be proud of you.
Daybreak had come through as stared at the approaching Rod Reiss. It had taken him all night to reach this far. Garrison soldiers should be doing the mock drill with the citizens of the Orvud District. Erwin's plan is risky but we don't have much of a choice. Rod turned out to be abnormal meaning he's only attracted to large gatherings of people. This was our shot to kill him and we needed to take it. If not, he could tear down Wall Sina then we'd really be in trouble.
"Fire!"
Cannons all along the outer wall fired onto the Titan. Smoke arose from the Titan. Obscuring our vision of him. We all watched with bated breath from the wall.
"Well, how'd that do?" Erwin questioned out loud.
My eyes narrowed as I saw a hand come through the smoke. The cannons didn't even make it pause for a second.
"Fire!" The field cannons below fired but did nothing to stop it again.
"Seems the field cannons are even less effective." Erwin stated.
"Makes sense, the cannons on the wall have a better angle. They didn't do shit to it either. What's the problem?" Levi questioned.
"Unprepared soldiers. Scraped together cannons. Shallow leadership. The Titans have always attacked from the south. Not only is this a northern garrison, it's in the interior. I can tell you for a fact this is the best we can get." Erwin stated.
"Yeah, that much is painfully clear. But of course your strategy for this battle comes down to a gamble. Just like every other plan you come up with." Levi stated. No kidding, being a blind victim to a plan as my first day as a recruit. Commander Erwin sure did like flying off by the seat of his pants. In hindsight it makes sense. How can your opponent guess your next move if you're making it up as you go?
"Hey Commander Erwin! I found all the goodies! All the gunpowder and ropes we could find! We still need to put it together. Ooh and we found this too. There's one more just like it." I watched as some kind of gunpowder barrel contraption with ODM Gear hands tied to it was rolled out.
"Once fired it'll act just like ODM Gear and come back when fired. So did we do any damage?" Hange questioned.
"Imagine a swarm of cicadas pissing on it." Levi gave an analogy.
"So we'll actually use these things. Exciting." With all the seriousness that Hange has been putting up lately. I completely forgot just how insane our Section Commander really is…and that's coming from me.
"Captain Levi, Jean, Sasha, Connie, and Vivien. You all go to the other side!" Erwin commanded.
"Sir!" The five us ran along the wall as we headed for the other side of the cannons.
I looked off at the Titan in the distance. More cannons fired from the wall fired on it. I could see visible holes covering the Titan.
"Bastard's being full of holes but not at all phased by it." I reported.
"Historia did mention the serum that her father tried to give her was supposedly remnant of the strongest Titan. Seeing the size of that thing, I think it's safe to say that it might have to be the Colossal Titan." Jean commented.
"Sounds about right. Hange and the others struggled against fighting Bertholdt in his Colossal Titan form as well. Lord Reiss sure knows how to be a thorn in our side." Levi stated.
We made it to the other side just as the Titan made to the outer wall. Cannons fired on it again but at a different angle now. Seconds passed before the hot wind suddenly blew in our direction. I put my arms in my face and closed one eye as the searing hot wind touched my skin.
"Damnit, the wind must have changed direction." I heard Levi comment.
I felt the wall vibrate at my feet. I heard two loud crashes before the steam began to lift. My eyes widened seeing the Titan now standing up and leaning against the wall. Its face was sheared off and its insides exposed. Commander Erwin was correct in his theory of how the Titan would look like standing up. The Titan roared loudly as its insides landed on the wall.
"Remember what I said about that thing being twice the size of the Colossal?" I mentioned. Rod's Titan form would completely dwarf Bertholdt's if they stood side by side. That's a terrifying thought.
"I've said it before and I'll say it again. I hate it when you're right." Jean commented next to me.
"We got the water, Captain." Jean and I turned our heads as Connie and Sasha dragged the water barrel over. Levi nodded and one by one we doused ourselves in the cool water. With the amount of heat this guy was producing, we needed to keep cool.
"I can't believe it. The town I grew up in, is about to be destroyed." I looked over my shoulder to see the Captain of the Northern Garrison unit.
Levi clapped his hand on his shoulder, "The Garrison has done all they can. Leave the rest up to the Scouts." Levi assured. I closed my eyes as I doused myself with water.
"Get Hange's contraption ready." Levi ordered.
"Right!" We chanted. A yellow bolt of lightning came from the other side of the wall. Eren let out a roar in his Titan form. We lined up the barrel, ready for the signal from Erwin.
"On my mark! Now!" A red smoke signal flew into the air. Sasha lined up the shot and fired the hooks into the Titan. She released the gas and the cart holding the barrel sped off.
"Take this!" Sasha yelled. Both gunpowder barrels blew up the moment they crashed into Rod's Titan form. The Titan let out a groan as its hands were rendered useless now.
I clenched my jaw as it wobbled back and forth, "Come on you ugly bastard. Fall already!" I yelled at it. It let out a groan again and banged its head on the wall as it fell.
"Eren, now!" I heard Erwin's voice. I heard and felt vibrations as Eren ran through the smoke. He carried the net filled with gunpowder barrels behind his shoulder.
