›–––––––‹
›–––––––‹
Before Kenny was found, Levi was searching in the now ruined crystal cavern, shotgun clutched as he glanced around his surroundings, noticing a crushed body under a dismantled boulder with a pool of blood, and continued walking off, unfazed. Louis walked over to him, but Levi raised a hand and covered Louis's eyes.
[Louis]: Levi, what are you doing?..-He asks confused as he takes Levi's hand away from his eyes-
[Levi]: Remember, who is the sensitive one here?..-He says, looking at him- And I don't want you to see these things either, I don't understand why you wanted to accompany me..
[Louis]: Because I wanted to be with you..-He says, looking away. Levi looked at him with his mouth open but a soldier was heard in the distance calling them-
[Soldier]: Captain Levi!...
[Levi]: Huh?..-He turns around, brows furrowed at the panting soldier, and spoke in a questionable tone- What? Your face looks like it's leaking shit..
After gaining his breath, the soldier exclaimed.
[Soldier]: We've found Kenny Ackermann!...
With that information, Levi and Louis look at each other wide-eyed before the soldier begins to lead them towards Kenny.
While they were on their way to him, Kenny, near the brink of death, rests against a tree, staring at the green grass as his life flashes before his eyes.
›–––––––‹
Many years earlier, Kenny, was fearfully flailing his pocket knife around in the middle of a field when suddenly, a Titan's hand comes in and grass ahold of him and raises him high. His hat falls as the Titan's hand tightens its hold on Kenny, making him strain.
[Kenny]: Never imagined there was someone stronger than me in the world..-Kenny thought, peering down at the source- So this is a Titan... To think they really existed... What's more, within the walls...
The man had short, light gray hair, hair, and bright purple eyes were glaring right up at Kenny. Half of the Titan's body was gone while the torso, arm, and neck showed bones and muscle while the head remained to have skin but no hair.
He continued his thought until he heard the sound of a gun cocking, making him look over to see a younger version of Rod Reiss aiming the weapon right up at him.
[Rod Reiss]: Uri! Hold him right there!..
[Uri]: Rod, wait. Don't shoot...-Kenny turns his glare back at Uri, who continues speaking- Whoever it was who told him about us is likely part of the council. We must discover who's responsible..
[Rod Reiss]: In that case, use your power and make the assassin talk!..
[Uri]: That's something I cannot do..-Uri says, still staring at Kenny- If I had to guess, this man is a descendant of the Ackermann family. In which case...-His purple eyes continued to shine brightly-...his reasons for raising a blade are within the man himself...
Hearing that sentence made him tense up and quickly looked over at his blade, flipped it to the sharp tip, and launch the knife straight at Uri. The man quickly hols his left arm up, the blade piercing through his skin and mere inches away from his neck as Rod shoots his head over with wide eyes.
[Rod]: Uri!..-Rod's jaw clenches as he turns back to Kenny and glares hard- If you won't do it, I'll kill him!..
Having nothing left to do, Kenny's face falls as he starts to panic and begs.
[Kenny]: Argh, shit! Forgive me, will ya?! You're the true King, ain'tcha?! Get yer hands off me! I gotta escape! Lemme go and gimme another chance! I'll do it right next time and attack while you sleep! You gotta admit stuffing your skill with shit is such a nice idea! I was gonna pack you so full of shit, it'd blow a new hole in your ass! It's not my fault! I can't control my creativity!...
Up against such overwhelming might, I was powerless. After all, he literally could've crushed me to death. Violence was all that I had, but even that had failed me. Now that I think about it, my family's grudge never meant much to me.
After much screaming, Kenny was placed back on the ground gently, leaving both him and Rod confused at Uri's actions. Rod's jaw drops as he shouts.
[Rod]: You're crazy!..
Kenny then stumbles around, making Rod tense up and aim his gun at him, but to only watch Kenny fall and start wincing in pain.
[Kenny]: M-My legs!..
Rod furrows his brow until he heard the sound of the muscle is removed. He turns his head to see Uri getting up from his Titan form and make his way to Kenny.
