୧ ׅ𖥔 ۫ CHAPTER I . fall ⋄ 𓍯
🐚 #'                    m . jaeger

       THE YEAR WAS 845 , located in what once was known as the zhiganshina district within wall maria .

        "maeve , go find your brother for me , will you ?" carla looked up from the dishes , her gaze lingering on her youngest through the reflection of the glass window .

"mikasa's with him . that girl could cut down a titan if she really wanted to ," maeve replied nonchalantly , using a kitchen knife to carve her initials into the wooden floor beneath her .

        though only being a year younger than her older brother , maeve was unusually sharp for her age . carla often dismissed it , assuming that maeve's intellect had been passed down from her father .

the knife slipped from maeve's fingers and clattered to the ground . she reached for it , but before her hand could touch the handle , her mother swiftly snatched it away .

carla clicked her tongue in disapproval , a slight frown forming as she regarded maeve with narrowed , tawny-coloured eyes — eyes that her daughter had inherited from her .

         "i didn't ask to go find mikasa , i asked to go find your brother ." carla chided , nudging maeve's shoes across the floor . they landed with a soft thud at her feet . "put them on , and go find eren ." she insisted again .

˙ . ꒷ 🕊️ . 𖦹˙—

        the streets of zhiganshina were bustling with families , merchants , and various stalls scattered throughout the city . the garrison , however , were often too drunk to break up fights or properly carry out their duties , which the people frowned upon .

        maeve moved through the crowd , her eyes scanning the faces around her . after an hour of searching , she let out a huff , and began to wander aimlessly , occasionally slipping an apple or an orange in her pocket while the merchants were distracted by new customers .

then , a bell tolled , its sound cutting through the noise of the market . the survey corps had returned — back with another defeat , and more casualties , just as it always was .

        maeve stood at the front of the crowd , watching as the soldiers trudged through the city , their carriages filled with the wounded and bandaged . "a complete carnage ," one woman muttered bitterly , "humanity is doomed ."

        "moses ! moses !" an older woman called out , her voice sharp with desperation . she stopped the captain , assumably , and spoke again , her words trembling . "i beg your pardon , where is my son ? he should be with you all ."

the captain looked to the soldier beside him , his expression unreadable , yet a faint glimpse of guilt erupted in his eyes . he gave a small , almost gradual nod .

the soldier handed the lady a piece of cloth with something wrapped in it , the outline made out to be a human arm with blood stains leaking through the material . her eyes instantly began to swell , crying as she held the last piece of her son in her hands .

        maeve lowered her head , bracing herself for the next painful chapter of this grim scene . the elder woman dropped to her knees , her voice barely audible as she muttered words that could not be fully made out .

then , with a rawness that cut through the air , she was heard more clearly .

"tell me my son stood his ground till the end ! tell me that his death meant something ! tell me his sacrifice gave us a better chance !" she shouted , her voice cracking with grief .

"he was brave , though his sacrifice meant nothing ." the captain replied , his voice cold and empty .

        "the reason your son died . . was because of me ." the captain continued , his voice growing hoarse with guilt . "i sent him to his death . i sent all of them to their deaths . and there's nothing to show for it . all of it amounts to nothing ."

   the lady stared at him , clutching her son's severed arm , her face twisted in sorrow as her tears flowed freely .

        it didn't take the survey corps long to move on after that . maeve watched as the distance between her and the soldiers grew , their figures fading into the distance , leaving the morbid scene behind .

"you little punk !" a man screamed , his voice laced with anger .

maeve glanced over her shoulder , spotting her brother , eren , clutching a long piece of firewood . mikasa was already pulling him down the alley by his shirt collar , urgently in her steps as they quickly fled the scene .

        curiosity now piqued , maeve followed them , coming to a stop when she turned the corner . there , eren was sprawled on the ground , firewood scattered around him in disarray . mikasa stood confidently in front of him , arms crossed , her gaze sharp as ever .

"just help me pick these up ." maeve heard eren mutter , his tone tinged with frustration . "like there was much to begin with ." mikasa scoffed , her annoyance clear as she shot eren a pointed look .

