Your eyes fluttered open, your vision gray and white. The blur that overtook your eyes now lifted with every blink. Your body was spooning Clarisa’s for warmth because she hoarded the blanket.
Finally, being able to focus, you were met with an eerie fog. A dark blue-green, ominous atmosphere surrounded your body, coaxing you out of sleep.
Your room was now dimmed from what appeared to be nothing; windows disappeared, and Yumi withered, with a bellflower growing in her place, consuming the room in its perfume.
The chill of the room forced icy, unsteady breaths out of your mouth, making you aware of the tremors coursing through your shaking body and traveling down your veins, gradually numbing the heels of your feet.
The fog’s reign doesn’t reach the top of your mattress, whilst its gloomy mist spiraled to your ceiling as its frigid presence glimmered in the darkness, somehow being your only source of light.
Its white milky body made it impossible to see the ground and where to walk, instead being puddles of alabaster curtains.
“Woah, that’s some heavy fog.” Quivers from your mouth.
Getting up, you turned to see Clarisa peacefully asleep on your bed, her right arm squeezing your plushie and the left dipping into the fog off the bed, tips mingling with the whorls of murkiness around her fingers.
Lyr lay just a few feet from you, wrapped up like a bun in a beanbag. Or at least you think it’s Lyr. Her silhouette was dark and lanky beneath the streams of fog, her snoring coming to a halt as you slid off the bed.
Your body had already started walking in her direction before you could register what was happening. Going down on a knee beside her, you call out, “Lyr?” Your voice was meek and timid.
Stretching your hand out in an attempt to make contact with hers, the wind created from your arm fanned away some of the fog, creating a plane effect.
Trying to shake her awake, you asked, “Where did all this come from?” Still. Nothing.
You rose straight, your body stiffening and the hairs on your arms stood up, stiff and impending for doom to strike.
“They can’t hear you.” A dragged, staccato-like voice echoed through the walls of your room, causing your paintings and posters to vibrate. Heat drained from your face, eyes drying. The voice was unfamiliar to you, cutting through every thought bolting in your mind at 150 mph.
It struck your eardrums with its pitch, young and stern. Looking down, your legs shivering frantically, almost as though they themselves were fighting.
Startled, you flung back to your bed instantly, but before you could plunge next to Clarisa, you froze. Something had been creeping up your staircase.
Its stride was slow and audible, making each step groan under its weight. Family portraits and photos could be heard falling behind you onto the floor, followed by the ripping of paper.
The voice came again, “Don’t be scared. I wouldn’t hurt you.”
“You’re gonna make my mom so mad.”
“Come.” The mysterious voice bounced through your room again.
The creaking of a door had stood out to you. Looking down, you saw a beam of light flood your room from outside, cascading over Clarisa’s blanket-covered body and painting streaks of silver across Lyr’s sleeping form.
A shadow came into view on the floor, sending a shiver to roll down your spine. Your sock almost frowned when the thing’s body shaded it. Its hair was nothing like Tushar’s, your mom’s, or dad's.
“Mom? Are you home?” You whispered in a cracking voice, slowly turning around, praying to whatever deity exists for it to be her.
The smell of burnt carpet tickled your nose as a small stream of smoke touched both sides of your ear.
Following the smell of the smoke, you’re met with a forlorn figure. Its head constantly contorting to that of fury, devious grins, and doleful frowns.
You recognized something about it: its eyes. The eye of it matched the creature from the mirror. Its presence sent you back into thought, reliving that scene once again.
Reality and past clashed in your brain, memories flashing back to you in grainy visions. The obfuscating glimpses slammed repeatedly into your sight and etched themselves into your senses.
“Ah!” You hunched over, hand on your stomach and the other on your head, nails digging into your now exposed scalp.
This time, it did not attack you. Your body and your mind was at ease, besides the thumping pain growing in your brain from visions of the past hallucinations you bore.
The thing walked up to you, reaching out to place a hand on your forehead.
Looking up at its tall, disfigured body, a single eye stared back at you, taking note of every curve and contour of your face. Stirring black pits of its intertwining face separated, showing you its thin lips and jagged white teeth.
The source of the sound. Its voice. It came out in dragged, heated breaths, a stark contrast to your room, icy and bleak. The smoky smell of its presence was so strong, contaminating the air around it and your senses. The heat emanating off its body and the coldness of your room created vapors that landed on your face, jerking you to steady.
Its warm hand that attached itself to your forehead was electric; shock waves flowed into your nerves. Instead of causing pain, it soothed you. The tense muscles in your arms relaxed, and the protruding veins on your head disappeared.
“Holy shit! You’re alive?! You feel warm!?”
Unsurprisingly, it just stared at you, the fusing lines of its face mimicking a deadpan expression, one similar to that of a human.
“Child. Please follow me.”
“…Where? Who are you? Am I dreaming? What’s happening??”
It did not respond to you, choosing to walk out of your room instead. As your constant blinking slowed, you adapted to the darkness and looked up, glancing around for the figure.
It was already midway down the steps, its footsteps muffled by the matted stairway. Not wanting to be left behind, you caught up and followed closely behind.
“Where are you going?” Its dark aura fading into the atmosphere, starting to slowly reveal itself from the head to its waist.
Beneath the dark veil, you’re met with a familiar hairdo. An unforgettable dress. The only thing is, you did forget.
“I saw you before.” Self-doubt began to harbor in your mind, “Didn’t I? You…you touched me.”
With her back to you, all you could do was ponder and look on. The memories of that night floated in your mind, creating new trains of thought. Surely it’s just a recurring dream? With continuous parts, of course.
Her dress swayed to the rhythm of her steps, the fabric rippling in waves of torn parts, faded sequences, and sand. Around her neck was a scarf, the colour of crimson night and dark dusk. It was long enough to dangle in the wind but festooned her silhouette seamlessly.
Gathering all of your courage, you parted your lips to ask, “Do you…have a name?” Your eyes scoured over her back.
She came to a stop and gave you a sidelong glance from over her shoulder; her hair shifting across her back. “Just keep walking.”
In your walk, you noticed an extra door beginning to form at the end of the hallway. Its stature was high and aged. Fragments of it fell to the ground in dusty clinks.
Its handle dangled from its body in a downward position, a few screws loose. Quite literally. It was almost comical, really, how you had something in common with a door.
The hand of the creature lifted the knob into place before turning it, refocusing on you as the door creaked open. Specks of black lines slid off her arm and evaporated mid-air. Dust filled the atmosphere around you both, then dropped back down to seep into the plush carpets.
‘Mom’s gonna be so mad,’ was all you could think of. How can one think of their mother in a situation like this when said mother constantly ignores her own daughter? When she abandons her kids every time she gets overwhelmed?
