PrologueView OnlineErann StoryProloguePrologue "Ladies and gentlemen! I welcome you to yet another game today!" A voice loud for all to hear echoes along the eager crowd sitting at the edge of their seats along a large wall. Fifty meters up high, they wait for the gates to open, wait for the sound of lightning. "But you all know what happens here! So I'll skip to the good part!" It opens. The crowd is clapping in excitement as two figures are barely visible from the far distance. The ground rumbles, and the air is full of static. Heat radiates from the two as they create distance from one another. "Two, recently joined Kyojin are about to battle! I'm sure you've seen them fight before." Two bolts of lightning descend from the ground almost immediately, and the crowd above clutches onto the railing to keep themselves from stumbling or falling from their spot. "Our contestants are-Eren Jaeger! The Rogue Titan! 15 meter class! Specialty, close combat and regeneration!" They all roar in delight as a male Kyojin takes it's full form. Long brunette locks hang across it's lipless jaw, and elf like ears. It's well built body already in a fighting stance. It's glowing, sunken in emerald eyes pierce the still forming Kyojin in front of him. "Our second is-Annie Leonhardt! The Crystal Titan! 14 meter class! Speciality, close up combat and defense!" The noise continues as the female Kyojin forms. Shoulder length blond hair waves in the wind, her skinless body well shaped and toned like it's opponent. Her soft eyes of blue come to life as she studies the male Kyojin. "You all know the rules! Just make sure to have fun!" The announcer says to the two below just as from each side of the wall, a red signal flair is sent up to the sky and when you thought the cheering couldn't get any louder, it began to make others ears ring. The male Kyojin roars, taking it's charge after the female type. The Crystal Titan doesn't move for a second before glaring and charging as well. Their footfalls quake the earth, and wind blows the dirt, and rubble from past fight's fly up before falling back to a different location. The crowd waits as both fists fly at the same time. The Crystal Titans hand aims for his neck, while the Rogue's goes for her face. Upon collision, the force sends them both back, the female unable to get her grip on his neck when she didn't move her head in time and got half of her face blown off. Sliding back on the ends of his feet and hand in front to support, the male jumps again, but this time the female changes her stance to defense. She takes ahold of his wrist and kicks his stomach, making him lose his breath as her heel goes all the way through his stomach. Blood spurts, and the Rogue stumbles as she yanks it out. From then on it's a battle of wills as one kicks and one blocks. A fist is sent after one, and that one is either blocked or ends up grazing them. The female is impressive, her moves are smooth, and she always finds a way to analyze his next move before it happens, making it harder to hit more blows on her. The Rogue takes control of the field as he catches a leg that was sent to take his legs out. Her crystal like eyes widen slightly as he throws her over him and into the ground, fingers still gripped onto her ankle. She twists onto her back to try and escape but he digs one of his one feet into her back and twists her leg till it cracks and comes apart from her body. The rogue type's ears twitch at a strange sound coming from the female's hidden arms. She spins and hits his head with full force, getting him back for removing half of her face and almost blowing his head right off. He stumbles back and lands on his rump, the female doing a summersault away before disappearing in the cloud of smoke. Behind a building a little ways away from the Rogue Kyojin, the female is crouched down while her leg heals, the bone slowly emerging from her thigh. He is coming, she can hear his steps getting louder, and at the moment she needs to heal fully before she can fight anymore. Just in case, the female lets her crystal encase her neck if by any chance a sneak attack to the nape is intended. Looking down t her leg she is able to run now, though she won't be able to go at full speed as the muscle on her calf is only half way regenerated. When the female darts, she doesn't look back when she hears the growl behind her. The female continues to run, the male at her tail. During that sprint she devised a small plan, and glancing back to the gaping jaws behind her she smirks before speeding up. Yes that's it.... The Rogue catches up to her and when fingers are in reach to grab a shoulder, head, or arm, she comes to a sudden halt. She was too quick for him to see it through, and even if he did she left two small of a gap for him to act anyways. The familiar sound from earlier as she had made more crystal on her fist was all he heard before he was being sent flying back into the wall surrounding the battle ground. Dazed if only momentarily, the Rogue Kyojin stands up, fists raised as the blur of the female type became clear after she charged. He throws his fist at her but she sucks her head to dodged. After that he is suddenly in a choke hold, her arm hooked around his neck and the force of her pulling it back making the skin near his throat almost rip. Next she twists him around and changes her crystal to her right leg before kicking both of his out. They both slide along the ground, and it's not long before the male realizes that he is stuck in her hold. Not only did she knock him off balance, but took of his legs as well. Damn crystal! These types are always so tough! The boy within the Rogue Kyojin curses as he can't move. It's not till she turns him on his back does he start to try and struggle agin. In this game, the victor decides the Kyojin's fate, and that's either to spare them, or to as of now devour them and obtain their power. "No! I can't die! Mom needs me!" The boy Eren cries out, knowing none hear him but still desperate to escape. The crowd is chanting for her to finish him off, and the cold lock of her eyes tells him she is definitely considering it. Or is she? He won't be able to tell, for he can't see her as her mouth opens and rips into his nape.
