Attack On Titan: Darkest Days

Chapter 2: After the Fall

Three days after the fall of Wall Maria. All outlying districts of Wall Maria have been abandoned, and the refugees cower inside Wall Rose. 

     "I still can't find my family." Kai said, a dejected look on his face. Ever since they reached  Wall Rose, he hadn't stopped looking. Alma found her father and older brother, but learned that her mother had died in the chaos. Cornered in and ally and eaten, possibly the worst way to die. Kai and Alma walked back to the old warehouse currently being used as a living quarters for the refugees.

      "I know it's hard Kai, but we've all lost something." Alma tried to comfort him.

     "At least you know that someone in your family is alive!" He snapped, scowling at her. "I just want to know if they're okay!" Alma just stared at her feet. The pair made their way to the warehouse, where everyone was waiting for them. Lucas seemed relieved when they entered.

     "Good you two are back. They almost didn't let us get your rations." He said as he handed them both a small loaf of bread. "There was already a food shortage before the refugees got here. I even heard a rumor that we're going to need to help cultivate the fields."

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     The rumors were true. Less than a week later all of the refugees where working in the fields, the hot sun beating down on them every second. The efforts where in vain as a famine swept over the cities. The ground was simply too cold to bare any crops. A lot of people went hungry that year, there just wasn't enough to go around. In the year 846 a military campaign to retake Wall Maria was launched. Consisting of 250000 people most of which were refugees who were old enough to enlist. Including Alma's father and brother. Christina vouched to stay, so someone could look after the children. Less than 200 people ever returned. Almost 20% of humanity was lost in those days, and the only thing it accomplished was slowing the effects of the food shortage. Kai, Lucas and Alma were all eleven years old now, and still resided in the dingy warehouse. One night, while the three were preparing to sleep Kai shocked everyone.

     "Next year I'm joining the military." Lucas and Alma looked at him. Lucas opened his mouth to say something, but was cut off by Alma.

     "I've been thinking a lot about it too." She admitted. "Anything has to be better than this. Plus I don't really have anything to lose." Lucas looked at them like they were crazy.

     "Don't you guys understand?" He whispered. "People die in the military! Like every day!"

     "Civilians die every day too Lucas." Kai argued. "Plus I'd rather die fighting than running for my life."

     "Me too" Alma agreed. "I'd rather have some purpose in life rather than living in this stupid warehouse like an animal." Lucas shook his head slightly."

     "How long have we known each other? Five, six years?" Kai and Alma nodded. "Then what kind of friend would I be if I didn't come with you? Plus, people need heroes. It's settled then. Next year we join the cadets!"

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     Year 847

     It took a lot of convincing, but finally the trio convinced Christina to allow them to join the military. When the day finally came they stood on the road, bidding Christina goodbye. Each child had a few personal belongings. Alma wore a simple black skirt and white shirt. Her usual long brown hair was tied back in a ponytail. Her brown eyes shone in anticipation. Kai stood beside her, wearing a green shirt with brown slacks. His brown hair neatly trimmed above the ears. His blue eyes shone in happiness. His dream finally coming true. Lucas donned a similar red shirt and blue trousers, his brown hair falling a few centimeters from his ears. His grey eyes shone with uncertainty. What they were getting themselves into, he wasn't sure.