Chapter Four: The Siren's Proposition
The sea breeze whispered across the beach, carrying with it a heavy silence as Luna
stepped forward, her gaze locked onto Eren's. The world around them seemed to slow,
as if the vastness of the ocean itself had narrowed to this one moment between them.
The other scouts stood frozen, tension palpable in the air as Luna's presence loomed
larger now. She had revealed herself fully—her intentions, though still unclear, were
about to be laid bare.
Luna's bright blue eyes softened slightly as she regarded Eren, her voice low, carrying
the weight of something ancient and powerful. "You seek power, Eren Jaeger. Freedom.
I can give you both."
Eren's gaze didn't waver. He was calm, almost unreadable, but the intensity of the
moment was not lost on him—or anyone else. His fingers twitched at his side, but he
remained silent, waiting for her to continue.
"I offer you a bond," Luna said, her voice smooth as the waves lapping at the shore. "A
bond that transcends anything you have known. It is not just a connection of the body,
but of the mind, the soul. Once you accept, we become bound to one another for life.
Your strength becomes mine, and mine becomes yours."
The weight of her words hung in the air, thick and heavy. Mikasa, still standing a few
feet behind Eren, felt her chest tighten with every syllable. This wasn't just a fleeting
attraction. This was something much deeper, something that went beyond anything she
could comprehend—and something she couldn't stop.
"What does this bond mean, exactly?" Eren finally asked, his voice low, his eyes
narrowing slightly in contemplation.
Luna's gaze remained unwavering, her expression serene. "Once we are bonded, you
will gain the strength of the sea. Your body will be stronger, faster, more resilient. Your
mind will sharpen. You will think faster, act with more precision. You will be able to feel
my presence, even when we are apart. Our bond will make you a better warrior, a more
capable leader. But it is more than just power. You will also gain my power, my loyalty. I
will defend you with everything I have."
She took another step closer to him, her feet sinking slightly into the damp sand, her
presence almost overwhelming in its intensity. "In return, I ask for your protection when I
am vulnerable. Sirens, as you know, lose our powers on land. It is when we are most at
risk. With you as my mate, I can be assured that I will be safe."
Eren listened, his expression thoughtful but controlled, the gears of his mind turning
over her offer. He didn't respond immediately, instead considering her words carefully.
The sea stretched out behind Luna, vast and endless, reflecting the enormity of the
decision in front of him.
Luna continued, her voice softening slightly, as if she were sharing something deeply
personal. "I am not alone. I lead a pod of sirens, my sisters. We have been in the waters
around Paradis for three months now, observing. Watching." Her gaze flickered briefly to
the other scouts, as if to include them in her revelation. "We have been watching all of
you."
The impact of her words was immediate. Jean, Connie, Floch, Armin, and the others
stiffened. Even Levi's usually impassive expression flickered with surprise. They had
suspected something like this ever since Onyakapon had told them about the sirens and
their intentions, but hearing it confirmed, knowing they had been watched for months
without ever realizing it—it was sobering.
"Eight of us," Luna said, her voice carrying the weight of her pod. "Including myself.
Each of my sisters has chosen a potential mate from among you."
A tense silence followed her words, the full gravity of what she was saying sinking in.
Eight sirens, each one observing, each one choosing. The scouts, who had spent years
fighting Titans, warring against enemies seen and unseen, now found themselves the
object of something completely unfamiliar—something that couldn't be fought with
blades or strategy.
Connie swallowed hard, her eyes wide with realization. "So… you've all been watching
us? Waiting to… choose?"
Luna nodded once, her eyes flicking to Connie with a calm certainty. "Yes. Each of my
sisters has found someone who resonates with them, someone whose strength they
admire. We have not interfered before now because we needed to be certain."
Jean rubbed the back of his neck, his brow furrowed in disbelief. "And… what happens
if we don't want this? If we don't want to be your… mates?"
Luna's gaze returned to Jean, her expression neutral. "We do not force bonds. If you
choose not to accept, we will leave you be. But once the bond is formed, it is for life. We
choose carefully, knowing the gravity of this commitment."
Mikasa felt a pit forming in her stomach as she listened. The idea of Eren being bound
to Luna—of him belonging to someone else, someone who had only just appeared in
their lives—was unbearable. And yet, there was nothing she could do to stop it. The
weight of her helplessness pressed down on her, suffocating.
Armin, ever the diplomat, took a step forward, his voice cautious but curious. "And…
you mentioned an alliance. What do you mean by that?"
