Recognition?
"thoughts/recordings"
Tim started from the beginning. He showed the teens' conversation with Levi, only to end with Levi's message from Kanda again.
"Kanda…is alive!?"
No words could describe Allen's sudden shock. But why was Kanda even here? No, scratch that. How was he even here? Alive? In this world?
"Well, it appears the samurai has finally been found."Neah sounded amused.
"What!? Neah, you knew Kanda was here? How long? Why didn't you say anything to me sooner!?" Allen bombarded Neah with questions. "How did he even get here?"
"Allen, calm down."
"Calm down!? We've been in this world, what, three years? And after all this time you never told me that one of my friends was here?" Allen's anger of being left in the dark from this information was evident in his tone.
But wait, if Kanda was here, then maybe everyone else…Lavi…Lenalee…
"I know what you're thinking Allen, but no. Lavi & Lenalee, nor anyone else, are in this world." Neah bore the bad news.
"But, Kanda…"
"After the fight with the Earl & Noah, and before you took control and summoned the Ark, I noticed something glowing on the battlefield. It was partially covered by one of the exorcist uniforms, and upon further inspection, I recognized it as that samurai's life orb. Knowing you, I figured you wouldn't want it left behind to just rot in that hell. So I told Tim to bring it & his uniform along with, and release them wherever the Ark took us. I never knew or imagined that we'd land in this hell hole of all places."
"But then how is Kanda even alive?"
"Remember Allen, once the Earl & Noah were defeated, any & all souls that Tyki's Tease had devoured were set free. The once devoured soul of Kanda Yu was also released. Knowing that samurai's persistence, his soul probably went back to his orb. Never thought it would take this long for his body to come into being again, though."
"But Levi said Kanda was found in kyojin territory, unconscious. How could he have lived all this time with those things roaming around?"
"When I found his life orb, it appeared to be crystalized. Combine that with his innocence, & it probably crystalized him as well. Any kyojin that came near may have either tried getting to him, only to give up when nothing worked, or were exorcised when coming into contact with it. Just like an innocence to protect its host."
"I still can't believe you didn't tell me this right away", Allen scolded.
"Would you rather me tell you right away and you worrying over his safety after all these years? Or being told years later that he's alive & well?"
Neah had a point. Allen knew he would've been a complete mess if he knew of Kanda being in this world, only to not know where he was and if he was surviving. But then again, this was Kanda. That guy wouldn't die from something that was no more menacing, if not as deadly as an akuma.
However, "Couldn't I have just asked Tim to show me where he dropped Kanda off?" Allen asked.
"You may be his master now Allen, but I was his master long before you. And since I live on in you, my orders come before yours. I had ordered him not to show you anything if you were to find out about Kanda sooner than expected, and asked of his whereabouts."
Allen looked at Tim. "Is that why you were nowhere to be found before I found you where Eren & the others were?"
Tim merely nodded, giving his sharp-toothed grin in reply. Allen just shook his head in exasperation.
"Wait…if Kanda is here, then why is he regular-sized as opposed to me?"
"Not even I know the answer to that, Allen. I had been asking myself that same question just a moment ago."
What could have prevented Kanda from growing in this world like Allen had?
A dark aura suddenly developed around him.
"A-Allen?"
Allen gave an evil chuckle. "Look who's the moyashi now, BaKanda~."
"You're enjoying this too much."
"Kanda Yu. Although he threatened to slice anyone who called him 'Yu'. With what, I have no idea, but he didn't appear to be joking. Tch, damned brat", Levi told the teens as he started walking off.
The three managed to stifle a laugh as they followed him out of the cabin. Had Levi actually met someone as intimidating & full of attitude as himself?
"Wait, from what you've told us about this Kanda guy, I'm guessing he's not a kyojin like Allen, then?" Eren asked, still trying not to laugh. "Why is that?"
"I have no answer to that, but I never told him about Allen's size difference. I figured I'd let him find out for himself", Levi told them. "And wipe that damn smirk off your face", he said angrily, noticing Eren's stupid grin.
"Well, if Kanda is like Allen, then he must also have innocence", Armin spoke, trying to break the humorous tension. "With both him and Allen helping, we may not have to live in fear of the kyojin & akuma for much longer."
"That may be true, but those that know about Allen are still to keep an eye on his actions when he's fighting with us", Levi said sternly. "The situation with Maria's Survey Corps captain didn't exactly give off a good first impression."
"We already told you why that happened in the first place", Eren replied angrily.
