The days went by, Grisha's tyranny over his wife continued unabated, but Eren's metamorphosis brought a rare smile to his mother's face. His newfound composure was a beacon of hope, as he shed his angry demeanor and began to engage with her in a more thoughtful and considerate manner.
Year 842
As the summer sun began to dip towards the horizon, casting a warm orange glow through the windows, Eren snuggled deeper into his mother's lap. Carla's hands moved deftly, her knitting needles clicking away as she worked on a cozy sweater for the upcoming winter. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant chirping of birds.
"Hey, Mom, who's this Karol you wanted to meet ?" Eren asked his curiosity piqued as he gazed up at Carla's gentle face.
Carla's eyes sparkled with delight as she began to spin a tale of her past. "Well, she's my younger sister. We were inseparable growing up, and she married a wonderful man, Jacob Ackerman. They had a beautiful daughter, Mikasa."
Eren's eyes widened in shock, his voice rising in disbelief. "WHAT?! How come I never knew about that? That means I have a cousin!"
Carla chuckled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yes, you do, sweetie. You never gave me a chance to tell you, and your dad... well, he doesn't like me talking about them."
Eren's concern deepened, his brow furrowing. "But why... You told me that Dad and Uncle Jacob were good friends?"
Carla's expression turned somber, her voice tinged with sorrow. "Your dad blames Jacob for everything, even losing his job. But that's not the whole story, Eren."
As she continued to share tales of Jacob's past and th history of the Ackerman family, Eren's excitement grew. "Ackerman? I have an Ackerman cousin? She must be strong like Captain Levi! He's an Ackerman too!"
Carla's eyes shone with a knowing glint, her thoughts unspoken. "Well, sweetie,so are you."
With a determined look, Eren stood up, his eyes shining with resolve. "Hey, Mom, don't worry. Once I become a soldier, I'll make sure you and Aunt Karol get to meet each other. We'll make it happen!"
The warm sunlight danced across their faces, casting a sense of hope and promise as they shared a tender moment together.
Carla patted Eren's head, her touch warm and gentle. "Thanks Eren, well time to start preparing supper, sweetheart." She headed to the kitchen, the scent of sizzling vegetables and savory spices wafting through the air.
"Hey, Mom, what's for supper?" Eren asked, his eyes lighting up with excitement.
Carla smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Meat, my precious angel. A special treat for you."
Eren's face widened with delight. "Meat! It's been ages!"
Carla's smile faltered for a moment, her eyes clouding with the knowledge that she'd spent some of her precious savings on this rare indulgence. But Eren's joy was worth it. Eren after interrupting Carla's thought asked,"hey mom is it alright if I meet Armin for a while."
After a quick nod from Carla, Eren dashed out of the house, the warm summer sun casting long shadows across the streets. He arrived at Armin's house, the identical architecture and familiar creak of the front door a comforting welcome.
*Knock*Knock*
"Coming!" Armin's voice called out from inside. The door swung open, and Armin's bright blue eyes sparkled with excitement. "Yo, Eren! Come on in!"
Eren stepped inside, his gaze drawn to the cozy interior. The furniture was similar to his own home, but with a few distinct differences – a colorful rug, a bookshelf overflowing with dusty tomes, and a peculiar contraption that looked like a cross between a harp and a violin.
In the kitchen, Armin's grandfather, a silver-haired man with a short beard, stood stirring a pot of steaming soup. "Hello, Eren! Care to join us for the feast? We're having bread and soup."
Eren shook his head, his mouth already watering at the thought of Carla's meat dish waiting for him at home. "Thanks, but mom's waiting for me I'll pass."
Armin's face lit up with understanding. "Hey, want to see that book again? The one with pictures of the outside world?" Armin whispered.
Eren nodded eagerly, and the two friends retreated to Armin's room, the blonde boy's hair shining like a halo in the fading light. They pored over the book, their imaginations running wild with fantasies of adventure and exploration.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the room in a warm orange glow, Eren reluctantly said his goodbyes and headed back home. The evening air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant chirping of birds.