        "what happened , eren ? did mikasa give you a beating again ?" maeve snickered from behind the corner , almost unable to resist teasing her older brother .

eren's face turned a deep shade of red . out of embarrassment , he grabbed a piece of wood from the ground and hurled it at her , his aim more out of frustration than accuracy .

his sister dodged the throw effortlessly , but it only made her giggles louder . eren glared at her , but the sight of his flushed face and mikasa's exasperated sigh only made her laugh even harder .

˙ . ꒷ 🕊️ . 𖦹˙—

         the three arrived back at their doorstep , eren casually pushing the door open . "we're home ." he announced , his voice carrying an air of nonchalance .

"welcome back ," carla smiled warmly from the kitchen , "i see you found your brother , maeve ."

        maeve rolled her eyes dramatically , sitting across from her father , who had just returned from work . eren dumped the firewood they had gathered earlier into a box , catching carla's attention .

"wow , somebody worked hard to keep us in fuel for the next several days ." she joked , raising an eyebrow .

"whatever ." eren muttered , barely looking up to even acknowledge her .

"i bet mikasa was the only one actually working , mom ." maeve grinned mischievously , her tone teasing . "she's the real hero here ."

eren whipped around , his face flushed once again . "shut up !" he snapped , but maeve's smile only grew wider .

       the three of them were sat at the dining table , picking at the food carla had prepared . as they ate , the conversation shifted .

"where you off to , dad ?" eren asked , scraping the bottom of his bowl . "a patient ?"

grisha packed his travel case , hastily stuffing papers into it as if he couldn't wait to leave . "yes , some folks from the interior . i should be back in less than a week or so ."

maeve watched her father with quiet interest , then asked , "say , have you heard anything from uncle christoph , dad ? i haven't seen him in months ."

        grisha's expression tightened , and he cleared his throat before answering , "he's on a trip , sweetie . we've already discussed this ." his voice grew slightly irritable , as though he had this conversation before — and was sick of repeating it .

maeve pursed her lips , resisting the urge to push any further . she had heard this answer too many times .

the last time she had seen uncle christoph , they'd gone to gather firewood together . he'd mentioned his latest trip , from wall maria to wall sina . uncle christoph had always been involved with grisha's studies down in the basement , which was why he spent more time at their house rather than his .

as the silence lingered , mikasa shifted uncomfortably in her seat . after a few moments , she spoke , her voice hesitant but determined . "eren's thinking about joining the scouts ."

maeve froze , her eyes darting toward her brother , who looked mortified .

carla's gaze quickly moved to eren , pinned on him intensely with utter disbelief . "what ?"

        "gee , way to keep a secret , mikasa !" eren yelled , slamming his dinner spoon down onto the table . the clatter echoed through the now silent room .

their mother rushed to his side in a hurry , hands on his shoulders , forcing him to meet her gaze . her voice was sharp , almost frantic . "get that ridiculous thought out of your head !" she yelled , her eyes wide with fear and concern .

"no child of mine will be food for those beyond the walls , do i make myself clear !?" carla's voice rang out , filled with a fierce protectiveness .

maeve watched the scene unfold in quiet observation , occasionally looking over to her father . grisha , however , remained silent , his expression unreadable . not a single word passed his lips .

"stop yelling at me !" eren shot back , matching carla's volumes . maeve bit her lip , trying to suppress a snicker . she stopped once her gaze found her mother again , who looked utterly distraught , something maeve had never seen before . it was unsettling .

"it's a nightmare , eren . you have no idea what's beyond those walls ." grisha finally spoke , his tone calm and heavy with honesty .

eren's gaze hardened on him , seeming defiant . "i get it , alright ? but it has to be better than this life !" he snapped , not even hesitant on trying to mask his frustration .

        "i'm not stupid , i know what's out there , i know how cruel it is ," eren continued , his voice softening as he spoke again , "but if we give up , this damned 'nightmare' will never end ! not inside these walls , not outside them ."

the tension in the room thickened , and maeve , sensing the shift in the air , coughed lightly to break the silence . she picked up her empty plate and set it down with a little more force than necessary .

"i'm done , mom ." she said softly , her voice shaky as she seemed to be growing nervous from the rising tension .

grisha rose from his seat , his movements seeming fast . too fast . carla's eyes followed him , still filled with worry . grisha grabbed his travel case before heading out the door , remaining silent .

