Chapter 3

ASHES AND RUIN

Eren’s head hung low, his eyes void of the light that was there just the day before. His shirt stuck to his chest, each step a fresh wave of pain emanated from his shoulder, but Eren paid it no mind. Pain was the only thing that kept him in reality.

The horse’s slow steps seemed to echo all around. The trees seemed to blur, and the grasslands stretched into what seemed an eternity. Eren’s gaze stayed constant, looking at the ground, though not truly seeing anything. No words came from his lips, the only sound came from the occasional neigh from Winnifred. The sun was nearly gone when Eren woke up from his half awake reality.

Eren sniffed at the air, catching the smell of smoke. “What does it matter?” Eren willed himself to go back to the Trance he had been in all day. Almost begrudgingly, he looked up again as the question of where it was coming from crept back into his mind, trying to force him to come back from his trance. His shoulders hunched as he weakly gripped the reins. Eren felt Winifred get tense beneath him as she neighed. Her reluctance to continue was obvious. Her pace came to a near standstill. Lifting his head, finally taking his eyes from the ground, he looked up. Only the empty road lay ahead of him, with Passis still an hour's ride at his pace.

“Why?” Eren sighed. His mind was still thick with fog. Worry gripped Eren as the fog started to lift.

The shadows became all-encompassing as the sun sunk below the horizon. Eren looked forward to Passis. The wind buffeted him and looking up past the top of the trees, Eren could see a smoke cloud larger than any he saw before.

“What the hell?” His voice came out almost a whisper as he straightened up in the saddle and kicked at Winifred’s sides, taking her from a walk to a gallop as fast as she could. The smell got stronger with each stride. What hung in the air as a faint smell now filled Eren’s lungs in a thick sheet. The night sky filled with black clouds. Rounding the bend, a sea of flames erupted into sight. Sweat beaded on his forehead as Winifred sped down the road. The forest bordering the road was no longer visible through the smoke that filled the air. The screams from the town clearly filled the night.

Confusion and panic made every thought in Eren disappear, his mind empty except for silent prayer. “keep them safe.”

Finally, Passis came into view, its walls, once thick and made from stone and wood, now laid broken and burning. Winifred Slowed and came to a stop as the flames engulfed everything in Eren’s sight.

Eren froze, looking at his home engulfed in flames. Bodies littered the ground where the remnants of the gate stood. The smell of burnt meat and leather made Eren gag.

“GET THE HELL AWAY FROM ME DAMNIT!” Eren looked towards the screaming to see an old man waving a sword “YA FUGGIN SLAUGHT!” A tall shadow came into view, its shoulders giant, and its arms covered in fur. Long claws erupting from the end of its fingers and wolf-like ears erupting from the side of its head.

Eren shuddered. “….The Slaught” was all he could say as he watched the old man flailing his sword in vain. Thoughts Rushed through his mind as he looked on in terror. They’re supposed to be wiped out, hunted to extinction. There hasn’t been a Slaught sighting in almost a decade.

The Slaught grabbed the blade barehanded and stabbed its claws into the old man’s side. Letting go of the blade away, the old man screamed and grabbed the creature’s arm, trying in vain to pull himself free. His scream quickly turned to silence as he let go and went limp.

Eren felt his body go numb as it turned to look at him. The old man’s body fell to the ground as the Slaught locked eyes. Its interest turned to something alive. With a jolt, it disappeared from Eren’s vision. Eren felt Winifred tense up underneath him, getting ready to bolt. Eren’s hands wouldn’t respond, his feet stuck in the stirrups. It felt like a dream. The heat that was almost unbearable seemed to disappear and coldness took its place. Breathing became even more difficult as the smoke filled his lungs.

The next moments were a blur. A black flash flew from the smoke and an arm struck, launching Eren from his saddle. His vision went black and then red as his lungs seemed to stop working. And then, quick as it started, he felt the ground back beneath him hitting harder than he thought possible. Dazed, he could barely make out Winni running off around the bend and rolling over he saw the Slaught, making its way to him. its eyes seemed amused, its claws dripping, and its fur drenched in blood and smoking. It stood towering over Eren, almost twice as tall than himself, and drinking in his fear. His arms felt like led and his legs like tree roots that would not budge.

“Do something,” was all that he could think. “Anything.” His hands scrambled to the hilt as he struggled to focus his thoughts. His breath finally came back as he gasped and his mind cleared. Clenching the hilt, he pulled his sword out as fast as he could and struggled to his feet. The Slaught watched, obviously amused. Eren struggled to his feet and readied his sword. It waited for Eren get up obviously wanting a fight.

