"As per orders of Captain Levi, Conrad, you will sleep in your own quarters...Alone." Nifa announced, breaking the silence in the new cabin that had been arranged for the group. The night air was still, the moonlight barely peeking through the windows.
Nifa steeled herself for the incoming arguments she expected. "We all have to follow protocol...The Captain will not be happy if-"
She stopped herself from saying anything as she saw that, contrary to her expectations, none was issuing a complaint. The fact that your entire group had seen two dead bodies had dampened their spirits enough to comply with the request, combined with Mikasa's reticence to be near Annie, and Historia and Adelaide not wanting to seem selfish in front of her.
The red-haired girl merely gave a smile and left the bedroom, her footsteps echoing as she moved to her own space for the night. You were the last one to stay in the room, looking at your lovers as they got ready for bed. Their gazes meeting yours with a mix of reluctance, understanding, and anticipation.
Historia, her blonde hair shining softly under the candlelight, was the first to speak. "You don't have to worry...We will wait...You have to rest." Her smile was a sad one, but sincere. Then she leaned to whisper into your ear. "Please talk to Mikasa...She has not said much."
You nodded at her words, understanding the weight behind them. As she moved away to sit on the bed next to Adelaide, who was looking at you with a worried expression.
The two of them started getting under the covers, a slight awkwardness in the air.
Mikasa, who had been silent throughout, glanced your way and then to Annie, but you grabbed her by the arm, stopping her from going any further. She looked at you, her dark eyes showing a hint of surprise and vulnerability, an expression you rarely saw from her. The stoic warrior seemed to have cracked open just enough to let you in.
"Can we...talk for a bit?" You asked gently, your voice soft, yet firm.
She didn't respond immediately, but then gave a slight nod, and you led her out to the small garden at the back of the cabin. The night was cool, the air fresh, a stark contrast to the turmoil within. Annie watched the two of you leave, a knowing look in her blue eyes, before closing the bedroom door behind her.
"Are you okay?" You questioned as the two of you stood in the quiet space, the only sound being the soft rustle of leaves.
"Are you?" She retorted, her tone sharp, though not directed at you, but at herself.
"I am...Concerned." You said, reaching out to touch her arm. She didn't flinch, letting your hand rest on her skin. The muscle was tense under your touch. "You don't have to pretend it's alright, Mikasa."
Her shoulders slumped slightly, her gaze lowering to the ground. The moonlight played across her features, highlighting the pain she was trying to keep hidden. "I'm not pretending..." She whispered. "I am just...Processing." She said the last word as if it was a foreign concept to her.
You moved closer, putting an arm around her, pulling her into an embrace. She resisted at first but then relaxed against you. The scent of her hair, the warmth of her body, it all felt like home. "Take your time." You assured her, your hand gently stroking her back. "You know I love you, right? That you are one of the most important people in my life?"
Mikasa closed her eyes, leaning into you, the tension slowly melting away. "I know, but Eren and Armin are my friends. Because of those three...Armin's parents...Eren's mom. She hurt them all." Her voice broke at the last part, the weight of the truth she had kept to herself finally showing. She trembled in your arms, and you held her tighter.
"Annie knows that. And she is going to make sure it doesn't happen again." You said, your own voice thick with emotion. It pained you to see her like this, to see the cracks in her facade, the cracks you had come to love because they were proof of her humanity. But at the same time, it was the very reason you wanted to be here, to support her. "She is going to fight, for us, for the people she hurt...It will never erase the past, but...It's a start."
Mikasa looked up at you, her eyes glassy, and you kissed her forehead, the action so natural. Her hand reached for yours, holding on to it as if it were a lifeline.
"I am selfish, Conrad..." She muttered to you, resolve steeling in her. "...So selfish that I did not care when we slept together for the first time. I don't regret it, even if I knew you and them..." Her grip on your hand tightened. "...I had to do it..." She continued. "...I am selfish enough to hate her now. Even if I know...we all have done terrible things. But she..." She took a shaky breath. "Conrad...tell me not to hate her, and I will try." She said, the request almost like a plea.
You looked at her, feeling your heart ache for her. It was so like her to be like this. So fiercely protective, and yet so vulnerable when it came to her feelings. You brushed her hair away from her face and then smiled softly. "Don't force yourself...You don't have to stop feeling. But you know what I will ask, right?" She nodded. "I want you to trust me...us. And Annie...Trust her to make things right. That's all."
She was silent for a while, the only noise being the wind. But then she spoke, her voice steadier. "Okay..." It was just one word, but it meant so much more. She pressed her face against your chest, hiding her expression as she murmured. "I'm going to hold you to that...So...you better make sure we all end up together in the end..."
Her words made you smile, and you kissed her hair again. "Of course." You promised, because what else could you do? You would give them everything you had.
It took some time for her to pull back, her eyes clearer now, the pain still there but controlled. The two of you stood there for a bit more, and then went back inside. The night had grown colder, and you were both shivering, though you knew it was not just from the chill.
Mikasa walked over to the girl's room, the door ajar. She paused before it, and you watched her, ready to give her the space she needed. But then, to your surprise, she walked back towards you and embraced you. The sudden warmth of her arms around you was enough to make your heart leap.
"I will try." She whispered into your ear before giving you a deep kiss, her lips parting slightly, letting you in. When she pulled away, her eyes held a new kind of fire, one that made you shiver in a whole different way. She was not the only one being selfish. And you were all too willing to play along. You kissed her back, the kiss deepening, a promise of more to come. And when you parted, Mikasa smirked, the expression making her look almost like the Mikasa you knew before. She then walked away to her room, leaving you with a smile on your face and a heat in your loins.
It seemed that she had accepted the situation, or at least was on the road to it. You hoped that it would last, but for now, it was enough. It was more than enough. And with that, you turned to your own room, ready to sleep and recharge. After all, tomorrow was a new day. And you would need the energy for whatever it brought.
The door closed behind you, and the bed welcomed you into its embrace. And soon you fell asleep, dreaming of the women you loved, the life you wanted, and the world that was still out there waiting for you to take it.
-x-X-x-
The next morning was lonelier than you were used to, the absence of the four warm bodies that had become so familiar making the bed feel colder and larger than ever. The sun streamed in through the window, casting a golden hue over the sheets, and you could hear the chirping of birds, a gentle melody that usually made your mornings. But today, the loneliness was more present, more tangible. However, it was also a necessary solitude.
As you sat up and stretched your muscles, you noticed that you felt stronger and the muscles on your body, previously defined from constant training and a natural predisposition, now had a fullness to them that suggested something beyond mere recovery. Your arm, previously heavily bandaged, was now only wrapped with a light cloth, the skin beneath whole and smooth. The rapid healing you had experienced since the battle was more than just medical science could explain. But for now, you had other things to focus on.
After washing up and dressing, you stepped out to find that your group was already gathered in the kitchen. Nifa was talking with them, her expression serious as she briefed them on the situation. When she noticed you, she gave a nod, acknowledging your presence.
"Conrad, I have word from the Captain," she said, walking over to you with the air of someone who did not appreciate the message she had to deliver. "Captain Levi wants us to meet him at a safe house immediately. There have been...developments."
That was not what you were expecting to hear, and it was clear from the look on the other faces that they were surprised too. "What kind of developments?" You asked, keeping your tone steady despite the sudden sense of urgency.
