Chapter 2:

In a World Without Titans

A colony of seagulls flies high in the clear atmosphere above the glistened sea. A large ship was just beneath the group of birds as they both head in the same direction up North, sailing through the ocean as it heads for land up not far ahead. The passenger ship was deep grey, and at the tip of the floating watercraft, standing by the rails was a man gazing up at the gulls. It was something he enjoyed doing to pass the time as the he travelled from one place to the next, like a gypsy who never stays on the one spot and was always on the move. Today however was different, he was going somewhere very familiar, back home for the first time in 2 years. He'd been away travelling different parts of the world, or what is left of it after the catastrophic event. It has been quite a journey over the years trying to mend the damage. 4 days it took to wipe out 80% of humanity but more than two decades to repopulate, replenish nature and wildlife, improving economic infrastructure but most importantly; build a sustainable relationship with the remaining countries that either was untouched or just about survived after "the Rumbling." The fortunate news was things had improved over the years, a lot better in fact. The suited man standing admiring the view was Armin Arlert, the man who saved humanity.

He too was 47, was still an average height and haven't grown any taller. His hair remaining the same style but was now a little less blonde. Armin's build however has gotten slightly more broad compared to his younger days where he wasn't exactly the strongest or bulkiest. However that never seemed to worry him anymore, he stands up straight from where he was leaning against the bars, folding his arms and fixes his eyes to the island; his home. However instead of it bringing a smile to his face, a flashback occurs where the present day sky becomes blood red due to fire and smoke raging from the island all because of the colossal titans that were unhardened from the walls. Fortunately, the flashback disappears in seconds even though it did make Armin's stomach drop slightly, he remained calm and instead focuses his attention to the present day scenery. That was 25 years ago, yet sometimes it almost feels like yesterday.

"Of course you'd be here." A voice from behind comments with little amusement, the footsteps becoming louder.

"Where else would I be, Jean?" Armin replies, looking over to Jean Kirstein.

"That's the point." Jean answers back with a small smile, bending over the bars and begins to comment about the island a foot, "Guess we're back already."

Jean hadn't changed much since 854, especially when it comes to his sense of humour and choice of language.

"We are indeed."

"What are we going to tell the Queen then? We got at least 10% of the population under the peace agreement, but we are still struggling with nations further West. Not only that, the Yeagerists have been impatient over the last few years. It's as if they don't trust us or the other nations to move past what's happened. It's been two decades, Armin. How long we going to keep this up for? At this point, if the Yeagerists don't settle their ways we'll end up-"

"Jean, everything will be ok. We'll tell Historia how everything is going and we'll work from there." Armin politely cuts off, trying to smile at Jean's minor rant.

"That's not what I am getting at, Armin. How long are we keeping this up for? Should we not be looking into more ambassadors to represent us?"

Before Armin replies, another voice pops up from behind laughing, "Ah shut up, Jean. Did you wake up in the wrong side of the bed this morning?" It was good old Connie as he stands at the other side of Armin. "Like god, you're getting moodier as the years go on."

"Well maybe if you didn't wake me up in the middle of the night. I wouldn't be in bad form."

"Hey, it was important!"

"YOU TELLING ME THAT YOU SAW A RAT WAS IMPORTANT?"

"I DIDN'T WANT IT NEAR ME!"

"DAMMIT, CONNIE!"

Armin exchange looks between the fully grown men as they continue to argue amongst themselves, it won't be long before they're consider old yet they still act like the teenagers he's been training with from the age of 12, fighting at 15 to then Nation's Ambassadors at 22.

"We're getting close now." Armin tells the two men who immediately stopped arguing. The three all stare at the island, one thing to point out was they were all sharing unsettling energy. Although Paradis is their home, the place they grew up and loved. They can't help but remember those events that also took place, it's like they want to double check that the island is at peace and no longer considered the place for the devils.

Another man comes walking up to them, "I guess you're feeling what I'm feeling." His deep voice sounding certain that his guess was correct. It was Reiner Braun, almost 40 years old. Every time he faces Paradis he can't help but think of Eren Yeager. How impactful that 19 year old was. He'll never forget that night they met in Marley, the basement, how for the first time Reiner was truly terrified. Yet somehow, he can't help but give his utmost respect to Eren Yeager for extending his life despite everything. Reiner always believed in his heart he didn't deserve it after all the sins he's caused.

