~ Dynasty ~ MIIA

*

Finally turning the corner I find my old home, where the stone was poorly built. It was rather quiet about this area, but slowly reminiscing the past I inhale slowly. Gathering the courage I push forward, before standing before my door.

"You've got........" I whisper to myself, raising my hand I knock gently.

After a few seconds of waiting, the nerves begin to bundle together. What if she isn't happy to see me? Would she think I'm a horrible daughter for not seeing them most of the time? The rickety old door soon clicks open slowly, before my eyes meet with beautiful cyan eyes.

"Yes may I--" She began, but pauses slowly recognising me. Soon arms wrap around me, like she depended her life on it. "Oh.......my beautiful daughter, you've finally come home....."

Her voice still mellow and gentle, it could send you to sleep.

Returning the welcoming hug I soon felt tiny arms latch around my waist carefully, hearing a cute giggle leave the childs lips. Pulling away I bend down meeting eye to eye with Mei, seeing how big she's grown. Her hair has grown out past her shoulders, but didn't have mother's red tinge ends. Her eyes were a warm hazel, seeing her bright teeth grin at the sight of me.

"You finally come home," She laughs, while leaning our foreheads together. "I can't wait to tell Eren and Mikasa!!!"

Pulling away my eyes widen, "So you're friends with them?"

She nods with a big smile, "Yep, but Eren always ends up getting in trouble most of the time,"

Chuckling to myself knowing that's who he is, I stood up before meeting eye to eye with mother. She looked more drained and exhausted, before noticing the small details upon her face. Dark bags rest beneath her eyes, and her hands calloused knowing she must be working hard.

"So I've heard the survey Corps just made it back from an expedition outside the walls?" She assumes, as I nod slowly.

"Hmmm.......yet, the mission was another failure,"

She sighs deeply before placing a gentle hand upon my shoulder, "But.....I've heard rumours about the walls strongest female soldier around," She raises an eyebrow. "I've heard good things, you really have become stronger.........I'm proud of you."

My eyes slowly widen, letting those few words sink in.

She's proud of me.......those words are enough for me to carry on........

"Thank you mother, so.........how about father?"

Her smile soon falters before slowly guiding me inside, "He's still a drunkard.......more so, he is here......still lazing about on the couch," she gestures with her hand, as my eyes fall upon the son of a bitch lazing on the couch.

"It never gets old, does it," I mutter, in irritation. "Why did you have to marry such a man?"

Mother falls silent for a moment, before turning to me.

"No matter, anyway it seems you won't stay long," She assumes, gesturing to the ODM gear attached to my hips.

Glancing down I tap the steel equipment, "Yeah, I'm sorry.......I've gotten orders to maintain the garrison for a bit,"

"Aren't you exhausted, especially after your expedition?" She asks me softly, as little Mei ran upstairs for a moment. Her slightly roughed up hand drifts to cradle my face in her palms,"You don't seem to be sleeping well too, do you want some water at least? Food?"

I didn't want to bother her, but giving to her kind hospitality.

"A cup of water sounds nice,"

Nodding she turns on her heel heading to the kitchen, while I remain next to the front door not wanting to knock anything down. "Big sister, big sister!" my nine year old sister calls, making me turn to see her holding something.

"I drew this for you!"

My eyes widen seeing a picture in hand, with light scribbles and drawings. My eyes fall upon them, finally understanding who the people were. She points to one, "That is Big Brother, that is Mama.........and you with me!"

"What about papa?"

She shook her head, "No.........he....never acknowledges me," She sadly replies, as I bend down folding the drawing. Cupping her chubby cheeks, I wipe away a stray tear.

"Well, I acknowledge you with every fibre of my being," I smile warmly, as her glassy eyes sparkle in response. "We may be apart, but remember we sleep under the same stars, we walk under the same sun........so, if you ever need me......you've got a big, strong sister that can protect you."

She sniffles in response, before instantly hugging me.

"I love you," She whimpers, her tiny arms slightly shaking.

My eyes widen with her sudden hug, but soon my hands rest against her head, while the other rubs her lower back. She must be having it difficult with father too, but I can't let her live a life like I have. I don't want her to become a soldier, I just wish for her to live a normal life.

