Largely due to Erwin's actions, it was declared that the old system of rule would be dismantled. Once the military had secured the capital, they made the announcement immediately. The declaration was given from the very gallows that Erwin was meant to be executed on.

Erwin steps onto a carriage as Nile speaks to reporters behind him.

"That's right. It's exactly as premier Zachary explained in his speech. Please understand that our objective here is not to establish a military rule. We intend to replace King Fritz with a monarch born of the true royal bloodline. They'll be responsible for leading humanity, and that includes us."

"I get what you're saying, but frankly, why should the people believe that your king is any more legitimate than the one you deposed?"

"I'm sure you understand that the people are quite concerned. No one knows who to trust at this point."

Erwin sighs entering the carriage. He looks over to Marcel, Nifa, & Marco getting their horses and riding away towards the prison that's housing the scouts, his orders to Marcel we're simple. Get Miche & Nanaba, take them to the Reiss Estate and ensure Eren isn't fed to a member of the Reiss family.

The trail to Reiss Estate (Hange Team)

The squads head towards the Reiss Estate each via different means. Mina and Jean ride with Moblit and some of the others on horseback carrying torches as Ymir sits with Levi, Hange, and Mikasa, while Armin holds the reigns for the horses leading the cart.

"Hange. You said you might know where they are?" Mikasa asks.

"Oh, yeah. I guess I should explain now. Erwin gave Marcel and I this Scout report from an investigation on Lord Reiss land. It details a certain incident that occurred five years ago on the Reiss Estate."

Armin's eyes widen. "Five years?"

Ymir leans over. "What's so special about five years ago?"

"It was the day Wall Maria was breached. I'll summarize the most important parts from the beginning. So, as far as regional lords went, Lord Reiss was fair and well-respected by the people. He had five children. The most well known of them was his eldest daughter Frieda. She was a down to earth girl who even the peasants adored. But five years ago, on that night, disaster struck. With the fall of Wall Maria having plunged the world into chaos, bandits raided and set fire to the only chapel around. Unfortunately for them, the entire Reiss family had gathered there to pray. And so, half of the family was massacred by bandits that night. Save for four. Only Rod Reiss and three of his four kids escaped. His eldest died there. To top it all off, this incident occurred just a few days before Historia's mother was killed by the Interior Police. So we know that in the immediate aftermath, instead of keeping his three surviving children safe he sought out Historia. And something tells me that it wasn't out of a newfound paternal affection."

"Well, she is of Royal Blood. Or do you think that bloodline has some other secret?" Levi asks.

"It's possible, but I'm not sure yet. What stood out to Marcel, and he pointed this out, was the fact that large parts of the chapel were destroyed. The chapel was built from stone. It would take a lot of time and effort to destroy it. If it was bandits, they'd have taken what they could and made a quick escape. Also, Lord Reiss is the only witness to speak about this. His children were never questioned. And none of them have confirmed his story, however, it seems that Abel Reiss is allying against his father and is trying to help us, in exchange for protecting his sisters. Then Lord Reiss rebuilt the chapel with his personal fortune almost immediately. What was his rush?"

Meanwhile Marcel stands outside the chapel with Miche, Nanaba, Nifa, and Marco. "When you think about it, the story only makes sense if it involved a Titan Attack. I'm probably jumping to conclusions, but it would explain why they've been so invested in Eren. And why as soon as it was revealed that he could control the titans they demanded we give him to the government. Reiss is looking to take back from Eren whatever was taken when Frieda Reiss died."

Miche nods. "We should hurry down then."

"Not with Kenny Ackerman down there. We're waiting for Levi. Dirk is still buying us time."

Sacrificial Altar underground

Eren awakens his eyes fluttering open with an audible groan. He looks around now that he's awake only to note the chains around his wrists and legs. One holding him by the waist and a metal bar in his mouth to keep him from speaking. He looks down and entering the room he's in is Historia.