Nifa hesitated for a moment before answering. "There has been an assassination of several high-ranking nobles in Sina. It's believed to be the work of the 'White Doves'. It's causing a stir among the upper class, and the Royal Government has dispatched the Military Police to perform search and arrest operations in all districts...Security is tight everywhere now; that's why we must go to Captain Levi immediately."
The information made your stomach churn. It seemed that the situation was spiraling out of control at an alarming rate. And it also meant that the Crown was becoming more oppressive, and the military police were not going to be merciful. You were about to say something when Annie spoke up, her voice firm.
"The plan to take Reiner is going to become more complicated. The Military Police are going to be looking for any signs of the Survey Corps being involved...And with the chaos from the assassinations, they'll be even more on edge." She was not wrong; the timing could not be worse.
Nifa nodded in agreement, "Yes, I have the permits to move past the checkpoints and reach the meeting place. But we have to move quickly, there are other members of the Corps that were already spotted and interrogated...They might have cracked. And the Crown is starting to blame the Survey Corps as the masterminds behind it all. Even if it's not true...It gives them the excuse they need to begin an investigation."
"Let's not waste any more time then. I'll gather my things, and we'll leave," you said, taking charge of the situation. It was clear that waiting around was no longer an option.
Mikasa, Historia, and Adelaide moved to help, quickly packing their belongings. The atmosphere in the room was tense, everyone feeling the weight of what was to come. This was the start of the rebellion, and there was no turning back now.
***
The Military Police at each checkpoint were a picture of discipline and fear. The recent assassinations had left them paranoid and hostile. With just two stops before they would arrive at Mithras, where the safe house was located, you saw an increase in the security checks and questioning.
The gate to Mithras was already surrounded by patrols and heavily armed soldiers. It was clear that the Military Police were on high alert and ready to strike at any sign of trouble.
"Halt!" A loud voice commanded as your carriage came to a stop. A soldier approached, his uniform pristine, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
"Name and business?" He demanded.
Nifa stepped out, her expression calm but firm. "I am Nifa Darnack of the Survey Corps. We have orders to meet with our superiors at the Mithras headquarters." She held up a scroll, her movements careful and precise.
The soldier took the scroll and read it over, his eyes narrowing slightly. Tsk...Survey Corps, don't you know the current situation?" He muttered, clearly not pleased to see you.
Nifa was not intimidated, though. "We came across one of the checkpoints that was attacked on the way here...We know what's going on." She stated, her brow flinched as if the words had left a sour taste in her mouth. She was likely recalling the hanged bodies she saw. "We have our orders, and we intend to carry them out."
The man's lips thinned, but he eventually nodded. "Fine. But I will accompany you...We can't be too careful. The Royal Government has ordered all movements to be watched." He looked back at his men, who were all standing at attention, their eyes fixed on your group. "Stay in your vehicle, do not cause trouble, or you will be arrested immediately."
"We understand," Nifa replied, bowing her head in a sign of respect before getting back into the carriage. The soldier motioned for his men to lead the way, and soon, the carriage was moving through Mithras, heading towards the old capital's administrative building.
You looked at the streets as you passed; the nobles and citizens moved at a quick pace, avoiding each other's gaze. It was clear that the fear was spreading; the city was a ticking time bomb.
However, the closest concern was the MP who was escorting the group. Thankfully, he was called away to speak with another officer when you finally stopped in front of the building. And, as you and your group stepped down from the carriage, a group of cloaked figures quickly moved around you, leading you to an alley, where you would be able to slip into the underground entrance. Captain Levi, as always, was two steps ahead, making sure the rendezvous was secure and secret.
Once you were inside, the sound of the door closing echoed in the dimly lit corridor. You walked down a set of stairs, the air becoming cooler, the sound of the bustling city fading away.
You then entered a room that was sparse in decoration, only the necessities were there, and at the center of it was the commander. Erwin was speaking with Hange and Captain Levi, his face serious as ever.
"So you're finally here." The Captain commented as he looked up at the group. His voice was sharp, as if to scold you for being late, though it was clear he was just impatient.
"Yes, Captain." You replied, standing at attention. "The way here was...troublesome."
"There are too many eyes and ears right now," Hange, who was also here, added. She gave you all a small smile, but her eyes widened at Annie. "Oh! Are you coming too? I get the chance to see you transform in full detail now!"
Annie simply ignored the comment, but it was enough to ease the tension somewhat. It was hard not to smile at the scientist's antics.
Levi clicked his tongue in irritation. "Now is not the time to make a fuss, four-eyes. We need to discuss our next move." He moved to a table, motioning everyone to gather around it. "We don't have much time, so listen well."
You took your places, Mikasa and Annie standing close by, while Nifa and the others did as well.
Levi continued, "Those White Doves have stirred up a lot of shit. And the higher-ups are using it as an excuse to move on their real targets. They have already sent squads to the different districts, looking for anything to blame the Survey Corps...Any stolen equipment, any unauthorized meetings...and they won't hesitate to pin the assassinations on us if they have to."
"Commander Erwin is at the palace as a guest to have a meeting with the royal government. He will try to reason with them, see if they can avoid a confrontation...but we can't count on that." He added. "Not that it matters, we will take Reiner from them."
Mikasa's hand clenched at the mention of his name, but she said nothing.
Levi pulled out a map and laid it on the table, showing the layout of the city. "Here, Petra has already secured an entrance into the capital's prison...We'll use that. She is on guard at this moment, making sure that no one has seen the place. The rest will keep watch on the guards...So all you need to do is get to Reiner, knock him out, and bring him out of there." He looked up from the map, his eyes moving from one person to the next. "That's it. Do not get distracted, do not hesitate, and do not engage the MPs."
He then looked over at Historia and Adelaide, "You two will move to meet with the rest of the recruits; they are all new faces, so it was easier to get them inside the capital. In case something goes wrong, you will help secure the city for the Survey Corps. You have your orders."
The two nodded, their expressions serious. They knew the stakes of this mission.
Finally, his gaze moved to you, Annie, and Mikasa. "You three are the main assault team...You know Reiner, and you have the skill set needed to take him down. Get him out, and we'll take care of the rest."
"What about Emelina?" You asked. Your sister was the one who was keeping watch over the new recruits, and she had been keeping an eye on the other members of the Corps too.
"She has her own mission," Levi answered, "You don't need to worry about her. We all have our part to play in this." His eyes lingered on you for a moment before he continued. "So...are we clear?"
That did not entirely inspire confidence within you; you had not seen her since you woke up, and it felt strange to be separated again after so long. But there was nothing you could do about it now, not when the future of the Survey Corps and humanity itself depended on this. So, you nodded. "Everything's clear."
"Good, then we will begin at nightfall...Use this time to prepare, and don't screw up." The captain turned his back on you and started speaking to Hange about the equipment they would need for the operation.
The three of you moved to a corner of the room to go over the details. There was much to discuss, but the main issue was how to take Reiner out of the equation. It would not be an easy feat; after all, he was still the Armored Titan, and it would not be wise to underestimate him.
"Eren and Armin are with the rest of the Survey Corps in the city," Mikasa said, looking at you after asking about his whereabouts to Hange. Her face showed concern at his situation; she held a fist against her chest as if that was a way to ease her worries.
"Knowing him? He will be safe enough," Annie assured her. "Guy's has a penchant for trouble, but he can take care of himself...Armin as well." Inevitably, the involvement of your friends from the 104th Training Corps made your heart ache a little.
