Chapter 12: The Fall of Shiganshina
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Dishes clanked together as Carla moved them around to dry properly. She then dunked her hands into the hot, soapy water and scrubbed clean the remaining set. Behind her, the front door opened, and Eren, Naruto, and Mikasa stepped inside. At the sound of their entrance, Carla shook her hands free of water and dried them off on the towel attached to her dress.
"Well, well, well. Look who's home a little late." She said cheerfully, the happiness quite evident in her voice. Upon looking at her sons, her smile faded some at the clear shame he failed to hide in his body language. "Uh oh," She announced as she knelt down beside Eren and pulled on his earlobe.
"Eh—Ow, Mom!" Eren complained, reaching up and rubbing the sore appendage.
"What did you do?" She questioned calmly. Grisha didn't say anything as he sat his toolkit on the kitchen table.
"Uh, what makes you think I did anything?" Eren replied, attempting to sneak out of his inevitable punishment.
"Your earlobe is red. That means you have something to hide." She answered. "Mikasa and Naruto didn't have to save you again, now did they?"
"Well—um... no." He said half-truthfully.
Mikasa was about to open her mouth and tell them that they wanted to join the Survey Corps when Naruto spoke first. "Nothing, mom. Eren fell asleep while we were collecting wood," Naruto said with a little shrug as he put the sticks he had collected in the wooden box.
With a playful smirk, Carla gently chided Eren, her voice laced with a touch of amusement. "Oh, well, don't sleep next time; Eren, your brother, and Mikasa can't do all the work for you," As the tantalizing aroma of the freshly prepared lunch wafted through the air, they all gathered around the invitingly set table, their hunger piqued. In the midst of this cozy gathering, Naruto reached into his pocket, retrieving a small crimson notebook. His nimble fingers danced across the pages, leaving behind a trail of ink as Eren's curiosity got the better of him. Leaning in closer, his eyes brimming with intrigue, Eren attempted to catch a glimpse of Naruto's musings. A frustrated groan escaped Naruto's lips as he swiftly moved his treasured notebook out of Eren's prying reach, igniting an even stronger determination in Eren to satisfy his burning curiosity.
"Eren was crying when he woke up," Mikasa suddenly said. This made Carla look at her son with concern while Eren looked at Mikasa with annoyance.
"I told you it was nothing,"
"Eren," Grisha spoke as he looked at Eren.
"Why were you crying?" Grisha asked as he was putting medical supplies in his bag.
"I don't really know. I just woke up crying," Eren answered with a slight shrug while looking at Mikasa with annoyance. Naruto didn't comment on it, but he was sure that Eren wasn't being honest, while Eren was trying not to think of the dream, well, what he remembered.
"We have decided to join the Survey Corps." As Mikasa's words hung in the air, Carla stood frozen, her once rosy complexion draining away as her eyes widened in sheer disbelief. Meanwhile, Grisha regarded his sons with a glimmer of curiosity dancing within his gaze.
"Eren, Naruto. What are you two thinking?" Carla's voice bellowed with a fiery mix of anger and frustration, her hands swiftly reaching out to snatch hold of her sons' ears, her eyes shooting daggers at them.
"Do you have any ideas how many people die out there every day?!"
Feeling the sting of his mother's grip, Eren instinctively jumped to his own defense, his hand soothingly rubbing his ear, subconsciously attempting to ease the pain. "I know," he blurted out, his voice tinged with a mix of guilt and defiance, his eyes locking with Carla's intense gaze.
"Eren, Naruto," Grisha said suddenly, making the other three stop and look at him. He turned around to look the boys in the eye. "Why do you two want to go out there?" Grisha asked, looking at them both.
"To help people. I want to be able to help everyone. The Walls have been a safe haven for a century, but it is only a matter of time before we run out of land and resources to feed our people. I-I want to help Humanity reclaim what we lost. Only then can we be truly safe," Naruto spoke passionately, his blue eyes glittering against the sunlight. Grisha simply nodded before his eyes turned towards Eren.
