Chapter Ten.
The silence before the storm.
When Armin woke up the next day, it was pouring. The day had barely started, and the weather might still clear, but for now it was kind of grim. It was, however, also somewhat comforting and peacefull. Armin yawned, before he tried to stretch, only to find out he couldn't move his arms. ''What the...?'' he said, before looking at his arms. He noticed they were captured in a hug.
''Eren, it has been a while since you fell asleep in the same bed. Did you have a bad dream again?'' Armin muttered before looking the other in the eye. Levi smiled a little, as he stared back. ''I'm not sure about Eren, but I had pleasent dreams.'' he replied, which made Armin turn crimson. ''Ah, that's good. I... ehr... slept good as well.'' he mumbled, smiling sheepishly at Levi.
''It's alright, Armin. I would have been more worried if a certain horse would sleep next to you, because he was afraid of the storm, or something stupid like that.'' Levi replied. Armin giggled, before replying, ''Jean and I are nothing more than good friends. Too be honest, he was one of the first people to think you were fond of me.'' Levi shrugged, before saying, ''I'm not going to thank Sir Horseface if that's what you want,'' before snogging Armin. After he was done, Armin wanted to reply, but once again they were disturbed by a certain rumbling sound.
''I'm not sure why, but I think your stomach has a grudge against me.'' Levi joked. ''I ought to give it a stern talking to, since I really love you.'' Armin said. Levi leaned in again, but Armin's stomach grumbled even louder. ''I'm not suprised, though. Sasha stole a lot of food from other Cadets yesterday. I wouldn't think it far-fetched you were a victim of her escapades as well.'' Levi told him.
''I could see whether the mess hall is open at this time already, but I'm guessing it isn't. I think I'll try to get some more sleep, but if I enter the main dormitory, I'll wake the guys up.'' Armin pondered. ''And what is wrong with sleeping in here?'' Levi asked, raising an eyebrow. ''Ehr, nothing. I figured it would be better if I were to sleep there, Erwin was right when he said we shouldn't become a distraction to ourselves.'' Armin said.
Levi sighed before replying ''I guess you're right. It's for the better if you keep hanging out with your friends, and I had plans to talk to Erwin anyways,'' he then disentangled himself from Armin. ''Thanks for understanding.'' Armin said, before pushing the covers off. ''I'll see you during breakfast, or dinner, I guess.'' Levi said, before Armin smiled, and headed of to the main sleeping dorm.
Once he arrived there, he tried to open the door as quietly as possible. It creaked a little, making Armin wince, but no-one seemed disturbed, Armin gathered the snoring had drowned out the door's noise. When he got in, he noticed Eren had fallen onto the ground, Jean was happily snoring and Connie, suprisingly enough, was sitting upright, looking at the other sleeping teens. ''What happened to you last night? You never returned after you followed Erwin, and too be quite frank, Eren was worried sick.'' Connie told him, in a what he believed was a hushed voice.
Armin stared at him with wide eyes, before sitting down next to him. ''Ehr, I was helping the Heichou to clean the last bit of the dishes.'' Armin replied. ''Ahhh, so that's what they call it nowadays.'' Connie teased. ''Connie!'' Armin yelped, before Connie gave him a grin. ''No worries, Armin. We kinda figured it out before dinner yesterday. Which is why I pulled you to our table. That, and it was fun to annoy Levi.''
''I knew that was the reason the very second you grabbed my arm. It was not very nice to tease him like that, though.'' Armin said with a soft smile on his face, staring dreamily. ''You really like him a lot, don't you?'' Connie asked. ''Yes. At first I was intimidated, but Levi is really nice.'' Armin told him. Just as Connie was about to reply, they heard a loud snore, and saw Jean turn in his sleep before tumbling out of his bed, pulling his blanket with him.
''Idiot.'' Connie muttered, making Armin look at him. ''Connie?'' he asked. Connie stared at him, asking, ''What's wrong?'' Armin shook his head, ''Nothing. Do you remember you caught me kissing my pillow during my sleep?'' he asked. ''Sure do, it was funny. And don't worry, your secret habit is safe with me. I may not be the smartest around, but I do know how to keep a secret.'' Connie said.
