Days turned into weeks, and Eren found himself counting the moments until he could see Mikasa again. He threw himself into his training, pushing himself harder than ever before, but his mind often wandered back to the girl with the piercing grey eyes and the crimson scarf. Little did he know, their reunion was just on the horizon.
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"Commander!" Eren barked, his right hand snapping to his heart in a crisp salute as he entered Erwin's office. Erwin, seated behind his desk, looked up from the papers he was studying, his eyes locking onto Eren's.
"Ah, Eren. Thank you for coming," Erwin said, his voice firm but with a hint of warmth. "I've called you here today to discuss the upcoming expedition through Shiganshina. However, I have a special task in mind for you, one that requires your unique... skills."
Eren's curiosity was piqued, but he knew better than to ask questions. "Yes, Commander?"
"I want you to meet with my spy in Wall Maria," Erwin continued, handing Eren a sealed letter. "They will provide you with crucial information about a noble planning to assassinate me. Your mission is to gather intel and put a stop to it if possible."
Eren's gaze narrowed, his mind racing with the weight of the task. He wanted to accompany the expedition, to fight alongside his comrades, but he knew this mission was too important to ignore. "Okay, Commander. I won't let you down."
Erwin's eyes seemed to bore into Eren's soul, as if searching for any hint of doubt. "I trust you, Eren. Be careful, this is a high-stakes game we're playing."
Eren nodded, his jaw set in determination. "I will, Commander."
As he turned to leave, Eren hesitated, seeking permission for a personal detour. "Commander, may I visit my relatives while I'm in Wall Maria?"
Erwin's expression softened, a small smile playing on his lips. "Of course, Eren. Family is important. Just be sure to keep your priorities straight."
Eren nodded curtly, leaving Erwin's office with a sense of purpose. He strode out into the bright sunlight, his boots kicking up small clouds of dust as he made his way to the stables. His horse, a majestic black stallion, whinnied in greeting as Eren swung into the saddle. With a gentle urging, the horse broke into a smooth canter, its hooves pounding out a rhythmic beat on the dry earth, accompained by two other scouts to offer protection if anything bad happens Eren was determined to see this mission to the end.
As they approached Wall Maria, the air grew thick with an eerie silence. The trees seemed to loom closer, their branches like skeletal fingers reaching out to snatch at Eren's clothes. The Jinae District, once a bustling hub of activity, now lay shrouded in an unsettling stillness. The only sound was the soft crunch of gravel beneath the horse's hooves and the distant call of a lonely bird.
Eren's eyes scanned the horizon, his gaze lingering on the towering walls that loomed in the distance. The wind carried the faint scent of smoke and ash, a reminder of the devastation that had ravaged this land. His heart quickened with anticipation as he guided his horse through the deserted streets, the silence broken only by the soft jingle of the horse's bridle.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, it's eyes fixed intently on Eren. He reined in his horse, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, ready for anything.
As the figure stepped closer, his deep voice demanded, "Who are you?"
Eren hesitated, "My name is Eren Yeager, I'm from the Odel District..."
But before he could continue, the man cut him off, "I'm not asking for your identity, kid. What's your purpose of coming here?"
Eren cursed him thinking," Bastard you said who are you and not why are you here." Anyhow it didn't matter that much thus Eren replied "I'm here on Erwin Smith's orders... And who might you be?"
The man removed his hood, revealing piercing green eyes that locked onto Eren's. "I'm someone who doesn't have time for introductions. But I'll tell you this: Erwin Smith's life isn't in danger for now. Noble Ryker Lysander has called off his plans to assassinate the Commander... But we can't let our guard down. Be prepared for anything."
Eren listened intently, his mind racing with the implications. He thanked the spy for his hard work before departing."So this was the hard task Erwin wanted me to do." Eren though to himself a bit disappointed but he couldn't reject the orders of commander.
"Make sure you tell everything to Commander Erwin," he instructed his comrades before parting ways and heading towards the Ackermans.
As he rode away, Eren couldn't help but feel nervous about meeting Mikasa after three weeks. "Maybe I should pick up some stuff for Aunt Karol " he thought, turning towards the nearby city to buy some fruits and food. His stomach growled with hunger, so he decided to eat with the Ackermans.
