I'm A Shapeshifter In Attack On Titan: 2 Eren Jaeger, Mikasa Ackerman

Paradis Island,

Year 844,

Wall Maria.

…

Abel's POV

…

One hundred years ago, Monsters invaded the land. No one knew what they were or where they came from.

But they existed, and they wanted to eat us all.

The Titans.

With their appearance, Mankind was driven to near extinction. Luckily, the last of humanity took shelter within the great city that served as the last stronghold.

Defended by three massive walls.

Wall Maria, Wall Rose, Wall Sina.

For one hundred years, the people within had remained safe from The Man Eating Giants and would remain safe as long as nothing changed.

That's what they taught us. That's what my parents told me when I had my nightmares after turning eight. Now, three years later, all I could say was ..... I Am Titanically Fucked!

It had been three years since Grisha Jaeger became my doctor. A week ago, I turned eleven.

In this time period, my home had regained the initial harmony it had before I started having horrific nightmares.

No, the nightmares didn't suddenly stop one day, neither was it because of Grisha's medical treatments.

The real reason, was that my memories had condensed enough to make sense of my nightmares, memory lapses, and Déjà vu daydreams.

I remembered. Not just remembered, I understood. Where I was, who I was, and where I'm truly from.

My Name is Abel Ashborn, and I live in the Farmland Territory of Wall Maria in the Attack On Titan anime series.

It was a small village, but one I had called home for the past few years. Tucked into a quiet valley, just a short walk from the towering walls of Shiganshina District.

The people here were simple folk, earning their keep through farming, hunting, and winemaking. My father ran a modest vineyard on the outskirts, where we grew grapes and crafted wines sought after in the nearby markets. It wasn’t much, but it was honest work, and it gave them purpose.

However, that purpose would soon come to an end.

No one else knew, but I did.

As I sat on the roof of my house and looked at the walls stretching for miles, I knew that this peaceful life wouldn't last forever.

Whatever purpose we derived now would die, and a new one would come to life. The same purpose that was the primary objective of every member of the survey corps whenever they ventured outside those walls.

To survive. Because one day ….

“Abel!” I snapped out of my thoughts as I heard my name. My gaze lowered to the ground.

“I know this has become a …. Thing of yours in the past few months, but we're leaving for the district market in a few minutes. Could you please get down?"

Down on earth, my father, Alfred Ashborn, let out exasperatedly.

“Oh …". Yeah, I do that sometimes. “Coming”. I uttered just loud enough for him to hear before beginning the climb down.

“.... Is anything wrong?” My father asked upon my descent. “Did the nightmares come back?”

He was worried.

“No dad, I'm fine …". I replied, scratching the back of my head. “I was dazed again ….  lost track of time”.

He looked at me intently, as if searching for clues. Until .

“Alright. Whatever you say, champ. Well, let's get going. Your mother's waiting for us in the cart”.

The leaves blew with the autumn wind. Bringing with it a cool, chilly feeling.

In between wall Maria and Rose was a vast space of vegetation called The Wastelands. Those of us who lived in it preferred to call it the farmlands.

For the laborers here, Shiganshina was our lifeline.

Every once in a while, farmers, hunters, and winemakers would move towards the districts closest to them for the General Market Day.

The streets would fill with the buzz of commerce, carts laden with goods, and the cries of hawkers selling everything from fresh produce to handmade tools. It was a stark contrast to the quiet rhythms of village life, a reminder that there was a larger world beyond our fields and forests.

Like previously stated, the one closest to us was Zhiganshina, and today was one of those days.

My mother, father, and I set off on the cart pulled by one of our trusty horses, old minimus with a lot of cheap wine produce to be sold in the district.

“Dad … Have you ever considered city life?” I asked a question that made my dad who sat in front holding the reins, raise an eyebrow.

“Alright, wanna tell me where this is coming from this time?”

“No reason. Just a thought crossing my mind”.

“Oh? Just like when you wanted Mr. Beckett to teach you how to shoot an arrow?”

“... Hey, that was …".

“Or when you inexplicably started writing novels for no reason?”

“Well …".

“Or when you thought about enlisting for the military?”

“Look …".

“Or when you mentioned joining the Death Corps to Gordon during the weekend at his place?” His words had barely fallen, I felt a penetrating gaze directed at me.

No need to look, I could tell who it was from.

“Abel Alexander Ashborn, explain yourself this instant”. My mother asked with a dark face.

'Shit!'.