"Oh, you're awake. I'm glad. Just hang in there for a bit. We'll be okay. Eren, listen. My father has always been humanity's ally. His only goal is to keep the people within the walls safe. It's clear to me now that we misunderstood him. He didn't deny anything. It's true that he went after the scouts and his people did kill Pastor Nick. But he did that because he had no choice! Everything he's done he did for the sake of humanity.. Historia explains.

"Thank you, Historia. Please let me explain the rest.. Rod enters the room with his children Dirk with Floren and Abel hiding behind him. Dirk holds his sisters back as Rod walks up the steps with Historia on hand. He has the two girls slowly inch further away from their father and towards a small hole in the wall. "If you were wondering, no. You've never been here before. Although you may recognize it nonetheless."

Historia turns to Rod. "Um, father? Could you explain to Eren?"

Rod nods. "Of course, I intend to. But before that, there's something I'd like us, as a family, to try. So come, Dirk, Abel, Floren." Dirk nods slightly to the girls who stay hidden behind him as they walk up the stairs Dirk takes a glance towards where the exit is.

'I hope you found it.' Dirk thinks as he turns back. Once they reach the top Rod has them all extend their hands towards Eren. "This could make him remember without us saying a word." Rod says.

The entire family place their hands on Eren's back and arms. That upon contact causes all of them to see flashes of memories from each other, though Dirk notices Rod, trying to scan his memories as well as Eren's. He sees a flash and each of them gets a glimpse into someone's eyes from the day Frieda died. He also watches from the perspective of the person who Eren ate to obtain his Titan form.

"Well? Do you remember? Have you learned of your father's sin?" Rod asks. 'Sin?" Dirk thinks Historia grabs at her head as Dirk looks away from Rod having himself scanned his father's memories. "What's Wrong? Are you all right?" Rod asks Historia.

"How could-? How could I forget? In all that time? I was never alone. I had her. She was always there for me. She gave me books. Taught me to read and write. She was so kind to me. So how could I forget about her?"

Rod looks down. "I take it you're talking about Frieda."

Historia turns to her father confused. "Frieda?"

"If it was a kind-hearted black-haired young woman with long, black hair, then I would imagine it was Frieda Reiss. She was your half-sister. She must've been worried and gone to check up on you from time to time." Rod explains.

"She wouldn't let me go with her." Dirk speaks quietly, gathering Historia and Rod's attention. "No matter how many times I asked. If she was erasing your memories, I don't think she did it to protect you. More, to protect herself."

"Dirk. That's not how you're supposed to talk about your sister."

Historia's eyes widen. "So, that's why I forgot her?"

"That's right. But touching him seems to have brought those memories back to you."

Dirk turns to Rod. "All the more reason to keep him alive."

"An unexpected side effect nothing more." Rod says.

"Where is she? Could we visit her?" Historia asks.

"No, even if we could I doubt she'd want anyone of us here today." Dirk says his voice laced with venom. Historia turns to Dirk confused. "Frieda is no longer of this world."

"At one time I had five children. But five years ago my wife and two children were murdered by a man named Grisha Jaeger. Your sister was killed by Eren's father."

Dirk turns angrily to Rod. "Because she chose not to help defend the walls from incursion."

"Dirk! Why do you defend a monster?"

"Because, if she had helped out, Grisha Jaeger would've never attacked her. Mother would still be here. And we'd still have Wall Maria."

"Grisha had the ability to transform into a Titan. I still don't know where he obtained it. But his goal was to steal something from the Reiss family. What Grisha sought to obtain was power. The power of the Reiss family which resided within Frieda. Frieda's Titan was by far superior to all the others. In theory, she had unsurpassable power.  However, at her young age, she lacked the experience to wield it properly. And because she couldn't unleash her true potential, Grisha ate her, and in doing so, stole her power. But that wasn't enough."

"You pushed them in front of you, father." Dirk says standing nose to nose with Rod. "Urklyn and Mother. They both asked of you to save them and you sacrificed them to him. Abel and Floren are only here because I grabbed them and ran to save my sisters."

"You could've helped them." Rod retorts.

"And died with them, so you could survive alone?"

Historia shouts interrupting the pair. "It's not fair. She didn't deserve that."

