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[Eren is being followed, and he's well aware of it. He doesn't let on. He allows Kazuya to keep his distance as he takes the long way around town. He walks with purpose, but not with urgency. He'll lead him all the way to the top of Starlight Cliff, assuming Kazuya continues to follow.
[Once there, he merely observes the town below and waits for some sort of attack or confrontation. He's well-prepared for both. He won't be caught off guard, barring something extraordinary; even then, it takes him mere seconds to transform. He finds himself to be one of the two most powerful people in Somnius - more powerful than Vaeros himself.
[Try it, bitch.]
[Once there, he merely observes the town below and waits for some sort of attack or confrontation. He's well-prepared for both. He won't be caught off guard, barring something extraordinary; even then, it takes him mere seconds to transform. He finds himself to be one of the two most powerful people in Somnius - more powerful than Vaeros himself.
[Try it, bitch.]
[The thing is, he's not attacking. He's just kind of watching, blinking back into himself when he becomes aware that he's no longer moving and just waiting. Kazuya looks behind him, back the way that they'd come.
It probably looks suspicious as hell. There's no way this guy doesn't have the wrong idea.]
Huh. Nice view.
[And it is. It really is.]
Sorry. Didn't mean to follow you, it just kind of happened.
It probably looks suspicious as hell. There's no way this guy doesn't have the wrong idea.]
Huh. Nice view.
[And it is. It really is.]
Sorry. Didn't mean to follow you, it just kind of happened.
[Chickening out? Kazuya is right - Eren's assumed the worst, which he tends to do these days. He turns to glance at Kazuya over his shoulder, stare dull and unkind. No one could blame Kazuya for finding him unrecognizable, especially since they only met briefly as children; that being said, he's still the same Eren, in so many ways. Those eyes, devoid of life as they are, are still a striking green.
[Eren turns to face him, a body's height higher from the way the slope has them angled. He stares down his nose at the man.]
Following someone by accident? That's almost impressive. [His voice is dry, monotonous - there's nothing friendly about it.]
Don't lie.
[Eren turns to face him, a body's height higher from the way the slope has them angled. He stares down his nose at the man.]
Following someone by accident? That's almost impressive. [His voice is dry, monotonous - there's nothing friendly about it.]
Don't lie.
Somewhat accidental.
[He replies, not particularly intimidated by the look. It's- so familiar, just on the tip of his tongue. The tension is pretty thick here, huh? He'd rather it not be. So he moves slow, holding his hands up in a little surrendering motion.]
Kinda got lost in thought, trying to figure out where I know you from. And don't take it the wrong way, but...
[Well. There's no way to say it without being weird about it, is there?]
You smell kinda good.
[He replies, not particularly intimidated by the look. It's- so familiar, just on the tip of his tongue. The tension is pretty thick here, huh? He'd rather it not be. So he moves slow, holding his hands up in a little surrendering motion.]
Kinda got lost in thought, trying to figure out where I know you from. And don't take it the wrong way, but...
[Well. There's no way to say it without being weird about it, is there?]
You smell kinda good.
Tomorrow. Sure. But I'm not done with you yet.
I'll see Aubrey when our time together is through. You know how it works.
We've only just reached the summit. Let's go to our chess game.
I'll see Aubrey when our time together is through. You know how it works.
We've only just reached the summit. Let's go to our chess game.
Of course, though-
[There is a chessboard in the Machiya and it would be far more comfortable to play in the confines of that space. Watch Eren. Relearn and assess.
Then ignore him. He only needs facts. New details. He'll play a part today and during their jogs. Keep him at a distance beyond that.]
We'll play somewhere different, if you don't mind.
[There is a chessboard in the Machiya and it would be far more comfortable to play in the confines of that space. Watch Eren. Relearn and assess.
Then ignore him. He only needs facts. New details. He'll play a part today and during their jogs. Keep him at a distance beyond that.]
We'll play somewhere different, if you don't mind.