   "darling , wait !" carla called out , her voice laced with desperation as she chased after him .

grisha stopped in the doorway and turned to her , his voice dropping to a low whisper . "what should you have me do , carla ? scold him for his curiosity ?"

he glanced over at his children one last time , then reached under his shirt , pulling out a small key that gleamed in the sunlight , casting a faint shimmer across the room .

"eren , maeve ," he called to them , his voice soft but firm , "the two of you behave while i'm gone , and i'll show you what i have been working on down in the basement , alright ?"

the key in his hand caught the light again , reflecting brightly beneath his fingers . eren and maeve stared at it for a moment , mesmerised , before their eyes shifted to their father . in unison , they smiled .

"yes , sir !" they chimed , their voices full of an excited and outgoing enthusiasm that seemed to momentarily lighten the mood in the room .

˙ . ꒷ 🕊️ . 𖦹˙—

"have a good trip , father !" maeve called out , waving as grisha made his way to the front gates . her heart felt heavy , knowing he was leaving again , though she hid it behind a smile .

carla's voice broke through her thoughts , sharp with concern . "i meant what i said ." she said , her tone firm . "the whole idea is irresponsible ."

eren grew angry again at her words , his fists clenched . "so it's more irresponsible than spending your whole life cowering behind a wall ?" he shot back , his words cutting .

"i would rather die before i let myself follow in your footsteps !" without another word , he stormed off down an alley , his voice trailing behind him in an angry defiance .

"eren , wait !" carla's voice echoed , but her son was already too far away . she turned , her face pale , and looked at maeve with a sudden intensity , her hands shaking as she grabbed her daughter's shoulders .

"my sweet girl ," carla said , her voice trembling with fear , "do not let your brother get himself killed on his own account ! he must be protected !"

maeve felt a knot tighten in her chest , but her mother wasn't finished . carla turned to mikasa , her fearful gaze seeming desperate . "please tell me that i can count on you , mikasa . if anything happens to me — please protect my babies with your whole heart !"

after a tense moment , mikasa nodded firmly . carla released maeve's shoulders from her grasp , her own hands trembling slightly .

maeve's face flushed , her voice softening , though she still managed to fumble her words . "nothing bad is going to happen . . you're just overthinking again ." she tried to sound convincing to spare her mother some reassurance , though deep down , doubt still plagued her mind .

"i still can't take that risk ," carla whispered , her voice breaking . "you and your brother mean the world to me ." she cupped maeve's face with one hand , gently brushing her thumb along maeve's cheek . "so please , promise me you'll stay safe ."

maeve nodded , blinking away the lump in her throat , but she wasn't sure she could promise that — not with eren's reckless streak , and his rising curiosity of what lies beyond the walls .

mikasa , already determined , booked it down the alleyway , her feet pounding on the cobblestones . eren's footsteps had faded , but she would eventually catch up . she always does .

maeve hesitated for only a second before following . the weight of her mother's words lingered in her mind .

the sound of mikasa's footsteps grew fainter ahead , and maeve pushed herself harder to keep up . but then , suddenly , she came to a grinding halt . a familiar voice drifted from around the corner — a voice she hadn't expected to hear , but is not surprised that she did .

she peeked around the wall , her breath catching in her throat as she recognised the person . for a moment , she stayed hidden . with every punch being thrown , she would flinch behind the wall , a small rage fueling inside of her .

maeve pulled back , pressing herself against the cold stone , her mind racing as the voices turned into noise , fading out of earshot .

"if you don't like it , hit back !" an older boy yelled , his voice laced with irritation and challenge . "no way , that would just put me on your level !" a younger , blonde boy responded , his tone defiant .

maeve stood just out of sight , the sounds of their argument floating through the air . she scanned the scene around her , her eyes narrowing in focus as they landed on a large rock lying nearby . it was the perfect size , solid and heavy , and edged with sharp points .

the tension between the two boys grew thicker , their words becoming sharper and more hostile . the younger boy's expression tightened in a fleeting realisation , a sneer tugging at his lips .