Chapter 1View OnlineErann StoryChapter 1Chapter 1 One hundred years ago, humans lived in fear of the Titans. Strange giant creatures in the form of humans themselves. One by one humanity was brought even closer to the brink of extinction. They were forced to retreat into three walls. Maria, Rose, and Sina. This created peace among them, and it kept the Titans out. However, one fateful day the walls had been broken by an intelligent type. Everything went into chaos. A great war broke out between the two, destroying what they hoped to become peace and turning it into a never ending hell. For years it was like this. No one is aware of what truly happened those days. But now they all assumed that humans had won. For it was Titans that lived in fear of humans. And for a hundred years they have been imprisoned inside the very inner wall. Sina. Apparently Titans(who are actually now called the Kyojin race) were humans. And anyone who possessed the power was to be incased within the prison of wall Sina. Now humans have almost completely forgotten about them. For the government has truly destroyed any trace of their existence in the world to almost everyone. Only a small portion within wall Rose are fully aware of them. These people are of high wealth, and are known to watch the Kyojin tournament game. An ongoing event where Kyojin's fights one another to live. Humans who used to be seen as cattle, have now switch their roles with the Kyojin. And now they are helpless to ever fight against the growing power of the government. * * * It was dark, moist, and very hot. Eren Jaeger, known as the Rogue Titan, was inside the mouth of Annie Leonhardt, who is known as the Crystal Titan. He had battled her and lost to her fighting skills. Before he had a chance to struggle, she had dug her teeth into the Titan nape and ripped him from his place. It was so scary watching her as she did. His heart was pulsing, sweat was dripping, and his mind was in panic. He had shut his eyes, not knowing what else to do. Though what he couldn't understand was why in the world was he still alive while being firmly held against a pair of hard teeth by a wet and slithering tongue. She hadn't swallowed him. The cheering of the people atop the wall was muffled, and the rumble of the female's breathing was making his ears ring. He couldn't move, and he wasn't surprised. Her tongue served as a perfect meat cage. So he didn't fight, but it was getting uncomfortably hot and the air was mucky. It was a bit hard to breath. Perhaps it was that the pressure of her tongue was too hard. But now his body was shaking. He had a fever, this tended to happen every few transformations. Every since he became a Titan he had been weak, something he despised himself for. Especially since that made it harder to provide for both himself and his parents. His father would have been working in the games, but he had recently quit. For reasons he has not told Eren. Eren yelped as he was blinded by light, and the tongue suddenly let go, making him slide to her sharp carnivorous teeth. Her jaw was opening and soon he lost his grip and fell out with a yelp and onto the grassy ground, absolutely covered in saliva. Eren gasped and coughed, face recoiling in disgust as he had accidentally swallowed some of the slimy substance. He heard the echo of people making sounds of disappointment. So she wasn't going to eat him yet tore him from the nape anyway? What the fuck?! While recovering he didn't notice the girl approaching him. When her shadow was in sight of his right hand he finally sat on his knees to look up. The girl had blond hair, it was messy and went to her shoulders, just like her Titan. Her eyes were the same but a more intense shade of debonair blue. She wore a simple pair of white pants and a grey shirt, though no shoes were on her feet, leaving them bare. "What the hell was that for?" Eren rasped as he starred down at himself in disgust, making a mental note to go dump himself in a pond after leaving. "I didn't feel like eating you." Annie replied calmly, Eren not missing those thin and delicate pale finger brushing back her flowing hair. "Oh, didn't feel like it." Eren grumbled before trying to wipe off the slime. Offering her hand, Annie starred into his turquoise orbs, waiting for him to take it. Eren starred at it cautiously. Hesitantly while glancing between her and her hand, he took it. His hands were indeed larger and until he was standing he finally realized how much shorter she was next to him. "Why didn't you really eat me?" He asked after a small "thanks". "I had no reason to. You have no special abilities worth using. So it was unnecessary to take your life." She replies as she begins to turn, Eren pouting in offense of her words. But she was right, so he held back his comment. God knows how many times he has almost died because of his weak Titan body. That's when he remembered her. The way she had fought, with such grace and even when he had pulled off her limb she didn't falter. Eren had fought many before, but none were like her. Thinking back he really was intrigued by her way of fighting, and he couldn't help but ask. "A....ano....." Eren hesitated as she turned and looked at him. Feeling a bit embarrassed he continued. "Where did you learn to fight? Did you teach yourself?" It wouldn't surprise him if she did. If you wanted to win a fight, then you had to learn how to on your own. No teachers were available, and no one offered tips to one another, even if they were friends. It was every man for themselves. "My family taught me. More specifically my father. Why do you ask?" "Well...ano...honestly I really liked what I saw out there. Despite how much I learned from my father, you still took me down before a whole minute passed." Pausing he looked up before taking in a breath. "I just wish I could fight like you." He mumbled sadly, knowing it was stupid for him to compliment someone else's skills. Why would anyone care? Eren was starting to believe he was really a stupid wimp. Annie smiled. It was small, and the light glimmering off the gate to Sina was blinding him slightly from the sight, but it still surprised him. "If you like it so much I can teach you." Okay what? "Seriously?" Eren didn't truly believe her words. "That is if you give me half of your wins." Eren scoffs. Of course she would want something in return. "The winning money is too valuable. It's already hard enough as it is to keep my mother alive. I can't make a deal like that." "Please leave the fighting arena! Our next contestants will be entering soon!" The sound of the announcer boomed over to them, the gate