"Maybe he should keep Neah in check better", Levi snappily retorted.
Eren went to speak again, but Armin didn't want a scene occurring on training grounds. "Uh, w-well thank you for the information you provided us, Cpt. Levi." Armin saluted.
"Tch, whatever. Just make sure you brats make it to graduation. We need all the soldiers we can get. With or without Allen's & Kanda's help." With that, Levi left.
"Armin, what the hell? Why did you cut me off? How could you just let him say those things about Allen?" Eren was pissed.
"It's not like I wanted to keep quiet, but I didn't want you making a scene! People seem to be suspicious of us enough, considering that 'Mankind's toughest & bravest warrior' came here to speak to us personally."
"Armin's right, Eren", Mikasa said. "Just look around."
Eren did look, and many people on the training grounds were just staring at them. Some even whispering & pointing in their direction.
"Come on, Eren. Let's head back to the cabin", Armin said.
Back on the Ark
Allen had finally gotten over his laughing fit.
"You seem to be in good spirits all of a sudden. Does this mean I'm off the hook?"
"No", Allen said bluntly. "I'm still mad you kept this from me."
"But you could barely breathe from laughing just a second ago! How could you still be mad?"
"I have a right to be. And besides, I think I deserve to have a good laugh about this, after all the years he made fun of my height", Allen seemed to pout.
"You have the weirdest mood changes, you know that?"
Allen just smiled. He then turned to Timcampy, giving him a quick message to send to his friends, before leaving the Ark.
"What was that all about?" a blonde haired guy with a buff build asked the three as they walked into the cabin.
"Oh! R-Reiner! And Bertholdt!" Armin exclaimed, surprised by his & Eren's bunkmates' sudden appearance. "When did you guys get here?"
"About a few seconds after we saw you guys following Cpt. Levi out", Bertholdt, a kind seeming dark haired teen, answered. "Did you guys get in trouble, or something?"
"Oh, nothing like that", Eren told him.
"Then what was he here for?" Reiner asked, curious.
"Just to tell us how a friend was doing", Armin said.
"Anything else?" he asked, seeming to demand more of an explanation.
"The rest is none of your business", Mikasa said sternly.
Bertholdt gave a nervous smile, while Reiner seemed to force his after basically being told to keep his nose out of their business.
"Come on guys, it's about dinner time. Let's just forget about Levi's being here, and go eat", Armin spoke up, wanting to get out of the awkward tension in the cabin. Everyone agreed and headed towards the mess hall. Armin sighed in relief.
After Dinner/Later that Night
"Armin?" Mikasa said.
"What is it, Mikasa?"
The three were currently back in the cabin. Reiner & Bertholdt weren't there. Where, they didn't know, but they didn't care as long as they had some privacy.
"When Levi was here earlier, you mentioned how Kanda may be like Allen. What did you mean by that exactly?" she wondered.
"Levi mentioned Kanda wearing a uniform similar to that of Allen's, so I figured he must also be an exorcist", Armin said.
"You caught what that akuma said, too?" Eren spoke up.
"When did the akuma say that?" Mikasa asked.
"Remember when Allen shielded us from the akuma bullets? After he destroyed the first one, another called him an exorcist", Armin pointed out.
"I missed that", Mikasa replied. "I guess I was still in shock from how he managed to survive the poisoned bullets."
"Do you think his uniform is from some sort of military organization?" Eren questioned.
"I really can't say. He never said anything about his uniform. He said it no longer held meaning…" Armin said, thinking he now understood why.
"Why don't we ask him?" Eren decided to say. "Face to face."
"Eren, are you crazy!?" Armin exclaimed. "What if we get caught? It's too risky, not to mention dangerous!"
"Then you go", Eren insisted.
"Why me!?"
"You're right about it being too risky if we all go, plus, people might get suspicious if all three of us are discovered gone. Mikasa & I can cover for you, and Tim is sure to keep you safe! And you have a sharp memory, Armin. You probably caught many things that Allen told us and never went into detail about that we failed to notice."
Eren was right. Armin did have many questions, but he didn't have a right to demand Allen tell them.
"I agree, Eren. But what Allen chooses to keep from us is his business."
"We're his friends, aren't we? Shouldn't he feel comfortable telling us these things?"
"He's only known us for about three years. The three of us have known each other a majority of our lives", Armin stated.
Eren kept giving a pleading look before Armin finally caved.