While browsing the market stalls, Eren's eyes landed on a peculiar dagger with an intricately designed hilt. The vendor, noticing his interest, approached him with a charming smile. "Ah, you've got a good eye for quality, young man. This dagger is said to bring good fortune in battle."
Eren was skeptical of the vendor's claims, but as he grasped the dagger's hilt, he felt an unexpected connection. The grip fit perfectly in his hand, and he could sense the dagger's balance and weight. It was as if the dagger was made for him.
The vendor continued to tout the dagger's supposed benefits, but Eren barely heard him. He was sold on the dagger's feel alone. He purchased it, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation.
As he continued shopping, Eren couldn't help but glance at the dagger, feeling a sense of pride and ownership. He bought fruits, bread, and cheese, his mind wandering to Mikasa and the Ackermans.
Just as he finished shopping, Eren looked up and noticed the heavy clouds accumulating across the entire horizon, casting a dark shadow over the landscape. "Eh?" he muttered, feeling a shiver run down his spine. The sudden change in weather seemed ominous. Suddenly Eren fell a deadly pain in his head making him grunt,
" Shit... What the hell.... Why does this.....seem so familiar." The pain subsided in a glimpse.
But what was it about? Eren's thoughts lingered elsewhere as he quickened his pace, his horse's hooves pounding against the ground as he approached the Ackerman residence. The trees swayed in the growing wind, and the air was electric with anticipation. Eren's heart raced with a hint of fear and excitement.
Luckily, the storm held off, and only a light drizzle accompanied Eren as he arrived at the Ackermans'. He had initially considered visiting Shiganshina first to make amends with Carla, but the ominous clouds led him to prioritize meeting the Ackermans. Eren tied his horse to the fence, allowing it to rest and graze.
With a deep breath, Eren grasped the lion-head knocker and rapped twice on the door.
*Knock*Knock*
He smoothed his damp hair and adjusted his clothing, checking his appearance. Though a bit disheveled from the drizzle, he looked presentable.
The door creaked open, and a familiar voice called out, "Ah, talk of the devil!" Eren's eyes widened in surprise as Grisha, his father, stood before him, a warm smile on his face. "Dad?" Eren exclaimed, confusion etched on his face. What was Grisha doing here? But it wasn't entirely unexpected; perhaps he had come to check on Karol.
Grisha chuckled and enveloped Eren in a tight hug. "It's been a while, son!" Eren's surprise gave way to a mix of emotions as he returned the embrace.
Grisha released Eren, saying, "Come in, Eren, you're soaked to the bone." Though Eren wasn't drenched, he entered, suddenly his gaze fell onto Mikasa by the fireplace. She grasped the warmth of the crackling wood, her hands extended towards the flames.
"Ereh..." Mikasa gasped, her face lighting up with a wide smile. She rushed towards him, embracing him tightly. Eren's face flushed as he returned the hug, surprised by Mikasa's forwardness. She used to be extremely shy, but now she seemed radiant and confident.
Just then, a faint voice approached them. "Well, aren't you the happy one Mikasa?" Eren's gaze shifted to Karol, who was walking towards them with a newfound energy. Her slender figure seemed more vibrant, and seeing her on her feet again filled Eren with joy.
"Aunt!" Eren exclaimed, leaving Mikasa's hug to embrace Karol. Mikasa pouted playfully but didn't mind.
"Aunt, how are you feeling?" Eren asked, his tight grip around Karol reflecting his concern.
Karol hugged him back, replying, "My cute son, I'm fine... and it's only because of you that I'm alive." Eren continued to hug her, relieved and happy.
Just then, Karol mentioned, "We just cooked a turkey; care to join us, sweetheart?" A wide smile spread across Eren's face as he nodded enthusiastically.
As Eren entered the dining room, his emerald eyes met Carla's, who was placing dishes on the table. Her gaze shifted towards him, and she whispered, "Eren!" Her hands covered her mouth, and tears escaped her golden eyes as she stood there, shocked to see her little son.
Eren's eyes dropped, and he clenched his hands, since he didn't have enough courage to confront Carla, not yet. Carla wrapped her arms around him, her tears soaking through his black undercoat. "Mom?" Eren whispered, his voice trembling.
