Year 835 (Jacob's house)
The dim light of dawn crept through the windows, casting a warm glow on the rustic interior. The air was thick with the scent of new wood and simmering tea. Jacob finished recounting his past, his voice barely above a whisper. The silence that followed was palpable, the only sound the soft crackle of the fireplace.
Carla's eyes were filled with empathy, her voice laced with apology. "I'm so sorry, Jacob. My question brought up painful memories."
Jacob forced a smile, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "No need to apologize, Carla. Thinking of Rowan brings me happiness." He chuckled, the sound strained, as he gazed into the flames.
Karol, finished feeding the children, interrupted the silence. "Here you go, Carla. I think Eren's full." She handed the baby to Carla, who cradled him close, her eyes half-lidded in exhaustion.
Grisha stood, his movements graceful, his eyes locked on Jacob. "Alright then, we should take our leave." The creak of the old wooden floorboards beneath his feet echoed through the room.
As they prepared to depart, Karol protested, "But I was about to start breakfast...and the sun's barely risen!" She gestured to the window, where the sky was painted with hues of pink and orange.
Grisha smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "We have work to attend to, Karol. Don't worry, we will drop by often." He glanced at Jacob, his expression softening. "Especially to check in on you, my friend."
With that, they bid their goodbyes, the sound of their footsteps fading into the dawn. The door creaked shut, leaving Jacob and Karol alone in the silence of the wooden house.
On their way back, Grisha's expression turned stern, his eyes flashing with disappointment . Carla, sensing his mood, lowered her head, her face etched with sadness.
"If you wanted to know about his past that badly, you could've just asked me once we came back," Grisha said, his voice raised slightly.
Carla's voice was barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry, Grisha... My intentions weren't to hurt Jacob."
Grisha's expression softened, his eyes filling with warmth. "Ahhhh... Fine, Carla. Stop with the sad face." He chuckled, his anger dissipating. "But be careful next time. Words can build bonds in seconds and break them in seconds."
Carla's face lit up with a smile, her eyes sparkling with relief. She knew that Grisha's scolding was a sign of his love and concern, and that his gentle reprimand was a reminder to be mindful of her words. She leaned into him, her head on his shoulder, and Grisha wrapped his arm around her, holding her close as the couple went back to their house.
Some days later Georgia Arlet's warmth and nurturing spirit shone as she took on the role of wet nurse for Eren, cradling him in her arms and feeding him with tender care. Her frequent visits to the Yeagers' home, often alongside Armin Arlet, who was a few months older than Eren, became a highlight of the day for the young family. As Eren grew and developed, his tiny milk teeth began to emerge, a testament to Georgia's dedication and love. Her selflessness and care brought joy to all, and her presence became a comforting constant in Eren's early life.
As the days turned into weeks, Eren's giggles and coos filled the air, and his bright eyes sparkled with curiosity. Georgia's visits were always met with excitement, and she marveled at the baby's rapid growth. She'd play with Armin, too, watching the two young friends laugh and explore together.
One sunny afternoon, as Georgia was feeding Eren, he grasped her finger with his tiny hand, and she smiled at the tender gesture. "You're a strong one, little Eren," she whispered. Carla, sitting nearby, smiled at the scene, grateful for Georgia's love and care.
As Eren's first birthday arrived, the Yeagers' home was filled with laughter and joy. Georgia's handmade toy was a hit with Eren. The Ackermans joined in the festivities, making the day even more special.
Mikasa, her eyes shining with excitement, presented Eren with a small, carefully wrapped gift. "Hapy birfday, Ewen!" she said, barely able to speak. Eren giggled and hugged her, his eyes sparkling with delight.
Jacob, his rugged exterior softening, smiled at the scene. "You're a natural with kids, Mikasa," he said, ruffling her hair. Karol, sitting beside him, nodded in agreement, her eyes warm with affection.
As the days went by, the Ackermans visited the Yeagers frequently. They'd play with Eren and Armin, go on walks, and share stories. Georgia and Carla welcomed them with open arms, grateful for the love and support their little family had found.
One sunny afternoon, as they sat in the garden, Grisha turned to Jacob and said, "You know, Jacob, you're more than just a friend. You're family." Jacob's eyes misted, and he nodded, his voice choked with emotion.
In these moments, surrounded by love and friendship, the scars of the past began to heal, and a new sense of hope and belonging emerged. The bonds between the Yeagers, Ackermans and Arlets grew stronger, a testament to the power of human connection and the beauty of growing together.
(Year 837, Month April)
Also known as the Apocalyptic Year
"Peaceful days always come to an end"
The Ackermans
Jacob's secret was brutally exposed, revealing him as an Ackerman to the entire Shiganshina district. A mastermind had been pulling the strings from the shadows, and Matteus, Zephyr Vale's disciple and Captain of the Military Police, was revealed to be the architect of the plan. The truth came to light when Keith Shadis, approached by a desperate Grisha to alter Jacob's documents and conceal his Ackerman identity under the clan name "Wagner", was subjected to torture.
The poor man's resistance was no match for the agony, and he eventually succumbed, spilling the beans and revealing both Grisha and Jacob's being exposed in the process. The consequences of this betrayal were dire. Though no one knew what Mtteus's true ambitions were.
Jacob, Karol, and their innocent two-year-old child were forced into exile, leaving behind the life they knew in Shiganshina. The empire seized everything Jacob had built through years of hard work and dedication, leaving him with nothing. The once-thriving businessman was now a broken man, his dreams shattered and his family's future uncertain.
As for Grisha, once a respected member of the community, was now shunned by the people of Shiganshina. His role in hiding Jacob's identity had made him a pariah. The townspeople's scorn and contempt weighed heavily on him, and he became a shadow of his former self, haunted by the consequences of his actions. His relationships were irreparably damaged, and his reputation was forever tarnished.
