The farmlands of Wall Maria are a rather busy community within the outer walls. Many people are out and about working in the fields to provide food for the districts in the outer edges of the walls. Nearby is a large set of forests, which contrast the bright sunny farms with dark, shady trees towering over the ground.
In the forest near the farmlands in the evening time, there is a small boy covered in a blanket, riding on a horse across a trail. He is 3 years old, with short black hair, ocean blue eyes and white skin. He was lying down on the horse back as it walked across the forest floor. He simply stared at the forest growth, lost in his thought. The boy was very scared; he could not remember why he was in the forest on horseback. All he could remember was something on his neck.
Slowly, he leaned upwards, and pulled something out from his shirt. It was a golden necklace, with a heart emblem attached to the lace. The boy looked at it, seemingly confused as to where it came from. He saw that the emblem can be opened, and so he did. Immediately, he saw a small crystalline pebble. He grew curious and touched it. Suddenly, he felt himself flinch a bit in pain as he saw something flash in his vision for a moment. He briefly saw burning flames, falling water, and depictions of various strange animals hunting one another (most he's never even HEARD of), as well as bloody remains of various people before he was able to remove his finger out of the pebble. Quickly, he looked back at the pebble. He wanted to throw it away, but something in his mind spoke. It was very feminine like, and it spoke to him in a very calm and kind, almost motherly voice.
Voice: Keep this, my child. You'll need it for when you meet the maker.
The boy cocked his head in confusion. "Who was that? What did she mean by the Maker?" he thought to himself. Deciding to find out later, he closed the necklace and hid it back into his shirt, before looking on into the woods as his horse approached a small clearing with a clear river with a small waterfall in the end, the edges surrounded by flowers.
The horse approached the river, and the boy saw the clean water. Then, he felt his tummy growl a little bit. He was growing thirsty, so he decided that this would be a good place to stop. He gently moved his legs over the back of the horse, and soon lets go of the horse, allowing it to trot over to the river and begin to drink from it. The boy looked at his horse, and smiled before he approached the river. He then cupped his hands together and scooped up some clean water before slurping it up. He then moaned silently to himself; it tasted so good. So…fresh. The boy smiled to himself as he took another sip. Both boy and horse remained by the riverbed drinking the water, that they didn't realize that something else is approaching them.
There was a sound of brush rustling nearby, and that made the horse raise its head. The boy looked at his horse, and looked at the direction where it was looking at. For a moment, things were quiet, until the horse began to grow unsettled. The boy didn't like where this was going, and soon approached the horse in an effort to climb on it. Suddenly, something large burst out of the bush, and it startled the horse so much that it rose to its hind legs. The boy flinched back and fell down onto his bottom. He could barely see whatever it was that was attacking the horse, but he could hear a deep resonating roar and the horse waving its front legs at its attacker. Then the horse's front hooves kicked something and it took the opportunity to get on all fours and run off into the woods. The boy panicked and reached for the horse in a futile attempt to reach for it.
Boy: Wait! Come back!
It was obviously futile, and the boy got up to try and chase after it. Then, he turned around and saw who the attacker was; a large male Grizzly Bear. And it is hungry. The boy widened his eyes in horror as the bear growled at it. He then quickly ran through the bush and the bear followed after him.
The bear could run faster, but the boy was smarter and he was able to squeeze through tight spots that the bear could not fit through and had to waste time walking around to continue the chase. The boy continued to run faster, feet pounding against the ground, heart beating against his chest, sweat pouring down as the bear began closing in behind him. The boy continued to run throughout the forest in fear.
Soon, the boy ran through another clearing, into a mostly empty field where wheats would rise up to a man's kneecaps. Being smaller, the wheat barely reaches his shoulders. Unfortunately, the wheat field is very thick for someone his age, and he could barely move through. This is very bad, as the bear is easily able to plow through thanks to its size.
Suddenly, the small boy felt himself getting pushed over from the back. The force is very strong and he felt himself dragged for a few feet before he stopped. Quickly, he turned around to see the bear approaching him. Suddenly, the bear stopped running before it was on top of the boy. Then, it stood up on its hind legs, and roared loudly, eyes looking at the poor child in hunger. The boy couldn't scream, he was too scared as he looked away and closed his eyes. As the bear raised its large right paw to swipe at him and break his skull, he prayed that his death will be quick and painless. Suddenly,
Voice: STAY OUT OF MY BACKYARD!
