Chapter 15:
The Cave
"Wait here." Hunter ordered, halting Kai, Emet and Kuklo behind him as the Commander emerged from the dark trees outside the wall of Orvud District. They travelled all day to get this far.
The day before the 44th Expedition, Kai had explained his paradoxes to Commander Hunter and his desires to reach Orvud District. Hunter knew every location of Paradis, always travelling from one part to the next and was able to take Kai to the Chapel. It had taken them all day to travel through. First they left the forest, rid in Klorva District, riding amongst Wall Sheena up North where they hoped to reach Orvud. The horses were close to exhaustion as they trotted through the forest right until they reached the Chapel.
Hunter lifted his hood above his head and began to canter on his mare around the premises of the Chapel, checking the coast was clear and wasn't guarded. He returned back to Kai, Kuklo and Emet and informs them;
"It just looks like an ordinary chapel to me." Hunter grumbled, jumping off his horse and removed his cloak him and opens a pouch that was connected to the horse's saddle, revealing a jet black cloak and wearing it instead.
The three jump off their horses, copying the Commander as they pull out our the same coloured cloaks in order to conceal their identities. The purpose was to remove their involvement with the Survey Corps in case anything was to go wrong. The overall plan was to head to the Reiss Chapel, explore and for Kai to reveal the secret it posseses and to return back to Erchmich District in plans to reunite with Carla and the Survey Corps.
"I've never heard of this place." Kuklo spoke, putting his hood up and felt like what Hunter saw in the chapel was right. It was simple, basic and just like any other Chapel.
"Well, you heard of it now." Emet replied, now tying his horse to a tree stump in order for it not to run away.
"Kai, what is the importance of this place?" Hunter asked, giving Emet his horse.
Kai walks past the Commander, lifting his hood over his head and tries to think of the best way to explain his knowledge to the Commander, trying to avoid sounding far-fetched and crazy. He turned around, seeing the three men look at him for a response;
"The Chapel is owned by a noble Family, The Reiss. They're the true rulers of the walls, not the King you are renowned for. He's nothing but a conman."
"What?! Quit bullshitting. Why would the King be-"
"Commander, the Reiss family do not rule dominantly over the country. They seek hiding, keeping their truth with them. If you take me inside. If I can find what I am looking for... I just need to find the entrance. I can prove it to you."
"What exactly are you wanting to show me?"
"To be honest. I don't know." Kai admitted, hearing Emet curse under his breath;
"Kai, what are you playin' at-"
"Instead, I want to explain in great detail what the Chapel consists of, and it's secrets.. So when we go inside, I'll prove to you by letting you see it yourself."
Kai's hesitation makes Hunter frown, stepping closer to the man who proposes something that may not even be real.
"Well isn't it good I am patient to hear your little story, Arlert." Hunter growled, "The hell is in this Chapel of lies then?!"
"You see, all of you can agree this Chapel is nothing special. But it isn't the Chapel that shows importance, it's what the chapel is actually used for.. A bluff, a diversion. This building functions like any other Chapel, but underneath is a cavern. This cavern is no ordinary cave, it's huge and was created by the First King as he used abilities to do so, producing his own natural illumination such as crystal walls. The Chapel was then later built on top of it as a cover up, to prevent the main purpose of this location within the Reiss Family."
Hunter stepped back, his face confused rather than shocked. Kuklo and Emet exchanged looks, waiting to hear further.
"Well... You know about Emet, I defined him as a titan shifter, right?" Kai asked Hunter, "There's actually a total of nine of his kind. The nine originate from a source of power, the Coordinate. Who was the first ever titan shifter to have ever existed also known as the Founder. Just a eldian who can become a titan, wielding great power. As time went on, the Founder died and their power was divided among nine titan shifters. Each inherited their own abilities, the Attack Titan, which is Emet's titan. The other titan is the Founding Titan.
The Founding Titan is powerful, Commander.. It has the power to control the minds of Eldians. The Founding titan was inherited by the original King Fritz, the 145th King to be exact. Well, in short, he moved the majority of Eldians to a remote Island called Paradis... The very island we stand on. I could go on about it's full history, but the current conclusion I will say is the Island is ruled over by the Reiss Family, who are in relation to the King, but changed their surname to conceal their royal identity. Over the past century, they passed down the Founding Titan, ensuring they follow their ideology and hid away to do so. Leaving many of the people of Eldia within the walls to live a life that isn't what it seems. This Chapel, is where the Founding titan is passed onto the successor. Come on, we should get going before it's too late." Kai finished, turning heels and walked away from the three men bewildered by the vomit of information
"Uh.. I didn't understand any of that." Kuklo lifted his hand in question.