"Fine! But I'm only asking about his uniform. I'm not going to bombard him with personal questions", Armin huffed.
Eren smiled, giving Armin a noogie. "Thanks, Armin!"
"Now we just need to wait for Tim to return", Mikasa said.
"What is that?" Eren asked.
They looked to see something moving under the covers of Eren & Armin's bunk. Armin pulled the covers back to reveal Tim.
"Tim! How long have you been under there?" Armin asked.
Tim opened his mouth to show him coming in through the window as all of them were leaving for dinner. He then cut to Reiner & Bertholdt coming back.
"Were you able to catch any of the conversation between them & Levi?" Reiner asked Bertholdt.
"Not much. But I heard a few names come up, and something about them helping against the kyojin & akuma."
"They mentioned the akuma?" Reiner asked, surprised. "They actually said akuma?"
"Yes."
"How the hell do they know about them?"
"How do we know? How do they know?" Armin questioned. Eren & Mikasa agreed.
"Hey, what is that thing?" Bertholdt said, pointing directly at Tim.
Reiner looked and approached him. "Why do you look familiar?" He made a reach for Tim, only to get growled at. Reiner didn't heed the warning, resulting in Tim biting his hand. "Ouch! Shit!" Reiner yelled in pain. Tim quickly flew out the window and around the corner. "Where did it go?" Reiner's shout could be heard.
"Who cares where it went, we need to get your hand tended to", Bertholdt said, concerned.
"No, it's fine. It'll heal soon enough. But let's get out of here anyway", Reiner angrily replied.
The projection showed Tim flying back in just as the two had left, going under the covers.
The last thing heard being the voices of the three as they entered the cabin before Tim closed his mouth.
"Reiner seemed to recognize you, Tim", Mikasa said.
"Probably from his appearance at orientation", Eren reminded her.
"Wait, if Tim's been here this entire time, then he heard our conversation just a moment ago", Armin pointed out to them. They stared at him, only getting a nod.
"But since he's back, that must mean that he delivered Levi's message to Allen", Mikasa said.
Tim nodded again, opening his mouth a second time to show Allen.
"Kanda…is alive!?" they saw him exclaim. They watched as he became silent, his face going through many emotions.
"He must be talking to Neah", Armin seemed to answer Eren & Mikasa's unspoken question.
They were then surprised when Allen got a weird smile and started laughing uncontrollably, mentioning that 'moyashi' term again, along with 'BaKanda'.
After a few more minutes of Allen talking with Neah in his head again, he came back to reality, smiling at Tim as he gave his message.
"As you guys could tell, I'm shocked at this news. It's been awhile. We haven't really talked much since you guys joined the cadets. How's the training going? You wouldn't believe the weight that came off my shoulders when I saw you guys were alive & well. Tim flew into me so fast, I thought something terrible had happened. That's about it for now. Good luck with the rest of your training!" Allen paused. "Oh, & Neah says he's looking forward to your promise, Eren. He also says 'hi' to you all." He flashed a smile before the recording ended.
"Allen seems to be pretty happy about the news on Kanda", Mikasa said as the recording ended.
"And Neah still remembers the promise we made", Eren said, feeling acknowledged. "But he & Allen are going to meet one of us sooner than expected." He and Mikasa looked at Armin.
"And here I was hoping you had forgotten about that", Armin said, giving a sigh.
"Not a chance!" Eren turned to Tim. "You think you could sneak Armin out of here tonight? Please, Tim!"
Tim seemed to be thinking the request through, before finally agreeing.
"But where is Tim going to grow without being noticed?" Armin questioned.
They suddenly heard voices from outside. Tim managed to hide in Mikasa's scarf just as Reiner & Bertholdt walked in.
"You guys are still up?" Reiner asked as they entered. "It's past lights out."
"Well aren't you a hypocrite", Mikasa said. "You ask a question like that, when you and Bertholdt just came back from wherever."
"Haha, I was only kidding, but I guess you're right", Reiner agreed. "Bertholdt & I were just wandering around the outskirts of camp. If you go up past the cliffs", he pointed in the general direction, "there's a beautiful lake."
"Didn't Tim bite his hand earlier?" Armin thought. There was no mark to indicate he had.
"That's perfect!" "We gotta see that! Come on guys!" Eren urged.
Reiner was right, the lake was indeed beautiful. Especially with the moon shining down on it. It made the lake shimmer as if it were filled with countless diamonds.
