Year 842
"Hey Mom, look at this!" a young boy of a rounded face and expressive, teal-green eyes holding up a newly bought Scout Regiment cloak exclaimed . The worn wooden floorboards creaked beneath his feet as he stood in the small, dimly lit room.
Carla, exhausted from her shift as a waitress, sighed as she stirred the pot of stew on the stone hearth. The aroma of vegetables and herbs filled the air, but couldn't mask the tension between them. "Eren, son, I've told you many times not to get obsessed with the scouts ."
Carla's knife sliced through the onions with a soft chopping sound, the pungent aroma filling the air as she spoke, her voice firm but laced with concern. "You know we don't have enough money to waste on these luxuries, son." Eren's eyes sparkled with determination, his voice filled with a sense of longing.
"C'mon mom, it's just a cloak, and don't worry, it doesn't cost that much plus I'll be needing it once I join the scouts." The warmth of the kitchen seemed to fade, replaced by a sense of unease as Carla's gaze intensified, her eyes filled with worry. "Son, we've talked about this. You've seen what happens to Scouts out there. I can't let you do the same." The tension hung in the air like a thin mist.
Eren's face reddened with frustration, his eyes flashing with determination. "But you promised me you'd support me when I was a kid! I want to join the Scouts and fight against the Titans, just like Captain Levi!" He gestured emphatically, his hand knocking against the rough-hewn stone wall.
Carla's expression softened, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and worry. "Agh, son, don't mention this in front of your father. You know how he gets." She glanced nervously at the door, as if expecting Grisha to burst in at any moment. Grisha, who had once been a respected doctor, but was now a shadow of his former self. He had lost his job, his confidence, and his dignity after being fired from his position in Shiganshina for helping an Ackerman, and then again in Wall Rose after a noble died in his care. The memories of his failures still haunted him.
Eren's anger boiled over, his voice rising. "You're always saying that, Mom! Why can't you just support me for once? You and Dad are always talking about how hard life is, but you never do anything to change it!" He slammed his fist on the wooden table, making the utensils jump.
Carla's face paled, her voice trembling. "That's enough, Eren! Your father has done everything he can to provide for this family, and you know it." She gestured to the small, cramped room, the stone walls that seemed to close in on them. "This house, our life - it's not easy, but we do whatever we can. You need to understand that."
Eren's anger faltered, replaced by a deep sadness. He knew his mother was right, but he couldn't help feeling trapped, like the walls of their small house were suffocating him. He wanted more, wanted to be more than just a poor boy from Shiganshina. He wanted to be a hero, like the Scouts. He wanted to prove to his parents, to himself, that he was worth more.
"No matter what happens, I will fight Titans, and no one can stop me, not even you or dad!" Eren's voice trembled with determination and anger, his eyes blazing like embers. "Ere..." Carla's pleading voice was cut short as he burst through the door, the wooden frame rattling in protest.
The bright sunlight enveloped him, casting long shadows across the ground as he sprinted towards the tree in Wall Maria . The air was alive with the hum of insects and the distant rumble of the Shiganshina gate. The tree's branches creaked in the gentle breeze, their leaves rustling softly like a chorus of whispers.
Eren's feet pounded the earth, his heart racing with a mix of emotions. The familiar scent of wood and earth enveloped him as he reached the tree, its trunk sturdy and unyielding like a pillar of strength. He flung himself against it, his fists clenched and his eyes shut tight, as if seeking solace in its embrace. The world around him melted away, leaving only the sound of his ragged breathing and the fierce determination that burned within him."Man I hate this.. they are all caged away like cattle within these walls but they'll see what I am capable of." ,Eren roared.
Soon Eren's rage subsided, he surrendered to the soothing embrace of the tree's shade, his weary body relaxing into the cool grass. The gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the soft rustle of leaves, while birds flitted through the sky above, their melodic trills filling the air.