There was a sound of a woman shouting at the bear, following by the sound of a gunshot. The bear roared in pain for a brief moment as something flew into his throat. The bear soon fell back on all fours as it began gurgling. Blood soon poured out of its mouth as it tried to breathe. Another few seconds went by, and there was another sound of a gunshot, before the bear fell down, dead. The boy's eyes remained close the whole time as he whimpered silently. He then looked at the fallen bear's body; there was a bleeding hole on its left eye. Whoever shot it aimed for the eye, which would destroy the brain quickly. He looked through the wheat, and saw that there was what appeared to be a small cottage. Standing in the garden, there appears to a woman holding a rifle, which a panting expression. Hiding behind her legs is a small girl, 7 year old girl. Both of them are of Asian descent, with white skin and long black hair. None of them seemed to notice him, and he thought to himself, "Wow. I guess the mommy wanted to protect her daughter." The woman then looked down at her daughter.
Woman: Are you okay, Mikasa?
The daughter, Mikasa nodded.
Mikasa: Yes, mommy.
The mother nodded and placed her rifle down to hug her. The boy looked on; none of them apparently saw him as the wheat was covering him pretty well. Not wanting to disturb them, he slowly moved back through the wheat field. Unfortunately, the nearby flowers within the garden have a lot of pollen, and the wind direction shortly began to move towards the boy's direction.
The boy soon felt his nose beginning to tingle. He soon began to breathe in and made a small noise. He looked at the two, and his eyes widened in horror and shock as the two of them looked at the direction of the boy.
Mikasa: Mommy, what was that?
The mother looked at her and shook her head.
Mother: I…I don't know.
She raised her rifle and slowly walked over to the boy's direction. The boy slowly and quietly crawled back, slowly growing the urge to sneeze. The mother immediately tensed, and the boy instinctively tensed and stopped. All was silent as still for a brief moment, the wind pressing against the wheat, the wheat moving along. Mikasa saw something within the wheat as they briefly moved away. It appeared to be a little boy covered in a red blanket with stripes. She silently approached her mother and tugged at her shirt.
Mikasa: Mommy, it's a boy.
The mother stopped, then turned her head to look at her.
Mother: What?
Mikasa: I said it's a boy.
Mother: W-Where?
Mikasa pointed to the direction to where the boy is supposed to be. The mother turned to his direction, and lowered her rifle in a non-threatening posture.
Mother: H-Hello?
The boy now knows she's talking to him. But being around people in general is not something that he's comfortable with. Immediately, he felt his body running cold, and despite the warm air, he felt himself shivering a bit. Suddenly,
Achoo!
He felt himself jumping up a bit as he sneezed loudly. He then moved his eyes up, and saw her jumping back a bit, obviously startled a bit, not expecting a sneeze, much less a loud one. She accidently dropped her rifle, but she left it down there as she gently walked over to it.
Mother: It's alright, honey. I'm not gonna hurt you.
She soon approached the wheat field, but the boy still remained motionless, now shivering. Then, she heard a small voice,
Boy: Please…don't hurt me…
The woman heard it coming from the boy, and she shook her head.
Mother: I won't, sweetie. I don't have my gun anyways. So don't worry.
She spoke to him in a sincere tone. The boy gulped to himself as he looked at the woman; she was giving a friendly smile, and her eyes looked convincing as well. He slowly stood up, legs still quivering from the chase earlier. The woman smiled back as she gently approached him.
Mother: Hey there, sweetie.
The boy looked at her and remained silent, still unsure whether to say anything, though he tilted his head like a dog. The woman looked at the bear carcass, and back at him.
Mother: Were…were you being chased by this bear?
The boy looked at it, then back at her and nodded. The woman gasped silently in horror, and approached him gently. The boy didn't flinch back, for he can feel an aura from her, and it made him feel…safe. The mother leaned down near to his height in order to inspect him for injuries.
Mother: Are you alright?
The boy still didn't say anything, as he didn't know what to say to her. He was a complete stranger to her, and yet she was being nice to him immediately. "W-Why is she being so sweet to me? I-Is she actually being good?" he thought to himself as she looked over him, hands grasping his shoulders gently.