[Hm? Well, that last part is...certainly not what he was expecting.
[To pick up on a scent from that distance, surely, this person isn't human. Hunger comes to mind.
[Following Eren because he can't quite place him, though - that makes sense too. Perhaps they knew each other before he left this place. There are so many that he can't remember. He knows he looks entirely unlike he did when he was last here.]
My name is Eren. [Beyond that, it becomes difficult to explain - especially when his brain can barely process what divides false memory from real memory from his memory from someone else's.]
I've returned after quite some time from where I'm standing. How did we know one another?
[To pick up on a scent from that distance, surely, this person isn't human. Hunger comes to mind.
[Following Eren because he can't quite place him, though - that makes sense too. Perhaps they knew each other before he left this place. There are so many that he can't remember. He knows he looks entirely unlike he did when he was last here.]
My name is Eren. [Beyond that, it becomes difficult to explain - especially when his brain can barely process what divides false memory from real memory from his memory from someone else's.]
I've returned after quite some time from where I'm standing. How did we know one another?
Last name Jaeger?
[If so, then he's finally placed it, where he's met this guy from. How weird, to know him as a child, and then not know the him who had been here all along, only to be dealt the hand that is this version of him, come back after such a long time away.
Guess he can believe in the strange way people return now, can't he? Well, not that he ever really doubted it, but again, if this is the same person he'd met, then this just reinforces that.]
If so, I think we met a short while ago. We were kids. I don't think we ever met before or after that.
[He smiles warmly, even against such a guarded and suspicious look.]
Kazuya Minegishi. It's nice to meet you again.
[If so, then he's finally placed it, where he's met this guy from. How weird, to know him as a child, and then not know the him who had been here all along, only to be dealt the hand that is this version of him, come back after such a long time away.
Guess he can believe in the strange way people return now, can't he? Well, not that he ever really doubted it, but again, if this is the same person he'd met, then this just reinforces that.]
If so, I think we met a short while ago. We were kids. I don't think we ever met before or after that.
[He smiles warmly, even against such a guarded and suspicious look.]
Kazuya Minegishi. It's nice to meet you again.
[He can't rest. Even before he left Visium, Eren withheld his intentions from Jean for a long time, and he'll continue to do so. The sensation hits him like a stone wall, making his throat tight. Back to lying to those he loves the most? He's doing it for them.
[Again.
[But it will be different this time.
[Right?
[Jean speaks again. Lucky, that.
[Eren pulls away and nods. Nothing shows on his face, really - that hasn't quite changed. His eyes no longer produce warmth - he fails to change it.
[But he takes Jean's hand, strokes his thumb over the knuckles. He brings it up to his cheek, closes his eyes, holds it there for a moment.
[Jean should hate him.
[He lowers it again.]
My head is a mess. [How could he ever explain?] My memories are all mixed up...
[Point being:]
Show me where to look.
[Again.
[But it will be different this time.
[Right?
[Jean speaks again. Lucky, that.
[Eren pulls away and nods. Nothing shows on his face, really - that hasn't quite changed. His eyes no longer produce warmth - he fails to change it.
[But he takes Jean's hand, strokes his thumb over the knuckles. He brings it up to his cheek, closes his eyes, holds it there for a moment.
[Jean should hate him.
[He lowers it again.]
My head is a mess. [How could he ever explain?] My memories are all mixed up...
[Point being:]
Show me where to look.
cw: suicidal ideation (have that link and this icon as a little treat for lyns <3)
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abandonhumanity
2024-10-05 08:37 pm (UTC)(link)
[Even once Eren realized himself - after the Labyrinth, when he lived that terrible future - he never could tell Thorfinn. For everyone he's known - in his true reality, in this reality - there's only ever been one person that he felt truly understood.
[Some sins are impossible to live with. The weight is too great. It wasn't a matter of wanting to die. It was the impossibility of continuing to live. He feels it now. His mind is a dizzying slurry of lifetimes' worth of memories. He wasn't meant to continue on. He wants to rest. He still wants to rest.
