Quick Note: So, I messed up a bit. Thought the kids were supposed to be three when Ai dies, turns out they're four lol. So, making a slight change to the ages. It'll change nothing in the story lol. Don't worry though, things will play out differently lol.

Chapter 4: Fight Night

Eren never had any experience dealing with criminals or underground networks. Not unless you count his own little rebellion when he overthrew the Military. He didn't think he could really count them considering they were a bunch of dumb kids who followed him for a brighter future.

His own group, which was named the Yeagerists, was nothing more than a means to an end since Eren didn't really consider the idea that he'd live after he enacted the Rumbling. So, in terms of his experience in the criminal elements of society, it was very much lacking. If Captain Levi was here, he'd have a much better understanding than him.

Eren got out of the car with Sergei at the unassuming building that was supposed to hold the underground ring. It was old and secluded away in the industrial part of Tokyo.

"This is where fight will be, far from police and prying eyes." He said.

"So, what's the point of this?" Eren asked.

"Money, as with everything in crime." Sergei said. "Yakuza have old sense of Japanese honor and want to prove themselves in fight. Higher ups bet and make money. So I have client who wants money."

"You're not just an arms trafficker then." Eren assumed.

"I have side business, but main income from weapons." Sergei corrected. "Besides, it lets me judge you."

"How well I can fight?" Eren clarified.

"I know you can fight; I see it in how you beat Yakuza." Sergei said.

"I know my way around a gun." Eren said.

"No, the skill required to move and shoot the way you did takes more than good aim." Sergei said. "You have skill, in fists too. I have no doubt."

Eren shrugged, not caring too much in this little "Evaluation" that Sergei had planned. He only wanted money until he found himself in more legitimate work. Until then, he would work with the old, Russian? Yea, Russian. That's what Sergei said he was.

As they passed a guard at the door and entered the warehouse, the smell of smoke and alcohol assaulted Eren's senses. It was relatively calm from what he could see. There were women dancing and serving drinks in revealing outfits while gang members sat and talked in booths all around a ring. The lights were dimmed, giving a dark overall look to everything. Eren knew he was in a dangerous place.

Sergei led Eren to a locker room for him to get changed. There wasn't much for him to change, only into a pair of thigh length shorts and taking off his shirt. Sergei took his pistol and ammo for safe keeping.

"Wow, you have muscles." Sergei commented when Eren removed his shirt.

"So how will this go?" Eren asked, ignoring the comment.

"In total, you need to fight five times. It's like tournament. Fifth fight is the end. Get good name and do well so people will bet on you. In last fight, lose but make it convincing." Sergei explained.

"That's what your client wants?" Eren asked.

"Da." Sergei confirmed. "Client is big Yakuza boss. While everyone bets on you, he bets against you. So, all money goes to him. Then we get cut."

"That seems easy enough." Eren commented. "Win four fights and throw the last one."

"Make it convincing." Sergei said. "If you intentionally lose, people will get pissed and might start fight. Avoid that."

"Easy enough I guess." Eren said.

"First fight will be soon, get head in space." He said, patting Eren on the back.

Eren shrugged as he sat down to collect himself. He may not have his Titan abilities, but he was a master at hand-to-hand combat. After the Military overthrew the King of the walls, Eren and the Scouts developed specialized hand-to-hand combat moves that were used for Titan combat. It was amazing how well it translated to regular hand-to-hand combat in his human form.

He remembered something Captain Levi said to him after the attack in Liberio. How Eren had the same eyes as the broken men in the underground. How he never imagined it would be on him. Since he kissed Historia's hand that day, Eren don't think he had a single moment of true happiness.

He stood up and walked over to the mirror and took a look at his eyes. He honestly didn't know what those eyes that Captain Levi saw looked like. Eren knew he was broken. He knew he was a husk of his former self. His rage and anger replaced with the sole desire to just keep trudging on.

How appropriate that Eren was now a member of the underground filth of society.

"Let's go. It is time." Sergei said, interrupting his thoughts.