After reaching his house as Eren approached the front door Eren's hand hovered over the door handle, the voices within exploded into a cacophony of anger and fear, shattering his heart like fragile glass. The air seemed to vibrate with tension, the sunlight streaming through the windows casting eerie shadows on the walls.
Grisha's thunderous voice boomed through the room, "What? We recently bought clothes for Eren!" The words dripped with disdain, each syllable a razor-sharp blade slashing at Carla's dignity.
Carla's trembling voice barely registered above a whisper, "Grisha, it's been almost two years... the clothes don't fit him anymore." Her words were laced with desperation, a plea for reason in a sea of turmoil." What's the point on wasting money on new clothes he's just going to outgrow them too!" Grisha barked as Carla tried to reason with him his pride and arrogance surged to the forefront.
His hand shooting out like a snake to ensnare Carla's neck. "If only you hadn't agreed to adopt that brat, we might be able to have some money!" His grip tightened, his fingers digging into her flesh like talons.
Eren's eyes widened in horror, his mind paralyzed by the scene unfolding before him. His heart raced like a wild animal, threatening to burst free from his chest. "What..." he whispered, his voice lost in the tempest.
Grisha's words dripped with venom, his eyes blazing with fury. "It's all because of that bastard Kruger and his wife Karin that we're stuck with that useless brat... Maybe I'll just dump him in an orphanage." He spat the words, his face twisted in a snarl.
Carla's eyes flashed with defiance, her voice steady despite the fear that trembled beneath. "I.... won't let you take Eren away, Grisha.... I'll raise him myself, ....no matter what."
Grisha's eyes sparked, "You think you can defy me, Carla? You think you can deny me?"
The air was heavy with tension, the silence that followed like a held breath. Grisha's face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. He lunged at Carla, his hands tightened and were grasping like claws, the shadows cast by the flickering candles dancing on the walls like malevolent spirits.
Eren burst through the door, his small frame hurtling towards his mother like a tiny bullet. "STOP IT, DAD!" he shrieked, his voice piercing the air like a siren.
Eren charged towards Grisha with a fierce determination, his small fists clenched in anger connected with Grishas messed up face. Grisha, taken aback by the sudden attack, stumbled backward, releasing Carla from his deadly grip. She collapsed onto the wooden floor, coughing intensely, her eyes wide with fear.
"Hey, Mom, are you alright?" Eren's voice trembled with concern as he rushed to her side.
But before he could even help her up, Grisha's fury unleashed itself upon him. A powerful kick struck Eren's face, sending him crashing to the ground. His nose bleeding profusely, his cheek red and swollen, Eren struggled to get up, but Grisha was relentless.
With a snarl, Grisha pounced on Eren, pinning him down, his fists raining blows upon the young boy's defenseless body. "You useless brat! You're nothing but a waste of my time and resources!" Grisha's venomous words accompanied by each punch.
Carla, her eyes filled with horror, tried to intervene, but Grisha's cruelty knew no bounds. He struck her with a vicious punch to the stomach, and she crumpled to the floor, blood spewing from her mouth, her consciousness fading away.
"Stop...Grisha...please...he's just a kid..." Her weak voice was barely audible, but it fell on deaf ears.
Grisha's rage continued unabated, his alcohol-fueled fury consuming him entirely. Eren's small body lay limp beneath him, his breathing shallow, his eyes closed in agony.
Finally, as the storm of violence subsided, Grisha's grip on Eren relaxed, his hands covered in the boy's blood. Eren's chest rose and fell with labored breaths, his small body battered and bruised beyond recognition.
The room was silent, the only sound was of the heavy breathing of the two victims, the air thick with the stench of blood and violence. Grisha's eyes, still blazing with anger, gazed upon the destruction he had wrought, his mind slowly coming to terms with the horror he had unleashed.
