Sorry, for the very late update. Really sorry. There's just so many things going on, that I didn't have time to update this. Nonetheless, I still want to continue this, as I think the story is not that bad. hehehe

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And so here it is! :3

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Of course, Shingeki no Kyojin does not belong to me, if it does, then good guys won't die. :3

Ch 3: The Rebel

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Year 2008 -2010

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Ever since that tragic day, her father became overly protective and paranoid of her well being. He hired the two sons of his trusted bodyguards, aside from the adult bodyguards, to be her personal bodyguards in exchange for paying for all the boys' expenses and live in Leonhart's mansion along with the other body guards and their parents. They were to be with her at all costs, protecting her, making sure she is out of harm, and reporting her state.

At first she did not mind, however, as years pass by, she becomes more irritable of being followed everywhere she goes. Every time the school bell rings for dismissal, Bertholdt, one of the sons of her father's trusted bodyguards and her classmate, always bugs her to meet up with Reiner, another son of a bodyguard, and go straight home. She is annoyed with them both, though she is aware they mean no harm. Nonetheless, being followed drives her insane, and makes her feel like a marionette; a doll who have no choice but to submit to her master's orders.

She knows she is young, and short, and belongs to one of the wealthiest family in the country of Myarkheim. However, she is growing, not just physically, but mentally as well. Her knowledge and comprehension is advance than any children her age. She was just like every child in the past, but after witnessing her mother's death, her world became barren, her freedom was robbed, and emotions locked away. People pitied her, though at the same got jealous of her own genie; her father, who grants anything she wants, but freedom. And so, at a young age she became aware of everyone's perceptions of her, especially her classmates.

She was always quiet since before and does things on her own, which always end up in success and caused them to leave her alone. She did not care at first, in her mind she only wants to be the best and show her works to her mother. But when she passed, her views changed, she realized how they casted her away. The teachers favored her more because of her father, but behind her back, like her classmates, they all look down her abilities. They think she's a spoiled girl who effortlessly gets what she wants because of her father's reputation. Never were her skills acknowledged.

Day by day, she undergoes the same routine; going to school every day, attending the martial arts training she has with her bodyguard every weekends, and going to Arlert's Coffee after class. Little by little, her tolerance continually diminishes that she has no choice but to speak to father.

After her martial arts training, as soon as she got in the car, she immediately informs the driver to go to her father's office, which is located in the Leonhart Entertainment's main company. Her older body guards did not seem to mind, for their only focus is to protect her, however, the two special guards cannot help but to be doubtful of her decision.

When they got to their destination, Annie was quickly greeted by the employees and was escorted by the body guards until they enter the building, while Bertholdt and Reiner followed her to her father's office. Annie burst in her father's office, not caring about his secretary's reminders that her father is busy doing some paper works.

"Wait, Annie-sa-!" the secretary says, trying her best to catch up with Annie, along with Bertholdth and Reiner. But before they could, Annie already shut the door in their face.

"Father", Annie says sternly but as calm as she can, entering his office.

"Annie?" her father says, surprised of her daughter visiting him, behind the pile of folders and binders he needs to attend to.

"I understand your concern about my wellbeing, but I think I can handle myself by my own", Annie says, now standing in front of her father's desk with her hands on the pocket of her sweater, "I know how to defend myself, since I study with Bertholdt and Reiner, which is why I want them to loosen their hold on me"

"Sigh… My Annie, I'm sorry but I can't do that", he explains, "You are daddy's most precious treasure, and he wants you to be safe. Plus, Bertholdt and Reiner have been with you since you were little. I'm sure you guys are very close now, that's why they worry about you as well. What are friends for after all?"