"Here is your water, my dear," I hear mother say, making me stand up folding teh drawing and placed it in a pocket for safe keeping. Taking the mug, I drink it slowly savouring the taste. Finally downing it, I gasp for air realising how thirsty I must've been.

"So......"

Turning to mother, she was unclipping something.

"Well I don't know when I will see you next time, but......I've been meaning to give you this," She pulls out a necklace. It wasn't sparkly, but it was a soft mixed colour of blue and green. "A gift from your grandmother, we didn't have the best relationship but she did pass down this."

"It's like a rose,"

She nods.

"It is a small rose, and....I know I've been meaning to give this to you,"

My eyes widen unsure whether to take it or not, but she instantly takes my hand and shoves the pendant in my palm and curls my fingers around it. She pushes it to my chest, "Take it," She insists. "I have no use of it........think of it like an heirloom or something?"

Glancing upon the small rose pendant, I slowly nod.

"Thank you, mother.........anyway I must be going," I say, turning on my heel to take my leave. Soon smaller arms latch around my waist, holding me close.

"Please don't go so soon?" her big bright eyes slightly tears up, making me softly smile.

Patting her raven locks I gave her a playful wink, "I've got a job, but I promise to see you more often,"

She was rather hesitant for a moment, making me bend down once more while placing the pendant into the same pocket that held the picture. Soon I wrap my arms around her, "Take care of mother, alright?"

She nods with a hum, before letting go.

"Alright, well I better get the garrison snapped back into order," I chuckle softly, earning a warm smile from mother's gentle face.

"You stay safe my dear,"

Nodding I head out back outside, making my way downtown to the centre to see if Hannes was still drinking on the job. Walking down the streets a sudden chill crawls up my skin, making me slightly shiver beneath the eery feeling.

"What was that about?" muttering to myself, I shook my head continuing my way down.

*************

"Seriously Captain Akira, live a little," Hannes slurs a little, but his words were more together than the others.

Shaking my head I kick the crate beneath the other men, causing themselves to fall back clumsily with how much they've consumed.

"Tch........one day, the garrisons need to pay attention more," I comment sternly, irritated by their lazy ways.

"What the hell you bitch!" one of them calls out, staggering to his feet only to collapse again on his ass.

Rolling my eyes I turn around to check on another area for the time being, already having enough with them. Yet my body was tired, aching in fact to the point I'm even yawning. Things have definitely changed since I've become a soldier, but seeing my own father not changing a bit was pissing me off even more. He's pressuring my sister, barely acknowledging her and noticing mother just now.......bruises were carefully hidden away beneath her sleeves and hair.

My mother was a strong woman, as I have admired her since I was birthed to this world.

"Big Sister Akira, big sister Akira!!!!!!"

Raising my head hearing more higher pitch tones called for me, I turn slowly around only to see a familiar trio. They all ran towards me before catching up, "Eren.....? Mikasa......Armin?"

Their bright faces brought me joy, feeling relieved they were alright.

"What happened today?" Eren questions, starting to blurt out multiple question. All pointing to our failed mission earlier this afternoon, making me feel as if I let everyone down myself. "How many titans did you take down? Did you even see the outside world? What's it like? how many did we lose? How did--"

Mikasa slams her hand over his mouth, while my eyes were wide with sudden fear and regret. Gathering from my expression the young girl read my deeper feelings, trying to keep him quiet before he could say anything further to weigh my shoulders down.

"Eren let her be, they must've worked hard.....give her a moment to rest," She hisses discreetly to the young boy, as his eyes slowly widen realising he stepped further than he anticipated.

I felt a small tug on my sleeve, making me slowly meet with beautiful sky blue eyes.

"Did you see Aunty Katsumi yet?" he questions.

Humming softly I pat his blonde hair, "Yeah I did, even saw Mei too,"

He smiles so purely, "I'm glad, Mei usually hangs with us as well," He replies, making me feel glad she has made friends at least. Away from my pathetic drunk of a father.

Patting their heads all together, "I must keep looking around, but you three.....please stay safe?"

Nodding they all bid their quick goodbyes before running off somewhere, leaving me to watch them rush off to do what kids do. I rarely saw those three, but I'm glad I caught Eren while entering Shiganshina. Yet when he saw our disappointed expressions, it sent off a bad message towards the children. They shouldn't be tangled with stuff like this, until their order or......neither.