Mother: Oh sweetie, I didn't see you in the grass. I'm glad I shot the bear in time.
The boy looked her in the eyes, and gently nodded. The mother smiled, happy that he finally responded. She then sighed through her nose and looked at him again, hands still grasping his shoulders.
Mother: Honey, what is your name? If you don't mind me asking?
The boy looked at her, unsure of whether to say to her. He looked at her some more, not sure whether to trust her or not. The woman saw the meaning behind his look, and said,
Mother: It's okay, baby. You can trust me. I promise I would NEVER hurt children.
The boy kept looking at her, and inspected her thoroughly once more. She didn't seem to be dangerous, and she actually looked concerned for him. So, with enough courage, he took in a breath, and spoke quietly.
Boy: H-H…Helmut…Helmut Fritz…
He spoke in a quiet, shy tone. The mother however, heard him.
Mother: Helmut…that's a beautiful name.
The boy, Helmut looked at her, eyes a little bit widened.
Helmut: Y-You think so?
The mother nodded, then she took one hand away and placed it on her chest.
Mother: My name is Jin Ackerman. It's nice to meet you.
She then gently took his hand and shook it. Helmut looked at her, and smiled shyly. Then he looked at Mikasa. Jin turned to look at what he's looking at.
Jin: That's my daughter, Mikasa Ackerman. Mikasa, come over here.
She took her left hand and motioned her to come closer, which she did. Helmut looked at her, and she smiled at him gently.
Jin: Mikasa, say hi to him.
Mikasa raised her left hand and bowed down a bit.
Mikasa: Hello. Nice to meet you, Helmut.
Helmut looked at her and smiled.
Helmut: H-Hello.
Mikasa smiled back as Jin watched the interaction, she found it cute. Then she remembered something.
Jin: Hey, Helmut. Do you need help finding your parents?
Helmut looked at her, a look of confusion on his face.
Helmut: Parents?
Jin nodded.
Jin: Every child should have a parent or two.
Helmut then understood what she was talking about, but then after a brief moment of silence, he spoke,
Helmut: I-I don't have parents.
Jin then widened her eyes in shock.
Jin: What? Why?
Helmut looked at her with a saddened look and shrugged. Jin then looked at Mikasa, who shrugged. Jin then sighed and looked at Helmut.
Helmut: Did I do something wrong?
Jin then widened her eyes and shook her head.
Jin: Oh no. You did nothing wrong, my dear. It's just…you don't know where are you parents?
Helmut shook his head. Jin then sighed and looked at him with sympathy.
Jin: I'm sorry, dear.
Helmut looked at her, and gave a sad smile. Jin then gave him a returning smile and she held onto his hands.
Jin: Come on in, Helmut. I'll let you stay inside until my husband comes back and we can figure out what to do from there.
Helmut looked at her, a look of awe in his eyes.
Helmut: W-What? R-Really?
Jin looked at him and nodded as she gently tugged him forward, Mikasa following them.
Jin: I'm preparing some soup for dinner. I think you'll like it.
Helmut looked at her, and nodded with a smile.
Helmut: I'm hungry.
Rumble…
There was a loud rumbling in his stomach.
Helmut: See?
He pointed at it, with a small smile. Jin chuckled warmly, Mikasa smiling as well.
Jin: I can see that.
Helmut then giggled silently as she took them inside her house. Helmut then turned around to see the bear carcass.
Helmut: What about the bear?
Jin turned around to see the carcass still lying down, now beginning to attract flies. She then looked down at Helmut with a smile.
Jin: My husband will take care of it. We can make great use of its fur, meat and grease as well.
She then closed the door once everyone is inside.
Later on, everyone was having soup for dinner. Helmut loved the taste of the soup, something he felt like he didn't have in a long time. Jin smiled at his reaction to the taste, while Mikasa looked on at him in awe. "Hmm…I wonder where he was from. Hey, maybe we can keep him." she thought to himself.
Jin: You must love the soup, don't you Helmut?
Helmut looked at him and nodded with a smile.
Helmut: Yes I do, Miss Ackerman.
Jin chuckled to herself.
Jin: Sweetie, there's no need to call me miss. We're friends now, so you can call me Jin.