Armin smiled before saying ''Thanks, but that's not what I wanted to ask. It has nothing to do with kissing either. I was just wondering, do you have any advice?. It's just, I'm not very used to dating and I really don't want to dissappoint Levi . When I was younger I never once cared about romance. Only about my grandfather, books, the ocean, Eren and Mikasa. I really never thought about getting involved with someone, figuring I would perhaps die in a battle, or remain fighting until I'm too old to do so, but a-''
Connie stopped his rambling. ''First, I'm going to give the advice every single friend has ever given you, stop being so insecure. Levi likes you, so you don't have anything to worry about. Second, if Levi really cares about you, then I'm pretty sure he won't do anything that you aren't ready for. And you're basically like an open book, so he knows when you're feeling insecure. It would be for the better if you tried to say what is on you mind.'' Connie said.
''I guess I should.'' Armin said. ''If you need any other advice, according to Sasha, love goes trough the stomach. That's why she keeps trying to feed Mikasa every once in a while. But I don't think that's very wise advice, so it would be for the best if you'd forget about that.'' Connie said. ''I wouldn't even try to feed Levi. It's not respectful to do that to your superior, and even if we're lovers, he's still the vice-commander.'' Armin said.
''Well, that is all I've got to say about it. In case you ever need to talk it over with someone, I guess you would be better off by talking with Krista, or Jean. But I can always try and listen to you.'' Connie offered. ''Thanks. How about we try and wake those two up?'' Armin grinned, and Connie gave a large grin back. ''Well, I guess we can do a little prank.'' he said while he stood up, pulling Armin with him
As the two snuck to the bathroom, both grinning like maniacs, Levi left his room fully dressed. He walked up to Erwin's bedroom, then knocked on the door. When he didn't receive an answer, Levi shrugged, before heading to Erwin's office. He knocked, only to hear ''Enter''. He opened the door, spotting Mike standing next to Erwin, who was smiling gently.
''You're up rather early.'' Erwin said. ''Yeah, I wanted to talk to you. That's if you're done with talking to Mike.'' Levi said. Erwin stared at Mike, who just shrugged, before saying ''I've got nothing more to say. I'll go ahead, and sent the pigeon with the message back to court.'' Levi had never heard Mike utter a full sentence and raised an eyebrow, but Mike sniffed him, before he pat him on the shoulder, grunted ''Congratulations.'' and left.
''Something wrong?'' Erwin asked, while Levi took a seat. ''Your response from yesterday seemed off. I laughed along, but it is unlike you to write it off as being adorable. What was your real reason?'' Levi asked. ''You're really observant, I like to believe I taught you well. Most people don't question what I'm really thinking, you and Mike are the only ones.'' Erwin replied.
''Well, we do know you longer than anyone else.'' Levi responded. ''True. But Arlert actually was quite endearing when he stood up for you. His actions proved to me that he really likes you a lot. When Arlert first came in, Shadis' rapport described him as a smart, but weak person. What he showed there was character, and I for one can appreciate that.'' Erwin told him.
''And the other reason?'' Levi asked. Erwin's smile faltered, as he folded his hands together. ''I was much alike Arlert when I was younger. Assertive, strategizing, and I too fell in love once with a fellow female soldier . But I was too focused on love, forgot about my duties, until one faithful day a Titan attack on Trost occured. We were in different groups, but after the mission was completed, I desperately called for her, for I could not see her. The remaining soldier of her squad gave a sympathetic look, and that's when I realised she didn't survive.''
Levi frowned, but did not interupt. Erwin stood at the window as he gazed outside, where Hanji was running around. ''When we rode back, she told me what had happened to her. That my beloved had been distracted when she saw me fighting in the distance, forgetting there were Titans in her vicinity. I never forgave myself when I heard that. I don't want you have the same pain, to go through the same ordeal.'' Erwin said.
He glanced quickly at Levi, before staring outside again. ''I just want to make sure something like that doesn't happen to either of you. You're valuable to the Corps, Levi, and Arlert has proven to be quite the strategist. I don't want either of you to get hurt by something foolish as love.'' Erwin explained. ''I can assure you..'' Levi started, but Erwin interupted him ''Can you really assure me nothing like that will happen? Because, if you face reality, anything can happen. Look at what happened to Petra, she loved you and tried to protect you no matter what. Do you remember what happened to her? Who are you to say the same thing will not happen to Armin?''
