Mikasa and Jean return to their house, their expressions weighed down by the revelation of Eren's survival. Carla, their young daughter, picks up on their subdued mood. "Mom, Dad, why do you both look so sad?"

Jean ruffles Carla's hair, offering a reassuring smile. "Oh, it's nothing, sweetie. We're just a bit worn out from today. How about meeting some new friends tomorrow?"

Carla's eyes light up with enthusiasm. "Yes, please! I'd love that!"

Mikasa looks at Jean with concern. "Are you sure about this, Jean? Do you really want Carla to meet Eren?"

"Considering how Eren interacts with kids, it might help him become more open with us," Jean explains. "But hold on... I think I've seen his wife somewhere before."

"Aya Neumann, that's her name," Mikasa recalls, a revelation dawning upon her. "I remember now... she was part of the group of Scouts involved in the incident with the bomb placed under Premier Zachary's chair. She used to be aligned with the Yeagerists."

"Really?" Jean reacts with surprise. "That certainly adds a new dimension to things..."

At the same time, Eren and the rest gather around the fire, the four children beside them, as Eren prepares to tell a story. Gloria remarks, "So, those four who came to your house... they were Mikasa, Armin, Jean, and Annie? They were involved in stopping the Rumbling and... in your death."

Eren's expression tightens at the mention of them. "Yes, they were the ones. I've been living in solitude, trying to avoid any contact with them. I'm surprised they managed to track me down... But it's good to know she seems happier with Horse-face."

"It seems she's moved on, yet she still yearns for your trust, as much as she did before," Aya observes.

"Perhaps it's because she's my adoptive older sister," Eren sighs. "Anyway, it's time to tell the kids a story."

"Are you sure you're going to tell them that story?" Odom questions, concern evident in his tone. "It was about what you did."

"I know, but they need to understand," Eren responds. "So, this story is called 'The Rumbling.' Do all of you know what that is?"

Erich nods. "We've heard people talk about it. It was a devastating event that resulted in the deaths of many."

"But nobody has told us how it actually happened," Fay adds with curiosity.

"And that's precisely why I must share this story with you," Eren begins as he opens the storybook. "In the past, there were three walls on the island we live in: Wall Maria, Wall Rose, and Wall Sina. Do you have any idea what those walls are made of?"

"Steel?" "Rocks?" the children suggest. Eren shakes his head, a somber expression on his face. "They're made of Titans."

"Titans like the ones that eat people from the stories you've told us?" Fay inquires, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"No, these are different Titans. They're enormous beings, all about 50 meters tall, and possess the ability to harden their bodies. Until the enemy breached them, people didn't know the truth about the walls."

The children exchange worried glances as Eren continues, sensing their unease. "In this story, we follow a young boy named Grey. Born and raised within the walls, Grey harbors a fervent desire to explore the world outside. But one fateful day, his home is attacked by the enemy. He loses everything – his mother, his house, and all that was dear to him. It's then that he makes a solemn vow: to eradicate all the enemies beyond the walls."

Eren pauses, allowing the weight of the story to sink in. He notices the children's wide eyes, filled with a mix of curiosity and apprehension, and decides to ease their worries with a reassuring smile. "But don't worry, it's just a story. Do you want to know what happened next?"

The children nod, they want to know what is going to happen next.

"Let's see what happens next," Eren says, gently turning the page of the storybook. "As the boy grows older, he gains a special ability to see into the future. In one of those visions, he witnesses himself triggering the Rumbling – releasing the Titans within the walls to trample the world. It's a decision that weighs heavily on him. If he refrains from this action, he knows the enemies will gather to destroy his island. So, here's a question for you all: Would you choose to trigger the Rumbling to protect your loved ones, or would you opt to do nothing and face the consequences?"

"Does 'loved ones' mean people like Mom and Dad?" Laura inquires.

"In this story, Grey loses his parents, so the only ones he has left are his friends," Eren explains. "But if he still had his parents, then yes, they'd be included."

To everyone's surprise, all four children express a desire to initiate the Rumbling. Katrina speaks up, "Why would you want to start the Rumbling?"

"Because we won't let our enemies harm us," Wade asserts firmly.

"That's right. The enemies attacked Grey's home," Fay chimes in. "But if Grey can see the future, can't he just change it so that neither choice is necessary?"

Eren nods in understanding, "Grey didn't want to unleash the Rumbling, but when the enemy attacked again, he had no choice but to activate it. As the Titans marched outside the walls, wreaking havoc and causing destruction, Grey kept moving forward. At that point, his friends allied with their former adversaries to try and halt the Rumbling."

"Why would his friends help their enemies stop Grey when he was trying to protect them with the Rumbling?" Wade asks.

Eren looks pained. "Genocide is never a solution. Killing innocent people is a mistake, and not everyone beyond the island is an enemy. However, when millions of Titans are about to devastate the world, it's impossible to differentiate between individuals to spare and those to destroy. Imagine if there's a situation where a father is our enemy, while his son isn't. If we spare the father, he remains an enemy and continues to threaten us. But if we eliminate him, his son might become our enemy too. The only way Grey saw to end it was to eradicate everyone."