Without warning it rushed forward, slashing. Eren stepped back, almost falling, as he barely managed to duck under the massive arm. Eren brought his sword up, cutting deep into its arm and pulling it free. Its scream echoed through Eren’s ears almost unbearably. Catching his balance, Eren immediately rolled as the creature’s massive arm swung, just barely missed him. Getting back to his feet, Eren jumped, bringing the sword down on its shoulder. Eren felt the blood as it splattered on his face. The blade almost flew from Eren’s hand as it spun and stumbled. Its arm hung limply as it stared. Anger filled its eyes as it charged, roaring loud enough that it was all Eren could hear. Eren side stepped, letting it barrel past him and just as it passed he brought his sword down on its back. A shriek sounded in the air, followed by a thud as it laid on the ground. With a yell, Eren stabbed it through the back where he guessed its heart was and felt the creature’s last struggles as it quickly fell still and silent.

Pulling the sword free, Eren stumbled back, and fell; his hands still clutching the sword as he sat there. Eren let out a long and held in breath as he stared at the corpse in front of him. His thoughts were moving so fast he couldn’t keep track of them. He was breathing ,he knew he was, but it felt as if he couldn’t inhale it fast enough. His vision blurred as he closed his eyes.

A thought seemed to force its way into his head

breath , calm down you’re okay. He felt as if a hand rested on Eren’s back, and the storm inside Eren calmed. slow your breathing and calm your mind. Eren turned expecting to see someone behind him, but only saw the empty road and smoke.

Eren felt the surrounding pressure dissipate as his breathing continued to slow. Opening his eyes, he could see clearly again, and feeling his chest, he felt his heart calm. The heat of the flame brought him back to the moment. “I don’t have time to sit here” standing back up, he looked back to the bend but Winni was nowhere to be seen. Turning back to the blaze, he made his way through the gate. Bodies littered the ground as he walked. He picked his way amongst the destruction. Occasionally a huge disfigured creature lay slain, with more bodies than Eren cared to count. It was more of the same as Eren half jogged through the smoke and ruins.

Tears streamed down his face as he passed the blacksmith shop and the butcher, where their owners both laid in pieces.

“May the afterlife be kinder to you than this, and the Spirits guide you through your next journey.” Eren prayed as he stopped bowing his head slightly before moving on. Time had frozen as Eren moved through the wreckage,the only sounds emanating from the buildings collapsing around him, and the fire that crackled all around. Every so often Eren stopped as a scream sounded, but no one seemed to be in the direction it was coming from.

Eren stopped and looked down the alleyway he was sure would lead home. Stepping into the alley, Eren paused as he stared at the destruction. He wasn't even sure he could call it an alley any more. The smoke died down as the houses on both sides were mostly just blackened piles of wood no longer burning. Thoughts started to push their way into Eren’s head.

Are they okay? What if I’m too late? How did this all happen? Taking a breath, he forced his mind a blank slate again and pushed on, forcing himself to ignore it. Coming out of the alleyway, Eren found what he was searching for. “Thank the spirits” Eren's eyes beamed as he looked at a line of houses that the fires hadn't burned down, and his house with only a partially shattered door.

Looking down, Eren shuttered. A Slaught laid headless at his feet, clutching a severed head in its hand. Eren stiffened as he looked at the head in its grip, his heart exploding in his chest. Eren reached down with his now shaking hand to grab the head. Pulling it free came easy enough, but turning it to see who it was made Eren freeze as the fear gripped him, sinking its claws into him and refusing to let him move. Eren’s stomach started to twist and turn. Time stood still as he turned the head. Immediately Eren’s shoulders hunched over as his empty stomach wrenched and turned, but nothing but bile came. Eren went numb, his knees buckling as he fell, dropping the head and staring in horror. Tears flowed down Eren’s face as his father’s eyes looked back into his, empty and lifeless.

Not knowing why, Eren got back up and started searching for the body. Tripping over random body parts and debris. Eren searched for his father’s body, only stopping when he found himself forearm deep in a man’s back. Standing back up and looking, it was more body parts that strewed the streets than actual bodies. Eren's vision blurred as he looked at the carnage. He let the tears fall as he looked back to the door and braced himself. His body still numb, Eren pushed open the door, and walked in. His legs felt unbearably heavy with each step. As Eren walked through the shattered door he felt his stomach tying in knots. The table in the middle of the room was flipped and bowls and plates littered the floor. Eren took another step and felt his foot hit something that rolled away. Fear once again gripped him as he looked back down,

They were about to eat. Eren thought as he watched the loaf of bread slowly roll to a stop. “Mom” Eren tried to call out, but all that came out was a coarse whisper. Eren walked towards the stairs, feeling the weight of the world on his back. The stairs creaked in protest as he made his way up. Trying to peek above the stairs and down the hallway Eren’s eyes lit up, as he saw his mom standing at the end of the hallway against the wall.

