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[The last thing Zelos remembered was a scene similar to one when they had been on the ship. Goodbyes and farewells, people slowly dwindling down as they left the city and returned to their own homes. He hadn't been sure at the time that it would work perfectly. The last time, not everyone got home, did they? Some never came back. It was hard to know what would happen.

But then he woke in his own bed, sitting upright and looking around in shock as he realized it. He spent twenty minutes or so thinking things out. Realizing how much he remembered this time. How crazy it all felt. That he was completely alone now. And it wasn't until his butler came in the room and reminded him of his business with the King that he realized he couldn't just sit around and think.

Meltokio was a large, walled off city. The lowest level, closest to the gates and walls, contained the shops, the research lab, lower class houses and a lower slope into the slums. The next level up held even more shops and the coliseum, a big circle of a plaza with benches and sorts around the edges, and houses of the middle class. The tallest level of the city held the grandest parts: the church, the King's castle, and the noble's houses-- mostly notably the house of Wilder. The Chosen's house.

Wherever it is Eren ended up, he was sure to hear about the 'Chosen's' appearance today. Returning from a long journey after 'reuniting the worlds' or something of that sort, and speaking with the King. And if these rumors lead him well enough, he'll be able to catch the guy just after his speech, stepping out of the castle with a crowd of girls already waiting to follow him. He's not really into faking it today as much as he usually can, so he waves them off with an excuse and reaches into his pocket...

The pocket watch is still there. But it's nothing but a watch.]

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[ He was supposed to go home. He'd said his goodbyes to everyone in Zelien (some with smiles, most with tears), turned down a few offers to go to other, better worlds, and stepped through the last rift as he braced himself for impact.

Instead, Eren wakes up slumped against a large archway, the sun glaring in his eyes. Some people eye him strangely— it'd taken far too much effort, but he'd managed to keep his Gear together and the whole crazy belt apparatus wasn't exactly the normal fashion in any other world. But to be fair, neither is anything anyone here is wearing. The architecture is all wrong, the air doesn't feel right, and the nearly electric excitement of the populace does nothing to ease his heart as it pounds against his ribs and in his throat.

They're all talking about the same thing. The Chosen.

It's familiar, and when his watch proves to be absolutely fucking useless, he clings to that; Eren takes off in the direction of the most ostentatious building he can spot (that's where he'd be, right? the castle? he had to be, the obnoxious jerk). And lo and behold, there he is— surrounded by a disappointed, trailing pack of girls. Eren doesn't care. His mouth is dry and his voice fails at first, but he eventually shouts, feet pounding as he runs over. ]

Zelos—!

[At first, Zelos wonders if the voice might be his imagination. He is staring at the watch, after all, and though there are so many memories back in Zelien, how could he help but have a particularly strong one of his roommate?

But his head turns at the sound of footsteps, and he knows right away that it's actually happening.]

Eren? [The crowd of girls at least gives him space to step forward, shrinking back instead and muttering loud comments about the nerve of Eren and his lack of taste in fashion, but seeing as Zelos is actually speaking to him, there's not much else they can do.

Zelos, meanwhile, shoves his watch back into his pocket and glances around and behind Eren before looking back at him.]

What are-- how-- [No, those are stupid to ask, he knows it had to be that damn machine--] Are you the only one who showed up here?

[ There's no hero worship, no semblance of reverence in the way he stares. Zelos was his comrade-in-arms he speaks to him like one, approaching no differently than he would anyone else— he's used to being a heretic, and it's easy enough to ignore his crowd of fans because he's pretty much immune to the idle grumbling. He's dealt with it before, and they sure as hell didn't matter anyway.

His focus stays where it counts, and the only small reprieve he has is that his should-be ex-roommate recognizes him and seems slightly more in his element. ]

I— yeah? I don't... [ His words are shaky, eyes growing wide. Zelos was the one who was supposed to have answers here, and instead he's met with a question and it sets his gut churning with a slow dread. He reaches out, hand wrapping into Zelos' sleeve with a vicegrip (was he real? he felt real) as the urgency starts to blindside him. ] Wh— Where are we?

