~TS: Hurricane ~ Fleurie

*

YEAR 824 - MARLEY - (Katsumi's Pov:)

Power........

...Idealism......Order........

....and delusional grasp of reality.....

The Marleyans have always brought hell upon us, no matter what race, religion or country to belong too. It all began since the reign of King Fritz, the first king of the Eldians. Many lives were taken, the constant wars and conflict waged on no matter how you look at it.

Even wished war would come to a compromise, war will only continue grow and rot further down the generations. To divide and conquer, they say.

Being the Chief's only eldest daughter, and heir to the Yamasaki's clan, things were soon weighed upon my shoulders early at a young age. Expectations, abuse, the domestic affliction and political matters were only met with my father's eyes. Marriage was the only way to bring our family to prosper, but for their own selfish gain.

Yet, I stood amongst the subject's of Ymir and the branches that connected to my clan.

No one knew how much I had to endure all these, just for myself to be tossed the moment I've become useless. I'm only a knot, that tied both ropes to hold more weight to each alliance that was made. Selfishly in my point of perspective, no one cared or even dared to ask for my opinion.

This was how our family was, having the power of the motherland.

From the connection to Hizuru's shogun many years ago, and the few branches that strayed in separate families, to the power of the titans. We have always remained loyal to our customs, honour and loyalty to our emperor. That was all taken from us, the moment Marley invaded and took from us.

Now baring a child that was balanced between different races, our child held th life of whatever path she may choose.....

*

Siren's blared throughout the internment zone, piercing the air with an alarming loud volume that made my ears ring continuously. Spotlights were drifting around across the water's edge from afar from where I stood, the salty air blows gently against my warm face.

Running through the dark alleyways stealthily, my lungs grew dry from the early morning air.

With my daughter tucked away in my chest, I cover her with the blanket from the icy wind. She was thankfully quiet as I tried moving forward, as my husband was already ahead checking the perimetre. He wasn't too happy how we managed to alert the guards, but all in all we had to keep moving.

Or my own daughter's life, and myself would be killed for attempting a heinous crime under Marley's security.

My eyes dart around hastily, keeping myself on guard trying to maintain my steady balance. Turning the corner sharply my hand subtly tightens around my daughter, before continuing towards the docks ahead. My breath grew dry and hoarse, feeling the cold air freezing through my nose.

Suddenly a light shone just before where I almost went to step out, before acutely ducking behind the rough dark tone brick wall behind.

Beads of sweat aligns at my temple while eyeing the light, that slowly drifted away, which gave me the advantage to continue forth. My heart pounded against my chest, pins and needles ran through my body fearfully, hoping no one can hear my loud heart that beated rapidly. However distant cries and yells begin to echoes from the distance, which left my pulse to spike up. Fighting the urge to hold back, I burst forth running past the risky open area.

Feeling the urge to cough I could smell the gunpowder spreading in the air, grimacing at the putrid stench.

The early morning fog drifts upon the waves, like clouds below, before I catch a dark figure upon a boat not far. Recognising my husband, it did become far more difficult to see and hearing the Marleyan soldiers drawing nearer and nearer. Swiftly I finally reach closer skidding across the gravel stones, holding my daughter closer with one arm.

Climbing aboard the small sheltered boat, a blinding light locks upon both of us, finding my vision whitening for a second.

Shielding my eyes, the sound of rifles echoes and hit a few beams and timber. They began locking and loading, realising how close they were. A line of Marleyan's all hastily aimed their rifles at us both, feeling my anger and frustration surfacing.

Dammit, I'm letting our efforts become in vain!!!!

Laying my child down tucked away from harm, feeling my blood boiling to an inner rage I held in. The waves crashed against the boat, feeling myself stumble knocking me off my balance, keeping myself steady. Suddenly a deafening shot sounded, feeling my ears ringing continuously. Without warning sharp pain grazes past my cheek, feeling my head jolted to the shot from the impact. My breath hitched in my throat, feeling the ringing like knives, stabbing into my eardrums.

Snapping my head in their direction, grinding my teeth together I swiftly grab the rifle that laid nearby my leg. Loading it within seconds, my hands slightly shook with my adrenaline pumping through my veins.