That must be such an exhausting thought to have, don’t you think?
At this point, the body of the creature has been fully exposed from the waist up. The dark fumes exuded off its body in consolidated streams, dispersing into the air.
Attached near its waist were lanky elbows connecting to shoulders carrying rumpled and scruffy pink sleeves. Scrawny arms merely hung on the rusty doorknob. Its head bowed as the weight of something loomed in the mind of the creature. A gloomy murk remained around her eyes, glowing as dust particles mixed in front of it.
Each tick of your grandfather clock upstairs felt like an eternity. By the time she had fully turned to you, all previous fear had exited your body, replaced by curiosity; bits of her features were revealed to you. Her eyes blurred white and her face devoid of emotion. Whatever piece of cloth that spanned over her head was rigid and austere, telling a tale of time itself.
Snapping back to your daunting reality, or more so what you thought was reality, you’d noticed she somehow managed to become shorter than what the darkness had made her out to be. Weakness and fragility lay before you, a vulnerability you’ve never seen before; she was shorter than you, her posture hunched slightly and her lips cracked.
Her eyes reflect nothing but an empty soul. Just a mere vessel occupying the space of everything, yet possessing an absence like a God. Your curiosity couldn’t help but be tickled by her, juggling between the why’s, how’s, and what’s about her. But most importantly, who she was.
Your gaze fell from the casing of the door, and back onto her body. The paleness of her brittle hair and thinning skin forced anyone to feel at least an ounce of sympathy. Giving you a once-over, she nodded and took a step inside the room. Every step she took gave way to a crackle and chip beneath her pumps, followed by the flaking of wood shooting into the air around her ankles.
You held onto the side of the dusty door, quickly removing your hands to rub your fingers together in disgust. “Why does it feel so clammy?! Yuck!” Looking around, your eyes landed on nothingness. The room’s darkness enveloped you, essentially caging you with this thing.
The smell that rushed to your nose was intoxicating; asphalt and a faint green floral scent danced at your nostrils. Both scents were all too familiar to you: the smell of burnt flowers from one of your mother's episodes and rain on a newly finished road.
Looking up at her, your hands fell to your sides, fingers loosening from their fists, leaving the dents of your fingernails behind. Her body stood still, directly facing you. All of the black mist had already subsided, leaving her with a much softer appearance. Her mouth had opened for a brief moment as if she was carefully picking her next words.
“Your father told you about that key. Did he not?”
Your hand had already been reaching for the necklace before you could glance down. Holding it out to her, your response came out in slow, breathy mumbles. “My father…? What do you mean? You know him?”
“As expected. I suppose I should have already prepared for that answer. Can’t trust a man of his lineage anyway. I would tell you everything. I really would, but that is not my place. However, since you have already received that key, I would assume that he was ready for you to go.” She took a few steps closer to you.
“Huh!? Go where!? What are you even on about?! And why do you speak so…proper?” Your steps matched hers, bumping into the now-closed door behind you. Turning back, you caught a glimpse of it fading away above your head.
“You can’t run away from this. You never will. Not now, at least. Come here.”
Your head snapped to her at that, your body already moving closer despite your brain trying to slam some sense into you. “Wait, are you talking about dad’s lineage? What even is a lineage? Why?”
“No?! How are you gonna come abduct me from my friends and torment me for the past few hours without explaining shit??”
Before you knew it, you were face-to-face with her.
“As I said, that is not of importance now, child.”
“You’re just as short…if not shorter than me, Missy.” You looked down at her.
“I know. That does not change my age though. Stretch your arm out now.”
“Why?” Those words dropped from your lips, reaching the ground with a shush. “You’re not going to tell me now, are you?”
Every plea you made from this point on would fall on deaf ears. Her palm had already been held out to you, waiting for you to follow suit.
“…Would it hurt this time?” The unease in your eyes did not soften as she nodded.
“It wouldn’t. I promise.”
Lacing your fingers with hers, you felt your body grow cold. Bright rays shot from beneath both of you and projected into the room, covering it in a white tint. Your eyelids grew heavy as the hairs on your arms stood.
You asked, “Wait! What do I call you? I asked before, but you didn’t answer.”
Her eyes met yours, the dark shadow fading from her eyes for just a moment, irises resembling those of your father.
“…Ymir. You call me Ymir.”
Your fingers grasped hers tighter; the chill from her hold pulsated through your nerves, numbing any feel in your limbs. Ymir’s stance was small and imposing, almost as though it commanded everything happening in the room.
A small smile spread across her face as the room around you grew narrower with each blink, closing you in and building itself inexorable in your vision, convulsing and drawing the air out of it. The once dark room had transcended itself into a fury of luminous, blinding lights, fluctuating in various shades of white to gray.
Strong winds blew Ymir’s hair in all directions, your clothes rippling in the continuous force, its velocity only intensifying convulsively as the seconds went by. Shock distracted you from realizing how your bodies managed to stand still, expecting to be swallowed by the cramped space.
A bright flash overtook your bodies, devouring you both from your feet to your head in an instant. The white void felt intense and hiemal as the silence it built was deafening, ringing between your ears for as long as you could remember.
Tearing your eyes from Ymir became impossible, as her eyes had always remained locked onto yours, making it easier to ignore the control slipping from your body as you were being eaten by the white void. It hadn’t been long before your head shot back, landing on the floor with a thud; your eyes drifted shut.
Ymir stood there, staring at your collapsed figure as your vision blurred, mixing between gray and black spots before going completely dark.
The feathery feel of grass and dainty smell of flowers coaxed you out of your rest. Your eyes slowly fluttered open; the blur that was caught in your dazed vision was from the Taraxacums stuck on your eyelashes.
Reaching up to wipe your eyes, you were now met with the light of morning glory. The winds blew the clouds slightly, offering you temporary shade.
Pulling your hand away, sand fell onto your face. It was the very hand that shook Ymir’s own in what felt like a few seconds ago, still reminiscent of what had occurred.
As you sluggishly sat up, the leaves and grass beneath you shifted and crackled, bringing you out of your haze and returning your senses.
“Where am I?” You looked around, taking note of where you were, everything coming into view clearer than before.
A field, larger than any other meadow you would have seen in your city. Cleaner than other grasslands you’ve visited. It was just filled with arrays of untouched flowers and brambles.
The familiar ambrosia of bellflowers caressed your nose, drowning you in comfort and wrapping you in a tender warmth, the sincerity your mother was unable to give you.
“Hello?” Your heart thudded in your chest as you called out.
In the corner of your eye, you caught something huge. Tall, gray walls that clouds seemed to materialize from all around them. The columns were oddly straight for something so colossal.
Juniper green algae and moss plastered themselves onto the walls, up to the very top. A few cracks and dents spanned across the surface in mismatched patterns and lines.