Later that night
Grisha, that brute of a man, stormed out of the house, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. The mother and child, victims of his unbridled fury, lay broken and battered, their lives forever scarred by his cruelty.
But Carla, a woman of unyielding spirit, refused to succumb to the darkness. With a strength born of love and desperation, she stirred, her consciousness returning like a phoenix from the ashes. With a fierce determination, she gathered her injured child in her arms, cradling him as if he were a precious treasure.
With tender care, she bore Eren to the sanctuary of his room, her heart weeping at the sight of his battered face. Though blood and bruises marred his innocent features, Carla's skilled hands moved with precision, cleansing and treating his wounds with a gentle touch.
And yet, amidst the chaos and devastation, a glimmer of hope flickered to life. For as Carla tended to her child, her love and devotion burning brighter with every passing moment, she knew that Grisha's cruelty would not defeat them. They would rise, stronger and more resilient, their bond unbroken and unshaken.
Carla's teary eyes never left Eren's face as she tended to his wounds, her heart aching with every glance. The moon cast a silver glow through the window, illuminating the room with a soft, ethereal light." Mom.... Mom are you alright.... you should check yourself first." A weak voice came from Eren.
The night air was heavy with tension, the only sound the soft hum of crickets outside. Carla's smile was hesitant, her voice trembling. "Honey, don't worry, mama is alright."
As she finished treating Eren's injuries, Carla's hand instinctively rose to her mouth, suppressing a sob. All that could be heard was the occasional hoot of an owl or the distant howl of a wolf.
The silence was finally broken by Carla's whispered apology. "I'm sorry, sweet heart .... I know you heard it all... I'm sorry I couldn't protect you... I couldn't be the mom I promised Kruger to be."
Eren's frail body seemed to gather strength from her words, his eyes locking onto hers with a fierce determination. With a slow, labored movement, he stood up, his head finding solace in the warmth of Carla's chest. His arms wrapped around her, holding her tight as if he would never let go.
"I don't care, mom... Who Kruger is... All I know is that you are my mom, and that no matter what happens, no one can separate us," Eren's voice was filled with a maturity beyond his years, his words piercing Carla's soul.
Carla's shock was evident, her eyes widening as she gazed at her child, her heart swelling with pride and love. She hugged him tighter, her tears finally finding release as she whispered, "Oh, Eren... my dear, sweet Eren..."
Eren's voice was hesitant, his words barely above a whisper. "But, mom... If it's alright... can you... can you tell me who I am? Who's Karin, and who's Kruger? What did dad mean when he talked about them?"
The night air seemed to vibrate with anticipation as Carla's eyes searched Eren's face, her heart heavy with the weight of secrets and lies. " Alright honey I'll tell you everything I know." Carla mustered up all the courage she could.
Her voice trembled as she revealed the long-hidden truth, the words hanging in the air like a fragile mist. The night breeze whispered through the windows, its gentle caress a stark contrast to the emotional storm brewing within.
Eren's eyes widened, his mind reeling as he struggled to process the revelations. The silence was oppressive, heavy with the weight of secrets and lies. Then, like a dam breaking, Eren's voice cracked as he whispered, "Eren Kruger and Karin Ackerman... Huh."
His thoughts swirled in a maelstrom of emotions, his young mind grappling with the harsh reality. Carla's eyes, brimming with tears, reflected the anguish she had long carried. She rose, her movements slow and deliberate, and vanished into the shadows, only to return with a worn letter, its creases deepened by the passage of time.
"Honey, it's a letter from your dad, Eren," Carla's voice cracked, her eyes pleading for understanding.
Eren's trembling fingers unfolded the letter, the words piercing his heart like a dagger. The room seemed to darken, as if the shadows themselves were closing in. His vision blurred, tears streaming down his face as the truth ravaged his soul.
The letter's words danced before his eyes, a macabre waltz of sorrow and loss. His parents, gone. His identity, a lie. The cruelty of Grisha, a weight too crushing to bear. Eren's body shook, his sobs echoing through the night, a mournful lament for the life he thought he knew.