Levi sighed before getting up. ''Right.. I'll take everything into consideration. If you don't mind, I'm going to see if Hanji needs help.'' As he left, Erwin stared outside again, skywards. ''I doubt he'll make the same mistakes I did, but I can't afford him to do so.'' he said to no-one in particulair, before going back to his paperwork.
Levi was heading down the hall, intending to go downstairs to see if Hanji wasn't planning to do something crazy, or to prevent her from bugging anyone with her dreaded tales about Titans, and how great they were. But as he was walking down the corridor, he spotted his boyfriend, carrying a bucket of water. Armin gently knocked on the door that led to the room where the male cadets slept, only for it to be opened by Connie. 'Seriously, when did they become such good friends?' Levi pondered once again. The duo sniggered, before Connie allowed Armin to enter.
Levi's curiousity grew, but he decided he shouldn't bother. They were probably washing away some stain that had grown on the floor, or more likely, they were washing some clothing. He decided it would be for the best if he returned to his original plan, finding out whether Hanji was terrorizing anyone, but before he could even take a step, he heard two screams, followed by loud laughter.
Then the dorm room door slammed open, revealing a soaking Jean and Eren, followed by Connie, who could barely contain his laughter and a nervous looking Armin. ''That wasn't funny , Connie!'' Jean said, and Eren agreed wholeheartedly. ''Well, it was my idea to wake you. We could have breakfast together.'' Armin said, before Jean sighed and Eren smiled, before saying, ''Sure thing, but the next time, just wake me like you usually do.'' Levi tch' ed at that comment before saying ''It is six in the morning, keep it down.'' then he headed downstairs, gaining confused looks from the cadets.
''What's crawled up his ass and died?'' Levi heard Jean ask. Levi decided to leave Armin to reply, it didn't really matter what the blond would say. He found Hanji, soaked to the bone, cleaning her boots. ''I thought I heard your voice outside, what were you doing there?'' Levi asked. ''Ah, Levi. I was preparing a thing or two for my experiment with Eren, Erwin said he would assist me.'' she answered. ''I know, I was there when Erwin told him to.'' Levi replied.
''Anyhow, that doesn't matter. Since Reiner and Bertholdt have been captured, the king worries too much, and ordered the MP to take them and hang them. But Erwin saw it coming, and send a letter to Commander Pixis, who asked to Duke to give them a fair trial, with a chance to explain themselves before any verdict is made. We're summoned to court this afternoon.'' Hanji said, before biting her lip. ''What is wrong?'' Levi asked, as he noticed how nervous she suddenly seemed. ''Well, some of our cadets have to testify about what happened out there. I fear the judge will ask them what they think that should be done.'' she said.
''So what? They betrayed humanity. Whatever harsh words will be spoken, they deserve it. To be frank, this whole trial is nonsense.'' Levi said. ''That's what you think, but I'm curious to hear what they have to say. And regarding those harsh words, I don't think it's fair. I mean, if Erwin or I were in their situation, then what would you think? What would you say?'' Hanji asked.
''If you and Erwin were assholes that sacrificed a large part of humanity for any reason at all, trashing those walls like they were nothing, when you could have asked for help, I would think you deserved to die.'' Levi said. ''But, they are not you, Levi. They're connected to the cadets, and from what I understood they were great friends. I know you never see them as...'' Hanji rambled, before Levi grabbed her hair, and slammed her against the wall. ''I said they deserved to die.''
''Levi...'' she said dazed, before pushing the other away. ''I don't know what changed your mood this time, but I suggest that you take a nap.'' then ran away. Levi punched the wall, before sliding to the ground. ''I'm sorry..'' he muttered, before leaning against the wall, pressing his hands against his face.
''Jean and I are going to get breakfast, are you coming too?'' Connie asked, as Eren had finished showering, currently dressing himself. ''Sure, I'm starving.'' Armin said, but Eren stopped him. ''We'll join you soon.'' he said. Connie and Jean gave him an odd look, but decided against saying something, and left the best friends alone. ''Is there something wrong, Eren?'' Armin asked. Eren sighed, before he sat down on his bed and said, ''I'm sorry I ratted you out yesterday. What did Erwin say after I left?'' Armin sighed, ''You were angry, Eren. I understand, but you must try to get along with Levi. As for what Erwin said...'' Armin sighed heavily. ''What? Did he upset you? Is that why Levi's in a foul mood?'' Eren asked.