"Wow", was all Eren could manage to say. Armin & Mikasa said nothing at all, transfixed at the sight, Tim perched on Mikasa's shoulder.
A few minutes went by before Eren seemed to remember the main reason they had come here.
"Okay Tim, you're up."
Tim flew off Mikasa's shoulder and a few feet in front of them, before he suddenly grew big enough for Armin to climb on. Armin hesitantly walked up to Tim, still thinking this was a bad idea.
"You'll be fine", Mikasa assured him.
"What if we-"
"Armin, you worry too much. Everything will be fine. Right, Tim?" Eren said.
Tim nodded, putting his hand on Armin's shoulder. Armin gave a defeated sigh (he was doing that a lot today), unable to believe he was going through with this. He climbed on top of Tim, waving to his friends as Tim ascended into the sky.
"Tell Allen & Neah we said 'hi'", Eren said as Tim flew off.
When Tim wasn't going every which way to avoid kyojin or akuma bullets, riding on him was quite fun. Armin couldn't believe how beautiful the land outside the walls were. He looked down from time to time, glad there weren't any kyojin in sight. That is, until Tim entered the Forest of Giant Trees. The trees blocked out the moon's light, but Armin could still see the silhouettes of the large figures down below. He remembered the camp teacher saying something about kyojin not being active at night, but Armin was still terrified at the sight of them. And it didn't help that some seemed to notice him & Tim flying overhead, and would blankly stare, their gazes following as Tim proceeded.
"Tim, are we almost there?" he asked, their stares making him feel highly uneasy. He felt Tim rock back and forth, assuming he was nodding 'yes'.
Tim started to speed up, going deep into the heart of the forest where a lake was hidden. It was much bigger than the one Reiner had told them about. He hovered a few feet above the lake's surface, heading for the center. Armin was amazed at the lake's size, his eyes widening in awe. But as Tim neared the center, he noticed a sliver of white light, making it look like the lake was glass, its complexion having been cracked. Before he could wonder what it was, Tim dived right for it.
"Tim!?" Armin was never going to get used to him doing that.
He closed his eyes, waiting to get immersed in water. Instead, everything went from dark, to blindingly bright. It took Armin a minute to adjust his eyes to the brightness of…
"Where are we?" he couldn't help but voice out loud.
He looked down at a marble white city, Tim still in the now bright blue, cloudless sky.
"It appears Tim has returned early", Neah told Allen, having sensed him enter.
"Mmm", Allen mumbled in response, currently resting on the couch in the Musician's room.
Both failed to notice the other presence of Armin.
Armin took in the sight of everything as Tim flew through the city to Allen's location. He couldn't believe how pristine everything was. He felt Tim slowing down, turning as he entered an open room.
Armin scanned the room, first noticing the white grand piano & bench. His eyes then fell on a familiar figure. "Allen", he whispered to himself, seeing him lying down on the couch. Tim proceeded to Allen, landing on his head.
"You're back much sooner than expected, Tim", Allen said, smiling as he stood up, Tim flying in front of his face. His smile quickly disappeared when he saw Tim had brought a visitor.
"Hi, Allen. Long time no see", Armin nervously said, giving a smile and wave to match.
"Armin!? What are you doing here? Don't you know how dangerous it is to travel here with the kyojin and akuma roaming around?" Allen seemed to reprimand.
"I-I'm sorry, Allen", Armin said sadly, feeling guilty for making his friend worry.
Allen gave a sigh. "I'm not mad at you, Armin. Sorry for sounding stern. As if the kyojin aren't bad enough, there's also the akuma to worry about. And unlike kyojin, they can float and go at much faster speeds."
Armin had failed to remember that, but a noise from Tim got his & Allen's attention.
"Well, at least you had Tim. He's always been reliable", Allen complimented, brushing the golem's cheek with his finger. "So, what made you decide to come here?" he asked, having calmed down a bit.
"More like I was begged and talked into it", Armin answered, shaking his head. "Tim happened to catch our conversation, it'd probably be easier to show you.
Allen offered his hand to Armin, Tim opening his mouth when he felt his passenger get off. Allen only saw a black background, but soon heard his friend's voices.
Allen gave a small sigh, shaking his head. "You guys are too curious for your own good." He couldn't help but chuckle a little bit, having finished listening to their conversation. He returned Armin to Tim.
"I really didn't want to visit with such a reason in mind." Armin felt terrible.