[Rod Reiss]: H-Hey, Uri! What was that for?! He's an Ackermann! You can't erase his memory!..-He shouts while Uri holds his injured arm and continues approaching Kenny- We've gotta kill him!..
Seeing him close, Kenny glares and quickly whips out a gun hiding within his coat, making Uri stop in his tracks, unfazed. The two stare at each other, Kenny's hand slowly starting to shake until Uri suddenly sat on his knees, leaving Ackermann even more confused.
[Uri]: Considering how the Ackermanns have been persecuted in our name..-Uri said as a frown was plastered on his face- your hatred is justified..-Tears well up in his eyes, which were now light blue- However... I'm afraid I cannot die right now..-He bows as Kenny watches with furrowed brows- Please, forgive me..
Rod lowers his gun, his softening as he stared at his younger brother.
[Uri]: Even within such tiny walls, to be unable to build paradise... I'm a fool...-Sweat trickled down the Ackermann's face as his eyes followed over to the pierced blade-
For a King that held so much power to bow down to trash like me... His Titan alone shocked me plenty, but him doing that rattled something inside me like nothing ever before.
Kenny's tensed form slowly calm downed as he lowered the gun.
I said right there I wanted to help him... and Uri nodded. At the very next council, missing was the one who tipped me off to the Reiss, and in his place was the Reiss' new dog, legs stretched up on the table.
In a room, Kenny's hat covered his eyes and his feet were on the table while a regiment leader, two men, and a younger version of Pastor Nick were there as well.
That was my new line of work. It was a bit pathetic for me, but it ended the Ackermann's persecution. Though walking around in broad daylight was... something I wouldn't risk. But I had fewer enemies..
Kenny was now in a place called the Underground, looking around the cavern with bright lights emitting everywhere. He glances around before making his way to a brothel. Entering, some prostitutes were talking flirtatiously to their clients or just hanging around.
He makes his way to the front desk and asks the name behind the counter a certain name. The man looks at him, grabs one of his books, opens it, and skims through.
[...]: Kuchel... Ah..-He flips a page- if you mean Olympia..-He chuckles- She's been sick for so long now, she hasn't sold in ages..
After that, the man hands him the key to her room, directs the location, and off he went. Walking around, he finally finds the door, unlocks it, and opens it to reveal it was rather dark inside. On a bed laid a lady what presumed to be Kuchel. Getting a better look, Kuchel's cheekbones were showing and her skin was decaying. Kenny pursed his lips together.
[Kenny]: Hey, hey hey, hey. Damn, you've lost a ton of weight last time, Kuchel...-He frowns, staring at his sister until a small raspy voice spoke-
[??]: She's dead...
[Kenny]: Huh?..-Turning to his left, he saw a small, unhealthy, skinny boy with black hair and dark eyes. His head was resting against his knees and slightly looked up. The boy looked like he was on the brink of death- And you? Are you alive?....Hey, hey, gimme a break. You hear me, don'tcha?..-He asked again, but again, no answer- Gotta name?..
[Levi]: ...Levi. Just Levi..-The boy, finally answered and watch Kenny drop the bag he was holding, leaned against the wall, and slowly started sliding down-
[Kenny]: I get it, Kuchel... That's true..-He mutters- Not worth using your name..-He then slides down to the floor, Levi still watching intently- I'm Kenny. Just Kenny. I used to know Kuchel. Nice to meetcha...
An unfriendly brat on the brink of death... is all Kuchel left behind. I wasn't so heartless that I'd let the runt die, but... I wasn't steppin' in as a parent, either. There wasn't much I could teach 'em, but... First was how to grip a knife.
How to get along with people... and how to say hello. How to swing a deal... and how to swing a knife. Basically, all one needs to know to survive in the Underground. If he wanted to go above ground, it was up to him. But, when that time came, he had to do it himself.
[Uri]: Let us pray... For true world peace...-In a dark church, Uri, Rod, and other church members had gathered around and all prayed-
Kenny, who was watching from above and wearing one of the church uniforms, was speaking to a man name Sannes when he suddenly mentioned the Interior Police, making Kenny raise a brow.
