Content Warnings:

•Season 3 Spoilers
•Strong Language
•Violence
•Blood
•Death
•Gore

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Flashback

Jitters and anxiety breached your core, a typical routine as of late. Noticing differences within yourself as you grew older and more conscious of your being, the more left out you felt. You could not begin to relate to your peers who had a "normal" life, something you did not have. Although you were curious of the powers you held, you often times wished you did not have them in order to breathe and relax. Living with a secret and hiding yourself away from society made you suffocate, unable to grow as a person during your adolescence. Living behind 50 meter walls was hard enough but also having to live within your own four walls, called your mind, made it worse.

As you became more aware of your life and built stronger memories, you eventually learned to adapt, growing to understand that that was your normal. You did not know any better and your father hoped it would stay that way as it would be easier on you. As much as he wanted to raise you normally, he had forced himself to change his attitude towards things and how you would evolve in the world. There was no way anyone could find out about your secret. Having your brothers know was enough, even if your father didn't necessarily want to tell them anyway but you insisted. Besides Dr. Yeager officially diagnosing you, that was it. No one else was ever allowed to find out. If you got married in the future, not even your spouse could know. You swore to your father after an extremely hard night of dealing with spirits that kept you awake.

That following morning, you begged and pleaded to be consoled by your best friend, Katsumi, the only person who understood you. It hurt that she was not allowed to know your secret after you both had told each other everything else. She was the one person you wanted to see at that moment, after such a draining night. You never liked backing away from arguments, fully committed to standing your ground but that was the one time you had lost. It wasn't until that day when you argued with your father in the workshop that he refused until you cried on your knees. You hated the fact that someone had control over your own being but you had to suck it up and accept it, just like being motherless. Nothing would change it. There was nothing you could do so you had to put on a brave face and be okay with it, even if your fake smile was beginning to show through the surface.

Again, that only made you feel like more of an outcast. Everyone around you had normal lives with normal families, except you. Why did you have to be cursed with negativity? You hardly saw any positives that came out of it. Your family never even tried to say anything reassuring whenever you felt down and out about your situation so you stopped expecting it from them, even though it would have been nice to hear that it would be okay sometimes.

Just like your father had to alter his daily life to take care of you, you had to do the same in order to make others comfortable around you. Even if that meant hiding a big part of yourself in order to protect them and yourself. Anyone who knew ran the risk of getting executed and it would all be your fault. Once you realized it, to live with that fear, you accepted your fate and followed strict orders. The last thing you wanted was the death of your best friend when you only wanted her support for your issues.

Flashback End

Climbing out through a hole beside Jean, Armin and Moblit pull Eren and Mikasa out in front of you. "Here," Moblit reaches his hand towards you after the others are out. Stretching your arms above you, Moblit grabs your hands, pulling you up from the rubble. "Thanks." You grin, looking over your shoulder to spot Armin helping Jean up. Turning back around, a wide trail is paved into the surface of the Earth with a humongous Titan crawling away, responsible for all the destruction. "Geez... check out that flaming roach of a Titan." You mutter, hearing Jean quietly snicker at your remark before becoming serious again.

Thankfully, Commander Erwin was informed of your squad's successful mission in retrieving Eren and Historia so he sent horses and a wagon to collect everyone. Your squad rides together until you meet up with the Commander, slowing to a stop. "Erwin," Captain Levi calls once he approaches on his own horse. "Anyone hurt?" The tall blonde asks, his blue eyes glazing over your comrades. "Yeah, Hange took a hit." Captain Levi answers. Commander Erwin turns to face the Section Commander, noticing their right shoulder. "Doesn't look like anything too serious. You've done excellent work, all of you." He adds. "I've got a whole slew of things to report but first-" Captain Levi states but the Commander cuts him short. "Anything on that Titan?" He asks. "Its Rod Reiss. Look forward to hearing your thoughts on this, Commander." Captain Levi responds, hearing a small gasp leave the Commander's mouth.

