The Battle of Trost marked a brutal yet decisive victory against a relentless enemy, but the aftermath brought a different kind of battle—one fought in the hearts and minds of the people. News of Eren Yeager's titan abilities spread like wildfire, filling the air with gossip and fear.
Some hailed him as a savior, while others, terrified of his potential alliance with the Armored and Colossal Titans, demanded his immediate execution. Among those most suspicious were the Military Police, their disdain for Eren festering in secret.
For three days, Eren lay unconscious, his body healing, recovering from the exhaustion of his transformations. Over that time, whispers grew louder, especially as Dhalis Zachery, the premier of the three regiments, was dispatched by the king himself to preside over Eren's fate.
Zachery, the king's handpicked man for the job, had been bribed to ensure the death of Eren Yeager, though he was expected to maintain a façade of impartiality, to keep the Scouts, Garrison, and the sensible commoners satisfied.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Zachery's ornate personal cart rolled into Wall Rose. It halted in front of the grand courthouse, where Nyle Doke and the Military Police awaited, their intent clear—Eren Yeager must not survive, no matter the cost. "All hail Premier Dhalis Zachery," the MPs bowed before him, eager to carry out their orders as they escorted him into the lavish court, like obedient dogs.
The courthouse in Wall Rose was an imposing structure, a symbol of the authority that governed humanity behind the walls. Its towering stone pillars stretched high into the sky, casting long shadows across the cobbled courtyard below.
The building's façade, adorned with intricate carvings of the Walls Maria, Rose, and Sina, depicted legendary scenes from humanity's struggle against the titans. Soldiers and civilians alike would glance at the carvings with reverence or dread as they passed, knowing this place had the power to decide their fates.
Upon entering, the wide, vaulted entrance hall greeted visitors with cold marble floors that echoed every step. The ceiling was painted with a grand mural, displaying the supposed divine protection of the Walls, creating an eerie contrast to the grim reality faced outside.
Heavy, ornate chandeliers hung overhead, casting flickering candlelight that gave the court an almost medieval ambiance. Guards lined the walls, their rigid posture adding to the tense atmosphere.
Beyond the hall, a set of large double doors led into the heart of the courthouse, the main hall where all critical trials and deliberations were held. The wooden doors were engraved with the royal crest, and as they creaked open, a more sinister air enveloped those who entered.
The main hall itself was vast, with tiered rows of seating on either side for the audience. The floor, made of polished dark wood, seemed almost too pristine for the blood that had metaphorically stained it over the years.
A massive, elevated platform at the far end held the judge's bench, behind which loomed a towering statue of a faceless figure, its hand raised as if passing judgment. Flanking the platform were banners bearing the insignias of the three regiments: the Garrison, the Military Police, and the Scout Regiment.
The gallery above was crowded with onlookers—commanders, priests, high-ranking officials, the occasional nobles and some commoners who had come to witness the fate of humanity's most controversial soldier.
Among the gathered crowd were several soldiers from the 104th Cadet Corps, witnesses to Eren's transformation and his actions at Trost. Mikasa was among them, her face etched with worry. For the past week, she had been confined to the cadet dormitories, a place that felt more like a prison than a home.
She had pleaded numerous times to see Eren, but all requests were denied. The longing to catch even a fleeting glimpse of him gnawed at her, making every moment in the dorms unbearable.
At the front of the court, Premier Dhalis Zachary casually removed his coat and took his seat, surveying the room with an air of indifference. He gestured to the guards, signaling them to bring in the accused.
Within seconds, Eren was led into the court. His demeanor was calm, but his eyes scanned the room, locking onto familiar faces—some filled with uncertainty, others with fear. His gaze finally settled on Commander Erwin, who subtly nodded at him, his earlier words echoing in Eren's mind: "Stay calm. They'll do everything to condemn you, but trust me, I'll handle it."
Eren took a deep breath, allowing himself to be shackled and placed in the center of the courtroom, standing alone under the scrutinizing gaze of military officials, nobility, and soldiers. His posture was defiant, yet restrained, knowing full well the stakes of the trial ahead. He was presented like a criminal, though the circumstances surrounding him were far more complex.
