She Who Seemed Heartless

Chapter 1

Several days have passed and the process for adoption was going smoothly. At the moment, they are bound to visit the chosen child to be adopted; to meet her personally, know her characteristics, etc. And boy, was Armin utterly exhilarated to see her. And yes, female. One reason as to why they preferred a girl this time is for Rina to have someone who could understand her, someone to relate to her. Also, the fact that this soon-to-be daughter has striking resemblance to most of the Arlert facial features made it second to the tally of rationales. Armin was packing his books neatly inside his bag as the bell rang to signal the end of classes for that day. "Hey, Armin. Wanna hang out by the arcades?"

Eren Jäger, a besetting yet resolute man of the same age as the blond, approached his best friend. When Armin first transferred to the school they are in now, he was constantly ridiculed for his silent and demure behaviour. Eren was seated next to him (until present times), fortunately, and he is never a fan of bullying. This caused the brunet to shield him and push the thugs away every time Armin is gibed. Since then they have been together almost everywhere at school, and Eren was the main reason Armin became sociable. As the more impulsive boy would always tell him, "People don't live alone. Life is an adventure, and adventures are no fun without companions." Eren was also the first person in that new place to call him a friend. A best friend even. But of course, they are not called the Trinity if they are missing one.

"Sorry, Eren. But I need to go to the orphanage with my aunt and uncle today", Armin replied with his usual smile. Eren could only widen his eyes a bit in wonder before speaking. "Oh. Wait, so today's the day?" A nod was the only response given to the latter before another greeted the two. "Eren, Armin. Where to go?" The two pair of eyes fell on Mikasa Ackerman, Eren's sister. "Ah, I have matters to attend to", Armin started. "So I guess it's just you and Eren."

"Hm? What matters? Is it a girl, Armin?"

"Yes— No! Well... It is a girl, but not in that way!", came the rather defensive reply. "I'll be visiting my soon-to-be cousin with my guardians." Suddenly, an idea popped inside Armin's head. "Ah! Why don't you both come with me so you could meet her too?" Eren immediately agreed to this proposal and sounded as excited as Armin is. Left with no other choice (and also eager to meet this "girl" face-to-face), Mikasa obliged to tag along as well.

The last member of the trio, Mikasa Ackerman. Like her foster brother, she despises people who pick on the weak, a reason as to why she also felt the need to protect Armin. Mikasa couldn't help but feel a huge wave of anger towards those who mocked Armin when he was first introduced to her by Eren. The reason behind this hatred is because as a child, Mikasa herself was weak. Her parents were murdered right in front of her eyes due to the incapacity to pay some of their remaining debts. Eren's father was a close friend of Mr. Ackerman, thus taking Mikasa as like their own daughter after the incident. Mikasa then became tough hearted and overprotective, especially towards Eren and Armin, whom she equally considers as brothers.

"Well then, let's go!"

--

"I'm glad that Eren and Mikasa also came with us to visit her!" Rina and Albert, after picking the three up from school, were both overwhelmed to see the siblings' enthusiasm to meet their adopted daughter. Eren was obvious; it was his first time to see an orphanage inside and out in person, and the very fact that they are to meet a new addition to Armin's temporary household thrills him to no end. Mikasa, on the other hand, was more concealing. In spite of her uninterested visage, they all knew that she was as eager as Eren himself. Though Mikasa has this motherly vibe in her and agreed to meet this girl in order to observe. Children of different ages were scattered about. Some greeted them warmly, some just glanced and went back to their doings, some simply didn't care. Their destination was farther than the area though, so they continued to head there. The place of orphanage specifically made for adolescents and the like. As soon as they stepped inside the territory for teenagers, the atmosphere instantly shifted compared to the first square. The three felt somewhat relaxed since they can relate to the environment, added the orphans there around their age. The group sauntered a bit more near the end of the area. A single door that was noticeably distanced away from the others was where they halted. Armin wondered deeply now; why would someone seclude themselves from other people of the same stature as them? The guide knocked three times on the door before calling out. "Annie?"