Helmut: Oh, okay. Well, yes I do enjoy it, Jin. Is…Is that better?
Jin just laughed gently.
Jin: Of course it is, Helmut.
Helmut smiled at her shyly as he went back to eating. Jin and Mikasa just smiled back as they went back to eating as well. Most of dinner went quietly as well, though Helmut got some of the soup dropped onto his shirt.
Helmut: Whoops.
Jin and Mikasa looked at him in pity.
Jin: Oh dear, you got a little mess on your shirt. Hold on, let me get some napkins.
She got up and pulled out some napkins before walking over to him and tapping the shirt to attempt to clean the child's shirt. Helmut smiled a bit as she cleaned him gently. He liked this family, they were very sweet to him, and they weren't shooing him away like he feared.
As Jin hummed to herself as she cleaned his shirt, there was a knock at the door, followed by a voice,
Voice: Honey, I'm home.
Everyone turned to the door, and Jin responded.
Jin: I'm coming, Tom.
She then turned to Helmut, who looked a little bit uneasy. Jin was quick to comfort him.
Jin: It's okay, sweetie. It's fine. That's my husband, he's friendly.
Helmut looked at her, and she smiled back in reassurance, before standing up.
Jin: Mikasa, stay here with him, okay?
Mikasa: Okay, mommy.
Jin then walked to the front door, leaving the two alone to themselves. Helmut looked at her, with a shy smile. Soon, he decided to speak so as not to make things awkward.
Helmut: Hi…
Mikasa responded back.
Mikasa: Hi.
She gave him a cheery smile, which made Helmut smile back.
Helmut: You look pretty.
Mikasa giggled a bit and blushed.
Mikasa: Thank you. And you look handsome.
Helmut widened his eyes and blushed a bit as well, not really expecting a compliment.
Helmut: T-Thanks. So, um…
Mikasa looked at him with curiosity.
Mikasa: What is it?
Helmut: Are you alone here?
Mikasa looked at him, confused.
Mikasa: No. I live with my mommy and daddy.
Helmut rolled his eyes.
Helmut: No, Mikasa. I mean do you have any brothers and sisters?
Mikasa widened her eyes in understanding.
Mikasa: Oh, I understand now. Still no. I'm an only child.
Helmut: Oh, okay.
Both of them remained quiet for a while, until Mikasa brought something up.
Mikasa: So um…why were you outside?
Helmut: Hm?
Mikasa: I mean, what were you doing outside all alone?
Helmut widened his eyes in understanding, then he grew uncomfortable a bit.
Helmut: I…I don't know, really. I just…woke up riding a horse in the forest. I…I don't…
Mikasa was now growing concern.
Mikasa: So, you don't remember what happened before?
Helmut shook his head in a little bit of sorrow. Mikasa felt sympathy and reached out for him, gently wrapping her left arm around his shoulder.
Mikasa: I'm sorry, Helmut.
Helmut looked at her with a small smile.
Helmut: Thank you, Mikasa.
Mikasa smiled back as she gently poked him in the nose, making him giggle a bit.
Voice: Well then, so we've got ourselves an unattended child here.
Helmut jumped a bit and looked back to see two adults walking over to them; Jin and a man of German descent with short blond hair. Jin gently approached Helmut.
Jin: Helmut, this is my husband, Tomas Ackerman, though he's usually called Tom.
Tom raised his hand towards Helmut in order to give him a handshake.
Tom: Hello there, little guy. Nice to meet you.
Helmut looked at the hand like it was a strange object. He looked at it, then at him, and then at Jin. She nodded.
Jin: Shake it, sweetie. It's only polite.
Helmut nodded, grabbed his hand, and shook it side to side. Everyone chuckled a bit at the adorable act, and Helmut looked around in confusion.
Helmut: What? Isn't that how people shake hands?
Tom chuckled at this and leaned down to his level.
Tom: No, kiddo. Here's how it goes.
He took Helmut's hand and gently shook it up and down. Helmut made an 'oh' expression.
Helmut: Oh…your hands are big like a bear.
Tom chuckled at his random remark.
Tom: Oh, speaking of bears, Jin did tell me you were chased by a bear. Is that true?
Looking a bit uncomfortable, Helmut nodded.
Tom: Oh. Did it touch you?
