Attack on Titan: A Blacksmith's Tale

Chapter 73: The King is Dead

Historia felt like she had been awake for days. Nothing would have made her happier than to sleep all the troubles away, let someone else deal with her Titan father. Unfortunately, that wasn't an option for her, not with the fate of the country at stake. What helped keep her awake was the massive Titan dragging its body across the ground in the distance. It was unlike any Titan she had seen before. Thin arms and legs that prevented the thing from being able to stand up, a body about twice the size of the Colossal Titan, and it was so hot that trees were being set on fire.

The mere existence of this Titan warranted its death, and yet, Historia couldn't find it in herself to grieve for him. Sure, she pitied the pathetic creature he had become, even before he transformed, but whatever she felt towards him was a desperate attempt to cling onto the past. People like Rod, Frieda, Ymir, she had to move on and let them go.

Her eyes eventually locked onto the Shifter lying on the wagon floor. She had been going in and out of unconsciousness for the past hour and for good reason. That stunt Annie pulled was so taxing on her body that the marks on her face weren't healed yet. It was still tough to process, that this person who threatened to kill her a while back risked her life to ensure her survival. Whether she liked it or not, Historia owed her life to her.

"Quit staring," Annie finally muttered, managing a deadpan tone. "It's creepy."

Historia found herself rolling her eyes at that, but instead of shooting back with a sarcastic remark, she said, "You could have run away back there, but you saved our lives. Why?"

The Shifter heaved a sigh filled with annoyance, closing her eyes. "I already gave a speech about it. Not my fault you weren't listening." One eye popped open. "Let me guess: you think I'm working some sort of angle."

"No. It just doesn't seem like you," she explained. "I'm trying to understand who you are now."

"The same as always." She didn't even hesitate to answer. "A bitch with a conscience. You're just lucky that I've been listening to it lately."

"There's no need to sell yourself short," Armin interrupted as he drove the carriage in the direction of the massive Titan. "Every single one of us is alive because of you, Annie. That's not gonna be forgotten any time soon."

An amused smirk creased Annie's features. "Aren't you the one who always needs the 'don't sell yourself short' speech?"

Despite the fact that they were going to be heading into battle soon, he couldn't help but smile in response. "Maybe next time."

The only one who didn't join in the conversation was Eren. He had been oddly quiet ever since they escaped the now-destroyed Reiss Chapel. Armin couldn't get him to open up, so the blond decided to wait until things settled down before trying to figure out what was wrong. Historia, however, knew he was dwelling on the things he learned from her father. The truth was finally out there, and he had no idea how to process it. It was clear that the Eren that was bound in the crystal caves was dying a slow death. Whatever came alive after that? There was no way for any of them to know.

The convoy they were a part of came to halt when a group of Scouts on horseback approached them. Armin felt a wave of relief course through him when the leader of these soldiers turned out to be Commander Erwin. It felt like it had been years since he had seen him. Aside from the bruises on his face, he still carried the determined look that was present in his eyes

"Erwin," Hanji greeted happily, riding her horse over to him. "So, did you break out or did they let you out for good behavior?"

"It's a long story that will have to wait for the moment, but I can tell you all that we are no longer hunted by the Military Police," Erwin assured.