Year 830
18 years had passed since the ferocious battle that claimed Jacob's friend's life, leaving him to carry on their legacy alone. With sweat and tears, he built a sturdy wooden sanctuary, a testament to their unbreakable bond. The house stood tall amidst the dense forest, its wooden beams weathered to a warm brown, blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings.
The location was deliberate, chosen for its seclusion and protection from prying eyes. The military police would have a hard time finding him here, and Jacob preferred it that way. He had grown accustomed to the quiet, peaceful life, hunting and foraging to sustain himself. The forest had become his solace, a reminder of the friendship he cherished.
The house itself was a marvel of Jacob's resourcefulness, with a sloping roof and a chimney that puffed out gentle wisps of smoke from the fireplace. The door creaked when opened, revealing a cozy interior with a large hearth, a small kitchen, and a loft for sleeping. The walls were adorned with mementos from his past, reminders of Rowan and their unbreakable bond.
As Jacob stood on the porch, his eyes wandered across the forest, his mind filled with memories of the friend he had lost. He lived for both of them now, honoring Rowan's memory with every breath.
"Let's land a mighty catch today, shall we?" Jacob said, hoisting his homemade fishing rod, crafted from a sturdy tree branch and a durable nylon string. The autumn season had arrived, casting a warm glow over the landscape as the leaves bid farewell to their branches, creating a crunchy carpet underfoot. The air was filled with the sweet, earthy scent of decay, a subtle reminder of nature's cycle.
As Jacob strolled towards the nearby stream, the leaves broke beneath his feet, releasing their earthy fragrance into the air. The gentle rustle of the leaves and the soft chirping of birds created a soothing melody, accompanying him on his quest for a big catch.
The sun cast a warm, golden light upon the forest floor, illuminating the vibrant hues of orange, yellow, and red as the leaves danced in the gentle breeze. Jacob's eyes sparkled with anticipation, his experienced gaze scanning the water for any sign of movement.
As he approached the stream, Jacob's eyes locked onto a slight ripple in the water, a subtle hint of a fish lurking beneath the surface. His heart quickened with excitement, his hands moving with precision as he cast his line into the stream. The nylon string whispered through the air, the hook settling into the water with a gentle splash.
Jacob's eyes fixed intently on the float, his mind attuned to the subtlest movement. The forest around him melted away, leaving only the gentle lapping of the water against the shore and the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze.
Time seemed to suspend itself as Jacob waited for a bite, the world narrowing down to the simple, primal thrill of the hunt. And then, in an instant, the float dipped, and Jacob's heart surged with excitement,swiftly lifting the rod, the line tensing with a satisfying tug. "Ah, you beauty!" Jacob exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face as he carefully reeled in the catch.
The fish put up a valiant struggle, but Jacob's skilled hands guided it gently towards the shore. Finally, he scooped up the flapping trout in his hands, admiring its sleek scales and impressive size.
"You'll make a fine dinner, my friend," Jacob said, his eyes shining with appreciation for the simple pleasures in life. He made his way back to his cozy wooden sanctuary, the fish held firmly in his grasp, already savoring the taste of the fresh catch.
As he approached his home, the aroma of wood smoke and earthy undertones enveloped him, welcoming him back to the comfort and security of his solitary life. Jacob smiled, feeling grateful for this peaceful existence, far removed from the turmoil of the world beyond the forest.
He cleaned and gutted the fish on the porch, the sound of the stream still echoing in his mind. As he started a fire in the hearth, the crackling flames seemed to dance in rhythm with the memories of his friend Rowan, who had taught him how to fish and live off the land.
As the fish sizzled in the skillet, Jacob's thoughts wandered back to their countless adventures together, the laughter, the struggles, and the unbreakable bond they had forged. He missed Rowan deeply, but he knew his friend would want him to live on, to find joy in the simple things, like a perfectly cooked trout.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow through the windows, Jacob took a bite of the flaky fish, closing his eyes to savor the flavors. The taste transported him back to the campfires they had shared, the stories they had told, and the dreams they had chased.
In that moment, Jacob felt a deep sense of peace, knowing that even though Rowan was no longer by his side, their friendship would forever be etched in his heart, a reminder of the beauty and wonder that life had to offer.