''Erwin suggested we should take our relationship in consideration. It may become a distraction on the battlefield, and I do understand what he's talking about, I really do. But, after he said that, something broke in me. I saluted him, before stating how love could cause one to be determinded to win the battle against Titans.'' Armin said. ''Good for you, Armin. I'm really proud of you.'' Eren said, with a smile. ''Thank you. But I think Erwin does have a point, maybe we should take it easy. I mean, I like Levi a lot, and I love that we have something going on, but all of this is merely based on a feeling.''
''But you stood up for yourself, because of your feelings for him. I may not be too fond of Levi, but I like that he cares for you, and you obviously do the same. Erwin just wanted to make sure, and after what you said, I'm pretty sure it should be obvious to him that the two of you won't be seperated easily.'' Before Armin could reply, they heard a knock on the door. ''We're coming already, Jean. Jeez, you... ought... to be more.. relaxed'' Eren started shouting, but when the door opened, his voice quickly petered out when he saw commander Erwin. ''I.. sorry, Sir.'' he said saluting. ''It's alright. Arlert, I need to talk to you.'' Erwin asked.
Armin walked to the door, asking ''Is there something wrong, Sir?'' Erwin nodded sternly, before saying ''Please follow me, Arlert. Yeager, tell Kirchstein to go to my office as well.'' Armin's stomach grumbled after Erwin was done speaking. ''And tell him to bring a piece of bread for Arlert.'' Erwin added, before heading back to his office. Armin trailed after him, while Eren hurried to the mess hall. After Eren gave Jean the message, Jean pried Sasha's bread out of her clutches, saying it was for some greater need and ran to Erwin's office, wondering why he was being summoned there.
When he arrived at the office, Jean knocked on the door. ''Come in.'' Erwin's voice said. ''Sir, you wanted to see me, Sir?'' he asked, before he spotted Ymir, Krista and Armin sitting across from Erwin. ''Yes. Please give Arlert his breakfast, and sit down.'' Erwin said. Jean did so. ''I'm sorry to ask you all to come here on such a short notice, but I've an important duty for each of you.'' Erwin said. ''What do you mean, Sir?'' Krista asked in a small voice. ''The trial of Bertholdt and Reiner will be held today. We wanted to do it later, to hold them captive longer, but the king wanted it to be done as soon as possible.''
''But what do we have to do with it?'' Ymir asked. Erwin replied, ''Since we haven't yet made a report on the case, something I was planning to do today, we must ask you to testify. We ask you, Ymir and Jean, to tell what happened during your fight, and we ask you, Krista and Armin, to tell what happened during the time that you were kidnapped. Do not keep any information to yourself, you may regret it later on.''
''But Sir...'' Krista started. ''Something wrong, Lenz?'' he asked. ''They... they are our friends. Do you really need us to be testifying against them?'' she asked, with wide eyes. ''Krista, they don't ask us to decide what will happen to either of them. They just want to hear the facts.'' Armin said. ''Actually, the judge may ask you for your opinions. Please take all of this in consideration, but do not discuss it with the other cadets or among yourself.'' Erwin told them.
''Yes, Sir!'' they saluted, before heading back to the others. However, the day passed faster than any of them anticipated, and soon they were gathered outside, ready to go the trial. Hannah and Franz each rode a horse, riding next to Erwin, who was guiding the way towards the courthouse. The prisoners were transported in a cart, under the sharp eye of a few Survey members, that were led by Hanji, followed by the cadets that were to testify escorted by Levi. ''I'm scared.'' Jean and Armin heard Krista whimper. ''I understand, but you know this needs to be done.'' Ymir ,who was riding close by, said soothingly.
''Armin?'' Jean asked.''Yes, Jean?'' Armin replied. ''I know you're not looking forward to this. But, please, don't think this over too much. As much as you like Bertholdt and Reiner, you realise what they have done, right?'' Jean asked. ''I do. But I've heard their reasons. They aren't solid, but I can see what they were trying to achieve. They were aiming for freedom, Jean. I don't intend to defend their ideas, but I'm not opposed to their cause. It just needs a different approach, Jean, and should we find it, I would be willing to die for that cause.'' Armin explained.