Luna's expression softened, and she inclined her head slightly, as if acknowledging the
importance of his question. "Our bond with our mates is not just for personal gain. It is a
symbiotic relationship that benefits both parties—and by extension, those around them.
When we bond, we share not only strength but knowledge. My sisters and I have seen
much in our time, and we know the dangers that lie beyond the shores of Paradis. An
alliance between our pod and your people would strengthen both sides. We could offer
you protection, insight, and resources that you would otherwise never have access to."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the group before settling back on Eren. "But this
alliance depends on the acceptance of our bond. Without it, we remain vulnerable."
Levi's eyes narrowed slightly as he considered her words. "So, you're saying if we
agree to this bond, we get something in return? Strength, power, and what—access to
your knowledge of the world beyond?"
Luna met his gaze without flinching. "Yes. It is more than just a personal connection. It is
an alliance that could change the course of your future."
The scouts stood in stunned silence, the weight of her offer pressing down on them.
This was more than just a bond between individuals—this was an opportunity for
something much larger, something that could shape the fate of Paradis. But it came at a
price. A personal price that none of them had fully grasped until now.
Mikasa's heart raced as she glanced at Eren, who had remained silent, his eyes fixed
on Luna. She could see the wheels turning in his mind, the calculation, the
consideration. He wasn't dismissing her offer. He was thinking about it. Weighing it. And
that terrified Mikasa more than anything else.
Eren finally spoke, his voice low but steady. "What happens if I say yes?"
Luna's lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile, though it was not a smile of
triumph—it was one of understanding. "Then we begin the bond. It is a process, not an
immediate change. Over time, we will grow closer, our connection deepening. You will
feel it, as I will. And once it is complete, we will be bound to each other, for life."
The scouts exchanged uneasy glances, the reality of what was happening settling in.
This wasn't just about Eren. This was about all of them. Every single one of them had a
choice to make.
The weight of what Luna had just told them hung heavily in the air—the offer of a bond,
of an alliance, and of something none of them had ever imagined.
But now, as the moment stretched on, Luna took a step back. "I will give you tonight to
make up your minds," she said, her voice smooth and sure. "When the sun rises
tomorrow, I will return. By then, you must have your answer."
She looked back at Eren, her gaze lingering on him a little longer than the others, as if
trying to gauge what was going on inside his head. But as always, Eren remained stoic,
his face unreadable, his thoughts locked away behind that cold, unyielding expression.
Without another word, Luna turned and began to walk toward the sea, her movements
fluid and graceful. The scouts watched her, their eyes wide with a mix of confusion,
awe, and anxiety. The sound of the waves grew louder as she approached the water's
edge, and with each step, the sea seemed to welcome her back. The water lapped
gently around her feet, then her calves, until she was waist-deep in the ocean.
She paused for a moment, looking back over her shoulder, her eyes catching Eren's
one last time. Then, without hesitation, she waded further into the water, her body
shimmering under the early morning light as she began her transformation.
Her legs seemed to meld seamlessly back into a shimmering, iridescent tail, scales
catching the sunlight in shades of blue and silver. Her skin took on an almost ethereal
glow as she transitioned back into her siren form, her once-coiled hair flowing freely
around her like sea foam. The ocean embraced her completely now, and with a final
glance at the shore, Luna gave a flick of her tail and disappeared beneath the waves.
The water rippled where she had been, the only sign of her presence a fading shimmer
on the surface. For a moment, no one spoke. The beach was silent except for the sound
of the waves and the distant cry of seagulls.
Mikasa stood frozen, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't tear her eyes away
from the spot where Luna had disappeared. It was as if everything she feared,
everything she couldn't control, had just slipped beneath the surface of the ocean,
leaving her helpless in its wake.
Jean was the first to break the silence. "What… just happened?" His voice was thick
with disbelief, and his brow furrowed as he stared out at the sea. "Did we seriously just
get… propositioned by a pod of sirens?"
Connie scratched the back of his head, his expression bewildered. "Yeah, I'm not sure
how I feel about being 'chosen.' I mean, I didn't even get a say in it."
Sasha, still wide-eyed, chimed in. "She said they've been watching us for months…
How did we not notice them?"
Levi, who had been watching the entire exchange in silence, finally spoke, his tone
clipped but calm. "We weren't looking for them. That's why." His eyes shifted to Eren,
who was still staring at the horizon, where Luna had vanished. "And now they've forced
us into a decision."
Hange's eyes glinted with excitement, though there was a cautious edge to her tone.