Mikasa's eyes narrowed slightly at Annie's comment, her loyalty clear as ever. But, remembering your previous conversation with her, she merely nodded, taking a deep breath. "That's true..."
You gave her shoulder a squeeze, a small gesture of reassurance. Then you turned to Annie. "What do you think of all this?" You asked her, curious to know her thoughts.
She was quiet for a moment, her gaze moving from you to the map, her blue eyes deep in thought. "...I...don't know, I am not even sure why the Royal Family has not consumed Reiner to gain the Armored Titan yet...But if I had to guess, I would say that they are planning something...Something that we are not aware of...And if we take him, we will be walking into an unknown situation. The crown is more than what it seems."
Her words made sense, and it sent a chill down your spine. If she was right, this mission was far more dangerous than you had anticipated.
"White Doves too," You commented, thinking about the state of the city and its people. "How are they able to do so much?"
"I am not sure..." Annie frowned, "...When I investigated them, they seemed not to be tied to the government or the military at all...They also kept their movements a secret even from those inside their group...They have some complex structure that I could not infiltrate." She explained. "I would not put it past them to have connections in places we don't expect...even beyond Marley."
Marley, the name of Annie's homeland, the enemy of humanity, and the power that could bring your whole world down. You couldn't even begin to understand what their real agenda was, or the world beyond the sea that Annie had described. Now, the journal of Griffin Ilzos, the one that had started this whole journey, felt small in comparison.
"Whatever their reasons...They are making things worse...We will just have to focus on our goal...We get Reiner and figure out a way to replace the government," Mikasa added, her resolve firm. Her words reminded you that despite the fear, there was still a mission to accomplish.
Annie nodded, and then you both agreed as well. There was not much else you could do. It was now or never, the Survey Corps had been on the brink for too long. It was time to act.
***
The rest of the day was spent going over the details of the mission and preparing your equipment. It was not the first time you had done this, but there was something different about it this time. Maybe it was the stakes, or perhaps it was the company you had. Regardless, Historia approached to try and relax the tension in the group as you sat in a corner.
"...Conrad...How are you doing?" She asked, sitting beside you and resting her head on your arm. She seemed so calm, so composed, and it helped to soothe your own worries.
"I'm alright," You said, pulling her closer, "Just...thinking about everything."
She looked up at you with those sky-blue eyes, the same color of her sister's eyes. It was funny how they both had such similar features yet looked so different. You brushed her cheek with your fingers, feeling the softness of her skin. "...Don't overthink it...We have to believe we can do this...And I believe in you." Historia smiled. "So don't worry about a thing...Just trust in your training...And in me, in Annie...In Mikasa. In us all."
The words made your heart flutter. She always knew what to say, always knew how to lift your spirits. And you realized that the four of you, were something special. Together, there was nothing you could not overcome.
You kissed her, a slow and tender kiss, one that spoke of promises and gratitude. And she responded in kind, her arms wrapping around your neck, her body pressing against yours.
"Okay..." You finally said as you pulled away. "No more overthinking then." You grinned at her, feeling lighter than before.
"That's right," she agreed, her own smile matching yours. "But...have you noticed that the Captain is a little different?"
The change in subject was sudden, and it caught you off guard. "Huh? How so?" You asked, not sure what she meant by that.
Historia giggled and leaned in to whisper into your ear. "His hair, it looks...different. Not as neatly done." Her laughter was soft and warm, and you couldn't help but laugh with her. It was a bit absurd to think about such things now, but it helped to ease the mood.
"Just kidding..." She added, as her tone changed into a more teasing one. "I heard that the Captain and Petra have been closer lately...So that must be why." Her grin was mischievous.
You raised an eyebrow, not expecting to hear something like that, especially not from her. "I didn't think you paid attention to things like that," You said, still amused by the turn of the conversation.
She pouted a bit, looking a bit shy, "Well, Petra is really nice and she likes to talk to me...and I...kind of noticed." She admitted. It was true, Petra was a friendly girl, perhaps too friendly at times, and it wasn't a surprise she had confided in Historia.
"Maybe we should tease them a bit," You suggested, not entirely serious but enjoying the playful banter. "The Captain is usually the one making jokes; it would be funny to turn the tables on him."
"Oh...I don't know about that...He's scary." She stuck her tongue out. "But...if you think it's a good idea..." She was considering it now, her mind already working. "Though..." She said, placing a finger on her lips. "Maybe...It is Levi and Hange that are more likely..." Her eyes gleamed, and you knew that a prank was forming in her head.
Annie walked by at that moment, hearing the conversation. "What are you two planning now?" She asked, strands of blonde hair obscuring her face. She knew that look on your faces too well.
"Nothing...Nothing..." Historia replied innocently. "We were just...Talking about Petra."
Annie raised an eyebrow but did not comment further, shaking her head. "Is Conrad thinking about seducing Petra now?" Her deadpan expression only made it funnier.
Historia burst out laughing, and you joined in. While it was true that you had four beautiful lovers now, you weren't really thinking about adding another one...especially after this. No, one thing was clear, the future was going to be about them. So, as your laughter filled the room, you could only smile at the absurdity and happiness of the situation. No matter what was going to happen next, you had this moment to cherish. And it was more than enough.
***
When night finally arrived, you and the group were ready. Dressed in the cloaks and masks that would conceal your identities, you moved silently through the darkened streets of Mithras, following Nifa's lead. She had already been in the city and knew the way; everyone was silent, with Mikasa and Annie staying close behind you.
The Military Police were everywhere, their presence making the streets feel more like a prison than the. The walls of Mithras seemed closer, suffocating, but you did not falter. The plan was clear: infiltrate the underground prison, find Reiner, and get him out of there before the MPs knew what hit them. It was a straightforward goal, but as with all things related to the Titans and the walls, you knew that it was not going to be easy.
As you reached the building, the entrance Petra had prepared was behind a small, abandoned shack, the door barely visible in the shadows. She greeted you with a nod as you slipped inside. The place was already packed with Survey Corps members, their faces hidden beneath hoods. But their eyes were bright with determination.
To have just a single member of the operation squadron here was a reminder of the losses suffered in the battle against Bertholdt; the destruction, the fires, for an instant the heat of the moment was felt again, but you pushed it down and focused on the task ahead. Everyone did the same.
"Good, you're all here," Petra whispered, her eyes scanning the group. "The mission will begin in a few minutes. Gunther will be watching over the entrance; it will just be us now..." She looked at the five of you. "We may have to take out a few guards, so be ready."
The tunnels were filled with the smell of mold and water, but they were relatively clean, which on its own was strange. As you went further down, the air grew colder and more humid. You moved quietly, carefully, not wanting to give away your position. Then, you found one of the walls had a hole, leading to another part of the structure. You saw that there were two MPs ahead, standing at a door.
Petra signalled for Annie and you to take them out. Both of you nodded, and as quietly as possible, you moved to their backs. You struck first, putting one into a sleeper hold. Then, Annie grabbed the other and did the same. This was your first time using such a technique on another human being outside of training. Your enemy was one of the very soldiers that was supposed to protect humanity. The irony was not lost on you. Still, you didn't have time to think about it as the mission continued.
The rest of the squad then entered through the door, moving down another corridor, the sounds of the prisoners reaching your ears. It seemed they were not asleep...Not yet. So, the plan had to be executed perfectly.
Finally, you arrived at the door where Reiner was supposedly being held. The cell was larger than most, with bars covering the entrance and two guards outside, muskets in hand. This was not the type of place that they kept the common criminal.