Levi overheard their conversation, and did not like it. 'Armin..' he thought, before thinking about Petra again. 'Petra said the same thing once. She died, hoping that we would gain freedom after we defeated the Titans. If Armin were to die, for the same reasons she did, is this really just?' he wondered. ''I don't know about the cause, and to be quite frank, I don't want to know.'' Jean said. Armin replied in a soft voice ''If you're not interested, I won't tell, but I do want you to know that Bertholdt said he would give himself up for judgment after they would be done.'' but before Jean could react, Levi coughed harshly.
That did gain Jean and Armin's attention, and Levi said, ''You do realise it's forbidden to talk about the case before the trial? It would interfere with personal stories and give you the chance to synchronize your stories.'' Levi told them. Jean gave him a weird look, and Armin blushed before he said, ''I'm sorry, it was not my intention to discuss it with Jean, Sir.''
Jean rolled his eyes, then rode on in silence, but he did notice an awkward silence between Armin and Levi. ''So, ehr, you guys enjoyed dinner last night?'' Jean asked sheepishly. Levi narrowed his eyes, while Armin nodded softly. Jean nodded back, then replied ''That's good, I guess, what about-'' he could not finish his sentence because Levi interrupted him, saying, ''Could you please shut your trap for a minute. You should be occupied with the coming trial.''
Jean gave Armin a look, and saw that Armin was worried about Levi's irritated behaviour, but he decided it was for the best that he wouldn't interfere with the relationship for now. ''Yes, Sir.'' Jean said, before looking the other way. ''Sir?'' Armin asked in a soft voice, after a few more minutes of of silence. ''Something wrong?'' Levi asked, raising his eyebrow. ''I, ehr, did I say something wrong this morning?'' Armin asked.
''Why would you think that? You know what, never mind, I need to be alone with my thoughts for now.'' Levi said. ''Yes, Sir.'' Armin murmured but the awkward silence remained as they approached the courthall. After they had arrived, and stabled the horses, Erwin walked up to the four cadets. ''Follow me.'' he said, and the cadets saluted, then followed him to a small room. ''Wait here until Hanji comes to get you. Once again, you're not allowed to talk about Reiner, Bertholdt or your ordeal.'' Erwin told them, as they took their seats.
''Yes, Sir.'' they replied, making Erwin smile before he headed back. Krista whimpered softly, making Ymir bite her lip, before pulling the petite blonde against her, whispering gentle, comforting words into her ear. ''Who's talking there?!'' the guard outside yelled at them. He entered the room, spotted Ymir and Krista, and told them to move apart. ''Why?'' Ymir asked him. ''Because you're not allowed to talk.'' the guard replied. Ymir moved away from Krista before standing up and shouting, ''We aren't allowed to discuss the case, but I'm allowed to comfort her. Damn it, she has just returned from being kidnapped!'' The guard paled a little at the violent reaction, but before he could reply, Jean said, ''Ymir, just hug her to comfort her. We shouldn't take out the stress on the guards, save it for the trial.'' Ymir growled before sitting down and pulling Krista on her lap. The guard gave an appreciative nod to Jean, then stepped out of the room again.
They waited a few more moments in silence, each with the trial on their minds, before Hanji entered, greeting them. ''They've finished the preparations. Only speak when you're spoken to, and don't interfere with anything someone says or even mumbles.'' she instructed them, before guiding them to the hall. Armin sighed, it was all too familiar when he entered the room. He saw Reiner and Bertholdt attached to similar poles as the one Eren used to be tied to, but it had a different feeling then when Eren had his trial. Armin looked around, before making eye-contact with Levi, who looked at him worriedly. Armin tried to give a smile, but broke eye-contact as someone announced the arrival of the judge. Everyone stood up, save for Reiner and Bertholdt, and saluted the judge. ''Everyone, be seated.'' the judge ordered, and everyone complied.
''We are gathered for the trial against Reiner Braun and Bertholdt Hoover for their horrific crimes against humanity, in their capacity as the armored and 50-foot Titan.'' the judge said, looking at the boys in question, who paled a little. ''With the charges and the evidence brought against you, you should have been summarily executed the moment you were captured. However, Commander Smith has requested the case be brought to trial. Commander, if I may be so bold, what is the reason you requested this trial?'' the judge asked, looking at Erwin.