shaking both of them as it opened. They didn't say anything till it stopped, then Annie began to walk out. "Then I'll give you everything you need. Just as long as you give your part." Eren blinked in confusion as he watched her walk away. "You give me half, I train you and offer all the food and supplies you need. Does that not seem reasonable to you?" Annie stopped momentarily to look over her shoulder for his reply. She was right, it wasn't unreasonable. But why would she offer to provide for him? Eren didn't like the idea. But thinking about it, if he ever wanted to survive in this cruel world maybe he might just have to. There is nothing stopping him from quitting after she has taught him everything. Though didn't she have a family to take care of as well? "I live only with my father. So there is little mouths to feed." Annie spoke as if she were reading his thoughts just by looking into his eyes. Eren sighed, knowing he will have to tell his parents. But it was either say no and continue blindly, or learn to fight and survive. "Alright, deal." * * * "Are you sure that was wise of you Eren?" Carla, Eren's mother had a slight look of worry as her hands were softly placed on his shoulders. Eren opened his mouth to speak but his father, Grisha interrupted him. "If she is of the Leonhardt family than I have no doubt it will be fine Carla. I know her father, he is a good man." Carla looked at her husband and signed with a nod. "Alright, but please be careful Eren, just in case." Carla was always so worried about allowing her only fifteen year old son fight in the tournaments. It got annoying, but Eren learned to cope with it. "I will mom." Eren replied making her smile. "Right! Now let's eat." Carla goes to sit at their rather small and plain wooden table and chairs. Grisha and Eren thank her for her cooking, Grisha giving his wife a loving kiss on the cheek before sitting down. Then they heard the sound of lightning, and the shaped tin serving as bowls and plates shook. They all looked at one another confused. Someone had just transformed outside the arena. Eren got up and walked over to the window to peek out. He could hear shouting, and eventually the sound of loud footfalls. Perhaps a thirteen to fifteen meter? But why would someone transform? It was illegal, and everyone knew what the punishment was. From the intensity of the grounds vibrations, it could be guessed that it was actually a thirteen meter. One of the larger classes. Others follow along to find out what's going on among the chaos being heard just a few blocks away. Eren kept going in a slow paced jog over, too curious to listen to his mother's calls, the woman trying to get her son back inside where it was safe. But Eren was always a rebel. Eren had to dodge a couple of loose roof plates that fell from the earth quaking. Whoever transformed was now running. Eren should have gone back, but the sight before him made his jaw drop. Living so close to the wall that kept them inside Sina was something Eren was definitely thankful for. As if he didn't, he wouldn't have been able to see this, only hear it in the daily news and gossip. But words weren't enough for Eren. He preferred action. Some classes of Titans, the most common anyway were around ten meters or higher, and they had the ability to harden their skin. It could be one place at a time, cover almost the whole body, or even have the entire flesh form through the hard substance. It was a rare trait for high classed Kyojin. Seeing this particular Titan reminded him of the very girl he would be training with. This one seemed to be one of those types who could almost keep their entire form hard. The Kyojin form had short brunette hair, messy all over the place, and was skinless, another rare trait of a Titan. Instead of a body formed like the usual Kyojin human form, his arms were longer, thinner. His body was bulkier and legs almost matched the length of the arms. Eren's eyes widened. Not only was this Kyojin breaking the rule of transformation allowance, but they were using their Titan armor to pierce the iron wall, shriveling up the material. It wasn't just that though, for Eren Jaeger recognized this Titan. "Marcel?! What the hell?!" Marcel Jaeger, Eren's cousin from his Unlce Zeke Jaeger and his deceased wife. Marcel and Eren didn't know each other well, as ever since they got older the only thing to logically think about was how to survive the games. It was nothing at the moment, for at least right now he was dealing with beginners, but every time you win, the fight got harder. So the only years he got to spend with his cousin was when he was just a babe through his childhood years. Marcel had expressed his distaste for the walls, and Eren never blamed him. Eren was sure he was not the only one who saw the obvious that they were birds in a cage, all meant to chirp, sing, and entertain the people outside. But Eren never thought that Marcel would ever act upon his hate for them. This was very bad. "This is your last warning! Let go of the wall and calmly retreat from your Titan or we will be forced to take you down!" Eren's blood turned cold. Marcel was just a young boy, a confused one at that. Like his mother of what Eren had been told about by his uncle, he was very set on his own opinions and dreams. And that could be a bad, and a good thing. But it made it worse when he ignored the calls of the soldiers flying around in their maneuvering gear. Eren finally called out to his family member when he saw one of the Military soldiers bring out a familiar looking contraption. "Marcel! Get down from there!" Whether he was heard or not Eren didn't know, but he kept on trying to reason with him, though it was hard with all the people around him chatting rather loudly around him. It was too late, the contraption in the woman's arm was fired and the armor surrounding Marcel's neck and head completely shattered, like glass it fell in sharp specs, and a shock wave made everyone stumble. Another shot. Half of the Titans face was blown off. Eren watched in dread as they prepared another fire. It only took a mere second to prepare the strange gun made to pierce the iron of any Titan. The power blast and amazing amount of heat triggered upon contact was enough to break large sections of armor. The Titan didn't fall, and Marcel was still alive, for the nape was unharmed. Though he didn't continue to climb. When a third was shot, Marcel