"Man the day went by so fast..."The darkness outside seemed to press against the windows, as if the night itself was listening to Jacob's frustrations. He sighed, the sound mingling with the crackling of the fire that cast eerie shadows on the walls. "Shiganshina's a no-go, at least for now."he muttered, his voice barely audible over the popping of the flames.
The Garrison soldiers faces flashed in his mind, their eyes as unyielding as the city gates they guarded. And the pandemic... a silent predator that stalked the shadows, waiting to pounce. Jacob's heart raced as the fire's warmth seemed to falter, the chill of the night seeping into his bones.
Yet, he refused to let fear consume him. His eyes narrowed, determination burning like a beacon in the darkness. "I'll find a way."he whispered, the fire's flames seeming to dance in agreement, casting a golden glow on the shadows that loomed beyond.
As the fire's embers died out, Jacob's eyelids grew heavy, his exhausted body surrendering to the night's embrace. He slumped back in his chair, his head nodding forward, and his breathing slowed into a gentle rhythm.
The darkness closed in around him, but it was no longer menacing. Instead, it felt like a soft blanket, wrapping him in its comforting folds. Jacob's thoughts grew hazy, his worries and fears dissolving into the shadows.
With a final sigh, he let go of the world, his body relaxing into the silence of the night. The only sound was the distant hooting of an owl, a gentle lullaby that guided him into the depths of sleep.
And so, Jacob slept, his dreams filled with visions of a brighter tomorrow, a future where the pandemic was just a memory, and the world was once again a place of wonder and discovery.
Jacob's eyes snapped open, and he was greeted by the cheerful chirping of birds outside. "Ahhh... Man, when did I fall asleep?" he muttered, rubbing his eyes. The sun's rays streaming through the window illuminated his half-sleepy, half-awake face.
He rose from bed, washed his face, and stepped outside into the crisp morning air. Nature enveloped him, its sights and sounds a gentle wake-up call. "I guess I'll go hunting for something other than fish today," he thought, his stomach growling with anticipation. "Rabbits, perhaps. A nice change of pace."
After a quick breakfast of leftovers from yesterday's supper and dinner, Jacob set out into the forest, his trusty snares and knife at the ready. His 18 years of experience and being honed under Rowan's guidance, made him a skilled hunter. He moved silently through the underbrush, his eyes scanning for any sign of movement.
The forest was alive with the sounds of birds chirping, leaves rustling, and the distant rush of a stream. Jacob's senses were on high alert, his focus solely on the hunt. He knew every nook and cranny, every hidden spot and every game trail. It was a familiar dance, one he had performed countless times before.
With a quiet confidence, Jacob stalked his prey, his eyes locked on a small rabbit nibbling on a nearby bush. He drew closer, his movements deliberate and calculated. The rabbit, sensing danger, froze, its big brown eyes fixed on Jacob.
In a swift motion, Jacob pounced, his snare at the ready. The rabbit darted to the side, but Jacob was too quick. He caught it with ease, a smile spreading across his face. "Gotcha!" he whispered, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Jacob's hands moved swiftly and humanely, ending the rabbit's life with a quick snap of its neck. He felt a fleeting sense of regret, but it was overshadowed by the pragmatism of a hunter. This was his sustenance, his survival.
He began to skin and clean the rabbit with practiced efficiency, his hands moving in a fluid motion. The task was familiar, almost meditative, and he felt a sense of calm wash over him.
As he worked, Jacob's mind wandered back to Rowan, his mentor and friend. He remembered the countless times they had hunted together, the lessons Rowan had taught him about the forest and its creatures.
Jacob's hands paused, and he looked up into the trees, his eyes squinting against the sun. "Thanks, Rowan," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I'll always remember what you taught me."
With a deep breath, Jacob returned to his task, his hands moving with renewed purpose. He would honor Rowan's memory by living off the land, by surviving and thriving in this beautiful, unforgiving forest.
Jacob, still lost in thought, failed to notice the rustling in the underbrush ahead. Suddenly, a fierce snort echoed through the forest, and a wild boar burst from the thicket, its tusks gleaming in the sunlight.
Jacob's instincts kicked in, and he raised his knife, ready to face the charging boar. But the boar was too fast, too powerful. It slammed into Jacob, sending him tumbling to the ground.
Jacob's vision blurred as the boar's tusks slashed at him, tearing his clothes and flesh. He rolled onto his back, desperate to escape the boar's deadly attack.