"I'm not stupid, okay! I know it's dangerous to venture out; I know death is out there. But if no one steps up to do something, how will this nightmare ever end?! If we do nothing, all the lives and sacrifices will all be for nothing." Grisha's glasses shine from the light that flickered off them when he bowed his head at Eren and Naruto's statement.
"I see," He replied simply before continuing. "Well then, you'll have to excuse me. I've got business with some folks in the interior. I'll be back in about a week."
"I will prepare right away!" Naruto quickly said as he stood up, trying to find his bag. he was ready to visit another patient. For six months now, Grisha had taken Naruto with him every time he went out there to visit and heal a patient.
"Not today, son." Grisha suddenly said strictly, his voice sharp; Naruto stopped in his tracks, looking at his father, slightly dejected.
"Why not? Miss Braun might need help," Naruto said almost pleadingly. He loved going out there with his father and helping together was something Naruto found great joy in.
"Not today, Naruto. I want you to play with your friends," Grisha spoke gently, his warm voice carrying a comforting tone, a glimmer of paternal love twinkling in his eyes. Naruto, however, couldn't help but detect a delicate undercurrent of melancholy woven within his father's words, as if a fleeting sadness had momentarily graced his father's heart. The young boy's concern flickered briefly like a distant flame threatening to ignite. Still, before he could vocalize his worry, his father gracefully pivoted towards the door, his steps resolute yet tinged with an enigmatic air of mystery.
"Grisha, for heaven's sake, scold the boys!" Carla begged of him, following him to the door.
"Scold?" Grisha repeated calmly, "Darling, please, think this through. Mere words are not going to persuade them or hold back their curiosity." He then placed his hat on his head and turned to look at his sons once more.
"Eren, Naruto. I want you to behave until I get back. And when I return, I'll let you know what I have been working on in the cellar." He said while taking out his key, he kept around his neck. The metal shimmered in gold as the light touched it, making Eren and Naruto smile broadly.
"Yes, sir, you got it!!" Eren agreed happily.
He felt an unexpected halt in his movements before Grisha could take a step towards descending the staircase that led to his awaiting carriage. Naruto spontaneously enveloped him in a warm, heartfelt embrace. Naruto's slender arms encircled Grisha's waist, creating a momentary pause in his intended journey.
Grisha's hand instinctively rose to the crown of his spiky, unkempt hair. Naruto's vibrant, azure eyes gazed up at him, brimming with a childlike innocence that radiated pure joy. The corners of Grisha's mouth curled into a tender smile.
In a soft, gentle tone, Naruto asked, "Can I come with you next time?" The question lingered in the air, carrying with it an undeniable sense of longing and eagerness.
Grisha's eyes brimmed with paternal pride as he flashed a warm smile in response to his little boy, Naruto. He gracefully inclined his tall frame, lowering himself to Naruto's eye level, and pressed a tender kiss upon the boy's forehead. "Of course," Grisha declared with unwavering confidence. "You will become a doctor after all."
Reluctantly, Grisha straightened his posture, preparing to bid farewell to his beloved family. However, before departing, he couldn't resist displaying his love for each member individually. With a mischievous glimmer in his eyes, he swiftly leaned in and planted a gentle peck on Eren's cheek, much to the young boy's embarrassment.
A chuckle escaped Grisha's lips as he turned his attention to Mikasa, placing a playful kiss on her cheek, evoking a hearty giggle from the delighted girl. Grisha kissed Carla's lips in a move that elicited both disgust from Eren and Naruto and amusement from Mikasa.
Unable to restrain themselves, Eren muttered under their breath, "Disgusting."
As Grisha walked down the stairs towards his carriage, Eren and Naruto waved him goodbye.
"Bye, Dad! Have a nice trip!" They shouted with a big smile. Their mom looked down at them disappointedly.
"I'm still infuriated with you, young man." She told them suddenly, causing Eren's smile to falter. "None of you are joining the Survey Corps."
"What?! You might like it living's here like a cattle, but I don't!" Eren shouted back at her before taking off down the street, quickly followed by Naruto. His mother called out to him with an outstretched arm, but her cries fell on deaf ears.
Mikasa was about to follow them when Carla hastily grabbed her shoulders.
