Chapter 12:
Similar Faces
"Woah! It's ok, Kuklo!" The hands of Kai try to settle the man in front of him, hoping nobody from the outside of the tent had heard them as they were warned not to make any noises.
"No it's not!" Kuklo exclaimed, "I got to get out of here! I gotta find her! Oh my god, I can't believe this!"
Kuklo started to get dress, breathing as if the room was closing in on him as it became obvious he didn't want to be in the tent anymore. Emet Ackerman and KaiArlert didn't know what to do, seeing Kuklo in such panic. They both knew even if Kuklo tried to leave, he wouldn't get far due to the Survey Corps. It wasn't easy trying to get Hunter to trust Kuklo who professed he was from the past. Kai managed to grab Kuklo as he pulled him back to the floor hissing.
"You can't leave, if you go Commander Hunter will-"
"I'm sorry I don't really care about the Commander right now! I have to find Sharle!"
"Kai's right, would you even know where to find her?" Emet sat up, resting his head against his hand as he looked uninterested and too tired to care.
"We lived back in Shinshina, if I know Sharle more than anyone she would've stayed there or she moved back to Wall Sheena.."
Sharle Inocencio (now Mansel) was daughter of the late merchant, Dario Inocencio, and the younger sister of Xavi. Wall Sheena was the innermost Wall protecting the kingdom where the king used to reside along with other noblemen. The cities of Wall Sheena are protected by the Military Police serving under the King of the Walls. There it was seperated into four distracts and inner part of Wall Sheena known as, Orvud District (north), Stohess District (east), Ehrmich District, (south) Yarckel District, (west) and then Mitras (Inner) along with the Underground. The underground is poorer and more prone to criminal activity as this was explained by Kuklo to Kai and Emet. Kuklo explained why Sharle would've stayed is due to her father's murder, he and his wife when both young fled to Wall Maria and moved to Shiganshina (the south district of Wall Maria).
"Which of the two?" Kai let's Kuklo go, seeing he had calm down.
Kuklo furrowed, the guilt painted all over him as he sighed; "Every time I left to go outside the walls, Sharle waited for me.. she always said she 'll be at home, knowing I'll return to her.. and here I am.. Like what? 50 years ahead-"
"Just around 35, buddy." Kai kindly corrected, as if it would make the situation any better.
"Well. Basically I didn't come home to her because I'm stuck here.. I can't-" before Kuklo finished his sentence he slammed his face into his palms, trying to hold himself back from another meltdown.
"Hey, this is perfect actually." Kai called attention to, making the men around him look at him oldy, "it gives me a reason to explore the island. If we ask permission from Hunter to go to Shiganshina, we can help you find Sharle. Meaning if she proves your identity , Hunter will believe your-"
"That's all said and good, Kai. But that still doesn't cover us though." Emet interjected, his face buried in his scarf.
"No, but, it will allow me to see if I can find anything to show to Hunter myself. I'm sure I can find something. You in?" Kai included Kuklo, who nodded in reply in agreement.
The morning came and the moment the suns light hits the tent, immediately Kai heads to the Commander as he the situation to man and the plan. At first Hunter was hesistant, knowing secretly that Carla and Kai's friend were with her but evaluated that the chances of the young Alert to encounter them was low. The Commander accepted, only if a solider from the Survey were to come with them to ensure they returned. Without a problem Kai willingly accepted, seeing that if someone who had nothing to do with him or Emet and Kuklo- the chances of Hunter believing him will hopefully soon increase. But, that certain solider who Hunter had chosen had their own agenda. As the three men were told to wait outside the forest, a confident woman who Hunter entrusted her to stay with Kai, Emet and Kuklo strutted her way to then giggling,
"Well, well.. isn't it the time travellers?"
None of them answered, seeing the woman was 175cm, seeming to be close to their age in which she was 23 years old. Her platinum blonde hair pulled up in a tight high pony tail and owned a figure that was curvy in all the right places and the solider herself knew it. The woman makes her way to Kai, eyeing him as she began to check him out smirking,
"So, you're wonder boy?
"Huh?"
"You're the boy who can apparently predict the future." The girl winked, making Kai's face sweat drop a little as he knew straight away she was flirting with him..
"Well, uh.. You see, I wouldn't say predict..."
"That's technically what your doing." Emet in the background comments, making Kai give him a dirty look to say, 'shut up.' Emet smirked, shutting up for his friend whereas Kuklo shook his head in awkwardness.
As for the girl, she rolled her eyes straightening herself to sound more formal announcing, "The name is Dahlia Rose. I will be escorting you all to Shiganshina District. We will only be there for one day before returning back here as it is ordered by Hunter for Emet to be under his watch. Emet, you will be mostly be by my side, however Kai, feel free to stay by my side too."
"Umm.. What about me then?" Asked Kuklo, feeling out of place as he made Dahlia roll her eyes tutting, "Yes, you stay with me too."
"Looks like we better get headed then." Kai beside Dahlia suggested when he noticed two soldiers come up to them with 4 horses.
Emet, Dahlia, Kuklo and Kai jump on each of their own horses, following Dahlia onwards through the trail. Kai, galloping on his hirse second behind the girl just a metre behind, lost within his thoughts and wondered what will he find in the town he knew quite well throughout his childhood. He was intrigued to see how different the district will be compared to the present in the year 879. Kai looked to the corner of his eye, seeing Emet behind who was facing the horizon straight ahead. 'You gotta think Kai, what can you prove to Hunter? There has to be something.. But it's so damn hard where anything I show may be potentially be a big risk..'
Kai faced the front again, furrowing his eyes in anxiousness. If only he had his father by his side, knowing Armin would've helped him through this. But sadly Armin Arlert wasn't there to provide his son the guidance Kai wanted. But, Kai had to be positive, encouraging himself with determination, 'But maybe that's what I have to do. By taking big risk...because maybe that's the only way I can get us home.'
"Oh common..." Aimi groaned, dragging Milo across the ground who was dying of pure exhaustion.
"I... can't... do this.."
Milo , lying on the ground pure dead due to lasts nights training, not sleeping great then having to do their daily morning workout and had been doing this for the past 5 weeks left the Becker boy truly deceased. As for Aimi, she wasn't handling the pressure too bad as she carried a net load of sticks on her back and bags on food in her arms (the food Milo was suppose to be carrying). She felt stronger, fitter and was just about managing the ODM gear. Her gut telling her this was the week she'll be able to master vertical manuver training. The two were back in Shingshina because it was the closet town to gather supplies. Carla had been with Eleanor fetching similar things but in different location and asked Milo and Aimi to meet them back at the centre of town in which they already were situated waiting to regroup. Many of the town folk were staring at Milo, thinking he was drunk to the knees if he couldn't stand anymore as he laid there hopelessly.
"Yes you can!" Aimi laughed, putting the groceries on the ground as she moves behind Milo and began hoisting the boy up onto his feet, "I do say you're not as light as you use to be."