"Kai Arlert, everyone." Emet sighed pretending to reintroduce his friend, "Commander, it would be best if Kai explained everything at another time."
Hunter grunted in agreement, following Kai towards the Chapel. The night was clear and still, and no one was definitely around. However, Kuklo is walking across the field with the other three. His senses perked up, by which the body perceives an external stimulus; one of the faculties of sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch. His sense of smell was alerted, remembering an odour he thought he didn't expect to be so close by.
"WAIT!" Kuklo urgently shouted, seeing the men stop as he told them to and blankly looked at him. "I smell something."
"Uh.. What?" Emet slowly asked, completely lost just like the rest of them.
"It's a titan, it's close. But, I can't tell where." Kuklo begins to walk around, sniffing the air.
"Um. Emet maybe?" Kai pointed out, sweat dropping.
"No, I already know about him. But boy you do have some scent on you...There's another one..."
"Uh, what do you mean by that?" Emet frowned, hand on his hip ready for Kuklo to explain himself.
"Oh for fuck sake, the more I am with you lot the more I realise I am surrounded by fuckwits." Hunter glared at the younger men, wanting to beat the otter crap out of them. "Explain the situation, soldier?!"
"Listen, I can hear titans or enemies approaching long before others can. Over the years my sense of smell has gotten pretty good at it too. Trust me. There's one close by.. It's how I was able to track Emet in the forest. I was in the other side of it, and about 10km I could hear him."
Kai's eyes widened, thinking that if Kuklo was denying Emet's presence but can sense titans, was the Founding Titan close by? Kuklo Mansel could be of some use.
"Kuklo, it could be the old traces of the Founding titan. It should be able to take us where we are able to go, can you use your senses to follow it?"
Kuklo stopped his tracks, feeling rather opposed to the idea. The thought of finding a titan is something he rather avoided. He furrowed his eyebrows and nodded, trusting his instincts to lead the way. Kai nods back, leading the group to the chapel. The doors were opened, allowing those to come in at any time to pray whenever they want, particularly the Reiss Family. However, that was clearly something Kai, Kuklo, Hunter and Emet had to do right now. The moment they close the doors behind them, Kuklo stopped, the odor was getting stronger, but also sensed another set of footsteps were nearby. Everyone froze, seeing if Kuklo would sound the alarm- he didn't and continued to walk on through the aisle of the chapel.
"Are we getting close?" Kai looked around, scanning the room for any secret spots.
"It's hard to tell, wait." Kuklo stopped, stepping on a rug that was beneath it's feet that was directly below the alter of the Chapel. "There's something here."
Kuklo backed away, squatting as he lifted the corner of the rug and tossed it back, shocking all four men to see the a bricked floor door. Hunter out of the four had a changed exterior to him, looking as it he was questioning his own knowledge of life. Kai noticed this, waiting for the Commander to make eye contact with him on the next move. Hunter does and cleared his throat,
"Did you know it would be here?"
"No, I just remembered my father and his friends telling me about this place." Kai explained, "Commander, I think you and I should continue on from here."
"Without us?" Emet clarified.
"Yeah, I mean there's a titan nearby." Kuklo explained, inhaling deeply to get an better idea where was the air was difficult to read and shook his head, "It must be on the move because it's not around anymore. Where could've it went?"
Kai knelt down and grabbed the handle, pushing the door up to reveal a staircase. This was it, the past few weeks had been frustrating, thinking of a way to show Hunter that himself and Emet's situation- even Kuklo's as well. Emet didn't like where this was going, folding his arms and sighed;
"Fine. Kuklo and I can watch up here. If you need me, shout I guess."
Hunter grunted, no longer wanting to continue this conversation any longer as he led the way down the staircase. Kai walked beside Hunter, the two of them having to put their hands against the walls to help have a sense of walking down the staircase. Emet and Kuklo were left behind, waiting by the entrance. They could feel the staircase bending round, and stopped when the pair saw light appearing down below. The Commander raised his brow, walking again and questioned himself what could be down there. Kai too questioned this, wondering if this was a good idea. What if they get caught? The Founding titan was capable of many things. First of, they have the power to create titans from either the subjects of Ymir, the ability to control titans themselves, telepathic communication, clairvoyance (ability to see future memories) but one of the main abilities that worried him was the founding titan being able to manlitapute those memories.
