Chapter 6 : Argus Park
Eren has no idea what is going on.
It's been half a year since the School opened in Kuroyuri alongside Cinder new training regime in Archery with Li Ren, Ren father. In half the year since two things happened first Kuroyuri was expanding slowly of course and from what he had heard if Kuroyuri continues to expand at this pace it will no longer be considered a village but it's own City.
The second thing that happened is Cinder managed to become a Teacher's Assistant to Dina after since she's a lot smarter than most and after she educated herself. Eren also helped her study and if he wanted to he could work alongside her as another assistant since he's already very educated in many subjects but considering he have a rather busy schedule he just works in the farm and other physical activity. As for the rest there's nothing really special so nothing new it's just the regular training he did with his friends, working at the farm, school and Archery there really was nothing out of the ordinary if you consider what ordinary means in this family.
Both he and Cinder are also twelve years old now they're both also have improved a lot of their skills in combat along side our knowledge in education and to be honest it's quite weird seeing himself in the mirror now because it was this very age that he Joined the Military in Paradis back on Earth and with it brings a lot of memories both good and bad.
Now as for what he's doing right now well a week ago Cinder and Dina were at the Capital a they were shopping for School supplies to put in the small school normally they would buy some in Kuroyuri library but they were looking for more advanced materials. While they finished shopping by chance they managed to win four tickets to an Amusement park by being the 10.000th Customer to shop there when they came back home they told us about the news and so we plan on going there in the weekend.
So here they are He, Cinder and alongside their Mothers standing at the front Gates of the Amusement Park in Argus in which they appropriately named.
Argus Park
"Not really creative right C?" Eren asked looking to his right at Cinder.
Cinder laughed lightly at Eren's remark. "Perhaps not the most creative name, but I'm sure they focused more on fun rides than wordplay."
He chuckled before looking back at the entrance while he began to contemplating he heard of this kind of places before when he was in Marley a place where people have fun while riding mechanical rides, machines that gives entertainment and a lot of other things while amusement parks were something is something he heard of he never seen one in person since even in Marley a Country that is considered a safe haven for Eldians across the globe never get to experience the many things the world have whether it be ice cream, going outside and now this.
Reality truly is cruel.
The park entrance was bustling with families enjoying their day off. Brightly colored banners and balloons decorated the path leading inside. "Come on, let's go!" Cinder said excitedly, taking Eren hand as they headed through the turnstiles.
"Don't get lost ok!" Dina shouted while she and Carla followed them.
"Don't worry about them they be fine besides Eren is with her" Carla told her friend
"I know just wanted to make sure" Dina said she then saw a restaurant near the front gate "You know if you want to we could simply wait here" she began while pointing at the restaurant "let the kids have their fun."
Carla think for a moment before shrugging "Huh ok then" as they both began to walk to the restaurant.
Meanwhile Eren and Cinder was looking at the information center the first thing they saw upon entering was a giant colorful map depicting the different areas. "Where should we start?" Eren asked. Cinder studied the map intensely.
"It seems the theme areas are divided based on the Four Kingdoms. Let's save Vale for last - I want to ride the mechanical dragon they have in the stories. Why don't we start in Mistral?"
"Mistral it is" Eren agreed he really doesn't know what to do anyway since he's technically an adult so might as well let her take the lead allowing her inner child to take in. They made their way through the festive entrance area, taking in all the bright colors and sounds of joyful families around them.
As they wandered the streets of simulated Mistral, Cinder spotted a ride up ahead. "Look, a roller coaster! I think I've heard of those before." Colorful carts zoomed along a twisting metal track high above them.
"So that's a roller coaster" Eren exclaimed he heard that roller coaster were mostly made of wood and a few mechanical components but this one is simply made out of metal. They got in line, Cinder vibrating with excitement. Soon they had squeezed into the front car as it slowly climbed the first hill. From the peak they could see for miles across the lush green fields of the park.
