There Is A Reason

by DragonGoddess629

The moment Emalina Varlen loses her parents when Shiganshina fell, she decides to join the military in order to become strong. There she meets Jean Kirschtein and instantly there's a connection between the two. But one wants to join the Military Police while the other the Survey Corps. How will these two fare if they choose different regiments?

32. Chapter 32

Chapter Thirty-Two

Bloodied and Bruised

A/N: And here we have another chapter in the bag! I hope ya'll enjoy! :)

Disclaimer: Attack on Titan does not belong to me, I only own Emalina and any other OCs. The new story picture does not belong to me; I hold no Copyright and found the picture through Google Images.

~ oOo ~

LEVI

Within a matter of seconds, the Military Police had carted my sister away like fucking cattle.

And there was not a damn thing I could do to stop them.

As I watched them drag Emalina away, my arms felt as if they were cloaked in restraints, the iron keeping me from moving. Or was that from the shock at what had just occurred? Seconds after she had left the room, my eyes finally swiveled between Jean and Erwin before landing on the Military Police Commander, Nile. The man visibly cowered, albeit slightly, under the scrutiny of my gaze. Was he feeling guilty? Was he even feeling remorse for what he had done? The fucking audacity of this man. Not only had he spent a good majority of this afternoon in the same room as Emalina, but he had not once spoken to word to her. Nothing was mentioned during this meeting that there were crimes against her. Nile said nothing nor did Dhalis Zachary.

Narrowing my eyes, I said in the most murderous tone I could, "Nile, after this fucking stunt you just pulled, you better fucking believe that you won't live to see your next morning."

Though Nile's eyes rolled, I could still see he was scared. Good. He better fucking be. "I arrested Emalina on Dhalis' orders, there is nothing you can do."

"That may be true," Erwin intervened, still able to stand tall despite being held back by two officers. "But did your orders specifically state that you were to arrest Emalina in the dead of night, waking her from sleep?" When Nile was about to speak, Erwin continued, cutting off his longtime friend. "Or were you additionally given orders that you could cause injury to her? Regardless of the suggested crimes against her, what has Emalina done that was so horrific you would treat her as one of the nastiest criminals you've come across? And believe me, Nile, I know you've come across some disturbing individuals in your days as Commander."

The man scoffed, his head nodding in the direction of the soldiers holding me, Jean, and Erwin down. Jean stood to his feet, immediately making way for the door when he was blocked from doing so. I was impressed by his willingness to try, but with the Military Police involved, it was pointless. "His orders were - "

"I bet you my life Dhalis said nothing of the sort, giving you the assumed inclination you could do whatever you damn well please." Smirking at Jean, I was left impressed once more. This male continuously proved to me that he was all bark and bite.

Nile took one step towards Jean when I stepped forward. Jean Kirschtein could take care of himself, I was certain, but Nile had no right going after him. "Considering what you've done, I suggest you and your men leave, Nile," I snarled.

Pulling at his necktie, the man gulped, Tilting his head, the remaining men in the room left, one-by-one they vanished until he was the only one left. As he moved to step between me and Erwin, I was about to grasp him once more when Jean stepped forward. Grasping him by the collar, Jean shoved their faces together. "I may not be in a commanding position to say this…but if any harm, and I mean any harm, befalls upon Emalina when she's held in custody, it's not just the three of us you'll have to answer to. She's got a whole arsenal of friends who'll beat your ass. So I'd tread lightly if I were you."

Stepping back before the man could do anything, Nile snarled. "Watch your tongue, Kirschtein."

Stepping forward, I pulled Jean back, knowing this could also turn to bite him in the ass. "I'd watch your tongue, Nile. You have three witnesses to what you did here tonight; you best hope we don't suggest to ol' Dhalis that you should stand trial as well."

Deciding to say nothing, he cast his head away, Nile followed the last of his officers out the door. When he was gone, Erwin sighed, I growled, and Jean ran his hands down the side of his face. All of us were frustrated and beyond pissed off. The only reason Erwin and I were here is because we were discussing the last few days down in the Mess Hall when we heard the commotion from the soldiers. I couldn't imagine what Jean had seen or what had happened. How had they snuck into their room? Had they grabbed Jean and my sister at the same time?

Erwin sighing to my right stole my attention away from my thoughts. Stepping forward, he clasped Jean's shoulder. "Jean, are you all right?"

Head shaking, he was slow to answer. "Depends on how you're asking. Other than a sore scalp I'm fine, but Emalina…sir, what're we going to do about this?"

Dropping his hand, Erwin shared a look with me. "I…honestly, I don't know, Jean. If what Nile said was true and Emalina is supposed to be given a trial before her sentencing, then all we can do is plan and attend this trial." Rubbing the back of his neck with his only remaining hand, Erwin sighed once more. "What we need to do now is wake the others and immediately explain what has happened. I'll go find Hange and Moblit, can you two find the others?" Erwin paused long enough for us to nod before he was gone.

Turning to Jean, I said, "Look, I don't fucking know how, but Emalina's going to be fine. You know that right, Jean?"

"Knowing Emalina, I do, it's just…we know what she's capable of just as we know what the Military police is as well. If they were more than willing to cast a knife to her throat or jab their guns into her head, what else do they plan on doing?"

"What do you…that happened before Erwin and I arrived?" Jean nodded. Teeth clenched so tightly I could taste blood, I turned away. "Nile you fucking piece of dog shit!" I muttered angrily, hands clenched tightly at my sides. Though there was plenty I could do if I dared, which I wanted to, I didn't want to put Emalina more at risk than she already was. The less we did right now the more we could do for her later. "Erwin's right, we need to tell the others what has happened. "I'll gather Eren, Mikasa, and Armin, can you get Connie and Sasha?"

"…yeah, I'm on it," he muttered, defeated.

"Good, meet us in the Mess Hall asap."

Leaving him behind, I quickly maneuvered to the other end of the hall while Jean treaded toward the opposite. I first found Mikasa's door where I banged my fist against the wood, the woman was opening the door within the first thirty seconds, her bedhead wild as she narrowed her vision at me, mouth open to speak. Holding my hand up before she could speak, all I said was, "This is urgent, follow me." Finding Armin and then Eren next, the two males were questioning me the entire time as we quickly made out way toward the ground level.

Rubbing his eyes, Armin was the first two speak as we traversed down the stairs. These people had been through enough the last few days and for sure they deserved their sleep. I felt bad for disrupting what they deserved. "Captain…" Armin's voice was heavy with sleep. "Wha' has happened? Does this have anything to do with Eren?"

Titan boy nudged his friend on the shoulder. "I'm right here."

Seemingly surprised, Armin, the young male who never swore, said, "Oh shit! Then, Mikasa, do you know…?"

The female shook her head. "He woke me first, I have no idea."

"Shush, we'll all explain, just…I just need you guys to pay close attention…please," I added quietly at the end. I turned my head slightly to see the three of them share of glance.

Increasing my footsteps, they followed close behind. As we reached the Mess Hall, I held the door open for them as Eren then said, "Wait…everyone's here?"

As I glanced inside, Eren was correct that Erwin had successfully retrieved Hange and Moblit as Jean grabbed Connie and Sasha. Having the three sit with the others, I stood with Erwin at the front of the table while Jean stood off to the side, leaning against the wall.

Once we were all together, Erwin cleared his throat, his remaining hand placed firm atop the as he spared a glance to everyone sitting down. "I am…truly sorry to have called you all here in the middle of the night like this, but…we have a bit of a serious situation on our hands."

Rubbing the shoulder still in a sling, Hange tilted her head. "We have another situation on our hands? I'm tired of traveling, please tell me we can at least stay in the city for this."

"Though I hate to admit how fortunate we are in that case, this is a fairly serious situation we're now stuck in."

Moblit leaned forward on his elbows, he asked, "Serious as in…the Scouts are in trouble again serious or Eren being captured level serious?"

"…that's not cool, Moblit," titan boy muttered.

"Sorry Eren, my brain's fried, it's the first thing I thought of."

Shaking my head, I noticed Connie and Sasha glance around the room, the female wrapping the blanket further around her shoulders. "Huh…wait…Guys, Emalina's not with us. Where is she?"

Erwin, Jean, and I shared a glance as I was the one to speak. "That's why we're here." Taking a deep breath as I was still in denial, I stated the truth as bluntly as I could. "Emalina's been arrested."

Silence.

Armin's eyes widened as his eyebrows rose into his blonde hairline; Mikasa stared on though I could see the tension increase tenfold in her shoulders; Eren's head fell; Moblit and Hange immediately started speaking; Connie's head fell into his hands. Sasha was the only individual not to do anything.

"Hold up…" She eventually said after thirty seconds. "You can't be…arrested?" Searching one more time around the room, she surprised us all, slamming her hands upon the table, the blanket fell from her shoulders as she screeched, and I had never heard the woman scream or curse before, "WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN SHE'S BEEN ARRESTED?!"