"Nor did we, a father who cared about power more than his children."

Rod glares at Dirk. "What did you say?"

"Father, after the incident we were split up all over Wall Rose. I met a boy back then, you may recognize his name, Marcel Zoe. I spent some time with the boy. And, I realize, just how badly the world has turned out because we refused to help the people. Anyone who would watch people die and not try to help them deserves to be punished."

Footsteps approach the chamber as Rod and Dirk stare each other down. Meanwhile Abel & Floren the two daughters quietly hide within the hole themselves far too big to get in Easily now, however, the pair are still able to hide within it as they watch the events.

"Hey, hey, hey!" Kenny shouts entering. "What's the holdup? Whatever you're talking about, we don't have time for it. Things are going straight to hell outside."

Dirk turns to Kenny. "Explain."

Rod regains his composure. "I agree. What's been going on?"

"Well, the Scouts started a coup d'état, and all the other regiments have taken their side. Everyone found out that ol' King Fritz was a fake. And now his whole council has been arrested. Yup, it's been a Royal shit show." Rod gasps as Historia lets out a slight gasp, Dirk smiles slightly and continues to stare at his father with a smug look of superiority. "So you best get a move on."

"All right then, I will. Now take the Anti-Personnel Control Squad and defend the entrance at all cost." Rod orders. Kenny stammers for a moment. "I already told you that the ceremony can't be done in the presence of you or your crew."

"Aww! Where's the trust, your majesty? Did I make you mad? Fine. Sorry, I'm just so worried about you."

Rod smiles. "I trust you. It's because of that trust that you're here. Now go."

"I feel the same, your grace." He walks away with an audible 'tsk' as he does.

Outside the Chapel

Marcel stands with a small watch in his palm. He places it back in his pocket before turning around towards the chapel doors.

"They're late." Nanaba comments. "It's strange. Levi hates being late."

Marcel shakes his head. "Doesn't matter. Dirk won't be able to stall much longer. At this rate, they'll begin before we can breakthrough." Marco then kicks the door open as Nifa turns back.

"Commander! They're here!" She announces.

"We'll meet them inside the chapel."

The group checks their ODM gear as Marco grabs a rifle along with Ymir the pair choosing the give support from a distance. When Levi enters the chapel. Marcel lifts a rug before opening it to reveal a trap door. He opens the door

"Hold on, we have a few presents to send with us." Hange says.

"You want to lead the way?" Marcel asks Hange and Levi.

Levi steps forward. "Kenny's mine. I'll lead."

"The Section commanders will follow humanity's strongest closely." Marcel relays to the others. "Everyone you're either using ODM gear or rifles... or arrows if your Sasha."

"I'll switch to ODM, Mina, take a rifle." Marco says.

The group decides who takes what position. Levi, the section commanders, Mikasa, Jean, Marco, Nifa, and Moblit will be using ODM gear and going in close against Kenny's squad. The others are to stay back and fire rifles for covering fire. They descend down a flight of stairs and arrive at pair of doors as Marcel places an ear to the door listening in hearing the voice of Caven inside and he sighs as he knows Nico was a member of this group however he got out quickly, just before they took Eren.

"We count at least ten and you can bet Captain Levi & Section Commander Marcel is among them. We caught Levi by surprise last time he killed twelve of us. The governments been overthrown we're the fugitives now. Don't count on any backup. Sounds like we're in some deep shit. In this tiny screwed up world, death is preferable to what we would get if we decided to surrender. That's what life in the walls has always been. Nothing's changed. We've got a foe we can't beat. So we stand by and wait for them to break through our walls and kill us. We fought to be Military Police and then Interior Police. And now we're Kenny's elites. We did this to find purpose in our meaningless lives in this meaningless world. I see no cause to stop believing how. If Kenny and his dream can't turn this game around, he'll flip the board."

"'Kay. We should be ready to go now." Armin says holding one of the surprises.

Levi nods. "All right then. Is everyone here ready? Cause you're all about to dirty your hands."