[Kenny]: Interior Police? Ah, so that's who you're with? Sorry about killing so many of your pals..-But Sannes just smiles-
[Sannes]: But look at you now. The King has made you obedient. His glory is boundless...-Kenny eyed him for a bit-
[Sannes]: But look at you now. The King has made you obedient. His glory is boundless...-Kenny eyed him for a bit-
[Kenny]: Say, Sannes... Sound like you revere the King like crazy...
[Sannes]: That's why I'm able to do any job asked for me..-The man answers, now turning over to look at Kenny- Are you any different? Why do you abide the King?..
Kenny's eyebrows creased as he glanced down at the ground.
[Kenny]: I... Who knows? Probably 'cuz he's the strongest around...-Then he looks back at the praying group- Yeah...
›–––––––‹
In our world, the one on top is the one who can show they're the strongest. Power is all you need. At least, it'll mean you don't go out like my sister did.
In the Underground within a crowd, Kenny watches Levi, now about around his tween or early teen years, kick the crap out of an old man with his knife bloodied. His nose was bloodied as he grabs the man by the collar of his shirt and starts yelling at him.
The crowd was cheering on or smirking at the scene while Kenny adjusts his hat, turns away, and walks off as Levi drops the beaten man on the floor and watches him leave.
As Kenny walked, he looked to the side and saw a boy next to a house as he looked towards the fight. He approached the boy and handed him a piece of bread. The boy looked at him confused.
[??]: Thank you, sir..-The boy thanked him with a smile-
[Kenny]: You're welcome, boy..-He said before leaving the place-
[Louis]: My name is Louis ..- He said to himself, he turned to look at the fight. He saw a boy who was on top of a man-
›–––––––‹
[Uri]: I don't have long left...-Uri said, sitting on a log and staring at a blue lake with Kenny beside him-
Over the short years, Uri had started to age faster than the normal aging process. Kenny couldn't help but chuckle at the sentence.
[Kenny]: Anyone could tell at a glance. Funny how you're a monster, yet age and disease do you in. You disappoint me..-Uri frowns-
[Uri]: It's not that. The power will be passed down to Rod's children...But I should live on inside of their memories..
[Kenny]: What's that mean? You can pass down that power?..-Uri just forms a ghost of a smile, watching the ducks swim in a pack before speaking once more-
[Uri]: Kenny... In the not too distant future, this world will crumble..-His smile disappears as quick as smoke- And in humanity's fading twilight... I wish to build paradise. You believe in violence, do you not? It's the unavoidable truth of our world. Though... When we were at each other's throats, what was it that made us friends? Was it violence?..
Kenny stares down at him, shrugs then look back at the foggy lake.
[Kenny]: No idea. But If you hadn't squeezed me in that stupidly big hand of yours... I'd have stuffed your skull full of shit for sure. Before we became 'friends', you know?..
[Uri]: Yeah... It's the unavoidable truth...-The small smile was back on Uri's face. He elt's out a silent sight and closes his eyes- Even so, I... I believe in the miracle that happened back then..-He opens them and stares back at the water as the wind starts to pick up- In the end, I never saw eye to eye with him on that..
Not long after that, it was time for Uri to pass his Titan powers to the next, which was Frieda Reiss, the oldest daughter in the Reiss family. She soon took over the church, becoming the replacement for Uri. Kenny watched within the crowd, looking up at the girl.
The thing that caught his eyes was the purple light within her blue eyes.
Just like he said, the monster was passed on. One look in her eyes, and I knew he was in there. Rod's daughter preached to anyone who would listen about love, peace, and all that, just like he used to. How'd you find the time to talk about such useless shit? Is it because you're so powerful, you have that luxury? If somebody obtains that power, would they be the same way, too?
For example... even me?
›–––––––‹
Kenny walked into one of the Military Police's bases, his once tan jacket and hat was now black as he eyed the group of soldiers before stopping in front of them all and introduced himself.
[Kenny]: I'm Kenny Ackermann. If you like dumb names, I'm known as Kenny the Ripper, too. I've slit so many military police throats like yours that I'm bored of it, but... Well, a lot happened and... it seems I'll be captain of this new Anti-Personnel Control Squad. Nice to meetcha...