Quickly walking to her side, Jean calmly placed his hands on her shoulders, guiding her to reclaim her seat. He was barely able to speak when everyone else erupted in their own screeching matches. I could not clearly hear a single person as all of them were trying to speak over the other. As much an insomniac as I am, even I was feeling sleep deprived at the moment. Raising my hand, I was about to say something when Jean, once again, beat me to it. "FUCKING SHUT UP!"

He was angry like I was, but just as with Sasha, I'd never really seen him lose it before.

The moment everyone grew quiet was when he moved to the front of the table, taking a stance between Erwin and me, bushy brows and me creating space so he could hold his position. Arms crossed, he filled everyone in by explaining what happened within the last thirty minutes in great detail. "Listen, stop fighting what the three of us witnessed. The Military Police snuck into our room, yanked Emalina from bed, handcuffed her, and then decided to cast multiple guns to her head. The MP Commander then entered our room claiming she now had crimes against the kingdom stacked against her and that she is to be sentenced to death."

"Wait…Nile Dawk was here?" Hange asked, incredulously as Jean nodded.

"I…this doesn't make any sense," Moblit interjected. "One, why were soldiers of the MP's even here; two, why were they here in the middle of the night; and three, why the fuck would they arrest Emalina, now of all times?"

Tonight truly was a night for firsts; Moblit absolutely never curses.

"Wait, just-just wait!" Connie held his hands up to stop others from speaking. "Jean, did you just say that…Emalina is to be sentenced to death?!" Eyes that had snapped towards Connie to listen now snapped back toward the three of us. Sasha gasped, hand covering her mouth as I could see tears forming in her eyes.

Dropping his head to dangle, Jean released an extremely heavy sigh. "…I didn't make that part up," he said after a moment's time.

"Commander Erwin? Captain Levi?" The three of us turned to Armin, his eyes wide with concern. "What do we do from here? I mean, I want to say this is similar to when the MPs took Eren after he plugged the hole in Trost, but…it wasn't directly stated that he was sentenced to death, he was at least given a trial. But, more importantly, what has she even done that the rest of us haven't?"

Clapping Jean on the shoulder as he was about to answer, I took his spot. "This is where Erwin and I entered the room. We heard the commotion and were just as surprised as you to find Nile there. We didn't see the letter exactly, but he apparently had a letter from Premier Dhalis Zachary stating that Nile was to arrest Emalina. We questioned him whether he was given orders to arrest Emalina whenever or if he took that action into his own hands."

"That's the part I still find odd," Erwin held his chin in question.

"What, that he came unannounced in the middle of the night or the fact that he had been around her for a majority of the afternoon?" Jean asked. "Because that's been on my mind as well."

"The latter. Emalina was in the presence of Dhalis and Nile all afternoon after Historia's coronation, so this has me wondering. When did Dhalis receive the intel that Emalina is now a titan, when did he give Nile his orders, and did Nile tell us the truth?"

Eyebrow raised, I questioned his statement. "The truth? You think Nile's lying?"

"He has to be," Erwin stated confidently. "Nile can be an extremely calm person, but he lost his composure only one time."

"Right…when he yelled that we had kept Emalina's new titan powers a secret."

"Exactly. Remember how he acted at Eren's trial? He hated the idea that a soldier could potentially have titan powers, so for there to be a second individual like Eren…I'm wondering if he took part of his orders into his own hands."

"He was ready to shoot me that day," Eren stated, seemingly more awake now knowing what the situation was. "Had the captain not intervened, who knows what might have happened."

"But…you're talking about your trial," Sasha commented. Staring upward at us she added, "Does Ema even get one? Did Nile mention anything of the sort?"

"He didn't mention anything at first, but…then he said that Dhalis would give her a trial," Jean answered.

"That's…not really clear," Connie said angrily as he clenched his fists.

"This is what I believe we should do. Levi and I will try to meet with Dhalis tomorrow and gain some answers about this situation. Tomorrow, I want the rest of you to work together and write a detailed report about any and all encounters you've had with Emalina since her becoming a titan. Include any and every minute detail since the day she was turned, when she has used her powers, and how she used her powers. Any and everything that could be used to help her if she does have a trial." All heads nodded, even Mikasa which was surprising, considering their history. "I wish there was more we could say but…it seems Emalina's life is in our hands. With everything she's done for us individually and the Scouts, she needs us, now more than ever. Agreed?"

"Yes sir!"

"Good. It doesn't matter that we're counting on each other because now Emalina's counting on us most of all." Rubbing his temple, Erwin slightly growled. "As much as I want everyone to start working this instant, everyone deserves their sleep to be well rested for tomorrow. You're all dismissed.

Everyone stood but instead of immediately seeking their beds, they stepped forward to Jean, trying to ask him more questions. Intervening, I stated that he could provide more in-depth answers but that it would have to wait until morning. He's been through more than enough. I still couldn't imagine what he witnessed before Erwin and I arrived.

Once everyone else had left, Erwin turned to Jean, grasping his shoulder. "I am proud of the way you stood up to Nile, Jean, but most importantly - and I think Levi can agree - we're proud of you for standing up for Emalina tonight. We can see the way you treat her and we are extremely appreciative that you are there when no one else can be."

Cheeks turning slightly red, Jena cast his head away, not able to stare the Commander in the eyes. "Thanks is not needed, sir. I would do anything for Emalina, that's how much I care for her."

"And trust me, everyone can see it. Emalina…she's been through a lot and, I believe I'm speaking for her brother, we're glad she has you to care for her. But, are you prepared to fight the government for her? Come tomorrow, it might come to that."

"I'd fight a titan barehanded if it meant procuring her safety."

Seemingly impressed, Jean's answer left bushy brows to smile. "I knew I liked you from the moment we met, Jean. Get some rest, Walls know we need it." Turning, Erwin left, leaving us be, just the two of us. Watching the Commander until the door was firmly shut, Jean turned to me.

"It's probably not the best time, but I doubt we'll have a moment to talk after tonight, just the two of us."

"What is it."

"Why have you been avoiding Emalina these past few days?"

Fucking shit. I had a feeling that's what he was going to ask me.

Knowing I could either face the question or turn, I decided to turn.

Stepping away from the male, I muttered, "The fuck you talking about?" Able to see through my own shit, Jean gripped my shoulder, physically turning me to face him. "Kirschtein…" I growled.

"Don't be coy, Levi. Me, Sasha, and Connie have seen the way you've treated her since you returned from the Reiss Estate. Hell, besides your concern tonight, the only straight thing you've said to her was this afternoon after Historia punched you, even then that was brief."

Knowing I could easily lie and brush his correct accusations off, I decided against it. Heaving a sigh, I tilted my head towards the exit. "Fine," I muttered. "But I need you to promise me that you won't tell Emalina what I'm about to tell you, I…I have to find the right time to explain everything to her myself."

"Tell her…" The man's eyebrow rose. "Tell her what, exactly?"

"Just…follow me." Leaving the Mess Hall, I guided the man up to the third floor to my room. Allowing him to enter first once we were there, I shut the door behind us. Having him stand in the middle of my room, I trekked to the nightstand, my hand freezing when I touched the drawer handle. I wasn't even sure how to handle the information I recently learned, how the hell was I to explain to Jean about this? I didn't give two shits what he would say, yet at the same time, considering how I admitted we were practically family, I did care just a smidgen what he had to say.

Opening the drawer, I hesitantly pulled out the notebook my 'uncle' gave me just days prior when I watched him die. Ignoring the death count written throughout the first half, I found the page that listed my family toward the back, then handed Jean the open notebook.

"From this page alone, what do you see?"

Jean's confused eyes stared into mine before he took hold of the journal, dropping his gaze to the specific page I gave him. Searching through the list of names, it took him a minute before making a discovery. "Wait…Levi, your name's in here, and…Kenny Ackerman, wait…Kenny Ackerman was the captain of the Anti-Personnel Squad, wasn't he?"

"Yeah, that would be him."

"Then why is his name connected to yours…oh shit, I get it. This is a drawn representation of your family, right?"

"That's what I've deduced."

"Fucking shit, then that means…that asshole was your uncle?"

Chuckling, I nodded, loving the same verbiage we used for this man. "Apparently, but…let me tell you a quick story so you'll understand why I have a different connection with this man." So I told him everything, and I mean everything. Emalina is the only other individual alive who knows of my history, not even Hange or bushy brows know the depth of my childhood, how I lived, how I was raised within the Underground.

Standing there with the open notebook in his hands, Jen merely nodded, listening intently until I finished. "That's, well…first I gotta say I knew you were from the Underground." Narrowing my eyes, Jean answered the question I was about to hound him with. Holding a hand up to stop me, he said, "Emalina told me but all she mentioned was that you were from the Underground, she refused to tell me anymore and I didn't push her."

Satisfied knowing he was telling the truth, I leaned against my desk, crossing my arms. "So, now that you know my history with Kenny, take a closer look at that page. Now that you and I understand its purpose, what other names do you see."

Peering down, Jean spoke to himself. "There's your name, Kenny's…your mother, Kuchel…" Finger gliding over the paper, he peered off in the direction that I didn't want him to focus on as he read non-important names.