"Armin, don't beat yourself up over it. You guys aren't wrong. I may have only known you guys a short time, but I do consider you my friends; I guess I should be a little less mysterious. But I appreciate your respect for my privacy", Allen tried to cheer him up. "I guess I should at least answer your question."
And that he did. He told Armin everything pertaining to the importance of his uniform: the Order, the akuma, the Earl, even a little about the Noah, and his friends –the family- he had made.
"After losing all my friends, I wanted to cut all ties in relation to the Order. I even tried to pretend my uniform was meaningless, not wanting to part with the one thing that would make me remember the place that had provided and given me a family." Allen looked at Armin, noticing that he was crying.
"I should have never got talked into asking you something so personal, & in person no less", Armin said through sobs, his assumption of Allen failing to go into detail about his uniform turning out to be right.
"Armin, it's okay, really. I was able to tell you because you guys are my friends. Eren wasn't wrong when he said I should be comfortable telling you these things. But I think what made it easier to tell you, was because I now know that one of my friends is alive when I thought he had been dead this entire time."
Armin felt a little better hearing Allen's words and seeing the smile that he gave when repeating the news.
"So, how have things been going since you guys joined the cadets? Make any new friends?" Allen wondered.
He listened as Armin talked about their first day there, how orientation went, Tim's little appearance, & the conversation he & Eren had with two other cadets by the names of Marco and Connie.
"They want to meet you sometime", Armin told Allen.
"That might not turn out too well", Allen laughed a little, Armin laughing along with him.
"You've changed Armin. I can tell."
"Changed? How?"
"I can see it in your eyes. And how you carry yourself now. You seem much more confident & stronger compared to when we first met. I'm sure Eren and Mikasa have as well." Allen gave a kind smile.
"Th-thank you, Allen." Armin could feel his cheeks heating up. Damn his bashfulness! Allen couldn't help but laugh.
They chatted a little longer, Armin telling Allen about the training and use of the 3DM gear and blades.
"I'm glad you guys are making progress and still managing to have a good time. I'd hate to end our meeting, but you should really head back now. Time never changes here in the Ark, but I'm sure it's getting late."
"So this is the Ark." "Yeah, I guess I should. It was great seeing you again Allen. And the others say 'hi' to you and Neah." Armin smiled.
Tim turned, about to exit the room.
"Oh, one more thing, Allen, if you don't mind?"
"What is it?"
"Tim…does he normally bite or growl at new people that try to get near him?"
"He doesn't growl often. But he will bite from time to time. Although he usually bites if he's feeling ornery or trying to get your attention." Allen recalled the times Tim had bitten him for those reasons. "Only other reason I can think of is if he doesn't like or trust the person… Why do you ask?"
"Tim, can you show the recording you got of Reiner & Bertholdt?" Armin got back in Allen's palm as Tim did so.
Allen found their conversation pretty suspicious. And he couldn't help but feel shocked and slightly uneasy when seeing how Tim reacted to Reiner…that twitching feeling in his eye again.
"What do you make of this?" Armin asked as he was returned to Tim.
"I can't exactly say. They knew about things only you guys and the soldiers I talked to should know about. And considering how Tim reacted…I would stay wary of them", Allen warned.
Armin nodded in agreement. "Tim and I will let the others know." He said bye a second time, this time actually leaving.
"I'll summon a gate for you", Allen said, playing the melody in his head. A gate appeared in front of Tim & Armin, Armin taken by surprise of the sudden crystal-like structure that came out of nowhere. "It'll take you guys back where you entered", Allen informed.
Armin thanked him, Tim entering through the gate.
Allen smiled and waved good-bye, frowning as soon as the gate closed.
"What's wrong, Allen?"
"That Reiner guy…why did he look familiar…?"
FINALLY got over my writer's block! I apologize for those of you that had to wait this long ;-; But you may have to wait awhile for the next one as well ;-; I'll be starting college again soon, & have no idea when I'll have time to write out the next one. Now, I do have an idea for the next chapter, but should I continue from this one, do a time skip, or half & half? Tell me what you guys think! And I'm sure you guys have already read the latest ch. of DGM!? OHMYGAWD, HOSHINO-SENSEI, YOU'RE KILLING US WITH THE NEW TURN OF EVENTS \(!-!)/
I appreciate all the reviews you guys have given me throughout this story so far! ^w^ jy24, thanks for your little pep message! Candy Cornacopia, I think I got those good vibes you sent me, & don't worry, I'll take care of myself \(^w^) & to kaoru12211991, hopefully you enjoyed the slight interaction within this chapter!