Milo perked up, twigging on to what Aimi said, implying that he was getting heavier. "Really?"
"Yeah! You look more leaner too! Looking good Milo." Aimi grinned, passing back the food over to Milo, enough to motivate him to keep going as they walk through the paths of the town.
"Can't believe by next week, our training will be finished." Milo recalls, seeing a market up a head, "That must be where Carla wants us to get the bread, since we're already at the centre of town."
Now making their way to the market, it was fascinating to see how little range of food was in front of them. Unlike the markets back in the present day, there was so much more variety because of the other nations over the two decades many goods were imported. Eventually they find the bread stall, ordering two loafs of bread. Carla only wanted them to ask for one, but because Milo felt extremely peckish Aimi orders another, knowing Carla wouldn't mind if meant Milo has began to eat a lot more compared to the start.
"Ew.. I smell finish." Milo reeked, pinching his nose as the salty scent lingered in the air.
Aimi didn't mind fish, wasn't her go to but shrugged as the two began to walk again, holding Milo's loaf of bread encouraging; "Go on before you decide to pass out again."
As Milo is about take the bread, a man barges in between laughing when doing so and snatched the food from Aimi's grasp. The two heaved, shocked the man done such an act. Then immediately Aimi noticed the individual was wearing a Garrison jacket. The same crest as the survey corps but instead with the wings of freedom it was engraved with two roses. Aimi gritted her teeth, angry that the soldier was behaving this way, turning back to face her with a cheeky grin as she scolded,
"Hey! That's ours! What the hell is your problem?!"
"Heh-heh! Oh you bite do ya?" The garrison soldier chuckled, tossing over Milo the bread, showing his face was tinted red as his eyes a little drowsy. Was he intoxicated?
Milo catches the bread, ripping it apart quickly to scoff some of food before the man tried to nick it again. Aimi however was still irritated by the solider barking,
"Yeah I do! Go back to doing your job and quit taking stuff that isn't yours. Your lucky my hands are full right now."
The soldier was taken aback before he sniggered again at the girl as he used his mouth to hide his grin. That's when Aimi noticed the bottle of wine in his hand, clearly had been drinking beforehand. The soldier looked mid-twenties, a well-built man with short blond hair with a thin dark moustache. He wore the typical uniform of the Garrison regiment along with a v-neck shirt underneath. Aimi was infuriated now, seeing how unprofessional was.
"Oh, can a man not get a snack on the job? Been working all day, y'know. Where's the sympathy?"
"Sympathy? Why the hell should I give sympathy for a drunken man like you, aren't you suppose to be protecting and maintain order within the walls instead of stealing bread and causing bother? Ugh, you really smell like you drank the whole bar too."
"Aimi, he gave it back. Let's just go." Milo tried to interject whilst still shoving food in his mouth.
"Woah, who woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning? And drank the whole bar? Hmm, that's not a bad idea if it meant you getting in a bigger fit!" The soldier grunted, smirking as he downed his bottle further, clearly unbothered by Aimi's remark and was enough to irritate her more.
"Grr.. Go sort yourself out!" Aimi snapped, about to barge past the soldier when Carla's voice from behind goes,
"Hannes, I see you're still up to no good."
Aimi halted, turning back to see Carla and Eleanor. The soldier noticed Carla, looking happily surprised to see the woman in front of him. It was clear they knew each other as the soldier named Hannes opened his arms wide and wrapped an arm around Carla,
"I'm always on my best behaviour, Carla! Long time no see!"
"Best? Seem to be on your worst." Carla rolled her eyes, eyeing Aimi who must've seen their interaction and now was trying to back away from Hannes, "Phew, you drinking this early?"
"Well I was out last night, lost track of time and still going strong." Hannes lets go laughing, finishing off his bottle and dropped it right on the pavement, exaggerating a shrug, "But hey! What brings the mighty Captain Carla back at Shiganshina! Last time I saw you was two years ago before you were promoted."
"Well, I got my hands full with a few things. I suppose nothing has changed with you."
"Nope! Still your favourite garrison about, though I am supposed to be making my way back to my post, forgot to be there, heh-heh." Hannes scratched the back of his head, about to turn his head but stopped his tracks asking, "Hey, you say said hands are full. Meaning you're supposed to be with the scouts, why would you be with those three?"
"It's nothing." Carla bluntly lied, walking away as Aimi, Eleanor and Milo follow.
"Oh common Carla, what you hiding?" Hannes now chasing after the,, "I'll keep following you till tell me."
Carla groaned, knowing Hannes would be persistent. They were friends for years throughout their childhood. However Hannes joined the military a couple years before Carla. She sighed, looking at Milo, Aimi to then Eleanor. In all honestly Carla did need some help, particularly the manuver training as she wanted to take the three to the Titan forest, but it'll be hard to manage the three of them at once. That then means telling Hannes about the illegal training, exposing a part of her secret and could mean getting in bother if he tells anyone.
"Say, is your Commander still about?" Carla asked, turning her head to Hannes.
"Well, not in this district no. Why?"
"Well, if you truly wanted to know. How about the after hours of watching over the citizen and a hard day of work. Come outside the walls and meet me at Hunter's."
"Ah, Commander Hunter? Beast of man... Wait, why his? Wouldn't you not be with him? What's the reason being?" Hannes leaned in, asking too many questions at once, smirking because he could tell by Carla's expression it wasn't something he was supposed to know.
"I'm training these lot." Carla hissed, trying not to be heard as she leaned closer to him, only to bounce straight up again because of the mans mixture of his breath wasn't a good combination.
"Oh shit, outside the academy? That's illegal-OW!" Hannes whelped as Carla subtly stamped on his food, pressing harder to the ground when she whispered harshly, "Yes I know. Now since you know, you gotta help me. Got it?"
"I think you're gonna break his foot." Eleanor cringed, feeling as if she was experience the pain Hannes was going through. Aimi and Milo exchange looks, surprised Carla has asked a drunken hooligan like this man to help.
What they don't know is Hannes is a future figure to Mikasa Ackerman. A solider who was great friends of the Yeager Family when Mikasa was taken in by the ten. He admired her toughness and referred to as the best fighter he ever saw, Hannes in the future saved her life along with Eren's on two occasions. He also shared memories of more peaceful times with her, stating that the days he spent with the three of them in Shiganshina were among the best in his life.
Hannes was even aware of Armin both lived in Shiganshina prior to its fall in 845. He admired his intelligence and referred to Armin as extremely intelligent, and believed in him, along with Eren and Mikasa, to be capable of surviving through dangerous situations.
Then there was Hannes and his relationship with Eren Yeager, Carla's Rin supposed future son. Although this young Hannes was unknown to his future ahead of him. If it will even happen at this point. The Hannes we learnt off knew Eren for most, if not all, of Eren's childhood, as he was friends with his father, Grisha Jaeger, and they both lived in Shiganshina prior to its fall in 845. Eren was often infuriated by Hannes' laid-back attitude towards his job, but Hannes was more amused than offended by Eren's attitude.