"Yip." Connie replies, looking at Reiner to then back at the island. "I do admit though Armin, will we ever consider extending the group?"

Armin glances over to Connie, surprised that they're even asking a question like that. Of course he wanted to extend the Nations group, Armin wanted to ensure the world was left in good hands when his time came to an end. It was a duty Armin carried now for half his life now, but who was next to take his place was the question. In Armin's heart, there was someone in mind.

"You're boy would be a good asset." Reiner suggests to Armin, now standing beside Jean whilst peering over to Mr Arlert.

"You think?" Armin asks, a little surprised that Reiner was the one to think of his boy.

"He needs more experience," Jean comments, "But he seems to share the same interest as you do, Armin."

"Seems?" Connie butts in, "He's literally another Armin, but with more height! You sure he's yours, man?"

The men chuckle at Connie's remark, Armin eyerolls and responds with, "I like to believe so, Connie. Though I am certain he's my son." Armin looks down at the ocean, the waves bouncing off the ship. His son would be a good candidate for the group, however he does want his son to experience a little more freedom before dedicating his life into a job like Armin's. Then also like Jean mentioned, the boy needs more experience in the negotiating and dealing side of things, but that's the least of Armin's worries. Armin doesn't regret taking on the role as 'saviour of humanity.' But it has in a way been something that's kept him from fully experiencing the new world; a world without titans. Though when that day comes, when new faces, new dreams and a spark of hope will take his place and keep giving the world they all live in a chance to grow and heal from its horrid past.

"Let's just enjoy today and we'll worry about tomorrow and Paradis. Once I meet with Queen Historia, we'll try sort out the Yeagerists. One day won't ruin our work." Armin tells his men, they all nod in response. "Besides, we got a party to attend to."

"Can't believe she's 19." Jean said, thinking of the little girl he met when she was just a baby. Now with a child of his own, knowing what it is like to see your kid grow up, it's truly strange how time flies. When he was 19, he was a solider trying to save the world, now it's celebrating an average 19 year olds birthday. Just a 19 year old with no blood on their hands or ashes of previous soldiers to think about, if only he was 19 again to experience a life like that.

"Heh, I bet she hasn't changed one bit. Better still, I hope she's still calling me her favourite." Connie jokes, knowing rightly he wasn't the favourite. Still though, he likes to joke around like his usual banter like self.

Reiner was now beside Armin asking, "Isn't it strange, that we were once 19?"

Armin nods, noticing that the island was less than 15 minutes away from the port; "I know. I've accepted that I am a father... proud to be one at that." Armin looks at Reiner smiling, "But I am going to Mikasa's daughters to celebrate her 19th birthday. I remember when she was just a baby, my son was only 22 then. Now look where we're at."

Reiner chuckles to himself, now seeing Paradis's small town by the harbour as crowds of people are walking along the streets and beach. It was constructed 15 years ago where before it was only plain land. It shows you how Paradis is progressively advancing and is no longer the Victorian styled life it was once. Connie and Jean were now standing beside each other, pointing at the island and sharing their own conversation.

Out of the blue, a different breed of a bird above the ship makes a noise, heading towards the harbour before flying back high into the sky again. Armin and Reiner were the only ones to hear its presence as it flies over the island. Instantly Armin felt a sense of familiar, could it be his old friend? Smiling, Armin notes to Reiner,

"We're home at last."

Inside a grand room with furniture that was mahogany with crimson upholstery, the main doors were knocked by someone. The doors open to display a woman peeping in going, "Kai? You there?"

"Yeah in here." the voice responds, supposedly to be Kai as the young man is sitting by the windowsill of the ship whilst reading.

The woman walks in the room, there long behold was Annie Leonhart, wearing a ivory blouse, a sky blue robin that sits perfectly between the collar as well as her beautiful silk pleated matching skirt. Her hair was styled in a braid, much longer than it's ever been, no longer having a fridge. A completely changed woman, she smiles at her son- like his father he was preoccupying himself reading. Probably a book either about law, history or sometimes an autobiography if there is one available.

"We're at Paradis now, Kai. " Annie says, walking over to young Mister Arlert.

