Rogue

The Manifestation

A demanding command echoed across the courtyard, ordering Armin to place his fist over his heart in a signature salute. His gaze was fixed forward, a practiced look of determination painted onto his face to mask his insecurity. It had been hard, a sacrifice of sweat, blood, and tears but he had finally done it. After three long years, he and his longtime friend had graduated the cadets.

Armin looked to the group of exceptional people before him while the closing ceremony of their graduation commenced. They were the top ten, top of his class in the 104th cadets. The boy smiled, his attention venturing to Mikasa who stood among them. It wasn't too much of a surprise that she had placed first. Ever since they were small, Mikasa had always been the stronger and braver of the two. During their training, she excelled in everything. Truthfully, Armin was content that he hadn't made the top of his class. His specialty was strategy not full on combat, which had proven to be Mikasa's forte. Rank didn't matter, just as long as they could join the Scouts to help humanity, see the outside world, and reunite with their dear friend.

Yes, placement didn't matter. As long as he and Mikasa were in a position to carry out their plan, he was perfectly fine where he stood.

Soon, the ceremony had ceased and the cadets had migrated into the banquet hall, an incredibly large stone and wood building where a congratulatory feast had been prepared - a selection of food that was slightly better than what they were used to during training. The smell of piping hot tomato soup, garlic bread, and even a fresh roasted ham hovered in the atmosphere and provoked every mouth to water. Armin and Mikasa seated themselves with a full platter at a large rectangular table where many other members of their class sat. Normally, the two kept to themselves when attending breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Although they knew mostly everyone, it was just something they preferred. This time however, the banquet hall was bustling with activity from both cadets and higher ups. Thus, the two took the first seats available to them.

For a long moment, the teens kept quiet between themselves - cherishing the taste of ham for the first time in months. Armin glanced up from his crimson soup, watching Mikasa push a few peas across her plate - obviously thinking. During the past three years, puberty had taken its hold on them. Both now fifteen, they had grown like weeds. Mikasa had shed her girlish touch and had taken a more womanly and athletic frame. Her face was thinner, raven hair cut to her shoulders, and her other feminine features more pronounced. He himself was still much shorter, but taller than when he first joined the cadets nonetheless. Compared to most of the boys in the 104th, Armin was underdeveloped. His shoulders had only broadened a little bit and his muscles were faintly evident. Even his voice hadn't toned down as low as the others. As far as other aspects about himself, Armin remained pretty much the same. He continued to watch Mikasa toy with her food, setting down her spoon to adjust her scarf, gripping the titan's gift to her that she never removed tightly before returning to her task of pushing her peas. Along, with her body's changes, Mikasa's attitude had undergone a transformation. Ever since they had left Rogue, the teen had reverted to her stoic state that she had dawned before. She was more reserved and serious, only speaking openly to a few people. Her face was mostly emotionless, only freeing itself from its stern prison on occasion and around Armin. Of course, he knew why Mikasa had changed. She was living up to her oath that she had made the night their trio had separated, be strong for their mismatched family. However, Armin couldn't help the need but to ensure that her mental state of mind was sound.

"Mikasa?" Armin asked, trying to keep rather low-key in the loud interior. "Are you - okay?"

The teen dipped her head, locks grazing her cheeks as she sat her fork down to the oak surface of the table. "I'm okay Armin." Mikasa spoke softly, a hint of sadness in her voice. "I just - kind of wish...