let go of the wall and landed on the floor, his large hands raising in defeat. Marcel could be rash in his decisions, but he was smart enough to know when to give up. Thank God they stopped trying to blast him into ashes, but now a large, gaping hole was steaming on the walls side. It apparently broke completely into it, for the sun was glaring down at them from the other side. "Leave your Titan! Now! Next shot will be your nape! Do not test our patience with you!" The male talking was clearly pissed. Eren ran forward after he saw the familiar burst of steam and Marcel came tumbling out and onto the ground with a thud, panting heavily. Before Eren could reach his dear friend a hand blocked him. "Stay back Kyojin!" An officer glared, Eren returning the glare but not fighting. Marcel was about to get up, but was sent to the ground when an unseen boot went straight to his face. "Oi!" The officer had to keep Eren from charging forward, the boy despising seeing another kick sent to his cousin, this time in the back, then on the leg. By the deep cry Marcel let out, he had definitely just broken a bone. After the small struggle, and the boy helpless from post fatigue after transforming, he was dragged by his hair to a man. "Marcel Jaeger! My name is Kenny Ackerman. Captain, Kenny Ackerman. You have illegally disobeyed in ways that are not forgivable to government law." Eren could share the cold shiver of fear with his friend. Marcel didn't show any of it, but instead smirked in plain amusement to his failure. "However I'm in a rather forgiving mood today thanks to a very good wife. So I'll let you go with a warning just this once." The man named Kenny took his turn to kick the boy, as his head was in perfect position for such an action. Kenny leaned down at the boy who gasped for breath after yet receiving one more kick to the gut, taking all the air out of him. "I'll let you know-" Kenny began, his hand gripping Marcel's chin, forcing the boy to face him despite the pain he was feeling in his ribs. "That if your ever do this again, the Military won't hesitate to kill you, or your family. Is that understood Kyojin?" Eren hated how much the Military spoke the word "Kyojin" with such distaste as if they were vermin. "Answer me you piece of shit." Kenny growled, fingers squeezing hard into the boys skin. Marcel grunted, not looking into the man's eyes before muttering a quiet reply to his request and even a bitter promise that it wouldn't happen again. Kenny thrust his arm forward, fingers releasing him and the force making Marcel fall back to the ground. Just as fast as they had come, they left without a trace. Gas and steam covered any vision on the ground, and the sound of wires and gears flying became distant. That's when Eren ran to help Marcel up who was coughing up blood, his body already beginning to heal thankfully. "What the hell was that Marcel?! Why the fuck would you do something like that?" Eren quietly accused his friend, more just relieved than angry. "Whatever Jaeger bomb just get me home." Marcel grumbled softly as he allowed Eren to put his left arm over his shoulder, and Eren's own arm went to his waist to keep him balanced. "Does Zeke know about this?" Eren asked, and by the way Marcel avoided any eye contact gave him his answer. "You have no idea what shit will be waiting for you when I get you home." "You gotta admit though that you were impressed." "What?" Marcel looked at him and smirked, repeating himself. "That was impressive wasn't it? I mean I got pretty far." Eren paused for a second before shaking his head with a chuckle. "I'll admit that was pretty brave of you. But you are still an idiot. And all you did was climb a wall." Despite the whole situation they were both laughing. Tho Marcel stopped soon as apparently during his beating a rib broke, and that was going to take a little bit to regenerate. So he put off his amused and relieved laughs aside for later. While walking Eren spotted that a blonde who was watching from one of the crowds. She was looking right at him, and Eren felt slightly intimidated by her cold and contemplative gaze. Annie Leonhardt. "Who's that?" Marcel rasped. "What?" "The blonde girl, I saw you two looking at each other." Marcel paused for a small gulp. "Do you know each other?" "We fought in today's game." Eren replied. "Oh, I see. For a moment from how intensely she looked at you I thought she was your girlfriend or something." Eren scoffed with a smile. "Come on Marcel, me? A girlfriend?" * * * "Thank you Eren, for bringing him back." Zeke spoke to the boy with gratitude, Marcel laying down on one of the long couches inside. The boy was still recovering from the beating, steam emitting from his wounds inside and out. "Sure thing. You won't be too hard on him will you?" Eren looked up from the hug Zeke initiated to see his kind smile. "How can I? He never listens anyways." Eren laughed, usually parents didn't care if their child listened or not, they would make sure they seared every word into their heads. But Eren's uncle and father were both very calm and composed in many situations, though that does not mean that they are the least bit less intimidating when they needed to be firm. "He's almost worst than you." Zeke smirked at Eren's pout. "Hey I've been doing better." Eren crossed his arms. "Well goodnight Eren. Tell your parents I said hello." Zeke smiled as he closed the door after Eren answered his farewell, Eren also promising to come over the next day to check on them. About to head in the direction of his house, just turning a corner he came face to face with Annie once again. He had to blink for a second to recognize her, he had been in a small train of thought. She sort of startled him. "Oh it's um you." Eren first spoke while scratching the back of his head. "Three days." Eren paused, mouth formed in a small "O". "What?" "Come to my house in three days. That's when I will teach you." Annie replied, her features very stoic. "Okay, um how do I get there?" Annie turned around and used her finger to point down the street. "Just down this road, take a right and keep going till you spot a dirt road leading away from town. Me and my father live in a small castle away from people." Annie instructed, Eren mentally noting that he would have to start heading over from his Uncle's house till he got more accurate directions. Perhaps he would ask his father. "Alright. Any specific time?" Eren asked as she began to disappear as soon as she appeared. "5:00 AM sharp. Do NOT be late." Eren gaped, "5:00 AM?!" He exclaimed despite that she was already gone. "Why so fucking early?" Eren could already feel the dread of dragging himself out of his sheets at such an early time. His usual wake up time was 8:30 am, and he went to sleep at 11:00 pm. There were times he was naughty and stayed up late to the point he ended up sleeping in till the afternoon. "Don't be late." Her words repeated in his head. Nope. Gonna be late.