The 22 year old gets off the the windowsill, setting the book on a random chair at the wall smiling back at Annie. Kai Arlert was Annie's and Armin's only child, however for being their son, he was taller with a much bigger build 183cm. It was credit to uncle Reiner for helping him bulk up over the past few years because he use to be so petite. He wore a white hoodie with washed blue fitted trousers and brown shoes. Kai's hair was blonde like his parents, he owned a fridge like his dad but the actual length of his hair overall was just past his shoulders, styled in half-up messy manbun. Kai's eyes were shaped like his mothers, but framed with Armin's shaped eyebrows, creating a more shaper look to him. Kai was a carefree, bright and confident young man. Like Armin, he too shares interest about the world and is lucky to be able to experience the same adventures with his dad across the globe.

"Already? Wow, felt like yesterday since we left." Kai grinned, leaving with Annie outside the grand room which actually was where the Nation's Ambassadors would hold their meetings. It was a room Kai hopes to be apart of one day.

"I know. You happy to be back?" Annie asks, locking the grand room doors as confidential information was stored in the drawers.

"I am actually, it's nice to come home." Kai responds, walking on ahead from his mother. "Is everyone going to be there?"

"I believe so, I am not sure about Levi, Gabi or Falco. I think their boats are further back but will be there later in the evening I assume."

"What a legend" Kai comments about Levi Ackerman, world's strongest solider. Armin told Kai everything about his prime years, there were times Kai couldn't really be bothered listening to. But in saying that- he did enjoy majority of tales Mr Arlert had to tell. After all, those very stories are what lead the world's freedom from titans.

"I'm sure you're excited to see your friends too." Annie adds, thinking of two in particular.

"Aimi and Emet?" Kai recalls, "Yeah, looking forward to seeing them. I got so much to tell them, especially Aimi. She did say to tell her about the different countries."

Annie raises a slight eyebrow at the Aimi comment, it always did confuse her why the girl never came along with the Arlert family when she had the chance to explore the world. Could it be due to age? Homesickness? Then Mrs Arlert remembers about Mikasa, possibly, could it be due to her? Annie gives a light smile to herself, understanding that feeling of leaving behind a parent who lives alone especially when it comes to her father. Before the conversation continues any further, the ship lets out a load horning sound as an announcement for it's arrival.

"That's us." Annie states.

Down by the Harbour was a small village. It didn't have much, just little cottages, shops and a weekly market that was currently hosted. Mikasa and Aimi were walking down the pebbled prom as they watch the ship place itself in against the port. They arrived at the village by the newly developed cars that only took them an hour to get there when back in the day it use to be horses as the main form of transportation. Aimi's eyes were glimmering with anticipation at this point, it was the exact same ship she remembered seeing leave Paradis two years ago. Now it's back, but more importantly they're back. Mikasa lifts one of her hands above her eyes to block the suns rays to see if anyone was boarding off the ship or not. There she notices figures emerging out from the watercraft.

"They're here."

Aimi turns her head in swift motion to Mikasa. Her bright expression begging internally, 'can I run to them?'

"Go on ahead." encouraged Mikasa, releasing her arm from Aimi and watched her daughter sprinting for her life down the harbour. Did Aimi forget she's only wearing pumps and a dress?

That didn't seem to bother Aimi in the slightest, she dodges a few people who were already walking along the harbour. As she reaches closer and closer to the boat, a man happened to notice her presence and begins to wave at her, becoming more easier to identify as she Aimi realises who it was. It was her Uncle Armin, even though he wasn't really her uncle- she shared a special bond with him.

"ARMIN!"

"Hey kiddo!" Armin opens his arms wide, catching Aimi and hugs the girl tight. He corrects himself going, "Well, you aren't a kid anymore."

Aimi lets go of Armin, bouncing up and down on her heels excitedly at Armin and hugs him quickly again. Armin couldn't help but let a little laugh out because of Aimi, she may be an classed as an adult but she still remained as the young spirit he grew to love over the years. Aimi lets go of Armin as she heard Connie and Jean shouting her name, catching her full attention whilst running towards them and jumped into them for a group hug. Connie fully embraces the affection as Jean sweat drops with a weak grin, he wasn't always a big cuddlier but did appreciate Aimi's excitement for their return.

