[Aubrey is afraid. That's unwelcome. Armin feels his teeth grit too, though he doesn't quite understand why. His fist is clenching. He thinks of Eren and spreads out his hand, shaking it, shaking his head.]

Aubrey. [His voice is firm, suddenly; there is some desperation.

[He forces his voice to sound gentle. Why does he have to force it? She'll never know the difference.]

It's alright. [He holds his hands up, then out. The tips of his nails are starting to turn black too, but if he notices, he doesn't acknowledge it.]

I don't know what's happening yet, but I know we'll solve the puzzle like we always do. This is clearly the next step, so...

We're closer than ever to seeing Eren and Sunny again.

[Armin won't die before they reach them. He's not worried about that.

[His voice get just a little quieter.]

Whatever happens, I'm not going to hurt you. [Those last two words - aggressive. He swallows down a lump in his throat, eyes momentarily widing.

[And then he takes a deep breath.]

It's alright. Let's keep walking...