"The other side."

Stealing a glance, he moved to the original page, the first name he stated was, "Serena Ackerman…hold up. Why do I know that name? Serena…and she's next to one Miles…Varlen?!" Staring so hard he was bound to burn a hole into the damn page, Jean's mouth closed, having seen, what I assumed to be, my sister's name. "Emalina…" Eyes having narrowed at me, I could tell he was more confused than anything. "W-Why is Ema's name here?"

"According to my oh-so-credible uncle, Emalina…is my cousin. Her mother, Serena, was Kenny's and my mother's younger sister, AKA - my aunt."

Sputtering, Jean did a double-take to me then back to the journal. Grasping the side of his head, Jean groaned. "Levi…so…you're telling me that the day you were at the Reiss Estate, you discovered that our main enemy this last week, the same man who raised you after your mother died, was your uncle…and that you and Emalina are actually cousins?"

Nodding, all I said was, "Yeah."

Closing the book, Jean took a seat on my bed and I let him. I could easily tell that he needed a moment, which he definitely took. Placing the book beside him, Jean held his head up with a fist. "Ok, so even though I don't agree with the way you've been treating Ema, I…I kinda get it. But, Levi…" I nodded for him to continue. "I hope you realize that this makes you look like an ass, especially when you tell Emalina."

I wasn't expecting that. "Excuse you?" I still found myself saying. Deep down, I knew he was right. I had been an ass to Emalina for the last several days; ignoring her, brushing her off, not speaking with her. I had been an asshole of a brother, uh, cousin?

"Don't give me that." He waved his hand. "By not immediately explaining everything to Emalina when you came back, she's going to think that you didn't like finding out this information. You know she's going to blame herself."

Sinking into the chair, I dropped my head into my hands, groaning into my palms. "I fucking know…I just…didn't know how to respond. Kenny, my uncle, whatever the fuck he actually is, wasn't one for directly stating the truth. One, how could I believe what he's telling me is the truth; and two, I couldn't just accept the fact that I now suddenly had a blood relative that was living after all this time."

"Goddamnit Levi, you're still not making any sense!" Peering through my fingers at the man, I was slightly shocked to find Jean was now standing, his arms crossed in annoyance. "Everyone knows how much you fucking care for Emalina as your sister, but the moment you discover you and her could actually be related you fucking flake? Are you serious?!"

Smacking me upside the head, I tilted forward, nearly falling out of my seat. Grasping the back of my head, I stared murderously at this man. "Jean Kirschtein…" I growled standing to my feet, placing us nearly chest-to-chest despite the obvious height difference.

"Don't use your superiority now, Levi. This matter revolves around my girlfriend and your family. Why the hell would you hide this from her? What did she do to warrant such an action, especially from you?"

"I…I don't fucking know," I muttered quietly, suddenly embarrassed by my recent actions. Reclaiming my seat, I dropped my hands into my, aimlessly staring forward. "It…" I found myself speaking. "It suddenly became real. I have loved Emalina as my sister since the day I rescued her, never distrust me on that. There have been very few people I have trusted or cared for, but none as much as I do Emalina." Casting my head away, I finished by saying, "When Kenny told me she and I were actual family…I couldn't simply accept the fact that I wasn't alone in the world anymore. I…" Sheepishly staring at the man, I honestly said, "The thought scared the fucking shit out of me."

A earned a second slap for my honesty.

Snarling, I harshly stated, "You're lucky I actually like you, Jean, because I can still make your life a living hell."

"Levi, let me ask you this: why did everything suddenly change now compared to when you two believed you were actual siblings? What was the difference then and now?" My eyes widened on their own accord.

Jean had a valid point. For five years Emalina and I have claimed each other as siblings, so why was it different now, what made it so different?

The thing is, there was no difference. I can't explain why I flaked in admitting to Emalina the truth, I don't know why I avoided her. The only explanation I have is… "I'm afraid of the pain I'd feel if I ever lost her. Because it seems so real now, I don't want to know how bad it could be," I found myself speaking without realizing I was admitting the truth.

Face falling slightly, Jean grabbed the second chair in the room, moved it in front of mine, and took a seat. Flicking my forehead as I do with my sister, I surprisingly released a chuckle instead of a growl.

"Levi, allow me to be blunt. Regardless that you and Emalina are, and have been, related by blood, it shouldn't change anything because you love her, I know you love her. Hell, every soldier in the military knows they cannot speak with Emalina unfairly otherwise you'll beat their ass." Head lifting to find Jean smiling, my lips stayed neutral. "You'll lose her eventually, so why cast her aside when you can enjoy the time you have with her now?"

"Don't insinuate I'm casting myself away to avoid any pain."

He flicked me again, though this time I knew it was deserved. "Admit it, Levi, that's exactly what you're doing."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because this is what Marco told Emalina early on in our Cadet years."

Marco, oh…her best friend who was killed in Trost. "Remind me why he said that to her?"

"In the first few weeks of training, Emalina was a very quiet girl who would only talk to Marco and me. Well, Ema and I got into a nasty argument and Marco was the one to tell her that she could either break away from our friendship so she wouldn't face any pain from our deaths in the future or, that she should face our friendship head on and enjoy the time we have."

Eyes widening, I quietly asked, "He said all that to her?"

Jean nodded. "It immediately worked as she changed practically overnight. No longer was the woman scared of getting close to people in fear they would die and leave her. Emalina became someone who sought others out simply because she could. Now, she's still deathly afraid of people leaving her, but she'd rather enjoy the time she has with them before that happens than regret the time she could have had."

Feeling as if I already knew the answer, I still asked the same question from a moment prior, "Why are you telling me all this?"

Smiling, Jean chuckled. "Because you're currently in the same situation as she was years ago. Since learning you and Emalina are actual family, you've become fearful of the idea of losing her, losing the actual last member of your family and you're not ready to face it."

I didn't need a moment to realize this asshole was right; and yes, in this moment, Jean was an asshole for pushing me the way he had. Following in his footsteps, I found myself smiling, exhaling a soft chuckle of my own in disbelief. Jean Kirschtein was correct. These last few days I'd spent my time alone trying to discern what I was feeling and this asshole figured it all out in a matter of minutes.

It was now I could see the leadership qualities Emalina has described to me about this man. I was even more impressed with the man he is and the soldier he was becoming.

Taking a much-needed breath, I admitted the truth by saying, "Jean, I utterly hate to admit this, but you're right…about everything."

Not wanting to push his luck, he followed up with a question. "So what're you going to do next? Because I will hound you if you keep treating Emalina the same way."

Waving my hand. "It was an idiotic thing to do and I know it was stupid. Once we save Emalina from this trial, I-I will explain everything to her. And…I'd like it if you were there when I tell her everything."

The man only nodded his head. Standing, Jean returned his chair to its original position before grabbing the notebook. Turning to the infamous page, he stared once more at the names he was reading, indefinitely closing the book before handing it back to me.

"Personally, you've overthought this, Captain. And, trust me, I am sorry for slapping you, but…"

I waved my hand once more, not giving him the chance to finish his statement. "Don't fucking worry, I deserved that shit whether I liked it or not." Standing, I walked to Jean, jamming my balled fist into his shoulder. "I…don't normally talk this much."

"Really, I hadn't noticed." Flicking the asshole across the forehead left Jean laughing. "Hah, worth it."

"Look, this goes without saying, just don't share anything we discussed tonight with anyone. Emalina's different, but keep this to yourself. No one else deserves to know what I said."

Seeing my glare, Jean's smirk fell into a fine line. "It's not my history to tell, Captain, your secret is safe with me and Emalina."

"…thank you." Stepping toward the door, I held it open, silently asking for the man to leave. "With everything we'll have to do tomorrow you need your sleep. Get as much rest as you can and I'll see you in the morning in the Mess Hall." As Jean stepped through, I grasped his arm one last time to gain his attention. "Jean, in all seriousness, thank you."

"Heh, what was it you said the day Ema left for the compound? We're family now. That's what family does. G'night, Captain."

Watching Jean's back as he walked toward his and Emalina's room, I eventually closed the door, leaning against the wood as I calmed my shot nerves. Never had I spoken so much to an individual; not even Hange or Erwin could get me to speak that much. Jean was…He was an easier person to talk to, similar to Emalina in that it felt natural, even safe to speak.

Shaking my head, even I knew it was time for me to try and sleep, regardless of the minimal rest I would receive. Collapsing onto my bed, I lay on my back facing the ceiling, Arms wrapped across my chest, I tenderly closed my eyes, almost immediately feeling the effects of sleep I rarely experience.

No regrets, I kept repeating to myself.

No fear, no regrets. Emalina deserves better, and I would give her that better.

No regrets.

~ oOo ~

EMALINA

It felt like an eternity had passed while being in this cell, but in all reality, it had only been several days.

