Echoes from the Paths

Chapter 6

After some days ,they went back to their old Ackerman cabin to bury Mr. Ackerman. Mikasa began to have nightmares but slowly with Eren’s help in comforting Mikasa, she eventually stopped having her nightmares. 

A few months later, Mrs. Ackerman gave birth to a healthy baby boy, whom she named Hikaru Ackerman. Filled with a renewed sense of purpose, she decided to contribute to the household by starting a small sewing business with Eren’s mother, Carla. Together, they hoped to earn extra income to help support their families.

Mikasa, ever eager to assist, often helped around the house. She quickly bonded with Armin after Eren introduced them, and the two became fast friends. Before long, both Mikasa and Armin began assisting Eren and his apprentice, Serana, with simple tasks around the clinic. Their dedication didn’t go unnoticed, and, much like with Armin, Eren took it upon himself to teach Mikasa .

Sadly Eren’s maternal grandfather passed away because of their growing weak body and the disease that they were affected with. Even if they recovered for a while their old bodies at the end were simply not strong enough to endure as they were severely affected before.Eren didn't know if he should feel sad or happy for them because he knew that the upcoming years would be easier to compare it to nothing but hell.

.....

1 year later , Year 845

Eren’s mind was consumed by dread , it will be today when the walls would fall, brought down by Marley’s warrior unit. He knew it was inevitable, a necessary step for the future, yet he was powerless to stop it. All he could do now was protect his family.

Eren decided to tell his loved ones about part of his secret after he successfully steals the Founding Titan.

Carla was preparing breakfast. She hums softly to herself, unaware of the storm inside Eren. As he entered the kitchen, his face betrayed no emotion, but his mind was moving fast.

Carla noticed Eren and asked in concern - “Eren, you’re up early! Are you feeling okay?”

Eren with a calm, but urgency beneath the surface said - “Mother, we need to leave Shiganshina today. There’s no time to waste.”

Carla looked up from her cooking, concerned but confused.

“Leave? What’s gotten into you? What do you mean?”

Eren furrowed his eyebrows and desperately asked his mother to listen to him - “Mom, listen to me. I…. I've seen things… I know things. The walls are going to fall, and Titans will break through. We need to get out before that happens.

Carla nervously chuckled - “Eren, what are you talking about? The walls have stood for a century. They’re not just going to fall. Are you sure you’re feeling alright?”

    Eren’s voice became more firm and direct as he said - “ I’m not asking, Mom. I’ve seen it. It will happen today. We need to gather Mikasa, Armin, Mrs. Ackerman, and Armin’s grandpa. We can’t be here when it happens.”

Carla’s expression shifted from amusement to worry. She never heard Eren speak like this.

“Eren… what’s going on with you? You’re not making any sense. Why would the walls fall? Where’s all this coming from?”

Eren paused, weighing whether to tell her more, but knowing he can’t explain everything right now , he doesn't.

Eren gently says - “I can’t explain everything right now, Mother. But please, trust me. If we stay, we’ll die. I’ve already lost you once… I won’t let that happen again.

Carla was taken aback by the intensity in his voice, and a shadow of understanding crossed her face.

Carla nodded at him unsurely - “Alright, Eren. If you’re this sure… we’ll go. I’ll pack our things and inform Mrs. Ackerman.”