“Mom” Eren choked back a sob. The weight from Eren's legs disappeared as he started to run up the rest of the stairs tripping on the free final steps. Eren’s heart sank as he caught himself on the floor, and brought himself back to his feet and up the stairs. “Mom” Eren stared at the broken spear shaft that held her to the wall. Looking closer Eren could see the wall behind her head shattered and her hair stuck in the splintering wood. A thud sounded as his sword slipped from his fingers, his eyes glued to her as he slowly walked down the hall.

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Eren felt his hands wrap around the remaining spear shaft, and with a strong jerk tried to pull it free. Her head bowed as her body leaned forward and fell stiffly into Eren's arms.Leaving only strands of hair and blood soaked wood that her body had kept hidden.

“Mom, please. No” Eren whispered. Grabbing her face, tears flowed from Eren’s eyes. “No. No. Please, anything but this. Why is any of this happening?” Eren fell to his knees as he buried his face in his hands as his cries echoing in the empty house.

Looking back up at his mom, he wiped his face with his sleeve.

“Where’s Cass?” Eren looked behind him and then through the shattered door on his left.

Eren paused speechless, as he kneeled eyes wide, unable to speak.

“Eren.” a boy no older than 12 stepped from the shadow, his eye’s dark and voice hollow. He wore a shirt with the left sleeve torn and a bloody cloth wrapped around the arm.

“Cass” Eren gently laid the body in his arms down and reached for Cass, grabbing his arms and squeezing them, his eyes wide as he stared in disbelief. “You’re alive…” Eren pulled Cass into a hug. “what happened, wh-” Eren looked back at Cass and saw only dark empty eyes. “It doesn’t matter. Cass, are you hurt?” Cass nodded his head, Eren looked him over only seeing the cut on his arm.

Slowly rising, Eren took him by the shoulders, his head barely reaching Eren’s chest. Looking back at their mother, Eren's arm rested on Cass’s back. A silent prayer sounded in Eren’s thoughts

I’ll watch over him for you, and may the Spirits watch over you for me. Till the next life

And pulling Cass, he walked down the stairs and made for the door.

Eren’s hand rested on Cass’s chest as he looked from Cass and peeked out the door. Looking and seeing the street just as he left it, a scene of ash and ruin. Eren's gaze drew to the familiar lump that sat next to the Slaught carcass; a pang rang in Eren’s chest as he forced himself to look past it. Eren pulled his head back in the door, pulled out a dagger from his hip and kneeled facing Cass.

“If I say Run,you go on ahead and make for the gate and keep running. You go till you hit the crossroad and make for Kald” Eren paused as Cass just stared silently. “Cass nod if you understand.” Eren waited but still Cass wouldn’t respond. Grabbing both his shoulders Eren shook Cass, bringing him back from the deep darkness that held him. “Cass, do you understand?” His head nodded

That's probably the best I'm going to get out of him right now. Eren thought. And taking the dagger, he pushed it into Cass’s hand and closed his palm around the hilt. Cass looked down at the dagger and back to Eren “This is a very last resort. First, you run if you can't run; then use it.” Cass looked at Eren and gave a weak nod.

Silently they made their way through the Carnage and destruction. The screams came less, and the smoke thickened. coming to a corner Eren put his hand against Cass’s chest stopping him. Peeking around the corner Eren Stared down the street.

“No bodies here” Eren whispered as he looked down the road and then up towards the building's roof and the windows; most of them broken, and the doors in pieces. Flames sputtered and smoke billowed from the windows, but no soul was in sight. The dirt road, somehow, free from bodies and carnage. Eren pulled his head back from around the building and looked back at Cass. “It’s all clear, but keep a lookout.” Eren said. Eren turned the corner and looked back to see Cass was following. Eren’s eye’s shot back forward as a creak screamed through the air and was followed by a rumble as another building collapsed, shooting out a cloud of ash and smoke.