Without warning, the cart lurched forward and plunged down the steep slope. Eren barley flinch since he was used to using ODM gear but it does make him uncomfortable since he's not in control on the other hand Cinder laughed gleefully beside him. They zipped around hairpin turns and over smaller humps, the force pushing them back in their seats. All too soon the ride ended, leaving them breathless but begging to go again.
Next they explored the marketplace of Mistral. Vendors called out, enticing them with snacks like candied apples and cotton candy. Eren had never tasted anything so impossibly sweet. As they continued, Cinder dragged him over to a strongman game. "I bet I could win that big king taijitu plush," she declared confidently.
Eren watched with amusement as Cinder stepped up to the test of strength. The game operator explained that she needed to ring the bell at the top of the scale by hammering the lever down. Cinder gripped the heavy mallet with determination. With a might swing, she struck the lever and watched the marker rise. It climbed higher than many of the previous players, but fell just short of the top.
"Nice try!" said the operator. "Would you like to go again?"
"One more time," Cinder replied. She took a deep breath and swung with even more force. The lever shot up and the bell clanged loudly.
"Well done!" The operator unhooked the huge king taijitu plush from behind him and presented it to Cinder. Her face lit up in a thrilled smile as she hugged her prize.
"Impressive," Eren praised her "you're getting stronger"
"I have a good teacher," Cinder said with a wink. She grabbed his hand again. "Come on, you try it now."
Eren then looked at the machine he then walked over there and taking the mallet gripping it tight, he smashed the lever with all his might. The puck shot up, dinging the bell at the very top. The vendor gaped as Eren selected the prize she wanted. "For you," he said, presenting Cinder with the Beowulf plush. She couldn't stop the smile spreading on his face as he hugged it close alongside the other plush.
She grabbed his hand again. "Come on, what should we do next?"
As they walked along scanning the rides, a commotion arose ahead of them. A line was forming in front of a bizarre-looking structure - it appeared to be two towers connected by a crossbar, with stationary chairs hanging down from it on either side.
"What is that?" Eren wondered aloud.
"That's the Vytal Swing," a staff member next to them answered eagerly. "You sit in one of the chairs and it spins you round and round super fast! It goes all the way upside down too!"
Cinder's eyes lit up. "We have to try it!" Without hesitation she pulled Eren into the queue. Soon they were buckling into their seats high above the ground. With a jerk the ride began to turn, slowly at first but picking up incredible speed. Eren felt the blood rushing to his head as they swung out horizontally with every rotation. Cinder was squealing in pure joy the whole time. Before he knew it, they had twisted completely upside down.
The experience left them exhilarated yet slightly nauseated for Cinder when it ended Eren wasn't really affected. As she stumbled dizzily from the ride, Cinder clung happily to her plush toy. "Let's get something to eat, I'm starving!" she said. Eren was happy to oblige - sustenance seemed like a good idea after that ride.
They came upon a food stall selling sweet potato fries drizzled with flavored aioli. Cinder devoured her portion quickly while Eren took smaller bites, savoring the unique flavors. His enhanced senses were assaulted by the mingling scents all around them - popcorn, candied nuts, grilled meats. It truly was sensory overload after a life of sparse rations.
Revived by the snack, Cinder led them onwards to explore more of Mistral. They played carnival games like rings around bottles and balls into hoops, testing Eren's aim and hand-eye coordination. He failed more than succeeded but enjoyed the novelty.
With their prizes in hand, the two wandered into a new area which looks rather futuristic Cinder looks at it then remembers what that place said on the map "They have a whole section dedicated to virtual reality games and simulations. We should check that out."
He simply nodded as Cinder dragged him in The VR zone was packed with pods and booths, each offering a unique experience. Cinder tried one simulating spaceship combat, piloting a ship through an asteroid field while dogfighting enemy crafts. Eren watched in amusement at her. Next, they battled monsters in a virtual dungeon together, teaming up to defeat huge bosses.
After the VR zone, they explored the midway games.