"Hmm...We will have to rush and take them out quickly," Petra whispered to you and the others.
You nodded, knowing what had to be done. As you and the others got into position, Petra counted down with her fingers, but when the signal was given, you felt a shockwave and heard a boom coming from above. It was no small explosion.
Instead, it made the whole underground structure shake just slightly, enough for entire dust and debris to rain down on the cells. "A transformation?" Mikasa questioned as you and the others used the distraction to jump in and attack the guards, quickly putting them down and tying them up. Annie was already looking at the wall that separated you from Reiner.
"It can't be...Bertholdt is already gone, and Reiner is right there..." Annie muttered, her brow furrowed.
You moved closer to the cell and looked inside, seeing the figure of Reiner in his bed, but...It didn't look right.
"It's a fake." Petra realized, looking at the body on the bed. "He's gone. They took him already!"
Then another explosion was heard, but this one was closer to your location; it came from another part of the prison, and then you heard the prisoners chanting.
"White Doves! White Doves!" They called out in unison. The sound made everyone freeze for a moment, but it was quickly followed by the sound of alarms.
"They've been infiltrated too..." You muttered as you pulled back. It was not hard to deduce what was happening; someone from the organization had already taken Reiner out of there.
"Dammit!" Petra cursed, "We have to leave now!" She turned to lead the group back the way they came, but the path was already blocked by MPs coming down the stairs and musket fire. There was no way out of the building without getting caught.
Annie cursed as well. "Shit...The plan is off. Now what?" She asked, her eyes moving to you and the others.
Before you could respond, Nifa, who had stayed back to secure the entrance, called out. "Everyone! We go back the way we came from! Gunther will secure the way out! We must leave immediately!" She was already moving to guide the others out.
The sound of the prisoners' voices became louder, the excitement of the chaos that was unfolding palpable in the air. But at the same time, you heard shouts for help from the military police and the other prisoners.
Your group rushed back through the tunnels, the shout of musket fire growing louder with each step you took. Once you stood outside, you saw a clear sky, but one that had smoke rising in it, and the sound of fighting all around.
Petra called for the group to follow, and you quickly moved through the back alleys, away from the main street, avoiding patrols and the general populace. The whole of Mithras had become a war zone.
As you ran, you couldn't help but think that something was amiss, but there was no time to dwell on it now. Your only priority was to get out safely and regroup with the rest of the Survey Corps.
Soon, Gunther joined you, his breath a bit labored from the effort of leading the way. "The White Doves...They have attacked the capital; they bombed the royal palace," He said, and as your group climbed to the top of a roof, you saw it. The royal palace at the center of Mithras was in complete flames, with its windows blown out, and entire sections on fire. There were people running around it, but it was soldiers fighting off other soldiers. It was madness.
"How?" Mikasa questioned, looking over the sight.
"I am not sure...but they had explosives and a lot of people to fight for them...Too many more than we expected." Gunther admitted.
Levi had given orders to secure the new recruits in case of a riot and fight against the military police just in case, but against the White Doves?. Then, as you looked closer, you realized the fighting seemed to have a pattern, and the chaos was spreading to specific locations.
"The Tax Office...The Barracks..." Gunther noted, pointing out the other buildings that were being targeted. It seemed that there was a method to the madness, a coordinated strike against the symbols of power.
It was a terrifying realization that someone had managed to orchestrate such an event under everyone's noses, even the Survey Corps. But for now, all you could do was to retreat and reassess the situation. Commander Erwin would know what to do. You withdrew to the specified point without much hassle, but even on the streets, you could see the White Doves causing destruction and even executing civilians. There was something about it that was deeply wrong, but you were not sure what.
Your mission to recover Reiner had failed. And you could only pray that he was not now in the hands of these fanatics. If not in the hands of the government, then where?
-x-X-x-
You, Petra, Nifa, Mika, and Annie made it without a scratch to the meeting point. Commander Erwin was inspecting the city from across a rooftop, looking out at the destruction with a completely neutral expression. The moon was in full view, and the city was slowly turning into a battlefield.
"Commander! Reiner was not in the cell...and it appears the White Doves have already made their move," Nifa reported.
"I see...So the royal family has fallen, then?" He replied without turning around.
"The palace is destroyed...The security forces are trying to maintain control but are overwhelmed." Nifa continued.
"Hm..." Erwin mused, the gears turning in his head.
Then, Captain Levi landed, his cape with stains of blood on it. "Tch, these guys...What the hell are they trying to do...Just cause as much trouble as possible?" He shook his head. "Oi, Erwin, take a look at this..." He threw over a strange-looking musket on the ground at the Commander's feet. You all looked down at the thing.
The gun wasn't crude in its make; it was expertly crafted. However, it was weird in design, in that it had a strange metallic block near where the opposite end of the barrel would be.
"What's this?" Erwin asked, kneeling down to pick up the object.
"Those...the Doves are using those as weapons. One of them tried to shoot at my men when I found them, and the damn thing was able to shoot several rounds without needing to reload...It also leaves this..." Levi explained and then pulled out something. It was a metal cartridge, with a bullet and gunpowder already inside.
Everyone went quiet for a moment as the implications sank in. It was a revolutionary design, one that was not from the city...but something from beyond.
Erwin looked at Annie, "Have you seen anything like it before?" His tone was serious.
Annie frowned as she took the musket and inspected it closely, turning the weapon over in her hands, her eyes focused on the metal casing. "I have never seen this model...But it looks like one of the weapons from Marley...A rifle..." She concluded, her voice soft, her expression grave. "But here? We didn't bring any weapons like these..." She shook her head. "This technology shouldn't exist here...unless..." Her gaze drifted to Levi, who seemed to understand.
"Unless it got in from somewhere else..." He finished for her, his own eyes narrowing in thought.
Erwin sighed, looking back at the city that was quickly turning into a battlefield. "It appears we are dealing with something bigger than we anticipated." He said. "For now, keep everyone in their positions. This presents us an opportunity to use the confusion and take control...but the royal government will not give it up easily, not after this. And we still have to locate Reiner."
"Right..." Levi clicked his tongue again. Before they spotted a Survey Corps soldier rushing down the street.
It was a member of the newer recruits. "Commander Erwin! The royal government... it's fleeing!" The man shouted, coming to a stop. "The king, the family, they are being moved out of the capital, they are going to go through the north gate to the estate of House Reiss!"
You all looked at each other, realizing that if the government escaped, you would lose your chance to change the course of the city, maybe even of the world. But there was also the issue of the White Doves...The Garrison was likely to ask for help from the Survey Corps, and so did the Military Police...If they moved in any way, the chaos could lead to even more death.
"I see," Erwin replied, his voice steady despite the dire news. "Thank you, return to your position." The soldier saluted and ran off.
"We have to act fast..." The commander began, "These white doves are without legitimacy, so the power still belongs to the king...We need to stop him from leaving and get him on our side...Convince him that our way is the only way..." He said. "Or we will have no other option than to take it from him...One way or another. If that is the case...Levi."
"Eriwn..." Levi replied.
"We cannot allow the public to see us fight amongst ourselves..." Erwin continued, "And we have to capture the royal family to achieve a political transition...I will speak to the Commander in Chief...and If we move our men to intercept the king, they can believe it is a rescue. Levi, take your squadron to intercept them first. We need them alive. They cannot see this as anything but a move to protect them...Understood?"