All ties to the Ackermans were severed, leaving Grisha in the dark about their fate. He was consumed by uncertainty, unable to confirm whether they even survived. Meanwhile, Carla's mental state began to unravel, succumbing to the crushing weight of depression. She became convinced that the Ackermans had met their demise, and her grief manifested in a disturbing way.
She would sporadically lose control, emitting strange, unsettling noises that sent chills down the spines of those around her. Her mind was a battleground, tormented by the thought of her loved ones' possible fate. The once-vibrant Carla was now a shadow of her former self, trapped in a prison of anguish and despair.
(Year 837, Month July)
"Tears are words the mouth can't say nor can the heart bear"
The Arlets
Armin Arlet was left orphaned and alone, under the care of his elderly grandfather. The truth about his parents' fate was shrouded in a web of lies, with the military covering up their brutal murder as a bandit attack from the underground. But the reality was far more sinister. The Arlets had been desperate to explore the world beyond the walls, to experience its wonders: water that glowed like fire, land of ice, fields of sand and the sea with its salty water.
They had attempted to escape using a hot air balloon, but their dreams were brutally crushed when they were caught by the Military Police. The officers showed no mercy, killing them in cold blood. The mutilated bodies were later discovered in a dark alleyway of Shiganshina, a grim reminder of the dangers of seeking freedom in a world controlled by fear and oppression snatching away the parents embrace from the 3 year old.
(Year 837, Month November)
"We must understand that sadness is an ocean, and sometimes we drown, while other days we are forced to swim."
The grave letter
As the winter sun rose over the Yeager household, a somber silence filled the air. The door creaked open, and a letter slipped through the narrow opening, carrying with it the weight of fate. The envelope, worn and weathered, bore the sender's name: Eren Kruger. Grisha's heart raced as he recognized the handwriting, his mind bracing for the impact of the words within.
With trembling hands, he opened the letter, and a faint scent of lavender wafted out, transporting him back to memories of laughter and tears shared with his dear friend. The words on the page blurred as tears welled up in his eyes, but he forced himself to read on, his heart heavy with grief.
"Dear friend,
I'm writing this letter, but it's already too late. I won't waste much of your time, and I'll fill you in with the details. The pandemic took Karen from me, and she died in my arms. Her last words still echo in my mind, 'I wanna see him, I wanna see Eren... I... I... don't want to die...' A single tear fell from her eye as her soul left her body.
But I'm glad, my friend, that I was there when she needed me most. I was there when she took her last breath, and I was there when I laid her to rest.
Grisha, my time has also come and I don't have enough time nor guts to present an explaination . By the time this letter reaches you, I'll be long gone, a mere memory. But I entrust Eren to you. Raise him well, and make him strong. This is my final request, my dear friend.
Thank you for everything. May our memories stay with you forever.
Regards,
Eren Kruger
The letter slipped from Grisha's hands, and he collapsed to the floor, overcome with grief. The winter sun seemed to fade, and the world around him grew cold and dark. He wept for his friends, for the loss, and for the weight of responsibility that now fell upon him. The letter, a testament to their friendship and a reminder of the fragility of life, lay crumpled on the floor, a poignant symbol of the transience of human connection.
(Year 838, Month January)
"Every parting is a form of death, as every reunion is a type of heaven."
Reunion
As the new year dawned, a glimmer of hope emerged for the distraught couple. Eren, though young, struggled to comprehend the traumas that had unfolded, but the blessings of the new year brought solace to his family. Grisha, once barred from Wall Sina and dismissed from his position, received an unexpected offer to serve as a doctor within Wall Rose, a opportunity that brought financial stability and a fresh start.
In secret, Jacob sent a letter to Grisha, revealing that he, Karol and Mikasa were alive and thriving. This news was a balm to Carla's troubled mind, as she had thought she had lost her only sibling forever. The knowledge that her sister was safe and happy brought a measure of peace, slowly healing the wounds of her mental anguish.
As the seasons passed, Grisha and Carla's lives began to rebuild, their hearts slowly mending. Eren grew up, surrounded by the love of his family, and the trauma of his early years became a distant memory. The letter from Jacob remained a treasured secret, a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
The long-awaited moment finally arrived, and the Yeagers secretly made their way to meet the Ackermans. Carla's heart raced with anticipation, her eyes fixed on the familiar face she had missed dearly. As she embraced Karol, months of sorrow and longing melted away, and tears of joy streamed down her face.
The sisters held each other tightly, their reunion a testament to the unbreakable bond they shared. Karol's warm smile and gentle touch soothed Carla's lingering pain, and for a moment, the world around them melted away.
Grisha and Jacob exchanged knowing glances, their faces etched with a mix of happiness and caution. They knew the risks of this secret meeting, but the joy it brought to their loved ones was worth the danger.
The precious time they spent together, they cherished every moment, aware that their reunion might be short-lived. But for now, they savored the love and warmth they shared, a beacon of hope in a world filled with uncertainty.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Ackermans and Yeagers reluctantly parted ways, their hearts full of warmth and their spirits lifted. Though the shadows of danger and uncertainty still loomed, they knew they had found solace in each other's embrace.
Carla's tears of sorrow had turned to tears of joy, her reunion with Karol a balm to her soul. Grisha's eyes shone with a sense of purpose, his resolve to protect his family and friends strengthened by the secret meeting.
As they returned to their respective homes, the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, a reminder that even in the darkest times, hope and love could be the beacons that guided them through.
And so, the chapter came to a close, a testament to the power of human connection and the unbreakable bonds that tied them together. Though the journey ahead would be fraught with challenges, the Ackermans and Yeagers knew they would face it together, their hearts filled with courage, love, and the unwavering belief in a brighter future.