But when he looks up, he noticed everyone had a bored or depressed like expression, making him wonder what was going on, well, for a split second until he scoffed.
[Kenny]: Yeah, it don't make much sense. I'm sure you're all pissed off that a crazed killer not from the military is your boss..
[??]: Doesn't matter to me..-A woman's voice interjected. Kenny turns his attention to a blonde-haired woman, which turned out to be Caven- Two years since the wall fell, and people have given up fighting Titans, squabbling over the land we left instead. That's what we're here for, right? We followed the rules, climbed the ranks of the military, and here we are..-She finally looks over at him- Doesn't matter to me. It's all pointless anyways..
Kenny stared at her for a moment until a big grin was on his face as he began approaching her. He let's out a loud chuckle, making Caven and the others around her have their eyes widened.
[Kenny]: Don't you worry!..-He said, getting close to Caven- This squad to counter the Scouts ain't even legit! It's nothin' more than a guise I thought up..
The others watch with sweat rolling down their faces as the Ackermann continues his talk.
[Kenny]: Just to make those shits on the council nod their heads. Then why are we here?! Well, I'll tell you why!..-He backs away and his grin drops- It's all for a grand dream!..
Power rivaling a god... All who get their hands on that power somehow become compassionate. Would it be the same for a shit like me? I gotta know. What does it feel like? From their point of view, what do they actually see? Could trash like me... see the world the same way you saw it?
Well, Uri?
›–––––––‹
Opening his eyes from recollecting those memories, he looks up to see Levi, Louis and the soldier stare down at him.
[Louis]: Levi..-He calls out to him, Levi turns to him silently- I'll be looking around, okay?..-Levi nodded silently as Louis went the other way, leaving Levi and Kenny alone-
Kenny followed Louis with his eyes until he was out of sight. Levi studies the injured features on the man.
[Levi]: With those burns and that blood loss... there's no helping you now...-He states, making the injured man smirk-
[Kenny]: Yeah? I wonder...-Kenny then opens a small box to reveal a syringe with the Titan serum in it, making Levi widen his eyes. Kenny pulled out another syringe that contained blood- I swiped this little one right out of Rod's bag..Seems if I inject this.. I'll turn into a Titan. One of those dumb Titans... unfortunately. For a while... it should extend my... life..
Levi returned back to his normal expression, a hint of small sadness in his eyes as he just stared at Kenny.
[Levi]: You've had the time and strength to inject yourself. Why haven't you?..
[Kenny]: Yeah... I wonder... if I don't inject it right... I might end up like he did... all messed up..-He answered. The raven-haired eyes slightly narrowed-
[Levi]: I know you're not sitting here waiting to die. Don't you have a better excuse?..-Kenny tried to nod-
[Kenny]: I... don't wanna die... and wanted power. But... I see...-Recollects back at the time where Uri was bowing for forgiveness- I think I understand why he did it, after all this time...
[Levi]: Huh?..
But Kenny just began to laugh with a sad smile as he went through memory lane.
[Kenny]: Everybody I've met... was all the same. Drinking... Women... Worshiping God, even... Family... The King... Dreams... Children... Power... Everyone had to be drunk on somethin' to keep pushing on..-He looks down at the grass- Everyone...was a slave to something. Even him...-Suddenly, he started coughing hard until some blood was spat out-
Kenny glanced up at the man he used to raise.
[Kenny]: A-And what are you? A hero?!..
But Levi just drops his gun and grabs both of the dying man's shoulder, jerking him up to have him look at him.
[Levi]: Kenny. Tell me everything you know! Why doesn't the First King want humanity to survive?!..
[Kenny]: ..Beats me... But... we Ackermanns... opposed him... for that reason...
The sentence caught Levi off guard a bit while Kenny continued coughing up blood, some of it splattering right onto Levi's face. The raven-haired, though, went back to questioning the man.
[Levi]: My last name seems to be Ackermann, too. You... What were you to my mother?..-Kenny formed a small smile with a laugh-
[Kenny]: Heh, you idiot... Just her brother..
He continued coughing viciously while Levi was processing this new information.