Levi nodded. "I'll go." He didn't seem bothered at all. His voice was as calm as always.
"Good...The rest of you...Go back to your positions. Protect the citizens and maintain order." The commander ordered. The time for the battle fo Mithras was at hand.
-x-X-x-
As per the plan, Levi and the rest of the squadron moved towards the northern gate. This time, with your ODM Gear in full working order and with your blades at the ready, you would take part in the interception of the royal carriage and ensure the family's safety. At the same time, Commander Erwin would handle the political side of things. You trusted in his ability to convince the Commander-in-Chief of the Survey Corps to side with you and help in this mission.
As you traveled through the city, you couldn't help but feel like you were moving in a nightmare, with fires raging around you and people screaming, fighting in the streets. Makeshift barricades, fires, and people lying dead on the street. You even heard a few shots coming your way from below, and by the rate of fire of those strange rifles, it was obvious who it was.
Captain Levi and Petra were quiet, and Gunther, too. No one said anything. Not because there was nothing to say but because they had seen enough to know that there would be time for talk after it was all over. It was as if the whole world had gone insane. Or perhaps, this was the normal way of things. War and conflict were just more honest about their intentions.
You moved through the streets, avoiding the streets, so as not to draw attention. Eventually, youn found the path that the convoy was taking and it was immediately being attacked by the Doves.
It was a sight to behold, a full-blown assault on the king's carriage. They had a few guards with them, but they were heavily outnumbered, and the enemy had better weapons. "Alright, let's make this quick. We have to secure the royal family before they are killed," Levi ordered, and you all responded with nods, preparing for the descent. It was a simple operation: get to the carriage, secure the people, and bring them to a safe place, preferably away from all the chaos. There would be a lot of resistance, but you had fought worse.
It was time to fight.
-x-X-x-
The first of you to move was Gunther; his blades found their mark as he descended, cutting down the Dove who was aiming at the king's carriage. A splatter of blood marked the man's end, and soon enough, you were in the thick of the battle.
"Get back! You don't have to do this!" Petra's voice cut through the night as she moved between the enemy and the carriage. The fighting was intense, but the skill gap was clear, and the Survey Corps were easily overpowering them. That was until they brought to bear more of those strange weapons. Their 'rifles' shot at you, forcing you to take cover.
"Fuck!" Gunther was grazed by a bullet on the arm; the bullets were fast, and their aim wasn't too bad. Not only that, they had numbers.
Captain Levi cut one of them down without issue, his blade slicing clean and quick, his movements as fluid as water. "Watch your footing, the guns can't shoot well at a close range!" He warned as he sliced a second enemy, the sound of their screams echoing around the courtyard they were in. The king's guard was holding their own but was also starting to falter.
"Die! Royalists! This world does not need your chains anymore!" One of the Doves screamed as he rushed towards Mikasa with a knife. But before he could even come close, her blades found his throat. "If you want to break chains. You shouldn't have attacked us." She retorted as she kicked him away, the body falling to the ground. Her voice had a sharp edge to it that spoke of anger, yet it was also steady.
The enemy, however, was still firing and their numbers were growing.
It was then that a new squadron made their appearance. One that did not belong to the Survey Corps and instead whore white shirt uniforms that stood out in the moonlight. They shot down at the incoming Doves with especial ruthlessness, their fire accurate and without hesitation.
Levi spotted them, and his surprise was clear when he saw who was leading them. The man jumped down and walked over, using one of his guns to finish off one of the Doves that had fallen on the ground.
"Well, well, the Runt, Levi Ackerman..." The man grinned. His hair was black, of the same accent as Levi's, but the style was longer. His eyes were sharp and cold.
"Kenny." Levi hissed. His grip on his blades tightened. "What are you doing here?"
"You think you're the only one who knows how to take advantage of a good mess, little runt? I've got a job to do...And so do you, so don't go causing more problems than there already are..." Kenny chuckled darkly. Then, his gaze moved over the battlefield and to the carriage where the king was supposed to be. "Trying to save the royal government from the little birds? And here I thought you would let them rot."
"Shut up, Kenny...You're here for a reason. So why don't you tell me what it is?" The captain retorted, not taking his eyes off the older man.
Kenny's expression darkened, "Huh...I was about to ask you the same thing..." He said, and with a swiftness that defied his age, he pulled the trigger on his gun and pointed it at you.
Captain Levi instinctively drew his sword, but against a bullet? That was something he could not do anything about.
The bullet made immediate contact with your body. It pushed all the air from inside your chest. And it sent you tumbling to the ground.
In a way, you were impressed by the sensation, the fact that such a small piece of metal could do so much to you.
Levi cursed under his breath, seeing you fall. "Kenny, you fucking..." He began to approach him.
However, the older man only laughed. "Oi...Oi...Is that how you treat the person who just saved your life?" He taunted. "Listen, I know what you are trying to do, so you better let that convoy go and get back to base...Or, more than just one of your underlings will end up on the ground," He warned. Eyes shifting with swiftness over to Petra, a smirk on his face.
"You are still one to talk..." Levi glared. He wanted to fight him; you could tell. The pain felt so insignificant in that moment, compared to the anger that was rolling off the captain. It was almost as if they were relatives of some sort. There was so much between them.
"Conrad!" Mikasa was about to rush over, but Annie stopped her.
"That isn't going to be enough to hurt him..." Annie said, her eyes looking at your wound. And she was right. There was the bullet and the pain...but that was already fading away, along with the blood. A weird white smoke and heat came from the wound, slowly closing it.
Annie looked relieved but also scared; her expression only relaxed when she saw you stand up again.
"Now today isn't my birthday, so why so many surprises?" Kenny chuckled as he looked at you. His smirk faded into a frown.
"That's my line." You stood up, the bloodied jacket the only evidence that you were ever injured in the first place. You looked at him, feeling a deep rage that you could not quite explain. "Why did you shoot me?" It was a stupid question. He just did it to prove a point.
"Hehe, that's a good question, boy...But I don't like being told what to do...So I did it anyway...Just a little warning. Though I can see why the brat here wants you on his team..." Kenny laughed, putting his rifle back in its holster. He then whistled, and the other soldiers in the Anti-personnel squad aimed their guns at the rest of the Survey Corps, the message clear. "Well, we will take care of this mess for you...So don't interfere with our mission. Go home."
Levi hesitated, and then, just as he was about to tell everyone to move back, you heard the whistling coming from the air...More ODM gears, could it be reinforcements or...?
With a loud bang, you saw the head of one of Kenny's soldiers was blown clean off, and then a strange black metallic thing fell on the ground between Levi and Kenny. Annie, upon spotting it, reacted quickly.
"Get out, it's going to explode!!!" She shouted.
Both Kenny and Levi leaped away from the spot as the black ball went off in a powerful blast, blowing into fragments that almost hit you again.
You turned your head to see who had been the cause of this. More Doves, this time wearing grey coats with white armbands with a symbol that reminded you of a bird. You did not have the time to analyze further. Instead, they were using ODM gear and also those rifles. The central figure raised her hand and gave signals to the rest of her men.
"Shit, these guys don't look like amateurs." Levi clicked his tongue.
"No, they are not..." Kenny also seemed annoyed by the intrusion. "This is a fucking circus now...We will have to postpone this. Brat!" He called out to Levi, who looked back at him with a scowl. "You might be useful for this part...How about we kill each other once it's done?"