"But that's not fair," Laura interjects. "Maybe someone out there hated their family."

"Exactly. It's not fair," Eren agrees. "And therein lies the tragedy of such situations."

"Let's consider this," Aya begins. "Remember when we went to the fish market after exploring the ocean? Do you recall seeing thousands of fish there?"

"Yes, Mama. There were so many, and we even bought some for dinner," Fay responds.

"Imagine if you were to choose only three or four fish to release back into the wild. How would you decide which ones to pick?" Aya asks.

"Can't we just choose randomly?" Wade wonders.

"But let's think about those fish. What if the ones you picked were the tastiest, and you released them, while the less desirable ones were left behind and devoured?" Aya explains.

"But it was so hard to find the right fish to release," Laura remarks.

"And deciding not to release any fish seems easier, right?" Eren adds. "That's similar to what Grey felt. He grew weary of deciding who should live and who should die, so he chose to end everything."

"So what happened to Grey after the Rumbling?" Wade inquires.

"The Rumbling didn't finish. After he killed 80% of the people, his own friends and enemies formed an alliance and finally killed him. But what do you think Grey felt when they killed him?" Eren poses the question.

"Was he angry because they betrayed him?" Laura wonders.

"No, he was relieved. He was freed from the torment of killing to save his people," Eren explains. "And that's the end of the story."

Eren closes the book and looks at the kids, contemplating their reactions. "What are your thoughts on Grey's actions?"

"I believe many would judge what Grey did as wrong. But if we put ourselves in his shoes, wouldn't we have done the same?" Wade ponders.

Peter chimes in, "It's possible. But what's sad is that none of his friends who joined the alliance truly understood what Grey went through."

"Do you think they'll understand after Grey's death?" Fay asks, looking concerned.

Eren nods, "That's open to your imagination. Remember, this is just a story. But sometimes, understanding comes too late." He pauses, gauging their reactions.

The kids exchange thoughtful glances, and Laura speaks up, "But maybe if they had known his pain earlier, things could have been different."

Eren nods, acknowledging her perspective. "Sometimes, understanding someone's pain takes more than just empathy. It requires experiencing it."

Suddenly, Eren notices that Erich has been unusually quiet throughout the story. Concerned, he asks, "Is something on your mind, Erich?"

"Papa... can I ask you something?" Erich hesitantly begins.

"Of course, son. What's troubling you?" Eren inquires, sensing the seriousness in Erich's tone.

"It's just... I've been having strange dreams lately. They feel like the story you told us, but I'm living it. I feel like I'm Grey, and I can hear people screaming as they're trampled by the rumbling," Erich admits, his voice filled with unease.

"You mean you dreamt about the Rumbling and felt like you were Grey?" Laura questions, startled by Erich's revelation.

"And you were crying earlier today because of these dreams?" Fay asks, trying to understand.

"Papa, did I get this power from you? Was the story that you told us a coincidence?" Erich asks, seeking clarity.

Eren pulls Erich into a comforting embrace, trying to find the right words. "Erich, it's not just you. I have these nightmares too. In fact, the Grey in that story... was me."

"You were Grey? Uncle Kruger?" Wade's question hangs in the air. "So you killed billions of people with the Rumbling?"

Eren's gaze softens as he addresses the children. "If I tell you the truth, will you still see me the same way, as Uncle Kruger?"

"Of course, we will!" Laura affirms resolutely. "You've always been kind to us."

"That's right, Uncle Kruger. We know you did it to protect us," Wade adds. The support from the children brings a surprising warmth to the room, even as the adults look on, their hearts touched by the children's unwavering belief.

"Papa, it doesn't matter if you were Grey. You did it for a reason," Fay says with a reassuring smile. "But how did you survive if your friends were supposed to kill you after the Rumbling?"

"You're right. I never anticipated being alive after all that. Maybe it's divine or otherworldly will that keeps me here, a punishment for the lives I've taken. Those nightmares have haunted me for 14 or 15 years now, and they never seem to fade. Erich, remember, you weren't responsible for those actions; it was me. So you needn't bear the weight of those nightmares as I do."

"Yes, Papa," Erich replies softly.

As bedtime arrives, the children prepare for sleep. Alone in their room, Eren and Aya share a moment. Aya breaks the silence, "You don't have to worry about them hating you. I know they'll understand."

"I'm grateful you're always right. It's one of the many reasons why I love you," Eren expresses. Aya smiles warmly, "And I love you too. I'm grateful to have married someone like you."

With a tender kiss, they settle into each other's embrace, finding solace in their connection as they drift off to sleep.

This chapter explores Eren's recounting of the Rumbling to the children. It's a pivotal moment where Eren attempts to share his perspective on the events. The forthcoming chapter will delve into Mikasa and Jean bringing Carla to visit Eren, continuing the narrative's development. I hope you enjoy this chapter.