"Time's short, we can't afford to stand here and chat. Head back to the Wall." Commander Erwin announces, turning his horse around. "You're gonna let that thing drag its fat ass all the way to Sina?" Captain Levi questions the Commander's order. "Well, more specifically, I'm letting it continue towards Urvud District." Commander Erwin declares.
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Finally making it to Orvud District's Branch Regiment, you dismount your horse, and go over to assist Historia out of the wagon she and Eren are in. Just as she hops down, Captain Levi calls her attention. "Historia, I forgot to tell you, there's something we need you to do." He says, the both of you looking over at him. "What's that?" The petite blonde asks. "This is an order from Erwin, once we finish off this Titan, seeing as you're the true successor to the throne, you'll become Queen." Captain Levi states, catching your entire squad off guard. "Wait, Queen Historia? You're kidding, right?!" Sasha exclaims from behind you two. "The coup d'etat was successful but the people won't follow Military rule forever. We need to give them a heartwarming story, one where the rightful heir retake her crown from the pretender." The Captain explains in more detail.

"Oh, I see..." Is all Historia has to say at the moment, voice and head low. "Hey," Conny pipes in, sounding hesitant. "You heard what Historia was saying earlier, didn't you, Captain? 'Cuz, well, it sounded to me like maybe inciting against her dad, she finally broke off from that part of her life, you know? Its just like..." He begins to lose his words. "Like what? You have something to say, then say it." Captain Levi replies impatiently. "Um, I..." Conny still fumbles over himself. You're about to step in and paraphrase Conny's thoughts but Jean beats you to it. "Hey Captain, what Conny's trying to say is that Historia finally broke free from the Reiss family and decided she's more than just a bloodline. So, for us to force her into another role for that reason I... I just don't think its fair." Jean translates, even hesitant himself.

"Its fine." Historia eventually breaks the silence, your heads turning towards her again. "If my next duty is to become a Queen, then that's what I'll do." She continues, already set on her decision. "But Historia..." Armin looks at her with concern. "I do appreciate your concern but whether this is forced on me, its really up to me to decide and I've decided. Captain, before that, I have one condition for you." Historia faces Captain Levi with a serious gaze. "And that is?" He questions. "While my fate is still my own, I want to put everything I have on the line." She answers.

Inside the Regiment Branch building, you stand at the end of your squad line, to the right of Jean while the meeting commences. "Sirs, we have determined the Reiss Titan's location, its southwest, approaching Orvud. Its fast, at this rate it will reach the Walls before dawn." A Garrison official announces to the room. "Understood. Commander Erwin, I'm sure everyone here would like to hear your plan. How can we evacuate the people in such a short time?" Another Garrison member questions. "That's not part of the plan." Commander Erwin simply answers, shocking the shorter man. "What?!" He looks up at him in disbelief. "The people of Orvud District will need to stay exactly where they are." The Commander begins to deliver the plan calmly.

"What- Commander? What the hell are you hell are you thinking, Erwin?! If we don't get these civilians out of the city, they'll die by the thousands! That hulking monstrosity will be a stone's throw from the Wall by morning!" The man shouts in the Commander's face, gripping the collar of his jacket. "That Titan is an abnormal." Section Commander Hange steps in. "You're right and what the hell does that even mean?!" He now shouts at them. "It behaves strangely unlike most Titans we encounter, its only attracted to large groups of people, hence the word abnormal. Put simply, given the choice between a few soldiers right next to it and a distant but densely populated city, it'll choose the city." Hange speaks up. "So, if we were to evacuate Orvud's populous to the interior of Wall Sina right now, the Titan would change its course, destroying the Wall and anything else in its path. Left unchecked, it would make for the city with the greatest density of people, ensuing rampage would deliver a devastating blow to humanity. As we rode for Orvud, we had Eren Yeager attempt to use his recently discovered power to control Titans. Rod Reiss's Titan didn't react in any way." They finish.

"If we're to stop this thing, it'll have to be outside the Walls of Orvud District. For that to happen, we require the citizens here to act as bait, however, this doesn't change the fact that our first and foremost duty as soldiers is to protect the people. In the event that we're unable to halt the target, we'll take measures to minimize civilian losses. We'll announce a district-wide evacuation drill tonight. The people will be gathered away from the outer Wall, ready to escape if the battle is lost." Commander Erwin proposes. His plan sounds crazy but its the only logical method to go by, considering the chances.

"It seems there's no other choice." The Garrison member mutters, slowly giving up on arguing his side. "The body of this Titan is the largest we've seen yet, as such, it presents an easy target. Our wall-mounted cannon should prove highly effect but if we can't bring it down with artillery, the Scout regiment will throw everything we have at it." The Commander sounds a bit more convincing now, as its the only choice they have to make at this second. Luckily, they all agree and decide to go forward with Commander Erwin's plan.