"Ahhhh, yes- Yes! Get your foot off me! Jeez, you haven't changed at all." Hannes groaned, relieved when his foot is no longer pressed hard against the floor, "I'm not much use you know, what you need me for?"
"You'll be grand, just don't come drunk. Alright you three let's head back."
Carla walked off, ignoring Hannes as he was recovering from getting stepped on as Aimi, Eleanor and Milo felt a little awkward as they do the same leaving the soldier behind.
"I thought no else is suppose to know about the training?" Aimi spoke to Carla, behind the woman who turnt her head back, "I wouldn't worry about him, he likes to keep to himself,you can assure of that."
"You know him?" Milo, finishing off his loaf of bread.
"Knew him for years because he was friends with brother."
"Oh, I never knew you had a brother!" Eleanor whizzed in amusement, surprised a relative had not been mentioned.
Carla returned facing away from the group, not wanting to continue the conversation for much longer. The three pick up on this response and decide not to continue this topic any further. Perhaps things are left better unsaid.
"Wow! Shinganshina looks totally different!" Kai exclaimed, slowing down his mare to a trot as they enter the district that will one day be their home.
"Why you know this place?" Dahlia, ahead of Kai and the others who brought her stallion to a halt.
"Well, I used to live here. Well, in the future that is."
"I see." Davila mused, waiting for the other two to catch up.
Emet and Kuklo were beside each other as they stopped just behind Kai and Dahlia. Out of everyone, Kuklo's reaction was the most surprised, comparing the contrasting changes of the district that is his home. It looked more cleaner, more fresh and increase in population as the houses and the town itself had taken over more of the land.
"Wow.. it's all so... Different. It looks a lot better than it did before.."
For Kuklo, Shinganshina was one of the more poorer districts due to it being in the further outskirts of the walls. The more closer you lived to the centre of Paradis; the better quality of life you had. Even though Sharle and Kuklo lived in Shinganshina, it wasn't so bad for them due to his wife previously being part of a noble family. She was able to improve their home, making a mark on her social status unintentionally.
"You should see this town in 50 years time." Kai excitedly said, bringing his attention back to the district, "Wow... I say it didn't change much when my dad lived here. Oh.. I completely forgot about that.. What if...?"
"What is it?" Emet, breaking his quietness when he noticed Kai was trailed off within his thoughts.
"I wonder.. if.. they're here."
Kai without saying a word kicked his horse and makes it canter down the path.
"Hey!" Davila shouted, forcing her horse to chase after Kai's, "You can't leave without me, remember!?"
"Fuck sake." Emet groaned, knowing Kai was desperate for not explaining his thoughts and just acts on them leaving you to try fuss over what he's thinking, "better get use to this Kuklo if you're sticking with us by the way."
As Kuklo and Emet were again left behind, they too make their horse run to at full speed. Kuklo smiled noting, "Well, I'll stick with you then." It was then Kuklo frowned continuing, "I just hope Sharle is here."
"Well, if you know your wife. She will be." Emet replied, his voice sounding more warm and caring than his usual flatness that made Kuklo feel more slightly assured because of it.
Kai slows down his horse again before he reached the town because Dahlia asked him to do for the four of them all to regroup. Once they were together, Kai asked where the church was, making the woman cock in her brow asking,
"Why?"
"There is someone who lives near by."
"But how could you know someone if you never existed?" Emet eyes lowered, thinking Kai was getting ahead of himself.
"Not me who would know them. But my father." Kai replied, "If I remember correctly, he told me he lived near the church when he was a boy."
"Wait, so who would it be?" Emet gawked, surprised Kai would remember such details.
"Ok. I'll lead the way." Dahlia leads, "In single file. There's a market currently happening so I say the streets are busy."
"I'll not say. Don't want to get my hopes up." Kai lightly pressed the horses stomach whilst answering Emet's question as he made the animal clop its way through the town.
Through the busy streets, the villagers do make way for the horses. Kuklo could hear the various conversations, hearing them ask why were members of the Suvrey doing here. Shouldn't they be out venturing the walls, why was it a small group? Eventually; Dahlia arrives at the church, pointing it to Kai. Kai then looked around him, his eyes searching the area.
"Say.. Dahlia.. any.. workshops near by?"
Dahlia, tapped her chin, "uh.. possibly just up the street." She notices Kai's face widened slightly, almost like he was getting a little nervous, "Why? Is that someone your looking for could be there?"
Kai nods, his eyes filled with self-determination. It made the other three wonder what was going inside his head. Dahlia then takes them up the lane, spotting the workshop. It wasn't the largest, but it had a sign on top of the shop saying
"Arlerts."
Emet's face widened, twigging on to who Kai had thought of all along. when he moved his eyes to Kai, his friend was already looking at him. Now he understood his reason for not saying anything, in case they weren't there. There could be a chance they still may not be.
"Hey, your surname is Arlert isn't it, Kai?" Dahlia asked.
"Yes. Inside should be a couple. Or at least.. my grandfather."
Kuklo and Dahlia were gawked by this, seeing Kai jump of the horse. He stood by the horse, feeling unsure what he was doing. How was he supposed to act towards his relative, or relatives that hasn't even given birth to his father Armin. Emet jumps off his horse,
"I'll go with Kai. Can we go alone?"
Dahila, unsure of Emet's request accepted with hesitation. She asked Kuklo to stay with her, taking the other horse and pulls up to an wooden hitching post. The two of them standing. Emet and Kai were by the door, about to enter before the Ackerman checked on his friend wondering,
You alright?"
"Yeah, don't know why I'm acting like this. I guess it's just surreal." Kai chuckled, "I mean, I could be meeting the rest of my family today. But... even if I do. They won't know who I am."
"Just pretend you don't know them if it makes it easier ." Emet suggested, about to open the door.
"Yeah, I'll do that." Kai shrugged, hiding his disappointment when in his heart he would've loved to get to know them. But of course, like his current mission, how do you explain to a stranger your from the future or better yet you're a descendant.
Emet pushed the door open, hearing the bell above the door chime.
Inside was a indeed what any workshop would look like, parks of machinery, wood, tools and more were everywhere. It wasn't tidy, you can tell it was currently in use and haven't been cleaned up in a long time. A males voice from the back welcomed the two, "just a moment!" There a man appeared behind the shelfs, putting down his tool box.
Kai froze, looking as his he was going remain still for a long time that Emet nudged him to help the guy snap out of it. The man walks in from the back of shop, cleaning his hands with a cloth as he hummed away cheerfully.
"Welcome to Arlerts. How can I help you, gentlemen?"
There in front of Kai and Emet, they felt like they were staring at another Armin, their eyes completely identical. The only difference was he was a little smaller and had a fuller build with his rosy cheeks and rounded like face. But he had his smile, making Kai feel like he was looking at his dad.
"Uhh, yes." Kai muttered, "I was wondering if you.. could help us...?"