Unable to process everything, your mind immediately came to a halt, overworked by paradoxical thoughts.
“Those look so familiar. How does one even find the time to build-”
Shifting to the right, you overheard the distant mumbling of someone. In a quick motion, you spun around, and your eyes landed on the culprit: a little girl hunched over something, over someone.
Her frame was light but her aura ample; the clothing she wore swayed in the cool breeze of the horizon. But there was one thing that stood out to you: her hair. Long, dark, and silky. It’d been all too phenomenal to escape your memory; such beauty could never be forgotten when brought into sight even for just a moment.
The only thing is, you did forget.
“Oh my god?! Is it really…She…It’s her.”
Your eyes followed hers, looking downward onto the ground. The same boy from your fogged memory looked back up at her, wiping his eye with his small palm. The only difference this time was the ability to see their faces. Clear. Vivid. Perfect. Too perfect.
Before you could form a coherent thought, your body had already taken a few steps towards them, cracking small twigs and dried leaves beneath your shoe. Much to your dismay, the scene had started to repeat, with the boy turning his head to look at you dead in the eye.
His big, doe eyes were so beautiful, immersive even. They had the power to captivate anyone staring into them, sailing in their turquoise-colored seas only to be caught up by the intricate ridges of the iris.
You snapped out of your trance, hands and ears going brumal and numb. A hushed awkwardness fell upon you three, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty.
Taking the proper steps might have prevented this from occurring; klutzy glances and inert stances enrobed your bodies before subsiding into curiosity.
“I-” The breath you’d been holding made your throat bob in cartoonish movements, essentially offering you a sliver of time to think of an excuse. Sweat raced down your forehead and neck, forming pools of wet spots on your clothes as your eyes begged him to say something else.
“I’m uhh, a kid from down the block.”
His eyebrow shot up as he braced himself against the tree. “What’s a block?”
That had earned him a blank stare from you with a tilted head and a suppressed laugh. You began, “You really don’t know what a block is?” The corners of your eyes creased as you giggled. “Think of it as a way down a street.”
The boy’s eyes grew curious under the shimmer of the sun, holding your gaze for a brief moment before starting, “Right. I totally already knew that. I was joking.”
A sharp but delicate voice broke through the placid moment, “You know it’s rude to judge people for lack of knowledge, right?” Her voice was smooth and poised, carrying a note of rightful confidence. “And Eren, quit the cocky act and say thanks.”
Rubbing your chin with your hand, your brow lifted as your eyes kept a gaze on the grass of the field, “So his name is Eren? Why does that sound so…resonant?”
“…Uhh miss, is you coo? Why are you talking to yourself and know those fancy words?” That had startled you, pulling you out of your reverie, causing you to stumble back onto a heap of hardened mud and fall onto your bum. “Ouch!”
The girl immediately came to your aid, kneeling beside you to check for any bruises, or more so if you had a fever. “Are you alright?”
“Yeah. Thanks. I’m just embarrassed that I’d said that out loud.”
She nodded, “I’ve never seen you around here before. Did you guys move in recently?” She bent down to pick a flower whilst shoving the boy to move. “Have this.” She placed the flower between your ear and head.
“Oh, it’s all good.” Her hand met your forehead before she turned back to mutter something along the lines of, ‘She doesn’t seem to have a fever. So, she isn’t running off.’ Before turning back to you, concern flashed through her features.
Blinking steadily, you looked up at her, “Huh?”
“Nothing. I’m just surprised that you haven’t seen or heard of Eren of all people before.”
Eren perked up, his eyes tightening with confusion and offense, “Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?!”
“Shut it, Eren.” That got him to look away quickly, folding his arms with a pathetic pout.
Suppressing a laugh, you’d gotten back up, offering her a hand, “Well, what did you mean by that, miss?”
“Oh, thanks. I mean, he’s always stirring something up. Never gives his mom a break from his shenanigans. Also, my name’s Mikasa. Mikasa Ackerman.” Her dark opalescent eyes followed the steam of your clothes up to your neck. “That’s a pretty necklace. Where’d you get it?”
Darting your eyes down, the shiny gold jewelry woven in fabric was brought back to your attention. “Oh, this? My dad gave it to me. Sorta?” Thinking back to that day, your mind clogged with grease and blocked out any recollection of your memories. “I think? I can ask him where from, though.”
Stepping forward with a bag of sticks on his back, Eren nodded east, “Sorry to interrupt whatever this is, but Mikasa and I have to get going…you.”
“I have a name, you know. Could have just asked for it.”
“You didn’t have to ask Mikasa for hers. She followed cues; you should do the same.” That got him an elbow to the rib from Mikasa.
“Hey, you don’t have to tell us right away. Wanna follow us back to town? You do seem to be lost.”
The earthy musk of mud on your skin overtook any other pleasant scents surrounding you. It had overwhelmed your ability to recognize any other aromas around you.
The journey back had been a bit maladroit as you noticed the glares and comments Eren often made about the people around you and how you trudged over air.
Whether it’d been about how heavy the bag load was, why you couldn’t carry his bag, and nagged about people commenting on something called ‘The Survey Corps,’ Mikasa seemed to be used to his antics by the way she glossed over his figure and kept it pushing.
“Hey, Eren boy, what’s this survey corps you’re on about??”
Eren glanced over at you, agitation and suspicion filled his eyes, “You don’t know what the Survey Corps is?! Do you not know anything?”
“Eren!” Mikasa chimed in, ready to smack the shit outta him if the need be.
“Well no. Like I said, we kinda just moved here.” You hoped the ability to lie was one of your best ‘qualities.’ Because, to be frank, you yourself don’t even know what’s going on. All memories you had before waking up seemed distant and aphotic.
“Where have you been? Under a rock? You haven’t said anything about moving. And why wouldn’t you tell us your name?”
“Because it isn’t any of your business, you nosy rat, and yes, I did, you just weren’t paying attention.”
“Nosey rat!? Who do you think you ar-”
“Hey Eren! Mikasa!” A short, wide blue-eyed blond called for them across the street. He? She? Stood there waving them down with their other hand cupping their face to mimic a speaker.
You three came to a stop, along with the bickering. Looking over to him, you opened your mouth to speak, “Who’s she?”
“Oh, that’s Armin. Wonder what he’s up to.” Mikasa took your hand in hers and dragged you over to him.
“Yeah, and he’s not a girl,” Eren mumbled.
Trying to be polite, you tried to make small talk, “Hey there Armin, so what do you like to do?”
“I like to read!” He grinned.
“Oh, where are my manners? What’s your name?? I’m Armin Arlert.”
Cocking an eyebrow, you turned your body to his fully, “That’s cute. Already on full government name basis? You guys seem to find everybody trustworthy.”