Just before everyone leaves the meeting, you catch up with Jean and Conny. "Hey," You call out to them, waiting until they turn around. "What you did back there for Historia was really kind of you. I feel grateful knowing I have comrades who look out for each other and even stand up for them." You keep yourself short. "Oh, that?" Conny raises an eyebrow, glancing towards Jean who gives him the same look. "It was nothing, really. I mean, its the least we could do for our comrade and friend." Jean shrugs, not feeling very mighty. "I'm surprised you didn't have a douchy comeback." You remark, continuing before Jean can stutter. "Bare minimum or not, don't forget we're all still human here. No matter how fucked up life gets, we have people we count on. I appreciate you guys." You smile gently, patting their shoulders as you walk between them to leave the meeting room. "I'll see you guys downstairs." You wave over your shoulder, following the others. The two boys stand there for an extra moment, surprised by the compliment and conversation but accept it and move along as well.

Gathering in a separate room with just your squad, Commander Erwin, and Section Commander Hange, you all look over a map of Orvud District, discussing tomorrow's plan. "So you're saying that to take this Titan down, we're gonna stuff gunpowder down its throat and hope that's enough to destroy the nape of the neck?" Captain Levi questions the strategy. "That's correct." Commander Erwin confirms. "With all the heat the bastard's making, I'd expect the powder to ignite without a detonator. Although, a lot of this is banking on the Titan hanging its mouth open." Captain Levi delves further. "An explosion outside of the nape may not penetrate. The flesh inside its throat is softer, more vulnerable but the target may protect that point. Its been dragging its face along the ground, frankly, we don't even know that it has a mouth to open. That's the gamble this time." The Commander finishes his statement, drawing a diagram of what the Titan's face may potentially look like.
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As the sun creeps over the tips of the mountains the next morning, you meet with your squad and several groups from the Garrison, ready to fight off this massive beast. Rod has grown much closer in his slow crawl towards Orvud, close enough for the Garrison to deploy cannons. "Fire!" A man's voice rings through the ears of cadets before cannons blow. "Well, how'd that do?" Commander Erwin comments as the smoke dies down.

Absolutely nothing.

Rod still goes on, reaching a long and skinny arm out to pull himself much closer to civilization. "Fire!" Another man commands on the ground. "Looks like the field cannons are even less effective." Commander Erwin says. "Makes sense. The cannons on the wall have a way better angle, they didn't do shit to it either. What's the problem?" Captain Levi responds, eyes fixated on the Titan. "Unprepared soldiers scrap together cannons and shallow leadership. The Titans always attacked from the south. Not only is this a northern Garrison, its in the interior. Therefore, I can tell you for a fact this is the best we'll get." Commander Erwin watches as the Garrison continues to fire blows.

"Yeah, that much is painfully clear and of course your strategy for getting us through this battle comes down to a gamble, just like every other plan you come up with." You hear Captain Levi mutter before someone else speaks up. "Erwin, I brought the goodies!" Section Commander Hange exclaims, showing off barrels. "All the gunpowder, ropes, and netting I could find. You still need to put it together though- woah, got this too! There's another one just like it a bit further down." They gasp as Moblit pushes a cart by with a different barrel. "The trigger's held in place so once fired, it'll wind itself right back up just like ODM Gear." They turn to face Captain Levi after. "So, we do any damage?" Section Commander Hange asks. "Imagine a swarm of cicadas pissing on it." Captain Levi answers nonchalantly. "Then we'll actually use these things... exciting!"

"Captain Levi, Jean, Sasha, Conny, and Y/n, you handle that side." Commander Erwin announces. "Yes, sir!" You all follow his orders, jogging off down the top of the wall to get ready. "Jean, Sasha, you're in charge of the barrels." Captain Levi orders them. Your group splits up and swiftly stacks Section Commander Hange's gunpowder barrels. "Y/n, since you're so meticulous, join Conny with the netting. We need to get this finished within the next few minutes." He faces you. "Yes, sir!" You quickly go to the other side of the netting with rope. How would he know you're meticulous, though? You ponder while pushing yourself to finish the task immediately. The last thing you need is that Titan's hand to sweep across the top of the wall and break in.

"The enemy is moving, adjust your aim! Our target is the back of its neck! Fire!" Someone shouts as the cannons go off again. It goes quiet after the last round as the smoke settles, leaving others wondering if the mission had been executed already. "Well done! We've torn into its flesh, one more volume-" Steam suddenly blasts out from the Titan's body, causing everyone to cover their face. "Its so hot!" Conny exclaims, pinching his eyes shut. "Dammit! That's just our luck!" Captain Levi mutters, barely able to see past his arms. You stay crouched on the wall, turning your head the opposite way to avoid steam burning your face off.

