As the darkness fades, you find yourself stuck in a new world - one that you know more about than you're willing to admit.
Will you be able to change the tragic fate Paradis is destined to fall victim to?
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Year 848 | Age 13. Trost District, Wall Rose.
The smell of cooked meat wafts through the dining hall, and the sound of laughter bounces off the wooden walls. It's hard to believe that an entire year has passed. The first year of training is over, and tonight, the 104th Cadet Corps has gathered for a much-needed celebration.
You sit at one of the long tables, watching as everyone slowly relaxed into the festivities. The tension from training has finally melted away, if only for a few hours. Plates clatter, and you notice Sasha already piling her dish high with food. Of course, she would be the first to attack the buffet.
"Are you not going to eat, (Y/N)?" Armin asks from beside you, his soft voice a little hesitant as usual. He's been quieter than normal recently, perhaps reflecting on all the process you all made in such a short time.
You smile gently, nudging the plate you've been toying with. "I'll get to it. I'm just enjoying watching everyone unwind." Your voice carries a warmth, the kind of tone you naturally adopt when you're looking after those around you.
Eren, sitting across from you, scowls slightly as he stabs his fork into a piece of meat. "It's about time we had a break. I've been waiting for something like this all year."
Mikasa, ever the quiet observer, sits beside him. She's close enough that her presence keeps Eren grounded, though her eyes flicker to you with a subtle nod. You've grown accustomed to her silent way of showing appreciation, a gesture you've come to return.
The door bangs open, and Connie and Jean walk in, bickering as usual.
"I swear, Connie, if you try to pull that prank on me again, I'm going to—"
"Oh, come on, Jean! It was hilarious! You should've seen your face when the water bucket—" Connie breaks off, laughing uncontrollably at the memory, slapping Jean on the back.
Jean rolls his eyes dramatically. "You're an idiot." He mutters, but there's no real heat behind his words.
As they make their way over to the table, Sasha—mid bite—waves them over enthusiastically, her cheeks stuffed with food. "Jean! Connie! We saved you some!"
"Saved me some? You've eaten half the damn table already!" Jean complains, sitting down across from you with a mock-exasperated sigh. His eyes briefly meet yours, and he smirks. "Finally decided to grace us with your presence?"
You know what he meant, the last few days had kicked your ass. You didn't even have the strength to eat dinner anymore, going straight to bed as soon as you arrived at the barracks. You chuckled softly, not wasting time before teasing him back. "You missed me that much, hm?"
He scoffed, trying to look annoyed, yet you could see the faint grin on his lips. "Please, I was enjoying the peace while it lasted."
The table erupted into conversation, each member of the group chatting or laughing in their own way. Reiner, Bertholdt, and Annie sit off to the side, a bit quieter, though you caught Reiner glancing your way occasionally. You had discarded your plan of ignoring them long ago, it would be impossible to do so when you would be stuck in close quarters with them for the next three years. All your friends became friends with them too, turning around every time they joined the conversation would just be too suspicious.