"Long time no see, Aimi!" Connie greets, letting go of Aimi from the hug.

"I know! It hasn't been the same without you guys."

"My, you've actually changed a bit since the last time I saw you." Jean admits, recalling the Aimi he left when she had different features.

"And is that a dress..?" Connie asks in a confused yet in good way, shocked to see the regular tomboy rocking a dress.

Aimi looked down awkwardly at her outfit, of course that's the one thing they had to point out in her 'changed' appearance even though Connie's comment was in a positive manner. Jean nudges Connie because he had notice Aimi's unreceipted response, Connie panics finishing;

"In a good way, Aimi- you look lovely! It is your birthday after all." Connie then looks up at Jean, expressing with his eyes 'did I save myself?' Jean groans, rolling his eyes at his long-term friendship he managed to share with Connie over the years. How he managed he will never know.

"I suppose it is a little weird seeing me in a dress, huh?" Aimi comments about herself, holding the long pleated garment in her hands and pulls it up slightly and analyses her look.

"You look nice, Aimi. Don't be silly." Armin steps in, "What would be weird is if Reiner was in a dress. Am I right?"

Reiner and Annie happened to be beside Connie, a little taken aback by Armin's reference to him as the other men joked in agreement. Annie looks up at Reiner, thinking about how disturbingly funny it would be to see this lump of goofiness in a garment . Aimi giggled to herself, not feeling so awkward about the dress anymore. The four continue having small talk, asking how they were and what they have been up to. Armin realises that somebody wasn't here yet, looking around the harbour before turning fully behind him. He finally grinned to see the person he was looking for as he started walking away from the group. Almost meeting halfway, Armin was getting closer to that person, his most loyal and one of his closest friends he could ever have because she always believed in him was Mikasa. Mikasa was smiling back at Armin, her face expressing comfort and great joy to see him too. Both of them embrace arms and hugged tightly. Ever since they parted when the battle ended 25 years ago in their prime years, Mikasa holding the greatest sacrifice she had to make, walking in the smoke mixed with steam from the burning creature that created the titans and the Eldians reverted back to normal as she freed them from the curse. To then 3 years after in 854, where Armin and the squad walked towards the tree on that hill. The sweet red evening sky Armin recalls, he remembers that day very well. His heart at 22 thumping slower than usual as his footsteps carried him up the hill, getting closer and closer to his best friend's resting place. Whereas before it was a place Armin, Mikasa and his pal raced to play, talk about exploring the world outside the walls and napping from all the fun. Armin closed his eyes whilst in Mikasa's arms, remembering that day when he sees her again for the first time in 3 years, as the woman who stayed loyal to his best friend even after his death sat quietly beside the gravestone. To then the two young adults in 854 hugged tightly, crying in each others arms, grieving together properly after their lost, the heart and soul of their friendship; Eren Yeager.

"You're home." Mikasa finally spoke, sharing the same memory with Armin.

"I'm home, Mikasa." Armin hugs tighter to his dear friend, appreciating her and that memory.

They let go, beginning to chat about how they've been doing the past two years. Mikasa couldn't help but want to tell Armin immediately what was wrong with her, but decided she wanted to wait till after Aimi's birthday. She had to keep the positivity going, it was getting harder and harder by the minute. Armin doesn't seem to notice Mikasa's inner stress as they proceeded to chat away. Mikasa stops paying attention slightly as she notices her daughter Aimi calling out a certain name, interrupting the flow of the conversation and says;

"That's her officially happy now."

"Huh?"

Armin turned his head back towards the direction of the boat. There by the bottom of the bridge connecting the ship to the floor of the harbour was Aimi running excitedly for Kai. Kai was staring at the girl, realising it was Aimi as her endearing smile was filled with joy and those shinning grey eyes heading straight towards him. Quickly he grinned from ear to year laughing,

"There she comes!"

"Get ready!" Aimi laughed, embracing Kai with the biggest hug.

Kai was Aimi's first friend since early childhood before Milo and Eleanor. Although they didn't get to see each other much due to Armin and Annie's commitments, constantly travelling from one place to the next. When they did get to spend time together, it was the best of fun. It's as if the 22 and 19 year olds become children again in a matter of seconds. Playfully joking at each other, Aimi punches his arm and smirked ,

"You gotten bigger? It finally worked, after years of trying!"