"Friends?" Annie mumbles, finding interest in the maroon carpet. 'It's your order they follow that's why they're with me. If it's not for that, they would be like everyone else', she thought. "Then can you at least tell them stop bugging me to go home? There things I enjoy doing by myself, and I know they too feel the same. Those other guards and drivers can just wait outside, since that's their job, but me and those two you hired, have our own minds. I'm 12 now and their age is near mine, so of course, in a way we share the same views. Just allow the three of us to have bits freedom to do as we like, even just once in a while"

He deeply releases a sorrowful sigh, understanding her daughter's reasoning. He is very proud of her maturity, but as much as he wants to, the risk is too high. He's not a boastful person, but he knows they are extremely wealthy and most of their country's success and fame is because of their entertainment industries. And those facts are enough to swarm his mind of worried thoughts. She is his only family, aside from the relatives, and the next heir to own Leonhart Company, which is why her safety is his top priority. He cannot let the past to repeat, because he knows he would not handle to lose another person he loves.

"Annie, just as I said a while ago, you are very important to me", he says, trying his best to make Annie understand his perceptions, as he moves his office chair to face her. "I can't let anything happen to you, that's why I hired them. They're your very special personal body guards who'll be by your side at all costs. Their aim is to protect you, but they are also your friend. And as friends you should do things together not by yourself. The three of you can hang out together, Annie. That's the reason why I enrolled you three together in one dojo"

Aware of how futile her pleas will be, she ends up bitterly agreeing to her father's wishes. She fully understands the reason, but she is getting so irritated by being followed by Bertholdt and Reiner every single day. And so again, though the risk of being homeschooled is on the top of his father's list, her only option is to gamble herself to get what she wants. If you want changes to take place, then you have to make your own move to start progression, which is exactly what she is prepared to do.

As promised, Armin easily became close friends with Eren and Mikasa. As soon as Eren saw him in the first day of classes, he immediately called him and went to their classroom together with Mikasa. Though they did not see each other for a few days, their conversations were very comfortable and felt as though they have known each other for so long. Eren keeps on ranting about how he can't believe his plan failed and how Mikasa made Hannes shut up by dealing to make him included in the top 5 of their class, which to him is absurd since studying makes him fall asleep. Mikasa, on the other hand, keeps reminding them the rules and regulation, which at the same time pleads to Armin to help her make Eren focus on his studies instead of trying to learn piano and guitar as fast as he can, and trying to dance like the new idol Levi. As for Armin, he cannot help but to just agree with Eren's complains about Mikasa's luck and promise to really help forcing Eren become studious because he too likes earning high marks.

First, they were just three of them, always hanging around, but soon he became well acquainted with the whole class, especially after he showed his skill in piano and how intellect he is. He is happy with compliments he gets and how Eren is so proud of him that he keeps telling that Armin, him and Mikasa will one day be a famous celebrity like Levi. However, he always ends up saying he is not that good and still has a lot to learn, which Eren counters telling him that if he was him he'll show it off and be proud of his talent. And so, Armin continues to earn more popularity with his skills and humility, along with the unbeatable Mikasa, while Eren becomes famous being called a "celebrity-wanna-be" for trying to always make Armin and their music teachers teach him how to properly play guitar and piano to be an *idol. And though Eren keeps getting underestimated by most, Armin and Mikasa assures him that the three of them will one day prove them wrong.

After a while, each day that passed became like the same day before. Sometimes it would be fun and games; sometimes it would be a challenging labyrinth. Yet to Armin, it was perfect just as it is, that sometimes he wishes for something extraordinary to happen someday.

Every day, Monday to Friday, he would attend school, then in the afternoon he would help around their shop while doing his homework; sometimes with Eren and Mikasa, and sometimes just him or some of their workers who offer their help. The three of them even helped in designing the café with chibi characters who are drinking and eating. With him always present in their shop, he is labeled "the Little Manager" by the employees and most of their frequent customers, including the little kids he always gives free cupcakes to. However, though he is very friendly with the customers, there is one person he finds very mysterious, he keep tabs of her attendance and wonders where she could be wherever she is absent.