The air was heavy with grief, the atmosphere a palpable sorrow that threatened to consume them both. Carla's arms enfolded him, her tears mingling with his, their hearts bound together in a shared anguish. The night had unleashed its secrets, and the dawn seemed a distant hope, a fragile promise of redemption.
Carla's eyes locked onto Eren's, her gaze filled with a mix of determination and desperation. "Eren, sweetie, I've made up my mind. You can't stay here anymore. I'm sending you off to Keith Shadis ." Keith Shadis was the 12th commander of the survey corps but after constant failures in expeditions retired, giving the baton of leadership to Erwin Smith.
Eren's face contorted in protest, his voice laced with concern. "No way, mom! I won't leave you alone with that monster! I can't abandon you!"
Carla's hands grasped Eren's shoulders, her grip firm but gentle. "Honey, listen to me. I know this is hard, but I'm doing this for you. For your future. You deserve a life free from Grisha's tyranny."
Eren's resistance slowly faltered, his eyes welling up with tears. Carla's words pierced his heart, but he knew she spoke the truth. Grisha's cruelty had become unbearable.
"But, mom... what about you? I can't leave you behind," Eren's voice cracked, his lips trembling.
Carla's smile was soft, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I'll be fine, Eren. I promise. I'll catch up with you soon. Your safety is all that matters now. Trust me, okay?"
Eren's nod was hesitant, but Carla's conviction was contagious. He knew she wanted the best for him, even if it meant separation.
"Okay, mom... I trust you," Eren's voice barely whispered, his heart heavy with the weight of their impending separation.
Carla's embrace enveloped him, her tears mingling with his. "I love you, Eren. Always remember that." Both of them decided to wait for two weeks in order to prepare for the necessary preparations for the long trip.
Two weeks passed in a blur, Carla and Eren avoiding Grisha's wrath as they counted down the days until his escape. Eren's injuries healed, and Carla's paycheck arrived, providing the necessary funds for their plan.
The day of departure finally dawned, casting a bittersweet glow over the small family. Carla's eyes brimmed with tears as she gazed at Eren, her heart heavy with the thought of separation.
"Eren, my dear child... it's time," Carla's voice trembled, her hands grasping his shoulders.
Eren's face set in determination, his eyes locked onto hers. "I'll come back soon, mom. I promise."
The farewell was poignant, the air thick with emotion. Carla's arms enveloped Eren, holding him close as tears streamed down her face.
"I love you, Eren. Never forget who you are, and never give up on your dreams."
Eren's voice cracked as he replied, "I love you too, mom. I'll make you proud, I promise."
Armin, sensing the gravity of the moment, remained silent, his eyes red-rimmed as he watched his friend share his goodbye.
With a final embrace, Eren broke free, his eyes never leaving Carla's face. He turned and ran towards the gate, the sound of his footsteps echoing through the silence.
Carla's arms remained outstretched, her eyes fixed on the spot where Eren had disappeared. "I'll be back, mother... I'll come back soon," his words lingered in the air, a promise that would sustain her through the darkness ahead.
Eren boarded a cart, the expensive fare a small price to pay for his freedom. As the cart rumbled towards Trost, Eren's heart raced with anticipation. He would reach the Wall Maria gate, pay the Garrison Regiment for a pass, and finally escape Grisha's tyranny.
The cart halted in front of Trost, and Eren leapt out, his eyes fixed on the gate in the distance. With a deep breath, he began his journey, the weight of his promise to Carla driving him forward.
Eren's journey was long and arduous, after crossing the Gate linking Wall Rose and Trost finally, he arrived at the Krolva district in Wall Rose, near Trost. With a mix of excitement and trepidation, he searched for the address his mother had given him - 98 P, near the windmill, opposite the canal. As he walked, the evening sun beat down on him, its merciless glow a reminder of the challenges he had faced and those still to come.