"that's why you're hitting me instead of arguing , isn't it ?" he spat , a smug edge to his voice . "doesn't that mean you admit i win ?"

maeve's fingers twitched as she reached down , grabbing the rock . if she had to save him from another confrontation , she would have to bring the same amount of violence in return , just like she did the last time .

the older boy clicked his tongue in frustration , his patience wearing thin as the blonde kept talking . "you — you shut your damned mouth !" he snapped , raising his fists , his face twisted into an irritated scowl .

a heavy object hit him in the head , the strike sending painful sensations through his body as he let out a sharp grunt . he didn't even notice that his grip around the boy had loosened .

        another bully , one who had also been tormenting the kid , caught sight of maeve in his peripheral vision . he nudged his other friend , alerting him of her presence .

the boy who had been hit spun around , his eyes locking onto maeve . he grabbed the back of his head , wincing from the impact , before his gaze hardened . "you bitch !" he shouted , his voice laced with anger and disbelief .

"hey , that's jaeger's sister , ain't it ?" the other boy asked , a smirk tugging at his lips . he chuckled darkly , his eyes narrowing . "she's the one who scratched up billy and tommy's faces a few weeks back ."

maeve's eyes narrowed in response . without a single moment of hesitation , she pulled another rock from her pocket , her movements swift and accurate . she hurled it straight at them , the stone cutting through the air .

"run , armin !" she commanded , her voice sharp , not giving him a chance to question . but , due to the injuries he had inflicted , armin weakly sat right where he was , watching the scene unfold in silence , despite his prior confidence .

however his response to the situation , he still desperately wanted to do something . he had his own fears and worries that now , after sticking up for him , they'd harm her as well .

the only good option for her to do was to run away , though he knew she wouldn't . in a life or death scenario , it would either be her loyalty or her stubbornness that would get her killed .

"w — wait , maeve ! just run away ! don't try to fight them !" armin pleaded , his voice thick with worry .

"you gonna stop tossing those darn stones at us , or what ?" the boy maeve had hit earlier growled , marching up to her . he grabbed her wrist , his fingers digging into her skin as he squeezed , pulling her closer .

she winced in agony , shooting him a menacing glare in return . maeve placed her other hand to his face , struggling to push him away with immense force , his grip growing tighter , his sneer becoming more conniving .

"get off me , asshole !" maeve muttered , the words slithering out from between her gritted teeth .

armin watched from afar , his mouth fallen agape . he felt like a coward for letting them do this to her , given everything that she's done for him .

"stop !" a voice called out , the group of boys pausing at their words .

the sound of approaching footsteps grew louder , echoing down the alley . maeve's eyes snapped toward the corner , and soon enough , a figure came flying around the bend .

   "it's eren !" one of the bullies shouted , a small scoff emitting from him as he readied his fists to engage . "what a fool for coming back here , he knows he'll just get his ass beat again !" his other friend chuckled , his voice thick with confidence .

the boys fell silent the moment they spotted mikasa right behind eren , their faces draining of colour . panic set in .

"oh shit !" one of them muttered , eyes widening . "let's get out of here !" without another word , the three of them bolted leaving maeve and armin standing in the alley , still catching their breath .

eren straightened , grinning with pride as he brushed the dirt from his clothes . "they ran away when they saw me , those dumbasses !" he boasted , regaining his breath .

maeve cradled her wrist gently , feeling the sting from where the boy had gripped her earlier . mikasa , walking over , eyed her with concern . "are you alright ?" she asked , her voice flat yet soft .

maeve nodded , managing a small smile . "yeah , i'm alright , mika ." she said .

armin , still wincing slightly as he struggled to stand , piped up . "no , eren , they ran away when they saw mikasa ." he shot eren a pointed look before attempting to push himself upright .

eren extended his hand out to the blonde , his brows furrowed in concern . "are you alright , armin ?"

the boy hesitated , his gaze fixed on his friend's outstretched hand for a moment before he slowly pushed himself upright on his own . "i can stand myself ." he said quietly , brushing the dust off his pants .

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the four of them found themselves down by a quiet stream in the city , the gentle rush of water filling the air as they sat on the grassy bank .

"— so i said that humanity should go out into the world someday ." armin explained , his voice a little exasperated . "that's when they hit me and called me a heretic ."

"damn it , why does everyone act like you're crazy if you want to go outside ?" eren complained , "it's like they'd rather sit here behind these walls , waiting to die ."