An aura of light was glowing down at the bottom of the staircase, they were close. When they reached the bottom, around them they are surrounded by a crystal cave from the bottom of the floor right up to the top that was supported by crystallised pillars. The tones illuminating the room. Hunter stopped, taking in the scenery;
"Is this it?"
"Looks like it." Kai mouthed, taken aback by this place.
They continued down the steps that led them to the floor of the cave, walking aimlessly through the secret world below the chapel. Kai couldn't believe it, the sight of this place was remarkable. However this place was where rituals were performed to pass the founding titan to the next successor.
"So, do you believe me now?"
"Hmph." Grunter frowned, "I am impressed by your knowledge of this place, but still It doesn't recount whether or not you're from the future. Simply could mean you're a spy."
"What?" Kai gasped, "No, I'm not! If I was a spy Commander, why would I be telling you all of this?!"
"Beats me. Besides, even if you proved to me of this place- especially this Reiss Family. You still need to show another don't you? " Shrugged the Commander, stopping when he started to hear an echo of another voice within the wave. "Hide."
Kai scurried with the Commander behind a crystal pillar, huge enough for the both of them not to be seen. The sound became more clear, of a man talking to someone, telling a story of explanation to the person they were talking to. Kai and Hunter eyed each other, edging their way out of the pillar to get a better look to see who was talking.
It was two men talking to one another. One was a frail man, rather short who usually wore a simple light coloured robe. The small man had neck length blond hair . He also had grey, weary eyes with a calm, wise-beyond-his-years expression. The other man was the opposite, very tall and slim who appeared to be well-built. He had short, coarse-looking dark hair that reached to his neck and also had a thin beard along his jawline, wearing a long coat, dark trousers, a white button shirt and hat. Kai screwed up his face, wondering who in the hell they could be. The taller man spoke, sounding awfully southern, an accent Kai couldn't put his figure on.
"Why you and your worshippers keeping talking about peace for?" The taller man grumbled, fixing up his hat.
"It's what our family strives to endure as long as we stand, the walls are our paradise. One day, you'll understand." The other replied, sounding wise and seemed to know plenty for him to be confident in his reply and made the companion grunt in frustration.
"We gotta out of here." Hunter hissed, still behind with Kai on the pillar at the other side. Kai agreed but asked, "how without getting caught?"
"Who are you?"
Kai and Hunter pushed back from the pillar, now exposed when they saw the small man was standing next to the young Arlert. The small man reappeared beside the unimpressed taller one, facing face to face with Hunter and Kai. This wasn't good at all.
"Hey, care to introduce yourselves?" The tall man smirked, sounding angry blended with amusement, something the Commander didn't appreciate and growled back,
"No, but I think you're good too since this is your little hideout from the outside world."
Kai was eyeing the smaller man, noticing his eyes. There became a dark vacant colour, it was something peculiar, reminding him of the uniqueness of Emet's Attack titan. That's when Kai gasped, his heart beginning to thumb. The small man stared into his soul, reading the broken expression as the taller man barked back at Hunter;
"Oh so you're curious about this place!? Well, that's none of your business." The man swiped out a gun from under his jacket, "Be a shame because nosey parkers like you have to deal with-"
"Kenny, that won't be necessary." The small man interjected, his voice silencing the conflict and closing his eyes before opening them again.
The man with the blade, referred to as Kenny stopped. Hunter didn't flinch, he was rather unbothered by this threat Kenny tried to inflict. Kai still felt the smaller man's eyes were on him, almost like the man already knew who he was.
"You." The small man asked, pinning his attention to Kai, "What are you doing here?"
In the paths, the three remained unfocused with the aura, only showing Kai, Emet and Kuklo resting in their tents after explaining the two things Kai wanted to expose to Commander Hunter. Long before they were exposed to the horrors of the 44th expedition. Mikasa, sitting quietly in front of the aura, watched Emet quietly sleeping. It had been so long since she saw her son fast asleep, not since he was 14. Her eyes softened, smiling at the memories of Emet's younger self sleeping on the sofa where he often studied for school or couldn't be bothered walking his way to his room. Now he was lost in time, well before she was even born.
"Eren." Armin walked up to Eren, who was standing in his thoughts. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"
Eren's actions answered Armin's request, stepping forward to him. Mikasa didn't hear Armin, remaining focused on the aura. The two friends begin to walk away from the the light of the paths, the aura and the Mikasa watching over Emet. As they walk side by side, the two couldn't help but recall within their memories their last time they spoke together. Their moments in the paths as they explored the world Eren was able to create. it was one of the best memories Armin cherished, seeing lava for the first time, the sands of plain, the volcano, the snow like fields that froze Armin's skin as he wasn't exactly someone who long to enjoy being freezing. Then of course, a sight that was beautiful and indescribable was the dancing lights that glimmered like watercolours in the sky known as the Northern lights. Until they reached the place that meant so much to Armin since he was a little boy it was a chance to enjoy the sea. But, it all ended with reality, the fatality of the rumbling. The footprints of colossal titans with many patches of disposed carcasses of humans. Even remains of bones. Armin closed his eyes, trying his best to remove those images from his head.
