That evening, Evan Cross walked through the dim marketplace with Eren, Mikasa, and Armin at his side.
They had just sold all the fish they'd caught for the day, a trade they'd been running for two full years.
Fish kept their bodies strong during their growth spurts.
The extra money kept their households afloat.
Add in the small wages from clearing new farmland, and overall… life had been barely comfortable.
But today, their steps felt different.
Because tomorrow
they would officially report to the military.
It meant leaving behind everything familiar.
Leaving the refugee camp they had lived in for two years.
Leaving safety.
Leaving childhood.
Even Eren's face was clouded.
This should have been his dream joining the cadets.
But now that Carla's leg had been injured two years ago, she could no longer move like before.
His father had been gone for two years.
If he died… Carla would be alone.
How could he ignore that?
So he carried both dream and guilt.
The four walked quietly down the cold street where people rushed around, yet no warmth existed anywhere.
As they passed a small shop, Evan suddenly stopped in his tracks.
The other three turned toward him in confusion.
Mikasa followed his line of sight…
A narrow, two-meter-wide tobacco stall.
Dozens of cheap cigarette packs lay neatly on display.
Evan coughed lightly.
"Uh you guys go ahead first. I'll just walk around a bit
Ow OW !"
His ear bent painfully sideways.
"Mikasa! Let go!" Evan hissed.
"Go home."
Her voice was cold enough to freeze the river.
Eren and Armin exchanged the look of men who had seen this a thousand times already.
They shrugged and walked ahead.
"I know we're going home. Let go first!" Evan protested, trying not to lose his ear.
Mikasa paused… then slowly released her grip.
"Smoking is bad for your health."
Her tone softened just a little like she was surrendering.
It stunned Evan.
"Yeah, yeah… we're becoming soldiers tomorrow. Let me buy my last… billionth pack."
"..."
Mikasa frowned, clearly calculating whether to believe him.
At length, she nodded.
"Then just one last time."
"It's my last billion times."
"…What?"
"Nothing."
Evan happily flipped out a copper coin and bought a cheap packet of cigarettes.
Feeling extra generous today, he even offered one to Mikasa.
"You want one ? Uh right. Girls shouldn't smoke."
He had seen her expression start to darken.
He wisely shut up.
They walked down the street, Evan puffing out smoke while passersby muttered:
"So young and already smoking."
"I started at his age too…"
"Ridiculous brat."
"Must be rich, what kid can afford cigarettes?"
Evan ignored them.
Mikasa, however, turned pink in embarrassment.
The Next Morning - A Warm Day
Sunlight spread across the refugee camp the same small wooden stable they'd lived in.
Now, the four children stood before Carla, saying their goodbyes.
Carla had resisted this decision for weeks.
To her, being a soldier meant facing Titans
and children facing Titans was no different from walking straight to death.
But after Eren promised many times that he would not join the Scout Regiment after graduation,
her resolve softened.
After all, the Garrison and Military Police were considered safe.
At least… safer.
"Evan," Carla said gently, placing a hand on his head,
"You're the oldest. I trust you the most.
When you get there… take care of everyone. Promise me."
Evan nodded respectfully.
"Of course. And Aunty, please take care of yourself.
We'll come back whenever we get leave."
Carla's eyes softened with motherly affection no different from how she looked at Eren or Mikasa.
"Eren, Mikasa, Armin listen to Evan.
Talk things through.
Don't act recklessly. Understand?"
"We understand, Mom," Eren said, forcing a smile.
"The recruitment wagon is already waiting. Take care!"
One by one, the children said their goodbyes.
Then, with bags on their backs,
eyes fixed forward,
hearts trembling yet determined the four walked toward the beginning of the path that would change their lives forever.
-------------------------
Please donate powerstones and support me
~> Bonus Chapter every 300PS!!