"Sure thing, Kiddo!" The man smiled, extending his hand for a shake I. Which Kai shakes and followed with Emet straight after.
Before Kai could ask, a woman appeared from behind the Counter as she was unaware of their company,
"Arthur, where is the toolkit?"
"Just at the back, what's wrong now?" The man tilted his head from Emet's shoulder, seeing the young woman toddling her way up.
"Ug, I can't fix our door. The hinges are off. Oh, hello there! Sorry to interrupt I got carried away!"
The woman was small, petite with soft lazy eyes. Kai then was able to connect the dots and realised he was staring at his potential grandmother for she had Armin's nose and face shape with the blonde hair.
"I-it's fine!" Kai assured the woman, sweat dropping a little.
"The name is Liliana! Wow look at the height of yous too, I feel like a midget!" She joked, eyeing how tall both the men were. Arthur, her husband spoke,
"Of course, that's the first thing you want to say to someone.. Gentlemen, this is my wife Liliana."
"Thank goodness your not that tall." Liliana phewed giggling.
"Why?"
"Think my neck would hurt constantly having to look up!" Liliana explained, making Emet grunt in amusement because she was quite an petite woman.
"Well, what do you need? Anything that needs repaired?" Arthur resumed back to his service, his soft smile making the atmosphere feel like he knew Kai and Emet feel welcomed.
Kai cleared his throat, thinking of how to go about wording his request. There was something he knew about Armin's parents, and that was something that was passed onto his father before Kai and that was the curiosity of the outside world. This is when Kai had to improvise,
"You see, I am a current member of the Survey Corps. And, as I have been venturing the walls, I can't help but think about the outside world."
At that moment, Kai realised this wasn't the best way to start of his question because at the end of his sentence there was change in both Arthur and Liliana's facial expression. From cheerful to almost uncomfortable, making Kai try to explain himself before they were to speak over him,
"And I want to learn more about it. So, I have been looking around for some answers! I spoke to many people, but I have been turned away as you can imagine-"
"Yeah, it's quite bold of you to do that!" Liliana cuts in, "Hold your breath for a moment, please before somebody hears you."
Liliana quickly scooted to the shops door, slamming it completely shut and opens it again when she spots the other two soldiers s which happened to be Kuklo and Dahlia standing outside.
"You're not alone?!" Liliana turned nervously.
"Uh, no. But those are just our friends. Do you want them to leave?" Kai suggested, hoping that he'll fix the situation.
"No. They can stay outside." Liliana closed the door, walking back to the group, "why did you come to us about this? Who told you-"
"Honey, calm down." Arthur spoke softly, scratching his head and sighed, "So...you want to know more about the outside world?"
"Yes".
"Well, what your asking for is strictly illegal. Someone could report you. We could report you. It's very dangerous thing to do."
"Well, even if anyone does. They have no proof and neither do you." Kai pointed out, making the couple look at each other.
"Well, that's what you think. But since you're so confident how about I tell you myself about the land outside the walls." An older voice grumbled in annoyance, who happened to be behind Kai and Emet that caused the men to be a little started as they spilt further apart.
The man was not the tallest, wearing rather youthful face; yet he had a very aged body and hands. He had light brown eyes and shaggy brown hair with a beard and moustache that did not connect around his mouth .He wore a light brown hat, a faded beige sweater with a brown shirt over it and a green scarf, short grey pants, and shoes.
"Pa, don't be saying anymore-" Arthur panicked slightly, making his way to his father in hopes the man wouldn't say anything in particular.
Kai realised this older man was his great grandfather, tottering over as the mans eyes watched Kai like a hawk. So far Kai wasn't liking where this conversation was going.
"What? This soldier is snooping around and desperately wants to know about the outside world? If I know any better, either he's someone genuine or he's trying to cause us trouble. Which one is it, boy?"
"I'm genuine, Sir. I'm sorry to be of bother. I can explain! I know this looks off..." Kai reassured them all, seeing Emet's face looking a little concerned too on where the Arlert was looking to take this conversation. One thing about Emet was he was never good at daily interactions, he rather listened as observe.
"What is it then? We just don't want to get in bother with the military when we haven't done anything wrong." Liliana explained.
"Yes, it better be worth it. Or I will tell you to leave my son's workshop!" The older man warned, making Kai step away from the man as he was getting to close.
"Paps, give the man a chance." Arthur sighed as he smiled lightly, hiding his discomfort in order to keep the peace, "Let's hear what he's got to say."
For Kai it was like hearing his father, a man who seeks to understand those around him. To let their voices be heard. It was then Kai experienced a quick flashback, his dad telling him many stories of Armin's childhood, his friends and his dream to see the ocean based on a book.. a book? Suddenly an idea sparked in Kai's thoughts, knowing where to begin his reasoning.
"It's just.. my father, he told me about the outside world you see. We were so close. He told me his dream to see a life behind the walls. I know. Pretty far fetched." Kai shrugged, a meek smile formed across his face, picturing some memories he experienced with Armin.
"He.. my father had a book, a book that told about the various things..."
"Like what?" The older man chirped, Kai picking up he has similar features to his potential grandfather. Was this man his great grandfather.
"Well.. the book is gone now. But just things... you know.. the ocean... lands of sand and fire-like water. He.. I guess he's gone now. Even that boot... God knows where .. and I guess you can say I lost a great price of him. We.. Had a dream that one day we will venture the walls when we beat the titans... I'm sorry. I guess I'm just... hoping to find something he'd own to feel like I have him with me again."
Kai could almost sense his emotions underneath well up inside him, fearing that his father could be gone. Wondering as well will Kai ever see his mother either again. It all happened so quickly. He applied something many do when they don't want to be completely honest and that is mixing lies with some truth. Based on what Kai was doing at the time, the use of how he said the words to the Arlert family, implied his father had passed away, but who's to say that's what Kai meant. Emet noticed this, seeing too Arlert family had too felt connected to the story. The oldest man, almost looked as if he knew exactly what Kai was describing.
"I'm so sorry about your father." Arthur apologised, "he sounded like a man we resonate with."
"You do?" Kai lifted his head, seeing his words could be building trust, only to jump along with everyone else as they turn their heads due to a large crashing noise coming from outside.
"Ooooh flip!" Liliana groaned, stomping her way outside, "I thought you fixed it, Arthur!?"
Arthur had a little fear in his eyes despite his awkward chuckle, "Well.. I thought I did."
"Good job son, and yet you own a workshop?" His father tutted, now referencing to his walking stick, "and I can't help with you fix it my knee, sure."
Emet nudged Kai, giving him an idea of he goes, "Why don't we help you? We can fix it, and if you need anything else done in the workshop it's no problem!"
"Aw dear that's so kind of you, but we couldn't expect you to. I'll do it." Liliana kindly declined, about to open the door before Author stopped her;
"But we have those orders to get done by today, we're still behind on them."
"Oh, your right."
"Good job, yous to." The father of Arthur rolled his eyes shaking his head.
