CHAPTER 2: THE ORPHANAGE (1)

During those four years, I found out some interesting informations. Fist of all, we have entered the year 837, so I should be the same as Reiner Braun. This is at the same time a relief, as I know most of the events that will take place in the coming years, and a burden. Doesn't that just mean my chances of survival are low? If the storyline stays the same as I know, then I will be drown into a destructive war. There is no safe place in this world!

(sigh)

Otherwise, I discovered some things about my memory. Honestly, this is kind of bad. I don't remember neither of my previous name nor of my past life. But nothingat all! Strangely enough, being a girl seems natural, and I have some knowledge about this world, based on the manga of Attack on Titan. However, my mere presence proves that this reality of mine and the world I know are slighty diferent. Think about it a bit. As I know about the fate of this world, I can alter its destiny! Thinking of me as a god is kind of fun though.

Speaking of god... I have not forgotten my experience in the Void. To be fair, every fucking night, I dream of this place. The sense of powerlessness, the feeling of defeat, overtaken by darkness... Caught between real and unreal, you become paranoid, I swear.

Is this world real? Is that only a product of my imagination? But... Am I even real?

And like that, I spend sleepless nights again and again... Is it shameful to be afraid of the dark? I feel like this is gonna be a really bad trauma...

"Kali, you know, you could play with your friends, right? Being alone is not a bad thing, but isn't it more fun if you make new friends?" asks a young woman, smiling at me like I am some kind of looner.

"They piss me of, always crying like babies and being unpredictable. But I guess I will try, Mom..." I reply in a lazy voice, ignoring the pity in her eyes.

Well, here, in the orphanage, we call this woman 'Mom'. After all, she gives the vibe, as she looks motherly and always calms the kids. But she has a point. During all those years, I never really had an interest in other people...

(tch)

Don't fuck with me! What do you want me to do? Some babysitting?!

"Kali! I looked everywhere for you!" shouts suddenly a litte kid with sparkling eyes, a large and happy smile on his face.

I squit when looking at him, as this guy shines like the sun. I mean, his aura is too strong! How is this kid always so happy?!

"Oh, Viktor"; I sigh, leaning against the wall behind me. "Well, why were you looking for me?"

The kid tilts his head, apparently confused.

"Isn't calling your friend normal?" he asks cutely.

Seriously, I am gonna throw up. And Mom, with a smile in her lips... I swear this guy will receive a beating. In addition, Viktor follows me everywhere, and this is a pain in the ass... How is this kid two years older than me? I will never akknowledge him anyway...

"Hey Kali, tonight I will give you a portion of my food if you play with me!"

"Leave it to me" I say instinctively.

(...)

Hm? Mom, why are you looking at me like this?

***

To be frank, you shouldn't be bewitched by 'Mom'. This woman is obviously suspicious. First of all, she is part of the staff, and they can't be trusted. Really. Last time, they took some of the older kids, bringing them who knows where. If I am right, she gets closer to us in order to earn our trust.

"SHUT UP"

All of sudden, the shout startles me and Viktor, while our house of cards falls miserably.

"Which fucker..." I roar loudly, causing Viktor to keep me quiet by putting his hand over my mouth.

As I see a kid hitting another on the ground, I jump on his back like an animal, stunning him for a moment, before he starts to fight back.

"You... ARGH... Wait... WAIT I SAID WAIT!!!"

After a few minutes, the bully runs away crying, while I stand with a proud smile on my face.

"You know Kali, biting him wasn't very nice of you..." says timidly Viktor, fairly concerned.

"Shut up Viktor"; I cut him off. "By the way what is your name... little girl?"

The kid in the floor stares at me, sobbing a little. Surely, she looks weak, with her little body and her swollen eyes. She also seems really young, perhaps about the same age as me. Well, she is kind of pretty.

"Svetlana... my name is Svetlana" she says slowly.

"Good for you Svetlana. If you need someone, just come to see us. That's friends for you"; I tell her while Viktor and Svetlana look at me with bright eyes.

Damn, now this is embarrassing...