Chapter Twenty Two: Dreams

A Razor-edged breeze cut my pink flushed cheeks with the power of a hammer. I had to throw a bare arm up to block the gust of piercing snow and ice that bite into my iced naked body. I peeked out under my arms, squinting my eyes to try and make out any figures, but it was just I, bare feet shivering on a thick block of ice. I couldn't tell if it was night or day, I could only tell it was ridiculously cold, colder than California in winter, or Germany. I had felt it before though, briefly, one time maybe.

Another gust blew especially tough, I couldn't help but slide over a bit, below freezing water sploshed the edge I now stood closer too drenching half of my already pink body.

How did I get outside and where are my clothes? Were my first and more logical questions. I continued to whip my head around looking for any answers. They came much much too fast. A force nearly threw me from the edge of the icy boat, I had barely stopped myself if it weren't for my hand growing into claws and holding on.

I pulled myself up and quickly looked around, eyes searching for the unknown force. I opened my mouth, no words came out, just hot puffs of steam and gurgles that melted enough of the snow before me to see the figure I had nearly forgotten.

The long slinky black figure stood a few feet away, it's featureless face focused on me, and I focused on it. It slowly made a move to get around me, and I mirrored its moves - slow and tactful - much like a soldier. It swerved and charged for me at full speed - I returned the gesture with my own speed. The short feet were covered in haste, it's black claws reached out and ever so lightly touched my own blue claw.

I shot up from my bed, hands instantly grasping my neck as I let go a huge gasp. I continued to sit up trying to hold on to the tendrils of my fleeting nightmare. The coldness and the water, but I couldn't remember much more than that. I slowly laid back down on my side in avoidance of my sore backside, 3:00 AM read the clock beside, me, it's devilish red glow cast a chilling ambiance that left me unsettled after my dream.

I sighed heavily and brought myself up, feet now slipping from the bed and raising me to my slightly hunched height.

I tottered forward, body ready to stumble any moment, but then quickly regained my step to my dresser and started pulling my work clothes out. I no longer felt like sleeping, it didn't help that sleeping on my side made me uncomfortable. With a lack of urgency, I took my time sliding my clothes gently over my dressed wounds and buttoned them over.

At first, I rambled aimlessly through the halls, but still stuck cautious of Isabel or any other danger, like the guest that still resided in the Mansion, but soon enough I just stalked the halls of the main floor. All was quiet as I made my way around occupied Halls to the Library. It wasn't my initial intention to end up here, but it's like, why not?

The heavy door groaned low in protest as I slipped within its confines and shut them behind me. I took in multiple deep breaths growing accustomed to the smell of old pages and the cleaning sprays I had used to clean the area yesterday.

I sauntered forward, feet still unsteady from the pain and started to search for the book 'Alice in Wonderland'. I gave up quickly as my limbs began to grow tired. I hesitantly cuddled up into a velvet, and freshly brushed chair, then slowly lolled off to sleep with the images of Levi.

I was back on the glacier, no snow blocked my sight this time. The creature knelt above me, his body beaten badly and shaking as if in pain, but I felt I was worse off. I didn't have to look to know an arm and a leg were missing from my paralyzed body. I could tell by the radiating pain and blood pumping across my vision.

I was in critical condition

The monster's head moved up, if it had eyes, they would have been locked on to my own, He opened his mouth suddenly to reveal a row of shiny pointed teeth, it continued to widen until it took up most of his head. My breathing picked up and adrenaline pumped, my head screamed 'Predator! Predator! Don't Die! Keep Fighting Eren!' I shook with great effort and opened my own mouth, I let loose ribbons of hot scolding smoke; so hot the creature reeled back and let go a painful screech. I didn't let up, with everything I had I blew the steam, some sparks of fire lit, but quickly faded in the winter air.

The schreeches died down, and I rest my head on the cold, heart beating so fast I could barely catch my breath. Time ticked on as I lie there, wondering if I was still alive, out of curiosity, I turned my head. Dead emotionless eyes took in a pile of quickly scattering ashes.

"Did you kill the Monster Eren?" Questioned a light voice from my other side.

I found myself too weak to turn my head or even talk, so I blew out a puff of smoke instead.

"Don't harm yourself, now is a time for celebration," A hand came out slowly, it's soft cold skin rested upon my fiery head, "You're free baby, free to do whatever you know is right."

Tears fell down my face as I forced my heavy head to turn, I was desperate, so desperate to catch one last glance.

I had found her.

My mother.

"Goodbye, my little soldier." She whispered in my ear and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek.

My vision grew muddy, and I lost sight of her. Instead, she grew black hair, I raised a hand to her, tears falling heavier now, "Mom?" I cried pathetically hands clutching the ends to keep her here a bit longer.

Murmers picked up and then died down around me. I found myself looking up at the Dome of the Library, now more light than I remember. I now remembered both dreams vividly, but they made no sense.

"Eren, are you alright?" His voice made my heart stammer, not in fear, but something deeper.

Master Levi.

I looked up into his eyes, sharp and filled with a hidden worry.

"It's okay, I'll be alright, mom said so." I smiled brightly to him, and he smiled back. A memory I'd never forget.

2 December 2018

I apologize if this chapter is hard to read. Upon haling from my surgery and finals week, I now have a Common cold. I find it difficult to write under these pressures and to edit when i'm coughing every five minutes.

Expect more updates and the Guide on 20 December 2018.

Don't forget to comment, Star, Review, Favorite, the feedback halps me know if i'm moving in the right direction, thank you for reading so far.

See ya later.

- Tide Ackerman