"I know, it finally paid off!"

Kai was referring to his younger years, where he used to be a small like his father and always he desired to build muscle. Over the past couple of years, thanks to Reiner's experience of always been a buffed man. Mister Arlert finally achieved his goal as one lean strong tank.

"Where's Emet?" Kai asks for his best friend, surprised to not see him around the harbour. He knew Emet moved away just before Kai went off with his parents around the world although he did expect him to be here.

"Oh, he's back at Shiganshina getting something sorted... I think it's for me." Aimi scratches her head, wondering if what she's talking about is correct.

"I see." Kai replies, "But hey! Happy Birthday!"

"Thanks." Aimi meekly smiled, really disliking the attention for her birthday.

"Hey common you too!" Armin shouted, waving the two over to them as the rest were walking off the harbour, indicating where they'll be heading next.

Kai and Aimi look at each other and began following the others. They didn't speak much after that because Aimi was swarmed by Armin and Mikasa's friends asking about how she's been doing and giving all their attention on her. The ship at the harbour begins to revert back to the deep sea, as it's doing so. A brown bodied bird where it was resting on one of the pillars jumps off and begins to sore through the harbour towards the ocean, swopping down before it almost touches the water and glides up into the air as if it was headed for the sun leaving Paradis behind.

"SURPRISE" Exclaimed Eleanor and Milo excitedly, gesturing jazz like hands at the venue behind them with Emet standing next to them.

Aimi eye's widen with awe at the place, it was a vintage themed room, with round white clothed tables that rested with flowers for decoration and was complimented with dark oat furniture. The arches on the roof wrapped in leaves that hanged over. By the time everyone arrived it already reached evening hours as the room glimmered with multiple candles to give the venue that soft glow. It was truly stunning, everyone stared at amazement. Mikasa on the other hand wasn't because she already knew Emet would do a fine job, he was a perfectionist at everything- especially anything creative. This was nothing to him.

"Wow." Aimi finally comments, aweing the room around her as she walks in midway. She noticed at the far side of the table her birthday cake along with a few presents sitting on top, she raises an eyebrow and smiled to herself. 'They really done this all for me?' Aimi asked herself.

Eleanor charges at Aimi with the biggest hug, "You should be proud of me for not eating your cake!"

"I am."

"Thanks to me," Milo adds, walking over and tsks at Eleanor, hinting at the fact Eleanor was a challenge when it comes to that cake.

As everyone else settles in the room, sorting amongst themselves. Emet is sitting on one of the chairs at the table, his arms folded deep within his thoughts but was interrupted by a familiar yet welcoming voice.

"Not bad, not bad. You should do up my place."

"Nah I'll pass." Emet sarcastically replied, lifting his eyes to Kai.

Emet raises up, grabbing hold of Kai's hand and pulled in for a man hug as only their shoulders and chest touched with their still-clasped hands bounded together.

"Eh, suit yourself." Pretending to be offended Kai retorts both sitting down at this point.

"So, how's things with you?" Emet asked, getting comfortable on the chair.

"Not bad, tired after the travelling. Definitely worth the experience though."

"And the nations?" Emet asks further, indicating a certain topic to Kai.

"Well, to be honest it could be better. Dad hasn't talked about it much, I don't think he's wanting anyone to worry. As for the Yeagerist situation, I say if things don't improve things might go south."

"Seriously?" Emet's eyes lowered, frowning at the news even though he did see it coming.

"Yeah, good thing I've already started training."

"So you are considering joining the military?"

"Possibly, I'm not sure. Though I have a feeling dad has his suspicions." Kai says, trying to not to talk too loudly in case somebody would hear him at the wrong moment.

Emet sighs, not looking much into the conversation anymore. At this point what did anyone expect from a war force such as the Yeagerists Emet thinks to himself. The burning feeling in his chest, he couldn't be bothered with it. His eyes dart over to Armin who was talking to Mikasa and Annie and was unaware that Emet was staring at him. Why was Armin not worrying about the Yeargerists? They will soon be a force to be reckoned with.