"staying within the walls has brought peace for a century . they're afraid that if many of us venture out , we'll risk letting them in . so the royal government declared any interest in the outside world taboo ." armin went on , his tone thoughtful yet slightly tinged with frustration .

eren scoffed , rolling his eyes . "so ? that's our lives we're risking , it's our business !" he argued , a growing irritation being heard in his voice .

mikasa who had been quietly watching , finally spoke up , cutting through his words . "no . . just . . no ." her voice was firm , but there was a slight pleading undertone .

eren turned on her , his frustration bubbling over . "come to think of it ," he started , his glare sharp . "why'd you tell my parents ?"

   "i don't ever remember saying i'd help ." mikasa huffed , her response swift and steady .

"how did it go ?" armin asked , making quick glances between them as maeve leaned against his shoulder , drawing a butterfly in the dirt with her finger .

   "well . . they weren't happy . ." eren spoke , his reply seeming dry as he looked for other ways to put it .

maeve grinned , a hint of mischief in her eyes as she raised her head , adding on to her brother's sentence . "they were furious ."

eren shot her a glare , his teeth clenched in frustration . "gee , will you let me speak for myself for once ?!" he threw his hands up in the air .

maeve stumbled to her feet , her stance slightly unsteady , her expression stricken with confusion of her brother's words .

"woah , i didn't ! —" maeve was quickly cut off by his sudden outburst once more . "god , you're so annoying ! can't you just find your own friends ?!" he growled , a stubborn and unyielding scowl reappearing on his face .

mikasa stared at him , her expression staying firm , gaze hardening on the boy . "eren ." she spoke , trying to get him to calm down before he said anything else .

"maybe then i wouldn't feel so drained by your presence !" eren ranted , his words coming out sharper than he had intended . "it's like i have to babysit you all hours of the day !" his fists clenched at his sides , frustration spilling out .

"that's probably how mom feels , that's probably why she's always telling me to take you with me every time i go out ." eren huffed , "she's sick of you — mom's sick of you , maeve ! and i am too !"

        armin and mikasa gazed at him in bewilderment , exchanging looks before glancing over at maeve . she stood , stunned , as if she was just slapped with a realisation , the sting of his words settling deeply in her chest .

her face flushed red , but it wasn't from anger . her eyes started to glisten tears , and before anyone could say anything , she quickly covered her face with her hands , turning on her heel and running past them .

"eren !" armin snapped , his voice sharp with reproach . eren groaned , rolling his eyes . "great , now she's just going to go cry to mom !" he slumped , rubbing his forehead .

maeve pushed past everyone , her feet pounding against the cobblestone streets as the tears streamed down her face . his words lingered in her mind with every step she took .

she eventually stopped , her legs giving out beneath her as she doubled over , gasping for air . she cried at her brother's heartless words , but she cried even harder at the burning in her lungs from running against the cool winds .

the world seemed to blur around her , everything being shut out in her mind . she took a deep breath and looked up at the sky , the grey clouds swirling overhead . birds soared above her , reminding her of the freedom that she never had .

        she leaned her back against a wall , the rough surface grounding her as she fought to steady herself . the frantic pulse of her heart started to slow , and her breathing went back to normal .

in that split second when she shut her eyes to block it all out , a bolt of lightning flashed across the sky , bright enough to illuminate the whole city .

she cranked her eyes open , almost flinching at the sudden flash , her breath catching in her throat as the crack of thunder followed immediately after . the vibrations rippled through the atmosphere , sending a shiver down her spine .

"jesus , what was that ? an explosion ?" a merchant stated , his eyes wide with alertness as the sound of the blast reverberated throughout the streets .

        other civilians , ones just as puzzled and frightened as maeve , bolted towards the gates of the city to see what all the commotion was .

        the air was thick with anticipation as maeve readjusted her stance , feeling a dreadful queasiness wash over her . she tried to steady her breathing , but the unease continued to gnaw at her , an instinctive , primal fear that she couldn't shake .

        the silence that followed was suffocating , broken only by the hurried footsteps of people racing towards the gates . but that silence didn't last long .

another outburst . this time , louder . it tore through the city , the ground shaking violently beneath her .