Helmut: W-Well, it did shove me forward a bit? B-But I'm alright otherwise. I swear…
Tom looked over him, and so far, it doesn't look like he's harmed.
Tom: Alright then. You're clean. *sigh* Well, at least we got some more fur, grease and meat for a few weeks. I was out hunting, and I didn't get anything.
Helmut: Hunting?
Tom nodded.
Tom: Yeah, hunting. You know, for some goose, deer, the whole shebang.
Helmut: Oh, okay.
Tom nodded as well.
Tom: Alright, now before any other predators come inside, I better take this bear back inside to the shed.
Tom then started to walk away before being stopped by Helmut.
Helmut: Wait…that bear's pretty big…are you sure you can carry it?
Tom looked back and nodded with a confident smile.
Tom: I'm a strong man.
He then patted his fist against his chest with pride, before motioning his head to Jin.
Tom: That's why I married a lovely woman.
Jin then chuckled as Tom lifted his eyebrow before she elbowed him gently.
Jin: Oh you. Just get out of here and get that animal inside.
Tom laughed as he walked outside. Jin then shook her head and looked back at the children.
Helmut: Umm, how did I do?
Jin nodded with a caring smile.
Jin: You did excellent, sweetie.
Helmut chuckled and looked down with a blush.
Helmut: He's nice.
Jin nodded in agreement.
Jin: I know, sweetie. I know. So,
She gently clapped her hands.
Jin: Are you finished eating?
Helmut looked back at his bowl; it was mostly empty. He then looked back and nodded. Jin smiled again.
Jin: Okay, good.
Helmut smiled again, before he started yawning and rubbing his eyes.
Helmut: *yawns* Excuse me. I'm tired.
Jin nodded with another gentle smile.
Jin: I'm sure you are. That chase from the bear must've exhausted you.
Helmut nodded as he rubbed his left eye again.
Helmut: W-Where can I sleep?
Jin widened her eyes. Helmut thought she had no idea what he's talking about.
Helmut: W-Well, you said something about me staying with you until you and Tom can figure out what to do with me.
Jin: Oh, I know that. B-But, I don't think you can sleep yet.
Helmut looked confused.
Helmut: What? Why? Are there no bedrooms?
Jin shook her head.
Jin: It's just that, well you're dirty. And I bet you smell awful too.
Helmut looked at her confused, then he sniffed his arms, before repulsing back. He then looked at her as he covered his nose and nodded.
Helmut: Yep. Do you know where the bathroom is, if you'll allow me?
Jin nodded.
Jin: Oh, of course. It's at the upper floor, first door to the left.
Helmut nodded.
Helmut: Thank you.
He soon climbed off his chair and walked up the stairs, leaving her and Mikasa alone. Mikasa looked at her mother.
Mikasa: So, what do we do with me?
Jin shrugged.
Jin: I don't know, Mikasa.
Mikasa's face then brightened up a bit.
Mikasa: Oh, can we keep him?
This made Jin's eyes widened a bit.
Jin: K-Keep him?
Mikasa nodded with a smile.
Mikasa: Can we? Please? I've always wanted a brother.
Jin kept looking at her daughter, still unsure whether to keep the little boy. "I…I'm not sure whether this is a good idea. I mean, I would LOVE to, but what about if he has grandparents, uncles or aunts, or even older cousins or siblings." she thought to herself. Jin then looked at Mikasa.
Jin: Maybe. But I don't know. Maybe he has grandparents, or uncles and aunts. I think we need to talk to him even more about this.
Mikasa pouted at her in disappointment. Jim gave her a smile and hugged her.
Jin: It's alright, dear. I'll tell you what, if he doesn't have any relatives, and if your father agrees, then we can keep him.
Mikasa's face immediately brightens up and hugged her back tightly.
Mikasa: Oh, thank you, thank you so much, mommy! I hope we get to keep him!
Jin smiled and tightened her hug on her daughter. Then she heard her daughter say,
Mikasa: Assuming he doesn't have any relatives, that is.
Jin nodded.
Jin: That's better, my dear.
Both of them continued to hug each other for a while.
Late that night, it was time for bed in their household, and both of the children had to share bedrooms since there are no other bedrooms at the house. But both of the adults were in their bedrooms talking about Helmut.