“Yeah, well, there isn’t really much to be scared of with Mikasa around.” He stretched a hand out for a handshake.
Taking his hand in yours, you were a bit shocked by how soft it was. His palm felt warm and light, as though he had been handling nothing but cotton.
His eyes were on you directly, full attention planted on your eyes as his hair danced in the wind, exposing his bushy eyebrows and pink-tinted cheeks. He smelled of almonds and Band-Aids, probably from the one he had on his wrist at the moment.
“That’s quite a big bruise you got there Arlert.”
He quickly withdrew his hand from yours, covering it with his other hand. “Yeah…it was from yesterday. Those guys wouldn’t leave me alone.”
“Oh man, I’m sorry. I’ll stick with you.”
Eren budded in, “No need. We don’t need someone who wouldn’t tell us anything about herself with us.”
Hooking your arm between Armin and Mikasa’s, you pulled them away and whispered your name in their ears, letting your lips linger close to Armin's for a second too long.
“Woah. That’s a nice name. I like it.”
“Oh, okay. I see how it is. Backstabbers. Let’s carry these things home before mom flips out again.”
“Yeah. See you guys later. My grandpa needs me back home soon for lunch. It was nice to meet you too.” Armin’s gaze fell from your lips before he had started walking off, taking the sweet smell with him, leaving you with Eren’s funk.
“Bye Armin. I’ll catch you around.”
Turning back to them, you started fanning yourself from the heat being beamed down onto you. “The sun is so hot, can we hurry it up please?”
“Well, obviously the sun would be hot, and who even are you to boss us around?”
“Huh? Who even is that?” Eren shot you a confused look.
“Never mind. And you call me the uneducated one.”
Following closely behind the two, you took in the walls once again. Its ancient and dingy appearance, tied with the cracks and portcullis-like gate, gave you something to base the timeline you were in.
The gate was composed of hickory brown and cream bricks with dark creases and peeling paint. Soil stuck on the bottom of its grilly black teeth, which was mired into the turf most of the time. Its stature was small and connected to two hefty chains on both its left and right sides, acting as a push-and-pull maneuver.
The houses built from stone, held up by wood with rust stains and ash littered the city. Every step you took had twigs and dust crackling under your weight.
Squinting down at your pumps, an appalling realization hit you. Nothing you had on was your clothes. It had all been mangled, torn, or discoloured, similar to Eren and Mikasa’s.
The blotchy brown jacket you wore stood the test of time. It was old, smelt of burned matches and leaves, its buttons hanging on by a thread, and some already missing.
Your shirt was no better, as it was covered with patches of randomly-colored fabrics and stitches. It wasn’t even your size, nor was it the shirt you wore before, which looked like it was the only ‘good’ piece of clothing you owned. Your pumps were no better, the shiny leather baking your toes as though it was an oven.
“Is there a place to buy new shoes around here?”
Mikasa turned back to you, “Yeah, but it’s about 4 miles from here. Why?”
“My pumps look ugly.” You pointed down to them.
“They don’t. Aren’t they the newest pair everyone wants?”
“Huh?! This!? Baby, you don’t want this at all.”
She couldn’t help but giggle, “Sure, you aren’t just spoiled?”
“Me!? Yeah, mayhaps sure.” Your eyes wandered elsewhere.
“I’m sure she is.” Eren chimed in.
“Ya know, it’s really hard to grasp how someone can be so intellectually bankrupt. But anyways, why are we surrounded by these walls?”
“Can’t call me stupid and not know basic shit like that. At least my hair is past my shoulders.”
Coming to a stop, you bore witness to a gruesome sight. Rows of men wearing faces of pure dread and agony, their eyes expanded to the point of bulge; bodies, dead or alive, covered in sweat and blood.
Most wore claret red bandages around their eyes, mouths, arms, or heads. Some didn’t even get the grace to wear one, as they were in a carriage on a pile of other bodies, blood seeping through the wooden vehicle.
The stench was just as horrendous, if not worse. An acrid smell came to your nose, decay and rot lingering in the air all around those men and women. It didn’t help that people were throwing various things at them, such as spoiled fruits and vegetables, dyeing their cloaks in all variants of colours.
One thing strung your thoughts away though: an elderly little woman scampering towards a tall brunet man with a long-wrinkled nose. For what it’s worth, their interaction was brief, almost impossible to hear amidst all the chaos. It hadn’t been long before she fell to her knees; tears streamed down her face as she wept.
“Tell me my son stood his ground to the bitter end! That his death meant something! Tell me his sacrifice gave us a better chance!”
The man’s jaw dropped, his hands stalling in the air as he went to hold her, “He was brave!”
Her eyes desperately searched his for a moment before he continued, “…But his sacrifice meant nothing-”
Listening to their exchange was becoming unbearable, even for Mikasa. She reached out and placed her hands onto your ears.
“Hey. You shouldn’t be listening to that.”
“Is this normal? How are you so…standoffish about this?”
She sighed, giving you a squeeze on the cheek, “It becomes the norm after a while. The first time we saw this, only 8 of the 150 came back. Three had all limbs intact.”
“What happened to the other…” You had begun using your fingers as counters before continuing, “142?”
Looking toward the carriage, her voice lowered, laced with an icy edge, “Dead.”
“As I said, don’t worry about it.” Mikasa pulled away, dragging Eren from the men he shot daggers at before he threw a rock at one of their heads.
Mikasa turned to you, grabbing Eren by the back of his bag, “Run!”
Dust and small rocks flew into the air as you three skedaddled onto a narrow winding path filled with uneven bricks and sticks, nearly toppling you over in your pursuit of freedom.
“Was it necessary for me to come to!?”
“Girl, quit your yapping and keep up!” Eren threw a stick to your dome, missing by just an inch.
“Hey, watch it! That’s easy for you to say since you aren’t the one running!”
“I was aiming for the morons behind you!”
“You lying piece of shit!” You turned slightly to see two men hot on your tail. In a swift motion, you grabbed a shelf braced up against a wall and shoved it down behind you to buy some time.
“Mikasa! You’re too fast! Help!”
Mikasa flung Eren into a nearby bush and grabbed a stick from his tumbling pile of wood, snapping it on her knee into two pieces and charging at the men. She moved with such velocity, it was as though lightning itself took over her body; harsh winds followed her, making your shirt lift slightly before you could pin it down with your arms.
Her shoe kicked up a storm of sand and leaves, thrusting some into your eyes, hindering your vision, and making it impossible to see where your back had pressed into.
It hadn’t been long before they were both impaled through the calf, stumbling and making crude remarks at all three of you. Tearing off parts of the men’s shirts, Eren stuffed their mouths with it, his limp from being thrown now evident as he stood back up.