Eren walked away from the mirror and over towards the simple ring. It was just a different colored concrete pad in the middle of the audience, who was still rather quiet. They chatted among themselves, but Eren couldn't understand a word they were saying due to the language barrier.

As Eren stepped into the ring, a muscular Japanese man in the same kind of outfit as him walked in. He was covered head to toe in what looked like body paint. The body paint looked like a combination of mythical beasts and fish. There were so many that he had trouble distinguishing them.

"Make fight good, you need to be popular to get people to bet on you." Sergei said from behind him. With a light push, Eren was put in the center of the ring.

Eren looked at his opponent again. Short, buzzed hair and a lean body. He wasn't nearly as defined as Eren, but he knew that was no indication of strength. The man looked like he was ready and excited. Less of a fun excited and more of a wolf waiting to pursue a deer.

Eren heard the announcer talk before the fight began.

He assumed the announcer said go but Eren was able to react quickly. The man rushed at him with a wild punch, preferring to use his strength to deliver a punishing first strike. It ended up being a fatal mistake as Eren moved slightly to the side and deflected the punch with his right arm. Using his left arm, he delivered a cross directly to the man's chin.

The fight was over after that. The man fell down like a doll with its strings cut. He slid for a moment, his momentum halting behind Eren as if he suddenly lost all motor function.

The room was quiet after that devastating hit. There were a few murmurs, but Eren assumed that would be good enough to start getting some kind of rapport.

Without waiting for the announcer, Eren walked over to Sergei who was speechless at what happened. Eren assumed he proved well enough that he could fight. Sergei however, got upset when he was in earshot.

"What is wrong with you?" He asked in an angry tone.

"You said be popular." Eren repeated his orders.

"Yes, but don't win so easily." Sergei said.

"It worked, didn't it?" Eren said, looking around at the hopeful betters.

"Yes, they will bet on you next." Sergei said. "But that's not issue."

"Then what is?" Eren asked.

Sergei face palmed at that question, as if the answer was obvious.

"This is what I mean when I say you're good fighter but stupid." He said. "You have skill, but you're not criminal. You never worked with criminals. Probably only Soldiers."

"I did what you asked." Eren said.

"No, you proved you might be best in fight. Meaning when you throw fight in final round no one will think it's legitimate." He said. "Being criminal is like being actor. You play by script and manipulate to get result. Instead, you fight like Soldier. Kill enemy quickly and efficiently. Good for battlefield, not for fight."

That made sense in a way. Guess Eren really didn't know much about being an actual criminal, outside of maybe a revolutionary.

"So be an actor in a play and make it look convincing." Eren said.

"Da, pretend to struggle. Last two minutes, not a few seconds." Sergei looked down for a moment when he said that. "Feel like hypocrite saying that." He said to himself. "Just struggle next round."

"Sure." Eren said.

The next few fights went by relatively quickly. Most of the combatants bled from the continued attack and some were badly injured. Either their head fell on the concrete, or they broke a bone in an arm bar or in a kick. The men fighting were decent, but clearly, they never fought like that in real combat.

Eren not only fought hand-to-hand as a Titan, but on two occasions had to storm a Mid East Army trench when he posed as an Eldian in the Marleyan Army. He had his fair share of experience fighting other people.

After about an hour all the fights in round one concluded and he was up to fight again.

"Remember, struggle this time. Make it seem like last fight was fluke." Sergei said.

Eren nodded and walked back into the arena. This man was a bit different and had long hair that was tied in the back in a ponytail. Still the same large amount of body paint all over him.

The man taunted Eren, or at least tried to. It was hard to feel fired up or insulted when you can't understand a word they're saying. Eren just stood still with his arms crossed until the moron decided to shut up and fight.

The moment the anouncer sounded off, the man attacked. Eren decided to let him get a few blows in. The man landed a hard right round house punch to Eren's left cheek, dazing him for a moment but doing little to actually hurt him. Eren let himself get hit in the gut a few times before deciding to start blocking.