"Emet, don't worry, ok? Everything will be fine." Kai reassured his friend, leaning back again at his chair and becoming less tense for the sake of Emet not being a grumpy bull for the rest of the night.

Emet snaps out of his trance and refocuses his attention to Kai. Before saying more, the violet tinted eyes linger over to his younger sister Aimi. She looked so happy standing with her friends, Jean and Connie. He's forgotten how Aimi would've missed being in their company since they all left, that's what made Emet and his sister so different. He enjoyed the quietness and the smaller occasions whereas Aimi loved being around everyone and filled the room with life and buzz. Emet was aware she didn't like having the spotlight. Kai is also looking over at Aimi, breaking the silence as he said,

"Let's try and enjoy ourselves, Emet. It's been two years."

"Go get me a drink then." Emet asks with hidden humour, folding his arms and begins to slouch on the chair and not intending to leave it any time soon.

"Ok you." Kai laughed, pushing himself to stand and lightly kicks Emet's foot playfully. The two pals laugh between themselves before Kai heads over to the bar.

As the night continued, more familiar faces arrive. Pieck Finger, now formally known as Pieck Kirstien with their son who was 11. Indeed Jean had started seeing Pieck a few years after the Battle of Heaven and Earth during their time meeting other nations. It was fortunate for him as he always use to have his eyes on Mikasa, but he realised shortly after of knowing her where the woman's heart truly belonged to. Pieck was aware of the teenage crush but she wasn't baffled, it took a lot to bother this chilled woman. They were happy together, raising their son who resembled awfully like Jean but instead captured his mother's hair. Pieck was still an ambassador for peace, but wanted to focus on spending time with her son and father who unfortunately was dying due to a chronic illness. Pieck informs Armin that Levi, Gabi and Falco are running late due to the ships untimely arrival but will get there as soon as possible. Armin takes note and heads to find Mikasa who was sitting by herself looking out the window being tormented by her thoughts again. Ever since she's gotten home, more and more anxiety is building up like a ticking timebomb. It was starting to infuriate Mikasa at this point, all day she has been trying to maintain composure about what's been bothering her this whole time. Mikasa clings onto the tassels of her beloved scarf, hoping to connect to comfort but sadly made no difference. Suddenly everything begins to become slow motion, Mikasa's heart stops for a moment and hopes she's hullicating. A flashback hits her and causes a painful headache for Mikasa, hissing as she stands up. The flashback was filled by loud noises, cries and the unexplainable feeling of not being able to breathe. Nobody seemed to notice Mikasa's freak out, as she begins to stumble trying to maintain her stance. The flashback grows stronger, a figure is standing in front of her, staring at her with no emotion and was unidentifiable for Mikasa to recall. The voice comes back, her voice again crying, "I'll do it!" It becomes a chant... "I'll do it."

I'll do it.

Please..

Mikasa's urgency grows unbearable and she automatically thinks of Aimi. 'Maybe this is what the flashback means! Go and tell Aimi what's wrong with you.' Mikasa thinks to herself. She walks to Aimi, completely unaware that Mikasa was hurrying over to her. The voices in Mikasa's head begins to scream lounder and more desperate than before, causing Mikasa to stop midway and squeeze her head as tight as she could. Armin throughout this episode actually witnessed Mikasa's moment and hurries over to her in slow motion. Armin grabs hold of her. Both their eyes meet, he asked her; "Mikasa, are you alright. Talk to me."

DO YOU HEAR ME?

I'LL DO IT!

I'M BEGGING YOU!

I PROMISE!

Mikasa struggles to make out what Armin is telling her due to all the voices corrupted her mind screeching;

I'LL END THIS!

"Aimi, I need to talk to Aimi." Mikasa mumbled, breaking out of Armin's grasp and begins to run over to Aimi.