Mikasa took a shovel into her hands, swaying it around to test its durability before colliding it with their skulls, essentially bashing their brains out and kicking them down a trash lane.
Fortunately for you, all you heard were muffled screams and the sound of metal clinking on brick before feeling a splatter of liquid across your face. You hadn’t even finished wiping your eyes until Eren hobbled over to you, taking your face into his palms.
“Let me see. Stop rubbing it.” His face came closer to yours for a moment before he blew into your eyes.
“Ugh, so not only do you look untidy, but you smell even worse. And so does your breath.”
Eren scoffed, almost shoving you back against the wall, “Well, jeez. Can’t be nice to you for once?”
“…Thank you.” You looked around, finding nothing but Mikasa putting something back into a corner and Eren blocking your view of the bloodied ground. “What happened to those guys?”
“They ran off. Mikasa kicked them in the nuts. Totally deserved. Those guys are the dads of Armin’s bullies.” Eren finally let go of your face.
“Oh, well in that case…yeah. You’re right. Where were we headed to?”
Mikasa had already started packing back the sticks into Eren’s bag, shaking off any bits of rocks and dirt. “To Eren’s house. Wanna come?”
“I’m already here and dragged into y'all's bs, so why not? I’ll forgive you if you give me some water.”
Eren walked between you two, “Just water? You bet. I don’t think there is much to be forgiven though.”
“Well, that’s why you’re not the president of anything yet.” You stuck your tongue out at him.
“President? Me? I’m only 10, still got plenty a’ time.”
“Keep telling yourself that. Mikasa, wait up!”
“Slow pokes. Are you okay though, missy?” She turned to you; her gaze swept over your form.
“Yeah. My eyes are irritated though, but other than that I’m all good.”
“Good. Sorry Eren got you in that mess. Next time, I’ll just pick you up and go.”
“Oh, how romantic, Mikasa.”
Groaning from the middle, Eren opened his mouth, prepared to add his two cents.
“Zip it, Eren.” Mikasa didn’t bother paying any mind to Eren, keeping her focus ahead with you.
“But Mikasa! I’m third wheeling here.”
“You and Armin make me third wheel most of the time anyways.”
“Hmph.” He just looked away, folding his arms.
Continuing your journey, you caught a whiff of a faint sweet and metallic smell, teasing your nose and senses. The strange thing was that it came from Mikasa.
“Mikasa, do you smell that?”
“Smell what?” She leaned over to sniff Eren.
“Mikasa, back off.” He gently shoved her away.
“Well, no, I don’t smell anything.”
Stepping closer to Mikasa, you noticed specks of blood on her pumps and scarf.
“I hope you wash that scarf weekly, Mikasa.”
“Why does everyone keep saying this?!” She tugged it tighter around her neck. “I’ll have you know that I do wash it…often.”
“Ew. Are you gonna tell me where you got those red stains from or no? You can trust me.”
Mikasa turned to Eren, waiting for his approval before letting out a sigh, “I accidentally hit one of their ‘good’ veins on the arm…So I took them both out faster. Can’t risk it.”
“…Imma just pretend like I didn’t hear that.” You took a few steps away. “Are they really those kids' dads?”
“Yeah. They are. Sometimes you have to get used to some stuff here…It could get ugly pretty fast.” She looked over at you, taking your hand in hers. “Was it the shock from earlier that made you so…calm still?”
“I think so…Would you guys do that to me?” You looked into her eyes, searching for just a streak of security.
“No. You’re pretty sweet.” She slung her arm over your shoulders as Eren came to a stop.
“I’ll carry the wood inside; you go clean up Mikasa.” Eren took her bag from her, giving her a nod before heading up the stairs.
“This is our home. You’re always welcome to visit. Also, come in; I’ll get you some water.”
Gripping your hand once again, she led you up into the cozy house. Its exterior was no different from any of the other houses, but it still stood out for being at the top of a sloping hill, with clothes swaying lightly on the line under the gentle sun.
Entering the living room, you were hit with an overwhelming sense of comfort. The walls were built closely, but enough to create a good space for a family to eat and cook. Wooden beams were laid out diagonally in rows of two, and candles were on the posts holding up the second floor.
The kitchen counter was unlike anything you’ve ever seen before; various shades of fandango and mulberry tiles covered its surface, some more bent and wet from washing than others.
Just above it, a dead white bird, bound by its feet and hung from the ceiling. Its wings dangled in the wind and lost their battle against gravity. The same was the case with its beak, which sagged from its head, poking out a little orchid pink tongue.
The bill was now tinted scarlet with garnet streams dripping from the gob into the sink. Ruby trickles and crooked feathers collected in the basin, constantly touched by splattering blood and gunk.
Little patches of white casted upon its body from a nearby window; the diamond grilles made intricate patterns on its torso, dancing as the bird drifted at different angles. Just below the window was a rusty pitcher pump Mikasa used to rid herself of the dirt and grime.
The scent of the bird was overshadowed by the sweet aroma of apples and cinnamon, invading your nose and spreading everywhere in the room.
A beautiful woman with medium-length hair towered over Eren; all her features, from her eyes to her lips, were exactly like Eren’s. Or more so, his were like hers. The attire she wore was a well-ironed khaki shirt and a long burgundy skirt, tied together by a white worn-over apron she stuffed her hands into. Her shoes were almost identical to the ones you and Mikasa wore, except it was made from wood.
By the table sat a man whose face had seen better days. Despite this, he was still very handsome, his eyes fixated on the paperwork in front of him, his dark round glasses slipping down his sharp nose. His dark coat caught little strings of thread and wood as he worked on the wooden desk near an unlit candle.
Eren was not too far from him, pouring the sticks into a storage bin. The entire place was constructed of mostly wood and brick, with cement to cast over the walls and tiles.
Closing the door behind you, both the man and woman looked over to you; their eyes raked over your appearance, noting every crack and cranny.
The man spoke first, “Hello, are you a friend of Eren and Mikasa?” His attention was now fully set on you.
Lifting your hand to bid a small wave, “Hello! Yes, I am…right?” Mikasa shook her head without looking in your direction before she headed over to help Eren.
“Ahh. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He nodded.
“Pleasure to meet you too. Thanks for having me.” Making your way over to Mikasa, the woman gave you a small smile.
“What’s your name, sweetie?” She approached you, reaching out to wipe away the specks of blood on your skin with the bottom of her apron.
Before you could finish, Eren butted in, “Oh, so you can tell my mom before you tell me?”
You shot Eren a full-toothed grin, eyes squeezed together, “Well, Eren, your mother is actually nice. I would have actually said it if you had just shut up.”
She laughed, a few fingers covering her lips, “Did he say something to you? Also, such a lovely name for a delightful young lady as yourself.”