Finally, he approached the house, Eren's eyes widened in awe. It was a grand structure, unlike any he had seen before, with intricate stone carvings and large windows that seemed to gleam in the fading light. He took a deep breath, his heart pounding with anticipation, and knocked on the door.
The wait seemed interminable, but eventually, an old woman opened the door, her eyes scrutinizing him with a hint of curiosity. "Hello, is this Keith Shadis' house?" Eren asked, trying to sound confident.
The woman's gaze lingered on him, and Eren sensed a hint of warmth in her eyes. "Yes and who might you be?" she asked, her voice gentle.
Eren introduced himself, omitting the details of his troubled past and his father's cruelty. The woman listened attentively, her expression softening. "Oh, I see... well, sweetheart, Master Keith is on his last expedition with the commander. He'll be back today, I hope so."
Eren's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Keith's name. He had heard stories about the renowned commander, but never thought he would be standing at his doorstep and seeking refuge.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape, Eren's ears perked up at the sound of horsemen approaching. The lead horses emerged from the dusty trail, their riders' capes fluttering in the gentle evening breeze. Erwin Smith and Keith Shadis rode at the forefront, their faces beaming with pride and exhaustion, their capes adorned with the iconic Wings of Freedom.
The old woman's eyes twinkled with joy, his voice filled with warmth. "Talk of the devil!" She exclaimed, her eyes shining with delight.
As the scouts halted before the house, their laughter and banter filled the air, mingling with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the earthy smell of horses. Eren's eyes sparkled with excitement, his heart racing with anticipation.
The old woman's greeting was warm and welcoming, "Welcome back, Master Shadis." Keith nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled, his gaze shifting to Eren. "And who might you be, kid?"
Eren's words faltered, his nervousness getting the better of him. But the old woman intervened, her voice soft and reassuring, "This young man is Grisha Yeager's son and has come here seeking your help, Master Shadis."
Keith's eyes widened in surprise, his expression a mix of delight and melancholy. "Grisha's son?" he asked, his voice low and husky. Eren nodded, his eyes locked onto Keith's, his heart pounding in his chest.
With a warm smile, Keith gestured for Eren to enter, the scouts parting to make way for him. As they filed into the house, the evening air was filled with the sound of laughter and music, the scent of roasting meat and freshly baked bread wafting from the kitchen. Eren's heart swelled with gratitude, feeling a sense of belonging he had never known before.
Keith's gaze fell upon Eren, his expression a complex blend of emotions. The memories of Carla choosing Grisha over him still lingered, fueling his insecurities and making him feel inadequate, as if he wasn't special enough to provide the happiness Carla deserved making the present a little too ironic. The scouts sat in a big well furnished lounge waiting for the supper.
Eren's eyes widened as he scanned the room, his gaze locking onto a familiar figure. "Wait, is that...? No way, it can't be!" He sprinted towards the scout, his excitement palpable.
The scout, none other than Captain Levi, looked up from his conversation, his gray eyes meeting Eren's enthusiastic gaze. Eren blurted out, "It's Captain Levi, the humanity's strongest soldier!"
Levi's response was dry, "Oh, spare me, kid." He didn't even crack a smile.
Petra, a short blonde-haired scout, chuckled at the exchange. "Haha, Captain Levi, you've got another fanboy!"
Levi's gaze shifted to Petra, his eyes narrowing. "Keep quiet, Petra. I'll send you back to the training corps if you keep laughing."
Petra's grin only grew wider. "Ooh, I'm shaking in my boots, Captain."
Eren, still starstruck, failed to notice Levi's annoyance. "I can't believe it's really you, Captain Levi! I've heard so much about you!"
Levi's expression remained stoic, but his eyes seemed to be screaming, "Save me from these enthusiastic rookies."
Erwin Smith chuckled at the scene, shaking his head in amusement. As the scouts devoured their meals, Eren sat beside Levi and his squad, introducing himself with enthusiasm. While Petra was friendly, the other members of the Levi squad - Eld, Gunthur, and Oluo - showed no interest, focused on their food.