Staring up at the ceiling of my cell, I was left to wonder if this was the same sight Eren had when he was held captive before his trial. From what Levi told me, Eren was only locked up for barely one day whereas it's been over two for me, though I didn't know how long. Heaving a sigh, I crossed my arms behind my head. I thought of what the others were doing, what Jean and my brother were doing. I bet that as soon as I was taken away that night, Erwin had gathered the remaining Scouts and explained the situation at hand.

That night, once the MP soldiers had locked my arms in shackles, I was immediately carted away, thrown into a carriage outside of Headquarters, and transported away. As soon as the carriage took away, a blindfold was placed over my eyes, leaving only my hearing as the best sense I could use to determine where I was. It had felt like a long and short trip before the carriage finally came to a stop. The night was still, the air quiet. There was murmuring surrounding my position as a hand harshly gripped my upper arm, practically dragging me out of the carriage, my body falling, knees scraping against the stone flooring.

Glancing down, I could still see the dried blood on my knees. Hell, there was still dried blood on my temple from being hit by the butt of a gun the night they arrested me. And that wasn't the end of it. I was covered in minor cuts, small and large bruises littered my body, and my left eye was nearly swollen shut. Though I held titan powers and could easily heal myself, I thwarted the idea, deciding that if they were to give me a trial, then Dhalis Zachary would be there. The authority figure of the entire government needed to see the evidence that I had been beaten by soldiers under his overall command. Numerous soldiers since arriving in this cell had expressed their distrust and hate for someone like me.

Sitting up, I threw my legs over the side of the bed, glancing mere feet from my position to the iron blocking my escape. Two soldiers were guarding the door and there was an additional soldier guarding the door at the end of the far hallway; who knows how many there were on the other side.

It was definitely excessive, to say the least. Yes, I was now an individual with titan powers, just like Eren, but I had yet to even show remote interest in that I could use said powers to help me escape.

Well, except, there had been one time I bit my hand just like Eren, certainly hard enough that I bled.

The night I was dropped off in this cell, I immediately slept. Nile and his assholes had interrupted my sleep, to begin with, and there was nothing else I could do besides twiddle my damn thumbs, so I decided to sleep to help pass the time. When I woke next, I had to take care of my natural business. There was a toilet in my cell, yet the problem lay with the soldiers standing directly outside my cell. When they heard me stir, they gawked at me, sending nasty comments in my direction as I tried to think of a plan to use the restroom with privacy and dignity.

I had asked them politely but when they instantly declined was when it was my turn to be nasty. I immediately threatened them back though they didn't back down. It was only when I threatened to use my titan powers did they shrink and when I bit my hand, the yellow, electric power surged around me did they give me five minutes and high-tailed it out of there. Every time since, all I had to do was explain the situation and they would exit through the door down the hall leaving me exactly five minutes to take care of my business.

Hearing the creak from the door down the hall, my ears perked as a different soldier made their way toward the guards. This soldier had never been one to stand guard outside my cell as he was the one who usually passed on messages between those who did guard me and those on the other side of the door at the end of the hall. They huddled closely, speaking in hushed voices so I couldn't hear. But they probably didn't know that my hearing was enhanced, meaning I could hear everything they were saying as if they were speaking normally.

The new soldier said, "We've been given new orders."

"And what would that be, Henry?" The male soldier with blonde hair asked; I think his name was Hank.

The female soldier with brown hair - Natasha? - said, "Please tell me we're being replaced. I don't want to be around this bitch any longer."

Tch, rude. And you think I want to be around you?

"Dhalis Zachary has approved of her trial being held today instead of next week," Henry exclaimed, seemingly pissed off.

"What?!" Natasha growled. "Nile was so set that she'd have to suffer in her cell for another week, how the hell did it get moved up that quickly?!"

Henry answered with, "Apparently, Commander Erwin and Captain Levi paid him a few days ago and were…convincing, to say the least."

"Tch, the fucking Scouts, always getting what they want."

"It's not like this trial will do anything to her," Hank spat. "She's as good as dead for being a fucking titan."

Angrily, Henry added, "Regardless, her trial's been set for two this afternoon."

"That only gives us barely an hour!" The female cried once more.

Curiosity grew in the pit of my stomach. I was not surprised that Erwin and Levi met with Dhalis as I was left to wonder if they had the same questions that had probed my mind these past two days. But, sitting here in this cell, I was left to wonder if the information these soldiers received from their own Commander was straight facts or lies Nile was feeding his men simply because he was scared of someone else like Eren roaming free.

"Commander Nile wants her to be chained and ready to go in fifteen minutes."

The male soldier held his head. "This is ridiculous. They let that Jaeger titan go but they shouldn't let this one go! She deserves to be locked up for killing our people!"

Appearing behind them, I grasped the iron bars in my clenched hands. "Huh, so I should be sentenced to death for killing people who were sent to kill me and my fellow comrades?"

All three soldiers screeched, placing their backs against the opposite wall, hands over their beating hearts. Henry was the one to calm down almost immediately, jumping forward as he reached his hand through the bars, gripped my shirt, and slammed my face into the metal. "The fuck are you talking about you little bitch?"

Natasha was the next to step forward. "Wait…you could hear us that entire time?!"

I couldn't nod, all things considered, so I mumbled, "Yeah. My trial is set for today at two, my trial was supposedly supposed to be next week, you guys hate the Scouts, fucking Jaeger's titan, blah blah…blah. I heard it all." The soldier holding me pulled my face harder into the metal. "Ouch," I said nonchalantly. "You do realize that hurts, right?"

"Does it look like I fucking care?" Releasing his hand from my shirt, Henry quickly moved to my throat, tightening his grip, and immediately cutting off my airway. Chocking back a gasp, I could feel my eyes widen. A beating and some punches I could handle. But, even as a titan, besides my nape being a weak spot, could I die a normal death? Could I seriously be choked to death?

Not willing to take that risk, I slammed my knee between the bars, hitting the man square in the nuts as he dropped his hand, falling to the floor to clutch his now crushed jewels. "You…you bitch!" He wheezed.

Stepping back from the bars as the other two reached out for me, I huffed. No mirrors were around though it was easy to tell handprint-shaped bruises were forming around my neck. Rubbing my fingers into the skin wouldn't do much but it did at least alleviate some of the raw pain. "I'd rather be a bitch than sit around listening to you ram insults down my goddamn throat!"

The two original guards grasped the bars, snarling in my direction. Hank said, "You fucking deserve it!"

"And what is it exactly I deserve?!"

"Death!" Natasha screeched. "You're a fucking titan in disguise living within the walls! If anything you deserve to be thrown over Wall Rose and eaten alive with the other titans that threaten humanity!"

"Ohh hoho, if only the people living within the interior could hear the way their precious Military Police talks to another human being. You people are disgusting," I spat. "For the record, I didn't choose this. I didn't choose to become a fucking titan, it was forced upon me!"

That seemed to get their attention as their gazes faltered slightly.

"Oh, was that piece of information withheld within your meetings? Was your Commander not told that I was turned against my will? Kidnapped by the actual threats the people should truly be afraid of?" Walking back toward the bars, I gripped them, my head directly between the two soldiers. "Let's get one thing straight: even though I was forced to become a titan, I've learned to accept these powers. I've learned that I now have an additional way to protect my friends and family. And if anyone comes after them like the Anti-Personnel Squad tried to, I won't hide from using my titan powers to keep them safe."

A fist connected with my face, sending me flying backward.

Henry was kneeling had stood to his feet, having sent his fist through the bars, connecting directly with my nose. Hands cupping the center of my face, blood pooled through my fingers. It wasn't a heavy stream but it was enough to be constant. Glaring at the man through the only eye that could see, I growled. The soldier whose nuts I had whacked straightened when the door at the far end of the hallway opened and within a few seconds, a fourth soldier appeared, this one with handcuffs in her grasp.

"What in the hell is taking you so long? She should've been cuffed five minutes ago!"

"Sorry, sir, she was becoming a little violent," one of the male soldiers stated, a smirk growing on his face.

"Violent?!" Wincing at the pain in my nose, I wondered if it was now broken. At least it was one more visible injury that Dhalis would be able to see. "He just fucking broke my goddamn nose!"

The new soldier's face fell. Stealing a glance at the others, she said, "What did I say?"

The other three sighed with Hank saying, "Nothing excessive."

"And what would you call her nose?"

"Not excessive enough," the male whose nuts I kicked said lowly, earning him a smack upside his head.

Thrusting the cuff into a soldier's hands, the new female soldier grumbled, "I'm not paid enough for this nor do I care. Just cuff her and bring her up ASAP!" She turned and then left, the echo of the door slamming caused a shutter to course through my body, for whatever reason.

The others saluted. "Yes sir!"

Pulling the correct key from a ring at his side, the male who now hated me more than ever - and for good reason - opened the cell door, staring me down as I complied. It was the only thing I could do. I wanted to be seen as compliant in the eyes of the law as it would, hopefully, serve me better in the end. Turning, I crossed my arms behind my back, feeling the soldier handcuff me, tightening the metal as far as it would go without cutting off any circulation. Gritting my teeth, the damn thing was painful but right now, there was nothing I could do. Within the next ten minutes, I would be in front of Dhalis Zachary where I could stand my ground, present my defense, and hopefully beat the crap out of the soldiers that had been using me as a punching bag these last several days.