"Shush you, Johnathan" Liliana, using her towel from her apron to playfully hit the man along with annoyance.
"We don't mind." Emet insisted, speaking for the first time as everyone looked to him a little shook.
"You have... A voice?" Johnathan arched his brow, a grin now appearing.
"Didn't get a chance with storyteller, over here." Emet shook his head hinting at Kai, not offended for their assumption of his personally.
"Say, what was your father's name?" Liliana wondered, getting pretty close to Kai as if she was examining his features, "you look awfully familiar."
"Uhhh, his name is Armin." Kai answered, forgetting to not point that out as Emet glared in fright to what he just exposed.
"No way! I always wanted to have a son and call him that! It means hero, defender and guardian! Oh listen to that Arthur!" Liliana excitedly explained, not noticing that Kai and Emet peewee in relief but were intrigued to hear the meaning by Armin's name. It truly matched the man, if only Armin's parents knew they would've been so proud.
"Yeah, my dad told me that too. Think yous would get on great." Kai smiled, knowing they already would for Armin was their future son after all.
"Sounds like it!" Arthur smiled, "Well gentlemen, we are really stuck. And yous both seem decent men. Would it be ok did help out with the sign. I'll pay-"
"Nope! Complete voluntary. It'll get the other two soldiers and whatever you need help with at the workshop for today. We'll do it. It's sorta to apologise for coming strong about.. the outside world. I got carried away."
Like a flash Kai walked outside the store, leaving Emet in the middle of the floor and without saying a word begins to awkwardly follow out. Seconds later Dahlia and Kuklo were standing with Kai, hearing him explain.
"Ok. I'm kinda struggling getting information from them. But, to get back on their good books. And.. just wanting to help out. We'll help fix up their store, and straight after that we'll help you, Kuklo."
The two shrug in acceptance to the plan, Kuklo didn't seem as keen as first. But smiled in agreement to the plan.
It turned out the noise came from the sign was on the floor when it was originally on the roof and was fortunately not broken. The first thing they wanted to do was find a ladder, when they do, they take it outside. Seeing the Arlerts thank them as they went to continue their work. However Armin's grandfather, who was Johnathan was watching Kai, Kuklo, Emet and Dahlia work on the sign. Pitching in as they struggled to do it, laughing amongst each other. The man smiled at them and continued to observe. He had his main interest in Kai. Thinking about the story about his father, especially when talking about a particular book. The man grumbled to himself, walking away unnoticed back into the shop.
A few hours went by, now the late afternoon the sign to the workshop was fixed. The four soldiers even offered to help tidy the place inside for Arthur. He explained it been pretty hectic recently for the business, which made him happy regardless despite the mess. Eventually it was Kai and Arthur alone in the shop talking,
"Your were reckless to bring up the outside world, you know." Arthur tells Kai, putting a tool box back in the drawers.
Kai sweat dropped, feeling a little stupid, "I know. Again, I'm-"
"But courageous." Arthur finished, smiling at the boy, "We need more people inside the walls to have that desire. I know we didn't say earlier, but, we all in here have the same dream too. Even my wife, though she's more less vocally open about it as I am. We too want to go outside the walls. I mean this ain't the life we eldians should accommodate ourselves to. We feel trapped inside these walls.. We hate it here."
Kai could feel the strings of his heart tug, the man's blue eyes shimmering to tell his own story. That's what Armin's does, he really felt like his father was now in the room.
"So much so wife and I will one day build a device to help us get outside. I trust that what I tell you, will not leave you..."
"No-no." Kai reassured, "what's the device?"
"Hmm not sure, I haven't been reading much to try corn up with something. But, it has to be able to take us above the wall. So, it's good to have someone else besides us who'd feels the same way we do. Including your father. I am sorry for your loss."
The sincerity in Arthur's voice made Kai feel a sense of vulnerability. He only had one living grandpa (Annie's father) in his current timeline and sadly that's all Kai will have. What's more sad is Arthur, Liliana and Johnathon will never get to see the world. But now that Kai's somehow lost Armin too, not knowing where he is. It pained him greatly. Kai looked away, holding back his sadness. When he composes himself, Kai returned back to Arthur smiling;
"Thanks. I'm glad I didn't bother you then about it."
"No. But, you got me thinking." Johnathon interrupted, walking into the office as Arthur and Kai turned around and saw the man holding out a large book. "You were shown a book like this, weren't you lad?"
The blood within Kai's veins felt suddenly cold, the same book he recalls Armin had from the early days of his childhood. The book that Armin told Kai his grandfather gave him, inspiring him and a dear friend to venture out the walls. It all started form that very book. It looked younger, the pages unhinged.
"Yes." Kai gasped, his eyes like a child when they spot something extraordinary before them.
"Ah.. I got this in my younger years when I was in the MPs. Now I'm just a retired field worker. Times change I suppose. But never a man's curiosity and desire for something more, in our case freedom and what's beyond those walls.. never does. But there's something about you. I can't put my finger on it. It's.. the look in your eyes."
'the look in.. my eyes?' Kai's voice, but rather in his head, felt more like it was send from his heart. Arthur's face soften, the two of them watching Johnathan come closer to Kai and began to stretch out his arm, holding out the book to him.
"Take it."
"What. No. That's your-"
"You wanted a piece of your father, didn't you?"
Holding the book did feel like he was holding onto Armin's dreams, his motivation and his beginning of his story. But, when he head onto that book, a different purpose started to boil from Kai's reasoning.
'I.. this is the risk I need to take.' Kai's thoughts convinced himself, "you.. you didn't have to."
"Ah, well, you helped out in my son's shop. And it seems like you'll make a difference. So.. please, take good care of it. I have had that for years. May it even feel like your father is back with you."
A sense of warmth filled the air, it was kind to give Kai a book that was completely a risk to their lives. If anyone else were to find out the Arlert's would've had put themselves in complete danger. Kai again thanked the gentlemen for the book and had realised the time it was to leave and move on before returning back to Hunger and the Titan forest. Even though Arthur not Johnathan never knew who Kai was, didn't ask much about them, it was because Kai was more interested in them, wanting to know their loved and a sense of what they would've been like if they were around. A memory that Kai will cherish. When Kai is about to leave the shop, knowing the other three were waiting outside. The door handle was about to twist open when Liliana halts Kai, her hand on his tall shoulder,
"Kai, isn't it?"
Kai agreed to his name, facing her now with a welcoming smile to know if there was anything he had forgotten. There she sees the book in his arms,
"Oh wow, you were given that book from Johnathan?
"Yeah. Because of dad really, but hey- if you feel that I shouldn't have it..."
"No no!" Liliana giggled, "you just must've got him in good form! He loved that book with all his heart. But that's not why I'm stopping you. I never caught your full name?"
Shit. What does Kai do? His natural reaction would've said 'Alert.' But, just like that. Kai thinks a name quickly and there he thinks about a man he had great respect for, surely he could get away it in this world.
"Kai Braun."