Locking onto the men before us, shifting my feet subtly while closing one eye to gain stability. Aiming the muzzle and index finger resting upon the trigger steadily, I could feel the wind pound against my ears while the boat sways beneath me. Not wasting a second I take a shot, seeing a body drop within seconds.

Adjusting my barrel again and took another shot, I exploded a soldier's brain matter everywhere in a blood mess.

With my husband trying to slowly drift the boat out to sea, the shots began to grow quieter and indistinct. Keeping my attention on the soldiers for a few moments, I lower my weapon steadily and slowly, while drawing a breath a of relief. Everything falls quiet, only hearing the waves crashing against the sides of the small boat.

Placing the rifle on safety, I nestle it somewhere carefully while realising we just got safe.

Glancing up to take one last look of the only land they know, her eyes narrow for a moment, "Do you know where Paradis Island is?"

My husband pinches the bridge of his nose, seething through his teeth.

"Yes.....I just found the coordinates earlier," He snapped back, anger boiling in his voice. "Shit, that was too slow!!!"

Furrowing my eyebrows, I shuffle towards my daughter who slept soundly.

"What is your problem?" I whispered harshly, while not wanting wake my child from her sleep. "Either way, the restorationists were gonna be killed....you included....so...so stop being so....." I grew more frustrated, that it was even difficult to describe my husband's rude behaviour. He suddenly slams his fists against the beam above the two, that supported the two with force.

Flinching slightly, my jaw clenched firmly even though I tried to remain calm.

"I'm not being damn selfish, if that is what you're thinking!!!" He snapped, fiercely. Swallowing thickly I stood my ground, "You're the one being selfish, dragging ourselves to an island that probably won't accept us! Heck, we're already an enemy to all!!!!!!"

Shaking my head, I balled my hands into fists till my knuckles turned whiten.

Lowering my tone, "Please be.......be quiet, yell at me when our daughter isn't with us," I muttered, already fed up with our continuous arguing and grudges between each other. "I'm tired, okay."

Bending down I lift little girl in my arms carefully, tucking her into the curve of my arm. Cooing softly I watch her sleep peacefully, feeling relieved we succeeded to escape the enemies clutches. Gently rocking my baby, little sushes quietly leave my lips.

"What did you say?! I can yell whenever I want, and she's a child!" he raised his voice, continuing on that left a small headache to irritate me. My eyes dangerously glare into his own, while cover my child's ears, feeling exhaustion and overwhelming feelings come at once.

"Our marriage was arranged, you should know that," I spoke darkly, trying to remind him again while his eyes widen. My tone grew colder, "If you want your life to be spared, I suggest lowering your damn tone.....I can't risk our child....in becoming a monster......so don't you dare yell--!!!!!"

Without warning my head jolted to the side, feeling pins and needles tingling against my cheek. My eyes met his unfazed, but the inflicting pain lingers as the warmth surfaces.

For a moment a look of regret flickers behind his hazel eyes, averting his gaze from my own seeing slight guilt. Shaking my head I head to the edge of the boat, keeping my distance from my husband for now. To allow him to cool off, and let time to ease us for now.

Fresh tears began to glaze over my eyes, threatening to fall down.

My chest grew more painfully tight, finding it difficult to breath with conflicted emotions flooding in. I didn't know what else to do, nor what I should've done better than run away to make it better. Holding my daughter closely to my chest, I squeeze my eyes tightly as a single tear rolls down silently.

"I'm sorry, everyone," I whispered, only wanting more but for the pain and guilt to stop.

*

A DAY LATER - PARADIS ISLAND

My eyes widen with surprise with how vast the land presented itself, as the sand dunes continued on for miles. How long does it go? Though it felt nice to be free, I knew titans roamed the lands by the conversations in Marley. We're safe for now, and seeing a chance brought the commitment to keep moving forward.

A small gentle coo reaches my ears, glancing down to the little bundle of joy with azure eyes. Her tiny arms reaching up, a smile with cute chubby dimples left me smiling back.