After supper, the scouts departed for Trost, leaving Keith, Levi, Erwin, and the Levi squad behind. Eren waited patiently for Keith to finish his conversation with Erwin. Once they approached him, Keith asked,
" So how can I help you Eren."Eren's eyes shone with determination. "I want to join the Survey Corps," he declared.
The room erupted in laughter, except for Keith, Erwin and Levi. Keith's expression turned serious, "And why is that, Eren? I thought Grisha wanted you to become a doctor. Why the change of heart? Plus, why risk your life?" Eren's passion poured out, "I'm not living, sir. This is not living. We're just cattle caged within the walls. I don't understand why people don't fight. I don't know why they hide."
Erwin's eyes widened, impressed by Eren's conviction. Keith's expression softened, understanding the fire that drove Eren. Levi, remained unreadable.
Keith's expression turned skeptical, "I don't believe you, Eren. Did you run away from home to join the Scouts? I'll contact your parents and take you back to them. I'm sorry, but I can't lead you to your doom." Eren anticipated this reaction, but his determination only grew stronger. He continued to persuade Keith, and later Erwin, but Keith remained unconvinced, thinking that Carla or Grisha would never allow Eren to join the Survey Corps.
Suddenly, Eren's emotions boiled over, and he burst out, "Why won't you believe me? You have no fucking idea how hard it was for me to get this far!" Tears streamed down his face, his green eyes blazing with fury. The room fell silent, Petra rushing to comfort the distraught boy. Erwin, sensing a deeper story, watched intently.
Breaking the silence, Erwin made a surprising offer, "Very well, Eren. You can join the Survey Corps, and Levi here will train you personally." Eren's tears ceased, his eyes wide with disbelief, "Wha...?"
The Levi squad was equally shocked, Levi himself protesting, "What are you out of your mind? I'm not some damn babysitter..." But Erwin cut him off, "But first, you have to tell us what happened. I know you wouldn't come here, to Keith's house, to join the Scouts. You could've joined the Cadets Corps to train first and then join the Scouts....So, are you ready to tell us?"
Eren took a deep breath and revealed everything - his adoption, the persecution by his father, his Ackerman heritage, everything.
The room fell silent, the only sound Eren's ragged breathing. Levi's gaze pierced through Eren, his eyes narrowing as he grasped Eren's arms, his grip tightening. "Hey kid... You're not making all of this up, are you? This isn't a joke." Eren's expression remained dead serious, his eyes locked onto Levi's.
With a swift motion, Eren handed the letter to Erwin, who examined it with a mix of surprise and curiosity. "It seems like it's from the underground... He's not lying." Erwin's confident tone only added to the tension.
Levi's eyes never left Eren's face, his mind racing with the implications. He asked, his voice low and urgent, "What's the full name of your mother and father? Tell me more about them." Eren's response was steady, "My dad is Eren Kruger, and my mother is Karin Ackerman... She caught the recent pandemic... Yes, I remember mom telling me that after giving birth, she went to the underground with her brother for treatment, though dad... had already told her she didn't have time to live."
Levi's grip on Eren's arms tightened, his eyes searching for any sign of deception. He asked, his voice barely above a whisper, "Brother... What's his name?" The air seemed to thicken, the silence oppressive, as Levi awaited Eren's response. Eren's words came slow, deliberate, "I guess... Mom told me something like... Ke... Kenny... Kenny Ackerman... My biological mother's older brother."
Levi's eyes seemed to bore into Eren's soul, his gaze intense, as if willing the truth to reveal itself. The room held its breath, the tension palpable, as Levi's world teetered on the edge of a revelation that could shatter everything he thought he knew.
Levi's eyes widened, his body frozen in shock, as if the words had struck him like a thunderbolt. The room fell silent, the only sound of Eren's soft breathing. Everyone except Erwin seemed perplexed by Levi's strange behavior, their faces etched with confusion.
