*
Rays of light streams through the large curtains, that displayed with a royal blue shade blocking the outside world. My eyes visibly stare hazily in the pile of sheets in view, trying to figure where I am for a moment. The slightest movement I made, a hiss seethes through my teeth while my hands gather some leverage to push my shaky arms up.
Hair messily covers my eyes while clenching my teeth, as I gather support before gripping my wounded arm.
"Shit........"
Running my fingers through my locks with a heavy sigh, I gaze around only to find the right side of the bed vacant feeling my shirt slip to one side. The cold hits my exposed shoulder, as I couldn't care.
That's right, we're in a castle under Historia's supervision and command.
I've never slept this well before, but now I feel absolutely groggy......
The door creaks open before shutting, hearing his footsteps trailing towards me within moments. The silence was enough, when warm hands snake around my waist from behind me, as warm lips press soothingly against my exposed flesh.
"Morning," his voice warmly greets me, before trailing butterfly kisses up along my neck to my jawline. Every spot he presses tenderly, my heart flutters in response to his touch. He presses a lingering kiss beneath my ear, while I hum tiredly in response.
"Morning......" I drawl out, tiredly.
My eyes flutter shut for a moment while he kisses my cheek softly, before fixing my hair while caressing my skin with care.
"Slept well?" he muses softly, feeling the mattress drip beside me.
Rubbing my eyes I couldn't help but chuckle, "Well....it was somewhat decent, I guess,"
Truth was, I woke several times after having the same continuous nightmare repeatedly haunting me.
Shaking my head, "Anyway, today is Historia's ceremony," changing the topic quickly, not wanting to dwell on it. My Uncle is dead, so I don't have to worry about him anymore. Shuffling to the side of the bed, I stood up too quickly as I felt everything spin for a moment.
A hand presses flatly against my lower back, while the other took my wrist.
"Easy........you're still recovering," He hisses, his silver blue eyes grew with concern while I tried to maintain focus. "Seriously, don't push yourself....dumbass."
Pouting with a huff, I try standing up again before finally heading to the ensuite.
"They brought our uniforms in, they're ironed too," He informs, following behind. He only wore a loose grey shirt, and black jeans which means he wasn't ready himself yet.
"Thanks," I hum softly, walking into the bathroom. Pausing for a moment, I glance back hesitantly, "Um....."
Wanting to take a quick bath, I didn't want to get my bandages wet and I felt awful even asking him. He's already done enough for me, but I still needed some help as the bullet wound kept throbbing, till my fingertips became numb.
He seems to notice but without another word, I shook my head.
"Nevermind,"
After a few minutes struggling to peel off my bandages, I ran the bath warm enough to soothe my aching muscles. The water felt relaxing, but I knew there wasn't much time till the ceremony began. Quietly the sound of droplets ripple upon the bubbled water, as the steam visibly snakes into the air.
Inhaling slowly I felt my mind grow more clearer, as the morning grogginess begins to leave me.
I wonder how Historia is? She must be clearly nervous, to take on such a big role as the Wall's Queen.
My eyes trail around the bathroom finding it quite large, as the walls were definitely tiled like ours as it should be, except without the details in the tiles. It felt all too fancy for me, and I definitely felt rather unfamiliar with this kind of hospitality from royals. Tiles on the floor weren't as slippery, with delicate patterns tracing around each tile with precision.
The vanity was a caved in as an arch, the bench and sink in level with the wall inside with lamps on either side to give some light.
It sure was out of my comfort zone, but I'll try and enjoy it while I can....
After a while sitting in the warmth of the bath, my skin was definitely a lot smoother like silk. My skin was previously rough, and calloused palms and fingers. I felt much lighter and energised for the day to come, and my mind was clearer. Dressing myself into my uniform, I tuck my button shirt beneath the waist of my pants.
~Knock~Knock~
"You don't need to be so formal!" I chuckle softly.
Hearing the ensuite door open, I adjust the collar of my shirt before grabbing my forest green overcoat, and thread my arms through the sleeves. Carefully my shoulder throbs, when hands carefully helped slip my arm through.
"How is your arm?" he asks deeply, his tone shifting lower while straightening the collar around my shoulders to my collarbone.
His eyes drifting across the button, before covering up my chest.
"It's fine," assuring him, with a smile curls upon my lips. "Seriously, these feel so constrictive..."
My fingers drift to the collar, hating how covered I was completely.
"Well, it's better than others being interested," he mutters, under his breath. Not hearing what he said, I hum with a questioning look. "Tch.....nothing, don't worry about it."