Chapter 2View OnlineErann StoryChapter 2Chapter 2 During the ending of the war between Titans and humans, the people decided that the best option for their people would be to either end the misery of their fellow Elodians, or find a solution. Though it may be impossible, the citizens came to a vote where they were to try and help return the Titans back into humans, but if they couldn't come up with anything within the following year, they would finish what was started from the beginning, and destroy them. So they began experimenting on Titan shifters, or more preferred, Kyojin. Not much progress was made, but after trying to use a spinal fluid sample from a Kyojin, and injecting it deep within the nape of a mindless Titan, a break through was made. Though it would take a while, they managed to save every wandering Titan and turn them into controlled Kyojin. That's how so many shifters live today, albeit now in poor circumstances with the government. -0- "Eren, please dear next time don't go running towards danger, and be careful." Carla was with Eren, she had awoken to the sound of Eren rushing from his room and getting dressed. By the time he had gotten home yesterday he had explained everything to them about what happened with Marcel and that Annie had told him to come to her house. Carla and Grisha were shocked by the news, but it was relieving to know that he was at least all right. Carla knew how much she annoyed her son, and she hated that she was ever seen as such to him, for she loved him and as any good mother would do, she was going to make sure her child was safe, no matter how much he resented her in that aspect. Even now as he is pulling on his boots it seems he didn't even hear her entire lecture. Carla sighs, a hand running down her messy bed ragged hair, her fingers pulling her shawl closer as an attempt to ward off the coldness of early morning. She wanted to at least see him off, to smile and wave at him whenever he left. It always made her feel more comfort than waking up to an empty bed and quiet house. Even though Eren is the only child, that does nothing to keep this house by any means silent. Thinking about it she was much like him his age. Also like his father. Eren sighs with a groan, a hand running down the side of his rib cage as he twists his body back up from his uncomfortable crouched position. "Love you ma! See you later!" Eren is barging out the door now, accidentally leaving it open in his rush after looking at the old clock. Carla shakes her head, letting out a soft "Bye" and of course waving at him even though his eyes don't see her as he turns a corner. Her feet tapping against the wooden floor echoes in the dark house as she shuts the door. It creaks loud, and Carla takes note that she needs to remind Grisha about getting that fixed as she pulls up the lock. Thoughts drift off when such calming and gentle hands wrap around her waist. Warm breath danced along her neck, a deep voice reverberates against her back and she smiles, her slightly pouty mood about her sons behavior now gone. "Why you up?" Carla asks as she leans back, her husband welcoming her closer. "I have to go see a few patients today. I wanted to get going early so I could be back home in time for supper." Grisha kisses her neck, and Carla loves how warm they are as they press against her flesh. Carla moans in agitation, her left arm raising to stroke through his long, silky strands, just freshly brushed and soft to the touch. "I hate being home alone." She confesses, biting her lip as her husband naughtily sucks at the end of her beautiful jaw. Grisha sighs as his hands go down to stroke her stomach, feeling the small pooch of her belly. "I'm sorry darling, I probably should have told Eren to stay for you." "No, no it's fine. He really wants this. Besides I can't cage him in this house forever." Carla turns in his hold, and drags her mouth over his cheek to press a long lingering kiss there. "Just having him away now, and then never being able to see you. I just really miss you. Both of you." Grisha closes his eyes in bliss. Sadly he has been rejecting his wife because of his work. She didn't blame him, and he didn't feel any guilt for it, as he was the only Doctor available for an entire city of people. There was no need to explain how busy it could make oneself. Kyojin could always heal a missing arm, a leg, or a head even, they couldn't however keep away from sickness. That's one of the reasons why he quit working in the games. But maybe just this once he could be a little late. He just wanted to make up lost time to his wife. "I love you Carla. Don't be sad when I'm gone. Besides, some day....you won't alway be alone when me and Eren are absent. Grisha moved to kiss her again, this time on the lips with gentle passion and slow dances of their tongues. He felt Carla hum pleasantly against him as they had parted momentarily. "Yeah, perhaps you are right." * * * Annie sat inside her room, laying on her back while her fingers gently grazed across a tiny framed drawing. A small music box with tiny flowers carved into it was playing a sweet lullaby. The paint was chipping off, and at some notes it tended to sound a bit off. The drawing in Annie's hand was of someone she never got the chance to know. And though she wasn't the type for cute silly music boxes, this one in particular seemed to always calm her, and she knew exactly why. Her long deceased mother used to play it for her every morning and night when she was young, and it seemed the toon had made a way into her heart, for it was all that was left of her mother besides the smudged portrait. "Annie darling? That boy is here." Annie rolled off, her feet thumping on the floor upon contact. Now standing she stretched herself out, her hair was down and crazy and she was sporting a hoodie and jeans. "He is a bit early." She grumbles tiredly. She went over to her barely used vanity