Helmut was just about to lay down on the bed when he heard Mikasa talk to him.
Mikasa: Excuse me, Helmut.
Helmut turned to look at her.
Helmut: What is it?
Mikasa walked over to him.
Mikasa: Um, may I sit next to you?
Helmut nodded, and Mikasa sat down. Then she twiddled her thumbs shyly a bit.
Mikasa: Um, d-do you have any grandparents?
Helmut thought of it for a moment, eyes looking up to the roof.
Helmut: Um…no…
He looked down in sadness.
Mikasa: Any uncles, aunts?
Helmut shook his head again.
Mikasa: Older cousins?
The same response. Mikasa sighed a little bit upon seeing his lonely look.
Mikasa: T-Then how did you get lost?
Helmut looked at her and shrugged.
Helmut: Like I said…I don't know.
Mikasa understood and wrapped her arm around him. Helmut didn't shrug it off, but rather remained inside of her grasp. As Mikasa looked over him, she noticed something around his neck.
Mikasa: Helmut, is that a necklace?
Helmut looked at her, then at his necklace that was inside his shirt, before pulling it outwards.
Helmut: Yes.
Mikasa nodded with a small smile.
Mikasa: Where did you get it?
Helmut shrugged as well.
Helmut: I don't remember. All I know, is this.
He grabbed the emblem, and opened it. Inside, was a crystalline stone slightly smaller than the emblem, and is being held in place by the edges. Mikasa widened her eyes in shock; she has never seen anything like it before.
Mikasa: W-What is that?
Helmut: I'm not sure. But every time I touch it, I keep getting visions of somethings…
Mikasa looked at him, a little bit unsure, yet fascinated.
Mikasa: What kind of things?
Helmut looked at her and shrugged again.
Helmut: I don't know…again…but I'm a little scared of touching it every time.
Mikasa: C-Can I touch it?
Helmut looked at her, a bit unsure.
Helmut: I…I don't want you to get hurt, Mikasa.
She only tightened her hold around him gently.
Mikasa: I won't. Besides, what can a stone like this do?
Helmut still remained unsure. Mikasa then thought of something.
Mikasa: Here's this; how about we both touch it?
Helmut looked at her, but nodded, although a bit hesitant.
Helmut: O-Okay, I guess. Besides, h-how else can you be sure whether what I'm saying is true or not?
Mikasa nodded, before reaching her hand out to touch it, Helmut moved one of his fingers to the stone. Mikasa counted.
Mikasa: Okay. One, two…three!
Both of them quickly touched it, and immediately, they felt a jolt across their bodies, before they saw flashing images of burning flames, raining rocks from the skies, hot oceans, as well as various types of creatures, almost all of them they never seen before. There was one image in what appears to be underwater, and it showed a strange, aquatic creature with bug eyes and no hands using something from the front of its head feasting on a shelled animal. Another image flew by, showing what appeared to be a creature in a forest clearing with spines going across its back, with a spiked tail about to whack a scary looking reptilian with sharp teeth and long arms. Then, more images showed of a large, humanoid being surrounded by bowing people, followed by large, humanoid creatures destroying a city, and bodies of people lying on the ground. Following these images, is a feminine, calm motherly voice, saying,
Voice: Keep this stone, my lovely child. You'll need it when you meet the Maker.
Soon, the flashing images stopped and both of the children snapped back into reality, gasping and panting. Helmut looked at Mikasa, who was looking back at him with wide eyes.
Mikasa: W-What was that?
Helmut nodded.
Helmut: Those are what I get every time I touch it.
Mikasa's voice is now a bit quivery.
Mikasa: H-Helmut, you should get rid of that.
Immediately, Helmut closed the emblem and widened his eyes.
Helmut: I can't…
Mikasa looked at him like he was crazy.
Mikasa: W-Why not? You don't know where that thing came from.
Helmut nodded in agreement.
Helmut: I-I know that, Mikasa. It's just…every time I try, I ended up not doing so…I want to know where this came from, and what that voice meant by "Maker."
He then looked at Mikasa, who's expression soon settled down, yet she was still at unease.
Mikasa: H-Helmut?
Helmut then pleaded to her.