They tried their hand at various carnival games, from ring toss to balloon darts. Eren's military training gave him an edge in some of the games requiring precision, but Cinder held her own, especially in games of chance. They accumulated a small collection of stuffed animals and trinkets as they made their way through the midway.
As the afternoon wore on, they decided to take a break from the excitement. They found a quiet spot near a small pond, settling down on a bench to rest their feet and enjoy some ice cream. Eren had only tasted this once in Marley and even when he infiltrated their military he never quite to enjoy it - the cold, creamy sweetness was a revelation.
"This taste amazing," he said, savoring each spoonful. "Though I only taste Ice cream ones ."
Cinder smiled at his reaction. "There's so much more to try. We should come back another time and explore the other areas we missed."
As they sat there, Eren found himself reflecting on how different this life was from his previous one. The simple joy of spending a carefree day at an amusement park with a friend was something he never thought he'd experience. It was a stark contrast to the constant struggle and fear that had defined his childhood in Paradis.
"Hey, C," he said softly, "thanks for dragging me along today. I'm having a great time."
Cinder looked at him, a bit surprised by the sudden sentiment. "Of course. That's what friends are for, right?" She paused, then added with a smirk, "Besides, someone had to make sure you didn't spend the whole day brooding."
Eren chuckled at that. "Fair enough" he said as he looked down at the small pond as he begins to contemplate this whole day he experiences many things that an Eldian never had the amount of fun and happiness he had this day alone makes him truly grateful for everything he had gained ever since he first came to Remnant while also makes him regret of all the innocent lives that would never experience this same thing again after he committed the Rumbling and destroyed eighty percent of humanity.
Ironic the fact that a Devil managed to gain a second chance at life while the billions that he had murdered would never have.
Eren's internal struggle was palpable, the weight of his past actions and the burden of his newfound existence pressing down on him. Cinder watched him, her eyes softening as she sensed the turmoil within him. She knew that Eren wasn't just any ordinary person; he carried the weight of worlds on his shoulders.
"Hey," she said gently, "you don't have to carry it all alone, you know."
He glanced at her, his expression a mix of surprise and vulnerability. "What do you mean?"
Cinder leaned back against the bench, her gaze fixed on the water. "We all have our demons, Eren. Our regrets, our mistakes. But that doesn't define us. You've been given a second chance here in Remnant, and maybe that's for a reason. Maybe it's your chance to make amends, to find redemption."
He scoffed, bitterness tingeing his voice. "Redemption? After what I've done?"
She turned to face him, her eyes unwavering. "Yes, redemption. It's not about erasing the past—it's about shaping the future. You can't undo the Rumbling, but you can choose how you move forward from here."
Eren clenched his fists, his jaw tight. "And what if I don't deserve it? What if I'm just a monster?"
Cinder reached out, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Monsters are made, not born. You were shaped by circumstances, by the world you grew up in. But that doesn't mean you can't change. Look around you." She gestured to the bustling amusement park, the laughter and joy echoing in the air. "This is life, Eren. Real life. Not just survival."
He studied her, searching for answers. "And what if I mess it up? What if I hurt people again?"
"You might," she admitted. "But you might also bring hope, inspire others, protect those who can't protect themselves" she said in a gentle tone as she began to reach her hand to Eren own holding it "people like me."
Eren's internal struggle resonated with the weight of a thousand worlds. The sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the pond, and Cinder's words hung in the air like fragile threads of hope. She knew that it wasn't a simple path, but it was one worth pursuing.
"Look," Cinder said, she looks into his eyes and her voice steady, "we all carry scars. Some visible, some hidden deep within. But it's how we choose to heal that matters."
He met her gaze, vulnerability etched in his eyes before sighing and looking at the pond "You're right Cinder" He then looked back to her eyes again before speaking "And thank you, Cinder I really needed to hear that."
She smiled, a genuine warmth in her expression. "Anytime, Eren. Now, let's finish our ice cream." as they continue to eat.
After finished their ice cream, they noticed the sky beginning to darken. "We should probably start heading back soon," Cinder said, a hint of disappointment in her voice. "But there's one more ride I want to go on before we leave."