This is Meltokio.

[Does Eren remember his mentioning of his home city's name? He's not sure. But that's enough for now, and he sees the guy is freaking out (as he should be in this sort of situation) and that's of enough importance that the social affairs of the Chosen can wait.

Shifting, he grabs at Eren's wrist and gives it a light tug for him to follow along.]

Come on. [To Eren, it's spoken quietly, and then his gaze is directed to the ladies who had been so patiently (not really) waiting for him on the sidelines. With a wink and a wave of his free hand, even while walking, he dismisses himself.]

Sorry, my darling hunnies, but I have some very important Chosen business to take care of. Take care of yourselves, mmkay? ♥

[The following upset whines and demands that he not take so long are drowned out after being so used to this, and Zelos focuses forward again. His steps continue until they reach a massive mansion that he starts stepping up to, pulling Eren along.]

Sorry. Things are probably going to be easier if we talk inside.

[ The word clicks, distantly, but it doesn't really make sense. How could this be Zelos' city? He was supposed to go home and this was literally worlds away and that's impossible. But as much as he wants to demand answers, right then and right there, he lets himself get pulled along. In minor part because that's the best course of action, slightly more because of shock, and mostly because this crowd was seriously going to drive him insane: Eren is far less charismatic and can't help but shoot a hooded glare at the noblewomen, emotions quickly starting to run rampant over his thoughts.

He's a tense ball of nerves the entire trip, but he manages to make it to the door before tearing his hand away. To say he was collected would be a massive overstatement, but his surprise has faded in part to frustration. Maybe fear. None of them really helps his case as he starts. ]

What the hell... [ His tone turns sharp as he swallows. ] Meltokio. That's— isn't this your world? Why am I here!?

Eren-- Eren. Calm down a sec!

[It's an attention drawing tone in return. For Zelos, it's pretty startling to return to his home world with memories as if he'd been in Zelien for weeks now, all while he was gone barely a blink here. But for Eren to end up here instead?

He frowns, pushes open the door and urges Eren inside to avoid any more... public annoyances. The only person here seems to be a kind butler, who greets both of them and leaves the room when Zelos asks.

Zelos, on the other hand, is spinning to face Eren right away.]

I heard that back when we got sent home after the ship, not everyone made it. There were mixed results. It's possible you were sent here by mistake. [Which is not something to keep calm about, so he's quickly adding--] But we're surrounded by Tethe'allan technology. And believe it or not, I've had some experience going from world to world. Maybe we can get you back.

[ He grips at his temple, teeth grinding together. It was bad enough being away from home for so long, but the idea that now he's stuck somewhere else... for how long? Had time stopped back home? How much was he missing?

But what Zelos is saying was a mild comfort— maybe he wasn't as completely and utterly screwed as he felt. Eren's expressions give him away, morphing from wide-eyed panic to something... not quite relieved, but at least marginally less freaked out. ]

Really...? [ He settles his shoulder against the nearest wall, pressing his weight against it. The last few weeks in Zelien were exhausting. Fight after fight and a whole grabbag of curses to power through, and this was just an extra nail in the coffin. ] That's— ugh. Thanks. [ His chin dips in appreciation for a moment before he knocks his head against the wall with an annoyed hiss. ] Shouldn't have trusted their goddamn machine.

What else did we have to go off of?

[Nothing. He knows that as he watches Eren beat himself up over the thought. But honestly? At least they were somewhere like this. Not in someone else's world entirely, or some technology-less world with no hope of escape. Zelos had enough connections that he was already working up ways to get this to work without too many questions being asked. The Chosen system was no more, but he was still in power, and that would likely stay for quite some time.

As much as it bothered him, he had reasons to use it.