"Fine." Levi grunted, taking out his blade again. It was clear that this was no longer the time to argue, so you joined him. The others were quick to move in to cover the king's convoy, leaving you to face the new enemy with the Captain and Kenny's men.
-x-X-x-
Those new weapons were fast and accurate, so every movement you made had to be precise and swift. It was not like fighting a Titan at all. This felt like a dance where the steps changed with every move. You leaped forward, cutting one of the Doves before it could shoot at you, but then another one of them appeared and forced you to use the Dove's body as a shield, feeling the bullet hit his corpse.
"Stay focused! Move!" Levi commanded, his own movements graceful and deadly. He took down one more, but then he was forced to move as more gunfire came from behind the Doves' front line.
Kenny, too, was engaged, his movements efficient, his aim true. He shot with that strange gun of his, taking down Dove after Dove. You were impressed, but not enough to forget that this was still your enemy. So, you moved, your own body twisting to avoid the bullets, the speed and grace of your maneuvers only getting better the more you fought. You had not used your ODM in such a way in what felt like months.
More of the members of Kenny's squadron fell, but so did the Survey Corps; even Mikasa and Annie were grazed by the bullets, and what to say about Captain Levi...Still, there were too many, and with more of them on the roof, it only made the situation even more dangerous. When they threw one of the grenades, you had to take the initiative and kick it out of the way...though the resulting explosion almost got to you.
The convoy of the carriage kept moving; they were still close enough, and you wanted to make sure it would leave without more danger. However, it seemed the white doves paid it almost no mind, preferring to fight and eliminate all threats instead.
Their reason for that became clear almost immediately.
Another explosion rocked the carriages and sent them tumbling over into the side of the street, with some of them hitting buildings. The King's personal convoy, who were also supposed to have military strength and skill...Was wiped out almost instantly. Then, out of the smoke and chaos, a group of six more Doves appeared, with a hooded figure leading them.
"Shit!" Kenny cursed, firing again with his rifle and taking one down, while Levi used his gear to get closer and deal a deathly blow.
But you were not fast enough to stop what came next. The leader of this group raised their arm and pointed a finger towards the burning carriages, where some of the royal family members had managed to crawl out from.
And in the same moment, all the other Doves started to fire, mercilessly. You tried to stop one, to protect the woman who was trying to run for cover, but your body could not make it in time. You watched as the woman, who had done no harm, who was just trying to save her family...Was shot down and killed. Along with every single other person that had managed to come out.
Even Kenny's men, who had moved to help them, were killed as well.
The figure then turned, and in the midst of all the carnage, you saw that the cloak they were wearing...was very much like the ones worn by the Survey Corps. A golden embroidery on the back was all that could be seen of its design.
It was at this moment that Levi and Kenny stopped. They both watched the carnage unfold before their eyes.
"Levi...it's not looking good, huh?" Kenny spoke, his voice lacking its usual mirth.
The Captain did not reply; his face was contorted in a rage you had not seen before. The Doves' squad leader then spoke, the voice of a woman.
"...Thank you all for playing with us. Your devotion to humanity has been noted...However, it seems the time for the royal family to continue this farce has passed." Her tone was calm, as if this had all been a simple play, nothing of importance.
All guns were trained on all of you now. Kenny's remaining men looked at each other, clearly ready to keep fighting, but you could see that they were also hesitant. As was your own group.
Any sudden movement meant most likely death; you looked over to Annie, who was likely considering transforming at this point, her eyes briefly meeting your own, as if asking permission.
Mikasa, for her part, had a hand on her sword, her body coiled to act, to kill, to protect the ones that remained. You also felt that; you could see that if they all rushed in at once, some would live...some would die, and the rest...You didn't know. And that uncertainty was enough for you to make the decision.
Levi seemed to have the same idea. "Everyone stand down!" He commanded. There was a moment of hesitation, but you all complied, standing still with your weapons still out, but not using them.
"Good, that makes it much simpler. I applaud your discipline...You might have just saved your lives tonight," The Dove leader praised, lowering her own hand, and then the others followed suit. "Let the revolution begin, let us usher in a new world...free of Titans and those who would use them for their own greed." The woman then pointed at one of the men who was not shot by the Doves...A man with black hair and a moustache, he seemed to be clutching a wound on his chest. "Behold, both the true and false King of the Walls."
Everyone, including you, was taken aback by the claim. But what was more surprising was the fact that Kenny let out a: "Tsk..." Confirming it to be true. This was all part of a conspiracy? Or a much deeper game?
"Lord Reiss, tonight your bloodline ends." The woman continued. "But fear not...We will guide this world, and humanity shall prosper." The men and women around did not cheer; they were too disciplined for that.
"What is she babbling about?" Levi hissed, looking at Kenny, who clicked his tongue again.
"Sorry, I am not at liberty to say anything about my employer...Though I thought it would have been more difficult for them...Guess I am not surprised anymore. Tonight is as good a night to die as any other," Kenny shrugged, almost ready to continue the fight.
Levi did not look convinced. "Don't drag me into your mess, old man." He glared at Kenny, then at the Doves.
This appeared to be it; you were held at gunpoint, unable to do anything but watch the final pieces of the plan move.
But then, suddenly, someone amongst the Doves threw a smoke bomb at the leader and shot a flare at the sky, one with a blue flame. The white Doves turned on each other and then shouted. "Now!"
"SOLDIERS OF HUMANITY ATTACK!" The voice belonged to Commander Erwin. From above, Survey Corps rained down on the enemy and began the battle. The sound of the blades, the shots from the guns, the cries of the dying, it was all so sudden.
You moved immediately, rushing forward to attack the Doves that were distracted, cutting them down before they could regroup. Immediately, the traitorous dove rushed over to you and removed her mask. The silver strands of hair immediately stood out to you, even as the smell of smoke filled your nose.
"Emelina?!" You exclaimed. Your sister merely nodded, her blade now against another dove's throat, which she slit with precision. The Doves were quick to respond, but they had not anticipated a double-cross from their own, so the element of surprise was in your favor.
"Thought I would leave you alone for too long, Brother?" She smiled. The situation was grim, but your sister had come at the best of times. "We have no time; let's withdraw...Let's take the King and let's get out of here." She ordered, and you all followed.
Mikasa picked up the King as the Survey Corps continued to attack and provide cover. Levi and Kenny, too, moved to help with the retreat, though their conversation would have to wait. Soon, you were moving through the backstreets again, trying to get to a safe spot.
The city was still a mess; fires raged, people screamed and fought, and you could see the White Doves and the Military Police going against each other on a large scale now. However, it was then that your friends, Eren, Armin, Jean, Marco, Sasha, and Ymir also made an appearance, escorting you out of the hot zone that was the city. There were still a few scuffles on the streets, but you were quick to dispatch any Dove that came close.
-x-X-x-
Eren was quick to catch up with your group. "Everything's so messed up...How can they do this to their own people?!" He exclaimed as he ran alongside Mikasa, his eyes wide in anger.
Annie eyed Eren, but remained silent. It was probably not a good time to explain things yet.
"They don't think of themselves as the same," Emelina answered as she and you ran on top of the roofs with ODMs, giving the group a high point of view of what was ahead. "They have their own ideology, and are backed by someone from outside the walls." She continued. "They want to end the government here and put another in its place. But I am sure they will kill anyone who doesn't join them. It's what I have learned so far...But it's all part of a plan I don't know the end of."