Seriously, how long had I even been here?

Taking hold of my loose ponytail, Henry nearly tore my scalp as he turned me in the direction of the door. Without speaking, Hank stepped in front while the female tagged from behind. As we made our way through the door and up a flight of stairs, I was forced to close my only working eye, the bright sun filtering through the windows nearly blinding me as we were out of the jail in the basement and now on the first floor of, what I could only assume, was the courthouse.

The soldier holding me tight released my hair the moment we stepped onto the first floor. Huffing, I could feel his hand move from my head to my linked wrists as the other tightly held my shoulder. My broken nose had gradually stopped bleeding, though a trickle every now and then landed on my shirt. It didn't matter. Barely being able to use the restroom in private, I hadn't been allowed a change of clothes or the ability to shower these last few days. Hell, because they arrested and dragged me out of my room, I didn't even have shoes, let alone fucking socks!

As I was dragged along, meandering through the halls merging left and right several times, there were several Military Police who halted, watching me intently as we walked by. Most watched in disgust, gossiping with the person beside them as I passed. There were few whom I could see held pity or sympathy in their eyes; as fast as we were walking, I couldn't tell. Several minutes passed before we stopped by a double set of grand doors, my body harshly held to stop my movements as the two other soldiers who had been guarding me stepped in first. From the minimal glance I was given, I could tell that it was definitely a courtroom I was being taken to. What I didn't expect to see was the room filled to the brim, most were soldiers, likely from the Military Police, if I had to guess.

Hair grasped once more, my head was thrown backward, Henry sticking his face close to mine so that I could smell his nasty breath. "Now, you best behave. This'll probably be your last viewing of other people before you're locked back up in that tiny cell until your death sentence. Might as well make the most of it."

The entire time he spent talking, I hocked a ball of spit in my mouth, shooting the liquid directly into the man's eye. Yelling one curse after another, he used his only spare hand to clear what I had shot into his face. "God, why're you such a fucking bitch?!"

I smiled. "Heh, you told me to make the most of it."

Snarling, he forgo doing anything else seeing how we were directly outside the courtroom. Instead, he pulled open the double doors, my eye falling shut as I was blinded once again, the windows bright and sunny, filtering the room with natural sunlight. Shoving me forward, I would have fallen if it hadn't been for the soldier's grip on my wrists.

"EMALINA!"

Head snapping upward, my eyes instantly sought out the voice who had called me - Jean. Body straightening, our eyes sought each other out without having to search for one another. Across the room, I could see everyone from the Scouts: Jean, Sasha, Connie, Hange, Moblit, Armin, Eren, Mikasa, Levi, Erwin, and even Historia. They were all there, standing in the box to the left of where I would kneel. They were watching me closely, leaving me to wonder if they could see the injuries I had sustained these last few days. Knowing I shouldn't speak, I shut my mouth, wishing I could cry out and run towards my family.

Shoved through the front area, the soldier leaned forward, whispering in my ear, "Keep fucking moving."

Moving through the open section between those standing behind where I would be, we walked through a small gate. The two soldiers who had walked in before stood where I was to be, one held the pole in his hands that would wedge around the bars binding my wrists together as I was to kneel before everyone before me. Moving through the gate, I watched as all eyes were suddenly on me.

"Kneel," the soldier holding me threatened.

When I didn't move, I glanced at the crowd to my left, seeking out Jean and Levi's eyes. Jean was visibly worried, both he and Sasha were whispering; hopefully, they could now see my bloodied appearance. Levi, on the other hand, was stoic, his outward demeanor calm, though, on the inside, I knew he was fuming. His eyes were tight around the corners, the hands crossed over his chest were tightly clenched his skin was turning white.

Having ignored the three soldiers around me, the male behind took hold of his favorite spot on my body, my hair, gripping it so hard I yelled. "I said to kneel!"

Having had enough, I clearly, calmly, and loudly stated, "Yeah…fuck that."

Twisting quickly enough my wrists were torn from the soldier's hands, I rammed the heel of my foot into his face, sending the man flying several feet away. There was a loud crash as the female holding the pole dropped it to the ground, reaching around the grab the rifle flung across her back. How I hadn't seen that, I couldn't say.

"What the hell did we tell you, Varlen?!"

Glancing at the man I had just kicked, I chuckled and said, "He told me to make the most of it."

Quickly aiming, she instantly shot her rifle as I barely moved out of the way. She had aimed for my head but clipped me in the shoulder, the bullet ramming straight through my muscle as it landed on the ground behind me. Hissing, I rammed the same injured shoulder into her body, effectively knocking her to the ground. I could hear my friends scream my name from behind, Levi remained quiet, and there were other Military police officers screaming for me to be taken out. The two voices I hadn't heard were Erwin's and Dhalis'. If the Premier wasn't speaking, that meant he was allowing my actions to take place, and I was perfectly fine with that.

Turning to the last soldier remaining, I noticed he was reaching for his rifle as well though I didn't give him the chance. Kicking his feet from under him, the man fell upon his back, my foot connecting with his throat as I watched Henry slowly stand to his feet. Knowing exactly what I needed to do, and desperately wanted to do again, I stepped forward.

My steps caught the man's attention as he quickly took hold of my neck in a single-handed chokehold, just like before. Smiling through the pain, the man wasn't paying attention to my feet as I connected my knee with his precious jewels once again. The room suddenly fell silent, most of the male population in the room hissed under their breath, knowing the pain this man was feeling. Cupping his dick, the man sneered at me one last time, falling to his knees as he refused to rise again. Turning, I stared at the other male and female soldiers, taking one step forward but they held their hands up in defeat.

"That's what I fucking thought!" I yelled through clenched teeth. Blowing a puff of air past my lips, I twitched my head, trying to remove strands of hair stuck in my vision. As much as I wanted to move directly toward Jean and the others, my main concern was Dhalis. Facing his direction, I noticed the man was leaning forward in his seat, hands held lightly before his face as he watched me tentatively step before him.

Stepping toward him, I was careful with my words. Around me, the entire courtroom was dead silent and I could tell people didn't know where to look, at me or the three soldiers. The man may have allowed me to get away with beating soldiers in front of him, still, my life still remained in the palm of his hands. "Premier Dhalis Zachary…" My voice echoed across the room and I dare not speak more until I was directly before him, all eyes finally falling on me as I bravely stood my ground. "I must sincerely apologize for my actions just now. If you cannot tell, I am covered from head to toe in multiple injuries I have sustained by their hands these past few days and I was tired of being their plaything simply because I am now a human who wields titan powers, just like Eren Jaeger. Whether you believe my punishment upon them was justified does not matter to me for they have caused me continuous pain since my arrest."

Digesting my words, the head of the entire military was quiet, his eyes peering straight into mine as he moved his gaze across my body. Landing back on my eyes, his seemed to soften. "Though I do not appreciate soldiers under my care being treated in such a way before my eyes, I can see your words are true. My dear, Ms. Varlen, what has happened to you?"

Sighing weakly, I could feel my legs about to collapse. Maybe it had been the punch to my face or my adrenaline was finally gone, but I was starting to see spots within my vision. "I-I can explain but, please…is a chair something I can request?"

Quickly nodding, Dhalis motioned to a soldier across the way who retrieved a chair, running up behind me as he placed the piece of wood down, my body dropping upon it the moment he let go. Breathing deeply, I could feel my head spin, Dhalis seeming to understand as he gave me a moment to rest before he spoke. In addition, Dhalis leaned over his seating to the soldier who brought me my chair, whispering to the male. The soldier ran up toward me, asking if I could lean forward. Complying with confusion, the soldier released my wrists from the confines of my shackles, leaving me to rub both my wrists, looking down to see they were both covered in bruises.

"First, I must ask…how long have I been down in that cell?"

Glancing down at his papers, Dhalis seemed reluctant to answer though he eventually said, "You have remained in custody for five days."

My only eye widened. "Five days?! Oh shit…" Taking a deep breath, I decided to ignore that piece of information for now. "Two of these three soldiers were my guards for the past five days. Henry, the soldier who brought me in here, had been a message several times. Not even thirty minutes ago, he brought the other two news that my trial had been switched to today instead of next week. I…" Huffing, I dropped my head, my nose, and everything else suddenly in unfathomable pain. I waited on healing myself, my present injuries still needed to be seen by those around me.

"Dhalis Zachary," lifting my head my eyes narrowed, more at the situation than the man before me. "These past five days have been hell. I've been used as a punching bag by those two soldiers whenever they decided to cast their anger upon me." There was a collective gasp across the courtroom, none more loudly than my friends. There was, however, one individual who decided to speak aloud when he probably shouldn't have.

"My men wouldn't do such a thing!"

Heads turned to Nile Dawk, his angered eyes glaring in my direction. Not sure what to say, I opted to keep my mouth closed to see if was to say anything else. And he did.