He pauses now, eyes tracing up Eren before he glances back to the grand stairway just to the side of the entrance.] Anyway, don't worry about it. We're friends, right?

[It was something he hadn't said too much, but that he'd started to hold onto. Hope for. Want to be proven, and so saying it aloud in this case is just the same. Even still, he doesn't look back at Eren for it, instead raising a hand to gesture dismissively in the air.] We should be able to relax for a while here, so that's good news, right?

[Only now does he look back at Eren, dropping his hand.] We should probably get you some new clothes if you don't want to stick out like a sore thumb, though.

[ Of course they were friends. He hadn't expected it in the slightest from their first meeting in their dumb, cramped dorm, but it worked itself out eventually. No doubt helped along by the constant, looming threat of death and insanity that really managed to bring people together with unmatched speed— as soon as Eren had become a soldier, he'd made friends far more quickly than he had under peacetime. Which is why he didn't need time to relax or take off; he just wanted to get back to murdering Titans and protecting the people who'd learned to depend on him.

All that being said, Zelos was a weird one. It was like he needed reminders for what should've gone unsaid (it should've been obvious that Eren cared, at this point), or he'd say one thing and expect another. He was smoke and mirrors and it was something he had always had problems navigating about, especially since the teen was about as indirect as a club over the head. And he's just about to call him out on it but—

He wrinkles his nose a bit, looking Zelos over critically. ] There's nothing wrong with what I'm wearing. 'Sides, I don't wanna dress like you.

Hey, hey, hey, what are you trying to say? It's not like you could even look close to me if you tried, but the least you could do is accept my generous offer and gift of high class clothing.

[But he's not pushing it too hard, because ultimately, he supposes it's just as odd as Kratos walking around in his 4,000 year old bondage outfit. Or 'knight' outfit. Sure. Whatever.] But things aren't going to just get fixed over night. You know that, right?

[It's a more serious question after his teasing reply, and he folds his arms as he watches Eren.] We have to keep quiet about where we came from or they're going to throw us in jail for sounding crazy.

[ He pushes himself off the wall and over towards Zelos as he prattles on, in no mood to return his quips (then again, when is he ever?). But the tension returns quickly enough and Eren's eyebrows knit together with a troubled frown.

Realistically he knows there's no easy solution here, but at the same time he can't afford to be gone for long, not if time had started back up again. Even if he wasn't a 'Chosen' anything, Eren had enough responsibilities to bear and lives to avenge. His gaze goes downcast, voice low and strained. ] I know. Just... however fast you can, Zelos.

[ The situation was so far out of his control it was infuriating, and his fingers wrench tight against the stairway bannister. And it really only gets worse, because the idea of staying in a cell again was. Not pleasant. Especially taking into consideration that he'd be rotting away and wasting time in one of the few places he couldn't break out of with his abilities. It wasn't an option. He pauses, knuckles tapping against the rail as he thinks aloud. ]

But wait— no way. [ He gestures vaguely out towards the door. ] All those freaks out there are obsessed with you. They'd really lock us up—?

...Yeah, I'll work on it as fast as I can.

[To have someone depending on him so much... It was all he ever wanted, but at the same time? He wasn't sure he deserved it. If he could do it as fast as he should. But there was no time to doubt himself, and from his journey here as well as in Zelien, he's learned that there are others who believe in him enough to keep going.

He'll use their trust and belief to move forward.

For now, he glances back to the door and sighs lightly, dropping his arms and shrugging.]

It wouldn't be the first time. I had an order against me by the church for some time when the Pope was plotting some things. But right now, we're going into a new world order. The 'Chosen' isn't something necessary anymore. If anything, there are going to be more people thinking I'm just causing problems than being of any help.

[He says it nonchalantly enough, but his eyes tell another story, half-lidded and sliding to the side.]

Anyway, I've still got my status, so at least that works in our favor. How are you doing? If you want, you can take a break in one of the rooms while I take care of a few things.