Eren let the man wear himself down with each punch. Creating distance while either blocking or deflecting the man's punches. He had to step back in a circle so as not to run out of room in the arena.

Once he felt like he was satisfied, Eren gave a hard low roundhouse kick to the man's shin, easily snapping the bone and cause the man to fall. There was a moment when he tried to get back up, but the pain soon kicked in and he began screaming in agony as his shin bone was shattered.

Eren felt a bruise developing on his left cheek bone, along with a headache forming from the hit. He almost forgot how annoying it is without his healing abilities. Sure, he still felt pain, but when fully rested, the pain faded away as his body healed the injury. Now he had to deal with it.

Hopefully that was a decent enough fight for Sergei.

Unfortunately, it was not. Sergei looked disappointed and annoyed again.

"That was even worse." Sergei said.

"I let him get a few hits in." Eren said.

"Do I need to video your face?" Sergei asked. "You looked bored, like nothing phased you. You played with him, not fought him. Everyone Know's you let him think he had chance. Only to take it away."

"Guess I'd make a bad stage performer." Eren said in annoyance.

"You are horrible actor." Sergei clarified. "A child could act better."

"A child would die in there." Eren said.

"Stop being prick." Sergei said. "New plan, in final fight, head butt opponent and fall unconscious. No way we can save face now and make it look legitimate."

"Sure Sergei." Eren shrugged. "I'll do my best."

Sergei shook his head and went back to the fights.

Next Morning

Ai yawned as she started to wake up. Her babies were still next to her in the Futon, sound asleep. Ruby was sleeping soundly in her arms, still in the same position she was in when she fell asleep. Aqua was in a different spot so he probably woke up last night or shifted around in the Futon. She smiled as her cute little babies slept soundly. It was hard to imagine they'll be four-years-old soon.

Ai gently placed a kiss on Ruby's forehead before carefully getting up. As quietly as possible, she crawled over to Aqua before doing the same. He shifted a bit when she kissed him, maybe about to wake up, but went limp again as he went back into a deep sleep. She smiled as he did, glad he can sleep a bit longer.

Ai got out of the Futon and went to her small kitchen table, which had a laptop plugged in. The sun still wasn't up yet so it gave her time to do her normal morning routine.

She got on her knees and opened the computer up, making sure that her screen brightness was all the way down so as to not wake up her children. First thing was to check her social media to see what happened last night. As always, her posts from yesterday exploded with random comments. She looked over her Twitter account which had a post of a cute cat that Miyako took while out.

Sometimes Miyako or the President will take random pictures and she's upload them to continue the Hoshino Ai Idol act. To be fair though, the cat was kind of cute.

Ai is stupid and only famous for her looks. She has no real talent.

One post read, suddenly making her sad. There were a few of these posts. Things where people would say hurtful things over stupid reasons. She always worked so hard and dedicated herself every day for her fans. She did everything she could to try and improve and be an idol they deserve, but for some it wasn't enough.

Ai checked her email to see if anyone said anything important. There was a quick message from the President about the upcoming timeline for the concert. Mainly where her and the others would need to meet up, what specific things to pack, and an hour-by-hour plan of everything they'll do that night. Three hours will be dedicated to makeup and hair styling in her dressing room.

Once the actual work portion was done, Ai went to her online English book to work on her English lessons. She studied hard every day to make sure she had a good grasp on the language. It was important for anyone in Japan to learn English since it opened so many doors and opportunities. She really never intended to do anything overseas, but it was important to leave the option available.

She took out a notebook that had a cute little cat picture on the cover. It was so adorable and cute. She loved it and used it to write down notes for her studies.

Her thoughts drifted to the mysterious man from yesterday. She never got his name, but it was still odd for him to not know what an idol was. He was tall and very handsome, even if he wore a hood and had long hair blocking most of his face.

She could tell he was a westerner from his face alone. There was an almost exotic look to him. She wondered if he was European or American, since his English was so good. Ai wasn't the best judge of accents, but it sounded more American if she had to guess.