"Do you have... any idea why we're here?"
"No," Eren sighed, "Once again, I have no understanding on what's going on. I tried to go back within the paths memories, but nothing worked."
"You have? When?" Armin stopped walking, a little lost by Eren's answer.
"Armin, as Founder, right now I could've walked the earth 10 times over before I even answered you there now. Time has no limit, with the power of the founder it allows me to do certain things. Just nothing to do with Aimi and the others..."
"That's insane. But here, don't be wiping my memory like you did the last time."
"I won't, I have no reason to."
"Good." Armin sternly nodded, not meaning to intend to be this prominent.
Silence once more, they stopped walking. The two knew they had so much to talk about, but just didn't know where to start.
"You hate me?" Eren blurted out, "Be honest with me."
Armin raised his head, not sure why Eren asked this. The two stood there, eye to eye. They were always by each other side, dreaming of the same goal to see the outside world one day. Yet even though their differences often brought the two together at, in the end it divided them both. Armin was very human natured, able to understand and relate to. Whereas Eren was complicated, almost unreal. It was what divided each other. Their views were different, beliefs, tactics and more. That difference, was what made them two fight in the end before Mikasa killed Eren all those years ago.
"Why are you asking me this?"
"Because I know you do."
"I don't."
"Then why do you keep looking at me like that?"
"Like what?" Armin furrowed his eyes, feeling lost in the matter.
"That you want more answers from me." Eren frowned, slightly annoyed by Armin's confusion.
"Eren, answers of what?"
"Armin, what's in your head?!"
Armin simply wanted to try to avoid a situation like this if at all possible. He understands that abandoning one's humanity is sometimes necessary, but that doesn't mean that it is always the answer.
"I... I don't know. I just can't help but think there was another way to the end result.. Or at least.. Why was it the only result for the world to be truly free from titans."
"Armin, I told you everything. We had no choice. I had no choice..." Eren softened his expression, feeling lost within his words.
"No Eren, there has to be more to it. Why were you chosen to cause the massacre? We showed Ymir hope, love and freedom. But still, it doesn't answer why it came the way it did. Why were there no other options left, no more choices to be given? But above all, why and how you were you able to pull through it?! I can't stop wondering how.. Especially ever since we got here. I can't help but worry it's something you know, but once again you will never say."
Eren shook his head, "No Armin. that's not-"
"There's one thing I really wanted to know... Beyond Ymir's result.. You never answered me properly that day.. I guess, your head was reaching a breaking point... But why... Why did you do all of that?"
Eren stood there.
"I wanted you to have a chance at life. To live long and happy. I wanted to wipe out humanity... Simple as."
Armin knew Eren was lying once again through his teeth.
"Eren, would've you done it differently... If you had another option?"
"I don't know."
"You. What are you doing here?"
"Who was that?" Armin broke out of shock, feeling chills as the voice echoed throughout the paths.
"Uri?" Eren frowned, walking past Armin returning back to the aura; "Before you ask, I saw his memories before. I recognise most shifters."
"Oh.." Armin followed, "Who is he talking to?"
"Uhhhh... Sightseeing?" Kai chuckled awkwardly.
Eren spun round to Armin, their faces gawking at the fact they hear Kai's voice. Armin gulped; "You don't think."
"Shit."
No response. Eren sprinted, hearing Mikasa not far back shout for the pair to hurry. Her voice in distress. The two listened as they ran;
"Hm... So, these events really will happen after all."
"Huh?" Kai perked his head, a little lost, "What events?"
Mikasa hears Eren and Afmin running towards the aura. She noticed the two had wandered off, letting them do their own thing as she continued to watch the aura. She watches the aura change its course again, getting used to its movement. When seeing Kai lead Hunter down the cave, it reminded her of when she was on the hunt trying to find Eren and Historia from being kidnapped by the Reiss Family who they were trying to retake the founder into their bloodline from Eren. Things were not looking good when she saw a familiar man, a man of her bloodline. Kenny Ackerman, Levi's uncle and clearly a relation to her too. Kenny wanted power, and his personality was moulded around this goal. He was a ruthless individual who did not hesitate to do anything to get the job done, including murdering children or betraying his allies.