"Dammit, I don't know how far we have to walk!" Erich sighed heavily, while throwing a sack of some belongings over his shoulder. "Seriously, we're walking into a lion's den........titans are out there and we can't outrun them."

"Help me place Akira on my back," I asked softly, as he trudged over and helped me tie my girl in a sling wrap so I can help carry the rifle and a few things. Once he firmly ties it securely, I draw out the map mother had given me. "Thank you......now, there are three main large walls surrounding the King.....each district from the centre and out is rank by status which is no surprise..."

Wind blew over crinkling the map, feeling grains of sand flying into my eyes.

"Shit......."

Erich kicked the sand defeatedly, "But what if they know that we're refugees?" he questioned, his eyebrows narrow with curiosity. "What's our story, huh....? How will they believe us?"

Clearly he did have a good point, but it was best to be behind these walls than have my child take on the weight of our clan. The pain.

Trying to consider a few options I felt the wind pick my raven locks up, blowing gently with ease. My eyes follow in the direction, recognising we would be going North from here. From the descriptions of these docks on the oceans edge, and the giant wall just above us, this was the starting point.

"I'll think of something, but whatever they say....you agree with what I tell them," I say sternly, using the time from now to the walls to come up with some lie. "Just trust me for now, alright?"

Clicking his teeth he began trudging through the sand, ankles rolling from the loose ground.

"Alright, now let's get going!"

Seeing him like this was definitely a turn off for me, but mostly towards our own daughter. Being more loud mouth and sometimes short tempered, he still had the same goals as I. Finally following after him, I race to his side while keeping alert for the titans that might await us.

*

The vast land was so dry and with every step, we took in consideration and caution of the giant beasts. So far and so good, none were sighted after a few hours of walking. My husband complained most of the way, while little Akira would giggle and laugh while being carried on my back.

With my clans blood running through my veins, I never felt as tired.

Despite how dreading it felt, awaiting danger, I wasn't afraid. Our power wasn't anything to do with serum, or anything, but it was inhuman. Questionable it may seem, each clan was always unique to some degree, in order for us to be captured to extinction or personal gain.

I couldn't comprehend it, nor explain it myself.....for I.....never knew.

Finally after a few days in travelling more inland, the grass began to grow richer as it flourishes. A few abandoned villages here and there, knowing full well they moved inside the walls since the titans began to show. Some left in debris, and ruin.

My eyebrows pinched together with horror, "Why would......?" I trailed off, wondering my assumption was right.

"Probably they use to live out here once.......til the damn Marleyan's decided to toss us Eldians, like trash into titans," He assumed, while my hatred towards the Marleyan's grew.

"Those son of a--"

He grunted with annoyance, rolling his eyes while urging to keep moving.

"Just stop dawdling, or we will end up dead before we can make it to the wall," He growled quietly, causing Akira to cry out. His eyes enraged pointed his finger towards her, but I gently jump around playfully to calm her down.

Quietly I Ignore Erich and resumed playfully jumping, and cooing not wanting to go through the trouble in untying her now. We're deep in titan territory, and we have to keep moving. Finally after a few minutes, she fell asleep which allowed us to resume our travel.

Things began to grow hard over the few days of walking, but soon we finally reached the walls. They were indeed very high and strong, that definitely would keep the titans out. This must be Shiganshina, if I'm not mistaken. Judging by the directions from the coastline, we headed North.

"There is a way in, but no one is around either," MY husband bitterly observed, as my patience was wearing thin.

"Just shut the hell up, and let me think!" I snapped, causing him to be stunned by my short outburst. "I'm tired, dirty, hungry and Akira has needs as well! So just give me a mome--"

"Hey! You two!!" A man called out to us, startling both of us feeling my blood run cold. The sound of heavy hooves trotted on over from behind, seeing two men mounted upon a black and chocolate brown mares. Tugging on the reigns, they towers over us both with his eyes filled with judgement. One of them look rather young, probably around sixteen...seventeen, while the other seemed older in his forties.

"You know it's against the law to step foot out the gates, actually how did yo--"

A lie, I must come with a story and quick!