In a flash of adrenaline, Jacob saw his chance. The boar's eye was inches from his face, its gaze fixed on him with a fierce intensity. With a swift motion, Jacob raised his knife and plunged it into the boar's eye, striking true.
The boar let out a deafening squeal as it reared up in agony, its eye socket streaming blood. Jacob took advantage of the reprieve, scrambling to his feet and putting distance between himself and the dying boar.
Panting, Jacob looked down at his injured body, his clothes torn and bloody. He knew he had to act fast, to stem the bleeding and find shelter before another predator caught his scent.
The darkness started to close in, Jacob's vision blurred, and his thoughts grew hazy. He struggled to speak, his voice barely a whisper. "No...I can't...I can't die here...So many people have sacrificed their lives for my sake...I can't...die..."
The forest around him grew quiet, as if nature itself was holding its breath. The trees seemed to lean in, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze. The sound of his own ragged breathing was the only thing Jacob could hear, until...
A worried voice pierced the stillness, like a ray of light in the darkness. "Hey, hey, can you hear me? Excuse me, can you hear me?"
Jacob's eyes fluttered open, and he found himself in his cozy cabin, surrounded by the warm glow of candles and the soft crackle of a fire. A figure bent over him, concern etched on their face.
"Ahh...where am I?" Jacob's voice was weak, but the calm tone of the stranger soothed his frazzled nerves.
The stranger's voice was like a gentle breeze on a summer day. "Don't worry, you're in your home. You're safe. Just lie still, or the wound might open up again."
As the stranger's words washed over him, Jacob felt a sense of relief wash away the fear and panic. He let out a shaky breath, his eyes closing in gratitude. The darkness closed in once more, but this time, it was a welcome embrace, carrying him away to a dreamless sleep.
Jacob's eyes flickered open, and he met the gaze of a tall, slender man with straight black hair, a thin beard, and gray eyes."Who...who are you?" Jacob's voice was weak, rusty from disuse. "How do you know my name?"His crinkled at the corners. " Well,I'm Grisha Yeager. I was leading an expedition to find herbs to combat the pandemic. We stumbled upon you, and thankfully, we were able to save you."
Jacob's mind raced as Grisha explained how they found him. "I'm thankful, but I can't pay you, Doctor," Jacob said, his voice laced with concern.
Grisha's hand on his shoulder was warm and reassuring. "Don't worry about the money, Jacob. Your life is what matters."
Grisha continued, "The wound will take several weeks to heal. I suggest you come with me and my crew to Shiganshina."
Jacob's face fell. "I can't. I don't have the required documents to pass."
Grisha's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "No birth documents? That's unusual." He leaned in, his voice softening. "Can you tell me what happened to them, Jacob?"
Jacob's eyes darted away, his face pale. "I...I don't know," he stuttered.
Grisha's gaze narrowed, his eyes piercing through Jacob's defenses. "Unless you're an escapade...it all makes sense now," he said, his voice low and thoughtful.
Jacob's eyes widened in alarm, his face draining of color. "N-no, that's not it," he protested, but his voice was weak.
Grisha's expression turned kind, understanding. "Jacob, I'm not here to judge. I want to help. But I need the truth."
Jacob's resolve crumbled, his walls breaking down. "I...I was an Ackerman," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I escaped, but I lost everything. Rowan, my friend, my mentor...I've been hiding for 20 years."
Grisha's face filled with compassion, his eyes warm with understanding. "I see," he said softly. "No wonder you don't have documents. But we'll face this together, Jacob. I'll help you."
Jacob's eyes welled up with tears as Grisha's kindness washed over him. He felt a lump form in his throat as he struggled to speak. "Hey doc...Thanks," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.
Grisha's expression turned even softer, his eyes filled with compassion. He placed a gentle hand on Jacob's shoulder, his touch warm and comforting. "You're welcome, Jacob.You're not alone anymore."
Jacob's tears finally fell, streaming down his face as he let out a shaky breath. It had been years since someone showed him such kindness, such understanding. Grisha's words and actions reminded him of Rowan, and for a moment, the pain of his past didn't feel so overwhelming.
With Grisha's help, Jacob felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He knew he still had a long way to go, but for the first time in years, he felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he could leave his bitter past behind and start anew.