Erwin broke the silence, his voice calm and reassuring, "That settles it then, Eren. Welcome to the Survey Corps... Don't worry about your foster parents. I'll make sure your dad gets a good job, and the violence that Carla faces will end soon." Eren's eyes sparkled with tears as he smiled, "Thanks, Commander."
Days passed, and Eren found himself moving into the Odel district within Wall Rose, alongside the Levi squad. It was a fresh start. But little did he know, a crucial conversation awaited him.
Erwin and Levi summoned Eren to their quarters, their expressions grave. "Eren, we need to discuss something important," Erwin said, his voice low and serious. Levi's eyes seemed to drill into Eren's soul, as if searching for something. "Your past, Eren... It's not just a coincidence, is it?" Levi's words hung in the air, heavy with implication.
Eren replied looking in Levi's eyes," what do you mean by coincidence captain."
"Your mother's connection to the underground, it's not just a coincidence," Levi said, his eyes piercing through Eren's confusion.
Eren's mind raced as he tried to process the revelation. "But... How? I don't understand," he stammered, his eyes darting between Levi and Erwin.
Levi took a step closer, his voice low and intense. "I'm from the underground too, Eren. My mother's name was Kuchel.... Kuchel Ackerman... She died since we were poor and unable to afford food... And my father... I never knew him." He paused, his gaze burning with determination. "But Kenny Ackerman, your mother's brother... He took care of me, taught me how to survive in the underground ."
Eren's skepticism was evident, "Ahahaha... Captain, that doesn't mean we're related. Maybe Kenny just knew your mother as a friend or something."
Erwin intervened, his voice calm and authoritative, "Eren, let him finish. There's more to this story."
The room fell silent, the only sound Eren's sharp intake of breath.
Year 827
Kuchel and Levi sat in silence, the dim light of the underground dwelling casting eerie shadows on their faces. The air was thick with the smell of damp earth and decay, with the only sound of the faint hum of distant machinery. Levi's question hung in the air, "Hey mom, why are we living here?"
Kuchel's eyes, a pale echo of Levi's, gazed into the past, her voice barely above a whisper. "Well, honey, I'm one of the Ackermans who fled to the underground alongside my brother." The words seemed to weigh her down, her shoulders sagging under the burden of memories.
As she poured tea from a broken teapot, the faint scent of herbs and stale water filled the air. Levi's gaze dropped, regretting his question, knowing it had awakened the ghosts of her past. Kuchel's voice continued, a soft, melancholic melody, "My parents... they were killed by the military police. The new king sought revenge against her father. My infant sister, Karin... I don't know where she is. Kenny's been searching for her, but..." Her words trailed off, lost in the darkness of the underground.
Levi's eyes avoided his mother's, afraid of uncovering more painful secrets. The hardships of the underground were cutthroat crimes were common and the majority of the population living in underground were poor who would often die due to lack of nutrition to their body same was for Kuchel and Levi.
Days passed, and their hunger grew. Kuchel's once-slender frame now seemed fragile, her dark hair dull and lifeless. Levi's gaze would often find her, her eyes sunken, her skin pale, as she struggled to provide for him. The underground's harsh reality had taken its toll, the lack of food and hope slowly suffocating them.
In the end, it was not the hunger that consumed Kuchel, but the desperation. Her body weakened, her spirit crushed, she lay on her deathbed, Levi's small hands holding hers. The air was heavy with the stench of death, the darkness of the underground closing in, as Kuchel's final words whispered, "Levi.... son I'm sorry for everything you deserved better.." And with that, she was gone, leaving Levi alone in the unforgiving depths of the underground.
Erwin's words pierced the silence, illuminating the connections between the threads of their investigation. Levi's eyes clouded, his heart heavy with the weight of his past. He felt a mix of emotions: sadness, gratitude, and the burden of his duty as a soldier. Kenny, the man who had cared for him as a child, had become a mass murderer, and it was Levi's responsibility to bring him to justice. The complexity of their relationship tore at Levi's soul, but he knew he had to fulfill his duty, no matter how difficult it may be.