"The events that will set the course of time. Let me ask you one more time, what are you doing here?" The voice spoke again, confirming with his identity by Eren shouting
"That's Uri Reiss! What's going on?!"
"Uri? Who's Uri? Mikasa confusingly said, watching Eren stop beside her along with Armin as their eyes focused on the aura. The three of them had an idea this would happen. It was such a risk to go to the Chapel and not at least be in contact with someone connected to the Reiss family. It was a shock that it happened to be the worst duo in front of Kai Arlert and Hunter Rin.
Eren's face was panicked, making Mikasa more concerned as he huffed for air, "Uri Reiss is the Founding Titan! He might-"
"No. You tell us who you are." Hunter demanded, his eyes glaring at the vacant ones before him.
"I am Uri Reiss." Uri called himself.
"Ah, you're part of this family then." Hunter growled, "So is it true? Apparently you're one of those bastards outside the walls."
"Commander.. Maybe don't refer to them as..-" Kai tried to speak, worried if the Commander was going to end up saying that and end up being the biggest regret.
Kenny cackled at Hunter's remark, bringing the attention to himself. He ended up stopping for a moment, only to burst out laughing again like a madman as he heeled over. Kenny recomposed himself, wiping a tear from his eye. All Kai could think of was this wasn't good. All seemed to be too calm for this to almost feel like there was no way out.
"Oh boy, have I seen you somewhere? Better tell me or I'll come and find you." Kenny warned underneath his playful tone.
"Try and we'll see what will happen to you." Hunter snapped, "You didn't answer my question. Are you one of them?"
Uri blinked calmly, sighing; "You, myself and every Eldian are them."
Hunter screwed up his face, growing in patientence and before he could try to speak Kenny began to walk closer; "Listen you two. I'd either leave this place, or you'll deal with me. Actually... You will be dealing with me regardless."
"Not until he shows himself." Hunter glowered, walking too towards Kenny.
Kai felt his heart in his throat as he watched the two men stand in front of each other. It was like seeing two boxers ready to fight. Just before there were face to face. Uri spoke, managing to stop both men;
"I'll show you..."
Hunter turned back to Kai, thinking about the young man's deal. All Hunter could think of was Kai's prediction, potentially a second time. Kenny Ackerman turned back to Uri, looking at the small man as one idiot. Kai on the other hand felt like he hit the jackpot but also felt a wrecking ball was going to smack him in the face. That confirmation is confirmed when Uri's eyes beamed in a purple hue as he calmly spoke,
"But once I do...To protect you from the truth.. By erasing your memories."
Uri lifts his hand, similar to how Emet lifted his before he turned into a titan. Kenny gritted his teeth, cursing under his breath before he darted to the side of the cave. In slow motion, Kai shouted for Hunter in which the Commander spun round and removed his cloak to reveal his ODM underneath and fired his then sees Uri no longer visible, only to be blinded by light flashing the cave. Thankfully Kai was at a safe distance, using his arms as a shield from the light, almost feeling the force of the impact on his feet to glide across the smooth surface. When the light disappeared, Kai exposed his vision to a 14 metre titan. The same eyes as Uri's the vacant look but wider and more demented. The hair dangling down it's shoulders and like Emet's attack titan. It was quite a more dominant frame titan compared to the pure ones, however it was leaner rather than muscular. Hunter landed on a the wall side of the pillar, pushing back the hood of his cloak and blazed back to see a titan before him, dismayed by the fact that there really was a titan inside the walls, who ruled over Paradis. Uri's titan stomped forward, roaring aloud as a wakeup call for Kai to take action.
"WE NEED TO GET OUT OF HERE!"
Hunter snapped himself back into reality, agreeing with Kai's suggestion internally as he unhooked his ODM gear from the walls and fired himself for the pillars above, avoiding Uri altogether. Kenny, standing just behind the next pillar where Hunter was twigged on that the man was from the Survey Corp, smirking in surprise but perked up to here someone shout from across the cave where the entrance was. A young man, shouting;
"KAI, GO NOW!"
Uri in titan form spots a man leaping from the top of the stairs. Kai recognised the voice, mixing between the emotions of relief and the fear of what was about to happen next. It was Emet Ackerman, mid-air from the staircase and bit his hand viciously, transforming just like Uri did. Emet knelt down, slamming harshly on the ground and roared across the cave to Uri, the eyes cold now in his titan form. Before this all happened, Kuklo had sensed the other titan had returned back from wherever it was, Emet decided to head down, thinking it would be a good idea in case anything was to go wrong. Perhaps it wasn't a bad idea as midway walking down the steep darkened stairway the sound of a titan's roar filled the stairway.