She was worried that he might talk about her to someone when he would learn who she is. Even if he didn't know, she'd be found out soon. Her face was literally everywhere. Even if he didn't intend to reveal her address, he might still bring it up in a casual conversation.

She also felt embarrassed at the interaction. He looked completely annoyed and uncomfortable from her. It was so weird to be on the receiving end of that. Idols were always supposed to be sweet innocent girls who were pure and kind. One of the main reasons she had to keep her children a secret. But he seemed like it was bothering him.

Regardless she had to keep the act up, so she couldn't do anything other than that. Not that she wanted to lie to him, but her reputation and even her safety was on the line. She couldn't afford to slip up.

Despite not being able to be herself, she absolutely loved being an idol. After all, lying was something she excelled at. She was told years ago that if she lied about loving someone enough, eventually it may become true. That's one reason she always said she loved her fans. She truly wanted to feel loved and love others. To really feel what it was like.

"Mama..." She heard behind her as Ruby was waking up.

Ai's heart melted at how adorable she looked. She was standing on the futon while still clutching the blanket. Her pajamas were a bit big since she was still growing into them, so they looked baggy on her little body. Lastly, she was wiping the sleep from her eyes as she struggled to wake up.

"I'm here Ruby-Chan." Ai said, getting her daughters attention.

Ruby walked over to her and hugged her, almost falling in the process from still being tired.

"Easy there." She said. "Are you hungry?" She asked.

"Yea." Ruby said in a tired but cute voice.

"Ok, you wait here. Let me make something to eat." She said.

"Can we have salted salmon?" Ruby asked.

"Of course, no go ahead and play on the computer while I'm making it." She said.

Ai went over to the kitchen and put on an apron. She made sure it was tied around the waste and covered her pajamas so as not to get food on them. Then she went to work preparing breakfast.

White rice, salted salmon, and miso soup was a staple Japanese breakfast that was nutritious and delicious. The salmon was also easy to chew for three-year-olds, so it was a perfect meal for them.

After getting the ingredients ready she started up the burner and oiled the pan.

After maybe thirty or forty minutes, Ai took the plates and bowls and moved them over to the table. Ruby was watching some YouTube video before she closed the laptop and scooted over to her spot.

Aqua was still asleep, not at all bothered by the sounds of moving dished or the smell of salmon and miso. It's amazing how much he can sleep when there are noises around him. It was like he was on a long and extended vacation.

Ai got on her knees and moved over to the bed. She gave him a small kiss on the cheek.

"Wake up Aqua-Chan." She whispered gently, hoping to wake him up as gently as possible.

Aqua reached out and put him hand on her face, as if she was an alarm he was trying to silence. She giggled at the display, which then caused him to open his eyes and look at her.

"Good morning, Ai." He said in a tired voice before getting up. He sniffed the air for a moment in such a cute way she wished she had a camera. "Is that salted salmon?" He asked.

"Of course." She said. "And if you don't hurry and eat, it'll get cold."

I got it." He said.

Where was the cute little greeting. He sounds so much like an adult sometimes. Ruby was so cute when she got up and immediately went to hug her. Aqua on the other hand just wakes up and goes right for the food. No love for his dear mother.

It breaks her heart to see him act so grown up but also makes her happy. She's glad he tries to act older because it shows that he will be a good and mature boy when he gets older. But is a little bit of affection too much to ask for?

"Come here." Ai said, scooping Aqua up in a hug from behind.

"Ai! Stop!" He tried to escape.

"No affection for mama?" She asked in a mockingly hurt tone. "My baby thinks he's all grown up."

He is a grown up damnit. He went to medical school. He treated her when she was pregnant with him. He's even had sex before. But instead, he has to be reduced to a child and roughed up by a girl half his age. He loved getting close to his favorite idol, but it was sometimes so hard to just act like a regular child.

"Not till I get a hug back." She said, refusing to let go.

"The food is getting cold." He tried to reason.

"No bargaining." Ai said. "Either hug or cold food." She said.

