Attack on Titan/Zelda crossover - To Hyrule and Back Again

Chapter Nine: Enter Shadow Link

Eren's Point of View

-before the dinner incident-

I still can't get over what Mikasa told me.

I got over the fact that I was acting like a you-know-what and actually started to think about what she said. I'm still in District Ehrmich, laying down on a bed, but I'll probably head back to the Scout HQ once we get the word from Levi. The others are out doing something right now, taking a break from the usual Scout routine. I've just been thinking, and thinking, and thinking...

I should probably apologize. I really should. You know what? That's what I'm going to go do.

She's probably at that soup place just down the street.

Upon exiting the room and strolling down the hall of whatever place I'm in, I'm greeted by Reiner, who seems to be searching for me.

"Eren. I was wondering where you were, glad to see you're okay. Wasn't there to see the fight between you and Annie in Stohess."

"Eh, yeah, I think I'm fine. I'm on my way to find Mikasa, to apologize to her about something. Where are the others? Y'know, Bertholdt, Ymir, Christa?"

"Oh, we're heading back to Scout HQ early. Probably going to do some stuff on the way. I'm guessing you heard about Annie escaping?"

"Yeahhh... Anyways, gotta go."

. . .

Can't find her. I've looked all around this place. Even though Soup Palace is extremely crowded, I know I still would've found her by now. That said, I've yet to ask anyone for her whereabouts, but then again, I don't know where anyone is that could know where she is. Maybe I can just wait here. Despite the loud and crowded atmosphere, I would probably easily be able to relax in one of these booths. My legs are still exhausted and my lightheadedness hasn't worn off yet from the Stohess battle with Annie, so staying here doesn't seem like a bad idea. Though, I'm not entirely sure this is where Mikasa is going later.

After a brief conversation with a few people who work at Soup Palace, I instantly realize I forgot the "reserving a seat" thing, because in contrast to the other Ehrmich restaurants, this place is the most busiest around lunchtime. Every time I ask if I may be able to stay in one of the booths, but not order anything, the employee responds with the generic, "You're not allowed to do that." And the employees, every time after I ask them that question, usually just rush off to their business after giving me their answer - which gives me an idea. They're so focused on running this restaurant, and don't have time to focus on one harmless "problem," so maybe I can just wait here anyways.

And I do. I sit in a booth and chill. I stare out the window at the busy streets of Ehrmich, and watch all the steaming hot plates of food pass by me. At one point, a waitress approaches the booth I'm sitting in. I end up ordering some kind of vegetable soup without even knowing it, because apparently replying "Cool" to the waitress talking about a new type of soup the restaurant is just now introducing means that I want to buy some. I don't even have any money, but I eat it anyways in hopes of somebody I know showing up to pay for it. Nobody does, though, and when the waitress returns I claim that I didn't actually order anything and that I don't have to pay for it.

"It was free. My boss told me to give people like you some of the new soup for free to both help you and see your reaction to the soup. By the way, how'd you like the soup?"

"What? What do you mean, 'people like me'?"

She freezes, and a look of "oh no" appears on her face.