to quickly twist her naughty hair into a bun, her hand holding it in placed while the other scourges through drawers finding the pin to keep it from falling out. "Annie, I trust you and all, and you know I do." Annie's father leaned back on her door frame, his arms crossing over the middle of his stomach. Annie paused a second to squint her eyes at him through the reflection of the mirror. Yes she trusted him, but every single time she does something, he always adds restrictions or treats her as though she can't think for herself when it came to making wise choices. But when it came to her fighting skills he was full of strong pride for her, the downside of his pride was that he became a bit possessive over her. That's why she had to have an hour long talk just to get him to allow her to teach this kid. She didn't see the big deal though, this wasn't her first time working with someone. "What is it dad?" Annie worked on straightening out a few loose strands before getting more pins to add those in place as well. "Don't worry it's nothing much. I know how you feel about my concerns." Moving from his spot he goes to slowly approach his daughter, hands raising to rest at both her small but strong shoulders. "But please be careful with this one. You don't know him yet, and we both know well what happened that day and why." Annie frowned at his words before shrugging her shoulders to urge his hands off. "I know. You can rest assured that it won't happen to me as well. I won't let someone destroy me like she did." Annie's father smiled and nodded, hearing those words making him feel as she told him to be, reassured that family history wouldn't repeat itself. * Annie's father had called to her that he lead the boy out back to wait for her, so she was heading out the door to go see him. Annie always appreciated that they lived away from people, she was never a "people" person to begin with. That's why she was a bit curious of herself as to why she practically invited Eren Jaeger to train with her. The others had come to her. She had to admit that she was impressed with his fighting, not really his form and how he was fighting but the strength and speed behind it. For some reason she didn't want such abilities to go to waste. Also she admitted without any hesitation that she was flattered that he liked her skill. Everyone is always too focused on staying alive during a fight than to actually focus on how their opponent attacks. That's why it's so easy to get to the top. No one even cares about observation. Thinking of which Annie reminds herself to teach Eren about that specific subject today or tomorrow. Annie jogged at a slow pace around the house, the wind was nice against her as she made smooth moves with her steps. She came to a halt when she spotted Eren standing on the edge of a hill that went down to her backyard cherry blossom tree. The direction he faced allowed him to see the movement at the right side of his eye, making it so he was now aware of her presence. "I just arrived." Eren said, hand going behind to itch his head, the spot feeling itchy but he was worried to look nervous by the action. "I can see that." Annie says, gesturing to how he was still panting from running all the way there. Stepping closer she squinted her eyes at his slightly sweaty form, and shamelessly admiring the attractive look he was wearing, his hair sticking to his face, and eyes dark. "I'm pretty sure you are warmed up then. So let's get to our stretches." Annie commanded, taking off her hoodie to reveal the white shirt below, preparing to warm up herself while Eren stretched. "Already have." Annie raises an eye brow. "I'm not new to this, my father had been able to give me some lessons before I first started fighting in the games." Eren explained to Annie's wonder to his preparation. "Well then, show me what you got then." Annie says as she drops her hoodie, leaving it to sit on the grass. "Now? But we have fought before-" "Let's go!" Annie interrupts him, going in her signature pose, Eren watching her make the familiar stance. "A-alright." Eren pulled off his scarf, and discarding his simple black jacket. Annie's eyes were serious despite the fact that when he removed his scarf and jacket she got a good view of his neck from the V of his shirt and muscles through the tight shirt under. "Make your move." Eren did as she instructed and made his attack, charging forward and hands prepared to grab any throws at him. She simply grabbed his arm, twisted, making his back arch most uncomfortably before he felt a pain his back legs and then it all shot to his ass when he hit his tail bone. He groaned on contact, hissing and tempted to rub the harmed bone. "Ow, ow, ow....." He slowly sat up, a mini head ache forming near the front from getting hit there as well as from getting up too fast. "That was harsh." "Well you are gonna need to push yourself and listen well if you want to survive." Annie started coming from behind to offer a hand. Eren hesitated, mainly because his body was expecting a surprise attack and he would find his back at his front the next minute. But he took it, and was again surprised by how easily she pulled him up from being so much shorter than him. "When you get to the tournament finale, if you do anyway, you are gonna be facing other Kyojin who are just like me. Only just multiply that five times and that's what you will be going against." The games always started on every new year, and they ended on October. That ending month they find five of the best fighting Kyojin and have them fight. There is only one rule, only one can remain standing, only one leaves alive. "The entire purpose for the games is to make sure that the population stays low. But since the winner gets enough to last the rest of the following months including more after the games start again, and of course the fact that the games are our only way to survive, everyone is going to be at each other's throats." Eren wore a frown as she spoke. He knew how everything worked in this world, but hearing it again always seems to make his heart race with a way too familiar feeling of anger from how much he despises the way the humans treated Kyojin. That's why he doesn't like to be reminded just so he can fight without that thought in his head. It becomes a distraction when he is in the games, it gives him an urge to disobey their orders just to show that he wouldn't take their ways. But