        maeve's heart skipped a beat , and she instinctively took a step back , the gust of wind that followed sweeping through the streets , tugging at her hair and clothes . the force of it was so strong that it almost knocked her off balance .

        the fear in the air was palpable now , people were no longer running towards the gates — they were scattering , shouting , desperate to find shelter like cowardly mice .

maeve had no idea what was happening , but the feeling in her gut told her it was something big . she didn't want to stay , but she couldn't move . she was paralysed .

        that was when she saw large chunks of the gate landing on people and their houses , crushing them .

they were here . the titans had broken through . the walls were falling . the world was ending .

        maeve took cover , not knowing where her brother was — or if her mother was okay . she hid behind a building , covering her ears in an attempt to block out the screams of horror and cries for help around her .

        she looked up , startled , and noticed a kid her age across from her , sharing the same look of sheer panic as her . she'd seen him around before , as he was formerly known as the butcher's kid . maeve never spoke to him directly , but she always watched him work his father's shop . he was kind .

maeve called out his name , exchanging glances with him before a tremendous boulder flew in and crushed him . splatters of blood went everywhere , some even landing on maeve's face .

after that , she went back to covering her ears , her eyes as wide as an open meadow . her tears began to swell again as she thought about why all of this was happening , why she had felt so unsafe in the city she grew up in . she cried , letting out a cowardly shriek as she buried herself in her shirt .

the high-speed winds suddenly stopped , everyone's screams just growing louder , slightly muffled from the sounds of titan footsteps . maeve blinked , trying to steady herself as her legs shook beneath her . she wiped her tears in determination , booking it down the street .

she snivelled , the sight of the boy's crushed body imprinted in her mind with a haunting reminder of what his bones sounded like just before death — crackling and snapping under the weight of the boulder .

      everywhere she looked , someone was dead . she had to get home , she had to find her family . maeve ran down every road , watching as the titans around her devoured every last person in the city .

        maeve finally reached the area where her house had once stood , her breath catching in her throat as she skidded to a halt . the sight in front of her drained her of any air she once had .

        a massive boulder , the size of a building , lay on top of their home , crushing it beneath it's weight . her eyes darted around , searching for any sign of movement , any hint that someone — her mother , her brother — was still inside .

        the sight was almost too much to bear . maeve's legs gave out beneath her , and she collapsed to her knees , staring helplessly at the ruins . she clutched her chest , feeling her heart ache .

        tears began to fill her eyes again , her brows pushing together in sorrow and grief . that was when she stopped herself , her ear twitching at the sound of screams coming from under the house .

"mom !" she heard another person shriek . it was eren , his familiar cry cutting through the air , racing across the street toward her with mikasa by his side , panic and relief etched into their faces .

      "maeve !" he shouted , his voice breaking slightly in ease as he threw his arms around her . "you're alive . ." he said , his voice barely above a whisper . there was something raw in his tone , sounding almost endearing and grateful .

he brushed the hair out of her face , immediately checking for wounds , his gaze frantic . "where's mom !?" his voice cracked , pleading , shaking his little sister in desperation .

        her chest tightened . maeve slowly lifted her arm , pointing to their mother , who was crushed under the house . "eren !" her voice was unmistakably clear , the air growing tense as her cries hung heavily in the air .

        he rushed to his mother's side , trying to lift the wooden frame that had fallen on her . "mikasa , grab the other side ! we need to get this off of her !" he ordered , watching as mikasa followed through .

maeve observed them from afar , still in shock of everything happening around her . as the two struggled , mikasa's gaze lifted from carla , her eyes widening at the sight of a titan approaching them .

       now hearing its footsteps , eren looked over his shoulder at his sister , his face flushed red with exertion of trying to lift the beam . "maeve ! get here now !" he commanded , tears in his eyes . "please , mikasa ! hurry !"

"the titans are inside , aren't they ? . ." carla whispered , her breath ragged as the horrific realisation settled in . she inhaled sharply , her voice trembling with urgency as she spoke again , "eren , take maeve , take mikasa , and run . now !"

eren heaved , his teeth grinding against each other as he struggled . "i want to run , so hurry and get out of there !" he cried , the words slithering out from between his gritted teeth .

his grip faltered for a moment , the frame slipping from his hands . panic surged through him as he quickly mustered every ounce of strength to hoist it back up .

        carla's voice was weak but clear . "my legs were crushed by the rubble . even if i get out , i can't run ." she said , her breath shallow , each word a struggle .

        maeve turned her head , her eyes widening in horror as she saw an incredibly tall titan making its way over , a beaming grin casted across its features , giving it a haunting appearance .

        it's massive form casted a shadow over the ruins , her mouth falling agape at the sight of it .