She refused to let go until get got what she wanted. With a cute little grumble, Aqua turned a bit to give his mother a hug. The annoyed expression and reluctance just made it all the cuter. Being a sweet and innocent idol may be mostly an act, but it felt so natural when she played with her children.

"Can I eat now?" He asked.

"Sure." Ai said, giving him a peck on the cheek. He sighed in annoyance and went over to his plate.

Ai didn't feel bad. That's what he gets for trying to be a man at only two.

Before she went to eat, she needed to check the mail really quick. Their mailbox was right outside the door, so this early in the morning would be easy enough to get it. She put on some slippers by the door and opened it to quickly go outside.

She looked around to make sure there were no other people around before reaching into the mailbox to get the mail.

Ai jumped slightly when she heard someone walk behind her. At first, she thought she was found out, but when she looked around, she saw that westerner walking towards her. No, not towards her, towards the door directly to the left of her door.

He glanced at her for a moment, then walked into the door next to hers. In the brief moment their eyes met, she noticed that under his hoodie was a bruise on his cheek. He walked without swinging his left arm and kept the arm close to his body, as if he got hurt in the left side of his chest. She wondered if something happened to him or hurt him.

Before he went into the apartment, he gave her a weird look again.

Crap, she was staring at him. Why is it that every time she interacts with this guy, she ends up making him uncomfortable and making a fool of herself?

Also, he lives next to her... Damn. He knows her identity, that she has children, and now is again creeped out by her.

Ai blushes as she goes back inside her own home, face flush from embarrassing herself again. What is with her?

Also, once she got over that, why was he hurt? Did something happen to him? He looked like he got badly hurt or maybe attacked. She wondered if she should go check on him, but she knew Miyako would get very upset.

Instead, Ai went back into her home with the mail.

Night Prior

Eren walked back to Sergei after his fourth fight. Eren was holding his left side after one of the fighters gave a bad blow to his ribs. Eren hated not having his healing abilities, it made the pain last. Add to that his headache was in full swing.

"There' acting is a bit better." Sergei said, noticing him holding his side.

"That last punch was real." Eren said. "My side is actually hurting."

"Well, maybe last fight will be convincing." Sergei said. "Since you're tired and hurt it might be more believable for you to lose. Luckily, everyone is placing bets on you to win. Client will bet you to lose, then all money will go to him."

"Should be easy then." Eren said.

"Let him hit you in ribs, really sell it."

"Yea, then this cracked rib can become a full blow broken one." Eren said.

"You'll be fine." Sergei waved off. "You're young, young people heal quick."

"Right." Eren said, not at all agreeing. Even if it does heal quick, it's nowhere near what his abilities were.

Eren did wish he still had his powers, for no other reason than to deal with the pain much faster. Oh well, perhaps it works out since Eren should be able to live longer than four more years.

"Get ready, opponent is ready." Sergei said. "Remember, make convincing." He said.

Eren nodded and walked into the ring, still holding his side. He really didn't want to get hit in the rib again but knew he had to. He decided to act a little dramatic and limp more than he intended just to sell it a bit better.

Eren endured more pain than most people can imagine. He repeatedly had his limbs ripped or bitten off, beaten bloody, and broken is ways that were fatal to most. Even in his Titan form he still felt the full force of the pain. He remembered the dull ache of Annie punching his jaw off, the pain only dulled by his rage.

His opponent was a simple Yakuza man. Basically, he looked the same as every other fighter. The announcer was saying something in Japanese and really hyping up the match. For all Eren knew he was throwing insults, but the language barrier made it impossible to know.

The announcer gave the ok to start. Eren decided to play at being hurt and exhausted, so he let the fighter throw the first punch.

Eren's senses dulled the moment his head came in contact with his opponent's head. On reaction he tucked his chin so that the headbutt hit his forehead instead of his very fragile nose and jaw. Unfortunately, the hit was too much.

The idiot fell down from the hit, clearly not expecting Eren to absorb the hit as well as he did. The Yakuza fighter was rolling on the ground, holding his head in pain as he struggled to get up.

