Juliet Diekman is the daughter of a well-respected Marleyan scientist who works alongside the military.
In a new proposal, he is asked to go on an expedition to Paradis for research purposes before planning their big attack. He agrees, only if his b...
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THE CELL WAS DIMLY LIT, the flickering light from a solitary bulb casting long shadows on the stone walls. A heavy barred door stood at one end, the only barrier between them and the outside world. Inside, a large wooden table dominated the center of the room, surrounded by benches. On the table, a modest tea set was arranged, with a kettle still steaming slightly from the last pour.
The Scouts who were taken from the Jaegerists alongside Sasha's family and Niccolo stay in the cell. The air was thick with tension and the sting of helplessness.
"So what?" Connie asks, leaning on the rails with his hands crossed together, "Is there nothing we can do but sit here and wait for things to play out?"
Artur tries to maintain a semblance of normalcy. He reaches for the kettle, his movements deliberate and calm despite the chaos outside. "Here. You like tea?" he offers his voice a quiet, steadying presence in the oppressive silence.
Armin glances up, his eyes filled with weary gratitude. "Yeah, thanks," he replies softly, accepting the offer. Artur pours the tea with practiced ease, handing the cup to Armin.
He and Mikasa are the only ones sitting down at the table, keeping each other company after what happened to the both of them.
"Hey, Armin," Connie grabs a cup from Artur as well, "Do you think you could bust us out of here by turning Titan?"
Armin brings the cup to his lips, taking a sip before speaking, "Afraid not. I'd blow up half the town if I tried. The Colossal Titan is powerful, but it's far from precise. Unlike Eren's Titan."
Jean leans against the cold stone wall, a cup of tea cradled in his hand. He stares into the steaming liquid, his thoughts distant and heavy, "So. How did Eren end up beating you to a pulp, Armin? I think it's about time you told us."
Armin glances at him when he talks before bringing his eyes back to his tea, "Eren was hurting Mikasa with his words. So I hit him and he responded in kind."
"Huh?" Connie's eyes widen in shock. Mikasa sits quietly, her gaze fixed on the table, her hands wrap around her cup of tea.
"Wait— what do you mean he was hurting her? What'd he say?" Jean perks up.
"Well, he—"
Finally, Mikasa looks up, her voice barely above a whisper. "Stop," she cuts him off, "It's fine."
"No. It isn't fine," Jean says, his voice firm and protective, "Seriously, tell me what he said to you."
Jean's frustration boils over, "And where the hell did Juliet go?" he demands, his voice sharp with anger, "Is she working with the Jaegerists now?"
Armin doesn't dare to meet his eyes, "She was taken somewhere else," he says quietly, his hands trembling slightly as he tries his hardest to maintain himself, "I think...they're going to have someone else eat her for the Fighting."