"Mikasa, please, you have to protect them! Eren's too much of a danger to himself. Promise me you'll have their back no matter what." Mikasa initially looked shocked but got over it within the blink of an eye.
"I promise." She replied honestly. It was a promise she had already sworn her life upon. Now, it had all the more reason to be kept.
Eren just ran. He didn't know exactly where he was going, but he knew it'd be better than staying at home. The whole thing just made him lose it. How could his mother not understand? They could finally venture outside and see the world. Endless waters filled with endless salt, fields of sand that stretch for miles over the horizon, deep forests with the most exotic creatures he had ever seen... who wouldn't want to see that? To witness it with his very own eyes, to be there in person, reach out and touch it and not feel paper...
Cynical laughter caused these thoughts to fade as Eren slowed down and looked around. Stopping out in the opening of an alleyway, he gasped as he saw his best friend being pushed around and shoved into the stone wall by three bullies. His anger returned full force, fists clenching tight as he jarred his teeth and hollered at them at the top of his voice.
"What do you think you're doing?!" He yelled right before charging them, quickly followed by Naruto. The three boys stopped and looked up, the one throwing the punches halting mid-swing.
"Ohh shit, it's Naruto and Mikasa!!" They all cried out in fear before running away.
"Yeah, you better run!" Naruto yelled at them. Their attention diverted off towards Armin.
"Armin!" he called out, rushing over to his still downed friend and reaching out to help him up. "Are you okay?"
With a weary sigh escaping his lips, Armin couldn't help but sport a weary smile, grateful for the concern bestowed upon him by his friend Eren. As Eren extended his helping hand to lift him back onto his feet, Armin's gratitude spilled forth in his words, resonating with heartfelt appreciation.
Meanwhile, Naruto wiftly mended Armin's bruised arm and leg, erasing the physical remnants of his recent struggle. As the healing process came to an end, Armin's lips curved upward, carving a genuine smile onto his face, a radiant token of his gratitude for Naruto's timely assistance.
.
.
"What did those guys want this time?" Armin only sighed with a precious smile.
"I was just talking about the outside world and how we couldn't stay in these walls forever." His smile faded when another thought came up, "We've lived peacefully without worry of the titans for a hundred years... but how much longer are we going to hold out? These walls are strong and sturdy; the Titans can't knock them down or break through them." He didn't look them in the eye.
"But everything has its limits; nothing lasts forever. It's only a matter of time before we face the Titans again. These walls won't protect us forever." Armin looked up at them. "Sorry, I don't mean to be a downer."
"No, Armin, you're right." Eren agreed respectfully. "Something needs to be done. That's why I'm going to join the Scouts, and with Naruto's abilities, we will be unstoppable," He declared with a proud smile. Naruto quickly nodded in agreement.
Armin looked mildly shocked at the statement, "Wha—you mean you're going ahead with my idea?"
"Of course, Amrin." Naruto shrugged his shoulders like the idea was no big thing, "I can always count on you for advice and whatnot. You've never steered us wrong." Armin looked at them with teary eyes. His friends had so much faith in him... and what did he have to return the favor?
"But Naruto, Mom, and Dad said not to use your abilities anymore." Mikasa reminded him.
"Father said that I shouldn't get caught, but there's a reason he has been helping me use my ability. Sooner or later, people will know about my abilities, and my parents know that as well. Father simply thinks it is too early; once we join the Survey Corps, that's when I will show everyone what I can do," Naruto answered with a smile of triumph. To that, Mikasa had nothing to say, knowing Naruto was probably right.
Once hearing no objections from Mikasa, Eren and Naruto exchanged exhilarated glances, their eyes sparkling with anticipation. Without delay, their hands met in a resounding high five, resonating with the triumph they both felt deep within. Simultaneously, a mischievous grin spread across their faces, stretching from ear to ear. Meanwhile, Armin observed the scene with a mixture of amusement and anxiety, his laughter bubbling up nervously. As his laughter echoed, he couldn't help but nervously scratch his cheek, a subtle gesture betraying his excitement and nervousness.