''Your honor, even though Braun and Hoover have been a threath to humanity, they had their reasons for what they did, or at least, that is what I've gathered from the two cadets they kidnapped a few days ago. I also understood, that when they would have succeeded or failed in their cause, they intended to give themselves up for judgement. It may go against everything the Survey stands for, but I can only admire the courage needed to be able to give yourselves up to be judged, even though either of them must have realised that a trial would end in certain death. For this reason, I think it's only fair to allow them to explain themselves.'' Erwin said.
''They went on a rampage and destroyed the holy walls that have been gifted to humanity. They should die!'' someone yelled, Armin recognized him, it was the same priest that wanted Eren executed. There was nothing wrong with faith, but these people took it a little too far, worshipping the wall as if it were a gift from God. ''Silence. I did not give you permission to speak.'' The judge thundered at him, and the man shut up, though he glowered at the judge.
''Alright, thank you, Mr. Smith. Accused Hoover, do you have a justification for what you did?'' the judge asked, looking at Bertholdt. ''Sir, yes, sir. When Reiner and I were younger, we survived being swallowed by a Titan. Shortly after that we discovered we could shift into Titans. We intended to tell about this ability at first, to see if it could be of any use to mankind, but when we tried explaining to the remaining people of our village, they chased us. They tried to kill us for what we had become, overlooking the possibilities our shifting could bring.'' he swallowed before continuing, ''After we barely survived for a few years, we met another shifter. Her name was Annie, and she had been through the same ordeal. Back then, we had lost our faith in humanity, longing to leave it all, live outside the walls.''
''Go on.'' The Judge told him, ignoring the whispering among the people in the court. ''We figured that we couldn't be the only ones with this wish, that there were more people that felt confined by the wall. We're isolated, and it is taking it's toll on humanity. But we also knew that the king and his court, devoutly obeyed by over ninety percent of the population, would tell us that there is nothing out there but Titans. It's true that we have to fight our way through them, but I do believe there is more out there than what they tell us.'' Bertholdt said. ''So you decided that tearing down the walls would be the solution? That it would force people to fight? Do you have any idea how many people died because of what you did?'' the judge questioned.
''Yes, sir, I do realise how many have suffered because of that. But there were more reasons for tearing down the walls than just forcing people to fight. It's for freedom, something we will never gain if we don't get rid of the walls.'' Bertholdt said. ''So you wreck something this precious!'' the mad Wall-priest shouted. ''Silence!'' the judge ordered. ''I've heard enough from you. One more outburst, and you're banned from this court.'' The judge warned him, before looking at Reiner. ''Do you have something you'd like to add?'' he asked.
''Nothing much left to say, sir. I agree with everything Bertholdt just said. Most of the harm we caused is irrepairable, for both the living and the dead. I feel sorry for that. I know our approach was foolish, we should have said something, anything, after Eren Yeager's trial, but we were damaged by our pasts. I still think our cause was just.'' he added. An awkward silence fell over the room, and most avoided eye-contact with either the judge or the two titan-shifters. ''Thank you, Accused Braun.'' the judge spoke after a lengthy pause. ''This was concerning your crimes as related to wrecking the walls, and causing the deaths of thousands. Now about what happened a few days ago, when you kidnapped the cadets Krista Lenz, and Armin Arlert. What were your objectives?'' the judge asked.
''Our objective was to kidnap Eren Yeager, to ask him to assist our cause, while Annie would distract the Survey. I'm sure I don't have to add that this failed miserably, and in desperation we took Krista and Armin with us. We never had the intention to hurt them.'' Reiner replied. ''Lenz, Arlert? Is this what happened?'' the judge asked, and the two blondes nodded. ''Very well, I'd like to hear your versions of the events as well. Lenz, would you please start?'' the judge asked her.
Krista nodded, before she stood up and saluted the judge. ''Reiner is speaking the truth, Sir. They did nothing other than keeping us safe during the evening we were being kidnapped. I didn't hear anything about their objectives.'' she testified. The judge considered, then asked, ''If you had any say in their fate, or punishment after this trial, what do you believe should be done, Miss Lenz?'' Krista became a little nervous, but still managed to say, ''I'd keep them alive, and allow them to serve the corps under sharp supervision. It'd be hard for them to live with the burden of so many deaths on their conscience, but killing them in vengeance is hard to justify when humanity has such great need. And personally, I think their abilitities could be used for what's right.'' she said.