"Not a single soldier in my regiment would treat another soldier in the way she is claiming."

Raising an eyebrow, I pointed my thumb over a shoulder. "Did you seriously not hear the way they were speaking to me? And if anything, Nile, you commandeered your soldiers to treat me a specific way in the first place."

I could see his fingers itching toward the gun strapped across his back. But he wouldn't dare pull such a maneuver now, would he? Considering the way he treated me the night of my arrest, I wouldn't put it past him.

"Excuse me?"

"What, are you saying you…don't remember?" I found my words starting to slur. My stomach was growling and my throat was growing more parched with each word I spoke. Besides the abuse I'd adhered to, food and water had been prohibited in my cell. I hadn't had anything to eat or drink since hours before my arrest, even then, I mainly had alcohol, which had already drained my body by the time I went to bed. Trying to think of a retort, I was barely able to twist my body around, wanting to glance back toward Jean and the others when I felt my body start to fall forward. I don't know what was happening, but it seemed I had finally used the last of my adrenaline, my entire body suddenly exhausted, wanting nothing more than to consume more sleep.

~ oOo ~

JEAN

"Emalina!"

Ignoring the hands of my friends trying to restrain me, I vaulted over the wooden beam, running straight toward Emalina who was about to collapse in her seat. Sliding to my knees, I grabbed the woman by the shoulders, keeping her upright as I tilted her face toward mine. She wasn't warm but there was a thin line of sweat trickling down her forehead. Placing her back against the seat of the chair, I moved some strands away, my heart thumped, not only because she was finally in my arms again, but from the mere sight of the injuries she held. Now that I had a closer view, I could see the extent of what she was trying to tell Dhalis Zachary.

Breathing heavily, she tilted her head against my shoulder though she held it high, the next words she had were directed toward the man governing this courtroom yet he spoke first. And his words were aimed at me.

"Young man…?"

Standing while still holding Emalina still, I spared Dhalis a polite nod. "Jean Kirschtein, sir. I'm a recent graduate of the 104th Cadet Corp and a member of the Scout Regiment."

Acknowledging my closeness with Emalina, he held a hand out and said, "Am I to assume you two are together?"

I nodded once more. "Yes, sir, and I apologize for overstepping any boundaries, but I couldn't…I just can't…" Glancing my head down, Emalina was able to tilt her head upward as we shared a glance. The rest of the viewership of the courtroom must've understood, several expressing their interests as I could hear several "Ooohs" and "Ahhhs". My cheeks grew red thinking of my outward display of affection. I was used to being this way around those in the Scouts and around random civilians within a city setting, just not like this in close quarters.

"Mr. Kirschtein, I will allow you to remain by Ms. Varlen's side if you are able to provide some answers to the utter confusion I have regarding the situation at hand."

"Yes I can, sir. Not only can I provide you with answers, but I'm also one of the three witnesses to Emalina's arrest the other night."

Rubbing his temple, Dhalis seemed genuinely confused as he casually sent a glance to where Nile stood across the room whose glare was still centered on Emalina. Her breathing had gradually slowed, her back straightening with each passing second as she seemed to slowly regain some strength she'd once had.

"It would seem I am the one in the dark. I'm the one who wrote and provided Emalina's arrest warrant to Commander Dawk. The morning after Ms. Varlen's arrest, I was visited by Commander Smith and Captain Levi as they tried to explain the displeasure they had that one of their soldiers had been arrested, let alone in the middle of the night. I know nothing else other than she was arrested at night when I explicitly told Commander Dawk that Ms. Varlen was to be arrested the following morning." Turning his head between staring at both sides of the courtroom, one represented by the Military Police and one by the Scouts, Dhalis met Emalina and me in the middle. "Please, start from the beginning and explain everything."

"Six days ago was Queen Historia's coronation where Emalina, myself, and our comrades spent a majority of the afternoon at the palace in your presence along with Commander Dawk. Myself, Emalina, and our two friends, Sasha and Connie," I pointed towards them in the stands. "We spent that night enjoying the success of everything the Scouts had accomplished in the last week and just wanted to have a relaxing evening."

Swallowing, I brushed my thumb across Emalina's cheek. She reached for my hand and squeezed. "We eventually returned to Headquarters where we turned in for the night. Next thing I know is that I'm being awoken by Emalina's screams, only to find her on her knees, held at gunpoint with a knife to her neck by an MP officer. Another restrained me, holding me at gunpoint as well when Commander Dawk entered the room, claiming Emalina had crimes held against her that warranted immediate death."

Dhalis fisted his hands together, placing them against his chin as he glared long and hard.

"That's when Commander Erwin and Captain Levi entered the room, immediately detained by other soldiers as we were all kept away from Emalina, who at this point had been hit in the temple by a gun for attempting to stand." Gently taking hold of Emalina's chin, I tilted her head for Dhalis to see the dried blood still remaining against her cheek. "The evidence is still right here, sir."

The man was quiet, inhaling deeply as he tapped his forehead against his fists. "Mr. Kirschtein, is there more?"

"Sadly, yes. Once the Commander and Captain appeared, Commander Dawk pulled what seemed to be an official letter out, claiming he was given orders from you that Emalina was under arrest and that she was to face immediate death."

Nile, seemingly not happy with my answer, pounded his fist against the wooden railing. "This is absurd! I was merely following your orders - !"

"Silence, Nile!" Glaring at the man, Dhalis returned his attention forward, waving his hand for me to continue.

"Though he said this, the Commander then turned around and claimed you would grant Emalina a trial just like Eren Jaeger, though he never stated when. He even openly admitted that he felt she didn't deserve such treatment. He then had several of his men remove Emalina from our room as they carted her away, holding myself, Commander Erwin, and Captain Levi captive until Commander Nile decided to leave. We shared some words before he finally left us alone."

Nodding, Dhalis straightened in his heightened seat above us on his station. "Commander Erwin, Captain Levi…do you have any additional pieces of information you would like to add?"

Holding the papers in his hands of the reports the other Scouts had countlessly worked on, Erwin held them up for everyone to view. "Regarding the night of Emalina's arrest, I have nothing new to add as Jean provided a detailed explanation."

Next was Levi. Arms crossed with one of the most deadly glares I had ever seen, he replied with, "Jean provided the best description of the night of Emalina's arrest, I have nothing new to add."

"However…" Erwin gathered the attention of everyone else in the courtroom. Holding the papers higher, he explained, "In my hands, I have detailed reports from my Scout soldiers where they, in detail, describe their recent encounters with Emalina Varlen, starting from the day we were told titans had broken through Wall Rose up to the day of her arrest."

Across the way, Nile spat. "And what would that do? Premier, this will be just a waste of time."

Taking into consideration of Nile's words, Dhalis then asked Erwin, "I'm interested to read what has been written, but what are you wanting to prove, Commander?"

"I want to make a point regarding Emalina's sudden journey into obtaining her newly acquired titan powers. May I step forward and present our side of the evidence?"

"Yes, you may."

"Thank you."

Moving through the crowd, Erwin centered himself in the middle of the room, keeping the distance between Emalina close. Hand the packet of papers to me, Erwin took the first, holding it high above his head.

"This statement comes from Emalina's friend Connie Springer: 'Emalina is a delightful person and a wondrous friend. The day the titans broke through the Wall Rose, Emalina was relentless in keeping her comrades safe. That night we took refuge in Utgaard Castle where we were then bombarded and attacked by numerous additional titans we didn't even know were there. Other than the four veteran soldiers, Emalina was the only one with ODM gear and fought with all her might to protect the rest of us, as we had to leave our compound, leaving us without our ODM gear. She was suffering from injuries obtained in the previous expedition but pushed through until she nearly collapsed.'"

Passing that paper back to me, I gave Erwin the next.

"Here we have the account of Armin Arlert: 'No words can describe the honorable characteristics Emalina holds as a soldier. The day I and the remaining Scouts saved our comrades at Utgaard castle was the day she was captured by Bertholdt Hoover, the man whose true identity we explained the other day. She was taken captive and when we ran to rescue her that night, she had been stabbed with something that had immediately given her the power of a titan. At first, she was seemingly being controlled by the Armored Titan as she was attacking any soldiers - Scouts, Garrisons, and Military Police combined - but she missed every single time. When she gained her own consciousness, she instantly set to fighting the true enemy we had been after and used her powers to keep us safe as we made our escape after retrieving Eren Jaeger. Because of her, we were not attacked by other titans as we made our escape to Wall Rose.'"

We repeated this process several times, reading through the accounts of Eren, Hange, Moblit, Sasha, and Historia. I wasn't ordered to write a report as Erwin wanted me to provide a verbal testimony for Emalina's defense based on what I had witnessed.

Taking hold of all the papers, Erwin stepped forward and handed them directly to Dhalis. "Premier Dhalis Zachary, I requested my soldiers to complete their own testimonies to describe how Emalina Varlen has done nothing but prove her worth as a soldier and a noble Scout. Not just that, but these titan powers were thrust upon her unwillingly, she did not consent to become a science project and has had to suffer the consequences these last three weeks. We have numerous witnesses that will testify how Emalina has garnered her powers to use for the side of good, never for the side of evil."