"I'm joining the Scouts despite what my parents think." Eren replied defiantly before looking down, almost sorrowfully, "They're just gonna have to get over it." He whispered.
Armin, Naruto, and Mikasa watched him with concern, silence falling between the four of them. The whole area was strangely quiet. It was as if the wind stopped blowing and the birds stopped chirping.
Naruto was caught off guard as a chilling sensation engulfed his entire body, sending shivers down his spine. Goosebumps emerged on his skin, almost as if it were recoiling from an unknown threat. Inexplicably, his hair stood on end, bristling with electrifying energy. A foreboding presence hung palpably in the air, inundating every fiber of his being with a sense of imminent peril. The harrowing premonition he experienced left Naruto acutely aware that catastrophe loomed overhead, intensifying his growing anxiety. And then, in the blink of an eye, a collective gasp escaped his lips as a deafening boom reverberated through the surroundings.
Naruto, Eren, Mikasa, and Armin found themselves forcefully launched into the air. The powerful surge propelled them skyward, eliciting a sensation akin to being caught in the heart of a raging storm. As they ascended, their surroundings became shrouded in a deafening symphony, as if the very heavens had unleashed a thunderous cacophony. The resonating thunderclap reverberated throughout the atmosphere, encompassing their every sense.
Yet, just as abruptly as they had been propelled upwards, gravity claimed its hold on them, causing their bodies to plummet back towards the earth with dizzying speed. Naruto's head collided with the unforgiving ground, a painful impact that left a trail of crimson trickling down his forehead. Despite the injury, he brushed it off with a mere flicker of attention, his focus instead drawn towards Armin's frantic sprint towards the city's heart.
Undeterred by their disorienting flight, Naruto instinctively recognized the urgency in Armin's actions.
"Hey, Armin, wait?!" Eren shouted urgently, his voice echoing through the streets as their group hurriedly chased after him. The chaotic scene led them to the heart of the town, where a peculiar sight awaited them – a small round clearing bustling with activity.
The atmosphere was tense, filled with a multitude of anxious faces that had already congregated, fixated on a specific spot atop the towering wall. A sense of unease washed over Naruto, causing his skin to crawl even more intensely than before. Every fiber of his being screamed at him to turn and flee as if his body instinctively knew there was impending danger lurking in the shadows.
Completely disregarding the numerous voices of the people that had gathered around him, Naruto's attention was fixated solely on the billowing black smoke emerging from the other side of the massive wall. He remained unmoved by the clamor surrounding him, his senses utterly consumed by the enigmatic and unsettling sight of the ominous plumes unfurling in the distance.
"What is that?"
Naruto's heart raced as his blue eyes widened in astonishment, witnessing a spine-chilling spectacle unfold before him. Out of nowhere, a colossal hand, devoid of any flesh, burst forth from beneath the towering wall, its grip sending tremors through the very foundation, causing hairline fractures to spiderweb across the ancient structure. As Naruto's breath hitched in his throat, his eyes remained fixated on the terrifying sight, unable to tear his gaze away. A moment later, the grotesque hand was joined by an equally macabre face, emerging from the depths below the wall's surface. Steam billowed from the skinless visage, its eerie presence accentuated by the haunting hiss emanating from the creature's mouth and ears, shrouding the air with an otherworldly aura.
"No way, the Wall is fifty meters tall."
In a moment filled with dread and disbelief, Eren's voice trembled as he exclaimed, "It's them! A Titan!" Their hearts pounded in their chests as the colossal figure loomed above them, its presence casting an eerie shadow over everything. Time seemed to freeze, the world holding its breath in anticipation. However, Naruto's sensitive ears caught another deafening sound reverberating through the air, causing him to instinctively cover his ears. Eyes wide with fear, he watched in horror as gigantic boulders plummeted from the sky, obliterating houses and crushing innocent lives beneath them, reducing everything to mere insignificance, like fragile insects meeting an untimely demise.
Naruto's mouth fell agape; his wide eyes transfixed on the Titans walking through the remnants of the once formidable gate, their intimidating presence casting a chilling shadow over the desolate landscape.