"This is incredible. A completely new species, one that's been observing us this whole
time! But the implications are… huge. They're offering us an alliance, and we can't just
ignore that."
Armin, thoughtful as ever, crossed his arms over his chest. "It's not just the alliance. It's
what the bond means. It's permanent. If any of us agree to it, we're tied to them for life."
"That's a pretty steep commitment," Jean said, shaking his head. "Especially since we
know next to nothing about them."
Mikasa stood stiffly, her eyes fixed on Eren. He hadn't moved, hadn't spoken since Luna
had left. He was still staring out at the sea, lost in thought, and Mikasa could feel her
frustration bubbling up again.
She stepped closer to him, her voice low but trembling with urgency. "Eren… what are
you thinking? You can't seriously be considering this, can you?"
Eren's eyes shifted slightly, but he didn't look at her. "It's not just about me, Mikasa. It's
about all of us."
Mikasa's heart twisted at his words. He was avoiding the question, avoiding her, just like
he had been since he told her he hated her. The distance between them felt
insurmountable, and now, with Luna's offer hanging over them, it felt like Eren was
slipping even further away.
Armin's voice broke the tension. "We need to think about this carefully. An alliance with
the sirens could change everything. But we also need to be cautious. We don't know
their full intentions."
Levi nodded. "We don't rush into this. We gather what we can tonight, make a decision
in the morning." He glanced at Eren again, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "But we
make it together. This isn't just about who they've chosen. It's about what's best for
everyone."
Jean let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Great. So we're
supposed to decide whether or not we want to 'bond' with creatures from the sea in one
night. No pressure."
Connie chuckled nervously. "Yeah, no big deal. Just our entire future, no sweat."
Sasha, despite the gravity of the situation, smiled faintly. "At least they're not Titans."
Armin, more serious now, looked around at the group. "We should all take some time to
think about it. This isn't just about us as individuals. We need to consider what this
means for Paradis, for our future."
The scouts nodded, the weight of the decision pressing down on them all. They had
faced countless battles, fought for survival against impossible odds, but this… this was
something different. This wasn't a fight they could win with swords or strategy. This was
something far more personal, far more profound.
Mikasa glanced at Eren again, her heart heavy with uncertainty. She couldn't stand the
thought of him being bound to someone else, to Luna. But at the same time, she knew
this was bigger than just her feelings. She just didn't know how to fight this.
As the sun began to sink lower on the horizon, casting long shadows across the beach,
the scouts slowly dispersed, each of them lost in their own thoughts, their own doubts.
Eren remained standing at the water's edge, his eyes fixed on the sea, his mind a storm
of conflicting thoughts. He could still feel the pull of Luna's gaze, the weight of her offer,
and the enormity of what she had promised. The choice in front of him was unlike
anything he had ever faced before.
And as the waves continued to lap at the shore, he knew that tomorrow, everything
could change.
…
The sun hung low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the beach. The tension
was suffocating as the scouts gathered around a small campfire, the heat of the flames
doing little to dispel the cold uncertainty that weighed heavy in the air. The moment of
decision had come. Luna's offer lingered over them like a storm cloud, and now, the
potential mates for the siren pod—Eren, Levi, Armin, Floch, Connie, Jean, Bertholdt,
and Reiner—would have to cast their votes.
Mikasa stood to the side, arms crossed, her frustration boiling over. She couldn't believe
she wasn't allowed to vote. Every muscle in her body screamed to step in, to tell them
all to vote a resounding no, to reject Luna and her pod, to make sure Eren didn't even
think about accepting this bond. But she had no voice here. Only the ones being
considered as mates could vote.
And Eren… Eren would be the deciding factor.
Hange stood nearby, her notebook in hand, though even she looked less enthusiastic
than usual. This wasn't some experiment for her to lose herself in—this was real. This
was about lives being changed forever, bonds being formed that could never be broken.
Jean shifted uncomfortably, his arms resting on his knees as he sat by the fire. "So,
we're really doing this, huh? Just gonna decide whether or not we let these sirens bond
with us for life."
"Seems that way," Connie replied, a weak smile playing at the corners of his mouth,
though it didn't reach his eyes. "You know, it almost feels like we're picking teams for
some game, except this is, uh… a bit more permanent."
Reiner leaned against a nearby tree, his brow furrowed as he stared into the flames.
"It's not just about us," he said quietly. "It's about everything. If we say yes, this changes
the future of Paradis. If we say no… we might be turning down an alliance that could
protect us from enemies we don't even know exist yet."