Somehow, the Garrison still manages to fire rounds. Eventually, the steam lets up a bit, revealing its hand lifting up and roughly grasping the top edge of the wall, causing the surface to tremble. When you look up, your (eye color) eyes widen, hundreds of thoughts racing through your mind in a matter of milliseconds. Stones get crushed and fall to the ground below, dust flying up from the force, finally revealing the Titan's face. The entire front half is gone, exposing internal organs, intestines falling out and onto the wall. If you weren't so shocked at the moment, you would have been throwing up over the edge of the wall by the repulsive sight. Blood spills and leaks over the wall, the Titan letting out a loud roar as citizens shriek from below.

Sasha pulls you out of your shocked state, leading you to a barrel the guys had opened full of water and dumping it over their heads to cool them off. Sasha takes a bucket and dumps water over you before doing so to herself. "Thanks." You mumble to her, wiping your hands over your face after. "Keep going, okay?" She tells you, to which you nod at. Looking over your shoulder, a bolt of yellow-green lightning strikes as Eren transforms into his Titan. "All set, Commander!" Armin shouts as he sets up a carted-barrel along with Sasha.

"On my mark!" The Commander shouts, raising a flare gun up to the sky. "Now!" He pulls the trigger, releasing a red smoke signal. Sasha and Armin release anchors attached to the cart at the Titan's hands, the carts being pulled towards the enemy. "Take that!" Sasha exclaims, raising a fist. As the carts collide with its hands, they explode, causing the Titan to weaken. "All right, it's losing balance!" Armin says. When the Titan collapses and hits its face on the wall, Commander Erwin shouts again. "Eren, go!" The Titan boy emerges from the remaining steam behind the Commander, charging towards Rod's Titan with a net full of gunpowder barrels. When the two of them face each other, Eren throws the net inside what's remaining of its mouth, all of the barrels exploding inside of its throat and throughout the rest of its body.

Large chunks of flesh scatter off the Titan, heading towards the village inside the wall. "Go! Deploy your ODM Gear and finish it off!" Commander Erwin shouts at your squad. You immediately jump into action alongside your comrades, following them to cut up the flesh into smaller bits to cause less damage. Zipping past Jean and Conny, you take on a large piece, slicing it in half before moving onto the next. With being so high in the air, nothing around to grapple onto, it reminds you of the free-falling game you'd play with Quincy. You have no nerves holding you back, familiar with the adrenaline of trusting gravity and yourself. You'll prove your father wrong, you'll finish off this Titan with the help of your squad.

Gravity eventually wins and there's no more you can do. Reaching closer to the Earth, you shoot out your anchors to catch yourself on a tall tower, retracting when close enough to shoot them into another nearby building until eventually, you approach landing by sliding across a roofline. Heart pounding in your chest from the exertion, you plop yourself down on the pitch, taking a moment to catch your breath. So much has happened in your short time in the Scouts, never imagining this would be your experience so suddenly. You pictured a bit of a boring first few months until something exciting happened but here it is, all dropped on your lap from the start. Maybe this way, your father will think more highly of you, anyway.

As the city calms down, you make your way to the ground finally but as soon as your feet hit the dirt, it feels like Quincy smacks you upside the head as you try to catch yourself. "Shit, what's this about?" You mutter, bending over at the waist, resting your hands on your knees. Before you can speak to yourself again, a series of images flicker in your mind, taking away your attention from the outside world. A gentleman, possibly in his thirties, leans against a cool, stone wall. Lifting his head up, his face appears from under the brim of his hat. He looks so... familiar but where would you have seen him from? Then, his chin drops to his chest as he slides against the wall as it slowly fades into a tree trunk, his appearance transforming along with the scenery. Instead of being in a cold, dim room, he's outside as the evening sun begins to set. The right side of his face burnt and scarred, looking much older than before.

Is that...-

"Y/n." A masculine voice rips you out of your state, much louder than your quiet little vision. "Ca-" You slowly look up, eyes lazily trailing up the short figure until you meet his face. His... face... "I assume you're fine, go meet with the others by the Wall." Captain Levi orders, already turning to walk away. What you saw was something you never expected. The visage of Kenny the Ripper plastered over your own Captain. Why could that be though? What do they have to do with each other? As more questions surface, Captain Levi glances back towards you when he notices you never acknowledged his command. Before he can even open his mouth, you stand up straight with wide (eye color) eyes, already knowing the answer at the moment you meet his own eyes. Without the ability to confess the truth you had just found, you whisper something else. "Go find Kenny."