I bowed politely, "We'll accept any punishment, but we have a daughter and she's malnourished,"

The man tilts his head up suspiciously, "You have no child with you, so--"

Turning around I reveal my baby resting against my back, causing him to clear his throat from himself jumping to conclusions. He soon comes to consideration, "Is this your first warning?" He questioned further. Noticing the young teen was rather quiet, he seemed to be quite a looker for his age with such a stoic look.

I nod, "Yes, we didn't mean too at all......but punishment us if that will suffice?!!!"

The soldier began to blush furiously for some weird reason, before clearing his throat.

"Ma'am take it easy," He assured us, before nudging his head. "Come with me, we might have to take you both under my custody, and question you both."

Relief washes over me, hoping we at least make it through this.

"Thank you....uh....?" lifting my head, my eyes met with the rose badged soldier.

The man lowered his head down, "The name is Heinrich Meyer, this here is Miche Zacharius,"

*

SHIGANSHINA DISTRICT

After convincing the Garrisons, as we found out, we finally gained a home within Shiganshina District. Simply I told them we had debt, that needed to be cleaned up. Hating the fact I have to live with many lies, it was the only way to gain access inside. With a little help from my husband, and my daughter, it showed the sincerity that we do mean no harm.

Walking outside the cells, I noticed the sixteen year old boy leaning against the brick wall.

"Miche.......right?" I spoke up, causing the young teen to snap his eyes open. Glancing in my direction, he walks over with a nod quietly. "Are you part of the Garrison, or...?"

"......"

He doesn't speak a single word, eyes unreadable.

Suddenly someone flicks the moody teens temple, "Come on Zacharius, be nice to the woman and tell what regiment you belong too," his mentor scolded, while sending me an apologetic tone. "Excuse me for his behaviour, he's very quiet and reserved--"

I wave my hand with assurance, "It's fine, I'm just grateful you two found us," breathing with relief. "Seriously, without you....I don't think we would've survived."

A soft gentle coo draws our attention seeing little Akira finally awake, seeing her beautiful Azure eyes opening tiredly. Thick eyelashes she glances over to the strangers, before landing upon Miche who seemed to be taken back. Softly smiling I tuck her in the curve of my arm, nudging her closer to him.

"This is my one year old daughter, Akira," introducing her to him, Miche was gazing her with a look of curiosity and unfamiliar. "You can hold her, she's very open-minded and calm."

Miche glances over to his mentor for permission, before turning back to my daughter.

His hands hesitantly lift up to the strange little infant, but quickly draws his hands for a moment while considering what to do. Cute as it looked, I didn't want to push him. I wanted to gain some alliance with people, and trust so no investigations will be pursued in the future. So this was the only first step, to our life.

Finally his large hands tuck beneath her underarms, carefully drawing her to his face. Big azure eyes gaze into his brown eyes, with her tiny arms reaching to him. She begins to giggle, playing with the tufts of chestnut brown hair. He was unfazed at this, but his lips slowly part with a flicker of adoration.

"Akira......." his voice was mellow, but slightly deep. A small smile tugs at the corner of his lips, before he holds her in his arms.

I couldn't help but melt on the spot, feeling more relief washing over me.

"She likes you," I chuckled softly, earning Miche's attention. "....and I hope when she grows up that she can look up to, besides me someday."

"Survey Corps......" He replied, before gesturing to his embroidered symbol upon his tanned jacket. ".....also known as the Wings of freedom, and our job is to fight against the titans. I assume you know that by now....."

My eyes slowly widen with surprise, learning something I never thought was possible.

"Amazing......"

Fighting against the titans? These people? How? What do they use?

*

EARLY JANUARY - YEAR 827 - SHIGANSHINA DISTRICT

Tears stained my cheeks while the pain slowly subsided, staring at the bloodstained sheets beneath me. It all happened so fast, and yet I failed to bring a life to the world. My body numb, to the point I felt nothing but depressed over it all.

Shit......a miscarriage? Why? Why again?

"Katsumi......I'm sorry," The midwife apologised, rushing to myself with a bowl of warm water. She sinks a cloth in the water and drains the excess, before resting it against my temple. "Gratia will clean up here, so why don't we give you a warm bath?"

Grimacing in pain I slowly sat up while ignoring the tears, that