“No, no. Just call me Carla. The grumpy-looking man over there is Eren’s dad, Grisha.” Eren kept nagging in the back about something you couldn’t be bothered to listen to.
“Miss Carla and Mister Grisha? I’ll remember that. And yeah, Eren called me stupid.”
Eren spun on his heels, pointing a finger at you, “Did not!”
Carla slowly made her way over to Eren, listening to something Mikasa told her as Grisha gave you a cup of water. Carla yelled at Eren, pinching his ear.
Startled, you spilled the water on your face, coughing and holding the cup up in your hand.
“What!? No son of mine will be made into titan fodder! You better drop that nonsensical idea right now, young man. You hear me!?”
Grisha patted your back after your coughing had eased. He looked up at Carla, glasses shining for just a moment as he shook his head and grabbed his hat and briefcase.
“Honey, let the boy dream. He’s 10.”
Carla looked up at him, “Dear, scold the boy at least. That’s a dangerous idea to have and a path to go down.” She walked to the door where he was, placing her palms on his chest.
“Well, maybe we can discuss it after I’m back? I’m sure we can convince him otherwise.” He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her lips.
“Stop looking.” Eren covered both his and your eyes with his hands.
“Boy, get your grummy hands off me.”
After Grisha left, Carla offered you all some food, to which Eren refused and Mikasa forced him to eat.
“Eren. Eat.” She rubbed food on his lips with a fork.
“You’re such a big baby, Eren.” You mumbled between bites of your own food.
“Oh yeah? And you’re a uhh…Mom help.” He turned toward his mom, who was folding clothes at the table with a basket.
She didn’t even give him the time to look up at him, “No, Eren. Apologize. And finish up quickly.”
“Fine.” He turned to you, “Sorry.”
“Now that’s more like it.”
Eren just shrugged and rolled his eyes, “Do you guys wanna go meet Armin at the streams?”
With food stuffed in your mouth, you twirled your fork in the air, “How do you know he would be there?”
“We know him. That’s how.”
“Petty ass bitc-” You clasped your mouth with a hand. “Oops.”
Carla glanced up at you all, unsure of who said it, “Eren, have some manners. I raised you better than that.”
Eren’s face ran white; he froze with his hand on his chest, stunned by the audacity, “Mom!?”
“Save it. I’m still mad at you, and this is the nonsense you say in front of my face?!”
“Don’t care. Take Mikasa and your new friend out for a walk, will you? I need to start making dinner.”
“Thanks, poo bear, but I’m good. I need space to think anyway.”
“Alright. Hurry up, guys.” Eren threw his arms around you both.
You sniffled, a sour expression crossing your face, “Get your arm off me, I can smell your armpit hair.”
“Huh!? Armpits get hair??”
“…Do you really need me to answer that…Poo bear?”
“Yeah? Maybe it’s something your village alone gets.”
Sliding his arm off you, you stood up and placed your plate and cup into the sink, “Uhh, Mikasa, how do I work this?”
“Don’t bother with it, I’ll clean it up.” Mikasa got up and started on the dishes as Eren gave you a tour of the house in the meantime. Or tried to at least.
“C’mon, let’s go. I wanna show you my room.”
“Eren, I can next time, okay?”
“How do you know if there would be a next time?”
The second those words left his mouth, something flashed behind your eyes. The instant it came, it went, giving you just a fragment of vivid colors and scenes. The force of the vision sent rolls of shock up to your head, causing your arm to absentmindedly reach for the ledge to hold yourself up.
The vision entailed a hand holding someone, their body broken at an ungodly angle, blood dripping from their mouths as hair clung to the bloodied mess.
Below that was Eren and Mikasa in someone’s arms, tears streaming down their faces, followed by flashes of red, green, blue, and a wide view of yellow.
The screams, prayers, and cries rang through your ears, wallowing and vibrating your entire frame. It had lasted all but a few seconds, ripping and tormenting your body as pain and lacerations covered your own figure in the flash.
Blood flowed from your palms like a foundation, mixing with all shades of colors and lights, giving you glimpses of your friends, strangers, and family all laid out around you in heaps of dead bodies.
It all collided and mushed into one scene at a time, striking your nerves with a spiked hammer.
“Hey, are you okay?!” Eren caught you, yelling for his mom and Mikasa.
“No. No, stop, I’m fine.”
“Yeah. I just missed a step.”
Eren’s lip became lopsided, “You must think I’m stupid.”
“I do. Now let go of me.”
Eren’s face grew annoyed as he released you, letting you tumble down the stairs, the soot and lint from under the boards falling onto your hair.
“Jeez, thanks for nothing, you bird.”
“Bird? Now that’s a new one.”
“Glad to know you’re used to being called stupid.”
Taking the smooth path down to the streams, you clasped a long stick in your hands, pretending it was a staff. Eren looked around for Armin whilst Mikasa just played with her scarf.
“So how did you all meet?”
Eren sighed and looked towards you, waving a hand around, “Well, I met Armin when we were about 6 or 7? I kicked a bully in the nuts, and we ran away together to the streams. Then we got talking about seeing bigger streams. If you know what I mean. As for Mikasa, uh…that’s complicated. Just know I helped her.”
“Why does she live at your house?”
“You ask too many questions.”
“Sorry. Plus what is your obsession with kicking people in the crotch??”
“It’s all good. Oh, there he is. Last one to reach him gotta help Mom make lunch for a week.” He took off, kicking up a trail of moist weeds and mud in his tracks.
Mikasa took up the space in front of you, laughing as you three made your way to the blond fella.
“Ha! Looks like you got cooking duty.” He nudged your arm as you caught your breath.
“Bold of you to assume I’d leave my house for that, and you ignored my question!”
“Oh, you will.” Eren helped you sit next to Armin.
“Hey, Armin!” they said in unison.
“Oh, hey guys. What are you doing here?” Armin stopped his rock skipping to face you three.
“Eren wanted to come. I think it’s more of an excuse to avoid helping his mom cook.”
Armin stifled a giggle. “Yeah, I believe that. Why do you have that stick though? Plan on hitting him?”
“Nah, more of a tribute to you. I present to you, drumroll please…a stick!”
Armin was at a loss for words. He wasn’t sure whether to laugh or be embarrassed for you. Ultimately, he placed his hand on yours.
“Tell ya what, I’ll take it. Thank you.”
“Welcomed…Why are you so fascinated by streams?”
He seemed to think about it for a while, looking over to the other side of the stream before returning his gaze to you, “It isn’t the stream itself. It’s the water. Where it came from, how it moves, the way it tastes, or hell, even the way it drowns people. It all leads back to the sea.
I’ve read about it in books before. Matter of fact, my parents tried escaping this hell hole in a hot air balloon.”
“W-What happened to them?”
