Chapter 5: Always at the same place

The distortion of words.

A huge shoutout and appreciation to the amazing Doomsday who made a Spotify playlist for this story 3 Check it out here playlist/6eBGvQn7LbYdx5uFxxExlo?si=mP-5vtvLRVewEDi67OgXVQ

"10 silvers each, no more no less."

"13 silvers for two."

"20 silvers for both."

If looks did can kill someone, the clothier would've died fifteen minutes ago. But turned out that merchants were tied with soldiers in terms of determination.

Annie scoffed and mustered her 'drunk-husband-didn't-give-enough-money-now-my-kids-will-not-survive-the-winter' persona. "Look at this one." She showed the pink fabric. "Look at the edges, it's fraying."

"It's not. It's just excess threads."

"Then what about this yellow one. I notice some uneven patches."

"That's part of the design!" The merchant barked.

"Some stupid design you had there."

"Then just leave and don't buy any! Can't you see that?!" The man furiously pointed at a crooked wooden board on the wall saying 'No haggling. Fixed price.'.

Annie ignored him. "Everything can be bargained. 13 silvers for these two. I have some blankets to make so hurry up."

"Just get out."

She hummed, "Okay. My fiancé doesn't want me to resort to this but since you're being unreasonable—" "HEY!" "—I'll make a deal with you. These two for 13 silvers and I won't tell the police that you've been smuggling illegal brooches in that Thursday 3 PM shipment in Haragon Port."

"…"

"Hurry the fuck up, old man. Babies grow bigger by the second and I'll be damned if this blanket doesn't fit them."

"… I'll wrap them for you."

Annie finally budged from her position as the merchant left for the backroom. Fuck Hitch. She'd strangled that bitchy ex-roommate of her the next time they met.

It wasn't actually her intention to start this whole 'blanket business' that Historia so fondly called. It started as a simple gift for baby Frieda and Annie was always quite proficient in sewing and embroidering. Her father never taught her any girly stuff back home, always preferring the cold mud of their training grounds, so Annie mostly developed her feminine endeavors with the local women in her village. They took one look at her haggard self, frowned, and decided to teach her all the things she'd need as a future wife and mother. At first, Annie thought it was stupid, for she won't live long enough to be a wife and mother if she was picked as an inheritor anyway, but the activities were pleasing enough. Sewing and embroidering were a tranquility that she needed in her rigorous life.

Jokes on herself, for now she was going to become a wife and, in the future, mother. And when Historia found out her sewing skills, she commissioned Annie to make some. Two blankets and five baby clothes later, Annie was a full-fledged tailor. For the queen and princess of Paradis no less. As leaving the house often was still deemed too dangerous for the shifter, Armin was the one who sold her pieces down in the village. The money wasn't much, but it sufficed.

And it looked like she was going to discontinue her business for a while, seeing the recent progress of Historia's plan. Maybe she could even knit a new scarf for Mikasa when Armin went to the capital.

Oh, but who was she kidding, no scarves would ever replace that dingy smelly red scarf Mikasa was so attached to. Or maybe she'd already thrown it away. She'd ask Armin about that later.

The shop's doorbell rang and two women entered. Annie immediately hid behind a shelf. She thanked the gods for her short stature. Even after all that had been going on, she didn't want anyone especially the locals to recognize her as the shifter who destroyed most of Stohess years ago or a member of the Alliance.

"—and he's never home! Like, never, seriously he's gone six days a week."

"Well, you do know that's what his job demands."

"I do, but I wish he's home more."

"The meeting is still every night?"

"Yeah. Hey, this color is nice. And he's going to be even busier this month. They… they're finally moving, you know?"

"The green is too dull. Wait, that plan?"

"Yeah. He told me they're closing in a day before the festival."

Annie's ears perked up.

"How are they going to bypass through all the guards and MPs?"

"He didn't tell me. Disguises, I suppose? Wait, try that one, red suits you."

"They're not that stupid. And, no, I want to get something brighter. Summer colors."

