Raven's Life Revealed (Teen Titans, Attack on Titan)

Chapter 4: Bells of the Dead

It's been two months since the Titans invaded Wall Azar. The food shortage was becoming much more dire and the kingdom was starting to take some serious actions. First, everyone who was pregnant had to get an abortion. Many people tried to stop them, but if someone interfered, the expecting mother and that person would be shot. Second, everyone who was deemed ill with an incurable disease,was too old or was disabled, was killed on sight. People tried to stop this too, but they also would be executed. Thirdly, no pets were allowed, only the farm animals. Dogs, cats, birds, fish, and reptiles were killed and served as food. People, at first, didn't want to eat it, but in the end, they had no choice.

And now, the adults who came from Wall Azar, were being sent out to try to recapture the land.

Everyone knew what the real reason was.

"Rachel, listen, you'll be fine." Pemma said getting a bit teary.

I stared at the ground, not wanting to see her cry. I didn't want her to leave. "Pem-Pemma, please don't go..."

Pemma sighed sadly and then hugged me softly, "Don't you worry, I'll make sure to at least get one of the Titans for ya."

No, she wouldn't. She knew that, I knew that... I won't ever see Pemma again. Just after losing Mother. I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed tightly. "Pemma, I love you."

I could Pemma's cheeks rise up a little, "I love you, too, 'lil Rach."

That's when I felt a traitorous tear fall down one of my cheeks. I never got to tell Arella that. I never will now.

"Soldiers! To the front line! Now!" The commander shouted loud enough for everyone gathered there to hear.

Pemma hastily kissed my forehead and grabbed ahold of my shoulders, "Take care, 'lil Raven." She paused and then grinned, "And happy birthday."

I smiled sadly at that silly name that Arella and her always used to call me.  It started when a raven suddenly perched itself on my shoulder, and then another on my other shoulder. And they sometimes said my personality was kind of like the spirit of a raven. They used to say there was always something magical about me.

I stared after her as she walked away. She looked back and waved slightly.

I waved back, smiling, just for her.

Then she and everyone else was gone.

I never saw her again...

****

"Rachel? You okay?" Erik asked me.

I looked up at him and smiled slightly, "Yeah, perfectly fine."

It's been a year now since the kingdom sent out every adult that was from Wall Azar to fight the Titans. A year since I lost Pemma, a little more than a year since I lost Arella. 

"Are you bummed out because we can't do anything for your birthday again?"

"I don't particularly like my birthday anymore." I answered remembering what happened last year.

"Hey, come on, buddy. Don't be so sad." Erik said slinging his arm around my shoulders.

I groaned and then flicked his nose, "Be very careful what you do, Sato."

"Whatever, Roth." He said jokingly while pulling out a strand of my hair.

I cringed, and then pinched his arm. Before he could do anything to get me back, I moved from my spot and hurriedly poured the vegetation that I had to gather into a large bin filled with water to clean it.