[Thorfinn closes the distance, and Eren still can't tell him that dying had been part of his plan. Now isn't the time. Thorfinn reaches for him.
[Thorfinn doesn't reach for anyone. Eren wraps his arms tight around him, overcome at the sudden permission to touch. He clutches the back of the boys head, holding him firmly to his chest. He's so much smaller than Eren now. Eren's always felt protective.
[There are no words of comfort for something like this, really. Eren is dead. Nothing can change that now, and he doesn't want anything to. What he can say, at least:]
While I'm here, you don't have to worry about that.
I'm not finished here. I won't leave again until that choice is mine to make.
[Some sins are impossible to live with. The weight is too great. It wasn't a matter of wanting to die. It was the impossibility of continuing to live. He feels it now. His mind is a dizzying slurry of lifetimes' worth of memories. He wasn't meant to continue on. He wants to rest. He still wants to rest.
[Thorfinn closes the distance, and Eren still can't tell him that dying had been part of his plan. Now isn't the time. Thorfinn reaches for him.
[Thorfinn doesn't reach for anyone. Eren wraps his arms tight around him, overcome at the sudden permission to touch. He clutches the back of the boys head, holding him firmly to his chest. He's so much smaller than Eren now. Eren's always felt protective.
[There are no words of comfort for something like this, really. Eren is dead. Nothing can change that now, and he doesn't want anything to. What he can say, at least:]
While I'm here, you don't have to worry about that.
I'm not finished here. I won't leave again until that choice is mine to make.
[It wouldn't appear so, but Eren is not immune to things like wonder, beauty. Hyth creates something in front of his eyes, life blooming out of his palms. Eren feels his head tilt just a fraction of an inch to the side, brows pinching together. That's the extent of his reaction, but it's more than nothing. Internally, he's stunned.
[What a gift that is. Eren doesn't know how to react - doesn't know how to feel at all.
[He takes it into his hands - gentle, gentle, or he knows he'll tear the petals. He doesn't want that...
[Memories settle in as he observes the flower - because he wants to ask "Why me?" but Hythlodaeus already answered that, weeks or years ago. His dedication is true. He cares for Eren, and Eren cares for him too. He remembers.
[When he looks back at his friend, there is something young in his expression, though it's hard to place. He searches the man's face, beautiful as it is.]
I remember. [He murmurs it, as if distracted. His thoughts are difficult to pin down.]
You're important to me.
[What a gift that is. Eren doesn't know how to react - doesn't know how to feel at all.
[He takes it into his hands - gentle, gentle, or he knows he'll tear the petals. He doesn't want that...
[Memories settle in as he observes the flower - because he wants to ask "Why me?" but Hythlodaeus already answered that, weeks or years ago. His dedication is true. He cares for Eren, and Eren cares for him too. He remembers.
[When he looks back at his friend, there is something young in his expression, though it's hard to place. He searches the man's face, beautiful as it is.]
I remember. [He murmurs it, as if distracted. His thoughts are difficult to pin down.]
You're important to me.
DO W/E U WANNA DO, THREAD THE WALK, SKIP, DO SMTH NEW - LEXY POWER
abandonhumanity
2024-10-05 09:26 pm (UTC)(link)
[That new place they've moved into, Eren assumes. Akechi probably doesn't realize he's already been there, unless Maruki told him.
[Or Akechi could be taking him out to the woods to kill each other. Eren wouldn't mind either one.
[He merely nods.]
[Or Akechi could be taking him out to the woods to kill each other. Eren wouldn't mind either one.
[He merely nods.]
[Maruki's begun to explain to him - there was a time in this reality where people could become past versions of themselves, or something like that. Apparently he found himself a child quite often, which was more than a little disquieting to find out. It's a bit embarrassing that that's this guy's only impression...