Helmut: Mikasa, please don't tell anyone about this. This HAS to stay between us, please…
Mikasa looked at him, and thought of his words. What they had just witnessed was something spectacular and unusual. This could be dangerous…but at the same time, Helmut must be really devoted to finding out where this came from, as if it was an unknowing drive, and if he lost that stone, then he would be hopelessly lost. Now that she thought about it, she also had an interest about something that's been plaguing her mind for a long time.
Mikasa: Helmut, I promise, I won't tell this to anyone else.
Helmut: You won't?
Mikasa nodded a firm nod.
Mikasa: I promise…if you would promise ME something in return…
Helmut looked at her in confusion.
Helmut: What is it?
Mikasa: You promise that I'll go with you.
Helmut widened his eyes, but Mikasa continued.
Mikasa: I know it's insane, but listen…my kind have been persecuted for the past hundreds of years, even before humanity came into these walls…me and my mother are the last ones of our kind, and for the longest time, I wanted to know why that's the case…I thought maybe if I go with you, maybe I'll find some answers.
Helmut looked at her with shock; so she and her mother are the last of their race? B-But why? Was it for religious paranoia that the non-Asians believed in? Was it because they know something that the rest don't want others to know? Thinking about it now, Helmut wanted to know as well. So, he looked at her and nodded.
Helmut: Of course…I promise we'll BOTH see this "Maker". But uh…
Mikasa smiled at first, but then looked at him with confusion.
Helmut: We're not old enough yet.
Mikasa: Oh. Hehe…right. When we get older, I mean. *sigh* Thank you, Helmut.
Helmut nodded, before he felt himself getting hugged by Mikasa. He gently hugged her back and the both of them remained hugging each other for a while, until the door to their rooms opened, and in stepped Tom and Jin.
Tom: Heya, kids. I-I didn't think you'd still be awake. But that's good. Because…we wanted to talk to you kids, especially Helmut.
Helmut knew what they're gonna talk about, so he immediately blurted,
Helmut: No…
Tom and Jin widened their eyes in shock.
Jin: No? No what, dear?
Helmut: I don't have grandparents…or aunts and uncles…or older cousins…
Both of them looked at him with widened eyes as he pointed at Mikasa.
Helmut: I told her. Sorry I didn't tell you earlier. It didn't come across my mind.
Jin and Tom were a bit stunned at first, but Jin broke off the silence.
Jin: Oh no, it's alright, Helmut. Thanks for telling us, though. So, uh…
Both of the adults looked at each other, and smiled at each other, apparently excited of what's gonna happen.
Tom: Well, um…okay then, so that THAT'S out of the way…we can tell the good news since you say that there are no other relatives…Helmut Fritz,
Tom began, and Helmut and Mikasa listened in.
Tom: We were wondering…if…maybe…
Jin stepped in; taking her husband's place once she saw he's stuttering.
Jin: Do you wanna live with us?
This news…made Helmut widened his eyes a bit in a shock.
Helmut: W-What? Y-You want to…be my mommy and daddy?
They nodded with a smile. Helmut looked down a bit and scratched the back of his head. Then, he heard Mikasa trying to speak to him.
Mikasa: Please, Helmut. We can share the same bedroom too. Please…
She pleaded to him, which made Helmut fluster a bit. He placed his hands together and thought of it some more. "T-They're offering me a place to live…as their son? Wow…m-maybe I should…I would like to be in a family…and besides…this'll make the search for this "maker" a lot easier…and now that I have someone to keep me company…" he thought to himself.
Tom: Helmut?
Helmut snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Tom.
Tom: Are you alright? You looked zoned out.
Helmut nodded.
Helmut: Sorry. I was lost in thought. Anyways um…
He thought of it again, and then looked at them with a smile.
Helmut: Yes. I'd love to stay here.
Everyone widened their eyes, then they smiled in return. Jin laughed to herself as she approached him and hugged him gently.
Jin: That's great, Helmut.
Helmut smiled and giggled as he returned the hug in kindness. Mikasa smiled and joined in the hug, which Helmut happily made room for her. Tom smiled in returned as he joined in, wanting in on the tender action. Everyone hugged each other for a long time, but that didn't matter to the Ackerman family, for they now have a new member of the family, and for the first day, they want to make this moment last. This is the beginning of Helmut Fritz's new life.
And this, is where the tale begins…