I opened my mouth but couldn't reply.

It was a generally acknowledged fact that the Survey Regiment in the military was a meat grinder that swallowed people whole and spit them out disabled at best and having no bones to bury at worst.

Mom and Dad had a similar mindset. Mentioning joining the military was still somewhat up for discussion.

Perhaps possible with a bit of pushing.

Joining the survey corps? I was pretty sure I would be darn close to receiving a spanking if this had been brought up while we were still home.

'Gordon … Gordon, you traitorous rat!'. I cursed my best friend under my breath.

Gordon was about the same age as me and the son of Mr. Beckett. We had been playmates ever since our baby years and were close friends.

No need to think. He probably told his old man who told my old man who is now telling me.

“Abel! What the hell are you thinking? Do you know how many people have died outside those walls?”

“I …".

“Calm down Annie. I'm not done”. I heard him chuckle without turning his head.

“Listen Abel. You are our son, and we know we can't decide on your future for you. My father never forced me to do anything. I won't start with you …".

“Alfred!” My mother yelled in disbelief. I carried similar emotions.

“Really?”

“Of course. With the exception that you don't join the Survey Corps”.

“...”. Should have seen that coming.

“Many families have lost people they care about to the Titans through that regiment. I would very much not want your mother and I to be one of them”. He said while turning his head.

“You are our only son Abel. And if you respect the care we have shown you since the day you were born, on this point, there will be no exceptions”.

He said, his tone final.

I sighed. “Yes sir”.

“However,”. He continued in that solemn tone. “If you really want to throw your life away. You must make sure you give us a grandson first ..... And a granddaughter. Two children at the minimum. After that, I don't care what you do”.

My lips twitched, my eyelids twitched, my face was unsightly. An interesting combination.

“Hehehehe!” My mother chuckled, honestly amused. “Yes, yes. Make sure that happens before you even think of going anywhere”.

“Moving on …". I cut in, ending this embarrassing topic and turned my head to look at the fields.

Laughter filled the air as we continued on our journey.

The year was 844.

Zhiganshina district wasn't far. We arrived in less than an hour.

I walked beside my mother, the sound of the cart’s wheels creaking behind us as my father steered it toward the bustling market square. My mind wandered as I stared at the great walls of Shiganshina looming in the distance, their sheer height a testament to mankind’s desperate struggle against the Titans.

'All this will come crumbling within a year'.

I had gained my memory of the series. I knew enough now to understand where I was and what that meant. This was the world of Attack on Titan, a nightmare of flesh-eating giants, crumbling walls, and humanity’s desperate fight for survival.

And in the year 845, The Colossal Titan would appear to kick open a hole in the wall on the other side of the city, letting the Titans in.

As if that weren't bad enough, The Armored Titan would break down the gate we just made our way through.

Wall Maria's territory would become infested with Titans and everyone who didn't retreat within Wall Rose in time would become Titan food.

This was why I asked what my dad thought about city life. I wanted to see if there was a way to get him to obtain property in Trost District.

Only then would we be able to survive.

My father’s voice broke through my thoughts. “I’ll take care of the cart. You two head to the Jaegers’ house,” he said, handing a small basket to my mother.

“Of course,” she replied with a nod. She turned to me and smiled. “Come along, Abel. Let’s not keep the doctor waiting.”

I followed her down the cobblestone streets, my thoughts returning to the grim reality of my situation. I had spent years debating my options. Should I lay low and avoid the main cast altogether, clinging to a life of relative obscurity? Or should I throw myself into their world, risking death for a chance to make even the smallest impact?

I knew how bad my situation was. This wasn't a world of swords and magic or Qi cultivators refining internal energy.

This was Shingeki no Kyojin. There was no general path to gain power here.

And unlike the rest of my kind, I had no special advantages to speak of.

There was no system, no special abilities, No Transmigrator perk wish, and no grandfather in a ring. Worst of all, there was no way to get the power of The Nine Titans this early into the series.

I was a nobody. Just a child in a farming village who would most likely die trying to make the slightest change in an already established timeline.

I hadn’t decided yet, but today felt like the beginning of something I couldn’t avoid.

---

The Jaegers’ house was modest but well-kept, a cozy home nestled at the edge of the district. My mother knocked, and the door was answered almost immediately by Carla Jaeger, a kind-faced woman with warm brown eyes.

“Ah, you must be Abel and his mother!” she greeted us cheerfully. “Come in, come in. Grisha’s just finishing up with a patient.”

