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[abandonhumanity]

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[abandonhumanity]

[It's a quick cut through the woods from the edge of the farm to the Machiya. Eren comes from around the side, a tall shadow with how dark it is outside. He waits at the foot of the entryway, quiet.

[Notes the cat; recalls snapping a photo.]

[enteloki]

[Jumpscare ahoy - he isn't used to this. Younger Eren lacked this degree of subtly. Noted.]

What an entrance.

[Whatever - he's here. Korokke? On her own. It's Maruki's stupid cat - she can find her way back in. With a wave of his hand, Akechi ushers Eren forward to the direction of the cliff.]

I take it you're acclimating well? You've have some time to reestablish yourself.

[abandonhumanity]

Some time. [Eren walks side by side with Akechi.]

It would be difficult to describe to you. I have a lot to sort out that most people probably wouldn't have to think about. [His tone is "casual" if you could call it that.]

[enteloki]

In time it will sort itself out. There's little else to do in this small town outside of think and try to parse the truth.

[And Eren sure is at the Machiya frequently. Maruki's clearly got some part of this handled by the annoying amount of time Eren spends there.

He continues on.]

Of course, I'm available to help as well should you need it.

[abandonhumanity]

I trusted that already. [Maybe that will annoy him.]

We've always been allies, even before we were anything else. [Maybe that will too.]

[enteloki]

[Annoying. He thought years apart would dull that shit.]

I see. I'm happy to hear it. You're correct - we've always been allies and will continue to be, so long as your goals haven't changed.

[abandonhumanity]

They haven't changed from where I'm standing, but perhaps you'd like to go over them again.

[enteloki]

I didn't expect a quiz from you.

[But whatever - it doesn't hurt to confirm what may have changed over the years. Akechi turns his head to watch Eren and keeps moving.]

To put it simply - we're leaving this reality behind using any means necessary.

[abandonhumanity]

[The truth is, with that, Eren's goal has changed - or, at least, what he used to say his goal was has changed. Since he first arrived in Somnius, he's told nearly everyone that would listen about his quest to take control from Vaeros and put it in the hands of the Dreamers.

[He doesn't want that. He wants the power in his hands - Akechi's, Maruki's, or whichever trusted confidant gets the job done.

[Akechi will get his confirmation. Eren nods, even.]

Then, we're on the same page. That's good to hear.

[enteloki]

Of course. It's only been a short time for me - I made an assumption from your appearance it's been far longer for you.

[YEARS, FRANKLY. EREN, you're fucking big.]

It wouldn't have been unreasonable if your goals had changed in that time. Perhaps that new result would've ended with an ocean. [It's not like there's anyone around to hear this time of night.] How long did you return to your reality for? I'm curious.

[abandonhumanity]

[Akechi's words are as flippant as ever, but they don't seem to affect Eren.]

Four years. All the way to the end.

[A glance as they walk.] I guess I must look pretty different to you now.

[enteloki]

Is that so? Well, you achieved what you desired. I can't say I'm not envious.

[That's it - a short life ending as it should. A world followed it.]

As for your appearance, I wouldn't say it's entirely different. I knew you were Eren the second I set eyes on you, despite the change.

[Akechi looks, in that moment. Bulkier. Taller. Hair changed. Features blank, and not. Less emotive, provoking and reactive - traits Akechi doesn't particularly miss.]

You've always had a presence about you. That hasn't changed in four years. I doubt it would have even if you lived a long life.

[abandonhumanity]

[Akechi looks at him. Eren wants him to. Wants to hear him talk too. He lets his head tilt just a fraction of an inch to the side.]

A presence?

[enteloki]

I'm sure you've met people like that - those who capture your attention without making a sound.

[Joker, who caught Akechi's eye no matter how he attempted to blend into his surroundings. Quiet. Masked. Attentive.

Shido, who demanded acknowledgement in his tone, demeanor and posture. There was no room for another to question it. No chance to fight it. Oppressive. Cruel. Unyielding.

The cliff appears in the distance. Akechi begins to deviate to a different path than usual.]

They walk into a room, and it belongs to them the second they do. You had that even in your youth.

[abandonhumanity]

[It's not as though Eren can't see where Akechi is coming from. He's not entirely self-unaware. There's a reason his plan worked as well as it did, and it had plenty to do with commanding attention. He's always been able to rally people together. It's the greatest weapon he has.

[That being said, he likes hearing it a lot more from Akechi than he has anybody else.

[He follows him as he deviates off the path.]

I'd guess that people say the same about you. That's the reason you protect your image so carefully, isn't it?

[enteloki]

To put it simply, yes, but it's manufactured. I've already told you how I was an unwanted child. To move away from that image requires careful cultivation of everything I do. How I dress, what I eat, how I walk, how I look, what I say and the tone it's said in, interaction with others and who I'm seen speaking to -

[Moving up the hill, and to the side - they aren't going up, but they are moving around the forested edge. A slower clip, a quieter route.]

One mistake - small or large, and it's over. Those with a natural gift lack that rigid line. I have to say, I'm envious.

[abandonhumanity]

[Having to live that way, maybe Akechi never did have a chance at being a genuine person. It's something that Eren has considered before; doesn't make him any less eager to bring out what authenticity he can.

[He'd like nothing more than to free him, really.]

I'd never considered myself that type of person, but I suppose there's no point in denying it now. It became useful enough. Cultivated or otherwise, I'm sure you can understand the advantages.

That being said...

There are times when you have a certain presence too.

[enteloki]

[It's all about the advantage. A value. A path forward.]

I can only hope it's a positive one. Even in this reality, it's important to maintain such a thing.

[abandonhumanity]

[Eren weighs that consideration for a moment; comes up with this:]

I think "positive" depends on who you're asking.

[enteloki]

I'm asking you.

[In this silent, dense forest -

Who else would there be but the two of them.]

[abandonhumanity]

[Eren lets that silent encroach for a moment. He keeps his eyes on Akechi's, dark as they are in this dim light.]

For me? It's what I want.

Your presence. The you that others think they know doesn't interest me.

[enteloki]

I wouldn't know what you mean.

[It's annoying. The few who accept the rotten parts of him-

That think they do. They're pathetic. Stupid. At least a prince would pretend to care about them. Too chose a life outside of that illusion-

He can't fathom it.]

But I'll allow you to keep that delusion if it makes you content. I'm in a good mood, after all.

[abandonhumanity]

How kind of you.

Where are you taking me, Akechi?

[enteloki]

Somewhere quiet.

[And that's all Eren gets-

Before he continues the trek in silence. Up and around a corner, a steep path up, until they reach a hidden area with a flower covered bench. A town below, the ocean beyond, a staggering cliff still behind and a sunrise that will bathe this entire place in light in a few hours.]

Maruki-san showed me this place some time ago. Have you been here before?

eyes at that link

[abandonhumanity]

[Even given the holes in his memory, it's odd to enter this place and realize that it's something he's never seen before. At one time, hadn't Eren known every corner of Somnius? He looks to Akechi.]

I haven't.

[It's beautiful, unfitting of two monsters. It could be a backdrop for them if they were something prettier. Even so, Akechi's face is painted by moonlight; it seems to suit the place.]