She was always quiet and has a gloomy atmosphere, yet when eating cakes and drinking her cappuccino, she would somehow have a tinge of glow. From his notes, she is a person who has lots of secrets, including her kind self.

"pssssst", a dark haired guy says as he leans on the mop to take a few break since the shop is getting a bit crowded because of the sudden drop of temperature today. "Oi, Little Manager. A-ru-min, oi!"

"Huh? Eh? Oh… um… ahehehe", he says, finally looking at the guy. "I-is there something wrong?" he adds, blushing and anxious to find out that he was caught.

"pfftt..." he grins, "Looks someone has a crush on someone"

"EHHHH?!" he whispers with a mixture of surprise, the end of his letter 'e' suddenly elongated while his cheeks reddened a bit more, "y-y-y-you-you saw me? H-h-how long did you see me?"

"pftt… oh Armin, Eren and Mikasa would've love to tease you right now", he says, his smile unwavering. "To answer your question…hm… I've been noticing it for weeks now. Amazing isn't it? I keep observing what you were glancing at each day to figure out what you're curious about until I noticed that blonde girl there. You're lucky Mikasa and Eren doesn't notice your glances. Anyways, it's that girl. You know, the one that sits in the corner, near the window?" he grins wider. "Want Oniisan to be your love advisor?"

"That's not it, Vince-san!" Armin says, a bit loud but not enough to cause a scene, a bit flustered by his teasing. "I was just curious. She's a regular and she sits on the same corner and always with those two boys, and yet I don't even know their name. And… well… she looks sad yet normal… I'm just curious that's all", he pouts and quickly placed his attention back in his homework.

Vince playfully pats his head, adoring the innocence in Armin's curiosity, "Aw… Little Manager is so cute! Hehehe... Angela-san will be delighted to hear about this!"

"Vince-san!" Armin quickly defends, "I told you it's not that. I'm just curious. She's like surrounded with so much mystery. And mom doesn't need to find out; she'll just tease me, like you". He then opens flips the page of his notebook and adds, "Anyways, I really need to study now Vince-san. And you need to do your job, instead of goofing around; I'm the Little Manager anyways. That's why I order you to continue your work, and stop bugging me about crushes and all that stuff"

Vince laughs lightly then performs an elegant bow while holding the mop and says, "As you wish Little Manager. Also, may I still mention this occurrence to Angela-san or Francis-san, I-"

"Vince-san!" Armin says, getting annoyed at his teasing and how he blames himself for not being cautious during the wanderings of his mind.

"Okay, okay, Little Manager" he says, still laughing slightly, then turns his back with a wave of his hand and goes back to the employee's area saying, "Ah, puppy love, how adorable"

Assured that he's gone, he finally released a sigh of relief. He glances again at the mysterious blonde girl and accidentally caught each other staring at the other, as she stands to leave. He can see how empty she is in her sky blue eyes, while she can see how he's full of hope. It lasted for seconds, both unblinking, yet after a blink he looked away and came back with a cheerful smile. He sees her sullen eyes remained fixed on his, but also witnessed a slight surprise from her face when he smiled. As though connected by telepathy, she accepts his sunny smile with a soft nod, understanding he means no harm and only hopes to cheer her darkened spirits; while he feels gleefully satisfied his good intention was accepted.

After that little pause, Armin's gaze followed the blonde girl's party as they exit the shop. For so long, he never took note of their uniform till now, but now he realizes she belongs to one of the best schools in Zato and that she belongs in the higher class of society. However, such awareness left him to ponder another question: "If she's a part of that society, why would she eat at a plain coffee shop where she could go to those expensive and exclusive shops, which obviously have much better quality products?" He sighs in the end, hoping that one day he could ask that question to her and find out that theirs have a chance to compete against those bigger shops.

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Year 2010, Autumn

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It has been days since that eye to eye contact incident occurred, yet as usual, the girl still acts the way she is. Armin thought that maybe he could manage to be friends with her and find out the mystery behind her mask, however nothing changed. She is still fenced by the same thick cloud, no one seems to penetrate, that he has no doubts the boys with her cannot see through her as well.