You'll never forget the confusion on your Captain's face from just those three words but it does not take very long for it to click in his own head. Without much time to question why you had said that, he turns back the other way to continue regrouping with his squad, setting aside the idea that Kenny the Ripper may be surrendering. You had heard the man himself utter the words of confirmation. The reason he looked so familiar was because this man of violence was the uncle of your very own Captain, whom hadn't a clue either.
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The next day, you along with your squad gather to witness and celebrate the crowning of Queen Historia. The crowd applauds and cheers for their rightful ruler, overjoyed by her accomplishment in taking the final killing blow to her father's Titan. While standing beside Sasha and Jean, you notice a figure in the distance, patrolling the area. Immediately, your lips form a smile, recognizing the young man in uniform across the courtyard.

Removing your focus from the Queen as she leaves the platform, you think about attempting to gain the man's attention but your voice is swallowed by the rowdiness of the excited citizens. However, Jean notices your sudden interest in something other than Queen Historia. Following your gaze, he also spots the gentleman in Military Police uniform, walking further away. Turning back to face you and your big smile, he starts to snicker. "Oooo~, someone has a crush!" He teases, catching your attention. "I do not!" You gasp, mortified. "Who's got a crush?" Sasha turns to face you two, more interested in that than the closing ceremony. "Y/n was eyeing a man in uniform, not surprised in the slightest." Jean shrugs, enjoying the horrified look on your reddening face. "Hey, what's going on?" Conny joins in on the fun, cracking up when Sasha informs him of your public humility.

"Guys!" You shout, finally shutting them up. "You won't even listen to me!" You groan, rolling your eyes as they finally calm down enough to listen. "What? Do you know him then?" Jean raises an eyebrow at you. "As a matter of fact, I do know him but it seems you three aren't interested and only care about assuming things." You wave it off, turning away to leave. "No, no, no! We're sorry, Y/n, we didn't mean it! You can tell us." Sasha quickly apologizes, making you sigh, giving in. "That's my brother, dumbasses!" You're the one laughing this time. "Your-" Conny gets cut off by Jean. "Since when was there more of you?!" His face contorts to that of shock and disbelief. "Since forever ago, you just don't bother in getting to know me, do you?" You tease him back this time, making him bite his cheek. He knew you were right.

Sasha makes the mistake by asking you all kinds of questions about your brother, making an effort to get to know you better but the boys were bored to death since Sasha was talking more than you. As you all head towards the others to meet with the new Queen, you get stopped short when you run into Eren. "Oh, there you guys are." He says, facing you all. "Where's Historia?" Conny asks him. "She'll be right out, I think she's serious about this punching our Captain thing, though." You all share glances, not able to help the chuckle that comes out of you four.

When Queen Historia emerges from her dressing room, you all follow her to find Captain Levi, trying your best to talk her out of punching the man. "Wait, you're actually doing it for real?" Eren laughs a little, a bit nervous for the outcome. "Yeah, I am." Historia answers, face showing her determination. "Come on, it was just a joke! Right, Mikasa?" Eren turns to her for support. "After you've smacked him you should tell him this: I dare you to hit me back." The raven girl says sternly. "Real helpful..." Eren mumbles. "If its not a serious grudge, let it go!" Eren tries one last attempt at changing Historia's mind. "If I can't even do this, then how can I call myself a Queen?" Historia glances towards Eren. "That's the spirit! Pound that runt!" Jean intervenes, making you laugh at the name.

When Historia looks forward again, the Captain's silhouette in front of a window causes her breath to hitch in surprise. Shoulders shaking, the petite blonde builds up the confidence to rage, charging towards him as she swings her right fist at his arm. Besides Mikasa, you all gasp loudly, waiting for his reaction. Historia begins to laugh, backing away from him. "Did that hurt? Well, I'm Queen now so too bad! If you have a problem-" She stops herself when the unexpected happens. Captain Levi chuckles softly, lifting his head back up to face you. "Thanks you guys, I needed that."

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Words: 4,608

12/13/21
Hello, everyone! I apologize for the lack of updates the past two months as I've been busy crunching with a lot of homework. Thankfully, the semester is finally over and I have a few weeks off to continue writing which I've missed so much! Again, thank you all for reading and have a lovely day/night!

~AlpineBreadStick