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Having had enough, Nile stepped through the railing gate, stepping toward Erwin as they moved closer to Emalina. I was about to move as well when our Commander placed himself in the middle so Nile had no access to her. "She killed MY men as a titan!"

"If that's the only crime you are holding against my sister," Levi now stepped onto the floor, placing a loving hand on his sister's shoulder. "Then you best hold me and my soldiers responsible. We were fighting for our lives from YOUR Anti-Personnel Squad; Emalina was not the only soldier to have killed another that night. If anything, your men attacked mine first, so, therefore, our actions were out of self-defense."

Nile was fuming, eyes seeking Emalina's as she met his stare without fear. "I wanted that fucking Jaeger boy to die. Him being a titan will only cause destruction to our already destroyed world. Who's to say this bitch won't do the same?!"

"Commander Dawk!" It was Dhalis to raise his voice as he stood from his seat. "I will not tolerate such language in my courtroom, especially to the woman who, it seems, your men have assaulted these past few days." Stepping down from his raised dial, Dhalis appeared before Emalina, kneeling to be at the same level as he then asked in a soft tone, "There is still one aspect of this case that has not been explained. Emalina, I can see your injuries before me. What did they do these past few days?"

"It seemed like everything. They refused to allow me restroom privacy and I had to threaten using my titan powers to even be granted a five-minute limit to take care of my business in peace. I was rudely woken up in the middle of the night by Nile's men to take their frustrations out on me. I was passed around between guards and used as a punching bag before collapsing in bed. They threw freezing water on me while I was sleeping without providing me with a spare change of clothing. What I'm wearing now are the same pajamas I was wearing the night of my arrest! I have not been provided the opportunity to shower, brush my teeth, or do anything to allow proper hygiene!" Gawking at Nile, she then added, "I was even denied food and water. The guards would blatantly eat in front of me as my stomach growled from hunger. There were times they acted as if they were giving me a roll or something from their plate, only to pull their food back from between the bars."

Digesting everything I just said, I could tell there were words Dhalis wanted to share though refrained from doing so. He was here to be a neutral party, one to hear both sides of the story. Instead, he said, "My dear…as a titan, I've heard Eren Jaegers holds regenerative powers that can heal his wounds. Do you have the same? If so, why haven't you healed the injuries still ailing you?"

The woman was quick with her reply, her statement was one I knew she had been honing since her arrest. "Would you have believed me otherwise? If I came into this courtroom without as much as a scratch, would you have believed my story that soldiers under Nile's commander had beaten me?"

Considering her words, it would seem Dhalis was fighting with himself over her truth. Eventually, he muttered, "Probably not."

"Exactly. These wounds were the best evidence to prove how I had been mistreated."

Seemingly having heard what he was searching for, Dhalis stood, returning to his seat higher than the rest of the courtroom. Calling for everyone's attention, the man cleared his throat. "It would seem much has transpired merely because I handed Commander Nile Dawk orders that I had written and given to him. Ms. Varlen," he focused his words solely on her. "My arrest was due to you now being a titan, considering your new powers had remained a secret rather than the truth to be revealed from the beginning. My plan, from the beginning, was for you to have a fair trial just as Eren Jaeger had. There is quite a bit of surprising information I learned this afternoon that I was not aware of. I was not told that you did not give your consent to receive these powers. I was not told of your arrest having taken place in the middle of the night when I explicitly stated that you were to be arrested in the morning." That last statement was meant for Nile, whose body quivered, knowing he had been caught.

Clearing his throat one last time, Dhalis then stated, "You were never to be sentenced to death, Emalina. I have no idea where that assumption came from. But, based on all the provided testimonies, witness statements, and the information you have provided directly, I declare you, Emalina Rose Varlen…not guilty." Dhalis thus banged his gavel against his wooden desk, the room suddenly growing so quiet, I could my heart thump in my ears.

Raising his hand so the room would remain silent, there was more Dhalis was to add. "Emalina, I only have one condition. Just like Eren Jaeger, you are to remain with the Scouts and work with them regarding the expedition we discussed several days prior. I've heard much about you, Emalina, regarding your skills as a soldier; though considering who trained you, I expect nothing less. Stay with them and use your powers to aid humanity in the only way the Scouts know-how. Other than that, you have free will and free reign to do as you please." He slammed the gavel down once more, effectively ending his sentencing.

And then, a vast majority of the courtroom erupted into cheers.

Slumping against me, Emalina caved, having lost the last piece of adrenaline she had in her body as she suddenly started to softly glow. Both Levi and I knelt before her, each grasping a hand as we watched all her wounds heal. Whatever blood that was stuck to her skin remained as she would need to shower to remove such grime. But the scabbed wounds, bruises, and her swollen eye were fully healed in a matter of minutes. I could see a faint line on her neck from the knife when she was arrested and another on her temple when she was smashed with the gun. Despite that, she seemed overly healed.

"Emalina, how're you feeling?" It was Levi who asked as she glanced at him, finally able to open both eyes. Fuck, how I had missed those beautiful eyes these past five days.

Tightening her grip on our hands, she produced the first smile we had seen on her since she entered the courtroom. "I'm tired, despite having done nothing these past few days other than sleep. And I'm hungry."

"The first thing you need is food, considering they've starved you this entire time," Levi's words were venomous as he glanced across the room behind his sister to see the three MP soldiers she had been beaten were carried out of the room. "Emalina…I - there's nothing I can say."

"Then don't," she was quick to retort. "You didn't plan my arrest, you weren't the one to physically harm me."

"But we tried to do something and could've done more these past few days!" I cried, hand seeking her cheek.

Shaking her hand, she still continued to smile. "If you had done more, that would've put an unnecessary strain on the Scouts, and who knows what else the soldiers would have done to me." Straightening in her chair, she tried leaning forward, what seemed as if she was about to give her brother and me a hug when Sasha screamed from the sidelines.

"EMALINA!"

Both she and Connie ran from their side positions, nearly slamming into her before Levi held his hand out to stop them. Slowing, they still wrapped their arms around her, holding the woman tightly. "OMG Ema I'm so glad you're all right!" Sasha cried.

"Same! Fucking shit! The night when we were told you were arrested I didn't believe them! But then you were held captive for five days!"

Patting their arms, she leaned into them, seemingly loving the comfort she was receiving from her close friends and family. "Guys, as much as I love you loving on me, can we please get the fuck outa here? I've been here long enough and just want to eat."

Feeling a hand on her shoulder, she turned to see Erwin standing beside her. "Jean and the others will take you back to headquarters. Levi, will you stay here with me, Hange, and Moblit so we can take care of any remaining affairs?"

The captain nodded. "I'd love nothing more than to share a few words with Commander Dawk."

"You and me both, Levi." Nodding in my direction, Erwin speared a glance at Sasha and Connie. "You three can manage taking care of her?"

"No one better than us, sir!" Connie declared proudly.

Chuckling, our Commander nodded. "Then please, take your leave. We'll meet up with you at headquarters when we're done."

As I dropped my hand, Levi replaced mine with his against his sister's cheek. "Emalina, is there anything you want me to say to Nile after you leave?"

"Even after his orders and the way his men treated me, I don't want the man to lose his position."

We were all surprised by her statement. "E-Emalina! Think about what has happened to you!"

Her head shook, loose hair cascading across her beautiful face. "I know Sasha, trust me. This may have been personal against me when you think about how he reacted at Eren's trial." Rubbing the side of her face, she added, "The man was a complete asshole that night, but I know he cares about the well-being of the people inside the interior. I think he just needs a beating to the head to realize that Eren and I aren't the enemy."

Through my peripheral, I could see Levi and Erwin share a quick look, one that was skeptical and left me laughing internally. I believe they were in agreement with Emalina, yet their anger was manifesting before all.

We were interrupted when footsteps appeared before us, Dhalis having stepped down from his seat. "Commander Erwin, Captain Levi, I think it goes without saying that there is a conversation we need to hold in private."

Levi deadpanned as he answered, "Yeah, there is." Standing, his last words to his sister were, "I'll see you soon, shorty." Leaning down, he dropped a kiss to her forehead as she smiled bright up at him. Then to me, Sasha, and Connie, he said, "Please take care of her."

To demonstrate our seriousness, we all saluted. "Yes sir!"

Sighing, Levi dropped his head, muttering, "You guys are dumbasses."

As he walked away, Emalina released a hearty laugh. "Yeah, but you guys are my dumbasses."

"That we are!" Connie stated proudly.

Softly brushing her friend's hair, Sasha next said, "I think it's time we get you outa here."

Not waiting for her response, I hooked my arms beneath Emalina's legs, curling the woman into my chest as her head fell into the crook of my neck, where she was supposed to be. Without any other words or glances from others, we promptly left the courthouse. The moment we stepped outside, Emalina shielded her eyes from the sunlight, curling her face against my shoulder to filter the light. Ignoring every single person we crossed, the four of us made it to Headquarters in record time and the moment we stepped through the door is when Emalina lifted her head.