The announcer called it, knockout.

"Damn it." Eren said in annoyance.

Eren shrugged and walked back to Sergei, who had an annoyed look again.

"You were supposed to lose." Sergei said.

"Tell him that." Eren said. "Not my fault he decided to be stupid."

"You don't get it." Sergei said. "We just cost Yakuza boss big money. Big Yakuza boss. He won't be happy." Sergei said, though not too worried.

"Never thought you'd be scared." Eren said.

"Do I look scared?" Sergei said. "Just get changed, we'll deal with issue." Sergei said.

Eren shrugged and went back to the locker room. He dared anyone to try something to him. Either Eren will win or lose. If he wins, he lives. If he loses, he'll die. Eren faced death many times and this was no exception.

When Eren got in the locker room he held his head in his hands. The headache got worse after that last headbutt. He forgot how annoying lingering pain was. At least he didn't get hit in the rib. He wasn't sure if it was bruised or cracked, but it wasn't broken. He has full experience of broken ribs to know it's not nearly painful enough, even in the dullness of a post-fight rest.

After getting his clothes on, Eren walked outside the locker room. A few people came up to him and patted his shoulder, causing Eren to get defensive and wince when one touched his rib. They seemed to be congratulating him on a fight well done.

"This way." Sergei said, handing Eren his pistol and ammo back.

"Where to?" Eren asked.

"We meet with Yakuza boss and explain issue. Be quiet and let me talk." Sergei said.

Eren shrugged and followed him. He led Eren to a private room that was surrounded by guards. He looked through the doorway and noticed it was brighter than out in the main warehouse. A guard said something and motioned for Sergei to hand something over. Sergei took out both of his pistols and handed it to the guard.

Eren was next so the guard did the same motion and said the same thing in Japanese.

Eren took out his engraved pistol fast and pointed it under the guard's chin. Everyone froze and for a moment the guards were going to reach for their own guns. Eren wasn't going to be left defenseless surrounded by guards.

Suddenly they stopped when he heard a voice from inside. Eren again didn't understand but the guards relaxed and let them through. Eren decided to re-holster his pistol and ignored Sergei's annoyed look.

When Eren entered he saw this Yakuza boss Sergei was talking about. He was a slightly over-weight man in an expensive suit and big round dark glasses on. His grey hair was slicked back, and he wore a simple chain around his neck and what looked like a golden watch on his writs. He was smoking one of those Marleyan white sticks, cigarettes, while he had two beautiful women on each side next to him. Both women were dressed in tight revealing dresses.

Sergei spoke first but was cut off.

"Now, Sergei." The boss said in English. "Let's switch to English so the kid can understand."

"I understand." Sergei said.

Sergei didn't come off as scared. Not even nervous. He seemed fully in control of the situation, same as the Yakuza boss.

"The kid is stupid." Sergei said, insulting Eren again. "He was probably Soldier. Good at shooting and fighting but nothing else. He's young too."

"I can see." The Yakuza boss said. "He is clearly skilled. He's probably the best fighter we've seen. But you're right, he is stupid."

Eren ignored the words, choosing not to say anything or express any displeasure.

"I'll pay amount lost." Sergei said. "Tell me money you were supposed to win, and I'll pay it. Should be easy."

Eren raised an eyebrow at Sergei. He was willing to pay for Eren's mistake? Was this some kind of way to trap Eren into a debt to him in order to ensure he is forced to work for Sergei indefinitely?

'Actually, last fighter threw fight on my orders." The Yakuza boss said.

"Really?" Sergei said.

"I changed my mind and betted on the kid. I didn't trust him to lose convincingly." He said. "I still made money, though not as much as I wanted to."

"Then what is it you want exactly?" Sergei asked.

"The kid is good. Hope you don't mind me borrowing him a few times." The Yakuza boss said.

"That's no issues." Sergei said.

"My life is my own." Eren said, getting annoyed at the conversation. "If you intend to force me into a debt to you, I promise you'll regret it."