Whispers filled the hall like an insidious wave, the gossiping audience discussing the fate of the boy who held the power of a titan. Tension rose as they debated whether he was a savior or a threat. Some faces in the crowd held disdain, others curiosity, and a few—like Mikasa's—were filled with unwavering loyalty.
Finally, the oppressive silence was shattered as Zachary adjusted his round spectacles, the lenses catching the light. His presence commanded respect, and the gossiping crowd quickly fell silent, all eyes now fixed on the proceedings that would decide Eren's fate.
"Shall we begin? Your name is Eren Yeager, Vice Commander of the Scout Regiment. As a soldier, you've sworn to give your life for the good of your people. Am I right?" Zachary's voice cut through the tension like a blade, his gaze locked on Eren.
Eren took a steadying breath before replying, "That's correct."
Mikasa, standing nearby, her heart pounding with anxiety, felt an overwhelming urge to intervene. But Armin's firm grip on her shoulder kept her grounded, his silent reminder to stay calm keeping her from making a scene.
"And as the Premier of the three regiments, I, Dhalis Zachary, was personally dispatched by the royalty to oversee this matter," Zachary continued, his voice carrying a cold, calculated weight. "It is I who will decide whether you live or die."
Eren's mind momentarily drifted, his thoughts filled with fury. "That bastard. After using me as an assassin, now he wants me dead. Just wait until I get my hands on him..." But he quickly snapped back to reality as Zachary's words demanded his attention.
"Any objections?" Zachary's voice was sharp, but Eren remained stoic.
"No, sir," Eren replied, his voice steady, unyielding.
"Good," Zachary said, leaning back slightly. "You're aware, of course, that while your transformations have proven useful in battle, they have also caused widespread civil unrest. The people are divided, and within a week there have been riots within various districts so as it stands, your fate now lies in the hands of the regiment that takes custody of you—whether it will be the Military Police or the Scout Regiment."
The room fell into a tense silence. Everyone knew the significance of the decision. The Military Police sought control over Eren, many already convinced he was too dangerous to live. The Scout Regiment, on the other hand, saw Eren as a beacon of hope, a vital weapon in their ongoing war against the titans.
Eren remained silent, his mind racing, but his body and expression remained calm as the court awaited the next move.
Eren's eyes narrowed as Nyle Doke began his predictable rant, spewing flimsy accusations. "We don't even know if he's in league with the Armored and Colossal Titans. Plus, in order to end the civil unrest subject Eren Yeager must be executed immediately." Doke declared, his tone filled with self-righteousness.
Eren clenched his fists, seething inwardly. "This guy's nothing but an idiot." He could barely contain the urge to lunge at Doke, but he held back, watching as the Wall Priests entered the fray. Some priests, desperate to bolster their authority, proclaimed Eren as a divine figure—a savior sent by the heavens to deliver humanity from the titans.
But there were others, 'zealots' who saw him as the embodiment of evil, the "son of the devil," demanding his immediate execution to prevent further disaster.
Zachary listened with a noncommittal nod, his eyes shifting toward Erwin and Levi. Calm as ever, Levi stood beside Erwin, who prepared to present the Scout Regiment's case.
"And now, we'll hear from the Scout Regiment," Zachary stated, gesturing toward Erwin.
Erwin stepped forward, his voice steady and deliberate. He outlined the critical importance of retaking Wall Maria, unveiling the grand strategy that could only be achieved with Eren's unique abilities. "The power to fight the titans with one of their own is humanity's greatest asset," he argued. "Eren's power will turn the tide, allowing us to confront threats like the Armored and Colossal Titans head-on. Fire against fire."
Erwin then reassured the court of Eren's loyalty, recounting his half-decade of service. "Eren has fought alongside us for years. He's slain countless titans, often putting himself at the greatest risk. His record speaks for itself. He is not an enemy, but a trusted comrade. We stand behind him."
The atmosphere in the court shifted. Erwin's words, backed by Eren's history, forced many to reconsider. The Scout Regiment had staked their reputation on him, and Zachary seemed to be weighing the arguments more seriously now, his fingers steepled as he listened, his teeth clenched.