She led him to the center of the park, where a massive Ferris wheel towered above everything else. "The perfect way to end the day," she declared.
They waited in line as the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the park. When it was their turn, they climbed into a gondola and slowly began to ascend. As they reached the top, they could see the entire park spread out below them, lights beginning to twinkle on as darkness fell.
"It's beautiful," Cinder breathed, her face pressed against the glass.
Eren had to agree. The view was spectacular, and he found himself feeling a sense of peace he rarely experienced. As they made their slow revolution, he thought about how much his life had changed since coming to this world. He had a family, friends, and a chance at a normal life - things he never thought possible before.
As the ride came to an end and they disembarked, Eren felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was determined to make the most of this second chance, to protect the peace and happiness he'd found here. And as he looked at Cinder, clutching her stuffed animals and chattering excitedly about their day, he knew he'd do whatever it took to keep her safe and happy too.
They made their way back to the entrance, where Carla and Dina were waiting for them at a restaurant.
"Hi Mom" they both greeted in unison to their respective Mothers.
"Hey kids" Dina started as she looked at them her gaze setting at Cinder many plush toys that she is holding. "You've been busy," she teased.
Cinder beamed. "I won them all," she said proudly. "Eren helped."
Dina ruffled her daughter's hair. "Well done, both of you." She glanced at Eren.
Carla then spoke "Did you too have fun here" she asked smiling slightly.
"Yup" they both answered.
Dina chuckled slightly "good you two go ahead we need to pay the bills" Carla nodding in agreement.
"Sure see you outside" Eren said with Cinder following him holding on to her plushy.
Now at the entrance they stood near the gate, Eren and Cinder exchanged glances. The day had been fun—a blend of adventure, laughter, and shared moments that felt like they belonged to a lifetime. The sun had dipped below the horizon, leaving behind a canvas of twilight hues—pinks, purples, and oranges—that painted the sky.
"You know Eren" Cinder began "We could come here again when we have free time"
Here is a continuation of the story script:
Eren smiles down at Cinder. "I'd like that. This was a fun day we had."
As they wait for their mothers to join them, Eren's gaze drifts towards the entrance to the amusement park. The glowing lights and sounds of joyful people spill out into the dimming evening. Though the park is closing for the night, the memories they've made here will linger on.
A thoughtful look comes over Eren. He wants to make more of these happy memories with Cinder, to protect the bond they've formed. Turning back to her, he gently suggests, "Maybe next time we could bring some of our other friends along too. I'm sure Ren and Nora would love it here."
Cinder's eyes light up. "Yes! And we can all go on the rides together." She spins in a circle, hugging her stuffed animals. "It will be so much- !"
"Woof"
"Huh !" Eren and Cinder flinched and slightly jumped in surprise at the sound as they looked down and see a small and fluffy creature.
"Woof"
"A dog?" Cinder said as she looked at it was quite small with its appearance being black-headed tricolor and with gray eyes it also wears a red collar with a gold pendant bearing a vertical black bone and two black dots on either side.
Eren knelt down and slowly reached out his hand for the little dog to sniff. "Hey there little guy. Where did you come from?"
The dog sniffed Eren's hand tentatively, then gave it a few licks. Satisfied, it runs of into the distance.
"Did I scare him ?" Eren asked in confusion as the dog just ran away from him.
Cinder watched the little dog run off with a frown. "That was weird usually Animals seem pretty fine when they're around you Eren" She stated since back at the farm and Kuroyuri as a whole Eren seems to attract a lot of Animals she then looked at Eren "Maybe he was-"
"Zwei !"
A loud scream cried out as the two flinch at the sound as Cinder tried to find the source a red blur crashed into her as she fell on her back. Cinder lets out an "oof" as the red blur crashes into her dropping her plushies in the process. She blinks up at the newcomer, taking in their frazzled appearance.
It was a young girl maybe younger than Ren and Nora she is fair-skinned girl and have neck-length black hair with red tips.