Carla's words poured out, a heartfelt apology. "Sorry... I'm really sorry, my son. I'm sorry I forced you to become a soldier, and then I turned down on my own word for your safety. I..... I was selfish, trying to fulfill my dream of being with you ... Without realizing I was crushing your dreams. I'm sorry I couldn't be the mother Karen wanted me to be... Please, forgive me."
Carla's words pierced Eren's fragile heart. He broke the silence, his voice filled with emotion. "No, you were just concerned about my safety... I'm the real idiot who hurt you with my words. Mother, forgive me... You've given me a new life. I don't know what would've happened to me if you didn't adopt me."
Eren continued to apologize, his words intertwining with Carla's tears. The others watched, mesmerized by the heartfelt reunion of mother and son. For them, the world seemed to melt away, leaving only the two of them, lost in their own world.
As they hugged, the tension and guilt that had been building up for so long began to dissipate. Eren felt a weight lift off his shoulders, and Carla's tears slowly subsided. They stood there for a moment, holding each other tightly, the only sound being their gentle sobs.
Finally, Carla pulled back, her eyes red but her face serene. "My dear son," she whispered, "I'm so proud of the man you've become. Forgive me for not seeing it sooner." Aware of Eren's, accomplishments in the past expeditions.
Eren smiled, his eyes still shining with tears. "I love you, Mom," he said, his voice choked with emotion.
Carla smiled back, her eyes shining with happiness. "I love you too, Eren. Always have, always will."
The others in the room, who had been watching the reunion with tears in their own eyes, now applauded softly, happy to see the mother and son reunited at last. Grisha, Mikasa, Jacob and Karol all wore warm smiles, grateful to have witnessed this moment of forgiveness.
As they sat down to eat, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and conversation, the tension and guilt of the past replaced by warmth and understanding. Eren knew that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in his life, one where he could finally find peace and happiness with his family.
After finishing their meal, Eren and Mikasa sat side by side, engrossed in conversation. Eren whispered tales of the outside world, and Mikasa listened intently, her face deep crimson with interest. It was her first time hearing the minute details of the wonders beyond the walls. Their previous attempt to explore the subject had ended in disaster, with both of them falling asleep together under the tree.
As they chatted, Mikasa subtly moved her shirt sleeve up, revealing a bandage covering her right wrist. Eren noticed and wondered if she was injured. Mikasa unfolded the white strap, exposing a symbol - an "A" representing her affiliation with an Asian clan.
"Look, Eren..." Mikasa said, before Eren revealed a similar sign on his own right wrist. Mikasa's eyes widened in shock, having never noticed the symbol on him before due to Eren's habit of wearing long-sleeved shirts. Carla had imprinted the sign on Eren's skin six months ago.
Mikasa nodded slowly, still recovering from the surprise. She had thought she was unique in bearing the sign, but seeing Eren with the same mark left her feeling both happy and sad.
Eren asked, "Mikasa, do you even know what this sign means?" Mikasa shook her head, her eyes still fixed on Eren's wrist, her mind racing with questions.
"It's the mark of the Asian Clan," Eren said.
Mikasa's gaze remained fixed on Eren as she asked, "But Eren, you aren't Asian, right?" Eren shook his head, disagreeing. "Actually, I'm Ackerman from my mother, Karen, and Asian from my father, Eren. That's what Mom told me."
Carla, who had been listening to the conversation from across the room, chimed in, "Yes, coincidentally, Eren Kruger was also Asian, but we didn't exactly know which part of the Asian clan he belonged to."
As Grisha and Jacob were already delved into their political discussion, Carla and Karol settled beside their children, engaged in their own lively conversation. Mikasa's eyes sparkled as she shared her new talent with Eren. "Hey, Eren! I almost forgot to tell you - Mother taught me how to sew pictures onto fabric perfectly. I can even draw your image on a cloth!"
Eren's face lit up with enthusiasm, his eyes shining with excitement. "Really, Mikasa? That's amazing! I'd love to see it!" Mikasa's smile grew wider, pleased to share her newfound skill with her friend.
Carla and Karol exchanged warm glances, happy to see their children bonding over shared interests. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and conversation, a sense of warmth and connection enveloping the room.