As the weight of the impending danger settled upon them, a shared realization surged through both Eren and Naruto in perfect synchrony, a resolute determination etched on their determined faces. "We need to get out. Wait, Mom's home," Naruto's breathless voice quivered, barely audible over the cacophony of destruction. With renewed vigor, their sprint intensified, their feet pounding against the ground.
As Naruto repeated the phrase "Nothing happened, Nothing Happened, once we get there, we will get our mother, and get out of here," fervently in his mind, it became a mantra that resonated deep within him.
Yet, as he continued to run amidst the chaotic scene, Naruto's senses became overwhelmed. The air was thick with confusion and despair, mingled with a cacophony of noises that seemed to echo inside his head, surrounding him like a thunderous symphony. His mind buzzed with warmth, tension filling his every pore.
In the midst of this turmoil, Naruto's eyes caught a glimpse of a distraught woman, her anguished cries punctuating the chaos around them. His attention momentarily diverted. His gaze fell upon a shocking sight— a stone, ominously positioned on the ground, a man whose weight had mercilessly crushed.
Empathy welled up within Naruto as he witnessed the woman's heart-wrenching sorrow. Deep down, he felt an innate desire to offer aid, to extend a helping hand. He wanted to help, but Naruto knew he didn't have time to help anyone else but themselves.
Tears welled up in Naruto's eyes. Though he yearned to alleviate the pain of those around him, he knew their own survival and their mother's rescue took precedence.
As they turned around the corner, their hearts sank at the sight that befell them. What awaited their gaze was the devastating aftermath of their once warm and inviting home, reduced to ruins. A colossal rock had gravely crashed onto the house's fragile structure, mercilessly obliterating it. The sheer force of the impact left no room for salvation, leaving Eren and Naruto in sheer shock and disbelief. With tears welling up in their eyes, both of them, overwhelmed by a profound sense of loss, called out in unison, their voices trembling with anguish, "Mother!!" Urgency and desperation fueled their every step as they rushed up the small hill, determined to finally reach the remnants of what was once their sanctuary.
As Naruto frantically scanned the ruins, his heart sank as he spotted his mother's helplessly trapped body buried beneath the debris. The weight of the collapsed roof pressed down on her frail form. With a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins, he slammed his trembling hands onto the ground, channeling his power into the earth.
Vibrant tree veins erupted from beneath the shattered ground, snaking their way toward the fallen roof with astonishing speed. Twisting and coiling around the sturdy structure, the resilient tree veins exerted immense strength, gradually lifting the oppressive weight of his mother. With deft movements, the sentient veins carefully maneuvered the roof aside.
"Now!" Naruto shouted urgently, his voice echoing through the chaos as Eren and Mikasa sprang into action, quickly grabbing their mother and pulling her away from the decimated remains of their former home. As they rushed to safety, Naruto's eyes widened in shock and concern, locking onto a heartbreaking sight – his heart sank as he noticed that their mother's legs had suffered severe injuries. Her legs were painfully broken, blood gushing out like a relentless waterfall, staining the ground crimson. The wounds were so intense that her legs had taken on a deep red hue, visibly swollen and distorted.
"Mikasa, let's carry her!" Eren cried out as he and Mikasa tried to lift Carla off the ground. However, their efforts were thwarted when Carla let out an agonizing scream, signaling that her pain was unbearable. Overwhelmed by her suffering, Eren and Mikasa reluctantly released their grip on her, their hearts heavy with concern. Naruto rushed towards Carla's legs. Fueled by adrenaline coursing through his veins, his entire body trembled with intensity as he commenced the healing process, working tirelessly to restore his mother's wounded legs.
"My dears, please leave me, Naruto; you know it will take you a while to heal me, and none of you can carry me. Run before the Titans get you," Carla pleaded with tears rolling down her face. Despite Carla's tearful plea, Naruto knew leaving her behind was not an option. However, as Naruto continued to mend Carla's broken bones, the thunderous stomps of an approaching Titan grew louder. Despite the imminent threat, Naruto's unwavering determination led him to block out the looming danger and concentrate solely on restoring Carla's mother's shattered legs.