"Can I get some food first before anything?" She asked meekly, almost embarrassed that she wanted to ask.

"Oh, Princess Emalina wants some food!" Connie stated as Sasha snickered beside him.

Her head shot upward instantly. "Princess? What the hell?"

"I think it's fitting!" Sasha added as she messed with Emalina's hair who frowned in annoyance.

"If Princess Emalina wants food before anything else, then I think we need to pamper the shit out of her."

Growling, Emalina hid her red-covered cheeks. "I will only allow this nickname for the rest of the day. If any one of you calls me that after today, you best believe I will kick your ass."

"I think that's fair, I concur," Connie stated, though he still rubbed the back of his neck. Because he knew I meant my words and would follow up on them as soon as tomorrow morning.

Within minutes we were at the doors leading into the Mess Hall and I was placing Emalina down at one of the empty tables, Sasha and Connie left without words to make her a plate. Taking the seat across from her, I held her hand, staring at her fingers, slightly afraid to stare into her eyes.

"Jean, I hope you don't think I'm mad at you or anything."

My ears perked upward when I finally tilted my head upward to stare at her. Emalina was wearing a beautiful smile as she clenched my fingers within her. "What…makes you say that?"

"Well, for starters you haven't spared me a look since we sat down, you're quiet, and I know who you are, Jean. You were there when I was arrested and I know you're holding yourself accountable, feeling that there was nothing you could have done."

Still, this woman surprises me with how well she can read my demeanor. I never want this woman to lose that edge. Rubbing my temple I caved, for she had stated it all. "How could I not? Granted I had guns pointed at my head, but I could've fought harder, I could've done something!"

Placing her other hand atop mine, the woman still continued to smile. "Jean, listen to me. What happened has passed and regardless of the injuries I sustained, I am completely healed." I was about to say something when Emalina decided I shouldn't as she leaned across the table to place a finger upon my lips, effectively silencing me. "We cannot change the past, Jean, all we can do now is move forward and accept it. Dhalis declared me not guilty and that I could remain with the Scouts. I consider that a win, wouldn't you?"

"I mean, I get it, it's just…why did it have to happen in the first place?"

Catching the movement of our friends from my peripheral, Emalina noticed them too, as she quickly said, "All we can do is keep doing what we have been. By supporting the Scouts in what we believe and fight for what we think is right."

Sasha and Connie soon sat down, presenting Emalina with a plate lightly filled with simple food. She was given mashed potatoes and gravy, one roll, and some soup. Considering she hadn't been given anything to eat for the last five days, Emalina needed something simple and ate very slowly, otherwise, she would upset her stomach and make herself extremely sick. We sat and patiently waited for her to eat her meal, the four of us engaging in conversation. Connie tried steering our talk away from her arrest but Emalina was sneaky, working her way back around until we fell under her spell. She asked question after question about these last several days, wanting to know everything that had happened, everything that we had done to aid her.

By the time she was done, the woman was smiling as she fell into Sasha's side, holding her own from the laughter spilling from her lips. I wasn't sure how long we remained in the Mess Hall but it had been long enough as people gradually entered to seek out their dinner. Nothing the hall was becoming fuller with people, Emalina embarrassingly glanced around, shrinking into her shoulders. Beside her, Sasha took note as the woman circled her best friend into her arms.

"Well Princess Emalina, are you finally full of delicious food?"

"Heh, you could say that," Emalina patted her stomach. "If I eat anything else I will for sure make myself sick."

"Would you mind if I fetch myself a plate? My stomach is calling out for some dinner!"

Nudging her friend's shoulder, Emalina replied, "Nah, go for it, girlie. Would it be ok if I head up to my room? I don't know how you haven't noticed but I probably smell, I haven't had a shower in days."

"Oh, we noticed, we just didn't want to say anything."

"Connie!" Sasha cried out, but I was the one who smacked our friend upside the head, earning Connie a decent bump he tenderly touched. "Did I really deserve that?"

"YES!" The three of us cried, though we gradually erupted in laughter.

Leaving Sasha and Connie to retrieve their dinner, I pulled Emalina to her feet. I argued that I could carry her yet she was adamant she could walk the distance between the Mess Hall and our room. Keeping a loose arm around her back, we traversed through the castle-like structure, moving up three flights of stairs, and meandered to our room. Opening the door for her to enter first, Emalina went straight toward the drawers, seeking a clean pair of pajamas and underwear. Grabbing a towel, she quickly placed it in the adjoined bathroom. Eyeing me as I removed my shoes from my seat on the bed, she asked, "Did you want to join me?"

For some reason, her request surprised me. I assumed she would have wanted some time to be alone. "You sure you don't want this time for yourself?"

"I thought about that, but thinking of a shower with you sounds relaxing. B-But you don't have to if you don't want to."

Rising to my feet, I pulled the woman against my chest whose arms wrapped around my back. Dropping a kiss, the first in five days, to the top of her head, I muttered, "I would love nothing more."

Removing her clothing first, Emalina moved into the bathroom to untangle her mangled mess of hair. Placing my clothes on the bed, as I would just place them on once we were done, I moved behind Emalina, taking the brush in my hair, and smoothly moved the device through her hair. There were definite tangles and hard knots. Being as gentle as I could, I was able to remove the majority within a matter of minutes as Emalina sighed, running her fingers through the long locks.

Content, we turned to the shower whose water had been warming this entire time. Entering first, Emalina dunked her head underneath the spray, her shoulders falling forward in utter relaxation. Grabbing her shoulders, I kneaded the taut muscles, feeling several hardened knots, eventually breaking through each one.

When her hair was soaked, she grabbed the shampoo, lathering her long locks in bubbled suds, scrubbing and massaging her scalp. As she did so, I ran the tips of my fingers along her arm, wanting the woman to know I was there. Once she had finished her hair, she grabbed the soap, scrubbing hard along her skin to the point it was turning red.

Taking the bar from her hands, I said, "Here. This is where you need to relax."

Lathering the bar in a cloth, I massaged her limbs carefully. There was dried blood from the numerous cuts she'd had and they had time to dry over these past few days. Applying minimal pressure to certain areas, the water ran a faint red as it was swallowed by the drain. Emalina released soft groans and moans, probably feeling content and relaxed since the night of her arrest.

I didn't want to think about what this woman had been through. In five days she's been physically assaulted and, in her words from this afternoon, she had been used as the personal punching bag for several MP soldiers. Had she been scared, frightened? I was growing selfish in that I hoped she thought of me during that time.

When I was satisfied every single inch of her body had been scrubbed, I hastily dropped the cloth, landing with a plop on the floor of the shower floor.

"…Jean?"

As she twisted, I reached forward, engulfing the woman in my arms. Tightly holding her gloriously naked body against my own, I curled my head into the crook of her neck, inhaling her wondrous scent, having missed her during the time she was gone. Sensing what I was feeling, Emalina's arms wrapped tightly around my midsection as we stood in the spray of the shower. It was calm and warm all at once.

I refused to move for a good five minutes. After that, I pulled away only slightly, just enough to cup the woman's face, pulling her back so our noses were touching. "Emalina, there's just…so much I feel I need to say."

"I know…but remember what I said when we were waiting in the Mess Hall."

"'All we can do is keep doing what we have been. By supporting the Scouts in what we believe and fight for what we think is right,'" I quoted from her earlier statement. "I know…and I'm gonna try to put what has happened behind us, but there's still something you need to hear." She smiled and knowing Emalina, she knew what it was. "I love you, Emalina Rose Varlen. I promise…from here on out, that no one, and I mean no one, will ever take you away from me again."

Kissing the tip of my chin, the woman replied, "I'll hold you to that, Jean Kirschtein. Just know the same goes for me as well. I will fight tooth and nail with my titan powers to ensure your safety." Placing a hand over mine, I could see the tears form in the corner of her eyes. "We have a future planned, do we not?"

I nodded. "A home in the countryside close to Trost, a farm full of horses, and a house full of children."

"Woah, I never said a house full of children! What kinda number are you thinking there?"

"I was thinking seven."

"Seven?! Kirschtein, you're lucky if I'll give you three."

Bursting out in laughter, I peppered this woman with numerous kisses. Emalina was the love of my life and anything she said, anything she did I cherished more than anything. She had become my new home when I wanted to throw Trost away. She is where I felt safe.

"Jean…you're overthinking again."

"Sorry," I muttered kissing her head once more. "Just imagining you pregnant with twins. Your belly would be huge and I'd absolutely adore it."

That earned a slap across my head, but our laughter filled the tiny bathroom. We would continue to survive. We would live and we would love, have fun, and simply stay by each other's sides.

Besides, we don't live by regrets.

~ oOo ~

I am so impressed I was able to complete this chapter as quickly as I did. I don't know when I'll update next as I need to give some love to my other stories, especially my Skyrim and Harry Potter stories. Check those out if you haven't! :)

DragonGoddess629