"I don't know! It'll work. They've been planning this since months ago."

"What will happen after?"

"They'll retreat and hide back in Plontus. And then, right to the next plan."

"Straight away? Girl, you really won't be seeing your man anytime soon."

"They couldn't risk the damn loyalists or alliance to retaliate. It's a race against time. And she herself is pretty strong too."

"Fair enough. And yourself? Got something to do on D-Day?"

"I requested to be on his squad, but they told me to be on standby when they finally restraint her. I'm supposed to change her clothes or something. Get rid of any leads."

"I see. Be careful. She'll kick your head off if she wakes up early."

"As if. She's fucking weak now. Mikasa Ackerman got nothing on me."

"We'll see about that. Come on, I think I saw another shop. We'll have to head back soon or it's Mr. A who's going to kick our heads."

The girls left.

Annie watched herself from the mirror, her face betraying all emotions. She took a deep breath and straightened her hat, motions surprisingly calm. Calm like the water. Calm like Armin.

This was the puzzle piece they've been searching for. Armin would've been satisfied that his guesses were correct.

It was almost fitting, Annie thought, that the key to change the world involved the tragedy that was Eren and Mikasa.

The clothier walked in holding a paper bag.

"H-here you go, Miss."

Annie observed him. "Say, do you think that illegal shipment of yours have some firearms I can buy?"

Mikasa woke up to the scent of Eren on the pillows and instantly banged on the door to be let out. The guards heard her, the maids heard her, everyone in the palace heard her and chose to ignore. She was a consort, they reasoned, only to be seen and served.

But they knew. The guards and the maids and everyone. She was just like them, another prisoner of the new regime but draped in luxuries symbolizing her position in their Lord's command.

A soldier defeated. A girl exploited. A human reduced.

When the pale skin of her knuckles was tainted blue and purple and red, she stopped and stilled. Again, Mikasa realized, again was she confined in solitariness for days, or weeks, depending on Eren's benevolence. Again, were the currents sinking on her.

She'd swam an entire ocean to save the boy she loved yet the raging waves had caught up to them in the end. Legs bounded by coils of regrets, arms too weak to break the surface—and Mikasa knew she had never been a great swimmer.

The doctor, the only person allowed to visit her, came bringing Armin's iris-sealed letter that she hadn't read, Kiyomi's letter, and her agenda for the month.

"Eren—Lord Yeager has ordered for you to stay in this adjoining room of his to recover. I'm going to visit you every day, okay, dear? I think we can remove the bandages by next week. Maybe after then you'll be allowed to go back to your room and… resume your daily activities normally."

"Can I see Gabi?"

Vanessa shook her head. "I'm really sorry, Mikasa."

"It's not your fault, doc. Thank you for bringing me these." Mikasa paused. "He… He promised me not to read my personal letters. Do you think he meant it?"

"Maybe. He's not the one to easily break a promise, I believe. But things have been pretty tense with the government and Hizuru and this whole rebellion thing. You should still be careful."

"Okay. Um, can I ask you a favor?"

"Anything, dear."

"Can you tell Gabi to feed my pet kitten? I don't want her to starve and eat from the garbage while I'm stuck here. The food is in my room, second drawer from the left."

"Alright. I'll find Gabi right away. Don't worry about your kitten."

"Thank you."

"Oh! I almost forgot. If your injury is healing well and you're not having those headaches again, Lord Yeager wants you to accompany him to the summer festival. They're opening next week and lasted until the end of this month. But I told him, only if you're well enough."

"Accompany him?"

"The officers and advisors want him to be more approachable to the people."

"But why me?"

"He wants to introduce you. As… as the lady of the palace."

Mikasa frowned. "But I'm affiliated with Hizuru, now a traitor to the empire, and a former member of the Alliance."

"I think he wants an image change. Of you and Armin and others. Yes, you may be his enemies back then, but everything has changed now. If the Reiss loyalists and the Alliance members see you with him, they may finally believe that a unity is possible. Even if that unity is falsely constructed. Armin will be there too as his Master Advisor. Seeing you three together will certainly have an effect on the people. Whether it's good or bad, they still want to test the waters."