"We will carry you then!" Eren shouted as he and Mikasa tried to carry her again, but she was too heavy for them.
"Why don't you two listen!" Carla pleaded desperately, her voice tinged with frustration and exhaustion. The weariness was evident in her eyes as she looked at her son, who was completely engrossed in the task of healing her injured leg. She had been repeatedly urging them to follow her instructions, to trust in her guidance, but it seemed as though her words fell on deaf ears. Despite her pleas, her son remained oblivious, his entire attention consumed by his determination to completely heal her right leg. "Just do what I tell you! Naruto, please," she pleaded one last time, her voice laden with a desperate mix of urgency and motherly concern.
However, it seemed as though her words were lost in the air, vanishing into the void of her son's concentration. As he diligently continued his work on her right leg, his focus seemed unwavering to the point that he failed to acknowledge his mother's distress. Completely absorbed by the process, he meticulously worked his way through the healing, refusing to let any distractions sway him from his goal. He finally fully healed her right leg, and his focus quickly turned towards the other leg.
"If you three don't- Hannes!!" Carla's words interrupted as Hannes landed before them, utilizing the advanced ODM Gear strapped to his body.
"Carry mother!" Upon hearing Eren's desperate plea, recognizing the urgency and impending danger, Hannes swiftly and selflessly sprang into action. Despite Carla's excruciating pain, barely able to contain her agony, she could not help but emit a piercing cry as Hannes hastily enveloped her back and legs in his strong, supportive arms, lifting her up with utmost care and concern.
All of them swiftly set their legs into motion, fleeing from the impending danger. Amidst the cacophony, Naruto's ears discerned an ominous rumbling from the earth beneath his feet.
He turned around. A hand belonging to a Titan loomed menacingly close to him, casting an intimidating shadow over his vulnerable figure. The Titan, bearing a grin so immense that it seemed to stretch infinitely wide, exuded a malevolence that sent shivers down Naruto's spine.
"Naruto!!" Eren, Mikasa, and Carla shouted in horror. Diving by a surge of determination, Naruto abruptly extended his hand forward.
With an authoritative command of "Go Away," the atmosphere crackled as several vivid crimson chains sprouted from Naruto's arm, seemingly emerging from beneath his very skin. Swiftly and without hesitation, these eerie chains swiftly surged forth, hurtling towards the Titan with great force. Imbued with an otherworldly power, the chains encircled the Titan's massive 15-meter frame, constricting tightly, rendering her movement instantly halted in its tracks.
As Naruto desperately struggled to keep her in place, his muscles straining with the effort, he found himself torn between two choices. On one hand, he contemplated telling the others to run away. But amidst this internal conflict, a jolting and unexpected recollection suddenly burst forth, enveloping his consciousness with an unknown memory. Images and emotions flickered through his mind in that fleeting moment, memories he didn't know.
'Zeke, I'm Sorry. Please Forgive Me!' A woman cried out in despair.
With a puzzled expression on his face, Naruto blinked twice in rapid succession as the strange memory abruptly vanished from his consciousness. Curiosity consumed him as he desperately tried to grasp onto the fleeting image that had captured his attention. However, his focus was abruptly diverted towards the immense Titan that continued to thrash and fight against the restricting chains that held it prisoner. The deafening screech that pierced the air caused Naruto to wince, his ears protesting against the loud noises assaulting his senses.
Simultaneously, he felt a sharp pang of relief as his vibrant red chains, previously wrapped tightly around the creature, released their grip with a subtle sensation. With an almost supernatural fluidity, the chains smoothly retreated back into Naruto's arm, merging seamlessly with his flesh as if they had never existed in the first place.
The Titan abruptly dropped down onto its knees. Following this unexpected action, it plummeted onto the ground, the impact shaking the earth beneath it. His mass crashed onto a nearby residential house, wreaking havoc upon impact and reducing it to ruins in a matter of seconds.
"Naruto, Come on!"
Naruto quickly turned towards his brother, and accepted his helping hand, standing up. Both quickly started running away, reaching Hannes and Mikasa as they all started running away, not looking back at the Titan, who was lying on the ground crying.
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