Seeing that Mikasa and Eren have club activities, Armin decides to visit the library to try and find an interesting book to read, however his plan got thwarted. As he turns left to walk straight to the library, he is suddenly faced with the snow on the ground and felt someone landed on his back. He quickly lift his head as reflex from the abrupt contact with the snow and looks back at the person that collided with him, only to find out that it is the blonde girl who always sits at the corner of their shop. She quickly rolls, then stands up and begins sprinting, which at the same time manages to say a low audible sorry to him. Next thing he knew, as he compose himself, there are four bunch of men in black suits and two students running after her in different direction.

Not knowing the reason why she's being chased, his instinct tells him to help her, having thought that she is a good person. And so as fast as he can, he goes to a different route and wishes that she stays going straight or goes left so that he can meet her in any *alley intersection ahead and lead her in the one that has a short cut to the park near his school.

'If this works, I can bring her to my school to hide or try mingle with crowd in the park', he thought, not believing he is running as if he is in a race in their *school festival, which he rarely does because of his low stamina. 'There's going to be a lot of people today since its Friday, so it's possible to use people as a camouflage'

Armin continuously examines his right side to see a sign of any blonde girl with grey jacket as he near the last two alley intersections, but all he could see are those men and students at every intersection he comes through. Nevertheless, he thought of it as a sign that the girl is in front and all he has to do is run a little faster so he can catch up with her. Finally deciding, he chooses the second to the last alley intersection, and surprisingly almost colliding again with the blonde girl.

They look at each other in the eye: Her, wondering what he wants and then remembering he's the Little Manager in Arlert's Coffee, and him, giving her a determined look to trust him with his plan. Forming an agreement in their mind by mere seconds, Armin grabs her wrist and runs straight then turns right, already expecting a dead end.

"There used to be a hole in here, behind these boxes", he says, already trying his best to push the wooden boxes as fast as he can, before the men and students arrive near them. "The hole leads to park or to my school…"

Seeing it will be hopeless to locate the hole the boy is saying, the blonde girl decides to test the skill she got from the military-like training she does with the two special body guards of her. "Climb", she says pulling him away from the other wooden boxes, and tells him to follow her movements. Swiftly and fluid, she goes on top of the old maroon couch, climbs the wooden box, then onto the open metal used locker cabinet and finally, pushes herself up to the top of the wall.

Hesitantly and anxiously, he obeys her commands, and goes on top of the objects she stepped on. The couch and the wooden box were easy, but the locker cabinet appears to be difficult since he has to climb on it like a ladder to reach its top. He got stuck on it for a second, feeling anxious that the metal might give in, but after hearing their voices he managed to do so.

"Hurry" she says firmly, extending her hand to him which he quickly grabs while he helps himself up on top of the wall.

With their steps getting louder, she fearlessly stands on top of the wall, pulling the boy with her at the same time, and runs towards the huge tree for covering. The moment they got inside its thick leaves, the men chasing the girl all came rushing in, including the two trainees.

Quiet and rooted in a crouching position, both the two blonde kids keenly observes the men in suits who carefully inspect all the areas the two of them must have hidden or gone through. They can hear their conversations about how they might have climbed the wall and run towards the park and how all of them will be in big trouble, yet as long as they keep silent, their whereabouts will remain undiscovered. The girl focuses on the two boys wearing school uniform, acknowledging they're aware of her antics; while the boy is on high alert with any men that goes near the tree and thanking the heavens their tracks are not visible due to the less snow in the vicinity.

After a few minutes, concluding their target went to the park, they departed to that area allowing the kids loosen the defense they have built up in case the tables were turned. They waited a few more minutes, similarly thinking it might be a trap, and then finally deciding to reveal themselves in the noiseless alley.