"Oi Akira!"

Acknowledging that voice I sigh deeply meeting eye to eye with Hannes, seeing him look a little sober than I last saw him. He could walk straight enough to be on duty, which was promising. A little.

"Let me help you out, we barely get time to hang!" he suggests, making me deadpanned.

"Uh?" raising an eyebrow, on why he suddenly offering this he let's out a hearty laugh.

"You don't look too happy about it, well no matter......anyway so how is inside the survey corps?" He asks, dodging my unwelcoming expression.

Running my fingers through my hair I sigh, "Alright, I guess.........we keep training hard but we keep losing so many," I reply, a bit more quieter not wanting alarm people around us. "Besides.....we're trying to study the enemy out these walls, but we haven't succeeded."

He scratches beneath his chin with a gruff hum, "I see........."

The wind suddenly grew cold, feeling the weather change instantly. This uncertain feeling was gnawing me to the bone since I got back, but I couldn't place my finger upon it.

Soon my eyes snap open, feeling the earth trembling immensely, causing almost Hannes and I's feet to lose it's balance. The piercing sound of an explosion occurs in an instant, causing my heart to beat a million miles an hour. Signs from shops sway sideways, hearing them squeak quietly in response. Constant murmuring fills the streets, alarming many citizens.

"What the hel--" Hannes pauses, unable to comprehend what just occurred.

A bright yellow flash just blared before my eyes, my skin is crawling all over.

"W-What was that?" I waver beneath my breath. "Oi.......Hannes, did one of soldier's in the garrison blow off explosives?"

His eyes were shell-shocked, to the point he couldn't utter a word.

Waving my hand over his eyes that lingers in the air, my gaze follows til I land on a thick amount of steam emitting in the air. A large hand anchors above the wall, crunching it like it was nothing. Blood pounds against my ears, ringing from the explosive type of sound.

People begins to circle around us both, as the giant red hand digs further into the walls crushing it. Soon a head appears from behind the wall, realising it's really a titan. In all my years of killing titans, never have I ever faced one that reached past the walls which was fifty metres high. Thick steam rises from the titan, before feeling something rumbling in the distance.

Realising what the thing was about to do, as my eyes trail down to where it stood. My breath hitches in my throat, as it stood where it was the weakest. The very front gates of Shiganshina district.

"N-No....he's gonna...." whipping my head around. "Everyone run, stay away!!!!!!"

My voice piercing the air, everyone began to flee but we weren't lucky enough to make it out of the way. The giant destroys the gate sending a heavy gust of wind through the centre, hearing the cries of the people. I jump towards a few children that stood near me, as I scoop them in my arms while activating my ODM gear. It wasn't a smart move with extra weight, but maintaining my balance I manage to get behind cover.

The two children clung to my side tightly, whimpers leaving their lips.

The crashing was endless, as things began flying from high in the sky killing many with one attack. Once all rocks were cleared, my body was trembling for a moment. Gathering my breath I brought the children with me, running down to find Eren, Mikasa and Armin.

My eyes flicker back up,only to see the beast gone instantly.

"H-How?"

The sudden fear ran right through my body, seeing a large opening that was created to unwelcome guests. "Everyone!!! Get to the boats immediately!!!!!" I yell, as everyone's eyes fall upon me. "Garrison soldier's will help!!!!"

Suddenly heavy footsteps enter into the district, seeing the large beasts loom over us.

"Hurry now!!!!!"

Their cries and screams made it all worse, yet it was their first time being vulnerable to the titans.

"Big sister!" Eren yells, as my eyes widen.

I point to the three.

"You three hurry, find Carla or someone and get out of here to the boats!!!!!!"

"Wait, my mother is in that direction!" Eren yells, seeing he flee the opposite way.

"Wait!!!!!"

Pleading for Eren he ignores my cries, as I shook my head. Sheathing my blades, I decide to put myself to use. Remembering all the times I've trained, I must act on my own this time. A titan begins to loom over a woman, but I make my stand flying towards the beast. Raising my blades I swing sharply slicing through the thick flesh, as it buckles over collapsing to the ground heavily.