the thought of his worried mother and how both she and his father depend on him is what keeps him away from acting upon those urges. "So if you want to train with me, you are gonna have to learn to expect surprises at every corner. You will find yourself struggling every minute into it, and you will have to learn to bear through the pain." Annie walked around in circles around him while speaking, at her last word she went to hook her arm around his neck to bring him down, Eren wasn't prepared. He couldn't breath by the pressure of her arm flexing against his Adam's apple. And there was indeed pain, his head was heating up, and he was struggling to move, unable to focus by how much was going on above. "Annie...." He coughs with a broken gasp. "Annie that's enough!" "This is nothing Jaeger. If you want me off then get me off. Use your strength, don't focus on your loss of oxygen." Annie instructed firmly, making sure he knew she wasn't letting go, but prepared to release if he went too long with it. Eren glared at the dark sky, only able to send his frustration towards that since she was out of sight. When he tried to move her arm, her pressure increased, making him grunt with a small wheeze. He threw his left leg out to wrap around her back where her rump and spine met, hooking his boot into her side. The movement was quick but shaky, but he managed to pull her over so he could hook the other one at her other side. Closing his eyes he growled out as he used his strength to roll them over. That didn't get her arm off him. But he could breath now, and he took as much as he could with large gulps in case she intended to pull another surprise at him. Eren was surprised when she let go to grab his shoulders and summersault with him, making him fly up and continuing her wrestle with him. That's when he went limp, his muscles shaking from straining, and he was too frustrated to continue. How on earth was she this strong? It made no sense. He was giving it all he's got, and all she had to do was hold him there, no sign of the same trouble he went through. He was panting, she was calmly breathing, he was sweating, she was cool and dry. And that was just after only one minute with her. Now Eren felt his own self esteem going down the hill. Bye, bye. "I'll give you credit for at least putting some effort into it." She sits up on his waist, arms still holding his hands down. Eren lifted his head, "Some?! I was...giving it my all." He whined and let his head fall back down. Eren almost didn't feel her get up, but when he had opened his eyes she had been offering her hand once again. "I won't apologize for doing that. I just wanted to see your limits. But it looks like you have a very long way to go." She had to emphasize on the "very". He was that bad? Eren didn't take the hand, "You're not very good at making your students feel very confident." "Well if you want praise, I will say this, you did well." Annie didn't remove her hand from it's position as she continued to look down at him. "Now that's fake, now I know you're trying to just make me feel better." Eren huffed and rose till he was supporting himself by his arms. "I meant it." Eren looked at her confused. "I have done that to a few others before. They give up on any effort and end up running away the next day because they think I'm too rough with them." Her hands were on her hips now and her face changed into a faint form of a smile. "You are actually the first one to actually make a move. It wasn't much yes, but you managed to move me. And not to feed your ego, but I was having trouble keeping you down." Eren blinked in disbelief, "Seriously?" Annie nodded, once again putting her hand out. "Now you gonna take it or not? We still have hours to go." Eren gulped at the strange sensation of excitement. Perhaps he wasn't as upset about being taken down by a girl as he thought. He wanted to learn, and he wasn't gonna be a quitter on the first day. He wasn't a wimp like those others that Annie mentioned, he wouldn't stoop to their lazy butts. Eren smiled and took it, coming up and almost stumbling on top of her from the unintended force pulled his way. "Keep up that fighting spirit I just saw while I had you down, and you just may impress me Jaeger." Today Eren decided he liked it when she smiled. "Hai." * * * "Oh hey! Jaeger bomb!" After leaving the Leonhardt house, Eren had been about to head home, but since it was still pretty early, and his Uncle's home was closer, he decided to go ahead and check up on Marcel. Perhaps to stay a while to recover from how sore his body was. Eren was definitely thankful for the healing abilities Kyojin possessed. Otherwise it would be bad news for his next tournament. Every Sunday, Saturday, and Monday there was a game, and if you won against your assigned opponent then you are given enough to last a week if only just barely. Today was Tuesday, so Eren had three days to improve or he may be a goner. "Hi Marcel, I can see that you have fully healed." Eren gestured to how all the bruises had disappeared, and how Marcel was able to give him a hug and even pick him up without any struggle. "Yep, wait....aren't you supposed to be with your new girlfriend or something?" A smirk went across Marcel's face as Eren looked at him confused. "What?" Eren sat down on a small couch, his arms resting on the two pillows resting on each corner. "Yesterday you told me you were going to see a girl." Marcel sat on the couch a little ways across, this one larger and could fit up to three people, perhaps four. "And I want details!" With a roll of his eyes and a click of his tongue Eren replied, "Marcel you know I told you I was going to train with her. And we just met." "But just now you didn't deny anything about her being your girlfriend." Eren threw the pillow on his right, sending it directly into Marcel's face who seemed to not react to it. "She is not my girlfriend. There I said it. Why is it that every time I end up fighting a girl you think these silly assumptions?" Eren slide onto his side so he could lay down, groaning at the sting it caused to throb in his back and leg muscles. "Okay, okay, it's just I can never tease you about anything. You are like never into anyone! Plus I've been trying to get you back for always teasing me during my past relationships." Eren chuckled, "It had been all fun and games Marcel." "Could it be that you are...are..." Marcel gasped at his last