Eren felt the heat from the gusting wind whip at his cheeks as he waited for the smoke to settle. Reaching back, Eren pulled Cass beside him and set off back down the street. More crashes sounded as other houses collapsed. Darkness engulfed them as the clouds of smoke blotted out the moon; only the fire’s dancing red light lit their way. Eren paused and put out his hand, pressing it against Cass’s chest to stop him. Eren’s brows furrowed as he squinted, trying to see past the shadows and smoke that surrounded them.

Cass pulled at Eren's shirt stopping him as they emerged from a cloud of smoke. Eren pulled Cass farther from the cloud before stopping to turn and look. tears starrted to well in Eren's eye's as they burned from the smoke. squinting, Eren turned back and looked to the smoke. his ear's strained and his eyes squinted as a figure started to take shape in the smoke. Fire crackled and another house crumbled as the figure grew came closer towering in the dark smoke. Eren's hand shot to Cass pushing him back and turned planting his feet and standing ready for the worst.

“Cass, if i say run then leave me.” Eren’s voice firm and steady as he gave his full attention back to the the smoke cloud. A growl sounded through the smoke as a Slaught erupted shot out, charging at full speed. Acting before he could think Eren sprinted towards it. going into a slide as he got close. Swinging his sword he cut at its legs Eren felt the sword connect, and heard a roar coming from the Slaught. Eren slid to a stop and rolled to his feet. Looking back it had already turned and was getting ready to pounce. Eren planted his feet and watched as it jumped, seemingly flying towards him. Eren spun away and felt the ground tremble as the Slaught landed. and finishing the spin Eren was looking at the Beast's back. and without hesitation the point of Eren's sword cutting through the skin and muscle abruptly stopping as it hit the back side of its ribs. Eren felt it buckle as it writhed in pain and struggled to breath. a sickening wine sounded as the sword came free not taking any chances Eren plunged his sword in his back again. The beast finally stopped its struggle as it fell to the ground, its breath ragged and short.

With a grunt Eren pulled out the sword and let out the breath he had been holding.

“Cass” Eren called out as he turned around and saw nothing but the empty street. His grip tightened on his sword as he frantically scanned the street and walking forward. “Cass” Eren yelled this time.

Eren's was about to start running when cass came out from the alleyway he had been in. Thank the Spirits” Eren let out a sigh as he jogged to Cass putting a hand on his shoulder. Eren looked Cass in the eye before tusseling his hair.

“We’re almost to the gate Ca-” Eren stopped mid sentence as he threw behind his sword pointing forward feet planted. Eren prepared himself as he watched the Slaught's form dash through the fire light, and the smoke. its fur matted down its eyes reflecting the red fire as it continued to sprint in their direction. a scream wrenched through the air as Eren let out a cry keeping its attention on him. It sprinted full force and eren prepared to dodge the leap.

It's close, too close! Eren thought as he watched it run till it was too close to pounce. Eren shift his weight and put his shoulder forward as he prepared for it to ram him. Eren felt the blow of its shoulder hiting his chest knocking him aside as if he weighed nothing. Eren felt a pop then a searing pain shot through his shouler, as he rolled through the air and landed on the ground. The Air shot from his lungs like an arrow. and Eren gasped as he struggled to get to his feet he ied to push himself up only to feel lightning shoot through his shoulder with every movement.

He rolled over and looked behind him to the Slaught chasing after Cass. “Cass!” Eren screamed as he watched the Slaught pick him up in his jaw like a wolf would a rabbit. then shaking him shake him back and forth arms and legs flailing, Cass's cries echoing in Eren's ear. more out of luck then anything Cass managed to hold onto the dagger which in his flailing found home in the Slaughts face. Eren watched as the Slaughts jaw released sending Cass flying high to the sky and then with a sickening thud and crunch of bones slapped the ground wet and limp. Scrambling again Eren heard the growl as it stared at Cass now motionless on the ground. his eyes staring straight at Eren, cold and lifeless.

“Hey you piece of shit. look at me!” Eren yelled finally getting to his feet his left arm dangling at his side and desperation in his voice. Still Staring at Cass it ignored him. the sounds of the fire all around went silent as ringing filled Eren’s ears. The heat was almost overwhelming, Eren felt light headed as his vision began to swim and stumbling forward he could only watch as the Slaught bit down on Cass’ arm. lifting him up and and shaking him violently.

stunned Eren became motionless as he watched Cass’ body disconnect from his arm and go flying through the air, Ultimatley falling down into the wreckage of a collapsed house. Parks flew as Cass had disturbed the dying fire. bring it new life as it slowly came back to life. the Slaught turned to Eren grabbing the arm from his mouth and then tossing it at Eren's feet. Eren stood there, no tears came, no shock, no suprise. Eren looked from the arm back to the Slaught numb.

