Shiganshina basked in the gentle morning light. The air smelled faintly of bread from the bakery nearby, mingled with the saltiness of the river. For most, it was another ordinary day. For Lorien Ackerman, it was a reminder of how fragile this peace truly was.
Lorien stood under a tree near the Yeager house, watching the town come to life. The cobblestone streets were filled with vendors arranging their wares and children chasing each other in playful shouts. It would have been a perfect scene if not for the dread looming in his chest. He leaned against the bark, his fingers unconsciously tracing the faint scar on his right hand.
"Lorien," a familiar voice called.
He turned to see Mikasa approaching, her crimson scarf catching the breeze. She moved with quiet strength, her eyes as steady as his. It was moments like these that made him grateful she was his sister—his twin.
"You're up early," she said, stopping a few steps away.
"Couldn't sleep," he replied simply. His voice was calm, masking the storm within.
Mikasa tilted her head, studying him. She always seemed to sense when something was off, though he was adept at keeping his feelings buried.
Before she could press further, another voice rang out.
"Mikasa! Lorien!"
Eren Yeager strode toward them, his expression alight with frustration. "You'll never believe it. The Garrison soldiers are just sitting around, drinking again. How are they supposed to protect us like that?"
Lorien met Eren's fiery gaze with his usual cool demeanor. "Do you think you could do better?"
"Yes!" Eren snapped, his fists clenched. "At least I'd fight instead of hiding behind walls."
"Bravery without a plan isn't bravery," Lorien said, crossing his arms. "It's recklessness."
Eren glared at him, but Mikasa stepped between them. "Enough," she said softly. "Let's go home. Mom's waiting."
Eren muttered something under his breath but followed as they made their way back to the Yeager house.
Dinner that evening was a quiet affair. Carla Yeager bustled around the kitchen, serving up plates of stew. Eren, of course, couldn't resist bringing up the Scouts again.
"I'm going to join them," he declared, slamming his fist on the table. "I'll go beyond the walls and see the outside world."
Carla frowned, her voice gentle but firm. "Eren, the Scouts are heroes, but their lives are full of danger. I just want you to be safe."
Eren scowled, his frustration evident. Lorien watched the exchange silently, his spoon resting on the edge of his bowl. He knew what was coming and had already resigned himself to the inevitability of Eren's choices.
After dinner, Lorien slipped outside. The cool night air was a welcome relief. He stared up at the stars, his thoughts drifting to the family he had once known—the one he had lost. Images flashed in his mind: blood on the floor, the echo of panicked voices. He shut his eyes, forcing the memories away.
Mikasa joined him, wrapping her scarf tightly around her neck. "What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing important," Lorien replied, his voice steady.
She didn't press further, leaning against him instead. "Whatever happens, we'll face it together."
Lorien said nothing, his gaze fixed on the horizon.
The next day began like any other. Lorien, Mikasa, Eren, and Armin wandered the streets of Shiganshina. Eren was in one of his usual moods, ranting about the walls being a cage.
"Humanity can't survive like this!" Eren said, his voice carrying over the chatter of the market. "We're just waiting to die."
Lorien glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "So, what's your plan? Charge at a Titan headfirst?"
"At least I'd be doing something," Eren retorted.
Mikasa and Armin shared a look, their exasperation clear. Lorien, however, remained calm. He didn't need to argue—Eren's actions would speak for themselves soon enough.
The peace shattered with a thunderous boom.
The ground trembled, and a massive shadow loomed over Wall Maria. Lorien's heart sank as he turned to see the Colossal Titan, its head rising above the wall. Steam hissed from its body, and with a single kick, the gate crumbled.
Screams erupted as debris rained down. People scattered in every direction, their faces twisted in terror.
"Run!" Lorien shouted, grabbing Mikasa's arm.
The group sprinted through the chaos, weaving between panicked civilians. Lorien's mind raced as he calculated their best chance of survival. They needed to reach the boats near the river.
When they reached the Yeager house, Lorien's stomach dropped. The roof had collapsed, and Carla was trapped beneath the debris.
"Mom!" Eren screamed, rushing to her side.
Carla's face was pale, but her voice was steady. "Eren, Mikasa—go. You need to get to safety."
"I'm not leaving you!" Eren cried, tears streaming down his face.
Lorien stepped forward, his jaw tight. He knelt beside the rubble, ignoring the pain in his arms as he tried to lift the heavy beams. Sweat dripped down his face as he pushed himself harder, his body trembling with the effort.
"It's no use," Carla said softly. "You have to leave me."
"I won't," Lorien said through gritted teeth.
The shadow of a Titan fell over them, and panic surged through Lorien's veins. He moved on instinct, shoving Mikasa and Eren out of the way as the Titan's massive hand descended.
It swatted Lorien aside like a ragdoll, sending him crashing into the ground. Pain exploded in his side, but he forced himself to sit up, blood dripping from a cut on his forehead.
He could only watch, helpless, as the Titan reached down and grabbed Carla. Her screams pierced the air, and Eren's anguished cries echoed alongside them.
Something shifted inside Lorien at that moment—a primal force he didn't recognize. His vision blurred, and for a split second, he was back in another place. A house bathed in blood, a pair of terrified voices calling his name, and the cold, unrelenting grip of fear.
When the vision cleared, Lorien was on his knees, his body trembling. Eren and Mikasa pulled him to his feet, their faces pale with grief.
"Lorien, we have to go!" Mikasa shouted.
He stumbled after them, his injuries slowing him down. When they reached the evacuation boats, Lorien collapsed onto the deck, clutching his side. His breathing was ragged, and his mind replayed Carla's final moments over and over.
As the boat drifted toward the inner walls, Eren's cries filled the air, mingling with the distant roars of Titans.
Lorien stared at his bloodied hands, his face expressionless. But inside, a storm raged.
He had failed to save Carla. Just as he had failed before.