[At any rate, it doesn't sound as though they actually knew each other. Eren isn't looking to make friends. He doesn't return Kazuya's sentiment.]
Are you human?
[At any rate, it doesn't sound as though they actually knew each other. Eren isn't looking to make friends. He doesn't return Kazuya's sentiment.]
Are you human?
Formerly. Currently a demon.
[But he supposes that's a fair remark to make considering he'd commented on him being particularly delicious smelling only a few short seconds ago. Either way, he doesn't blame him for not returning the smile considering that he hadn't recognized him back either.]
King of them, specifically.
[But he supposes that's a fair remark to make considering he'd commented on him being particularly delicious smelling only a few short seconds ago. Either way, he doesn't blame him for not returning the smile considering that he hadn't recognized him back either.]
King of them, specifically.
[King of the Demons and King of the Devils, eh? Eren isn't concerned, though somewhat intrigued. He thinks he's met at least one demon before, though he can't quite remember. Either way, a King here is just another sorry bastard stranded in another reality.
[He's curious, though.]
What caused the change?
[He's curious, though.]
What caused the change?
I gave up my humanity for it. It was either become king, or become the pawn of a tyrant. Makes logical sense, doesn't it?
[Or, at least those were the only two options that had really made sense, like they may have actually worked.
And his path did work, so that was all the confirmation he needed.]
[Or, at least those were the only two options that had really made sense, like they may have actually worked.
And his path did work, so that was all the confirmation he needed.]
[His smile widens, heart full as Eren recalls everything as best as he can. You're important to me. Words rarely sound so sweet.]
And you are important to me, too. That flower will never die- think of it as lasting proof that I am your friend through thick and thin.
[He rests a hand on Eren's shoulder briefly before drawing it away, content just to sit for a moment before he hums to himself. He knows what else he could create, something he's been itching to do again since he got his powers back. With a flourish, a lyre appears in his hands.]
Do you enjoy music?
And you are important to me, too. That flower will never die- think of it as lasting proof that I am your friend through thick and thin.
[He rests a hand on Eren's shoulder briefly before drawing it away, content just to sit for a moment before he hums to himself. He knows what else he could create, something he's been itching to do again since he got his powers back. With a flourish, a lyre appears in his hands.]
Do you enjoy music?
[There's really no arguing with it. Their friendship bloomed slowly, and across multiple realities. That is the sort of thing that's lasting. He only shares something like that with one other person.
[He wonders if Hyth and Maruki looked after each other, the way Hyth looked after both of them--
[That's right. That night by the pond. Hyth brought him food. He's always feeding him. When Eren was young, he cried, and then--
[The spiral of memories is stopped and spun straight, Eren's eyes focusing on Hythlodaeus again. He has an instrument.
[It all feels so surreal, like a waking dream. Eren is arrested.]
Go ahead...
[He wonders if Hyth and Maruki looked after each other, the way Hyth looked after both of them--
[That's right. That night by the pond. Hyth brought him food. He's always feeding him. When Eren was young, he cried, and then--
[The spiral of memories is stopped and spun straight, Eren's eyes focusing on Hythlodaeus again. He has an instrument.
[It all feels so surreal, like a waking dream. Eren is arrested.]
Go ahead...
[He can understand that sometimes you simply need time to think. So perhaps a little music would clear Eren's head, give him that space to breathe. He starts playing and is quiet as he does so, affording Eren the time needed to remember.
He's never played music for Eren before, but his fingers know exactly how to tease the strings to bring out a beautiful melody. His eyes close as he plays, and his smile softens. It's a nostalgic tune for him, a special kind of song. It makes him think of home.
When he's done, he opens his eyes again and watches his friend. Gauges his reaction.]
Sometimes, a little music helps me think. I hope it did the same for you.
He's never played music for Eren before, but his fingers know exactly how to tease the strings to bring out a beautiful melody. His eyes close as he plays, and his smile softens. It's a nostalgic tune for him, a special kind of song. It makes him think of home.