The tension in the room reached its peak as Levi's cold declaration cut through the noise. "And even if he turns against us... I'll kill him without a second thought." His words left the court in stunned silence, except for Erwin and Eren, who remained composed. Eren understood that Levi's brutal statement was meant to reassure the room, but it also hung like a blade over his own head.
For a moment, Erwin's speech seemed to have calmed the storm. The scouts, their faith in Erwin unwavering, appeared content with his plan. But the peace was short-lived. Suddenly, chaos erupted across the court. Merchants, locals, and aristocrats, each with their own self-interest, clamored in outrage. Voices rose in discord, shouting that their funds would be wasted in another futile attempt to reclaim Wall Maria since the past attempts were the same.
"What are the chances they'll succeed? It's madness!" one merchant shouted, fanning the flames of dissent. While some others said,"Maybe he's a titan who took form of a little child and snuck inside the walls. We can't be sure. Just kill him already."
Nyle Doke seized the moment, amplifying the unrest. "This is nothing but a reckless gamble! We'd be throwing resources away on false hopes. Eren Yeager's titan power is a danger to all of us, not a solution!"
The room spiraled into disorder, with accusations and fears spreading like wildfire. It seemed as if the decision had already been made, and Eren could feel the weight of the court's judgment bearing down on him. The fate of his life felt precariously balanced on the whims of those who saw him as nothing more than a tool or a threat. A faint smile appeared at old man's face.
Then, Zachary's voice, steady and grave, cut through the din. "Erwin Smith, I've heard your plan to use Eren Yeager's titan abilities. I acknowledge the potential... but what is the point of retaking Wall Maria based on mere hope? And with this level of insecurity among the people, I cannot, as the premier, allow that risk to destabilize us further. Moreover, the only thing that matters are the common folks."
Eren's heart sank as Zachary continued. "Considering Nyle Doke's statements, and to overcome civil unrest, I, Dhalis Zachary, hereby issue the execution of Eren Yeager."
The court fell into an eerie silence. The finality of Zachary's words echoed, and for a split second, the entire room seemed to freeze. The sentence hung in the air, a death sentence for the one who had just saved them from destruction in Trost.
Eren stood motionless, his face expressionless but his mind racing.
Mikasa, her hands trembling, gripped the edge of the bench, her eyes wide in disbelief. "No..." she whispered, barely audible. Her body moved instinctively, ready to lunge forward, but Armin held her back, his own face pale with shock.
"Stop it..." Mikasa's voice cut through the air, sharp and trembling with fury.
Suddenly, rage boiled to the surface, her calm demeanor shattering. "You call that justice, Your Honor?!" Her voice rose, her fists clenched tight at her sides. "Just listening to some half-assed arguments, you're going to execute Eren?!"
The room fell into a stunned silence as her words echoed, her eyes blazing with anger. Every ounce of her being screamed defiance, the air around her thick with the weight of her outrage.
The room erupted in murmurs at Mikasa's bold outburst, her words reverberating through the court. Nyle Doke, stunned, tried to regain control, "What do you mean,cadet? Know your damn limits!"
But Mikasa wasn't backing down. "You're all so blinded by your own fear and greed that you can't even see what's right in front of you," she shot back, her voice unwavering. Her gaze burned through Nyle, then shifted to Zachary, daring him to challenge her.
Zachary, calm but clearly intrigued, leaned forward in his chair, eyeing Mikasa. "And you are?" His tone was cold, demanding her identity, but Mikasa didn't flinch.
"Who I am doesn't matter," she said sharply, standing her ground. "But I demand that you rethink your decision, Your Honor."
The tension in the room was palpable as the audience shifted their attention to Mikasa. Whispers of confusion and curiosity filled the air. Why was she so fiercely protective of Eren?
"Mikasa, stop!" Eren's voice cut through the air, pleading with her not to make things worse for herself. But Mikasa ignored him, her focus locked on Zachary.
"And what exactly do you mean by that?" Zachary asked, his voice laced with authority. "Are you suggesting that I've failed in delivering justice? Huh? Are you defying the court's order, cadet?"