The living room was simple but inviting, with a roaring fire in the hearth and the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. As we stepped inside, my eyes landed on a boy about my age range sitting cross-legged on the floor, fidgeting with a wooden toy.

“Eren,” Carla said, nudging him gently. “Say hello to Abel. You’ll be playing together while the doctor examines him.”

Eren looked up, his green eyes curious but guarded. “Hi,” he said, his voice clipped.

“Hi,” I replied, suddenly unsure of myself.

Although Grisha said something about introducing us to each other three years ago, this was the first time it was actually happening.

And so, it was what curious eyes that a studied the Main Character of this whole Shithole that was once my Favorite Anime now turned into my Living Nightmare, Eren Jaeger.

Carla ushered my mother into the kitchen for tea, leaving Eren and me alone. For a moment, we just stared at each other, the silence stretching awkwardly between us.

It was a rather awkward few minutes for myself, to be frank. My knowledge of the show meant that I knew full well that this kid who carried an expression like the whole world owed him money was to grow up to become the possessor of the Attack Titan and Founding Titan.

The main protagonist of the series and the one who would ..... Damn! There was supposed to be something important at the end of that sentence. Wish I could remember it. Unfortunately, I couldn't.

My memory still stuck with me only up to a few episodes in Season 2 of AOT. That alongside a lot of knowledge concerning my past life identity.

It would clear up with time. That's what I surmised from years of experience. For now, this was all I got.

Where was I?

To say that I had no idea what to do with him was an understatement.

Luckily …

“So…” Eren began, breaking the tension. “What do you think of the Titans?”

I blinked, caught off guard by the question. “What?”

“Titans,” he repeated, his voice growing more animated. “My dad says you have nightmares about them breaking through the walls”.

I stared at him, momentarily at a loss for words.

“So what are they like in your dreams? How tall are they? What do they look like?”

Ahh! So that’s why he’s so chatty, I thought.

This kid's obsession with Titans must have started from an early age.

Just from his curious expression, I could judge.

“Well,” I said carefully. “Taller than most buildings, I guess.”

Honestly, I didn't want to be here. I didn't have anything against Eren. I mean … he wasn't exactly the most lovable main character ever, and he was hotheaded in the ways few people liked, nevertheless, he was alright to me. It was the place itself that was the problem. Being within Zhiganshina itself gave me goosebumps just thinking about it.

But this was supposed to be a play date. If I didn't act polite, mom would give me an ear full.

“Some were as tall as your house. Others were way taller. Like, fifteen meters high”.

I explained. “They look like humans, except … Well, tall. And Naked. And they all smile. Creepily”.

Eren was silent. Staring at me for a while before lowering his gaze back to his toy.

“That’s exactly what my dad said! He told me about them when I was younger—how they eat people, how they destroyed the world outside the walls".

I blinked.

“I've heard the people talk about them. Almost every day when the survey corps comes back with fewer people”.

“They say as long as we stay here, the Titans won't devour us”.

I could hear his voice rise slightly higher. Then he raised his head to look at me again. “What do you think? Do you agree with them?”

Now that almost stumped me. Why was he asking for my opinion? Wasn't he the kind of person who never listened to anyone?

“... If it was before. I probably would”. I replied. “But after my dreams, it doesn't make much sense now, does it?”

For a moment, Eren's eyes lit up.

“Exactly. There's no sense in hiding in here forever. Just sitting around and waiting for when those things find a way inside. That's what I think”.

“You want to leave?”

“.. I .". He paused. “I don't know yet”. He uttered. “But … I would rather not live the rest of my life here. Trapped like an animal”.

“You know, only one group of people can venture to the outside world”.

“Yes. The scouts”. A hint of yearning emerged in his eyes. “If it's the only way, then I'll try it”.

“Join the Scouts?” I repeated, raising an eyebrow. “You do realize that most people who join the Scouts don’t come back, right?”

Eren’s expression darkened, but instead of backing down, he clenched his fists. “That’s because they’re not strong enough. But I will be. I’ll fight until the Titans are gone, no matter what.”

I couldn’t help it; I laughed. “You’re really something, you know that? You’re ready to take on an entire species of giant man-eating monsters, and you're what, eight years old?”

“Nine,” he corrected, glaring at me. “You don't look older than me. What about you? Don’t you want to leave the walls? Don’t you want to see what’s out there?”

