Screw the rules - Eren Yeager

23

The only light in the office came from the glow of the computer screen. Eren typed at a frantic speed, his red eyes fixed on multiple open windows. He was accessing traffic cameras, home security call logs, phone records. The company’s system assisted with GPS tracking of the car and cellphones.

An alert flashed on the screen.

"Suspicious movement detected on the corner camera — 11:17 PM."

Eren enlarged the video. The grainy footage showed a black car slowing down, headlights off. The driver’s face wasn’t visible, but shortly after, someone appeared carrying a small body in their arms. Ellie. Unconscious or asleep.

He clenched his fists.

He opened a second tab, accessing the car’s license plate. The first read was unclear, but a camera on the next block had a rear view. A few more commands and the plate came up:

“FMC-8392.”

Eren grabbed the phone and called one of the company’s security teams directly.

“I want the location of this vehicle immediately,” he said, passing on the data. “Activate urban tracking and cross-check with toll records. Send the tactical team to the nearest perimeter.”

Seconds later, the response came:

“Last confirmed location: East road, exit 17. Abandoned industrial warehouse.”

Eren’s heart raced. He jumped to his feet, grabbed his jacket, and left the office, heading back upstairs. He found S/N sitting on the edge of the bed, still holding the teddy bear.

“I found her,” he said bluntly. “They found a warehouse on the east road. I’m going there now.”

S/N stood up immediately, her eyes shining again with a flicker of hope.

“I’m going with you.”

“No.” He held her shoulders. “You need to stay here in case they make contact again or try something else. But I’ll bring our daughter back, no matter what.”

She gripped his hand tightly.

“Eren… bring her back to me.”

He kissed her quickly and walked out with determined steps, the car engine roaring seconds later as he disappeared into the night.

____________________________________________

Eren’s car skidded on the dirt road as he slammed the brakes in front of the old warehouse. The cracked concrete walls looked ready to collapse, and the only light came from a yellowed spotlight hanging above the entrance.

He got out with his gun in hand, eyes sharp, heart pounding so hard it echoed in his chest. The tactical team was still on the way, but he couldn’t wait. Ellie was everything.

When he pushed the door open, the rusty hinges screamed. Inside, a lone man stood leaning against an iron pillar. An aging face, still imposing. The gray beard and cold stare were unmistakable.

“Dad…” Eren whispered, his voice laced with hatred.

Grisha stepped forward, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“You came quickly. I expected that. You were always impulsive, Eren. Always led by your heart… and look where that got you.”

Eren raised the gun.

“Where is she? Where’s Ellie?”

Grisha simply gave a bitter smile.

“I could’ve made you the perfect heir. Smart, strong, ruthless. But you got lost… because of that woman… and that useless child. You gave up the company, the legacy—left me with nothing!”