Mikasa's eyes narrowed, the words barely contained behind clenched teeth. "You call this justice? With all due respect, Your Honor, I was there. I watched Eren push himself to the limit to retake Trost. He carried that boulder, knowing full well it could crush him at any moment. And he did it for these damned people who are protesting against him now! He's killed more titans than any of us could ever dream of." Her voice was seething with emotion, raw and unfiltered.
The courtroom fell into stunned silence. Mikasa's words had hit hard. Even Zachary seemed taken aback for a moment, his expression unreadable as he studied her. Eren, watching from the center of the room, couldn't help but feel a faint smile tug at his lips, despite the gravity of the situation. He was in awe of Mikasa's unwavering loyalty and fierce determination.
But as the silence dragged on, the weight of Mikasa's defiance began to settle over the room. Everyone waited for Zachary's response, unsure of how he would react to being so directly challenged.
Just as Zachery was about to speak, one of the merchants shattered the oppressive silence. "Maybe she's the one... Maybe she's with him too..."
"Yeah, dissect her as well, just to be safe," another merchant chimed in, his voice dripping with malice.
The room erupted into a cacophony of fake accusations against Mikasa. Eren shouted not for himself but to protect Mikasa, his voice loud and dangerous. "Maybe I'm a monster—fine. But you leave her out of this. She's innocent!"
The room erupted into a mess of whispers and fear. "Yeah, like we believe that!" one of the merchants yelled, his voice trembling as he tried to sound brave. "She's with you—we all know it!" That was all it took. Eren's fury snapped.
Eren's voice dropped to a venomous whisper, "Fuck you all..." His eyes darkened with fury, and before anyone could react, the sound of chains snapping echoed through the courtroom as Eren rose to his feet, breaking his restraints with ease. The tension in the room exploded in an instant.
"You damn fucktards.." His words seethed with pure hatred as his glare swept across the room, locking onto each of the merchants who had dared to accuse Mikasa. "I'm done... done playing with your shitty allegations."
Gasps filled the air as people recoiled, scrambling away from the wrath that emanated from Eren like a force of nature. The merchants, who had been so bold moments ago, now cowered in their seats, their faces drained of all color.
Mikasa stood frozen, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the weight of Eren's anger, but before she could say anything. "We know she's with you... Don't try to protect your ally..."
"Shut your damn mouths!" Eren roared, his fists clenched so tight his knuckles turned white. His whole body shook with rage, and for a split second, it felt like the very air in the room would ignite from the heat of his fury.
No one dared to move. Everyone, even the military police, stared in stunned silence, unsure of what Eren might do next. His breathing was ragged, his muscles tense, and for a moment, it seemed like he might lose control altogether.
But he didn't. With one last murderous glare at the merchants, Eren took a step back, fists trembling at his sides, but no longer advancing.
"Shoot!!." Nyle Doke, sensing Eren's rising fury, barked an order to a nearby military police officer. The soldier aimed his rifle with trembling hands and, without a moment's hesitation, pulled the trigger.
"Erehh!!!" Mikasa's shout pierced the air as the bullet flew toward Eren.
"Tch..." Eren whispered, moving his hand in front of his face. With a swift motion, he caught the bullet midair, blood erupting from his hand as he did.
"Dickheads, you don't have the power to kill me. None of you do... and you never will," Eren spat, raising his blood-stained hand, steam curling up from his palm.
"However... it'll only take one transformation to wipe every last one of you out who dare to defy me.....Got..... it?" His warning hung heavy in the air, silence enveloping the room as the once-boisterous crowd fell into stunned quiet.
"That... all...huh? Bark... Why aren't you barking now? Afraid to die, huh?" Eren's voice dripped with venom as his gaze locked onto Nyle Doke. "Do you have any idea who I am?"
The atmosphere shifted, a palpable tension crackling in the air, as everyone grappled with the reality of what Eren was capable of. The weight of his words settled like a stone in their chests, leaving them paralyzed with fear.
"A pig who always hides in the interior when shit gets tough..." Eren replied, his voice unnervingly calm, his gaze steady.
"Eren Yeager, your defiance will come at a cost," Zachary warned, though his voice wavered, betraying the fear beneath his authority.