I paused, considering his question. “What’s out there” wasn’t the magical unknown to me that it was to him—it was a wasteland of danger and despair. But I couldn’t exactly tell him that.

“Not really,” I said at last, leaning back against the wall. “I’m good right here, where it’s safe. I mean, the Titans are out there for a reason, right? Maybe it’s better if we just stay where we are.”

Eren stared at me like I’d just slapped him. “Better? You’d rather stay trapped in a cage forever than fight for your freedom?”

“It’s not a cage if it keeps you alive,” I shot back, crossing my arms.

“That’s stupid!” the yelled, jumping to his feet. “What’s the point of living if you’re not free? If we don’t fight, we’ll just be like livestock waiting to get eaten!”

'And there he is'. I could see it instantly. He really was the same kid I remembered from the show—headstrong, idealistic, and utterly reckless.

“Maybe, but fighting isn’t as easy as you think. People die. People you care about.”

“That doesn't mean you should give up.”

I shook my head.

“No. But you have to think before you act. You can’t just rush in and hope for the best. That’s how you get killed.”

For a moment, he just stood there, staring at me. Then, to my surprise, he sat back down, his expression thoughtful. “I don’t care what you say,” he muttered, more to himself than to me. “I’ll still fight. I’ll become strong enough to protect everyone.”

I sighed, leaning my head back against the wall. “Good luck with that,” I muttered, more to myself than to him.

Before he could respond, Carla’s voice called out from the kitchen. “Abel, it’s time for your check-up!”

“Saved by the bell,” I said, pushing myself to my feet. Eren didn’t respond, but I could feel his gaze on my back as I followed Carla into the next room.

I could understand what he was saying. Unfortunately, I also understood that all this could only be said by him. A character backed up by the plot.

And perhaps Levi.

Anyone else would suffer a gruesome death. I wasn't excluded. Hence I had no plans to become a meal and serve myself on a silver platter to an untimely demise.

---

The checkup was quick and uneventful. Grisha examined me with practiced efficiency, asking a few routine questions before pronouncing me healthy. As we prepared to leave, my mother apologized profusely for the trouble, but Grisha waved her off with a kind smile.

“It’s no trouble at all,” he said. “I was planning to visit a family outside Shiganshina later today. It’s not far from your village.”

“Oh?” My mother exclaimed. “A patient of yours?”

“Indeed”.

The words struck a chord in my memory, but I couldn’t quite place why.

We said our goodbyes and left the Jaegers’ house, making our way back to the market. My father handed my mother a small sack of goods and instructed us to head home on foot while he stayed behind to load the cart.

The walk was uneventful at first, but as we neared the outskirts of the district, the sky darkened, and a heavy rain began to fall.

“Come on,” my mother said, pulling me along as the downpour soaked us. “We need to find shelter.”

That was easier said than done, though. The rain was heavy, and the closest settlement was ours. It would take us a while to reach it, but we would definitely catch a cold if we stayed in the rain that long.

“Um, mom, what's that”. Amid our run, I noticed a spot in the distance.

A small house nestled in an open clearing path at the edge of the forest, its warm light glowing invitingly through the rain. We immediately changed course.

Arriving at the door, my mother knocked, and the door opened to reveal a kind-looking man with blonde hair.

“Doctor Jae ….”. He paused, the surprise on his face letting us know he was expecting someone else.

It faded quickly as he revealed a friendly smile.

“Oh, sorry. We were expecting someone else”.

“Hi”. My mother said, her voice apologetic. “We're from the village a few miles down. I'm sorry to disturb you, but, may we take shelter here until the rain lets up?”

“Oh! Of course,” the man said, stepping aside. “Please, come in.”

“Thank You”.

The first thing that came into sight was a table with two females sitting on the other end. One younger and one older.

"My name is Richard. This is my wife Kira, and our daughter, Mikasa".

As his words fell, I froze in place. “Ugh!”

A stinging pain assaulting my head as I grasped it.

“Sweetie?” Seeing this, my mom held me with concern.

“Is everything alright?” Kira stood up from her seat worriedly.

“I … I'm … fine”.

I uttered as the pain receded. Immediately, my gaze moved, landing on the young girl sitting by the hearth. Her long black hair and pale complexion were unmistakable.

The memories hit me like a tidal wave. The rainy day, the family expecting a visitor… I was in the home of Mikasa Ackerman and her unnamed parents.

And judging by their exact postures, today was the day her parents were supposed to die.

Worst of all, I had arrived early.