"Thank you!" The woman cries, before rushing to port.

My eyes watch over the large hole that was created, my hands tighten around my blade. My own home.......it's vulnerable, we weren't prepared for any of this at all. Wait, my mother! She is out of harm's way, but she didn't live far from Carla's home. Should I defend the people, or my home? They should be safe from this distance? Right?

"Ahhhh!!!"

Cries were heard, but surrounding me.

My head whips around not seeing a single Garrison soldier fighting back, realising I'm all Shiganshina has left. Soon my eyes narrow pushing past the negative, inhaling slowly knowing that I must stall the titans so everyone can make a break for the boats. Need to conserve my gas tanks, thanking Shadis for placing new gas tanks before coming back here.

Flying through the air I took titan's down one after another, but what scared me was abnormals. They were the worst, being much more faster and capable of understanding your tactics.

"Mommy!!! Mommy, where are you?!"

My eyes fall upon a child, seeing her crying her heart out.

Flying down I scoop her up in my arms, earning a small yelp from her. "It's gonna be alright, we can find your mother," I whisper gently, as my eyes scan upon my village. Scanning the panicked crowd, I notice a woman calling and searching around.

"That's mommy!"

Nodding I fly down before the woman seeing her eyes widen in relief, as her brown eyes meet mine. "Thank you miss, are you from the survey corps?"

Nodding, I salute.

"Hurry to the boats, there will be soldiers helping you," I order her, my tone firm but calm enough to show how hard I'm trying to remain calm and composed.

Nodding she lifts her child, making a run for it before turning back to the beasts. Activating my ODM gear I fly towards another, feeling a wave of nausea hit me. Shaking my head recollecting my thoughts I slice through the flesh, as blood showers down upon the ground. The beast hits the ground heavily, causing the earth to tremble.

Soon I decide to fly towards my home, trying to assure myself they'll be alright.

Finally reaching the place my eyes soon widen seeing a woman being dragged up already in the jaws of a titan, recognising the woman. "C-Carla,"

Soon teeth meet her torso, as her own blood fills the air.

Eren's screams were heard piercing the air, seeing Hannes taking the two children away from the scene. Dammit, I wasn't fast enough! Clenching my jaw with anger, I shook my head making my way past focusing on my family now. I can take the titan down later.

Flying faster towards my place my eyes took in the scene that unfolded before me, feeling my blood run cold.

"N-No...........t-this.....this can't be......." my eyes shook, my lips trembling feeling like all my anger washed away. "M-Mother..........."

Landing on the ground harshly I ran towards the broken down debris, the remaining crushed rock squashed my home. Glass shattered into pieces, as my boots broke them all again into million more. The glass that reflected many memories within my home, has shattered.

"Mother, mother!!!! Mei!!!!" I cry out, as I climb upon the broken house. Wood is splintered into pieces, as I accidentally slice my hands while trying to throw away the remaining rumble.

"A-Akir......a....."

My head perks up hearing her voice, but barely loud enough.

"Mother, where are you? Where's Mei?!"

Running to where I assumed the voice, I stumble upon the debris losing my step. I crash into the heap grazing my palms and knees, grimacing in pain. Groaning I push myself up, only for my eyes to find her.

"Y-You're........You're......"

Half of her body was crushed beneath the crushed stone, blood pooling beneath her body. She coughs weakly, but her face looked in pain. Shuffling towards her I went to help her, but she shook her head.

"No.....don't, you're father is dead..........and I will too, be following the same path," she croaks out, her voice barely a whisper.

Shaking my head I try to stop the bleeding, my hands begin to already be soaked with her own blood. My breathe soon quickens panicking the process, seeing how serious her condition was. My fingers slightly trembling, while swallowing thickly. Her eyes were growing lifeless even more, trying to not let this get to me.

"Please....nonononono, please stay with me mother.....I'm sorry," I plead. "I'm sorry I was gone for so long, please? I promise I will come more often, I-I....promise on my own lif--"

The thundering sounds of the titans echoe within the village, and the painful cries of people being devoured. Yet my mind crew more clouded the more seeing my mother struggling to live, her body was growing colder by the second.

My hands were slightly trembling while holding her head, tenderly cradling her face in my lap.

"I want you to know.........I'm proud of