Chapter 3 – Koi and Kites

Japan was nothing like what Eren had imagined: the blue water, bright colors, and lively people were somewhat odd, but Eren didn't mind. He loved the beautiful kimonos the ladies wore, with lovely bows tied in the back, and intricate designs to go along with them.

They were standing in the middle of a large shopping center, observing all of the sights and smells of modern Japan. Eren looked to his left and saw a bunch of food shops, along with technology and clothing stores. Mikasa and Armin were playing next to a fountain in the middle of the patio, Mr. and Mrs. Ackerman were looking at all the food venues, that just left Eren. He just didn't know what to do, there were so many things that caught his eye, but he couldn't choose one.

"Kids, don't go too far from the fountain. We're gonna go look on the upper level for a few minutes." Mrs. Ackerman handed Mikasa ¥3,267* and told them to get something if they wanted it, then she and her husband walked to the top level of the center.

Eren strolled over to the fountain and sat on the edge, looking into the water at all of the shiny coins that people had thrown in. "So pretty..." He mumbled.

"So, what do ya think of Japan?" Armin asked as he propped himself against the fountain.

Eren looked at him, "It's beautiful. There's so many colors..."

"Yeah, it is pretty."

Mikasa walked over next to Eren, "Hey, Armin, my mom said that Levi would meet up with us at this fountain, but I don't see him yet." She said while looking around.

"It's fine, you know how he is with kids. He'll be around eventually, but he's probably gonna wait as long as he can so he doesn't have to deal with us." Armin reassured.

She looked down, "Yeah...ok."

‿︵‿︵ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ・❉・ ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ‿︵‿︵

"Ugh...it's been forever...!" Eren groaned and sat down on the concrete.

Armin giggled, "It's literally been like 6 minutes."

"Hmph! I'm impatient." He said while dramatically crossing his arms. "How long is this gonna take? Does your cousin not wanna show himself? Is he ugly or something?"

"Well, I wouldn't say I'm ugly." A voice came from the other side of the fountain.

Eren jumped and turned around to look at whoever startled him. "H-huh?! Don't do that! You scared me!"

The man chuckled, "Sorry, I didn't mean to, I'm just good at sneaking up on people."

"Hmmm...apology not accepted." Eren huffed as he turned his face to the side in a pout.

"Ok, ok. I get it, but do you really think I'm ugly? Hehe."

The brunet eyed the strange guy and scowled, "Mmm... your hair is a mess and you need to find a better style."

"Huh? My hair?" He asked while combing his hand through his hair.

"Yes, it's a mess, you need to cut it."

"Cut it? And why is that?" He teased.

"Because it's a mess! You'd look better with an undercut or something!"

"Woah, what's going on over here?" It was Mr. Ackerman's voice. "...Oh, Levi! Hi, how're you doing?"

Levi turned toward Mr. Ackerman and took his hands out of his jacket pockets. "Eh, y'know, the family is starting to split up so I'm being thrown in the middle of everything."

"Ah, I understand. Are you going to stay with your uncle?"

"Probably. He's the only one who'll deal with me."

"Yeah."

Eren didn't get what they were talking about, but it sounded important. He wished he was an adult so they would talk to him like he was a somebody, not just some brat that didn't know any better.

"Eren?" Mikasa called.

He looked away from Mr. Ackerman's conversation and turned to face her.

"What is it?"

"Look." She pointed up at the cerulean sky. "Kites."

Eren raised his head and noticed the tiny little kites fluttering through the wind above him. There were yellow kites, and blue striped kites, and even one that looked like his favorite white and gold koi. He looked on and saw a red dragon, and next to it was another koi kite.

"There's a bird one!" Armin chimed.

Eren held his head up high, teal eyes wide with wonder. "They're so free...up there in the sky... I wish I could fly like that."

The three stood there staring up at the sky, seemingly dazed by the colorful kites that soared above them.

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* ¥3,267 or 3,267 Yen (JPY) equals about 30 USD or $30.