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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"THINK YOU COULD HELPME brush its teeth?" Connie stands near a small, dilapidated house on the outskirts of a village, holding up two worn-out brooms with a malicious grin spread across his face.
His eyes are wide, and he has a disturbing excitement as he leans down toward a bewildered Falco.
"It's a pretty rare opportunity. Wouldn't wanna pass it up," Connie says.
Falco's eyes dart around in confusion, trying to understand the situation he's found himself in. The words Connie just uttered seem too bizarre to comprehend. He blinks a few times, staring at the brooms, then back at Connie, who's looking at him expectantly, waiting for an answer, "Huh?"
"But first, we're gonna have to climb up onto that rafter for a better angle," Connie points towards a rickety wooden ladder propped up against the side of the house, leading to the roof where a decaying Titan lays dormant, its mouth slightly ajar, "The latter is solid and I'm not gonna let you fall or anything."
Connie's grin grows wider, a strange intensity in his eyes, "So. Let's get to it!"
Falco follows the line of Connie's pointing, his eyes widening in disbelief. The Titan's mouth is a dark cavern of jagged teeth, each one as tall as he is. He looks back at Connie, unsure of what to make of this absurd situation.
The fear is evident on his face, but so is his uncertainty—he doesn't know whether to run or play along, "Sounds good."
A sudden scream pierces the tense silence.
"Falco!"
Falco's head whips around at the sound of his name. His eyes widen as he sees Juliet, Armin, and Gabi racing towards him on horseback, their faces etched with urgency and fear. The thundering hooves of their horses echo through the stillness of the area, kicking up clouds of dust as they approach.
Gabi leans forward on her horse, shouting desperately, "Falco, get away from him!" Her voice is raw with panic, her eyes pleading.
Falco's confusion deepens as he looks from the oncoming riders to Connie, trying to make sense of the chaos unfolding around him, "Ms. Diekman? Gabi?"
"He brought you out here because he wants to feed you to that Titan!" Gabi screams as hard as she can.
Armin's voice cuts through the air, sharp and pleading. "Please stop! Don't do it, Connie!" he yells, his eyes wide with desperation as he urges his horse forward.
Connie drops the brooms, his eyes wild and frantic, and in one swift motion, he pulls out his blade. Before Falco can react, Connie grabs him, wrapping an arm tightly around the boy's neck and pressing the blade against his throat.
Falco's eyes widen with fear.
"Get back!" Connie shouts, his voice raw and trembling. "Don't come any closer!"