Mikasa looked down and nodded, "As long as Armin is there."

Vanessa smiled, "Alright. Rest well, Mikasa."

Dearest Mikasa,

Not a day has gone by without thinking of you and wishing you were with us here safe and sound. We miss you, my sweet child. The whole clan does. Be it forever or a few days, you have woven yourself into our lives so lovingly with your charm and gentleness that we couldn't even remember the days we had before meeting you.

I see that you are starting to grow your hair. When we finally meet again, I wish to show you the traditional braiding style and ornaments of our nation. You will be the most beautiful flower that ever bloomed, and I am sure your mother will be very delighted to have you embracing our culture.

Mikasa, this may be the last letter you will receive from me in the near future. The military has been keeping a strict eye on us and all our movements. We believe that a storm is coming. But we will drench ourselves in the heaviest rain if it means we can save you. Your friend Armin must've told you of his and our plan already. Mikasa, as I was unable to reach out to Armin directly in fear of spies, please tell him this when he comes to the palace:

The rebellion is planning on altering the components in the missile. We believe that they may have some other plans that are far more dangerous than what they've been telling us. Armin had his suspicions, and I think this news will confirm some of them.

Mikasa, the vipers in the palace will try to influence you to think that we the Azumabitos are full of greed and will threaten the peace of this island. Indeed, we are a prideful clan. Our pride is you. Not because of your Shogun bloodline, but because you are the future your mother had protected until her death. We stand behind you, your Alliance, and the good people of this island. And until your safety can be ensured, we will continue to play our parts, as do you. Whatever may happen to this country, we wish to protect you.

Take care,

Your aunt Kiyomi

Dear Miki,

How are you? I wish you're doing well. And I hope you'll be doing even better when I come to the palace this week. God, I missed you more than you know. Annie missed you too but she's shy as always. Hi Miki. Why the hell is your nickname Miki? That was Annie. I'll tell her the story behind that name. Anyway, I have to keep this letter short. Kiyomi's letter must have also reached you by now. I'm going to explain all of it in person. Just know that we are doing everything we can to save you. Historia, Jean, and all of us, we missed you a lot. I'll stop before I become a sobbing mess and Annie will tease me non-stop. It's all she does these days.

Historia has an important request for you. The book is actually not entirely complete. She believes that another book or other related scriptures are still hidden in the palace's library. You need to find those and have them delivered to Historia as soon as possible. You must do that before they found out. We know how risky it will be for you, and this whole plan may go to hell if we're discovered, but we have no choice. The answers to all of this are on the completed text of that book.

Be safe, Miki. I wish you all the best. We love you.

I will see you soon,

Armin

"Miss Mikasa? Psst! Miss!"

Mikasa unbolted the window and hauled her up. Dry leaves and branches followed as Gabi stepped inside the room.

The young girl dusted off the grim stuck on her dress. "Thank god you're only on the second floor—"

Her words were cut off as she was crushed in a warm hug by Mikasa. The girl hugged back, two girls finding solace in each other. Mikasa felt as if the world had slightly tipped back to its axis with Gabi being here.

"Thank you, Gabi. I didn't know what to do without you."

Gabi's response was to tackle Mikasa to the bed, earning a giggle from the raven-haired. "Plan Kitten, executed! Code second drawer to the left!" She hollered in a deep fake voice.

"Who are you trying to imitate?"

"Commander Magath, ma'am!"

Mikasa jabbed her fingers on Gabi's stomach. "More like Shadis."

"Oh God, no. Falco told me he's a freak."

"That he is."

Gabi sat up. "Okay, Agent Ackerman. Status report?"

"Three objectives, Agent Braun. First, to distract the guards while I escape from here. Second, to be on the lookout as I search the library for the papers Historia wanted me to look at. She said the book is not complete. Third, after I succeeded with the second task, I need you to deliver it in person to Historia."