''Thank you, Miss Lenz, I'll take it into consideration. Arlert, perhaps you can enlighten us on what happened out there?'' the judge narrowed his eyes as he was curious about the events of that night. He realised that even though he had asked Armin how he was doing, he had never asked what did actually happen. Armin hesitated, before standing up, saluting the judge as well.
''Sir, I agree with Krista when she says that Reiner and Bertholdt did nothing other than keeping us safe from the other titans. In addition to that, it was Bertholdt who helped Ymir when she was under attack during her attempt to rescue us. Aside from that, Bertholdt told me about what they did, and why they did it. I did not get any other information than you just recieved from him, Sir.'' he said. ''Arlert, during the time you trained with them in the 104th division, did you bond with either of them?'' the judge asked.
''Ehr, a little. They were always with Annie, so I didn't get to see them a lot. But I do see them as close friends that I can go to for advice, or when I just need someone to listen to me.'' he told the judge. ''Very well, you understand why I had to ask that, right?'' the judge asked. Armin nodded, understanding the judges intentions just fine. ''Good. I'll ask you the same question as I just did Lenz, what do you think has to be done with Reiner Braun and Bertholdt Hoover?''
''I agree with Krista, Sir. They already have to live with the fact they murdered thousands of people, I can't imagine how difficult that must be. But most of all, even though their approach may have been wrong, I believe their intentions were good. As for their punishment, I think they'll recieve plenty within the Survey, if they are allowed to remain there.'' Armin said. ''Thank you, I'll take your opinion in consideration as well. I understood Cadet Ymir was saved by Hoover during the time she tried to rescue Lenz and Arlert. Cadet Ymir, did he really help you?'' the judge asked.
''Yes, Sir.'' she replied curtly. ''Very well, did you or Jean Kirchstein notice anything weird during the time you were in the Titan forest?'' Both of them shook their heads, and the judge clapped his hands, before announcing, ''Thank you for your co-operation. I'm going to retreat for a moment, to think about what has to be done. Do not abandon your positions, or provoke the accused during the time I'm gone. I'm afraid I can't stop you from chattering, but I advise you to not discuss the case for obvious reasons. '' he then left the courtroom.
Soon enough the judge returned, and the people stopped their whispering. ''After hearing the testimony, and carefully considering all relevant facts, I've reached my decision.'' the judge stated, before looking directly towards Bertholdt and Reiner. ''Reiner Braun and Bertholdt Hoover, you're declared guilty of being Titan's intent upon mankind's destruction and wrecking the wall's as a means to such cause. Because of the many deaths and severe trauma many experienced due to your acts, I've got no choice but to execute the both of you. You'll be executed straight away, by court order. Guards, take them out of my sight.'' The judge intoned.
At that moment, Krista snapped. She screamed as she charged towards Reiner and Bertholdt, spreading her arms, using her body as a shield to keep the guards away. ''Miss Lenz, what are you doing? Get away from them.'' The judge ordered, but Krista shook her head. ''You can't harm them. They don't deserve this, please, you've got to reconsider.'' she said, as a guard grabbed her arms. But before he could pull her away, he felt someone tap his shoulder. As he looked to see who it was, Ymir's fist crashed into his nose, knocking him out cold.
''Miss Lenz, I'll not tolerate this behaviour. Who do you think you are to make such a rash move?'' the judge called out. ''My name is Historia.'' she said, making most of the people in the court gasp. The judge whispered astonished, ''Historia Reiss...'' Ymir said, ''Krista, you're...'' Krista stared back with a desperate look on her face. ''I'm so sorry, Ymir.'' she whispered. ''Guards, seize her!'' the wall-priest suddenly shouted. ''Will you be quiet, you presumptious fool, and don't even think about ordering around the guards. Leave this court immediately or I'll have you thrown out.'' The judge thundered once more, but the priest presented him with a scroll, signed by the king himself and carrying his seal.
''When Historia Reiss was but a child, the king asked me to watch over her. She ran off, God knows why, but that doesn't mean I'm absolved of my duty. It's my solemn responsibility to return her to her father's loving arms.'' he said. The judge raised his eyebrows, before he took the scroll from the priest's hand, to verify its authenticity . ''I see. Guards, please allow his subordinates to take miss Reiss with them.'' he ordered, and the guards stepped aside, as one of the henchmen grabbed Krista's arm. Ymir growled, starting to move to protect Krista, but Armin stopped her. ''Don't do it, Ymir.'' he said, as he laid a hand on her arm.