The girl effortlessly jumped and grabbed a branch after branch until she finally landed on the ground, leaving an anxious and stunned boy more awestruck by the audacity she portrayed. Confirming the men's disappearance with the stillness in the air, she faces the boy and motions him that the coast is clear. He nods in agreement, however, realizing the height of the wall; the fear of falling suddenly overwhelms him and now wondering where all his courage had gone to.

"It's either you copy what I did, or you go down from how we got up", she says flatly, understanding his situation. "Which I suggest, try the second option"

"H-hai…" he replies, doubtful whether he can walk steadily a few steps near the metal locker cabinet or at least near the wooden box.

"Balance yourself and think that you're walking on a normal floor" she encourages, using her casual tone, as the boy tries to stand slowly. "Stop thinking that you're going to fall, and just walk like you usually do"

Armin nods, doing his best to concentrate and keep in mind what she suggested. Stepping one step and grasping a bit of balance, he smiled at her, proud that he managed to do so which she nodded and encourages to continue. And again, he delivers the same action until the wooden box stands below him. Though nervous he might slip, he still jumps to the box, then goes down to the couch, and finally to the ground.

He smiles at her, panting a bit, proud that he was able to pass the obstacle and escaped the men chasing her.

"Good", she says, giving a light smile in exchange. "Though I don't really know you, but know you are called 'the Little Manager', I thank you for your unexpected offer of help. I appreciate it very well", she takes out her wallet and gets a card, then hands it to him.

"Um… I don't- I mean-" he says, unsure whether to accept it or not.

"It's a gift card, to show my hospitality", she takes his hand and places the card in it. "Take it, I don't really need it and have lots of it. Give it to your mother, I'm sure she'll love it", Armin looks at it, then her, confused, "Don't worry its real, and I didn't steal it. Just see it as a favor returned"

"But this- I don't think there's a need for-" he says, trying to return the card but wasn't able to and got forced to place it in the pocket of his jacket.

"Yes, there is, you don't know who you have helped. And I suggest you never mention this to anyone", she smiles slightly "Anyways, I need to go now. I'll see you soon, Little Manager". She turns to leave but was suddenly stopped by a light tap on the arm.

"Um… My name's Armin", he says anxiously, "I hope I can be friends with you, and ask you a question if I see you again in the shop…"

She smiles faintly, but genuinely and says, "Annie. And yes, that is possible. If that is what you want"

"Really?" he exclaims.

She nods, half facing him, "But I have to leave now, so I'll see you next time then" She then turns completely and starts heading out of the alley.

Remembering they're in a dead end and surrounded by apartments and that she's a girl he shouts, "Will you be fine? I can walk with you to your destination if you want?"

She stops, "Don't worry, I know my way", then continues her walk, "I might even be stronger than you"

Armin is left speechless, and ends up watching her leave. He is glad to hear she'll be fine, but still can't help but be curious about whoever she is. Then again he is happy to have met her; the only thing he needs to do is figure a way to stop Vince-san from teasing him once he tries to talk to her in the shop.

*grades 4-6 – still same from my other story "One More Chance". I can't remember, but I think I explained there that since the places are made, the curriculum of studies are too? Oh well, I'll just explain again, elementary are grades 1-6 and high school are Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior and Senior(like in Philippines, before it was changed). But though it's like that, school starts at autumn(Sept), and might have similarities with Japan or Korea? Hehehe not really sure yet, but don't worry I have things planned though it's not as clear yet.

*I don't know if they have school festivals in elementary or not, but let's just say, they do in this world ;)

*alley intersection – well its really hard to describe it but from my imagination they're those ways between houses to houses or building to buildings. Let's just say they are in an area where small apartments stood near each other, but still has alleyways so they would not stick with each other. ;D

*idol – I mean the one's people call kpop celebrities. And yes, this is sort of kpopish and kdamaish type of fanfic. ;)

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Please do review, and tell me what you guys think? For the next chap... well, just wait for it ;) I will do my best to finish this, that's for sure :)