#and the rest of the 104th boys AND shikishima

[blazefire-engine]

The Deal (Part IV)

Summary:

Backed into a corner, Paradis is in need of advanced weaponry to go against Marley forces. Mikasa Ackerman understands this more than anyone. The Azumabito family complies with her request to share Hizuru’s technology with the island demons- in exchange for being “Hizuru’s hope.” A small price to pay, according to the ever loyal and self-sacrificing Mikasa.

Canon-divergence from chapter 107 to 132 (-ish). Which means spoilers until chapter 132.

Part: I  |  II  |  III  |  IV  |  V

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“No words are enough to describe your beauty.”

“Shikishima,” Kiyomi chastised softly, a hand to her mouth. “That is not the only reason for your visit.”

“Right, Okaasan.”

Mikasa visibly flinched from hearing the language of her mother tongue. An affectionate word she used to call her own mother by. The movement did not go unnoticed by everyone. 

“I am here to oversee the distribution and capabilities of the iceburst stones. Let’s all work together, shall we?”

---

“Mikasa, are you alright?” Armin asked as they fastened on their maneuvering gears.

“Yeah.” She sighed, still reeling from shock. She tried to focus on tying back her hair and preparing the saddle of her horse. 

After a few introductions, the plan now was to return to the walls, the Hizuru envoy will board the train while the rest of Levi’s squad will ride back on horse and in gear, increasing security from remaining, wandering titans.   

“Okaasan… isn’t that what you call your mom?” Eren placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. 

A tense silence filled the air. Everyone knew the fate of her parents. 

“Oi, brats.” Levi’s voice cut through. “It’s time.”

---

“I’m very intrigued on how you use your maneuvering gear.” Captain Azumabito smiled as he watched the green cloaked soldiers ride their horses alongside the train.

“We will be more than happy to demonstrate for you, Captain.” Hanji sat before him, pouring him a cup of tea. “I’ll have you know we go through rigorous training.”

“I can only imagine.” He took the cup with thanks.

Suddenly, the riders see a smoke of red from out the window.

“What is happening?” Lady Kiyomi asked as she felt a small quake from the earth. The tea from their cups splattering on the table. 

“Speak of the devil!” Hanji grinned.

---

With a hunter’s instinct, Sasha immediately fired a red smoke signal. “15 meter, moderate pace, northeast!”

Hearing the position, the soldier closest to the location was Mikasa and she readied her blades. “Captain!” A silent permission to pursue.

“Go.” He nodded.

Mikasa deviated from the group, approaching the running titan. Setting a steady gallop on her horse, she took her feet off the stirrups and unhanded the reins. With a balanced core, she slowly stood on the saddle, hands reaching for the piston handles of the blades. 

Timing the distance of the titan, she shot her grappling hook, aiming on embedding it on the titan’s shoulder. With a releasing burst of gas, she propelled herself off her horse, rounding behind the titan’s nape, and slicing the flesh cleanly with a single move. 

As the titan fell, Mikasa landed smoothly on the back of its head. She stared at the blond hair.

This used to be a fellow human. An Eldian. Someone’s father, mother, sibling, friend…

She shook the remaining blood off her blades and whistled for her horse’s return. 

Her resolve to fight only grew stronger and felt justified that the deal with Hizuru was a necessary call.

---

“Your demonstration arrived earlier than expected, Captain.” Hanji gave a sheepish smile. 

“She’s really something, isn’t she?” He stared in awe out the window, tea forgotten. “There’s a grace and fluidity in her movements and that killing intent…”

“Mikasa isn’t called the woman worth a hundred soldiers for nothing!”

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Badass Mikasa of course.