13 (12) Speaking with the past

The day had finally come, the trainees were lined up in front of a balance trainer. Consisting of two large poles and lines attached in each side. When the trainee when attached to each side, they would be hoisted into the air to see if they could balance.

The first few people to go were the cocky ones. Instantly believing that they were the chosen ones and could master it on their first try. However, they were betrayed. Instead of being praised because of their awesomeness, they face planted straight into the floor with added laughter from the crowd.

Surprisingly, Jean was the first to master it. After a little wobble, he managed to stabilise himself and not fall. Next came more people who mastered it, eventually every one did it expect Eren.

Smashing his head on the ground multiple times, he still couldn't stabilise himself. Although Aria knew it was due to a broken ODM gear, she didn't say anything an quietly wait next to Annie. After some time, the chief instructor told us to go and get food and go back to our dorms. The way to the dining hall wasn't far, it was just big enough to fit all of us in.

Sitting down near the end of the hall, she grabbed a cup and poured some water for herself. Annie also sat down next to her and did the same. Over the few months they trained together, Annie became more friendly and open to Aria. She didn't know if it was due to Annie getting reminded of her father or something else. Well it didn't matter, because the overall aura surrounding her got more calm and gentle. Only towards Aria though. They boys still stared the same to the 2, Mikasa was the same but didn't get that much attention because of her attitude.

Coincidentally, Aria was out in the same dorm room as Annie. The room included a bunk bed and a small table. Beside the bed, included a small, two layered, drawer to put personal items in.

Back in the hall, everyone had finally gathered and food was being sent out. The food was actually brought out by the cooks and served for them. As Aria got her plate, the food was the same as always the same. A small bread roll and chicken soup, the portion was large but it didn't satisfy anyone.

"If I was in the kitchen, I could of made something better" murmured Aria. Annie heard this and asked "like what?"

"Oh the things I could make could blow you away. For example, something called Pizza" Aria smiles mysteriously.

"Pizza, what's that?" Annie asked seriously. Aria turned to her and said "tonight around midnight come with me to the kitchen alright" Annie nodded resolutely.

After eating their meals, they went back to their dorms. Entering the room, Aria quickly lit the candles to light up the room. Annie followed behind while thinking about something.

The light in the room came from 3 candles placed randomly and gave a calm and comforting atmosphere. Aria also noticed this and thought 'This could help me break though to the World Realm. All I need is a quiet and calm atmosphere.' She nodded to herself and walked over to the bed. Annie suddenly called out in a nervous voice. "Hey, Aria. What If I suddenly disappear one day?"

Caught off by the question, Aria quickly turned towards Annie and flew in for a hug. Caught of guard, she didn't have time to prepare and both of them fell to the floor.

"Don't say that, you know we've known each other for a while now and you are the one true friend I have. You helped me with my Martial Arts and other things. I don't know what I would do without you". Aria had no control of what she said and just blurted it out.

Annie, on the other hand, got a weird feeling from that. This was also the same with her, no proper friends until now. She hugged back and and said "Don't worry it was only a joke" Aria pouted and quietly lay there.

Annie who was stuck between Aria and the floor said "Aria, haven't your breasts grown bigger again"

Aria suddenly became red faced and shot up front he ground, turning away hiding her chest. Annie giggles at the reaction and got into bed "Don't forget tonight"

Aria quietly got into bed with the red face still attached. She looked down and saw her shirt getting a bit tighter.

After calming down, Aria began to circulate Qi around her meridians. It felt a lot harder this time and she opened her eyes. She completely forgot about her ring if holding. She jumped of the top bunk and silently landed on the ground. Opening the top draw, Aria saw an unopened letter and a small golden ring. She picked it up and inspected it. As she put it on, she saw the lettering inscribed in a unknown language. "The Beginning is the End"

"Wait, how could I read that-" suddenly a searing pain was felt. She screamed then blacked out.

Aria was now in a small library seemingly underground. Looking around, she saw 10 alters placed in a circle. Before she could walk up a flash of light surrounds her and blinded her. She again slowly opened her eyes to find a young woman sitting in front of her.

"Hello Aria" Said the person. Aria looked more closely and was surprised "Mother!". The woman in front of her chuckled. "Unfortunately not, but you see I have something to tell you. Firstly, I am the first holder of the Lord Titan. Secondly, the important part. Where we are, is where you should be in the end."

"The first holder, how are you here then? Can you see me?" Aria was intrigued.

The first holder spoke out again "This is just the past, however I was able to see you in the future and create this conversation." Aria was now opened mouthed "So far into the future?" She could only sigh, the furthest she could see was now a few years.

"Don't be too surprised, I believe if you get stronger enough you would be able to do the same." comforted the first holder. "Anyway, time is short and I want to tell you one last thing. You need all the Titan holders to gather in one place." After Aria heard this a flash of information entered her mind. The location of the place they need to meet and information on how to control the her Titan better.

"Well, I'll leave you now and the special person in peace" She giggled and disappeared. The world turned back and became silent.

...

In the real world, when Aria screamed and fell to the floor, Annie was stunned and woke up. Seeing Aria on the floor, she quickly got up and held her. Looking down, she saw Aria wearing a golden ring on her middle finger. Annie furrowed her brows and looked back up. Seeing Arias face shocked her. Small tears could be seen, listening quietly Annie heard her say something in a weird language. However she could understand it. She said 'mother' in the eldian language.

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