[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.
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.
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.
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.
[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?
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.
[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.
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?
[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.]
[He doesn't move to sit. All he does is watch Eren from the center of this small path.
Watch how different he looks from the day a boy pleaded with him in a boiling hot bath. To see if that face will contort and enrage like he used to when they first met. Akechi hopes it does. ]
I thought now would be a good time to show you the site of that grave. Having a grand return to a false reality means you require a reminder of your real one. It felt appropriate.
[Eren eyes the space. He'd almost forgotten. The memory now is frayed at the edges. They were side by side in a boiling bath, talking about mothers and graves.
[It does look like a lovely place to rest - quiet, hidden away, with a place for mourners to sit and weep.
[Eren was born to be grieved, but like a cockroach that can't be killed, those that grieve him are bound to be chained by him forever. It had seemed more dire, four years ago, to have a place to come die. He could do so repeatedly with the right memories - throw himself down on his sword again and again. There was appeal to that. He can remember craving the feeling of pain, because at least pain was better than nothing at all. Even then, he knew that he could never truly rest, but now...
[All hope gone, there's nothing left for desperation to cling to. A grave is a grave - his, or those he loves, or someone Akechi loved - and he feels nothing. They stand over the proverbial pit together, both watching. This would be a rather poetic moment for Akechi to slice off his head.]
You put a lot of thought into this. I'd almost say that's an honor.
I'm not unhappy. I'm pleased. We both got what we wanted, didn't we? You, a grave. Myself, a favor to a friend granted. What else could I possibly want?
[Oh, his hackles are up. Bristling, despite the smile plastered.]
You've been gone for some time, so I'll let it go this once and offer you a reminder - don't misconstrue my feelings as you often did in your youth.
I'm not sure what it is you want. I might have believed that, actually. You gave me exactly what I wanted. It's beautiful too. You could have just been doing that for a friend.
[Eren steps up closer to Akechi. He can see the moon's glow in the other man's eyes, unblinking.]
But you are unhappy. I can tell. You have that look in your eye again. Like you want to rip me apart.
I never want that. You often interpret my expression in odd ways.
[He could reach up -
and wrap his fingers around Eren's throat again. A bloom of purple would appear, and vanish, with every gasp.
It would be easy. Eren wouldn't bat an eye. A flutter of lashes to stay conscious, and he would, because he's doomed to die another way.]
I just find it interesting that you accept it so easily. A grave given by another in a temporary world filled with people who will come and go in an instant. By the time we walk down this hill, there may be no one left that remembers 'Eren' or his lost mother.
[The grave isn't for his mother.]
So what's the point of this? Why create a memorial when you're a barely a blip on the radar of the majority here? I would have thought four years would've changed your mind over the matter.
You're right about that. [Easy, casual, almost bored-sounding. He scratches a bit at the back of his ear.] It really doesn't make much sense.
I did ask for it though. [He lowers his hand.]
Graves anywhere work the same way, don't they? Eventually, everyone who was there for the burial ends up buried themselves. A grave simply becomes a place dedicated to something that no longer exists.
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[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.
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[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.
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Four years. All the way to the end.
[A glance as they walk.] I guess I must look pretty different to you now.
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[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.
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A presence?
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[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.
no subject
[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?
no subject
[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.
no subject
[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.
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I can only hope it's a positive one. Even in this reality, it's important to maintain such a thing.
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I think "positive" depends on who you're asking.
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[In this silent, dense forest -
Who else would there be but the two of them.]
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For me? It's what I want.
Your presence. The you that others think they know doesn't interest me.
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[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.
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Where are you taking me, Akechi?
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[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
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.]
stares into the sun
[He doesn't move to sit. All he does is watch Eren from the center of this small path.
Watch how different he looks from the day a boy pleaded with him in a boiling hot bath. To see if that face will contort and enrage like he used to when they first met. Akechi hopes it does. ]
I thought now would be a good time to show you the site of that grave. Having a grand return to a false reality means you require a reminder of your real one. It felt appropriate.
[Dead mom. Dead Eren. It's all the same.]
I meant to show you before your sudden departure.
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[Eren eyes the space. He'd almost forgotten. The memory now is frayed at the edges. They were side by side in a boiling bath, talking about mothers and graves.
[It does look like a lovely place to rest - quiet, hidden away, with a place for mourners to sit and weep.
[Eren was born to be grieved, but like a cockroach that can't be killed, those that grieve him are bound to be chained by him forever. It had seemed more dire, four years ago, to have a place to come die. He could do so repeatedly with the right memories - throw himself down on his sword again and again. There was appeal to that. He can remember craving the feeling of pain, because at least pain was better than nothing at all. Even then, he knew that he could never truly rest, but now...
[All hope gone, there's nothing left for desperation to cling to. A grave is a grave - his, or those he loves, or someone Akechi loved - and he feels nothing. They stand over the proverbial pit together, both watching. This would be a rather poetic moment for Akechi to slice off his head.]
You put a lot of thought into this. I'd almost say that's an honor.
Is this your taste?
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Remains somber on this quiet cliffside - isn't incited by the reminder of a death he's experienced and will come again.
That's all there is. His arms cross over his chest - he doesn't look away. Doesn't blink.]
I have no preference, if you're asking about my ideal grave. A body is a body. I won't be around to know better.
[That's all there is to it.]
I take it you find this place suitable. If so, I'll consider this request completed.
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You're unhappy? Why?
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[Oh, his hackles are up. Bristling, despite the smile plastered.]
You've been gone for some time, so I'll let it go this once and offer you a reminder - don't misconstrue my feelings as you often did in your youth.
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I'm not sure what it is you want. I might have believed that, actually. You gave me exactly what I wanted. It's beautiful too. You could have just been doing that for a friend.
[Eren steps up closer to Akechi. He can see the moon's glow in the other man's eyes, unblinking.]
But you are unhappy. I can tell. You have that look in your eye again. Like you want to rip me apart.
Well. Look at where we're standing.
cw: VIOLENT THOUGHTS
[He could reach up -
and wrap his fingers around Eren's throat again. A bloom of purple would appear, and vanish, with every gasp.
It would be easy. Eren wouldn't bat an eye. A flutter of lashes to stay conscious, and he would, because he's doomed to die another way.]I just find it interesting that you accept it so easily. A grave given by another in a temporary world filled with people who will come and go in an instant. By the time we walk down this hill, there may be no one left that remembers 'Eren' or his lost mother.
[The grave isn't for his mother.]
So what's the point of this? Why create a memorial when you're a barely a blip on the radar of the majority here? I would have thought four years would've changed your mind over the matter.
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I did ask for it though. [He lowers his hand.]
Graves anywhere work the same way, don't they? Eventually, everyone who was there for the burial ends up buried themselves. A grave simply becomes a place dedicated to something that no longer exists.
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jesus I didn't realize this thread was so long lmao WRAPTTT