"What cost, huh?" Eren's tone sharpened, mocking. "You think you can threaten to kill my loved ones? Go ahead, take your shot. But... If you dare to do anything to them. I'll rip your daughter limb by limb."
His lips curled into a dangerous, psychotic smile, watching the shock bleed into Zachary's face. Hellen Zachary—daughter of Dhalis Zachary. The man's most tightly guarded secret. No one knew he had a family—no one but Eren and a select few in Mitras.
"How the hell do you know...?" Zachary stammered, his eyes wide with disbelief.
Eren stepped closer, lowering his voice into something cold, something lethal. "The only thing you need to know is this: your first move will be your last. Touch me, touch my family, and I swear, I'll obliterate every last one of you. Your precious wife, your little girl... I'll make sure their screams echo in hell long after I'm done." His smile was faint, cruel, as the weight of his words sank in.
Then, turning to the hostile crowd that seethed with hatred, Eren's voice rose, cutting through the tension like a blade. "And as for the rest of you... I never fought for any of you. Whether you live or die? It's no fucking concern of mine."
"The only thing that matters to me are the dreams I share with my friends. If any of you dare to destroy that, I will destroy you. You'll die in cold blood—alone and terrified." Eren paused, taking a slow, deliberate breath before turning his icy gaze back to the stunned old man. "As for you, Zachary... your life is in my hands now. I'll decide your fate. Whether..... You.... Live..... Or..... You..... Die" His voice lowered, laced with venom.
Zachary trembled, his once confident demeanor shattered under Eren's malevolent stare. The cruel twist of fate couldn't have been more bitter. He had come here to oversee Eren's execution, but now, he was the one staring into the abyss.
"Nah... Fuck it.... It's better if pigs like you die.... I'll make it slow and painful... Prepare yourself...." Eren announced as hand moved toward his mouth, fingers curling as if ready for the bite that would signal his deadly transformation. The mere gesture sent a shockwave through the room.
"No, please—don't! Mr. Eren, I beg you!" A desperate voice rang out, trembling with fear. It was the merchant who had once accused Mikasa of being a Titan, his face pale as he stepped forward. "My wife... my children, they're waiting for me. Please... don't kill us."
He knew, just as everyone else did, that Eren wasn't bluffing. Eren could end them all without a second thought, and the blood would flow without hesitation.
"Tch... You damn pigs. Before you torment the beast, you'd better ask yourselves—can you even kill him?" Levi's voice cut through the tension as he stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. "Even without his Titan abilities, his strength matches mine." He moved closer to Eren, placing a firm hand on his shoulder in a subtle attempt to calm him. " Tch you damned idiots..... Now keep those mouths shut..."
Levi's gaze shifted to Zachary, sharp and unyielding. "So, Dhalis Zachary, what's it gonna be?" His words were a challenge, daring the premier to choose.
Zachary stood frozen, trapped between two impossible choices. On one hand, his status and power hung in the balance; on the other, his life—and the lives of his hidden family—were at risk. He could feel the weight of their judgment, every eye in the room locked on him, waiting for his answer.
Suddenly, Erwin raised his hand, his calm yet commanding presence cutting through the chaos, waiting for the perfect moment to speak. "I have a proposal, Your Honor..." he said, his voice steady and deliberate.
Zachary, drenched in sweat, gulped audibly as he turned toward Erwin, his voice shaky. "Y-Yes... and what is that?"
"In the coming month, the Scouts will launch a grand expedition," Erwin began, his voice steady but filled with purpose. "Its focus will be on Shiganshina." He paused, his eyes locking on Zachary as he reached into his pocket. "And, Your Honor..." Erwin revealed his trump card—the small, forgotten, rusty key that seemed to carry the weight of the world. "This is a key given to me by Eren himself. It belongs to his childhood home in Shiganshina... to the cellar." His voice grew tense with the gravity of the moment. "I believe this key holds the secret to the origin of the Titans."
The air thickened with anticipation. "In past expeditions, we failed to gain enough ground. But," Erwin's eyes gleamed, "with Eren's Titan abilities, I believe we can succeed."