Eyeing him suspiciously, "You sure?"
He nods, before adjusting my coat again while dusting off anything. He was always so fussy about presentation, but that's what made him different. I grew to understand about his cleanliness, that the habit grew on me as well. Yet, he still frets over me.
Being this up close with him, I found myself captivated by his handsome face that dawned upon me. His eyes focused on any single speck on my coat, with a sharp gaze of concern.
However I noticed something was on his mind, with how focused he was on nothing but a cleaned, pressed coat.
Taking his hands without hesitation, I press a soft kiss to his lips.
He tenses up for a few seconds with confusion, before slowly melting beneath my soft touch. Pulling away with our noses centimetres away, my arms rest upon his shoulders gazing into his eyes. Tilting my head slightly to the side, I softly smile with a warmth in my cheeks.
"Everything okay?" I ask quietly, while his hands settles upon my hips comfortably.
Though he masked it quite well, his actions told me otherwise. He clearly wasn't himself, and he knows it too. We did have some time to spare, which left me to soothe him with no worries. He doesn't break his eyes from mine, but purses his lips in a thin line.
He nods tentatively, "Yeah, don't worry about it," assuring me, his chest presses against mine as his hands tugs me closely to him. Arching an eyebrow, he sighs heavily, "I just.........I never get to have much alone time with you........."
"So?"
His thumbs drew circles in the dip of my plush hips, "Can't I be a little selfish, and appreciate this woman in front of me?"
The heat rises from my cheeks to the tips of my ears, while I smile with a breathy chuckle.
"Awe, someone is being a little sappy," I coo, teasingly. His grip grows more firmer, before one hand slides up and cups my cheek, closing the gap between us again more heatedly. He swallows my surprise, as I sank into his touch again feeling my heart flutter again.
Smiling against his lips, he inhales heavily while our lips move more passionately than before.
His teeth graze my bottom lip with a gentle tug, as a giggle rumbles from my chest with how affectionate he's become. He definitely smells heavenly, with the same scent I wore from my bath earlier. His lips were more addicting, not wanting this moment to end.
However he parts away, "I'm sorry, for not..........protecting you," his warm breath tickles my lips, as my eyes slowly widen in response.
Was this his worry all this time? Was he really blaming himself, for everything since Kenny's ambush attack in Trost?
My fingers drift to push away a few strands of hair away from his eyes, seeing how sincere he was being.
"None of it was your fault, nor do I blame you," I assure him, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. "What happened, happened........the past is the past.......I'm alive, and that's all that matters now....I'm here with you."
A sense of relief washes over him, as if he learned to accept what's been done. I know it's difficult to drop his worries and blame, but I knew since we've become comrades, since we became lovers that he would feel responsible for my life.
He shakily breathes out, "Okay.....I just feel like I'm--"
"Nope, don't think about it," I flick his forehead, with a scolding look. "Historia is becoming Queen, then we figure out a plan to retake Shiganshina District, figure out the truth beneath the cellar, wipe out the rest of the titans on Paradis and then........"
What then.....? What will become of us after?
I never really thought about it, till now......so why?
"I get it...." he presses a kiss to my temple. "......thank you, Akira."
*
AT THE CEREMONY
Historia stood upon the podium, as she basks in the warm sun's glow.
Her clear blue eyes shone brightly, though she was hesitant in becoming the Queen. Knowing the past twenty fours hours was busy, and hectic all over the castle, she seems more powerful than before. Her blonde hair braided, and pinned to a lower bun that fitted her nicely.
Wearing red robes with faux fur resting upon her shoulders, she wore a beautiful white dress that hugged her tiny frame.
Many people were gathered down below, crowding around the large podium, that held a giant red flag with all crests of each regiment of the walls. Though where I stood, she stood tall. The courtyard was definitely full of people, but it also meant that they all held hopes for a better future with their new ruler.
Relief had washed over me, finally have a break from the battles we've fought to get here today.
We kept Historia alive, and Eren is safe.....
Though despite all the loss we endured through everything since Annie's attack, to losing my best friend Nanaba and Miche and the others, to losing Hanji's squad, we finally are revoked from expeditions. Though I wished to not let their deaths become in vain, our bodies needed time to heal.
However the grief welling inside was becoming more painful, and I didn't realise it till now after settling down.
My chest was hurting, finding it difficult to breath.
All I could do was focus on the present, now that we've grasped so much in past years of endless carnage. How much more, til we gain back the freedom we truly deserve?