"Woohoo, this should get interesting." Kenny chuckled, a first was taken back that another titan shifter but on the island but figured due to Uri's abilities... Kenny believed shifter will be short-lived.
Uri roared, beginning to make a move as he charged for Emet. Emet growled, pushing himself up to his feet and ran for Uri. Like clash of the titans, both of them fired opposing fists at each other, but Emet dodged the founding titan through intercepting by grabbing Uri's nape and drew him in and kneed the founding in the face. Hunter zoomed over to Kai through his ODM gear, telling him they need to move but Kai insists back,
"No you don't understand, we can't leave Emet!"
Suddenly a bullet comes from nowhere and splits Hunter and Kai from their conversation. Their eyes tracing to see where it was shot from. Kenny, holding a gun in this hand, smirking. Hunter growled, wishing he had his own.
"This won't be the last time I'll see him. He now knows I'm with the military."
Kai turned his attention back to Emet, seeing his attack titan surprisingly winning this fight against the Founding titan. it was clear the titan isn't experienced in combat, but that doesn't mean it wasn't powerless. Kenny fired another bullet for Hunter despite being across the cave. Hunter loses his patience, swinging out his blades and uses the pillars amongst the cavee as walls to block each time when Kenny fired his gun, dodging past the two titans fighting each other out and Kai who was caught in the middle of everything. Eventually Hunter is above Kenny, deciding to swing one of his unattached blades from his handles and throws the lose blade as a large dagger to attack Kenny. Kenny, dodged it through firing a gun, causing the blade to lose momentum and clash on the ground. Kai didn't know what to do, he clicked out his blades, but was unsure who to go for. He waits, proposing it best to wait for an opportunity. He watches the Attack Titan pin the Founder to the floor face down, struggling to break free. However Kai's heart drops when he watches the Founder's eyes weren't bothered, rather than saw it as an opportunity to do what it wanted, his eyes beginning to glow.
'No.. He's going to wipe our memories.' Kai's inner voice wearily spoke, immediately gasping out; "We're screwed!"
Kai felt it was like his final moments to his true self, wondering if this process would be painful. He softens his stance, waiting to feel the effect of the Founder's power to erase what he saw, who he was, anything. Emet within his attack titan is unaware of the founding titan's move as he locked the founder in his grasp. Hunter managed to kick Kenny's gun away from his hand and body slammed him against the wall. Kenny, strong as an ox, was pushing Hunter back. The two men were like wolves, gritting their teeth as they snarled. Who know you could hate so much so quickly.
That's when it happened, Uri roared, filling the atmosphere with its scream that everyone in the room clasped their ear to prevent the screech from causing more pain. Kai fell to his knees, being the human closest to the titan, he couldn't believe it. This was it. When the roar stopped, Kai opened his eyes, wondering if he felt any different. But he didn't instead he felt just the same. Was this how mind wiping worked?
No.
Because it didn't work.
"We're screwed!" Kai gasped from the aura.
'No... The founder can't do this.' Armin remains frozen, his mind racing; 'He can't do this! If Uri actually wipes Kai and Emet's memory, the question is how far will he go? Will he only remove the memory of the chapel Or everything altogether?!'
Armin looked down at the sand, watching the ground beneath him, 'What if.. I don't make it obvious to move to the aura, not make it think I want to try and touch it? What if it can transport me into their world?!'
He walks closer, no thoughts, trying this best to look as if he wasn't doing anything. Eren on the other hand didn't say a word, in his head he knew going to the chapel was a horrible idea. It was literally walking into a trap, for the Founder Uri Reiss and his ally Kenny Ackerman. So much was going on, seeing Emet pinning Uri to the ground. Then he spots Armin, edging his way closer to the aura;
"Armin?"
"Shush."
Mikasa blinked with Eren, who happened to be beside him as all of this was happening; "Armin- why are you walking towards?"
"Mikasa, please. I'm trying something." Armin chuckled awkwardly, looking like he was trying to keep his cool.
The aura was a second reach from Armin, his eyes beginning to squint by the light. Mikasa and Eren realised what Armin was doing. The two of them checked the floor of the sand, nothing appeared to be raising from the earth to attack him. Was it because he was calm? Was it because he nearly clearly stated what he was doing? As Armin is about to touch his, he stops, seeing the aura show Emet inside his titan, his expression in great pain.
'Emet?' Armin's thoughts asked himself, stepping back from the aura to see better.