But the most unique aspect of her appearance is her eyes.
Silver eyes.
"Ohmygoshimsosorryareyouokareyouhurthaveyouseenmydogheranaway!?" The girl said rapidly mixing words together as she slightly panicked.
"I-I'm okay," she assures them. As they rapid fire apologies and questions, Cinder turns to Eren for assistance. "Do you know what they're saying?"
Eren helps Cinder sit up, checking her over for any injuries. He then turns to the stranger. "Slow down, take a breath. Can you please repeat yourself more clearly?"
The young girl takes a deep breath to calm herself. "I'm so sorry for knocking you over," she says to Cinder. "My my dog Zwei got away from me and I was chasing after him. Have either of you seen a small black and white dog around?"
As Cinder shakes her head still reeling from the crash, Eren decides to answer "actually we did he was righ-"
"Woof"
A bark was heard and the group simultaneously looked as the source and found the Dog in the parking lock near the docks.
"Woof"
The dog bark again before running off.
"Zwei !" The girl shouted before she blurs away in super speed, leaving rose petals in her wake. Cinder looks to Eren in confusion they were about to talk before another voice was heard.
"Ruby !"
They looked at the source of the sound it was another girl slightly older than the red one maybe around Ren and Nora age with blonde hair and lilac eyes she was chasing after the red hood girl.
"Wait up !" She screamed as she ran past the duo the chase was being seen by bystanders and other guests.
Eren and Cinder glance at each other before looking back at the girl then they saw another person an older man perhaps in his thirties with blond hair and tanned white skin he too was running chasing the two girls.
"Kids wait !" He shouted as he passed the Duo before another man came very tired from the look of it as he take a break breathing heavily he have spiky hair, faded red eyes, and slight stubble along his jawline. Along with a red, tattered cloak, he wears a gray dress shirt with a long tail, black dress pants and black dress shoes.
He is also holding a flask.
"Tai …" the man said loudly sounding raspy "Wait…" he gasped for breath, raspy words escaped: "Tai… wait… up!" He shouted Before he chase them again now leaving Eren and Cinder alone.
They both look at each other with Eren speaking "That was…."
"Weird" Cinder continued.
They both paused their minds both thinking about the strange encounter
"You know Eren" Cinder began "I don't know why but why do I get the feeling like I know her" she said.
Eren agreed "Yeah" he looked at the docks he could still see the family from the distance but he was specifically looking at the Girl with the Red hood. Cinder too was looking at the Girl but her feelings were of confused familiarity.
"Seriously that was weird" Cinder said before looking at her brother "Shoud we maybe check them out?" She asked because she wanted to know why she had this strange feeling of that girl.
Eren thought for a moment before shaking his head "Nah" he waved his hand dismissively "it was probably nothing and beside we should wait for Mom."
Cinder wanted to protest but knew he have a point she sigh shaking her head "Yeah it was probably nothing" she said as she began to pick up her drop toys as she holds them tightly "It not like we just missed something important or anything."
Unbeknownst to them a certain Purple Dragon was Laughing hysterically and loudly as he watched the unexpected events.
Bet you didn't see that coming did you ;)
22 days since last update
I have this idea for a long time for two years in fact and to be honest it's great to finally be able to make this fun little Cameo and to be honest this whole chapter was a premise to that and man it was hard to think of a good way to make it but I finally did it.
I also wanted to explore something that about the whole theme of Amusement parks since from what I know during the 1900s Amusement parks were starting to be popular and considering that Attack on Titan takes place during what is essentially early 1900s I'm pretty sure it would have existed somewhere in Marley I also wanted to explore that Eldian might never be able to experience the same thing based on that one time when Eren said something about Ice Cream being a privilege something that is Rare for Eldians, I also wanted to explore Eren regrets that a monster like were able to have a happy life while the Billions that he murdered might never experience again and of course how many millions of Eldian outside of Paradis that could never experience it.
Well that's is all for now until next time and let me know what you thought in the Review.