Eren's eyes followed their flight, his heart aching with envy as they soared effortlessly, their freedom a stark contrast to his own confinement within the walls. With a sigh, he closed his eyes, letting the peacefulness of the moment wash over him, his dreams fueled by the longing for a life beyond the constraints that bound him.
"Ere....Eren... forgive me... for everything." The voice whispered in his mind, echoing through the silence.
Eren's eyes snapped open, his gaze unfocused. "Agh... what...what was that?" He lifted his hand, rubbing it on his head, trying to shake off the haze. "It... It feels like I had a really long dream." He murmured, his voice laced with confusion. "But what was it about...?" He trailed off, his brow furrowed in concentration. "I don't remember a thing."
As he sat up, his hand instinctively rose to his eyes, wiping away the tears that lingered there. "Eh... Why am I crying?" He wondered aloud, his voice barely above a whisper.
The wind picked up, carrying a gentle melody through the air as clouds began to gather in the sky. Though they threatened no storm, they cast a melancholic shadow over the scene.
With a sigh, Eren stood up, his feet carrying him towards the gate without conscious thought. "I guess I'll head back," he said, his voice laced with a mix of resignation and longing. The wind whispered secrets in his ear, but he didn't hear, his mind still lost in the haze of his dream.
*Slam*
The alley was dimly lit, the only sound being the faint rustling of trash and the heavy breathing of the trio. The fat boy, Lucas, sneered at Armin, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Well, well, look at him, you're pathetic as always, Arlet." His minions snickered in unison, their eyes fixed on Armin with cruel intent.
Armin stood tall, his blue eyes flashing with defiance, his blonde hair messy from being bullied. "What do you want from me? I've never done anything to you." He clutched his book tightly, his left hand forming a fist, as if ready to defend himself.
Lucas's smirk grew wider. "You're weak, beating you is kinda fun, and..." But before he could finish, Eren appeared behind him, his eyes blazing with anger. "I gave you all one last chance. I guess it's over now."
The air seemed to vibrate with tension as Eren's voice dropped to a menacing growl. "And... Lucky for you, I'm in a bad mood, so I guess you all will make a good punching bag." His words sent a shiver down the spines of the trio.
Without hesitation, Eren punched the minion beside Lucas, sending him crashing into the wall. "Alright, it's your turn." He charged towards the other minion, countering his attack with ease, and delivering a swift punch to the face, followed by a knee to the stomach. The kid collapsed, spewing saliva onto the ground.
Eren turned to Lucas, his eyes blazing with fury. "Man, at least put up a fight... I'm disappointed, kid." He kicked Lucas in the face, the sound echoing through the alley, and the kid's face contorted in pain.
Armin watched in awe as Eren dispatched the bullies with ease, his eyes never leaving Eren's face. "Same goes for you, Armin. I've told you multiple times to train with me." Armin nodded, his eyes wide with gratitude.
Eren turned to Lucas, with a vitriolic tone said. "And now it's your turn, Lucas, you fat shit." He kicked Lucas in the stomach, the impact causing the kid to double over, his eyes bulging in pain.
The alley was silent, except for the sound of Eren's heavy breathing and the whimpers of the bullies. The air was thick with tension, the shadows cast by the flickering streetlights seeming to grow darker, as if reflecting the intensity of the scene. Eren's anger was palpable, his fists still clenched, his eyes blazing with fury.
As the bullies begged for forgiveness, Eren's expression remained unyielding, his anger and frustration still simmering just below the surface. All his frustration turned to a cruel and evil smirk. "Tch... pathetic as always..." Eren's eyes gleamed with a malevolent intensity, his fists clenched and ready to strike again.
Just as he was about to unleash another torrent of violence, Armin placed a restraining hand on his shoulder. "Eren, you should really learn to hold back. You're going to kill them." Armin's voice was laced with concern, his eyes locked on Eren's face.
Eren's smirk twisted into a scowl. "Fuhhhhh... Man, you always save these jerks with your peace talks. Fine, let's go." He shook off Armin's hand, his anger and frustration still simmering just below the surface.
