Chapter Thirteen: Bond and Promise

850, Trost District of Wall Rose, 5:49 PM. (Recap)

The plan had succeeded, after Kishito Ishita and the others managed to get back the storage room and resupply on their gas tanks, they all halted before going to climb the wall to the inner gate, though Kishito Ishita and his friends stayed behind temporarily to look upon the 'abnormal' titan that was attacking the other titans. The abnormal soon fell down, exhausted over the rampage it had caused.

Seeing how it was exhausted and not moving, Jean Kirschtein had concluded that it was gone and saying that it would never be on their side, seeing how it was a titan. Though, upon further inspection, there laid a familiar person; It was Eren Jaeger, who was eaten by a titan just during the first hours of the breach.

Mikasa Ackerman, a known relative of Eren, ran down to him, embracing him. In tears, she cried in joy, knowing that her only family was alive, not dead. As the others began to understand who the titan was, they could not answer if Eren Jaeger really caused all the havoc.

While Kishito Ishita was relieved to see Eren, he came to a horrified realization, he had failed to protect the one he had promised to Mikasa Ackerman, who was his best friend whom he trusted and respected. Deep down in his mind, he was outraged and angry at himself, seeing that he was not the person to rely on. Which only angered him more, knowing that he was weak, unable to even protect one. He assumed that was why Mikasa had acted so cold around him when he asked about Eren Jaeger.

He began to hate himself for not being able to keep his promise to his friend, which caused self-doubt and guilt to grow within his mind. Kishito began to feel unworthy of the friendship he had with Mikasa Ackerman. He felt that his failure was unforgivable.

Regardless, Kishito and his friends managed to get over to the inner gate of Trost, ensuring safety for them. Though Eren Jaegar and his closest friends, Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert were brought somewhere else. He was also able to reunite with his guardian, Reneth Alven. Who he had questions to ask.

And was angry with.

Kishito Ishita's story continues with future conflicts and hardships to come.

850, Inner Wall of Trost District, 6:31 PM.

Kishito grabbed Reneth's cloak and gripped it in anger. He was upset with Reneth never being honest with him, hiding his true identity in the shadows. Kishito didn't really know the person in front of him anymore. Reneth simply stood there, not moving an inch or making an expression since he truly understood why Kishito was angry.

"You damn liar! Who the hell are you?! Why did you come to save me?! You wouldn't have no reason to save me because no one would do that! You do know something about me! My dad, my mom! You're protecting me because someone told you to, am I right?! Reneth, you gotta tell me! It's tearing me apart!" Kishito screamed, breathing for air. Reneth smiled and laughed, not because it was funny, but because he knew Kishito was a sharp one and would one day find out.

And he was correct.

Kishito released his grip on Reneth and turned his back on him, looking down with a frown. "Reneth..?" He said, in a more calmer way. "Y-You're a soldier of humanity, right?" Kishito asked. Reneth nodded, despite that Kishito couldn't see him.

"Used to. But you are correct." Reneth admitted. "I.. joined the Scouting Legion when I was your age.. because I felt that humanity could rise against the titans and come back to it's former glory." He said. "I knew your father while in the Scouting Legion and we became friends."

Kishito didn't understand his reasons, but he decided that he might as well be sympathetic. "So.. then, why are you protecting me?" He asked.

"Your father asked me to."

"My dad?" Kishito asked, turning around. "Is he still alive?!" He asked, walking a little closer to Reneth. Reneth simply stared at him. Kishito looked at him, cocking his head to the right.

"I cannot tell, haven't seen him in sixteen years." Reneth simply said.

"Oh.. but my mom..?" He questioned. Reneth looked at him with unmoving eyes.

"I will say no more. But I will only say this.." Reneth said. "..your name, it holds something. And one day, I believe that you will meet your father one day."

"You really think so?" Kishito asked, with hopeful eyes.

"But, when you do, it will not be a happy reunion." Reneth said. "And you will forced to decide for yourself.. what to do when that day comes." He finished, walking away from Kishito. Kishito then began to feel angry, he was upset that he didn't know what he meant and snapped at him.

"Reneth! What the hell do you mean!? I don't understand! You have to help me! And please, you gotta tell me more!" Kishito begged, he turned away from Reneth and fell on his knees, crying, with his hands hardly gripping his knees. It was something he only did when he was a child, but he was highly conflicted at the moment and felt that it was the only thing that he could do. He then felt a hand touch his shoulder.

"It's alright." Reneth said, with a soft voice. "I may be unable to reunite you with you father and give you what you want, but I will be with you to the end and protect you. That is a promise."

Kishito wiped his eyes and nodded as he stood up. "Thanks.. old man."

"Kishito."

"Yeah?"

"Are you still dedicated to joining the Scouting Legion?" He asked.

At first, Kishito was unsure that he wanted to. He saw what the titans could do, and began to imagine that it could happen to his friends. He then thought, his time in the Scouting Legion would be painful, with memories of seeing his friends being eaten alive by titans. But now, Kishito was such a fool and forgave himself for his weak mind. Regardless how painful it would be, he still had to have a strong spirit for those who fall and for his allies around him. He had to stay strong for not only his friends and Reneth, but for humanity.

Kishito nodded with a determined smile on his face.

"I am, I have to show humanity that there's still some hope left and that there's still people who are willing to die for the greater good!" Kishito said. Reneth nodded to his reason.

"Simple enough, now, go back to your allies. I am going to stay back and wait out for this operation to end. And if you are in trouble, I will come running." Reneth said. Kishito nodded.

"Alright then, I'm gonna-"

All the sudden, a large explosion emitted throughout the place, catching everyone's attention. Kishito snapped his head towards the source and wondered what was going on.

"What's happening?!" Kishito wondered.

Kishito then ran towards the rising smoke, curious and a bit worried of what he would find, with Reneth following him.