The Yakuza boss stood up, pushing the two women aside gently so he had room to stand. He walked over to Eren and stared him right in the eyes. Eren stared back, ready and willing to kill the man if he needed to.

The Yakuza boss inhaled a puff from his cigarette and blew it in Eren's face, causing him to cough violently. The coughing aggravated his ribs, but he endured it and stared right back.

Suddenly, the boss started laughing.

"This kid is interesting." The boss said. "That look in his eyes Sergei. There's a spark there, but a dark one. It's so interesting to see. Clearly, he's a Soldier. But as innocent in the criminal world as a fresh new baby."

"He's still young." Sergei said.

"And I have no doubt that if I push, most of my guards will be dead tonight." The Yakuza boss said. "You're free to go." The boss said.

"Understood." Sergei said.

"I'll be looking for him to do some jobs. At his permission of course.' He laughed, as if that was a joke to him. "You have a promising future kid, don't die." The Yakuza boss said as Eren and Sergei left.

When they got back in the car, Sergei pulled out his own stick and lit it before driving away from the warehouse.

"You are stupid kid." He said, as if he was dissapointed.

"Didn't I pass your little test?" Eren asked. "You want to know how I fight."

"I saw fight during gun run, I knew that already." He said. "I wanted to see how you take to criminal life. If you can play game and keep head down. If Yakuza boss didn't find you interesting, he would have chopped you to pieces slowly before you die."

"He can try." Eren said.

Sergei stepped on the breaks, causing Eren to go forward into his seatbelt and aggravating his ribs.

"Damn it Sergei!" Eren yelled, holding his rib.

"You think you're big shot?" Sergei asked. "Think you can take on world and not face consequences? Think that you can fight Yakuza by yourself?"

"If I win, I live." Eren repeated on habit.

Sergei smacked Eren in the head, causing the headache to get worse. Eren almost retaliated but didn't.

"You think life is as easy as winning or losing?" Sergei said. "You think being reckless will get you what you want? What is point of living if you do nothing but pick dumb fights?"

"I won't be in a debt to someone else and a slave to them." Eren said.

"You're rash. Like Soldier charging hill." Sergei noted. "Life is easy when you're in war. Enemies in front and allies behind. You either take hill, or you die. It's easiest thing in world."

"I'm aware." Eren said.

Sergei didn't know Erens past. He didn't know the "Hills" he charged. Eren fought hard everyday of his life. From bullies to entire nations. He knew better than anyone how the world worked and would be damned if some old man was going to lecture him.

"Are you?" Sergei asked. "You see kid, I lost lots of friends because when they got home, they didn't stop charging the hill."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Eren asked.

"The battle is done kid." Sergei said. "Whatever war you were in is done. You're in new country and new place."

Eren stayed quiet at that. He didn't have the energy to get into a philosophical debate with a damn criminal. He heard Sergei sigh as he pulled up to the apartment complex Eren lived at.

Sergei stopped on the side of the street right before entering the parking lot and let Eren get out. As he was, Sergei said one more thing.

"There's that single mother." Sergei said. "Maybe woman can help you-" Eren cut him off by shutting the door.

Eren noticed Sergei chuckle a bit in the car, annoying him again. The window rolled down so Sergei could say one more thing.

"If you keep in this mindset, you'll die young kid. Find person to temper that mind of yours." He said before driving away.

Eren didn't care about him and just continued towards his apartment. His head was in pain and his ribs were hurting more now that the fight was long over.

He passed by that weird woman from yesterday, who was currently starring at him not. Eren raised his eyebrow as she did so, causing her to look away and blush. Eren had no interest in anyone right now. He just wanted to be left alone.

After getting inside he took off his weapon, hoodie, and boots before falling onto the couch in order to sleep.

Finished another chapter. Like I said, I'll be changing the timeline a bit because I was a bit confused lol. Nothing will change at all.

Please review. It honestly is great to hear what I can sustain in my skills and where I can improve on. Thanks.