Extension Chapter 78.1: A meaning to power

The kitchen. The domain of Eren. His hands fluidly worked through a myriad of ingredients, preparing dinner for Emi. Even Jun wanted to taste the much-lauded chicken parmigiana and fries.

"You have a strange home, master god eater." A small voice echoed out of the shadows.

Eren scanned the room quickly before returning to cooking. "Who are you?" He asked, not afraid but cautious nonetheless.

*Woosh*

From the shadows of the living room came the spectre; although far different from last he was seen.

No longer a hooded shadow with one eye. Now a skeleton with a full head of hair; long flowing black locks that cascaded down to their bony shoulders, tied in a loose half-up hairstyle with bangs that partially framed the skull. Eyeless sockets the complementary azure hue, like the many within the Reaper's domain. A purple robe of velvet draped over its frame, adorned with intricate silver embroidery.

"You can talk? How? All the others only use body language and gestures." Eren had never come across a shadow like this before.

"Forgive me master god eater. I do not know why I can speak whilst my brethren cannot."

"Did the ring do that?"

"The ring? Yes, quite possibly." Saku looked over its skeletal hands.

"You look different... Is that what you looked like when you were alive?" Asked Eren, a little fascinated by the uncanny appearance. Part good looking corpse and part hollow shell.

"It is, Master. A long time ago, before the lich Vaelorikanthrax came to this place." Saku's voice took on a more sombre tone as they recalled their past life.

"You mentioned the god eater, several times in fact. What do you know?" Tossing the ring to Saku; which the spectre inspected with curious eyes. Tracing its bony fingers along the dark surface, examining every crevice and detail.

"Tell me about it." Eren turned back to the kitchen.

"The ring of Annihilation, the god eater, the bringer of death, the end of all things. The ring was forged for the purpose to kill gods, those who cannot be killed by normal means."

"I assume it failed?" Asked Eren.

"Yes... No..." Saku's voice took a more frustrated tone, as if unable to explain their thoughts properly.

"My former master was many things; A narcissistic, overly verbose, pretentious, egocentric, melodramatic, self-aggrandising, overconfident, arrogant, being... But he provided knowledge of histories long forgotten."

Saku's eyes darted towards a small shelf of photos. Emi, smiling in the sun, on holidays and even now.

"What is this?"

"Those are photos. Images taken at a particular moment in time." Answered Eren.

Saku's eyes widened in intruige. "I see..."

'He hasn't told me anything I don't already know about the ring.' Eren thought as Saku continued to examine the photos.

"You have a sister master god eater?" Saku asked.

"Yes. Stop calling me God eater."

"Master?" Saku was a little confused.

"My name is Eren Heart. Call me that. Or the Reaper, I have not seen any gods to 'eat' so far so I don't really think the title fits, yet." Eren explained himself. Not wanting to be known as something like that. Not at least until his actually laid eyes on of these gods.

"But you will... The longer you adorn that ring; it's power will continue to grow until a time when you will be strong enough."

*Sizzle*

"This is all you know? I've already heard all this." Eren was frustrated. He was hoping for more but Saku was not providing anything of substance.

"Then... Have you noticed strange happenstances? The world itself beginning to shift around you?"

"...Yes." Eren replied. Thinking back to all the times that things were a little too perfect; or just happened to go exactly as planned. Especially with regards to the gates.

"The ring is not only a devourer of souls and a weapon against the divine, but a beacon for power all." Saku continued to look on the photos of Emi.

"How so?"

Turning back to Eren; tossing the ring back.

"Hmmmm. Imagine the ocean; it's currents both gentle and fierce, its tides ebbing and flowing. The ring, dropped in its vast expanse creates ripples. At first, small and imperceptible, unavowed. But with time, as the strength of the ring grows, the ocean turns to it. Currents twist in unexpected ways, tides shift from their usual rhythm. What were once calm waters become chaotic, all drawn to its growing presence."

"The currents will try to drag it down and the waves will fight against it; but the ring will feed on them. Becoming ever stronger..." Eren continued Saku's metaphor.

"You are wiser than what the ring claims."

"It claims? Does it think I'm an idiot?"

"Quite the contrary master, it sees potential. A great destiny that is intertwined with its own. However, it takes issues with some of your... personality traits. You are unlike its previous master, which have been avaricious and ruthless in nature."

'Picky little ring ain't ya.' Thought Eren, hand flexing as if trying to assert its dominance over the ring.

"Thank you Saku. You've been helpful, more than I expected." Eren returned to the stove.

"You are welcome, Master Eren Heart. One last thing..."

Eren turned back to not only see Saku. But Guren, Virtue & Vice as well as a handful of other shadows behind the skeleton.

"I understand the burden you carry. Every night you watch the streets of this world. Protecting those who are preyed upon by the worst kinds of humanity." Saku looked down to the floor.

"You do so much for others... Allow us to help in your crusade against the wicked."

All shadows bowed in unison.

"You... can summon them? Without my command?" This was something Eren had never seen before.

"Yes, with me in your ranks I can provide support and organisation."

"Thank you, but I will still continue on. But I do appreciate the support." Eren said, with a little more emotion than what was warranted.

"We await your call." All melding once more into the shadows.

Sometimes, having others around can be good for you. A little reminder that even when you feel alone, others are there to support you; no matter their form or appearance. You're never truly alone.

A little more pep in step; Eren continued to cook for the night.