Attack on Titan: A Blacksmith's Tale

Chapter 69: Choices

Historia found herself pacing back and forth, unable to stand still while she waited for her father to return. She was overwhelmed by everything she had learned. The existence and death of a family she never knew, the truth behind Eren's powers, and her sister. Frieda taught her how to be a kind lady in this dark world. She owed so much to her, but Grisha made it so they would never see each other again. It was like her existence was a cruel, sick joke. Every time hope came around in her view, it was snuffed out. Frieda, her mother (in spite of the horrible things she did), Ymir...

Her eyes drifted up towards Eren. His eyes were red from sobbing so hard earlier. She didn't blame him for any of this. He was just as much of a victim as the Reiss family was, forced into a circumstance he didn't ask for. Unfortunately, there were no words of comfort she could think of that would help him. Krista would probably have the right thing to say, but she was long gone now. No more than a distant memory.

Footsteps called for her attention as Rod returned with a sizable bag in his hands. Once he was close to Historia, he placed it on the ground. "Historia, I know that you have many questions, and I promise I will answer them." With a grunt, he reached into the bag and pulled out a small, black case. "Unfortunately, time is not on our side right now. We must hurry."

Her eyes widened upon seeing the contents of the case. They were the components of a medical syringe used for injection or removal of fluids. The bottle containing golden fluid made it abundantly clear on how it would be used in this instance. "Is... is that-?"

A muffled scream made her yelp as Eren struggled against his chains once more. His eyes, wide and fearful, were locked on the serum.

Rod ignored him and answered his daughter. "Yes. This contains the spinal fluid of a Titan Shifter. Injecting someone in the arm will turn that person into the same kind of Titan you see wandering in Wall Maria's territory. The only way to return to human form is to eat another Titan Shifter."

The pieces were starting to come together in Historia's mind, and a sinking feeling developed in her gut. "That's why those Titans eat every human in sight."

He nodded in confirmation as he filled up the syringe. "It is the only instinct they have, the only thing that drives them. But do not worry, Historia. For you, that will only be temporary."

"F-For me?"

"You can take back our Holy Inheritance once and for all."

Historia was at a complete loss for words. Becoming a Titan Shifter and... eating Eren... the thought horrified her. Despite how much her legs were shaking, she managed to take a couple of steps back from her father. "No. No, I can't do this."

"You have to, Historia," Rod stated, walking towards her. "The Titan must be returned to the family at all-."

"Then you do it!" The rate of her breathing quickened. "You know how this whole thing works better than I do."

"I can't!" There was so much bitterness in those two words that it caused them to stop their movements. Rod clenched the syringe in his hand, though it did not break. "I'm... not allowed to be. My father and brother, the ones that came before Frieda, made it clear what my role was to be: a submissive advisor to their will. Nothing more."

Historia managed to stare at her father in his eyes, feeling sympathy for him. However, it did little to ease her strife. "You're asking me to kill my friend," she whispered.

"I know." With his free hand, he laid it gently on her shoulder. "You will carry that weight with you for the rest of your life, but because of your heritage, you will have the power to end the Titan threat once and for all. You can save humanity, and... you will be able to see Frieda again."