word, hand covering his mouth as he leaned his body forward a bit. "Don't tell me you're ga-" Eren shot up and threw the other pillow, this one Marcel yelped and ducked. The pillow ended descending over the couch and into someone else's face upon entering. Eren frowned at the unfamiliar face. The pillow had hit a rather tall...very tall man with a very strong and muscular body build and features. His hair was blonde and messy, and he looked sort of intimidating. But not as much as Annie for sure, Eren didn't think anyone could top her stare. "Oh! Hey dude I'm glad you are here!" Marcel had lifted himself over the couch, his hand on the back to lift his legs over and hug the big guy full force, pulling away quickly to connect one another's hands in a firm hand shake. "Eren I want you to meet my friend." As Marcel had spoke Eren had gotten up to head over to them. "This is Reiner Braun. Reiner Braun, Eren Jaeger." Reiner smiled and held out his hand. "A pleasure to meet you." Eren returned the smile and accepted his hand, knowing by the smile and soft eyes that this guy was okay. "Same here. Oh, and sorry about the pillow." Reiner waved his hand in dismiss, "Ah it was just a pillow, and you didn't know I would be walking through the door." "Oh yeah where is your fiancé?" Marcel asked, leaning to peek behind him for any sign of his tiny mate. A flash of what was recognized as pain glinted in his eyes for a moment, Eren just barely catching it. "Me and her are kinda...just ya know. She's having a tough time so I decided to give her some space." "Uh oh, what happened this time?" Marcel grumbled with a disappointed frown. You could tell that this had happened before, more than once. "Today is the day her mother and father died." Marcel's eyes widened just a smudge, Eren standing on the side not really knowing what to do. "Ah I see..." He sighs, kindly offering Reiner a seat next to him to which he accepted. "Did you try to stay and help comfort her during her mourning?" Marcel asked as he lounged back into a comfortable position. "Yes, but she asked me to leave." Reiner pouted, right now looking liked a kicked puppy while remembering how she practically was pushing him out the door with her words by how she had convinced him to leave her be. "She seems nice." Eren sitting back down scoffed. If this girl was his fiancé than she shouldn't be pushing out a future mate. Who does that? Reiner however shook his head at Eren's slightly sarcastic remark. "I don't blame her, she just doesn't like it when people see her when she is feeling weak." "But if you are going to be mated, why should she be so afraid to open up to you?" Eren asked, slightly frustrated that this guy didn't seem to mind that this girl seemed to be shutting him out by everything he's heard so far. "And that's why you don't have any friends Eren." Eren dead pans at Marcel's comment, but couldn't say anything as he was right. It became sort of a bad habit for him to voice his opinion in front of everyone. "She will open up eventually. She used to be very kind and caring, but ever since the death of most of her family she has become somewhat isolated." Reiner didn't seem to mind that Eren was feeling negative about his fiancé at all, something the Jaeger was a bit surprised at. Any friends he made tended to be gone the next second cause he always disagreed with something about them. And apparently if you don't agree with everyone's opinion, you're considered trash that no one wants to deal with, left alone on the table or floor. "How long has she been like that?" Eren asked, wanting to know more. "I, I can't remember how long." Reiner chuckled half heartedly about the situation. Reiner almost choked on his air in surprise when Marcel slapped his back playfully. "Okay Reiner I'm tired of seeing you look like a sappy kid who just got caught sneaking cookies. Let's change the subject." Marcel rather demands as he sends a glare at Eren for making the moment gloomy. "Did you know that Eren is training with Annie ?" Reiner looked at Eren with raised eye brows, "Really? When did this happen?" "They met yesterday after a match at the games." Marcel replied the question for Eren. "Wow, well I have to say I'm a bit surprised. Annie almost never does stuff like that for other people other than for herself. She must really like you." Eren blinked, feeling a bit of heat on his face at the idea that Annie could be training just because she is crushing on him. But she doesn't seem like that type of girl, then again he barely knows much about her. But still he knew Reiner most likely meant his skills if anything. "Really?" "Yeah. She did go a round with me once, but I was just trying to show off. Despite her size she had my feet over my shoulder in one second." Reiner smirked at Eren's wowed expression. "She flipped you?" That was indeed impressive. "Yeah and Bertholdt as well who is much taller than me. But he's not a fighter so it's not really as surprising." Reiner smirked as he finally laid back, his arms crossed as he was lightening up from the earlier conversation. "Who's Bertholdt?" Eren asked, feeling curious to know those acquainted to his teacher. "He's a close friend of mine. You should meet him, he is a very nice person to be around, albeit he is shy." Reiner replied, putting a lot of emphasize on the word "shy". "Well when the time comes I would love to meet them." Eren said as his eyes searched for a clock on the wall. "What time is it Marcel?" The boy shrugged and pointed towards the kitchen. "How should I know?" Reiner and Marcel were exchanging words to one another as Eren walked into the kitchen to see it was almost time for supper. "Shit!" Eren turned around swiftly, his shoe squeaking as he ran back out of the kitchen and towards the door. "Sorry Marcel but I gotta get home, tell Zeke I said hi!" Eren called just as he shut the door with a none intended loud slam. "Of course." Marcel rolled his eyes as he cringed at the small ring in his ears. * * * "How'd it go Eren?" Grisha seemed to just have arrived, his white sleeves were rolled up and his hands in the sink as he was washing up from his work to prepare for supper. "My fucking ass hurts!" Eren groans as he had just entered the kitchen and sat down awaiting to help his mom with setting the table. Carla dropped the wooden spoon she had currently been using to mix soup with and glanced at Eren with a shocked golden eyes. "Eren! Language!"