Inspired by the name Reiner Braun. An Eldian of the Marley Warriors who grew up in Liberio's internment zone. He is also a graduate of the 104th Trainees Squad and a former member of the Survey Corps to then a current a long lasting member of the Alliance along with his father Armin and their friends.
"Aw Kai Braun, it suits you! Well, I just love to know who I talk to such as knowing their full names. I hope to see you again, who knows- we may even both see the other beyond the walls!"
Liliana's hopeful smile caused the opposite effect can Kai in the pit of his stomach. He wished he could agree with her but couldn't, knowing Liliana, Arthur and Johnathan's dreams will never come true but only for the future descendant of Armin Arlert. It was a sour taste of reality, but at least their death will not go down in vein. Kai just agreed with Liliana, waving his last goodbye to the kind woman, wishing inside he was a part of his life too as he shuts their workshop door behind him, naturally making way over to Kuklo, Dahlia and Emet on their horses. How well they would've clicked, but instead Kai had to accept he'll never get a taste of this again, and the Arlert family never knowing who he truly was.
"What's that you got?" Dahlia questioned, eyeing the book.
"Something that'll help me and Emet."
"A... book?" Dahlia, not understanding how some book will convince her Commander to just suddenly believe Kai or Emet's future.
"Yip." Kai, forcing himself to be more upbeat as he swung over his bourse and uses a saddle bag to tie the book in securely.
Emet was close to Dahila's judgement but realised Kai always had something up his sleet, always thought ahead, constantly with solutions it was rare for the Arlert to say, 'I don't know' and stop from there. but was rather, 'I don't know yet, but I will soon.' It's what made him Armin's son, a man who looked knowledge and solutions to any problem.
"Kuklo, where would your wife live?" Kai moves the conversation from him to the man beside, the red eye beginning to figure that out.
"It's a little different to how I remember here. Take me back to the church and I will guide us from there."
There they rode the streets, the markets had ended meaning there was more room to explore the town at a quicker pace. The hoods trotting on the pavements, Kuklo now leading the way.
There down a lane, a little cottage house that was prettily put together in stool white surrounded by various types of flowers in many pots. It looked just as the same it was when Kuklo left, his heart beating at 100 miles per. It looked recently lived, what if Sharle wasn't there though. Again, the horses were tied to the side, the rest bar Kuklo stood there waiting by the horses as he made his way to the door. What should we do, should he just walk on in? Knock?
"Play it safe." Kuklo told himself, knocking the door loudly.
"Coming!" A soft feminine voice shuttering Kuklo to the core. It was Share Mansel's voice.
The door is opened, revealing a woman standing there, no longer vibrant blonde but had faded to a soft blonde as it will soon become silver, shorter to the shoulders as half of it was pulled back to a braid. Kuklo had his vision to the floor, gradually looking up until he met eyes with her. The same blue eyes, but instead of them looking each other knowingly. It was confusion, it was disbelief and dominated in great uncertainty. There, her sweet eyes, aged to reveal she was no longer the young woman he recalled, but a fully grown woman, reaching closer to her elderly years.
"Kuklo...is that you?"
Burning sensation sting Kuklo's eye, letting go of a tear drop as he sees her again.
"Sharle."
A break in emotion came from the woman, the tears tripping down her face as she jumped over to him. Stunned, expecting for rage to be struck by Sharle, Kuklo catches her in his arms. They don't speak anymore, instead they cry in each other's arms.
"Oh.. he really does know her." Dahlia whispered to Kai and Emet, not wanting to break their moment.
"Isn't that not a good thing?" Said Emet, leaning against the fence.
"Well, just because she knows him, doesn't mean that's his wife. Like she's double the age by the looks of it. Could've been planned before he reached the forest."
"I think that's excessive for it to be planned. They'll be brilliant actors if that's the case." Kai studied the couple in their moment.
"HOW COULD YOU!?" Sharle broke out, pushing Kuklo away from her, making the three from behind flabbergasted at the sudden change. "YOU NEVER CAME HOME! WHY?! WHY YOU DO LOOK LIKE YOURSELF WHEN YOU- W-WHEH YOU.. WHEN YOU LEFT THE WALL!?"
Sharle breaks down again, hurting herself recalling those memories and Kuklo dying inside to see her so upset with him. Never in their marriage did she raise her voice, never in their marriage she pushed him away. Never. Did Kuklo hurt Sharle.
"Sharle.. I'm sorry.. it's not what you think."
"Then what, Kuklo? What am I supposed to think?" Sharle sobbed, her eyes avoiding him.
"Please, let me in. I'll tell you everything. And let them in too, they're helping me."
"Who?" Sharle looked behind Kuklo's shoulder, seeing Kai, Emet and Dahlia had been there whole time.
Without saying a word, Sharle straightens up and quickly goes into the house and purposely left the door open, allowing everyone to come inside. The house was well put together, pleasing to the eye with a florally like touch. For Kuklo it still looked the same before, almost like he was back where he belonged, home. But it was different, Sharle being one of those things different. Dahlia was about to approach the woman, greeting herself as the leader of the group but was beaten by Kai as he stepped in front to Sharle in a smooth way.
"Mrs Mansel. Pleasure to meet you. I am Kai Arlert, member of the Survey Corps. We came here to ask a few questions and hope to help yourself and Kuklo. Do you know this man?"
Kai steps to the side, allowing Sharle to see Kuklo who had been behind Kai.
"Yes. He's my husband." Sharle said, her eyes softening, "But he's.. he's meant to be dead."
"Dead?" Kuklo repeated his face taken in shock.
"Ok. Well, would you like us to explain the situation before we ask anymore questions?
Sharle agreed to Kai's suggestion, listening quietly to every word to what Kai was told by Kuklo, explaining also his and Emet's case. It was a long explanation, but was uninterrupted as Sharle remained quite. The more the story went on, Sharle's stance gradually loosened. It was clear initially she was incredibly anxious, almost as if she could lose the plot there and then but instead she was no calm. Kuklo was the one who was anxious, trying to make sense of everything that's happened. It felt like a dream more than anything, how his prescence is somehow lost in a world ahead of his consciousness yet still the same age, the same memories, nothing seemed out of whack for him get the physical world around him and the individuals he has met. He could help but wonder what were his friends thinking, wondering if some are still alive, what they're up to and how they reacted to his disappearance. When Kai had finished covering everything, he implored if Sharle wanted to know anything.
"It was like any ordinary day," Sharle signed, expressing different ranges of emotions. "I waved Kuklo goodbye, knowing at the time he would return. It was hours later and a storm happened... I was at home, I didn't think much of it because Kuklo always came back to me."
The soft blue eyes met the eyes of deep red, portraying a sense of hurt and trust had been broken a long time ago. "The storm ended, and all the surviving members of the survey corps came back.. But Kuklo wasn't to be seen, Carlo- Commander at the time asked to keep the gates open, thinking you were behind. Rosa... leader of the second team returned last, and informed all of team one had been attacked by titans, Kuklo.. was no where to be found. Only one thing was discovered..."
