Chapter 2: Saving Mikasa!

A Tense Night.

The night air in Shiganshina District was colder than usual. Adam strolled leisurely down the narrow alley, enjoying the remaining bread he had stolen this morning.

"Life in this world is hard, but at least I can still eat for free."

However, his steps halted when he heard a faint voice in the distance.

"Let me go... Please!"

Adam's eyes narrowed.

"A child's voice?"

He stalked towards the source of the sound and peered through the window of a small house on the edge of the district.

And there he saw it.

A little black-haired girl tied up in the corner of the room. Her face was terrified, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Around her, there were three large men with fierce faces. One of them was sharpening a knife, while the others were laughing with horrible sounds.

Adam knew immediately who the girl was.

Mikasa Ackerman.

"Oh shit, it's the kidnapping scene from the first episode!"

He remembered all too well how in the original story, Mikasa's parents were killed, and she was almost sold by human traffickers. If he didn't do something, history would repeat itself-and this time, there was no guarantee Eren would come rescue Mikasa in time.

Adam let out a deep breath.

"Okay, Adam. It's time to be a hero."

Adam knew he couldn't fight them head-on. Three grown men against a seven-year-old boy? That's not fighting-that's suicide.

So, he had to use his brain.

He looked around, searching for something that could be used. Then, his eyes fell on some small rocks near his feet.

"Hmm... I think I have an idea."

Carefully, he picked up a rock and threw it hard at the window of the next house.

"WHO IS THAT?!" shouted one of the kidnappers.

Two men immediately came out to check, leaving only one inside with Mikasa.

Adam smiled. The first part of the plan was a success.

Now, he just needed to take care of the last man.

Adam ducked down and entered through the slightly open window.

The man had his back to Mikasa, busy sharpening his knife. He had not yet noticed Adam's presence.

"Good. Now just-"

But before she could move, Mikasa saw her and almost made a sound.

Adam hurriedly placed his finger in front of his lips, signaling for silence.

Mikasa nodded, though her eyes were still full of confusion.

Carefully, Adam picked up a piece of wood from the floor.

"Okay, Adam. Here comes your heroic moment!"

He swung the wood with all his might-

BUK!

The man collapsed instantly.

Adam blinked. "Eh? That easy?"

It turns out that the wood he picked up was quite hard, and he hit the back of the man's head perfectly.

Mikasa stared at Adam with wide eyes.

"W-who... are you?"

Adam grinned. "Me? Just a cool kid who happened to be passing by."

He quickly untied Mikasa.

"We need to get out before those two come back," he said.

Mikasa was still a little confused, but she grasped Adam's hand tightly.

"Okay..."

Adam smiled. "I promise I'll save you."

They crawled out of the window and ran into the nearby forest.

However, they had not gone far when an angry shout came from behind them.

"DAMN FUCK! HOW DARE YOU?!"

The two kidnappers saw them running away and gave chase!

Mikasa ran as fast as she could, but fear made her slow down a bit.

Adam bit his lip. They would be caught if they just ran!

He looked around and found a large fallen tree near the path.

His smile appeared again. "Okay, second crazy idea!"

"Mikasa, let's go there!" he said as he pulled the girl behind the tree.

He then picked up a long branch and placed it on the ground, right in the path of the kidnappers.

A few seconds later-

"ARGH! WHAT IS THIS?!"

One of the kidnappers tripped and fell on his friend. They rolled around on the ground like a human ball.

Adam couldn't help but laugh.

"PFFT-Hahaha! This is too funny!"

Mikasa gave him a confused look.

"You're... weird."

Adam just shrugged. "Hey, if we can save ourselves while having fun, why not?"

Mikasa smiled a little. It was the first time she felt a little safe after this horrible night.

After making sure the kidnappers weren't chasing, Adam and Mikasa finally stopped to rest.

Mikasa looked at Adam with a look that was hard to explain.

"You... saved me," she said softly.

Adam scratched his head. "Well, I couldn't just let you die, could I?"

Mikasa paused, then clasped her hands tightly.

"I don't want to be alone anymore..."

Adam was surprised, but then smiled a little.

"You're not alone. I'm right here."

Mikasa bowed her head, her face slightly flushed.

And in that cold night, a bond began to form between them.