As the evening wore on, Mikasa pulled out a small piece of fabric and began to sew, her fingers moving deftly as she brought Eren's image to life. Eren watched, mesmerized, as his likeness emerged on the cloth. "Mikasa, it's incredible! You're so talented!"
Mikasa blushed, her eyes shining with pride. "Thanks, Eren. I'm glad you like it." The two friends continued to chat and laugh, their connection growing stronger with each passing moment.
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But in this cruel world happy days always come to an end.
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A faint yet menacing knock echoed from the door, disrupting the warm atmosphere. "I wonder who it might be," Jacob said, rising from the couch to investigate.
Grisha, anticipating the visitor, chimed in, "Don't worry, Jacob, I'll look. It's probably Jane... I told her to come here to give me my salary." Grisha caught up with Jacob, who was already at the wooden door, turning the cold door knob.
As the door creaked open, a cold wind swept inside, carrying raindrops and an eerie presence.
*Slash*
"Aghhhhhhh!" Jacob grunted, his eyes widening in shock as he felt a knife stab into his abdomen. His teeth clenched, and his gaze shifted from the knife to the nine tall men standing before him, their faces shrouded in darkness.
The attacker pulled the knife out, and Jacob stumbled backward, falling onto the wooden floor with a thud. His blood spewed everywhere, spreading a crimson stain across the room. "Jacob!" Grisha shouted, his voice echoing through the chaos making everyone else's attention divert to the paralyzing scene.
Before Grisha could react, another figure stepped inside, wielding a venomous dagger. With a swift motion, they slashed it across Grisha's chest, puncturing his vital arteries. Grisha's eyes widened in horror as he stepped backward, clutching his chest falling on the floor.
The room erupted into chaos. Carla screamed her voice almost deafening.
Karol's eyes widened in shock, fear etched on her face. "Gahhhhhhhh!" she screamed, clutching the scissors on the table and ambushing the murderers. "Carla, take the kids and run!" Karol shouted, trying to fend off a man wielding an axe.
Carla snapped into reality, grasping Mikasa, but as she reached for Eren, her gaze fell on him advancing towards the attackers.
"Bitch, what the hell are you doing?" the murderer growled, freeing himself from Karol's grip and swinging the axe towards her. She was done for.
"Motherrrrr!" Mikasa shouted, trying to break free from Carla's grasp, who was overcome with sobs and unable to move. But...Eren pushed Karol to the side, his hand blocking the axe meant for her. Blood dripped from his hand as he glared at the attacker.
"Assholes," Eren barked, pulling out the dagger he had bought earlier and piercing it through the man's neck. The room was a blur of chaos, screams, and bloodshed. The family's peaceful evening had turned into a desperate fight for survival.
However..... The warrior ..... Eren Yeager was doomed.
Mikasa's warning came too late. "Ereh... watch out..." But before her words could reach Eren, a bullet pierced through his stomach. "Aghh..." he grunted, his vision blurring as another man punched him in the face, sending him crashing to the ground. Blood spewed from his mouth as his eyes fluttered closed.
Karol's scream was cut short as a kidnapper knocked her down, rendering her unconscious. "You'll be coming with us unless you want to end up like these here..." one of them growled, advancing towards Carla and Mikasa, who stood frozen in terror.
Carla tried to resist, but it was futile. The kidnapper wielding a dagger struck her on the forehead, and her slender body fell to the ground, fainting. Mikasa's eyes widened in horror as she whispered, "Erreen... Dad... Uncle..."
The kidnapper tightened his grip on Mikasa's small and frail neck. "Hey, now you better obey us... unless you're feeling feisty. This is what you'll get." His fist connected with her face, and Mikasa's eyes rolled back.
The room fell silent, except for the sound of heavy breathing and the kidnappers' menacing laughter. The family's nightmare had only just begun
The darkness closed in around Mikasa as she succumbed to unconsciousness, the last thing she saw being the lifeless bodies of her loved ones. The kidnappers' footsteps echoed through the room, growing fainter as they disappeared into the rainy afternoon, taking Mikasa, Carla and Karol with them.
The once peaceful home was now a scene of utter devastation, a testament to the brutality of the attackers. And as the rain continued to pour outside, the room remained still, frozen in time, waiting for the dawn to bring hope, or perhaps, more despair.