Sharle lowered her head, feeling Kuklo's unsettled confusion fill the room and moments later she returned face up asking, "Did you lose anything?"
"Huh?" confusingly Kuklo muttered, feeling everyone look over to him as a question he was expected to know, "N-no. I don't think so."
He started to pat himself, checking naturally if he was okay. It was then under his jacket he felt something flat, normally an item would be present. Startled, Kuklo began to frantically keep checking. Sharle eyes widened, seeing Kuklo realising what he been searching for, even though everyone else in the room wasn't sure on what was going on. Then Sharle, stands up, going over to a chested drawer, opening it when whilst Kuklo stuttered,
"No.. I couldn't have... H-how is that possible?! No! Shar-Sharle please. I am sorry, I lost the-"
"My lucky charm." Sharle interrupted, facing Kuklo with a small knife in her hand. A knife that was once used to harm Kuklo, the knife that changed everything when Sharle realised he wasn't a titan's son. Overtime, Kuklo carried the protection blade with all his might, using it as his own luck charm as well as a gift from Sharle. The fact he lost it in the present time, yet all those years ago, Sharle had kept it once more. Everyone in the room were amazed to have witness this. Sharle puts the knife back in the drawer and quickly pulled out some documents and hands them to Kai,
"those are our wedding papers."
Kai held the papers, reading the information written on top, officially dated and signed. Dahlia steps over him, peering over Kai's shoulder to read as well the documents. Emet leans over the chair he rested on, growing more intrigued as he pair faces winded.
"Wow... I can't believe it." Dahlia wowed, then realised Sharle gave another piece of paper stating.
"We hired an artist to draw us on our wedding day also."
Dahlia, holds a memory replicated onto paper of a married couple, much younger than he ages those who marry would be in her time. it was a typical, a beautify bride in ivory white, holding a bouquet of sweet flowers in her hands- it was clear it was Sharle, younger, radiant and glowing but beside the woman was the groom. A groom, who looked just like Kuklo, he too was younger but looked less than 10 years. Dahlia could feel her hands shake, either this was real or this was so carefully planned. Either way, this was so difficult to explain. Kuklo stands up, fearing the tears were beginning to fall again. But he didn't care, he felt pure guilt after all years in what felt like days in his days had put so much pain on someone who cared so much about him. It was painful to think about it in that way. It may be out of his control, but everything felt like his fault.
"Sharle, I am so sorry. I don't know what to say. Please, tell me. What can I do to make this right, I.." Now a second away from her he pleaded, "I know you must hate me. I deserve it."
"Come back to me." Sharle whispered, clinging onto him again in a desperate embracing as Kuklo froze still. "I want you to come back to me on the day you left the walls, I've been waiting for you... I felt like I had to when Rosa found our knife.. Our lucky charm. Kuklo, I just want you to come home."
The young man buried his on the woman's shoulder, he knew Sharle was now twice the age. But Sharle to him was Sharle, his wife and in the world they shared they were the same age. Kuklo could feel his heart breaking, holding Sharle tighter as a tear escaped him. In his heart, he was screaming he was home, just not in the right time quite literally. Nothing more was said as they using the longing embrace as their source of support.
Kai moved beside Emet, feeling like one lost time space. What exactly was happening? Aimi, Milo, Eleanor, Kai and Emet were sucked into the past. and As for Kuklo he was sucked into the future. What was scary for Kuklo was that life in his timeline kept moving forward. That means what is going on in Kai's an Emet's present? Is life still moving on in a continuous like cycle? Dahlia moved over to Kai, handing him the drawing as she whispered,
"I.. I don't know what to say. I will leave this to you and report to Hunter."
"Ok." Kai nodded, feeling sorry for Kuklo and Sharle. He may not be married, in fact he didn't have the best dating life, but seeing those around him suffering and himself feeling like he couldn't do anything about it. It made Kai frustrated. He begins to think about his deal with Hunter, brainstorming what he must do in order to succeed. He had the book that Armin cherished dearly, but what use could he make out it? When it came to proving the different scenarios. Kai knew he and the proof eldians like Emet can become titans, but he needed tow more... Two more that nothing beyond the future was what it seemed. Kai furrowed his eyes, realising that Eldia hid many many things, just like the book, considered dangerous and illegal when exposed to many of the public. It hid the truth of the lands beyond due to the Like the titans hiding the rest of the world from Paradis and the kingdom of Eldia. .His goal was to reach outside the walls, but, that would be unlikely. Kai then began to think instead of wondering how to get out, where could he begin to look more directly into, allowing Hunter to seek truth of not even outside the walls. But inside it too, and just like that Kai had an idea, a idea that makes him confidently as he stands up with determination,
"Kuklo will come back. I will make sure of it. I know what I need to do, but it means you have to let him go again."
Around 30 minutes later, Kuklo forbids his farewell to Sharle. It was tough for both of them, unable to fully express how they were feeling. Sharle did admit, she felt better to see Kuklo after all of those years, it had not been easy at all. But to see him again, knowing he is alive, it gave her some hope that things will be fixed. She'll wait for him again. Kuklo felt a range of emotions, some was anger, some was yearning, some was determination but too he felt hopeful. Hopeful that he could go back to the day he left the walls, living his life, happily with Sharle and his friends. If he could go back he would do it in a heartbeat. Kai, Emet and Dahila waited patiently on their horses, allowing Kuklo to wish his wife farewell, they held hands as they didn't want to let go but had to for the sake of their goals an ensuring Kai was not to be in bother with Hunter if he was to be late retuning to the titan forest. The sun was setting on Shiganshina, the many shadows covering the pavements. Kuklo gave one last hug to Sharle,
"I promise, I will come home."
Not wanting to hold on any longer than he wanted to, knowing it will make him stay, Sharle stopped him pleading, "Wait."
She quickly runs to the house, only seconds later to come out with her knife and places it on his hand, her sweet eyes close to tearing up; "For good luck."
Kuklo could almost his his heart had been impelled by the meaning behind the knife clutching it tighter as he place his other hand on Sharle's face going, "I mean what I said. I will come home to you."
The other three watched Kuklo move slowly away from Sharle, their tears unable to stop. Emet looked away, avoiding to want to watch the couple have their moment in respects. Kuklo jumped on his horse, unable to look at anyone bar Sharle.
All horses turned their back to the house as Sharle remained by the door, unable to stop crying silently. She watched Kuklo ride off, the back of him once again, the cloak of the Survey Corps. The same cloak that somehow ended up where she's a fully grown woman, alone for many years. She stayed there by the door, her blue eyes waiting until she couldn't see Kuklo anymore, placing one hand on her heart to feel strong within herself and the other covering her mouth because she was holding herself back from screaming for Kuklo to come back and not leave her. But, she had no choice as Kuklo was gone with the fellow soldiers who claim to get him home.
"I meant what I said to." Kai reminded, riding beside the saddened man.