"Armin, why did you?" Eren asked, edging forward to Armin but stopped as he too saw Emet inside the aura.
Emet was growling in agony, yet his titan was just fine as it fought off Uri's founding titan, locking him in place for the opponent couldn't attack him. Was this Uri's doing, using his ability to harm Emet's mind? Mikasa squinted her eyes, also seeing Emet's both undereye rip open like a wound.
"ARGH!" Emet whined, panting in immense pain.
"What's happening to him?" Mikasa's worried voice begged to know, confused as she watched her son start to drift off so suddenly.
It was like someone shot him with a drug that made you pass out, lowering his head as the fresh wounds beneath his eyes that connected him to his titan began to glow. Armin, Mikasa and Eren froze, seeing the wounds that randomly scarred Emet's face as he appeared unconscious glimmered the same purple that his Attack titan eye's has. Suddenly, the tree behind the aura, the coordinate of the paths began to shine very brightly when Uri's founding titan began to roar out along with King Reiss's voice commanding;
'WIPE THEIR MEMORIES OF THIS PLACE AND SEIZE THAT TITAN!'
"NO!" Armin and Mikasa shouted, still blinded by the light, about to burst into shock and upset when a deep and vicious voice rasped back that was being projected out from the aura;
'No... You will not... Seize me.'
It was Emet's voice, however more demented than before. The light of the tree dimmed so fast, it taken everyone's eyes within the paths to adjust. Eren was first to be able to see again, gasping when he saw Emet's face spoke from within his titan, the wounded eyes being his new vision as his actual eyes were closed. It was like a possession of a demon had taken over Emet. The three see Uri's face from within his founding titan, at first panicked but settled quickly as if he came to terms with what was happening.
"Emet? Is that you?" Miakasa covered her mouth, unfamiliar with that voice and listened to Uri's inner voice reply back;
'I was right. The events will happen...I knew this day would come.'
'You. Cannot... Stop me.' Emet's demonic inner voice growled.
Eren noted the two titan shifters were using telepathy, communicating both to each other within their minds through the paths. But Emet isn't the founder as only those who inerhit the titan of founding abilities can access this power. Uri too was saying strange replies, does he know what is about to happen next. All of this was happening as Uri's titan was roaring within the cave. Kai, Hunter and Kenny were covering their ears as all of this was happening. Emet, within his titan, looking mentally controlled by something. Eren, Mikasa and Armin watched the attack titan, hovering over the founding titan, drooling as it opened its fangs wide. The aura changed it's view of Uri inside his titan, not fighting back, calm insides his thoughts accepting;
'It's not you I wish to stop... As much as your kind will ruin our peace and even if I try... Somehow the Founder's abilities towards you and the others are dormant.'
'You... will... die.'
"What is he talking about?!" Armin sweat dropped, alarmed by Emet's threat.
'No... if the next Founder isn't stopped.. we will all die.'
Eren watched the attack titan force pressure on the founder's head, forcing the nape of the titan to rise closer to it's mouth. Eren felt he was receiving the memories again of his father taking the founder from Freida in 845. He couldn't believe Emet was about to do this, but why? How does he have the knowledge or concept to take Uri's titan from him. What purpose will it serve him. Why wasn't Uri at least trying to fight back? Unable to speak, lost in the moment. Eren watched and listens to Emet's telepathic response as his titan tried to lash down on the founding titan'ss nape;
'You're... MINE!'
"EMET STOP!" Kai roared from behind the attack titan's nape, slashing it open with his swords and managed to yank Emet Ackerman as fast he could from his titan.
Kai watched the Attack titan close to eating the nape, about to kill Uri. This was wrong, this was bad and Kai knew he had to stop it from happening. Successfully managing to take Emet away from his titan, the first thing he noticed how his face looked out of his, with eyelike wounds just below his eyes. They were never there before, but like Emet's Attack Titan form it's like he gained another pair of eyes but instead the eyes had been pulled out, healing as Kai tried to process this.
"What do you think you're doing, Emet?! Why were you trying to steal the founder?!" Kai demanded to know, landing back on the ground again, hearing his friend grumble back to consciousness.
"What... what the... what's happening?" Emet tried to push himself up to his feet, helped by Kai as he replied,
"Wait!? You don't remember?!"
Hunter and Kenny had resumed back to their pushing wars, eventually Kenny gained the upper hand and punched Hunter to the ground. However his focus was no longer on him as he heard steam coming from the Founding that remained on the floor, Uri turning his head at Kai and Emet's direction, the Ackerman not in Uri's front as his back was in front. Hunter saw this as an opportunity and successfully tiger swept Kenny, falling back and smacking his head. Hunter quickly gets up, sprinting to gain some distance away from the titan behind him and that bastard in his eyes.