[ Some of his explanation sails right over him. Whatever a 'pope' was and all this religious nonsense— the closest comparison Eren knows is the equivalent of a cult, so he just sort of eyes Zelos strangely and keeps quiet throughout. This wasn't his world or his politics, and he trusted Zelos to deal with it as necessary. Not like he had much of a choice— it sounded like the most he could do for himself was lay low— but he didn't mind depending on his now ex-roommate. Weird as he was, he'd proven himself dependable in the past. Even if he was hiding something (which he was. Eren's long since learned to read his eyes), he'd rely on him.

(A cold chill in his gut tells him not to. Reminds him of what happened last time he'd trusted his friends—)

After a tense second Eren sighs, leaning against the bannister and trying (failing) not to look too troubled. ]

I'm fine. [ 'Fine' in this case meaning 'extremely upset but also alive so there's that.' A beat, and he plucks absently at one of his belts. ] Go do what you have to. I'll... change, I guess.

[Zelos stares at him a moment longer, some thoughts caught in the back of his mind before he nods and glances away.]

Here, I'll tell you what. [A wave at the butler from the next room beckons him over. Shortly after, Zelos addresses him with a gesture to Eren.]

See him upstairs to the guest closet and let him have whatever he wants if he needs anything. I'll get the kitchen staff started on a small meal so we can have something to eat before we leave, so just have him meet me down there after that.

[With the immediate 'yes sir' from Sebastian, Zelos is looking to Eren with a neutrally serious expression.]

You okay with that?

[ It was weird. Partly because he's not used to being in a manor like this, or the kindness; having lived a fairly modest lifestyle even before Zelien or the fall of the Wall, Eren shifts, eyes staring sidelong at a spot on the wall. ]

You don't have to spoil me, Zelos. I'm okay.

[ He looks a little awkwardly at his butler as he approaches before setting up the flight of stairs on his own, looking back over his shoulder after a few seconds. Despite how shitty the situation was, he knows when to be grateful, and there's a slight softness to his tone. It's hard to distinguish from just sounding tired, but. It's something. ] Thanks anyway.

I'm not spoiling you.

[He defends himself pretty quickly after the thanks, bringing his hands up in a wide shrug as he shakes his head.] This is just the life of the Great Chosen One, you see! [Really. After spending so long in a place where they had to struggle with so much... He didn't want to accept what was readily available?

Geez.]

But fine, fine. Meet me in the dining room when you're ready. I don't know about you, but I could use a bite to eat. Just try not to get lost.

[He'll wait until Eren is upstairs to let Sebastian know he should hang around up there in case Eren needs any help or directions, and then he's heading off on his own.

---

Later, whenever Eren does make it down to the dining room, there'll be a nice meal set out and Zelos waiting in a chair at the end. ...Unlike most royal company, though, he's kicked back on two legs with his arms behind his head. Yep.

He doesn't even have to eat... So he's not actually 'hungry', but. He's determined to get Eren to eat a bit, okay.]

Who needs a house so big you can get lost in it? [ He protests from the rail, glowering down at Zelos as he leaves. But while manners and being a mindful guest were extremely far down the list of things Eren gave a shit about right this instant, he should probably be a little grateful, he thinks...

...before he actually reaches the closets, anyway. Zelos' clothes were about as gross as he'd been expecting— was he allergic to sleeves or something? Was there really a point to all the dramatically swooping v-necks? Everything is either too tight (why) or too big with their height difference and the colors range from white to downright offensive.

Dumb. Eren dives around until he finds a relatively plain black shirt and tosses it on, leaving his belts and gear in a neat pile before roaming off to find Zelos. By the time he makes it to the dining room his nerves have settled down— didn't exactly help to be completely on-edge for however many days he was going to be stuck here— and he plops just as casually into one the seats.

And the food goes ignored for a second, because: ]

Does everyone dress like an idiot here? Or's it just you?

