Clarity-AruAni Fanfic

The Last Stand

A/N: Not so bad for my first story. Let me know what you thought in the comments!

...

Annie could only see hate in the room. Being tied to the pole in the middle of people who despise her guts was not a cup of tea.

Seeing Armin to her right gave her a sense of calmness. But, how he currently feels towards her is still unknown. He was the first voice she heard this morning before the guards dragged her away. She wishes that some type of emotion would show from him right now. Just so Annie can see where she stands towards him.

"Annie Leonhardt." The loud booming voice from the Judge has interrupted her thoughts about the blonde. "You are here, charged with the account of murders, lying to upper officers, and being a Titan."

The rest of court was just jibber jabber. She must have been sitting there for hours now. Annie finally listened when she noticed the word 'death'. The ending of her tragic life was nearing. It's not how she planned to die either. She could only listen as the judge asked for anyone's objections. 'Of course there wouldn't be any.' Just as the time passed, Annie's breath slowed. She's going to die because of her own foolishness.

"I object."

A small voice came from her right. Why would anyone want to defend her. After so much damage she has done to the human population? The person jumped over the rail and walked over to the middle. Footsteps came closer. They stood in front of her and faced the judge.

"Armin.." she didn't mean to say it out loud but, it was utter shock in her mind right now. Why him? Doesn't he hate her for what she did to him?

"Speak your case." The judge ordered with firmness.

Armin twiddled a bit before standing up tall to the court. "I, Armin Arlert, of the Survey Corps, object to the death penalty of Annie Leonhardt. I suggest she will take part of the Corps in mission 'Wall Maria' as an ally. Her life will be as it used to, just like Eren Yeagers case. We will use her titan form as a weapon and shall be surveyed in case of any suspicious actions. I will also take full responsibility over Annie." His voice was strong and firm. He wasn't asking but, ordering the court to do so.

Annie could only watch in amazement as the little Armin she knew, has grown so much over the year. His speech made the jury talk over the situation. 'What happened to you, Armin?' He didn't look at her once but, instead straight into the judge's eyes.

Minutes have passed when they turned back to the blonde. "By the stated case. Re-decision has come to order and we have decided to go with
Arlert's suggestion. Annie Leonhardt is to be under the supervision of the Survey Corps and used as a weapon. Betrayal is not an option." The judge turned his sight to Annie. "Leonhardt." Annie nodded in response. "This is your last stand. Case closed."

...

"Annie!" Armin came running toward her as she was released from the station. He threw his arms around her instantly. A sigh of relief of heard and sniffling later on. "I'm really happy to see you. Again."

Annie slowly responded by putting her arms around him as well. "Why?" She placed her head on his shoulder. At this point she didn't care who saw her in this situation. Annie needed an answer.

He let go of her and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Because I care about you. I wasn't going to let them kill you over hogwash. I knew there was a real reason why you did those things." Armin turned around to Eren and Mikasa. "How about we head over to headquarters?" Both of his friends nodded in response before taking off down the path. They didn't seem to mind Annie being released. Armin could see some confusion in Annie. "I explained to them. Who you really were. Most of us have forgiven you by now after I suggested our plan. It was one of the hardest arguments I've had in awhile. But. It was for a good cause." He smiled down at her.

Annie could only look down in shame. These amazing people really forgave her after so much damage she did to the people? She didn't choose this path but, now. It's time to fight back and forget what's behind her. Annie is taking this stand for humanity. "Thank you." She replied and looked into his eyes. "For believing in me."

"Of course I would!" He grabbed her hand and led the way to headquarters.

Minutes have passed when they finally reached the building. They both noticed the people waiting outside of the main entrance for the newcomer. Eren barely made it to the door when it flew open; knocking him back on the ground.

"ANNIIEEE!!!" A voice came from the source as it ran in front of her. "A FEMALE TITAN!!" The brown haired woman could only gaze in amazement as she stood in front of her. "Can I touch you?"

"Hanji, that's enough." Levi poked his head out of the door. "Bring them in already." He looked down the steps to notice Eren lying on the ground. "Quit playing around Yeager!" The captain grabbed Eren's ear and pulled him up. 'Ouchs' were heard as they both headed inside with Mikasa following behind.

Hanji made a sigh of disappointment before turning to head inside. Armin looked at Annie as she started making her way inside. If only he knew what was going on in her head right now.
...
It was a long day for the female Titan as she was tested by Hanji and had to learn about the mission from Armin and Erwin. The amount of stress she went through today gave her a huge headache. Everyone treated her differently as well. Not bad but, friendly. Almost like she was a whole new person. But there were some who gave her a look of utter disgust. Which really didn't surprise her since it was the first thing she expected from them.
Annie made her way out of the house that she shared with the other females. Mikasa was her new roommate and it wasn't really that bad. She only said "Good Night." throughout the whole time she's been back. Eventually they would have to get used to each other.
Annie stepped outside and started making her way to the forest. A little walk with fresh air will help with the headache.
"Hey." a figure shouted at her from a house. They started running towards her. "I can't let you wander off on your own now."
"I'm pretty sure I can handle it Armin." she started walking again only with him right next to her.
The blonde grabbed her hand. "Follow me. I know a place you might like."
The path he led her down was dark and gloomy. Until, bright moonlight basked itself in an opening of the woods. Revealing a waterfall with beautiful flowers surrounding it. The light made the water sparkle as it cascaded into the small pond.
"Isn't it beautiful?" Armin asked as he looked down at her. Annie could only nod in response. He made his way to the side of the water and sat on a large rock.
Annie finally left to sit next to him. She pulled her knees up to her chest as she watched the cascading waterfall.
"I always thought about bringing you here. This world was lonesome without you next to me. But, I don't care if everyone is against you. I'll always be on your side. Then, visiting you inside that crystal was hard everyday. Not knowing if you could hear me, feel the tears I was shedding or, how much my heart hurt. You've cleared my world of fear and I hope you know how much it means to me. Annie, seeing you in the middle of the broken crystal was a sense of relief as I could finally breath again. This probably all a bunch of nonsense to you." he looked down blushing from embarrassment.
"No." Annie watched as a he stared at her shock. "Nobody has ever said any of that to me before." Tears rolling down her cheeks. Armin grabbed her hands in support. "I thought you would've hated me too. With everything that I've done. I'm a horrible, horrible person yet, you still say those things."
He only wiped her tears. "Of course Annie. I know you didn't mean to. You're a good person to me." Armin grabbed the blue crystal necklace around her neck. "Crazy. Through all you've been through, this piece of jewelry has survived everything. Proves how strong we are together, huh?"
Annie nodded. His smile lit up her tears. "Yeah."
"Annie."
She looked up at him in response.
"Over the past year, u-umm.." His nervousness only made her smile.
Annie placed her lips on his with a passion. The feeling of them finally touching couldn't be described into words. Armin responded with as much passion and feelings. A connection of unanswered questions was finally resolved.
Both broke apart as Armin stared into her eyes. "I love you, Annie. So much."
Annie touched his cheek. "Thank you." A smile was gracing her face. "I love you too."
"Let's make your 'last stand' a good one." he laughed as they kissed one more time.
Their time is unlimited.