Marcel stands next to Nifa as she grasps his hand he glances at her and smiles she gains a small smile before looking down to see him squeeze her hand a few times before letting go. He and Marco stand at the door as the others prep the gifts.

Marcel speaks quietly at first building up to a shout. "3... 2... 1... now!"

With Rod and Dirk

Dirk waves for Abel and Floren to stay hidden as he walks away leaving Historia with Rod however instead of vanishing from the area entirely he makes his way to a hole in the wall that he's been building slowly but surely over the last three years where he walks to a much, much smaller hole inside where he has to crouch on the Crystal floor to watch

"All right, Historia, it seems we're finally alone." Rod says

"Father." Historia says adoringly

"I'm sorry for making you wait. Listen, Historia. I imagine that this will sound strange to you but Frieda isn't entirely dead. Your sister's memories are still alive. Would you like the chance to meet her again?"

Historia's eyes widen. "Yes!"

Rod places down a bag and then opens it revealing three cases, that Dirk recognizes. He grabs one, opening it to reveal the same type of needle that they saw Grisha use to inject Eren and turn him into a Titan. Eren begins screaming in agony. As Rod looks at him soullessly and Dirk closes his eyes, he places a knife, Dirk sighs, readying himself.

Back with the Scouts

The doors open and they launch their presents out for everyone to see. The scouts then rush out after it with Sasha letting loose her first arrow with Connie behind her. Marcel, Levi & Mikasa are the first three to use their ODM gear. The three all swing around staying well hidden as the others fire signal flares of a variety of colors.

"Thirty-five total!" Levi shouts. "In the upper parts of the pillars! Continue the plan! We'll take them all out right here!"

"Everyone scatter!" Caven orders. "Let them spread out, then surround them!"

The scouts rush into the fighting with Marcel and Nifa staying close together the pair backing each other up and the duo together rack up six kills that is until Hange collapses, Marcel yells for her and this momentary distraction one of the MP's fires at him. Before he can react he feels a hand push him out of the way, he turns back to see Nifa smile at him a single tear run down her face as she says something that only he hears before the shot lands, her face obscured by the bullets, her blood dripping onto his face and clothes, he turns to the soldier that shot her and screams rushing him before cutting his body into dozens of pieces. Marcel then rushes about killing at least another six soldiers as he, Levi & Mikasa all rack the kills. Marcel then turns to Caven as she goes to retreat before she can escape a blade impales her chest and she slides through the opening to the fallback point with a sword sticking out of her chest. The person to do it, Marcel. He stands at the opening to the cave and walks forward taking in the surrounding area.

Rod & Historia (W/Eren)

"It sounds like the enemy's drawing near. This is it. We need to hurry." Rod says.

Historia nods. "Right." Eren screams again and Dirk starts moving around his hiding hole where he reaches the area where Abel and Floren are. The girls look to him and he covers his mouth with a finger to shush them as they watch. "What's the matter? Why are you glaring like that?" Historia asks,her eyes are locked on Eren, but it's clear the question isn't aimed at Eren.

"Because... he's realized what it is we have to do. The power his father stole for him must be returned to its rightful place. Historia. That place is with you."

"Huh?" Historia mutters as Eren continues to scream.

"The cavern we're in now was built around a century ago using the Titan power of our ancestor. The very same power was employed to build the three walls. And it's thanks to those enormous walls that humanity has survived. The voice of this "Founding Titan" reached out to touch the people's hearts... and altered their memories forever. Understand that although a few bloodlines were exempt, even their knowledge was lost over time. Today, humanity knows nothing of the world before the walls. The only exception is your sister, Frieda Reiss. Frieda possessed far more than the power to become a titan. She knew what this world was once like. And she knew what brought it to its current state. She was only 15 years old when she took the burden of that knowledge upon herself. It was eight years ago that she performed the ritual. In this very chapel, she ate her uncle- my younger brother. In doing so, Frieda inherited the Founding Titan and the memories of this world. As her uncle had before her. As our ancestors have for a hundred years."

"Does that mean...?" Historia mutters.