"you understand , don't you ?" carla sniffled , her voice trembling with urgency . "then i'll carry you !" eren insisted , his desperation rising .

        "why do you never listen to me ?!" carla shouted , her frustration breaking through . "at least listen this one last time !"

"if you don't go , the four of us will .." carla's voice trailed off as the unmistakable sound of odm gear filled the air , giving the situation a sense of relief , and sparking hope . maeve , however , kept her eyes fixed on the approaching titan .

        "hannes !" carla exclaimed , her tear-streaked face breaking into a strained smile . "take my children , and run !"

        hannes paused for a moment , his eyes locking with carla's , but his resolve was unwavering . "don't underestimate me , carla ." he said firmly , drawing his blade . "i'll slay this bastard and save the four of you ." without another word , he charged toward the titan , determined .

      "wait ! don't try to fight it !" carla cried out , her voice breaking with fear . but hannes was already too far , the deafening footsteps of the titan growing louder as he closed the gap .

mikasa's eyes met carla's in a silent exchange , both of them understanding the weight of the moment . mikasa's chest tightened as she turned to maeve , who was frozen in terror , eyes locked onto the titan roaming towards them .

she left carla's limp body behind , the weight of it unbearable , and took maeve's trembling hand in hers . with a firm tug , mikasa pulled her away , guiding her away from the chaos .

        they stumbled behind eren once again , the girl's actions leaving him confused and puzzled , his voice cutting through the silence . "mikasa , what the hell are you doing ?!" he sniffled , his voice sharp but desperate . "help me get mom out !"

        mikasa avoided eren's pleading gaze , her heart heavy with guilt . eren , now desperate , turned to his sister , his voice cracking as he begged . "maeve . . you love mom , right ?" his words were raw with fear , "then help me . . get her out of this shit hole before she dies !"

hannes gritted his teeth , his heart pounding as he threw eren and maeve over his shoulders with grim determination . he took mikasa's hand , hug grip firm as he began to sprint , picking up the pace .

       "wait , hannes !" eren shouted , struggling around in his grasp . "what are you doing ?!"

        hannes looked down at the ground in guilt , his eyes clouded with guilt . he could feel the weight of the decision pressing down on him , but there was no going back now .

maeve snapped out of her trance , her breath shaky and erratic as she matched her brother's frantic meltdown . "hey — hey !" she cried , her voice rising with confusion and desperation . "you killed it , right ? . . then why the hell are we running away ?!" her words trembled with fear and despair .

        with no reply , maeve turned , her heart sinking as she saw the creature still standing , taller than ever . "hannes !" she shrieked , her fists pounding against his back in desperation . "you said you would save the four of us ! go save my mother !"

"our mom is still back there !" eren gasped , his breath ragged and panicked . they watched as the titan stopped right at the pile of rubble , sniffing through like a cadaver dog .

it swept its massive arms through the remnants of what had once been a home full of memories , tearing through the rubble as if searching for something familiar , its fingers brushing over the last piece of what made it whole .

the two of them watched as it raised carla up in the air , holding her in one hand . "stop !" eren screamed , his shrieks tinged with despair and helplessness .

        maeve sobbed and whined , coughing as the saliva built up in her throat . carla struggled under the grasp of the titan as it reached its other hand over , grabbing her head before tearing it off .

the sunset was painted orange with a soft glow . a nice sunset it was , before it was stained dark red .

maeve stared at her mother's body one last time before the titan took its first bite , sinking its teeth into her , sending sprays of gore through the air . mikasa looked away in horror , while carla's two children had to observe their own blood get devoured .

maeve's screams echoed throughout the city as she watched , scratching and clawing at hannes's back like a desperate dog trying to reach its owner .

        that day , humanity remembered the terror of being ruled by them . . the humiliation of being kept in a cage .