"How will you do it?" the Kuklo demanded unintentionally, regretting it immediately as his face softened.
Unoffended Kai grinned, "You'll see tonight."
"You wish to speak to me."
Yes, Commander. May I speak to you over there?"
Hunter was inside main the tent, a place where the Commander often worked and had been waiting for Kai's arrival.
The fire burned brightly, a sign that it was another dark night inside the titan forest. Majority of the soldiers have been in there tents and only a few were on watch. Dahlia was behind Kai as for Emet and Kuklo they were sitting around the flames. Hunter made his way to the fire, sitting down as Kai sat across from him in between Emet and Kuklo. As for Dahlia, she stayed in the middle standing when Hunter queried,
"Well?"
"Sir. We found a connection to Kuklo, her name is Sharle Mansel, his wife. But she is older than Kuklo, however, both claim they're meant to be the same age."
"You're married?" Hunter eyed Kuklo, frowning confusingly.
"Yes. We've been married for 5 years." Kuklo nodded.
"Same age apparently? "
"Yes. Sharle was able to provide evidence that in one of the expeditions, Kuklo was claimed to be missing and one of the soldiers found his knife that belonged to him wand his wife. Sharle was able to provide two their wedding papers and a piece of artwork of the the day they got married."
"Did you ask which expedition it was?" Hunter asked, eye rolling when Dahlia said 'no.' Hunter glared groaning, "I would've needed to see the physical reports. Why didn't you ask that question? Flip sake, it would've helped tracked him...Doesn't matter. Next week we will be moving out from the woods anyway. I'll send Bernadine to find the reports. If it's stated his absence I'll consider his identity, I trust that you speak with truth. Either way, I don't care about him as such, Kuklo is not much of threat unlike Emet Ackerman."
Emet felt the the unsettled comment burn his burns, disagreeing mentally at Hunter's remark. Emet remained silent, glaring into the flames as it helped him to not come across as offended or disengaged. But almost like a dog obeying to keep quiet, hating every second of it when doing so.
"Emet will no longer be a threat once I lay out my scenarios." Kai spoke, "Commander. I said I would bring to show you three events that have yet to occur. Am I correct?"
"That's right."
"Well, I told you one already. I have now picked the other two. They can't happen both at once, nor can I tell you both of them to you at once. I am doing this on purpose to ensure everything I seek to show you goes well. If not, I will have to consider changing one of them."
Kai pulled out from the bag that was attached from the saddle. Hunter' was applauded to see what Kai held in his hands. There Hunter watched the blonde hair man read quietly over a book, flicking through the pages as if it was the best thing ever whereas everyone else felt lost and scared in case the Commander was going to lose his patience. It was like Kai was in his own world, leaving everyone else waiting to see what the commotion was about. Hunter wanted to know where he got that damn book from, louring lowly;
"A book."
"Yip, about the outside world."
Hunter's eyes glared, spitting; "Where the hell did you manage to get a hold of that. That's illegal."
"So I keep hearing" Kai noted, making Hunter gave back one hell of a dirty look for his smart comment, "S-sorry, sir..."
A grunt was all that came from Hunter, "Just get on with it, you're all beginning to walk on a thin thread with me."
""Well, I told you one already. I have now picked the other two... The next event of the future is one great risk."
"I'm listening."
"Well, a lot of what I is based from my father's experience. I was thinking what would best serve you, something that can be shown but remains hidden until the proper time of the events occurs. So my first question is.. Who is the King of the walls?"
"King Fritz? Why?"
"I need you to take to a place I think is called Orvud...would that be inside wall Sheena?"
Everyone wondered where Kai was taking this, again, Emet shook his head at his friend having the habit of not getting at his intentions until the very last second. Almost like a guessing game. Hunter too wanted to understand where this boy was going to end up telling him why he needed to go there. Orvud District was in direction of Wall Sheena uand was quite a track from where the Survey corps were situated at. The silence created increasingly more questions.
"I can take you there by next week. I don't understand how this relates to the King, he's in Mitras, capital of Eldia."
It was almost as if Kai was becoming more and more confident, liking where Hunter's answers were going. He stands up and makes way to Hunter with the book in his hand, standing over Hunter than makes the man tower over Kai. Still in his hands, Kai opens the book again,
"Before I tell you why. I just want to say if this all works out, I will tell you my final reveal. Right now, this book has great importance in the near future ahead, unfortunately I cannot go into much- especially who I got it from. But it really was a risk to take it, I am not sure of the impact it will cause because my father is meant to own this book one day. The reaosn why this book is so special is it talks about the outside world. . But, this is talks about the outside world- let me show you!"
"Not interested." Hunter shuts the book closed, "I am not interested in what the book holds. It's a book that holds false hopes and dreams. I am interested in what you do and what you offer. Tell me, Arlert. I order you to tell me why I should take you to Orvud District? What does this got to do with the King."
Rejection is a cruel way of saying no, yet everyone is entitled to deny something they do not wish to see. It sucked for Kai, he really wanted the book as source of inspiration, reeling the Commander in. It was something important to Kai as well personally. Kai sighed, allowing the rejection to slide as he clarified,
"Alright.. Very well. I want to go thee Orvud District because..."
Kai held his breath, seeing the Commander's eyes looking as if it had to be a good reason to go to the district so far away from where they were. He knew once he finished his explanation, the stakes will be so high the chances of failing are too unbelievable. Kai quickly looks over to everyone else, especially Emet, hoping his friend will believe in him and his future plan on what he wanted to do. Boldly, Kai continued;
"Because I want to show you your ruler is nothing more but a puppet. When we reach Orvud. There we will find a chapel, and in that chapel it will hold many sins and lies but also the truth you and the subjects are hidden away from. For deep inside that chapel, I may have the chance to expose the true ruler of the walls."
Yeo, whaddap?
Author's Note: I have written another ball of mess for you all. I am a little nervous for this chapter, so many characters have been used in, ones I am for sure you all know, if you don't then I am a little shook for you. I am trying to move the pace forward now, I miss my action pack stuff so it won't be long now. Unless you all are enjoying this pacing, it's hard to know. I am happy to say I am off work this week, meaning I have more spare time to 100% finish up Volume 3 and bring an entry to Volume 4. Characters I have included are Hannes, Armin's parents and Sharle. As usual I am concerned if this was a good idea or not. But, I have made a DeviantArt account to sketch out my characters and concepts (if interested it's linked in bio but DO NOT expect amazing work I am terrible).
Disclaimer:
I do not own the characters of Shingeki no Kyokin, they belong to the rightful owner. Other characters later mentioned in the story will be referenced also as the fanfic progresses. The only characters I have ownership are ones created from scratch. Also, IF YOU ARE ANIME ONLY OR HAVE NOT COMPLETED THE MANGA, PEASE DON'T CONTINUE TO READ THIS STORY. Unless, you love spoilers then that's fine by me!
And also, *salutes*
Shinzou o Sasageyo!