Jean and Marco seemed surprised by the explanation but kept moving, as did Armin. Sasha, however, just nodded. "Well, whatever the case, we gotta get this guy to a safe spot, and then figure out what the heck is going on!"
Meanwhile, Armin seemed to be in thought, his eyes focused as he eyed Kenny's squadron and then Annie. "I think there is much more than we know...The Royal Government has been lying for a while..." His voice was low but clear. You wondered how much he was puzzling together. Then, looking forward, you saw Commander Erwin and Captain Levi were waiting ahead, securing the perimeter.
"We have to keep moving; they won't stop looking for us," Mikasa warned.
Everyone agreed and continued forward. There would be a lot of talking later; now it was about survival. You wondered if Kenny's men were willing to let the Survey Corps have the true king, but for now, it seemed that they did not have the numbers nor the ability to argue.
Soon, you arrived at the buildings where the temporary HQ of the Survey Corps was placed. You landed close to Mikasa, making sure that none in Kenny's squadron made any sudden movements. Captain Levi was also eyeing them with caution; the tension was thick.
Commander Erwin approached the King. His eyes were seizing up the man's entire form.
The man himself looked to be around his 40s or 50s; he had black hair with a prominent mustache, his skin was tan, but it was the tired expression on his face that caught your attention. The eyes, which were a shade of blue, were looking at Erwin as if he had already lost.
"Your Majesty..." Erwin began. "We are the Survey Corps...and we would like your assistance in retaking control of the city and helping to find a solution for the people." His voice was steady and confident, though, full of a certain disdain for the man who had hidden the truth for so long.
"I..." The man said in a gruff voice. "There is nothing I can do..." His words were empty of emotion.
"Like hell!" Levi interrupted, "You have been sitting on this knowledge all this time, letting us die and suffer while your bloodline remained safe and secure...Now that it's all falling apart, you will just give up like this?" He scoffed. "The people deserve better than that."
Kenny was also looking at his boss with a teasing voice in his expression. "Yeah...Even if the government is a lie...You can still make things right. Show them all what you got."
"Commander Erwin," Reiss sighed. "Given the circumstances, the power I possess is only of the flesh and bone. If we lied to the people, it was to ensure that we would have peace...and security." He spoke in a tone that made it hard to understand if he actually believed that.
"Peace and Security through lies and death..." Levi added sarcastically. "...It's no wonder why these Doves are tearing you all down..."
"Captain," Erwin intervened, then looked at Reiss. "My apologies...but the fact of the matter is that you and your government have caused the deaths of countless people by hiding the truth of the world. And it is not something we can overlook."
"What would you have me do?" The man questioned.
"You will reveal the truth to the people and ensure a transition of power is made. This is your last chance to redeem yourself." Erwin demanded.
"Reedem...hah..." The man laughed, "What can I possibly do? The White Doves want me dead. I do not have the means to stop this. Let them kill me. It will be better for all of us." The King was resigned to his fate, it seemed. "I am just an old man, what can I do—" He stopped himself from saying anything else as he spotted Historia, who was looking at him with a frown. "...Historia....You..." His voice changed to that of a father.
"You are..." Historia started to say, taking a step closer.
"Daughter..." The man was now crying, tears falling from his face as he stumbled over to her. He was then on his knees, looking up at the girl with so much emotion, regret, love...and fear. "I thought you would be safe..." He was sobbing.
You felt the shock from all those around. But it seemed Annie was the only one unsurprised. She just clicked her tongue in irritation. So that was why Historia never spoke much about her past...
You looked at your lovers; Mikasa seemed more understanding now of why Historia acted the way she did, and so did Petra.
Historia almost softened at the sight of the King...her father...She moved her hand forward as if she wanted to touch him but then hesitated. "I...am still alive, why are you crying?" She tried to say it coldly, but her voice betrayed her, a hint of warmth was still in it.
He shook his head. "I wanted you to be happy...I thought if I didn't let you become a part of this...Then you would live...in peace...you would find a way to be happy." He reached out for her hand, and this time she let him hold it. "I'm sorry...Historia...I am...so sorry." He begged, pulling her into a hug. "You are a Reiss...And my daughter...Which means that there is a chance..."
"Daughter?" Mikasa asked, unsure if she heard correctly.
The rest of the Survey Corps and you were completely stunned, even Eren, who just could not believe what he was hearing. Historia looked like she was still processing this all herself, her face hidden by her hair.
Emelina was also shocked, but not in the same way as everyone else; there was a kind of recognition and frustration on her face, as if this confirmed something for her.
"That's right..." The King answered, still crying, looking at you all. "...You are all the last hope we have...Historia...is a true royal...she can wield the power of the First King...The Founding Titan. She is my lost daughter...I...But..."
Kenny clicked his tongue. "Now don't go fessing up all the family secrets..." His voice was calm, though his eyes were cold.
Commander Erwin took this information in with the same expressionless face. He looked over to Historia, then back to her father. "Is this the truth?" His voice was stern, almost threatening.
"It is..." The King answered, still on the ground. "She is the only one now...And she must be the one to continue our mission...To protect the peace."
The truth of the Founding Titan, the very thing that Annie, Bertholdt, and Reiner had been tasked with retrieving, was now in your hands. A new complication and possibility for the future. However, there was a problem, and one that Annie made apparent. "Do you not have it?" She asked. The implication was obvious. Without the Titan powers...Historia and this True King were nothing more than common humans now.
"Erwin..." The King seemed to realize that and looked up at the Commander with wide eyes. "I...lost the power long ago...I thought I could continue as King, but..." He couldn't finish, shame washing over him.
Commander Erwin looked down at him, his face stern and unmoving. He then spoke to Nifa, who was standing by, as well as Hange and Moblit. "Secure him; do not let anyone else speak to him." He ordered. The group nodded and moved to obey.
But before the king could be taken away, Historia spoke again, her voice shaking. "Why...? Why didn't you save my mother then? Why let her be killed?" It was a simple question but heavy.
The King shook his head. "I did not have the strength back then..." His voice was weak and full of pain. "But...she...She wanted to live. And I couldn't let that happen...For your sake, and for the sake of the people. She had to die, and I had to send you away, so you would not be involved..." His eyes pleaded with her for forgiveness. But it was clear that she was not ready for that yet. Instead, she just stood there, trying to process this.
Levi had enough of the melodrama and spoke up. "Enough chit-chat...We need to secure him and prepare to fight for the city." His eyes were cold, but there was something more in them. He knew how heavy the burden of truth could be.
Erwin nodded. "You are right. Everyone, we will move out shortly; the plan has changed, but our goal is still the same...To retake the city and protect humanity." His voice was loud and commanding, and it got everyone back to their senses.
With that, the King was escorted inside the building, along with the rest of your squadron, who went to have a meeting with Erwin, Hange, and Emelina. After all, she was the one who infiltrated the White Doves, so her information was essential. The others were left to rest and recover, though you doubted that they could rest, especially Historia, who had just learned so much.
You knew that you would have to talk to her later, but for now, you needed to see what the commander had to say and find out how the White Doves fit into all this.
You entered the building where everyone was gathered, a map of the city at the center, with the districts within Mithras labeled as controlled or lost. Captain Levi stood at the ready; Hange was inspecting the gun that the Doves used; Moblit, the ever-serious assistant, was preparing documents; Nifa had her arms crossed; Emelina had a thoughtful expression on her face; and Mikasa, Annie, and the other girls stood by, all listening closely to what the Commander was saying.