Together, they walked towards the small canal that flowed near Armin's house, the sound of running water a stark contrast to the tension that still lingered between them.
As the sun's descent cast a warm orange glow over the scene, Eren and Armin settled down beside the canal, the gentle lapping of the water against the shore creating a soothing melody. The clouds that had gathered earlier now spread out across the sky like wispy brushstrokes, casting a serene atmosphere over the two friends.
Armin's eyes sparkled with excitement as he held up the old, worn book. "Hey, there's something I wanted to show you." The book's cover was adorned with a strange drawing, and its pages were yellowed with age. Eren raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued despite himself.
"What is it, Armin?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of skepticism.
Armin's grin grew wider. "It's a book with things about the outside world written in it."
Eren's eyes widened in shock. "What? That's illegal! The Military Police will catch you and—"
But Armin cut him off, his face filled with eagerness and joy . "It's not the time to worry about that, Eren. Just listen." He took a deep breath, his voice filled with awe. "According to this book, the majority of land outside the walls is filled with water, called the sea, and it's made up of saltwater."
Eren snorted, his skepticism evident. "Hah, don't be stupid, Armin. The salt is a fortune, the merchants will scoop it out in no time."
Armin eagerly interjected, "Exactly! The sea is so big that it'll never run out!" Eren settled back, his skepticism slowly yielding to curiosity as their eyes met, Armin's blue orbs shining with enthusiasm.
As Armin continued, his cheeks flushed with happiness, "And salt is merely the beginning! Firewater, lands made up of ice, fields of sand ... the outside world is so big than the land inside the walls!" The worn book's pages seemed to come alive in Eren's hands, the images sparking a sense of awe and wonder.
"The outside world!" Eren breathed, his voice filled with curiosity, his eyes wide with anticipation. Armin's grin broadened, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "My grandpa told me this book belonged to my parents, who dared to dream of exploring beyond the walls... though their journey ended in tragedy."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the canal, Armin's eyes seemed to gleam with a sense of longing. "Imagine us exploring the outside world, Eren! Uncovering its secrets, discovering new wonders!" Eren's face lit up with determination. "Alright, Armin! Let's make it happen! We'll explore the outside world together!"
Armin's smile was gentle, his eyes shining with promise. "Haha, Eren... I'm counting on you." As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, the two friends sealed their promise, their hearts filled with excitement and anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead.In the moonlight the two friends bid farewell and turned towards their houses.
As Eren approached the house, the darkness of night enveloped him, the only light coming from the flickering candles inside. The door creaked as he entered, and the dim light revealed Grisha's gaunt face, his sunken eyes fixed on Carla with a mixture of anger and frustration. His unkempt hair and scruffy beard added to his disheveled appearance, and his tattered clothes seemed to hang loosely on his frame.
The air inside was heavy with tension, the smell of burnt wood and stale food lingering in the air. Suddenly Grisha barked," Where the heck are you Carla? How long does it take to make a damn meal?" Carla hastily approached Grisha with a hesitant step her eyes were cast downward, her face pale and drawn, carrying a plate of leftovers. "I'm sorry, it took a bit of time to ignite the wood," she said softly, her voice barely audible over the crackling of the fire.
Eren's heart raced as he watched the scene unfold, his eyes fixed on his dad's messed-up face, his clothes stained with alcohol and his eyes red from lack of sleep. He knew that look all too well, the look of a man consumed by his own demons. "I'm home," Eren said, his voice cautious, as he walked towards the table. Grisha's gaze narrowed, his eyes flashing with anger. "Where were you, Eren?" Eren hesitated, his voice barely above a whisper. "I was with Armin, dad."
Grisha stared at Eren with furious eyes said ," Just how many times have I told you to not stay out this late."
Eren replied," I'm sorry dad I'll make sure it never happens again."