''Actually, seize them as well. I'm certain they conspire with the Titans, that's why they requested these two monsters to be saved.'' the priest ordered, and a few more of his henchman grabbed Armin, Jean and Ymir. Thinking this had gone far enough, Levi walked up to the priest and said, ''You can take Historia, if she is who she says she is, but the other three Cadets still belong to the Survey Corps. You have no authority here, so I won't let you take them.'' as he pointed his blade at the man's troat.
''Actually, according to this edict he can, unless there are no further suspicions they are involved with the two Titan's on trial.'' the judge interjected, in an irritated tone. The priest gave a smug smile, before tipping Levi's sword to the ground with his finger and shouted, ''Bring them to the castle, right now!'' as his subordinates moved to obey, the priest turned back to the judge. ''If these two aren't executed before nightfall, it will be your head hanging next to theirs.'' he said, before striding from the court.
As the door slammed shut, silence fell over the court, as everyone processed what just happened. ''Can he really do that?'' Levi demanded. ''I'm afraid so.'' the judge replied. As some guards took Reiner and Bertholdt to their death, and the crowd dispersed, Levi stalked up to Erwin. ''Did you plan this? Is this why you didn't want to make a report on the case? What are you plotting?'' he asked.
Erwin smiled mysteriously at him, before saying ''You'll see.'' he then accompanied the remaining Corps members to the horses. Levi frowned, not liking what was going on, but trusting Erwin had his reasons. Somehow he could not stop worrying about Armin, especially after their awkward silence when they headed towards the court. He sighed, before following Erwin outside.
''Let me out!'' Krista yelled, as they were being transported towards the castle that lay within wall Sina, the innermost wall. The other Cadets were tied up in a wagon behid her coach, and Krista had never been this lonely or scared. ''Krista... how could they do this to her?'' Ymir murmured. ''Just who is Historia Reiss?'' Jean asked, ignoring the girls. ''My guess is that she's the daughter of the king. But I'm not sure.'' Armin said. ''I've got a feeling, however, that someone planned for this happen.'' he added.
Ymir suddenly looked up, ''Why would anyone do that? Now we can't fight the titans, Reiner and Bertholdt will be executed, not to mention that the king is going to have our heads as well if he's listening to that lunatic priest.'' Ymir said rather loudly, ignoring the glares that were sent her way after she said this. ''Keep it down.'' Armin told her, then continued in a whisper, ''I think Erwin wanted this to happen. After all, if Krista really is Historia Reiss, then there is no evidence that Krista Lenz ever existed at all, before she was inducted in the 104th division. I'm trying to figure out why he could possibly want this.'' Jean replied ''Well, better think fast, because we'll arrive within the hour.'' as he looked at the castle they were approaching.
While they got closer to castle that ruled over the three walls, Reiner and Bertholdt were being held tightly, as Reiner's head was pushed onto a block of wood, and someone hovered over him with an axe. ''Reiner Braun, you are hereby executed for the sin of being a Titan, wrecking the walls Rose and Maria, and killing over thousands of people. Do you have any last words?'' the judge asked. ''I wish to tell Bertholdt just one more thing.'' Reiner requested. The guards looked at the judge, who nodded, and the guards that were holding Bertholdt pushed him on his knees in front of Reiner.
''Thank you for supporting me all these years, you're my best friend, Bertholdt.'' Reiner whispered. ''I couldn't have achieved anything without you. All is according to his plan. I just hope I'll see you in a next life.'' Bertholdt whispered back, before nodding to the guards. They pulled him away, and just as he regained his feet, the axe made contact with Reiner's neck, separating his head from his body. Bertholdt started to cry, and swallowed, hoping his death would be as quick as Reiner's.
''Do you have any last words, before we excecute you as well, Bertholdt Hoover?'' the Judge asked, as Bertholdt was made to kneel before the block of wood as well. ''Mankind says that Titans are the biggest threath to us, but if mankind would but look, they would see that their own cruelty brought their downfall upon them. I wish I would have used my abilities to protect humanity, but I fear it is too late for that now.'' Bertholdt said with tears in his eyes, before his head was separated from his body as well.