Armin is dumbfounded, worried to the bone of what could be the matter with Mikasa. He noticed after leaving the harbour how unsettled Mikasa had been. What is going on? What is Mikasa hiding? Just before Mikasa reaches Aimi, a bright light above the ceiling appeared out of nowhere. Armin looked up, wincing in pain as his eyes couldn't manage the brightness that appeared. Kai, Emet, Milo, Eleanor and even Aimi noticed the sudden change in the atmosphere. Their eyes illustrating confusion of what's going on. Mikasa is the only one who isn't aware, grabbing Aimi's hand. Aimi fixes her eyes on her mothers, the charcoal blue eyes that carried tears in them. Before Aimi manages to speak, Mikasa just about cuts in crying,

"Aimi, there's something I got to-"

The sound of lightning clashes the room along with a sudden flash of light that blinds Aimi's POV from her mother standing in the venue to a place she's never seen before. Unable to tell where though, all of a sudden she feels a force of air sucking her away from Mikasa, unable to see clearly due to sand blurring her vision as if she was in a sandstorm.

"AIMI!" Mikasa screamed, grabbing hold of Aimi's hand who was able to stand perfectly still.

"MUM!" Aimi squealed, literally flapping in the airt, clinging to Mikasa for her dear life. She hears other voices screaming too. First it was Milo and Eleanor who was already screaming for help but was cut off due to rumble of thunder followed up with lightning. Aimi looks over her shoulder, seeing Kai just about standing calling out for Armin. There Armin appeared, grabbing hold of his son.

"HOLD ON KAI!"

"WHAT'S HAPPENING!" Kai screamed, struggling second by second before his feet gets tackled due to the wind. Armin cursed and tries to get a better hold of his son, the sweat dripping from him. Armin knew the force was too great, but he's got to try. Mikasa, strong as bull, begins to scream as she pulled her daughter closer into her- her Ackerman abilities kicking in after all these years. Due to the end of the titan curse, Mikasa's titan like strength had diminished. Yet somehow, in this moment, it was returning. Mikasa realised this and begins to pull even harder, hoping in a few seconds Aimi will be safe in her embrace. But unfortunately that was not the case. Lightning strikes just beside Mikasa and Aimi, causing the panicked mother to accidently lose grip of her daughter. Aimi was absolutely terrified at this point, the tears tripping down her face as she zoomed away from Mikasa. Mikasa falls to her knees as she tries to stretch out her hand, screaming for Aimi. Aimi cries, "mum" but feels a thud behind her. It was Emet who's caught hold of his sister, holding Aimi close to his chest as she frantically wrapped her arms around him.

"EMET!" Mikasa shouts, managing to get back onto her feet and starts running for her children.

"What's going on, Emet?!" Aimi begs to her brother, reaching out her hand for Mikasa also.

Emet doesn't respond, he turns his head behind him. There he is just about able to sees is a silhouette of a white tree where all the wind was being sucked into. Confused out of his mind, his heart speaks to him, telling him to let go and see where it takes him. Emet can hear Mikasa getting closer and closer, telling them to hold on. The young man debates for a moment, does he let go, or stay? Why would all of this be happening, there has to be a reason. Before he wonders any more questions, the force of the great wind blows incredibly powerful that caused him to fall completely onto his back along with Aimi. Nearly letting his little sister go, Emet manages to cling onto Aimi by the hand and like a miracle Mikasa has him by his arm.

"SHIT!" Emet cursed, feeling the pain in his arms being pulled in opposite directions.

Aimi starts to lose grip of Emet, she tries to extend her other limb, but the wind and force was two great. She looks up past her brother and catches eyes to Mikasa, who already was staring at her. Their shared tear falling from their cheeks. Mikasa's heart was racing.

"I'M NOT GOING TO LOSE YOU! JUST HOLD ON!" Mikasa begged, grabbing now with both hands on Emet.

Out of nowhere, Kai flies past the tree and is sucked into the light. Aimi panics and cried out for Kai, reaching out to the tree in absolute horror witnessing her friend disappear into nothing. Armin's voice in the background in pure desperation roared for his son, Mikasa gasped in horrors. Armin just lost his boy, what a feeling Mikasa tries to avoid. She's already lost so many people in her life, Mikasa can't lose them now too. The tree behind Aimi and Emet began to glow more intensely, becoming harder to see entirely what's going on.

Emet noticed Aimi's grip was weakening. He reaches his decision, there has be to be something on the other side. It might be death, it might be another place, but he knows this wasn't normal situation to be in, for a moment Emet believed this could even be a dream too. Emet looked up to his mother, the determination in her face as he loosens his grip. Mikasa realises, tightening hers with a look of otter shock.