[Levi]: That day... why? Why did you leave me?..-He stared intently at him, waiting for an answer as the air was filled with silence. A small wind started flowing as the grass and small daises swayed a bit-
[Kenny]: Because..... I'm not meant to be... someone's father...-He closes the small boxes and shoves it against Levi's chest, leaving him with widened eyes as he stared at it. He gently grabs it, his face returning normal until they return to Kenny-
[Levi]: Kenny...
[Kenny]: You don't remember him, do you?...-He asks suddenly, making Levi look at him confused-
[Levi]: What do you mean?...
[Kenny]: That time, before I disappeared from that place. I found a boy who was watching a fight that you did...- Levi didn't say anything, he just looked at Kenny in silence- I helped him because he was hungry...
Levi gasps quietly, looking at Louis.
[Levi]: Huh?...
~~~~~🕊🕊~~~~~
Levi turns to see Kenny walking away without looking back, he lowers his head with a sigh. As Kenny walked by, a boy hiding behind a wall caught his attention, the boy looking towards the just finished fight.
He raised an eyebrow before starting to walk towards him. The boy, seeing Kenny approaching, moved away a little nervously and fearfully.
[??]: Huh?...-He looked at him-
[Kenny]: What are you doing hiding behind that wall?...- He asked him, the boy just looked at the fight without answering- Mmm..
[??]: My father told me that it was not good to fight...-He said, looking at him with some sadness-
[Kenny]: If your father thinks that way very soon he will be dead...
[??]: Do you think he's okay? ..-The boy pointed to Levi, Kenny turned his head while letting out a sigh. As Kenny was about to speak, a growl from the boy's stomach caught his attention. He searched his pockets until he found a loaf of bread, before bringing it closer to the boy-
[Kenny]: Take it, I know you're hungry...
[??]: Thank you, sir...-He smiled at him as he grabbed the loaf of bread-
Kenny gave him a small smile, patting the boy's head before starting to walk away from the spot.
[Louis]: My name is Louis..-He murmured, watching Kenny go slowly. He pursed his lips as he turned and looked at Levi-
Louis looked at him before starting to walk towards him, the people around him began to walk away too.
[Louis]: Huh... Hey...-He called him, Levi went with a frown as he wiped the blood from his nose-
[Levi]: What do you want, loser? ..-He gets up, with a threatening look, Louis shrugs his shoulders with some nerves at Levi's look-
[Louis]: I...huh, I wanted to share some of my bread with you...-He gave a small smile, Levi looked at the bread in Louis's hands- Huh. My name is Louis, and you?...
[Levi]: I... My name is Levi...
[Louis]: Oh, our names are very similar...-He let out a laugh as he breaks the loaf of bread into two parts. He extends it to Levi, who looks at it in silence- Take it, I know you're hungry...
[Levi]: Thank you...-He thanks him before starting to eat with Louis-
Suddenly, Levi feels a current in his body as he sensed danger from Louis. His eyes widen as a man was about to attack him, Levi quickly pushed him away from danger.
[Levi]: Let's go!...
Levi and Louis started to run away from the men, Louis watched as the two were holding hands, a small blush appeared on his face.
~~~~~🕊🕊~~~~~
[Kenny]: It seems that you already remember it...-Kenny looked at him with a smile, Levi kept thinking while looking at a fixed point-
[Levi]: I already knew him...-He murmured-
[Kenny]: Remember this, Levi... We are all slaves to something, even in the feeling called love...
Levi glanced over his shoulder at Louis, memories rushing through his head. When she looked back at Kenny, he was no longer breathing.
[Levi]: Kenny...
Kenny Ackermann was dead.
[Louis]: Levi...-Louis approached him, Levi got up slowly before turning to the boy- Levi, what happened?...
[Levi]: Louis, you knew...-He murmured, Louis opened his mouth- Because I couldn't recognize you before. You were the boy who helped me, who was by my side...- He looked at him, Louis was silent-
[Louis]: Levi... I...
[Levi]: I don't understand, why did you leave me alone?...
[Louis]: Levi... I was kidnapped as a child. My father was killed right in front of me...-He began to speak, making Levi remain silent- They kept me in the underground city, but I had the time to escape...
