Attack on Titan: A Blacksmith's Tale

Chapter 67: Fight for the Coordinate

Groggily, Eren's eyes slowly opened upon feeling his arms stretching in opposite directions. He tried to pull back on instinct, but all he accomplished was a piece of metal pressing into his wrist. Not even his fingers could flex as they seemed glued into fists. His vision finally cleared up enough for him to realize he was in the worst predicament he had ever been in, and he was eaten by a Titan months ago!

Two sets of chains were wrapped around his waist, forcing him into a kneeling position. Bandages covered his hands so tight that he felt the blood cut off from his appendages. Clasped to his wrists were two more chains that stretched his arms out uncomfortably. He attempted to scream, though he could only make muffled sounds. A mouth guard used for aggressive dogs prevented him from opening his mouth and separated his tongue from his teeth. Adding further to this humiliation was the fact not only his shoes were missing, but his shirt. The intent was as clear as day: someone didn't want him transforming.

While he continued to struggle against the metallic bonds, he took in his surroundings. Blue crystals surrounded him at every turn, giving off a natural glow that lit up the place. It looked eerily similar to Annie's hardening ability, and yet, it all seemed so natural. Pillars about twice the size of his Titan held up the ceiling, so if he was able to get out, he wouldn't accidentally bury himself in a cave-in. What really perplexed him was the segment he was chained to. It was high above the floor and protruding towards the middle of the area. He should've guessed that he would be on the altar.

Wait... how did I know that? Eren froze his movements. The more he thought about this place, the more it seemed familiar somehow. That couldn't be right. He had never been here before.

"Hey, you're awake."

Eren flinched, his eyes darting to the floor. Garbed in a white robe was none other than Historia. At least she was alright, but why wasn't she making any moves to help him? He grunted in frustration, hoping she would get the message.

"Eren, calm down," she pleaded. "It's going to be okay."

I'll be more okay when you get me out of here! He thought to himself. If only he had Dillon's powers.

She continued to speak as if nothing was wrong. "There's something you need to know: my father is not the enemy. He's an ally of humanity. He always has been."

"Bur-hit!" At last, Eren could communicate somewhat. Did he wake up in another world? That could be the only explanation as to why Historia was defending the man who betrayed her when she was a child.

Judging by her offended expression, he definitely touched a nerve. "Will you stop throwing a temper tantrum already? There is so much you don't understand, things that even Annie could not know."

Footsteps echoed in the cavern as a middle-aged man arrived. He wore some sort of fancy, black suit that only a nobleman could afford wearing. Even from his vantage point, he could see the calculating expression on the man's face. This was Rod Reiss, Historia's bastard of a father. And yet, he was able to recall an earlier memory of the man embracing her while apologizing profusely. None of this was adding up.

"You can't blame Eren for his lack of understanding, Historia," Rod chided. "He has yet to understand the truth." He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Come with me."

On instinct, she stiffened at the sudden contact. Considering the abuse she suffered from her mother, it was unsurprising. Nevertheless, she allowed her father to lead her in an attempt to show trust again.

Eren's eyes followed the duo as they travelled up the slope leading to his position. What was the old man up to?

"You haven't been here before, but I have a feeling you remember this place, Eren," Rod said. "While you carry the Coordinate, you don't have full access to its abilities. Only those of the Royal Blood can."