“Wh- why is this happening?” Eren whispered. “Jon, Scarlet, mom, dad” Eren’s head hung low as he dropped the sword, kneeled, and grabbed the arm. “and now Cass, There’s nothing left” heavy steps sounded as the Slaught walked towards him. Looking up, Eren could see the joy in its eyes as it looked to him on the ground. Eren let his arms fall to his side watching the arm as it rolled back to the ground “At least make it qui—”

“Avenge them.”

“What?” Eren looked to his side as a blue light lit up the smoke. Beside him the horned wolf stood.

“Accept me, and avenge them.” Eren brought up his hand and put it on the wolf’s side “you will be an avenger for all the devastation that has been wrought by his hands.” Eren felt a cool rush as the wolf's form dissipated, leaving a blue smoke that went up his arm and then disappeared. He could feel his left arm again. looking back at the Slaught he saw its face distort, and the joyous look it had turned to fear.

looking at his hands Eren understood why. He watched as his nails grew into claws, he felt his ears grow larger and where all he heard was the flames he heard the wind blowing above and even the beating of the Slaught’s heart, where he just saw smoke he could see the shapes of the houses and the flames. and he couldn't just see the flames he could feel them, all around, the energy they gave off. and reaching out he willed it to him. Eren felt the wolf's essence wrapped around him reaching out and guiding the flame, to where Eren wanted it. Eren grabbed his sword and looked back to the Slaught who who stared, now frozen in fear. looking down Eren willed the heat to his blade. watching as it turned from grey to black to a bright red. Taking a step forward he swung his blade, and watched its face distort in pain as its arm fell to the ground.

“AAAAHHHH” Eren screamed as he went to swing again. The Slaught jumped back and started to run. Reaching out Eren felt the moisture of the Slaught sweat, and with a simple thought he watched as the Slaught leg instantly froze to the ground. The Slaught struggled trying in vain to free its leg. A loud and solid snap sounded as the Slaught fell to the ground a shrill cry sounding as it hit the ground. its leg stood still frozen and alone like a monument. The Slaught howled again and started to crawl. Eren walked towards it. his Eyes lit up by the flames. Calling on the wind he felt blowing above he brought it down, clearing the street of smoke. Eren’s eyes glowing blue as he made his way towards the crawling creature.

looking down at it a calmness emanated and the world moved slower than usual. Eren no longer felt rage but rather joy at this moment, and smiled as he brought his foot down on its stump of a leg. Eren listened as it howled in pain; pushing down harder as it tried to free itself. In a swift motion Eren brought his sword down through its other knee pinning it to the ground. Smoke rose from the blade as it burned the fur and flesh. Eren brought his opened hand up feeling the flame around him and the earth underneath him. dirt and rocks started to float upwards as the fires from the houses died as the heat and flame rushed to Eren. The rocks turned red and started to pop until a bubble of magma floated near Eren's hand.

Eren watched the bubble and with effort formed it into a jagged knife. the black knife reflecting the moon's light as he raised it into the air, and before it could cool Eren grabbed it, the skin on his hands instantly bubbled with blisters as he brought it down throught the Slaughts arm and pinning it to the ground. Eren heard what he could only describe as a wimper as it looked up to Eren fear and pain in it's eyes. Without missing a beat Eren lifted his hand again bringing the moisture from around him and freezing it into another blade. looking down at the creature he brought the blade down on Eren willed the cold to spread through the arm watching as ice started to erupt out of its arm.

Eren felt the Slaught go limp. short ragged breaths. slowly starting to fade. Eren stood back up and put his boot on the Slaughts head, applying more and more pressure until he heard a crack and watched as its eye exploded from its socket. And finally its head gave way, his foot crashed through the skull as a small explosion of blood, bone, and brain matter went flying. Eren fell to his knnes resting on the Slaught's chest. and pulling the obsidian blade for the arm started to stab the Slaught. His vision went from red to black as he stabbed it one last time and let out a scream into the night.

Eren felt the claws that grew from his fingers retract, and felt his ears go back to normal. looking back down tears once again flowed and his vision blurred.ground looked around seeing the flame, the smoke, the blood, and ruin. slowly standing back up Eren walked to the the wreckage of the house Cass was thrown into and kneeled seeing only the burnt remains of Cass staring at him from the fire