My head tilts up as Darius Zackley lifts the grown from the pillow, as he turns to Historia who kneels to her knees. The head of each Regiment stood behind the two, accompanying the ceremony. Everyone dressed in their forest green overcoats, we all stood with our chins tilted up with respect.
Standing in front of our small squad, Levi and I stood closely while my eyes were entranced by how much Historia has grown.
Each squad from different regiments stood below, all aligned at either side of the podium. All eyes on the future Queen, I could sense the hope of the people that surrounded us. Their cheers echoe more loudly, as Zackley finally rested the crown upon her head.
Their crowd's erupted cheers burst forth, as I think I wouldn't be able to hear myself talk. Wincing slightly, I still held my head up high to see my own cadet becoming humanity's ruler.
Historia's eyes fluttered open, revealing a much warm glow emitting from her.
All Commanding officers that stood behind her all circled around her, and knelt before her with civility. The air was positive, but I knew some would have other opinions of the matter. However, the compliments that were being cheered out loud left me smiling proudly.
"Long live the true ruler of the walls!!!!!!
"Long live Queen Historia!!!!!"
*
After the ceremony we dealt with guiding the civilians out, though the celebration was not yet over. It was something that history will write, and become a story to everyone. A few soldiers walked up to me during the meantime, and thanked both Levi and I for doing our part.
We both were the centre in keeping the group together, especially with new recruits that were inexperienced with this kind of thing.
Soon everything begins to calm down after a long day of the ceremony, and socialising definitely has drained me. Levi and I headed to the lobby of the Capital building, as the hallways were large with our boots echoing down. Elegant detailed window panes displayed beautiful against the sunset light, that streams through with a soft warmth.
Echoes of voices were heard before Levi and I, already knowing who was storming down the hallway.
The cluster of teens soon approaches us, when I noticed Historia changed more after the ceremony. Her hair loosely falls upon her shoulders, and was only left with her white dress which means she was done for the day. Except the furrowed expression soon contorts her petite face, when she seems to notice Levi and I's silent presence against the window side.
Levi slowly stood to the center, as I noticed Historia was gathering somewhat courage for something.
It seems the group new what she was gonna do, but she was an unpredictable child to me. You never know what one is gonna do. The others held a gling of amusement, but also nervousness as if she was gonna do something terrible. The determination flickers beneath her eyes, her breath grew heavy.
However her shoulders shook, teeth grinding together before yelling at the top of her lungs.
Raising her balled fists she charges head on towards Levi, still with a might war cry towards him. He simply turns his shoulder towards her, as her fist punches his arm with a soft punch that didn't seem to faze Levi at all. She steps back seeing that her small frame didn't measure to his.
Everyone within the squad gasps in unison, except for Mikasa smiling proudly at the young Queen. My hand reaches up to cover my mouth, trying to stifle my laughter at the two.
Historia laughs victoriously, "How'd you like that?" She asks, her smile grinning ear to ear. "I'm the Queen! If you got a problem--"
She cuts herself off when I hear a warm gentle chuckle, which caught me off guard feeling my heart pound. It was so mellow and soft, that it even surprised everyone else.
"Thanks, you guys," He muses softly, seeing a smile dawn on his handsome face. "I needed that."
*
FOUR DAYS LATER - SHIGANSHINA DISTRICT - (Ronin's POV)
Grimacing I sit on the edge of the wall, as my hand clutches my arm.
"You look like shit,"
I growl under my breath while my anger continues to boil, as my breath becomes heavy. It's taken about four days for me to travel back here, even after that pathetic defeat. The travel went for so long, my body was already exhausted than usual.
"Tch, don't ask," I sneer, not up for a lecture from the young one.
He shifts his spectacles, "What if I want ask, which I will anyway," his voice was raspy, and more demeaning. "Did you get that niece of yours, or not?"
My frustration was surfacing more and more, knowing she's still alive and well aware that I'm still out for blood.
"Due to the silence, you didn't recover her," he simply puts it. "I'm really disappointed in you Ronin, I thought you were gonna erase her just like the murderer you are."
"You shut it, boy!" I snap angrily, shooting to my feet as I storm towards him. I tower over him, while he calmly stares back up. "We were underground, it was caving in.....there wasn't much time!"
"Easy, blow steam off somewhere else," He nonchalantly gestures away from us, but this damn kid has gotten more frustrating by the years. "Also, clean up yourself and--"
"Zeke!!!!!!!!"