What the hell is that supposed to mean, you little brat?!

[That chair slams back down onto all four legs soon enough, and Zelos slaps his hands onto the edge of the table to send an overly animated glare Eren's way. How rude! He's not nearly as insulted as he seems to be, but this is the way he acts.

Eren surely knows that by now.]

That's the best in Tethe'allan fashion up there, I'll have you know! Only those who can afford it dress fancy like I do. [He waves his hand at Eren with a huff, leaning back in his chair and releasing the table with his free hand as well.] But I guess you're just a country bumpkin, huh? You wouldn't know anything about fashion when you have to worry about efficiency and use and all that crap.

[ Zelos was theatrical? Go figure. Eren braces his chin against his palm, eyebrow raised and lips turned into a frown. Because he's the brat here. ]

The hell—? I'm from a city. We just didn't waste all our time on worthless shit.

[ He picks idly at the cuff of his sleeve, which has a completely unnecessary gold embroidery that he's working pretty hard to ruin. ] What's the point? If it's supposed to make you look nice or whatever, it's not.

A 'city', huh... Sure.

[He's fine with just mocking like this until he notices how Eren is picking at the shirt. That calls for leaning over and swatting at his hand.]

Would you cut that out? It's a large part of status. What you wear is a large part of how you're treated. Why don't you just cool it and eat something so we can get out of here, alright?

[ Eren swats back, but whatever insult or quip he has dies out. Because insofar as he could put together, Zelos didn't really need much to survive at all— sleep, food, whatever. So it's obvious this was for him.

His eyes dart briefly to the ground with guilt, absently thumbing the gold thread with a little more care this time. A few beats of silence, then, ]

Thanks. For... all this.

[ He's antsy, and it shows; he picks up a piece of bread, tearing at it with all the grace of a kid that grew up fighting in streets and dicking around in barracks. And that's about it before he pushes his seat back. ] But I'm not really hungry— we can get going. [ ... ] If you can stand being seen with me in public, that is.

Hmm? I just thought it'd be a nice change of pace to show you how it really is to live.

[That's how he waves off the compliment after it all. Coming off like a complete douchebag. At least that's how he usually ends up coming off-- but there are certain people who manage to see past that lie and to the fact that yes, he was worried about the guy being calm and fed and ready to travel.

He doesn't want to face it anymore, so he's quick to stand up, waving to his maids to clean up everything, and walking towards the door.]

How do you feel about flying?

[ And the usual routine continues. Eren knows better by now, even if Zelos liked to wave off anything heavier than casual conversation. And frankly, it's more frustrating than anything else— why he felt the need to keep up with these stupid facades was beyond him.

So he says nothing in return, trailing behind as Zelos starts moving. He shoots him an odd look, speaking through some bread because he's a barbaric teenager. ]

You've seen me fly.

Edited 2013-11-23 09:49 (UTC)

[That just gets a laugh from Zelos as he reaches into his pocket.]

I mean really flying. Rheiards. Look, I'll show ya.

[Tossing Eren a small box like thing, he holds his own and waits until they're in a nice open area in his garden. If Eren is wondering what that small package could possibly be, Zelos soon shows it with his own.

Simply lifting his into the air, a large plane-like device that couldn't have possibly fit inside such a small thing just stretches out of it. It seems to appear out of nowhere, really.]

[ But... he did really fly kind of. The closest equivalent a human could manage, anyway, besides the crazy superpowered lot in Zelien.

Except the box is now a?? thing???? it's like thinking back to the train, except now it's another crazy piece of tech he's never seen and one would think he'd be used to this by now but— ]

Wha—!

[ He staggers back, staring wide-eyed for a good few seconds before tentatively raising his own. And he can't help but crack a grin when the device expands, letting out a breathless laugh, eyes locked on the 'Rheiards' with a pleasantly surprised glint. ]

You've been holding out, Zelos.

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