Rod sighs. "It's true. Had she survived, Frieda could've used her tremendous powers to eliminate humanity's woes with ease. In time, she could've wiped the titan scourge from the face of the world. But then his father came and stole that power away. Now, that power resides within Eren. But it's wasted with him. The founding titan's might can only be wielded by a member of our bloodline. As long as he remains the vessel for that power, this hell will never end."

"Then..."

"Hey, hey, hey, just a damn minute!" Kenny shouts, Dirk sighs pulling his hand back, he was just about to move out into the open.

"Kenny."

"Sounds like if you said anyone who isn't a Reiss eats Eren, they won't get the powers of the king." Kenny says angrily.

Rod nods. "Yes, that's right."

"So then, what? Even if I do turn into a titan and eat Eren it ain't gonna do me any good?!" Kenny shouts.

"What are you saying?" Rod asks before gasping in shock.

Kenny holds Rod in the air aiming a gun at him as the girls in hiding gasp in shock, Dirk only smiles.

Historia shouts at Kenny. "Let him go!"

"What the hell's gotten into you? Do you think I'm lying?"

"No, I don't. I waited a long time for this day because I knew if there was one thing you weren't lying about, it was the succession ritual. Damn. You prick. You knew what I was after this whole time. And you knew I didn't have a chance in hell of gettin' it. But'cha went ahead and used me, huh?!"

Rod speaks still afraid. "I'm very grateful. When my brother first brought you into his service, I thought it was just one of his foolish whims, but y-!"

"You keep on talkin' shit about Uri and you can kiss this half of your head goodbye!" Kenny aims the Anti-Personnel Gear at Rod's face.

"Stop it! Get away from my father!" She grabs his arm and holds onto it pulling away from Rod.

Kenny scoffs. "Come on. This is pitiful. Don't you get it yet, Historia? Your daddy doesn't give a damn! Dirk seems to have realized it! He brought you and your sisters here so he could turn you into monsters. And after that, he's gonna make you eat your buddy Eren and one of your sisters that girl Ymir."

Historia glares. "If that's my duty then that's what I'll do. My siblings are foolish to not listen to father."

"Yeah?" Kenny asks.

"Yeah. I've decided. I'll eat Eren and bring my sister back! I'll inherit the world history... and exterminate every last titan! If that's my duty, then... I'll do it!"

Dirk hearing this sighs and exits the hole he claps as everyone turns to him. "Historia, Historia, Historia... think about this. What the hell has that old bastard done for you. The only reason he picked you up is cause I said no. And my sisters agreed with me. He's too scared to turn himself into a titan. That's why uncle Uri did it, and that's why Frieda did it. That's the kind of man your dad is."

Rod continues struggling against Kenny, he speaks pained to Historia. "They're wrong, Historia. that isn't the truth. It's essential that I do not become a titan myself. You mustn't believe them. I'm the only man alive you can trust."

"What about your friend, your precious Ymir? Do you not trust her anymore?"

Kenny sighs releasing Rod. "Is that so?" Historia rushes over to Rod's side as Dirk shakes his head and motions for Abel and Floren to get up the stairs and hide behind Eren. He turns and walks away from his father also climbing the stairs.

"Kenny. You served me well up to this moment. You're free now. Go find another purpose for your life, and live out your years."

Kenny scoffs. "That'd bore me to death, so..." He walks up the stairs towards Eren as Dirk reaches the top and stands in front of Kenny with them behind him.

"Kenny. Just what are you planning to do?"

"If she wants to turn into a titan, well then that's her choice to make." Kenny grabs Eren and releases the gag in his mouth. "But I say the boy should get a fair shot. They can both turn titan and fight it out. If Historia wins, well, then you have your peace. But if Eren takes her down, the situation stays the same." He cuts Erens forehead before releasing his head letting the boy fall forward still chained up. "Go on livin' for the sake of drawing breath? That doesn't sound like any kind of life to me."

"Historia! Take this injection and you'll become a powerful Titan! If you can remember, it's not enough just to bite him anywhere. To take his powers you need to consume his spinal fluid!"

Kenny glances to the Reiss children. "Reckon we'd better step back."