"GO!" Hunter ordered, firing a hook to the top of the staircase and swooped up, "NOW!"
As Emet and Kai are about to follow, Emet checks his gear was working, thankfully it was and the two zapped away.
"Uri, don't let them get away!" Kenny was dumbstruck at Uri, letting the three escape the cave as if it was no problem at all.
Kenny couldn't do much, he didn't have the maneuver gear himself or he could've chased after him. Uri stepped off his titan, walking up to Kenny as he saw Kenny's lost expression. The pair of them watched the three disappear through the stair case of the cave back up to the chapel.
"There's no point. I can tell their motives aren't focused on us."
"Uri, you nearly got eaten alive by that titan!" Kenny argued, looking at Uri for some idiot.
"Not intentionally." Uri explained, "It wasn't the shifter himself. I wonder... when will it be him?"
"You're not making any sense." Kenny gave one dirty look, "But we can easily track them. They're from the military-"
"I am not interested in the soldiers. I know they won't report this place. They have a different motive. However..." Uri trailed of, thinking back to the titan shifter who charged for him. He couldn't fully identify the face, all he could remember were the violet eyes that faced him. "I want you to.. when the time comes retrieve back the shifter..."
"Well who the hell is he?" Kenny arched his brow, mixing his hat as Uri faced him, the tone of his voice calm hid tones of stress,
"He's one of the attack titans.. His name is Emet Ackerman."
"Ackerman? He's related to-"
"No. He's not a true Ackerman. He was taken in, but his blood is under Bladein."
"GO, GO, GO!" Kai panicked running up the stairway, near the top as Emet was behind him.
Once Emet was out of the stairway, Kuklo holding behind the door pushed and slammed it close.
"Quick grab that piano!" Kuklo suggested sprinting to the side of the altar.
Emet and Kai scurried after Kuklo, the three of them pushing the piano as fast as they could over the entrance. Hunter had already ran outside the chapel and commanded the three to follow. Now four, they leave the chapel heading back for the horses. Hunter puts the hood over his head, telling the rest to do the same to ensure their faces were concealed in case they were to get caught.
"What happened down there?!" Kuklo wanted to know, ready to ride off, "Will that titan be chasing us?!"
"Oh my god" Kai panted, not meaning to ignore Kuklo's enquiry as he throwing himself over the saddle, "I can't believe this! We found the founder- we nearly got wiped out! I'm alive! Somehow? Guys how are we still live?! "
"Not if we don't hurry." Hunter grunted, steering his horse forcefully towards the trees, "We're heading back through the capital. We should lose them there."
The horses raced through the trees, the blanket of darkness making it hard to make out where the trees were. The hooves stampeding through the soft earth, the journey shouldn't be too far of a reach through the forest and through the Wall Sheena. Their journey will take them right until dawn in hopes to get away from the Founding Titan. Emet, riding his horse behind the others, is lost in memory of what just happened. The Ackerman doesn't recall wanting to eat the founder, in fact he didn't know why he would do such thing. All he could remember is the sound of the man's voice saying, 'if the next founder isn't stopped.. we will all die.' In frustration Emet tsked, unsure why those words we're recalled to him. His face aced two, felt like someone cut holes in his face, the steam doing its work healing his titan marks along with the holes under his eyes. Emet did start to wonder about the Founder's words, the only sentence that stuck with him and could remember. He lowered his violet eyes, staring into his hands grasping the rains and wondered,
'Who is the next founder..?'
Author's Note:
My plan is to complete volume 4 by early start of August and hopefully Volume 5 in September. For when I start University I will be flat out, but I plan to dedicate a day/a couple of hours to writing this fanfic. But it will mean a much slower upload date. Therefore my goal is to get as much chapters written before I am flat out before you think I have abandonned the story XD Also, Uri tho. Can I just say, he's an interesting character- just make him all mysterious n shit that was my way of approaching his character. I found Kenny weird to write, all I can hear is that western accent XD Which do you prefer of Kenny, the DUB or SUB? I like both tbh. Also, I have now a Beta Reader. I am so looking forward to working with them (goodluck proof checking cuz damn I can be hardwork XD)
I have started a new fanfiction, very action packed in an AU of Eren Yeager and his friends. Inspired by one of my favourite novels The Hunger Games, but of course I will put my own spin and flavour into the mix. It is a manga about titans after all. Feel free to check it out.
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!