When he's done, he opens his eyes again and watches his friend. Gauges his reaction.]
Sometimes, a little music helps me think. I hope it did the same for you.
[Eren almost wants to laugh. Kazuya may as well have told him he could read minds. If he's really anything like Eren, maybe he can.]
Sure. [There's some edge to his tone, condescending.]
It's an interesting way of saying that you wanted power. It seems you had it for a time. Not so much the case anymore.
Sure. [There's some edge to his tone, condescending.]
It's an interesting way of saying that you wanted power. It seems you had it for a time. Not so much the case anymore.
Actually, I didn't really want it at all. I was forced into the situation, and it was either that, or let God take humanity's free will away at best, or kill them all at worst because He wasn't getting his way.
[Here, Kazuya just shrugs. If there had been another choice that had solved all of the problems that had arose and had let him keep his soul, it would have been a far better choice in his eyes.]
Honestly though? I mostly did it to keep the people I love safe. But I guess getting the power to do that was a natural outcome of that desire.
[Here, Kazuya just shrugs. If there had been another choice that had solved all of the problems that had arose and had let him keep his soul, it would have been a far better choice in his eyes.]
Honestly though? I mostly did it to keep the people I love safe. But I guess getting the power to do that was a natural outcome of that desire.
[What is happening to him?
Who is this man?
[The tune floats around them, and Eren stares out across the field to a farmhouse with warmly lit windows. Familiar shapes move about inside. The air is calm, the breeze kicking up fallen leaves with the faintest chill. Eren is silent, the sun slowly disappearing over the horizon, orange fading into purples and blues.
[He wants to cry.
[Doesn't.
[But breathes, slowly in, and slowly out. His friend is near. Peace never lasts, but there are moments of safety one learns to cling to.
[He doesn't focus on recalling any memories. This will be a new one.
[He doesn't answer Hythlodaeus right away, his gaze still on the disappearing sun. At some point, he realizes the other has spoken. He turns his head, meeting lavendar eyes.
[His voice is quiet.]
What did you say?
Where is he?
[The tune floats around them, and Eren stares out across the field to a farmhouse with warmly lit windows. Familiar shapes move about inside. The air is calm, the breeze kicking up fallen leaves with the faintest chill. Eren is silent, the sun slowly disappearing over the horizon, orange fading into purples and blues.
[He wants to cry.
[Doesn't.
[But breathes, slowly in, and slowly out. His friend is near. Peace never lasts, but there are moments of safety one learns to cling to.
[He doesn't focus on recalling any memories. This will be a new one.
[He doesn't answer Hythlodaeus right away, his gaze still on the disappearing sun. At some point, he realizes the other has spoken. He turns his head, meeting lavendar eyes.
[His voice is quiet.]
What did you say?
You've managed to come around to the same conclusion. [Whatever pretty reason someone dresses it up in, one thing always remains the same - those with power are the ones that prevail.
[Going up against a god? Kazuya must have had it in spades.]
Were you successful?
[Going up against a god? Kazuya must have had it in spades.]
Were you successful?
[The lyre disappears into light, as Hythlodaeus reduces it down to aether again. The sparkles waft into the air and fade, as Hythlodaeus chuckles quietly. Not mocking, simply fond.]
It doesn't matter. Thank you for listening... I haven't had the chance to play since I arrived here. I'm glad that it was special.
[For him and, hopefully, Eren too.]
I'm glad to see you again, Eren. Truly... every moment with you is precious to me.
[So he's glad that he doesn't have to give up on making more special memories with him.]
It doesn't matter. Thank you for listening... I haven't had the chance to play since I arrived here. I'm glad that it was special.
[For him and, hopefully, Eren too.]
I'm glad to see you again, Eren. Truly... every moment with you is precious to me.
[So he's glad that he doesn't have to give up on making more special memories with him.]
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