Reiner flies up before landing forcefully, striding towards Zeke with anger contorting his face. He suddenly grabs Zeke's collar, drawing him closely.
"Please? We need to go back and get Annie back!" Reiner pleads, hastily. Bertholdt soon joins behind him, when he notices my sudden presence. "If we just--"
"I said no, Reiner," Zeke bluntly refuses, rejecting his plea. "Whether if she's alive or being tortured, our mission comes first."
Horror etches upon the young boy, as Bertholdt matches his expression but more nervously trying to calm his comrade down.
"How could you say that, after we've been through?!" Reiner bites back, his voice growing more deeper and boiled with disbelief.
Sighing deeply I pinch the bridge of my nose, "Shut up, you're giving me a damn headache," I grimace, earning the two kids attention. Judging by the dead silence, I knew Reiner was instantly more pissed off than before. They failed to recover that damn boy, but also didn't abduct my niece.
Those two screwed up everything, and I was clearly dissociated with them.
"Excuse me?" the young blonde says, offensively. He storms to me, my arms folded while I towered over the boy. My broad stature intimidated him, though I knew his capabilities as a shifter. He had the upper hand, but going against me was a lost cause to him. He wouldn't survive, if he tries anything recklessly.
"Watch your tone, boy," my voice drips with disdain. "It will only cause more of a mess, than what we've inflicted on the Scouts. So cool yourself off, and wait for further instructions."
Though I was being hypocritical now, I didn't have the time to admit it. I couldn't care less....
Reiner clenches his jaw tightly, while trying his hardest though we couldn't do much in our situation. Whether or not we could retrieve Annie, I couldn't go back again to get that damn niece of mine! Shit! Everything is not going the way I planned!
"What the hell! You're such a hypocrite!!!!!!"
"Alright, looks I have no other choice then," Zeke sighs, shifting his glasses while closing his eyes. "We will battle each other, and see who gets to get out on top. If you are defeated, we will go with my plan.........and if I'm defeated......well, you know your end of the deal."
Reiner seethes through his teeth and within moments, the two transformed into their forms with eagerness. Though Zeke was rather calm about it all, I had a hunch Reiner will fall. It was only logic, as Reiner wasn't thinking anything through. The heavy footsteps shook the earth, as Bertholdt remained beside me watch the two fight vigorously. Most Reiner.
Zeke was perched upon the wall, grabbing chunks from the wall and threw it.
The armoured plates were getting shattered with ease, as the battle continues on for minutes with tension building. It was amazing to see shifters up close, though it won't last long as most battles have, I knew Zeke would finish it to make his point crystal clear. All I could do was stand there, frustrated at my own outcomes in murdering my niece, but all we haven't retrieved the founding titan
Years of this continuously went on, and for what? All the hard work, and waiting left us displeased by our failures.
The armoured's plates were all shattered, as the muscle protruded from beneath. Steam thickens in the air, as they both roar with a bone chilling sound that left my skin crawling in response. Reiner stumbles forward, while Zeke grabs a much large boulder in hand and slightly crushes it beneath his hand. Crumbles of stones falls, as if it was only dust to him.
With one final swing, Reiner's titan slowly collapsed with a heavy thud to the ground, destroying the houses from beneath that laid in his wake.
Dust and steam gathers from the fall, as it heavily fills the air making it difficult for me to see from this view. Walking along the wall to get a better look, Bertholdt jumps down and activated his ODM making his way towards Reiner.
"REINER!!!!!!!!"
The beast titan jumps down heavily causing me to feel the earthquake beneath me, before squatting down before the two teens. Simply defeating the armoured fair and square, putting Reiner in his place again.
Bertholdt pulls his comrade out from the nape, knocked out for a few seconds.
"I won, which means that we'll wait to rescue Annie," The beast titan says. "Retrieving the coordinate is our priority, as it should be......."
Zeke steps out of the nape of his beast titan, as the sunset glow lightens the fur on the Beast from behind. The steam fills the air from his titan, as he steps upon the shoulder to glance down.
"....and if we wait right here, well......" he continues, nonchalantly. Lifting his glasses, he cleans the fog on the lenses casually. "....it'll come to us on it's own, along with Ronin's chance to end the woman's life......what an advantageous offer, dontcha think?"
------------------------------------------
A/N: Hey guys, I'm sorry I took a while to update. I haven't been well recently, but it has been going on for a while. I've been also been busy at work, so I haven't had the opportunity to write as much like I did. For those who have read my book, thank you so much for your support and I will try and update some more soon.
Thanks for your patience!
~ Little Bean