Bertholdt nodded in agreement, though he looked more conflicted than ever. "But the
bond… it's not something we can take lightly. It's for life. And we don't know everything
about them, about what it really means."
Floch, sitting further away from the others, crossed his arms, his usual cocky attitude
subdued. "Yeah, well, they're not forcing us. We can walk away. But if we say no, we're
walking away from power. Real power. That's not something we can just ignore."
Levi stood a little apart from the group, his eyes sharp, his thoughts hidden behind his
usual stoic expression. He hadn't said much since Luna had left, but his presence alone
kept the others grounded. Everyone knew Levi's vote would carry a lot of weight. If he
voted yes, others might follow. If he voted no, it could sway the entire group.
Armin glanced around, sensing the tension between them. "This isn't an easy decision
for any of us," he said softly. "We're talking about the future. Not just ours, but Paradis's
as well. If we say yes, we're accepting responsibility for more than just ourselves."
Mikasa gritted her teeth, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. She couldn't take it
anymore. "You're seriously considering this?!" she burst out, her voice filled with
frustration and anger. "How can you just sit here and talk about this like it's some…
some opportunity? These are sirens! They're not human, and they've been watching
us, stalking us! You're just going to let them bond with you because they offer you
power?"
"Mikasa," Armin said gently, trying to calm her down, "I know this is difficult, but it's not
that simple. This is about survival. The world outside Paradis isn't going to leave us
alone. We need every advantage we can get."
"I don't care!" Mikasa snapped, her eyes blazing. "You think I want to see Eren bond
with that—" She caught herself before finishing the sentence, but the bitterness in her
tone was unmistakable. "I should be able to vote. We all should. This affects everyone,
not just the ones being picked."
Levi glanced at Mikasa with his usual calm, detached expression, but there was a flicker
of understanding in his eyes. "We all have our roles to play," he said quietly. "This one's
ours."
Mikasa felt like screaming. She wanted to rip apart the entire situation, tell them all to
walk away, to leave the sirens behind. But instead, she bit her lip and stayed silent,
watching helplessly as the ones being considered as mates sat in a circle, preparing to
cast their votes.
Eren, who had been quiet throughout the entire exchange, finally stepped forward. His
green eyes glinted in the firelight, but his face remained unreadable. He looked at the
others, his gaze sweeping over each of them before landing on Mikasa. For a moment,
something flickered in his expression—something she couldn't quite place. Then, just as
quickly, it was gone.
"We vote now," Eren said simply, his voice steady, calm. "We make the decision
tonight."
The fire crackled, the only sound cutting through the suffocating tension as the others
looked to one another. Jean leaned forward, his hand running through his hair.
"Alright… so let's get this over with."
Levi spoke next, his voice firm and decisive. "We'll go around. Everyone says their
piece. We'll tally it up and that'll be it. No going back."
Armin nodded, glancing at the others. "I'll start," he said, his voice thoughtful as he
considered his words. "I've thought a lot about this… and I think the alliance is
important. But the bond itself… that's not something I can commit to, not without
knowing more. My vote is no."
Jean sighed heavily, rubbing his face with his hands before speaking. "Yeah, I'm with
Armin on this. The alliance could be useful, but I don't know about the rest. So… no."
Connie, fidgeting nervously, glanced between Jean and Armin, then to Sasha, who
watched silently from the edge of the firelight. "I… I'm not sure either," he admitted.
"But… maybe it could work. I don't know. My vote is yes."
Bertholdt shifted uncomfortably. "I don't like the idea of being bound to something I don't
fully understand… so my vote is no."
Reiner, his voice low and gruff, simply said, "Yes."
Floch's gaze was steady, and his voice was cold. "Power is power. My vote is yes."
Jean glanced at Levi, who stood next to the fire, arms crossed. The eyes of everyone in
the group were on him, waiting. Levi's vote was the most unpredictable, and his opinion
always carried weight. He closed his eyes for a brief moment before speaking. "We're
not in a position to turn down strength. Yes."
Now, only Eren remained.
Mikasa's breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding as she waited for him to speak.
She could feel the weight of his decision pressing down on her like a boulder.
Everything hinged on him. His vote would tip the scales, for better or worse.
Eren stared into the flames, his eyes distant, lost in thought. For a moment, the silence
stretched on, heavy and suffocating. Then, he looked up, meeting Mikasa's gaze one
final time.
"My vote… is yes."
Mikasa's heart shattered.
The fire crackled in the silence, and the decision was made and there was no going
back.