[Levi]: Leaving me...
[Louis]: I'm sorry, Levi...-He took small steps towards Levi, who looked at him in silence- I didn't want to leave you alone, you were the only good thing I had in that horrible place. But, I had to find my brother...
[Levi]: Your brother?...
[Louis]: My brother...-He gave him a small smile- Erwin Smith...-Levi opened his eyes while panting- My full name is Louis Smith....
›–––––––‹
Historia was soon pronounced Queen the next day. The Regiment leaders and the military soldiers were there as well. Citizens were gathered at Mitras to watch their new Queen get crowned and once they saw the crown placed on her head by Zackly, the crowd burst into cheers, clapping, and smiling.
Marlo and Hitch stare up at Historia while within the crowd, Hanji, with her arm on a cast, smiles up at the young blonde while beside her were the two journalists and Flegal, who shouts happily.
[Flegal]: She's our true ruler of the walls!..
TheRegiment leaders all bow down to her. Erwin forms a smile while the crowd cheers Historia's name.
[Historia]: Let me deal the killing blow to the Titan. That way, we can unite the walls as one and stabilize the situation!..
[Y/n]: I'm not interested, but I'll be the one to strike the final blow. I'm not interested ... what they say later ...
[Erwin]: To think she actually dealt the killing blow...-He thinks to himself, thinking of (Y/n) as Historia faces the crowd and salutes-
After the ceremony was over, Historia had returned to the group as they walked beside her, eyes widened at the sudden idea she was suggested.
[Eren]: Hold on... You're seriously doing it, Historia?..-Eren mumbled as the blonde nodded with determination-
[Historia]: Yeah, I am..
[Eren]: Mikasa was just joking about it! Right, Mikasa?..-Eren shrieks, turning to Mikasa-
[Mikasa]: After you smack him, tell him this... I dare you to hit me back..-She just says, making Eren's face contort-
[Eren]: Damn you...!..-He mumbles as the whole group began to nervously sweat, even Historia was growing a bit nervous- If it's not a real grudge, just forget it..-He quickly says, but Historia just pursed her lips and turned to him-
[Historia]: If I can't do this, how can I call myself Queen?...-Jean smirks at the sentence-
[Jean]: Hell yeah, Historia. That's the spirit!...
She glances over at him until the group suddenly stop and see Levi leaning against the capital's wall. He makes stands up straight and walks over to the group as they remain silent. Historia starts to contemplate this suggestion as the others stare at her. Finally, she let's out a determined yell, rushed up to Levi, and punches him right on his arm.
Levi just stares down at her while the whole group, except for Mikasa and Louis, who was smiling, all shrieked in horror. They stare at her with wide eyes, glancing back at the captain and the Queen as Historia let's out a laugh.
[Historia]: How'd you like that?! I'm the Queen! If you got a problem--
Levi Ackermann chuckles.
The group's level of freaking out skyrocketed, thinking Historia broke him or something. He then smiles.
[Levi]: Thank you.. all of you...
[Louis]: Levi ... he smiled ...-Louis said with a mocking tone, Levi looked at him silently-
›–––––––‹
Somewhere off, the Armored Titan's steaming body laid flat on the destroyed Shiganshia District. Bertolt was rushing his way over to Reiner's defeated self, yelling his name before quickly making his way towards the nape to help him out.
Once it was sliced open, Bertolt aids Reiner out, some of the muscles were still attached to him. While helping, loud footsteps shook the ground, making Bertolt look up to see the Beat Titan crouched down and staring down at them.
[??]: I won..-His voice boomed- Saving Annie can come later..
Bertolt tried his best to send the most intimidating glare up at him.
[??]: Retrieving the Coordinate is our priority, as it should be..-The man then pulls himself out of his Titan form, which slowly stirs Reiner awake. The same blonde man with glasses stares down at them- If we just wait here, it'll come to us..
He pulls out a handkerchief and goes to wipe the lens. He puts them back on, stares at the ruined District, and lets out a sigh.
›–––––––‹
Preview
They thought themselves special...
When a certain man imparts old tales, Eren learns the past of his father, Grisha.
Next episode: "Bystander"