Armin looked away, his grasp on the stick tightening.
Taking his hand in yours, you looked down at it, “Hey Armin, you don’t have to tell me if you aren’t ready-”
“Deceased. They’re dead. The MPs caught them. Gunned them down instantly and covered it up. It was only a rookie soldier who told my grandpa what happened when he visited us a few days later after the case closed. He gave me my mother's necklace and father's tie in a box.”
Finally looking back up at him, you caught the sight of his glossy eyes and tear-streaked face; his eyes red. Armin’s plump cheeks grew a hue of pink and red, his nose puffy and irritated.
Armin was such a pretty crier; it would be something pleasing to see him do every day if he could, just not for the reason he’s weeping for right now.
“I miss them every day.” He sniffled, wiping his nose and cheeks with the back of his wrist.
“I’m so sorry Armin.” Hugging him, your hand stroked his hair, “I’m sure your parents are looking down at you with a smile.
That hug had lasted far too long. Whether it was the need to get a few extra whiffs of his hair, which of course smelt of lemon and honeysuckle, or the way his soft whimpers sounded against your chest. It was simply intoxicating. Exploitative even.
“I sure hope so. I’m gonna make them proud by carrying out their dream.”
“Make sure to live for yourself too.”
He looked up at you, his eyelashes moist with shiny tears. “Yeah…Yeah, I’ll try to.”
Behind you both, Eren tapped your shoulder, “Hey, we’re heading back home to grab some toys. Wanna follow?”
With a nod from Armin, you pulled away and stood up, helping Armin stand too. “Yeah, let’s go.”
It hadn’t been long before you saw a yellow beam rain down from the sky and turn the empyrean in rays of cadmium and parmesan hues before ascending back to the heavens itself. The place had been so peaceful before it happened, birds chirping, flowers wavering, and the atmosphere as usual as can be.
That day had marked the start of a new beginning, the birth of an unimaginable fear, and most importantly, taught humanity what they are.
You all stood there frozen in place with your jaws dropped, hearts racing, and your pulses visibly beating out of your neck and wrists. That flashback came again, only this time too fast for you to even register.
What were you looking at?
It possessed the head and limbs of a human, with the exception of skin and a mouth. The humanoid’s body was made of pure muscle, and its teeth had been exposed, showing you a wide range of pearly whites along with heated air rushing out of it.
Its eyes landed on you four directly, stalling for a moment before moving to the left a bit, its hands cracking the walls above you. Large fragments of rocks hit the ground, sending vibrations up your legs and shaking your vision.
In a moment, it kicked the wall, essentially breaching it. The gap was wide enough for smaller humanoids to pass through.
One in particular had its eyes set on you; its long black hair covering its face, leaving only a parted mouth and a crooked smile that sent a chill down your spine. It was uncanny, stepping towards you amongst others in slow, heavy steps.
The kick had sent giant boulders flying onto other people, killing men, women, and children in its wake. It had become a bloodbath, crimson splattering everywhere and on everyone, cascading down the slope and collecting in a puddle where you stood, soaking your pumps in the warm liquid.
Grabbing Eren’s shirt, you scrambled for words, “Eren! The fuck are those things!?”
Mikasa had grabbed both of you and hoisted Armin onto her shoulder, taking off to her home, “Those are titans! The walls were meant to keep them out!”
“Yeah, well it sure didn’t!?”
Eren finally caught himself, “We’ve never seen one that…big!
“The hell!? Did it fall out the sky’s ass then?!”
“Just shut the hell up and run, woman!”
The path seemed to get longer with every step you took, Eren’s house disappearing in the fog created by dust. Hearts weren’t meant to be this horrified and pumping blood this fast to keep such small bodies alive. You were out of breath the moment you took off, adrenaline surging through your body and carrying you on.
Armin hadn’t said a word, just looking down with his hands on his head, trying to bury themselves into his skull as Mikasa sprinted up the hill, only stopping in her tracks with a screech when she saw it.
The largest boulder had found residency atop their home, right at the center.
“Mom!” Eren staggered forward, his legs giving out midway before he got back up and ran around the perimeter yelling for his mother.
“I found her! Help me guys!”
Running forward, you saw her, her legs trapped beneath the debris and collapsed wood.
“Eren! You need to leave me! My legs are already broken; I’ll just slow you down.”
“No, Mom! I can’t do this without you! C’mon, guys!”
Mikasa and Armin tried helping to get a piece of wood off of her body, which barely budged. Joining in, it only rose an inch or so higher before settling back into place. Looking at Armin, the tears streaming down his face drenched a spot on the bricks, as he held Carla’s hand.
“Aunty Carla, what can we do?” You sat closer to her as her eyes welled with tears of her own.
“Kids, please. Just save yourselves. I love you all. Including you, Missy,” She turned to you. In that moment, you understood what was really happening. Carla’s legs were perfectly fine; she just knew that trying to get her out was too much of a risk.
Carla had already accepted her decision to die.
Looking over to a puddle of blood, it had started trembling.
Peering over from behind a few houses was a titan. The mouth of the thing was the most prominent part of it, a smile that stretched from eye to eye under its blonde hair and round face.
The body of this titan was improper, scrawny, and rigid, arms hanging off its body skimpishly. Its torso was much larger than its lower half, somehow being balanced by Satan itself. Its eyes were locked onto Carla’s form, taking steps that impended doom.
“Go! Please!” She started sobbing, pulling Eren, Mikasa, and Armin down to place kisses on their heads.
“I’ll always be with you, Eren.”
From a distance, a hoarse voice called out, “Eren! Ya here, boy?”
A short-haired blonde with a dark mustache who reeked of alcohol called out to Eren. The dude’s face was flushed pink, along with hazel eyes that followed Eren’s every move. He wore a scowl on his face, before it turned into a lopsided smirk. “There ya are!”
Through gritted teeth, Eren muttered a few words, “Hannes! Help us! Please!”
With a cocky grin, Hannes stepped forward, drawing his swords, before flashing a smile, “Of course I will!”
It was a bit pathetic to see him frozen in place, the blood drawn from his body and irises shrinking the closer the thing got to the titan. A look of horror drenched his body and moistened his pants as the titan stopped just a few meters away from him.
Hannes’ knees buckled and shook with every step the titan took before he ultimately turned back, grabbing Eren on his shoulder, you on his next, Armin in one arm, and Mikasa in his other. Pure adrenaline surged through his body as he frantically apologized to Carla, but she thanked him.
“Thank you, Hannes! Keep them safe and stay alive!”
A foot slammed onto parts of the house, sending wood splinters and boards into the air. You’d been unfortunate enough to have the seat on Hannes’ shoulder that gave the best view of what happened. Carla’s hand was trying to muffle her sobs as the titan cleared the materials on top of her body.