Zachary's gaze shifted uneasily between Erwin and the deadly duo standing before him—Levi and Eren. He swallowed hard before turning his attention back to Eren. "So, Eren Yeager, by any means necessary, will you be able to retake Wall Maria with your Titan powers... and uncover the so-called truth hidden in the cellar?"
Deep down, Zachary was pleading for this trial to end, the tension suffocating him. But before he could finish his thought, Eren cut in with a cold, biting response. "Tch... You're good at dodging, Dhalis. But whatever. I'll retake Wall Maria, and I'll kill every last Titan that stands in my way."
Zachary, struggling to maintain his composure, finally nodded. "Very well then... I've made my decision."
Eren's eyes darkened, but his lips twitched into a faint smile. "So have I." The tension in the room snapped, leaving everyone in stunned quiet as the Scouts began to file out.
A collective sigh of relief echoed once they left. Facing death and walking away from it wasn't something you easily forgot.
The Scouts soon departed, with Levi's squad alongside Mikasa and Armin retreating to their old stronghold in Odel. As the evening drew on, Eren, Mikasa, and Armin sat side by side, the weight of their bond heavy in the quiet air.
"Hey, Eren... I seriously thought you'd forgotten our dream," Armin said softly, his gaze locked on the setting sun, its fiery glow casting long shadows.
Eren pulled his friends closer, his arms wrapped around them, as if to protect the fragile dream they all shared. "Of course not... That's the whole reason I'm fighting, why I'm striving to kill every last Titan." His eyes softened, a faint, warm smile spreading across his face as he remembered. "Water that glows like fire... fields of ice... giant docks that take days to climb..."
For a moment, peace settled over them. But then Eren's voice dropped to a near whisper. "Hey, Armin... Promise me that if something happens to me, you'll watch the ocean for the both of us..."
Armin frowned, shaking his head. "Hey... don't say that. We're going to see it together, travel the world like we always planned." His hand rested on Eren's shoulder, trying to reassure him.
But before Eren could respond, Mikasa, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "Eren Yeager... I bet you've forgotten to explain why you left us in the first place. And now, here you are, talking about leaving again."
Eren turned his gaze toward her, and for a moment, the atmosphere shifted. Her eyes—once bright with hope—were now cold, stormy. Grey eyes filled with distrust, anger, and a flicker of worry met his. Her face had grown pale, almost ghostly white. The sight was paralyzing. Mikasa's words hung in the air, unanswered.
*Gulp*
"Well, Mikasa, you see..." Eren stammered, beads of sweat forming on his brow. He had faced countless Titans, but the sudden shift in Mikasa's expression—from her usual beauty to something far colder—left him terrified. "I just..."
The words stuck in his throat, his usual bravado gone. Desperately searching for an escape, his eyes landed on the scarf around her neck. "Oh, l-look... Mikasa, your scarf... you haven't tied it properly..."
"Heh?" Mikasa raised an eyebrow, seeing right through Eren's flimsy distraction.
Eren, his hands trembling, reached toward her scarf. He carefully adjusted it, his breath shaky, but the effort didn't seem to soften her at all. Her cold skin beneath his fingertips was enough to send a chill down his spine.
Mikasa exhaled deeply, the tension melting away from her. Without warning, she wrapped her arms around Eren, pulling him into a tight embrace, her face pressed against his chest. "This... this is your punishment. I'll stay right here... as long as I want."
Her pale cheeks flushed with warmth, turning a soft shade of red as she held onto him. Eren, still slightly shaken, slowly returned the hug. One arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer, while his other hand gently ran through her long, dark hair, cascading like a waterfall over his fingers.
"Okay..." Eren replied softly, his voice calm and soothing. He let her stay, feeling the tension between them slowly fade.
To break the awkwardness, Armin and Eren started chatting, their conversation filling the air. Mikasa, still nestled against him, felt the steady rhythm of Eren's heartbeat. It wasn't long before the sound lulled her to sleep, her grip loosening slightly as she drifted off in the comfort of his arms.
The challenges ahead would be immense, but as Eren glanced at his friends by his side, he knew he was ready. With them, he would push himself beyond his limits, no matter what lay ahead.