Levi's past, though tragic, didn't define him. He moved forward, his eyes fixed on the future. Eren, however, was stuck in disbelief, his excitement overflowing. "What... That's so cool!" He jumped up, ignoring the somberness of Levi's past, his eyes sparkling with joy. "There's no way I'm related to Levi, the Levi, humanity's strongest soldier!" Eren's enthusiasm was palpable, his words tumbling out in a rush.
Levi, taken aback by Eren's sudden outburst, tried to extricate himself from the tight hug Eren had wrapped him in. "Hell no, kid," he muttered, his face flushing with embarrassment and annoyance.
Erwin, amused by the exchange, chuckled and intervened, "Hey, Eren, I'll ask you again. Are you sure you want to join us? You know it's going to be hard." Eren's nod was resolute, his determination evident. "Yes, sir, I know what I'm facing, and I'm ready for everything."
Erwin's expression turned serious, his eyes locked onto Eren's. "Very well, then..." He trailed off, leaving the office, leaving Eren and Levi alone once more. The silence that followed was awkward, Levi's gaze fixed on Eren, his expression unreadable.
The Levi squad stood in stunned silence, their eyes fixed on Eren and Levi. Guntur's mouth hung open, "What... Damn, I don't know what to say, captain." Petra, still hugging Eren, chimed in, "Well, he is a cutie... And he looks just like captain..." Levi's expression remained unyielding, "Eh... How do I and that brat resemble?" Eld, standing beside Levi, pointed out, "Well, captain, honestly, your hair matches a lot, you know." Oluo's eyes widened, "Aaaa... There's no way in hell they're related, look at their age difference and..." He accidentally bit his tongue, spitting out blood, "Umm... Petra, could you let me go?" Eren, feeling suffocated, apologized, "Oh, I'm sorry." Petra finally released him, smiling.
Just then, a figure with striking features and a mocking tone entered the room. "Oh, Levi, what's with the weird face? Aren't you happy?" Hange Zoë, the section commander, stood with her signature spectacles perched on her nose, her dark brown hair tied up in a high ponytail. Levi's nickname for her, "Four Eyes," was met with a playful smirk. "Shut up, Four Eyes," Levi replied, his expression unyielding.
Hange's expression turned serious, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Anyhow, that's huge news for us. We've been trailing Kenny the Ripper for a while, but this... This could be the break we need." The room fell silent, the weight of the revelation settling in.
Hange gazed at Eren and said," Hey Eren, I wanted to tell you that Grisha successfully got hired as a doctor In Wall Sina with a good salary."
Eren's eyes widened as he rushed towards hange, his grip on her hands tightening. "What about mom... Is she alright? Did dad hurt her when he found out about my escape?" Hange's gentle smile reassured him, "She's alright, Eren. I was there personally, and we talked for a while. I told her you'll soon start training under Levi, and she was happy to hear that." Eren's face lit up with relief and gratitude.
Petra suggested, "Hey Eren, why not visit your mother once before you start training?" But Eren's determination was unwavering. "No, that's enough, knowing mom's alright... After all, I promised her that the next time we meet, I'll be stronger." His eyes locked onto Levi's, a fierce resolve burning within them.
Levi's gaze held Eren's, his voice low and intense. "Well, prepare yourself, kid... The next three years won't be easy for you." The room seemed to darken, the shadows cast by the flickering lamps growing longer and more ominous. The air was heavy with anticipation, the silence punctuated only by the distant hum of machinery and the soft rustling of papers.
As the meeting dispersed, the squad members filed out of the room, their faces set with determination. Eren remained, his eyes still fixed on Levi's, the promise of a brighter future burning within him. The darkness of the moonless night seemed to recede, replaced by a glimmer of hope. And as the door closed behind him, Eren knew that his journey was just beginning.