“Don’t leave me…” Was all she could manage to get out to herself before it picked her up.
Carla put up a grave fight, kicking, punching, and biting before the titan broke her back with a single hand, leaving her paralyzed but alive, instantly ending her flailing around. By this time, Armin and Mikasa had already looked away, sparing themselves from gaining more trauma.
Not Eren though; his eyes were glued, not even blinking to miss anything.
Eren made sure he witnessed the cruelty of a titan’s wrath. Made sure he saw it chomp down on his mother’s body, leaving her knees out only to catch it with its hand and eat it like it was a light snack. Made sure he saw the blood travel all over the place, landing on his cheek.
Whether it was from curiosity or hatred, Eren made sure he caught every glimpse of it. Eren burned it into his memory, marking his newfound rage toward those beasts.
“Hannes, why!? We could have saved her, you coward!” Eren hit Hannes in the head with an elbow.
Reaching your hand out, you slapped him. Eren immediately stopped. “Eren! You selfish brat! You could have gotten us all killed. I’m sorry that happened, but think about it. This Hannes guy may have been a coward, but what did you expect!? You would have done the same shit as he did.”
Eren calmed down and looked away as Hannes spoke up, “Hey! I take offense.”
“Guess I do deserve that, huh?”
“Ya think?” Eren still hadn’t torn his eyes away, ogling at the monster feasting on his mother’s corpse. All of her body parts and organs had already been shredded, but the piece of shit was so greedy that it took pleasure in sucking each of its fingers clean.
“Disgusting.” Was all you could hear falling from Eren’s lips repeatedly. He hadn’t stopped until Hannes took a turn, blocking his view of the onslaught.
Turning back, the titan had started pacing towards the opposite direction, not bothering to follow behind you through the gates Hannes made a stop at.
Other men in similar uniforms to his had been taking titans down with cannonballs and artillery fire, which, to their dismay, were getting right back up with missing limbs, ribs, or parts of their faces. The missing limbs had been regenerating with steam pouring out of lost organs.
Coming to a stop, Hannes placed everyone down, doing a body check before looking at Eren’s face, plastered with a grim and dark expression, “Hey kid. I’m sorry about what happened. I know sorry can’t make up for it, but..” He went down on a knee, “I dedicate my heart to you. All four of you.”
“Hannes…Thanks.” Eren shrugged, finally blinking his eyes, snapping himself out of his daze.
“Let’s get you all aboard a ship, okay?”
In doing so, you had finally gotten a good look at him. A knee-high dark brown boot was strapped to his legs, which had run up to his back and chest for a mechanical tool where he had drawn his blade.
Around his hips sat what looked like a mini skirt, which was comical but probably served some silly purpose. His faded yellow-tan top was perfectly tucked into his cloud white pants, which were both underneath a towny brown coat that only covered half of his body.
An embroidered piece was attached to the arms and back of his jacket, a gray shield-shaped emblem with two roses and thorns emerging from its stems. All this formality still couldn’t hide his absurd odor; pure, raw vodka.
Armin had let go of your hand, running towards his grandfather, an elderly man with a shabby straw hat. It’d been quite difficult to see his face as a shadow was cast over his face from his hat under the sun, excluding his gray beard.
“C’mon, guys! Hurry up! There are only a few spaces left on this boat!” He waved.
Holding onto Hannes' hand, he guided you onto the ship, protecting you from the people shoving and pushing behind you, the desperation and panic filling the air as people begged to be let on the ship.
Mothers fought with great vigor to push their little ones onto the boat, trampling on the bodies of fallen neighbors or friends who died from suffocation amongst the congested crowd.
People’s actions grew impetuous, with some falling over the waist-high borders and landing in either the stagnant water or the cement ground below, splashing water and blood onto your face yet again.
A pungent smell hung in the air; the funk of sewage and mildew was the source of people’s blackouts and seizures. Quite a gruesome sight for people so young to endure, their faces becoming deformed with every step or fall of someone onto their bodies. Some piled up to the point of blocking port entrances onto the ships.
The sun’s heat bore into your skin, your pores feeling as though tiny needles were twisting on your arms and legs, burrowing themselves into your veins. There wasn’t enough time to pay attention to that, because finding seats on that crammed ship mattered more than petty whims and pain.
“Hey Mr. Hannes, why are we getting onto this boat?”
Hannes looked down at you in the clustered space, his face softening. “Well, we need to go to the inner walls. It should be safer there.”
“Really? What if they breach the inner walls? Why don’t we just go on the walls themselves?”
“I don’t think that titan can come through without giving the wall a few more kicks. Also…well.” He rubbed his neck, “That titan might swat us like flies with his hands. Plus it would be hard to get food up for everyone.”
“Did you just say swat? That’s funny.”
“Humor must be your way of coping or something. Hey Eren, Mikasa. You guys holding up okay?”
Mikasa looked up at him, moving the red scarf from her lips, “Yeah…I’m not sure about Eren though.”
“I’ll just…give him space.”
A loud screech came from the gates, lowering faster by the second. Cannonballs had stopped firing, and screams erupted as the water echoed below you.
Loud gasps and shrieks surged from passengers, randoms yelling and cursing, “What the fuck’s going on?!”
Just then, the boat rocked in the water as another titan covered in golden plates and exposed red muscles breached the gate once again. This titan was much smaller; its hair was blond, and steam was escaping its mouth as its jaw dropped. Men in uniforms scattered when normal titans came through the gates.
Hearing the sound of metal clanking together, the vessel had started its journey to the inner walls, leaving hundreds of people without any defenses to turn to.
The mechanics of the boat were something you’ve never seen before; lines of thin but strong metal carried the boats along as an enormous wheel spun, acting as a push-and-pull mechanism.
“Well, Mr. Hannes, you might wanna reconsider what you just said.”
Hannes just sat there, his eyes cemented on the people left behind; their screams and the sounds of bones crushing tore through the air, following the ship for the entire trip. A singular tear rolled down his cheek, his mouth slightly agape.
Seeing parents use their bodies as shields for their children and lovers huddled together did something to both him and Eren. It didn’t help that some chose to jump over with their loved ones, probably thinking that drowning or having their skulls flattened was better than being eaten alive by a larger human.
Eren finally spoke up, his annoyance flaring up at you, his voice a dark whisper, “Pull your legs in. Don’t be a selfish bitch. Make room for others.”
He turned to you, his brows knitted together and jaw clenched, “I’m gonna kill them all. One day. I’ll leave a trail of steam that day, as their bodies rot in my hands. I swear it.”
“I will quench my bloodthirst for freedom until it’s the only thing I can taste in my filthy mouth.”
Cross posted to Ao3 || Wattpad
All chapters: The key between dreams