Dirk leans against the wall behind Eren as Abel & Floren continue to hide next to him.

Abel shrinks in on herself into fetal position holding Dirk's leg. "Oh, God, not again."
"No, no, no, no." Floren murmurs holding her sister also behind Dirk.

"Go on you have to hurry!" Rod shouts stepping back.

"Eren, why? Why aren't you transforming? You're gonna fight back, aren't you? You can't just let me. Defend yourself!"

"Historia! This is your chance!"

Eren speaks through the blood and tears. "It didn't have to be like this."

"Huh?" Historia stares at Eren confused.

"All that death... could've been avoided. Five years ago, if dad hadn't done what he did... Your sister... she would've been able to do something to stop all this."

Dirk looks down. "Fucking idiot bought it all." He murmurs.

"But because my dad chose to steal your family's power from its rightful owner, countless people ended up getting killed. Armin's grandpa, Thomas, Nack, Milieus, Loren... Everyone on Levi Squad. The people of Stohess. The soldiers who came to save me. And Hannes... I can never atone for all of their pain. That never should've happened. Those days I spent on training... That stupid dream that I could see the world... and me, too. I shouldn't have happened. If nothing else, then at least... let it end at your hand. Take your power back, then use it to save humanity. (Sobbing) It's all.. up to you."

"Eren, I remember. When you said I was a normal girl, I was so happy."

She freezes as Rod walks up to her. 'What's wrong Historia? Are you scared? All you have to do is inject the liquid into your body"

"Wait. Father! For a hundred years we had the power, but we didn't use it. Why didn't our family do something? If we could control the titans, then why didn't we liberate humanity?"

Rod clarifies readying Historia's arm. "That's because the same king who built this world within the walls for humanity, wanted us to live in fear of the titans for all of time. The first king believed this to be the only path to lasting peace, but I can't tell you why. Because only those who've seen the world's memories can know! Many years ago, my brother and I pleaded with our father to free humanity from the titans. We asked him time & time again. However, he would not fulfil our wish. Eventually, the time came for one of us to succeed him. After my brother completed the ritual, when I looked into his eyes, I understood. My brother wasn't there. He had become something greater. An omniscient being, exempt from death, who built and ruled over the world we live in. Do you know what such a being is called? God. There is no other word aside from God. So now it's my sacred duty to bring God back into this world and then to offer up my prayers. I'm praying right now, Historia, for god to return and lead mankind once again." Historia after a moment of thought swats away Rod's hand breaking the vial onto the ground which causes Rod to scream and grab Historia. "What have you done?!"

Historia flips Rod over herself, Rod himself slamming across the floor screams in agony as his back breaks. "God my ass! If it's such an honor to become him, then why didn't you do it yourself? I'm done with your shit. And I'm not gonna let you murder me!" She grabs the bag and rises the stairs as Dirk walks forward with a single key that he uses to unlatch the chains at his waist.

Kenny laughs. 'That's the spirit! This is gettin' good!"

Eren looks at Historia. "The hell are you doing, Historia?!"

Historia scoffs messing with the shackles. "Setting you free."

"No, stop! You can't!"

"God, you're an idiot. Marcel was right." Dirk says.

"If you don't kill me, then everyone else'll keep suffering! Just eat me already, damn it! I can't live like this, so end it!"

Historia shouts at Eren while hitting him. "Shut up, dumbass! Stop your crying! I don't care! I don't care about killing all the titans! And I don't care about freeing mankind either! I'm starting to get sick of humanity! I say let 'em get wiped out by Titans! And if that makes me an enemy of humanity... so be it. I don't care if I'm the worst girl who's ever lived! You get the hell out of here. I'll deal with the rest."

Rod however as this is happening crawls over to the spilt liquid. "Father... Uri... and Frieda. I'm coming. Just wait." He licks the liquid and the moment he does his eyes glow yellow and the inside of his mouth also glows with it. He's covered by a glowing light that shoots out a supermassive spine that begins to form a large skeleton that may be larger than the colossal titan.

Chapter End.