"As of now, the White Doves have taken over the Central and East districts...The south is under control by the Survey Corps and some of the Military Police, though it is chaotic at best." Erwin explained. "Emelina, do you know how they got those weapons? Who are their suppliers?"
She sighed and then began her explanation. "They came through tunnels dug underground. The weapons were brought from outside, though; I was never personally there to see the handover...The organization is very strict on secrecy. Their members don't know the names of those above them and are not allowed to talk to one another. Only the top leadership knows who the true leader is." She took a breath, and her eyes met yours briefly before continuing. "Not all of their members are from within the Walls; they have brought in soldiers, most likely from outside...They are a threat we should not underestimate."
"How many of them are there?" Mikasa questioned, her hand on the handle of her blade, ready to move.
"Hundreds, maybe a thousand..." Emelina said. "And they will keep getting reinforcements. I overheard that they have been planning this for a while...and the king's execution was part of it, along with the destruction of the central government...There are several factions, but all share the same ideology of ending the government and starting anew." She finished. "They want to set up something like a Council, from what I understood, with no single leader...at least not at first."
"So someone is supplying them from outside and encouraging this chaos to gain more control..." Levi analyzed. "They are trying to replace one tyranny with another."
"Yes...The Doves believe they are liberating the people, but in reality, they are just putting on another set of chains...I was able to secure this." Emelina reached inside her cloak and took out a book, it was a worn old thing. "I believe it's one of their ideological texts. They call it 'Arhin Theory'...it talks about how the royal family has enslaved humanity and the only way forward is to replace it with a system where everyone has a voice."
"Sounds like a pipe dream..." Levi commented.
"It might be...But it has attracted a lot of followers." Erwin added. "And they have managed to infiltrate the government enough to cause this level of chaos...and with those weapons," he motioned to Hange, who was still inspecting the rifle, "they have the advantage."
"This weapon is incredible." Hange was smiling as if she had discovered a new toy. "It's a breech-loading rifle, with a metallic cartridge...I have never seen anything like it. It can shoot much faster than a regular gun, and it's more accurate...Whoever made this is a genius. We have to get our hands on more."
"They could be receiving help from one of the powers that Marley is fighting...It wouldn't be a stretch to think that," Annie spoke, looking at the weapon with a critical eye. "But only a madman would do this...and risk it like this," She trailed off.
"Do you have an idea of who it could be?" Erwin asked her.
Annie shook her head. "No...not really. Marley has enemies all around; they have all grown strong...even the Titans could not assure victory, but...To do this...If Marley figures this out, they will launch an expedition here immediately. No questions asked. This is bad..." Her eyes looked worried, and it made you realize just how bad the situation had become.
"Then we have to end this quickly." Erwin declared. "We cannot allow the White Doves to take control...or let the Royal Government be completely dismantled. It will be a bloodbath. Our first priority is to get the king and Historia to safety...and figure out how to regain control. Nifa, what is the status of the citizens?" He turned to the other woman.
"They are scared...Some are trying to leave, but the Doves have closed the gates and are killing anyone who opposes them...Others are trying to hide. The Military Police are barely maintaining order, and the Garrison is doing its best to try and get here fast. The situation is not good." She explained. "We will need to act fast."
Erwin nodded, and his eyes moved to Emelina. "Their leaders? Where are they?"
She sighed again. "Their organization relies on multiple cell leaders...However, there is one head of the operation. A woman named Amea Gann...She is a high ranking member, but I don't know much about her, other than that she is dangerous. If we kill her, it could cripple them, at least temporarily." Emelina offered the only solution she had. "I can track her down; I've seen her before."
"You don't have to..." You said. It felt wrong to let her risk herself after all she had been through.
But she gave you a look that said that it was her decision, not yours. "I have to." She replied with a gaze that spoke of a conviction you could not sway her from. "I endured this mission for too long...For the Corps, for you," She said without any shame, not that she needed any. You were just glad to have her safe.
Commander Erwin seemed to see this as well. "Since Emelina knows the Doves better, she will lead the assault on them. Levi, take your squad and provide support. The rest of us will protect the king and Historia..." He ordered, but Levi already had a different idea.
"No," He interjected, looking at Erwin, "That anti-personnel squad is still out there; I can't leave them unchecked...And the king might have more of them nearby...Are you sure you can handle them, Erwin?" He questioned, his eyes narrow and sharp.
There was a moment of tension in the air, but then Erwin nodded. "I will. I have a plan to deal with them...You take care of Amea Gann and her soldiers. Do not fail."
"Tch, you say that like it's not a sure thing," Levi retorted with a grin, though the threat was not lost on anyone. Then he looked to the rest of you, who were ready to move out. "Well...We have a job to do...Let's not waste time."
And with that, the mission to stop the revolution in its tracks began. Your group moved quickly out of the building, and towards the place where the White Doves were stationed, the royal palace. It would be dangerous, and it would not be easy, but it had to be done. As you took off on your ODM Gear, you could only think of one thing.
You had to come back alive.
***
The streets of Mithras continued to be filled with fire, the flames illuminating the darkness, casting an eerie orange glow on the faces of the soldiers and civilians caught in the midst of it all. It was a night of death and destruction. However, your group moved swiftly through the chaos, even as the Doves began to advance towards the buildings where the Survey Corps had set up its temporary headquarters.
The whistling sound of your hooks making contact with the rooftops, the feeling of weightlessness in the air- it was all a familiar sensation, but now, it had a different flavor. It was no longer for the purpose of exploration and survival against Titans. This time, it was war, the killing of humans, who were as dangerous as the Titans, if not more so.
The White Doves were making a move to secure their control over the capital, but they would be met with resistance, not only from the Survey Corps but also from the military police and the remnants of the Garrison. This would be their downfall, you believed: their overconfidence, their underestimation of the forces arrayed against them.
You had managed to secure an intel outpost where you could monitor the movements of the Doves. It was close enough to one of the castles that had been taken over by the Doves during the initial stages of the revolution.
"That one, over there..." Emelina pointed at the tallest of the towers in the building. "Amea should be there...Coordinating the attack..." She was calm, focused. You admired that about her, that even with the madness going on around, she was able to keep a clear head. She had her gear ready, and the mask over her face, hiding her expression.
Levi took one good look at the entrances and nodded. "Attacking in close quarters in ODM gear...We are asking for a bloodbath, and not in our favor. We need to clear the area of their gunmen." He then turned to the rest of his team. "We will have to do this a better way...We will infiltrate the castle in two teams; one will distract, and the other will enter the tower." His plan was simple and sound, but there was no room for error. Not when you were fighting people with weapons that could easily kill you in a split second.
You nodded along with everyone else. Then Levi looked at you.
"Conrad, you take your pick, and I will go the other way. Be sure to communicate when you are inside," He instructed. "Also, try to steal some of their 'grenades' from them; they may come in use." He then looked over at Annie and Mikasa. "You are both with Conrad...Annie, keep him from being too stupid. Mikasa, you know what to do." He told them.
Annie gave a smirk behind her mask. "I always do." She then looked at you. "And he won't get himself killed, that's my job."
"I don't doubt it," You replied, though you were not sure if she heard. You then looked at your other team member, "You'll be with me, Mikasa?"
"Hm." She merely replied. Her tone made it clear she was ready for anything. It was clear that the mission allowed her mind to focus on something other than her past troubles.
Now it was time to decide what task you would take care of. Distract or attack.