"Mum, let go." Emet calls just about loud enough for Mikasa to hear.

"ARE YOU CRAZY? EMET, PLEASE!"

"Mum," Emet pauses, coughing due to the sand almost catching in his throat but manages to continue going, "I promise to bring Aimi back."

"EMET, STOP IT!" Scowled Mikasa, the tears pouring down her face.

"I PROMSE TO BRING HER HOME!"

Aimi's eyes shrink as she feels the sudden tug and her brothers body slamming against her, figuring out that his brother had purposely broke free of Mikasa's reach. Mikasa screamed in agony, witnessing Emet and Aimi get dragged into the light. When they're no longer visible, the storm stops instantly; the sand collapsing to the ground as the sound effects of lightening ends. Mikasa collapses on her knees, calling out for Aimi and Emet, her heart physically unable to manage her unsettled breathing. Mikasa lost her baby, her sweet little boy, her world in a matter of seconds. Armin, already on his knees had too been crying for his only child. Armin then realised the storm had ended and hears his dear friend Mikasa yearning in pain. Armin forces himself to his feet, running over and landed on his knees, hugging into Mikasa and asked;

"Mikasa...are you alright."

"A-a-ami.. Emet." Mikasa cries, "I couldn't... hold on. I lost them."

After finishing her sentence, Mikasa cries even harder than before. Armin closed his eyes, holding back his tears from escaping. As he opened them, exhaling his pain in the air. He notices stars in the sky, they looked familiar, has he been here before? Then his heart sank, realisation kicked in as the dots started to connect. Armin looks to what's in front of him and Mikasa. There stood a tree.. That tree... It couldn't be that tree. Armin's eyes widen in horror; it all makes sense. The thousands to millions of scattered moondust in the sky or better known as the stars, the of sand beneath his shoes but of course that unmistaken tree. The tree, that connected all Eldians, the place where life or death does not exists. A place where the Subjects of Ymir are all connected by something invisible, that binds the Eldians beyond existence; was the Paths itself.

"No." Armin gasped, "It can't be.."

A piercing sound hits Armin and Mikasa's ears, much worse than intense white noises. Mikasa lifts her head up, covering her ears as she faces the sky, seeing 8 shooting stars falling through the atmosphere, directing towards the tree. Immediately Mikasa realised where they were, she's been here before. Armin also notices the shinning objects falling down. What could this mean? As the stars collapse closer to the glorifying tree, blinding Mikasa and Armin's vision as they use each other to block its aura. The booming noise as if a bomb was about to hit the earth, however no explosion occurs and instead the stars disappear into the tree. The blinding light begins to dim, making it easier for Mikasa and Armin to regain sight of what's in front of them. There ahead of them was a figure facing the tree, a man. Mikasa's eyes broke into a speechless reaction whilst Armin squinted before copying Mikasa as he too registered who it was.

"This can't be happening." The voice cracked, confirming Mikasa and Armin's disbelief to see the person who's returned from the dead was standing before them;

Eren Yeager.

This is when we play Season 4; EREN YEAGGEAAAHHH! *insert dramatic music*

Author's Note:

So, I left you with some spice. Also, who has been on Twitter freaking out over these additional 8 pages and the whole leak commotion? Honestly, it has been doing my noggin and sort of challenges my story a little when it comes future volumes.. Strange isn't it? Well, either way I trust in Isayama. I am happy to complete two chapters, but I do admit I must focus on my exams atm, even though when I am working on this it makes me so happy and inspired. Once my exams are over this Monday coming, I will be dedicating my sorry ass to this story. Thank you to everyone who's read chapter 1, followed, faved and left really nice reviews. It means the world.

Disclaimer:

I do not own the characters of Shingeki no Kyokin, they belong to the rightful owner. Other characters later mentioned in the story will be referenced also as the fanfic progresses. The only characters I have ownership are ones created from scratch. Also, IF YOU ARE ANIME ONLY OR HAVE NOT COMPLETED THE MANGA, PEASE DON'T CONTINUE TO READ THIS STORY. Unless, you love spoilers then that's fine by me!

So... What do you think is going to happen next chapter? Only time will tell ;)

And also, *salutes*

Shinzou o Sasageyo!