As Eren's apology hung in the air, the flickering candles cast eerie shadows on the walls, like skeletal fingers reaching out to snatch away any semblance of peace. The fireplace crackled, a haunting melody that echoed the turmoil in their hearts. Grisha's silence was oppressive, his eyes fixed on his plate, his jaw clenched in a mixture of anger and frustration.
Carla's gentle touch on Eren's cheeks was a beacon of warmth in the chilly atmosphere, her whispered promise a soothing balm to his troubled soul. "Welcome home, sweetheart. I was worried sick for you." The kiss on his cheek was a tender gesture, a reminder of the love that once filled their home with laughter and joy.
The aroma of dinner wafted through the air, a savory scent that failed to entice, like a forgotten memory that refused to be rekindled. The room seemed to shrink, the shadows closing in like a suffocating shroud, as the tension between Grisha and Carla threatened to consume them all. Eren's downcast eyes reflected the despair that had taken up residence in their hearts, a constant reminder of the happiness they had lost.
After finishing supper, Grisha got up to leave, his eyes fixed on the door as if escape was his only solace. Carla's hesitant question hung in the air, a fragile plea. "Umm... honey, is it alright if I visit Karol for a day?" Grisha's response was a cold, hard stare, his eyes sunken and dark, like two wells of despair. "Huh... And who's supposed to pay for the rent of the buggy and what about the gate pass?" His voice was laced with disdain, each word a venomous dart aimed at Carla's fragile heart.
"Well, y-you see, I'm getting paid tomorrow, with a bonus, so is it alright if I visit for just a day?" Carla stuttered, her voice trembling.
Grisha's response was a violent outburst, his face red with rage. "Shut up, you damn woman! You'll give me all the money you get!" he bellowed.
Carla's eyes welled up with tears as she tried to explain, her voice cracking with emotion. "But it's been four years since we last saw them, and ever since you lost your job, we haven't had the chance nor the money to visit..."
Grisha cut her off, his voice dripping with venom. "Oh, so you're blaming me?" he snarled, his eyes blazing with anger.
Carla's words were cut short by the cruel slap, her sentence left unfinished as she crumpled to the floor. The plea in her voice was heart-wrenching, a desperate attempt to reason with the monster that had once been her loving husband.
Eren's cry of "Mommm!" was a anguished wail, a child's helpless scream as he watched his mother being brutalized. He tried to rush to her side, to shield her from the pain, but Grisha's kick sent him crashing onto the sofa, his small body was no match for the tyrant that stood in front of them.
Grisha's words were a harsh tirade, a torrent of abuse that rained down on Carla like a storm. "HOW DARE YOU TALK BACK TO ME? JUST WHO THE HELL YOU THINK YOU ARE YOU BITCH!" The venom in his voice was palpable, a toxic hatred that poisoned the air.
Carla's lips were stained with blood, her cheeks red and puffy from the slap. Eren's eyes were wide with rage, his body trembling with the effort of trying to hold back tears. The room was heavy with the weight of their sorrow, the shadows cast by the fading light of their love.
Grisha's departure left a deafening silence, the slammed door a harsh reminder of the pain he left behind. Eren's anger seethed, his young mind reeling with a mix of emotions - fury, sorrow, and a deep sense of helplessness. He approached Carla, her face flushed and swollen from crying, Eren gently wrapped his small arms around her.
"Sorry, Mom, I'm sorry for everything. Forgive me for my foolishness," Eren whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. Carla's tears soaked into his shirt as she clung to him, her body shaking with sobs.
Together, they retreated to Eren's room, seeking refuge from the storm that had ravaged their home. As they lay together, Carla's grip on Eren tightened, as if she feared letting go would mean losing him forever. Eren's mind raced, his thoughts consumed by the realization that his behavior towards Carla was no different from Grisha's. The painful truth sparked a resolve within him - to help his mother, to ease her burdens.
In that moment, Eren made a silent promise to himself, a vow to protect Carla and to never let Grisha's cruelty define him. As they drifted off to sleep, Eren's heart remained awake, fueled by a newfound determination to create a better future for himself and his mother.