We waited as Eren threw the net of gunpowder barrels into the open mouth of the Titan. A massive explosion followed as chunks of Rod's Titan form were spread in the air.
"Go! Deploy your ODM Gear and finish it off!" I flew into the air as my ODM Gear connected to a chunk of the Titans flesh. Scouts soared across the sky as we cut each chunk piece by piece. We can't let this thing regenerate. We need to kill it now! One of us needs to find where Rod Reiss is tucked inside and cut it!
"Gaaahooarrgh!" My eyes widened hearing what sounded like a semblance of scream. I looked down to see Historia falling from the sky after slicing a chunk of flesh.
"She got it." I muttered in disbelief. The wind blew my blonde bangs out from my face as I looked at Historia. Out of all of us, it's fitting that Historia to be the one to deal the final blow to her father.
I sent out the hooks of my gear as I hooked onto a building. I caught myself on the side as I looked out to the district. The large chunks of flesh were now evaporating. Telling us that Historia indeed cut the nape of the Titan.
The Captain and I wandered around the giant chasm that was left by Rod. The sun was beginning to set at this point. Erwin sent out a remote squad to try and find any survivors from MPs. We stopped as we stared at what was left of Kenny's crew. They were all crushed underneath the rubble.
"Captain!" We turned around as a Scout ran over to us, "Sir, they found Kenny Ackerman alive!" Mine and Levi's eyes widened.
"He actually survived?" I questioned.
"Where is he?" Levi demanded. The Scout pointed just west of us.
"Just over the chasm, sir." The Scout reported.
"Alright, head back to Erwin to report. Vivien and I will take care of it from here." Levi ordered.
"Yes sir!" We walked off into the direction the Scout told us to go. To believe he actually survived that cave-in.
We walked up to him with our guns at the ready. As we got closer I could see the injuries that Kenny had sustained. Half of his head was burnt and he had a wound on his side. More than likely from the steam Rod had given off.
"Kenny." Levi announced as we stopped in front of him. Kenny slouched on the ground as he stared up at us.
"I see, not you two again." Kenny coughed up blood as he spoke.
"We found what was left of your crew beneath the rubble. I guess you were the only survivor?" Levi questioned.
"Sure looks that way." Kenny stated.
"Between your wounds and the amount of blood you lost there's nothing that can save you now." Levi stated. Levi signaled me to lower my gun. I followed his instructions and lowered the rifle. I still eyed Kenny with uncertainty.
Kenny smirked, "Oh yeah? I wonder." He pulled something out of his breast pocket. He opened it and revealed a syringe and another Titan serum.
"Swiped this sucker out of Rod's bag back in the cave. Seems if I inject myself, I'll turn into a big strong Titan. One of the dumb ones unfortunately. For a while, it'll keep me alive." I narrowed my eyes on Kenny.
"Is being a mindless Titan really living?" I questioned him. Kenny looked at me through his tired one eye. He let out a chuckle before he started coughing up blood again.
"Heh, guess not. You seem like you got your hands full with this one, runt. Vivien right?" I only gave a nod in response.
"Your looks remind me of an uncle I use to know. He had a wife whose name was also Vivien. The two of them had a son before they fled to the south end of Wall Maria. Right next to Shiganshina." My eyes widened hearing what Kenny stated. I knelt down to be at eye level with Kenny.
"An uncle? So wait, that makes us-"
"Family? Yeah. Cousins once removed or some shit like that." Kenny began another coughing fit.
Levi knelt down to Kenny's level and grabbed his shoulders, "Kenny, tell me everything you know about the King, the first one! Why didn't he want mankind to survive?!" Levi demanded.
"Dunno, beats me. That said, I know part of the reason why we Ackermans decided to turn coat." Kenny flinched as he coughed up blood on Levi's cheek.
"So that's our name as well. Tell me, who are you? What were you to my mom?" Levi demanded.
Kenny chuckled, "You dumbass. I'm just her brother." Kenny began another coughing fit as Levi and I stared at him in shock. My eyes glanced at Levi. Kenny just admitted that he had an uncle he use to know and that the two of us were cousins. That makes Captain Levi…my family as well.
"That day why…why did you leave me?" Levi asked another question.
"Because, I wasn't cut out to be somebody's dad." Kenny grabbed the serum and shoved it into Levi's chest. Levi grabbed hold of it as Kenny's arm dropped.
I lifted my brows seeing the light drain from Kenny, "Captain, he's gone." I spoke softly. Levi looked back to Kenny before reaching over and closing his one eye.
He stood up and a moment of silence fell between the two of us. Levi looked at the case in his hand before tucking it into his pocket.
"So, should I start calling you cousin?" I half joked. Levi froze before turning to me.
"It's still Captain to you, brat." Then Levi did something that I'd never expect. He smiled, not a smirk or a corner of his lip going up. He was genuinely smiling.
"But still, it's nice knowing that I have some family members still alive. Even if they are brats." Levi said in reference to Mikasa and I. He approached me and reached out his hand. I was caught off guard as he placed his hand to my head. He ruffled my blonde hair as he walked away.
"Come on. We need to report this to Erwin." Levi ushered me.
"Uh, yes sir!" I said. I stood back up and quickly followed behind him.