"First and second objectives, understood. The third task, however, what the hell?"

Mikasa sighed. "We need to give it to her in person. Mails are too dangerous. If I can bring it there myself, believe me I would, but I'm being monitored all the time and the doctor visits me every day. You're the only one who can do this, Gabi. I'm so sorry."

"Don't be sorry, Miss! I'm a member of the Alliance too, you know, I will do my job to the best of my ability. I will deliver it to the queen. But… how? Even if I managed to get out through that abandoned servant's hall, how will I get on from there?"

"Jean is in Mitras. His office is at the 35th Wat—"

"The 35th Waterlily Avenue, near the market, yes I remember. Okay. I'll go to him and we'll drive to the queen."

Mikasa smiled, sorrow weighing down the edges of her lip, "I'm sorry, Gabi. You'd have to risk yourself for our cause again."

"Miss Mikasa, I will do anything for you and our comrades. I promise you that."

"I'll make sure no guards will chase you. Thank you."

The first part of their plan was surprisingly easy to do.

Gabi had told the guards stationed in front of the chamber that Mikasa needed some help with her 'womanly time' and requested a maid. And the guards, men being men, so utterly disgusted with anything to do with menstruation, quickly agreed. The maid was actually another refugee, a kind girl named Estelle, and agreed to the plan. Inside the room, Mikasa and Estelle swapped clothes. Estelle, now wearing the expensive nightgown, slipped into the covers to act as a sleeping dummy. And Mikasa with her light grey dress and white apron exited the room holding a bundle of sheets so high that it covered her face. Gabi laughed at how easy it was, but being a tad pessimistic as she was, Mikasa thought it was almost too easy.

The royal library was located at the northeast wing. It was no doubt the most beautiful room in the entire palace. Mikasa wasn't really much into books growing up, preferring to listen to Armin's stories instead of reading it by herself, but her lonely days in the palace slowly dawned on her how to appreciate the beauty and the ethereal feeling of being surrounded by books and serenity.

Mikasa opened the huge doors and was greeted by the rich amber and gold spiral pillars. The sunlight pierces through the window, illuminating the majestic ornate ceiling frescoes above. The room wasn't small by any means and Mikasa was worried she would never find the papers at this rate. The library includes five separate section wings, two art galleries, one glass showcase museum for ancient scriptures, and even a restoration lab for scholars.

She got to work straight away while Gabi kept guard outside. Mikasa combed stories of books tidily stacked in the extravagantly carved bookcases. From history to fiction, her eyes hurt from squinting to look at all the titles. Once she was done with the first floor, Mikasa groaned in frustration and proceeded to head for the stairs. But as she was admiring the parquet floor beneath her soles, something caught her eyes. A hidden cubicle behind a tall shelf.

It was an unoccupied study, presumably vacated when the scholars moved out to the newest lab. There were still traces of the furniture and some old books left behind. Similar to her Ackerman's instinct of danger, something told Mikasa that this room had secrets to it. A chandelier swayed slightly above her as Mikasa rummaged through the room. But alas, almost ten minutes later, she found nothing. It was as if the book or any knowledge about it had never existed in the first place.

Mikasa slumped down on a chair.

Think, Mikasa, think. Where would you hide papers you don't want anyone to find?

Then, all of the sudden, the realization presented itself to her.

Why did this particular room have wallpapers?

The rest of the library had either white brick or painted concrete walls. Yet this room was covered in textured decorative flowery paper.

There was a small rip on the edge of a strip, and Mikasa tore it down.

Just as she thought, there was small indent space where papers were plastered on the wall behind the wallpapers.

One paper had a symbol that Armin illustrated in their previous letter, and Mikasa knew these were the texts she was looking for.

After rolling the papers into scrolls and wrapping them with her apron, it was now the time to enact the more dangerous part of their plan.

Once, Gabi had found an abandoned servant hallway located near the kitchen. It was a long, narrow, one-way corridor that led directly to the forest.

"I need at least three minutes to run down the corridor and another three to hide in the forest before I go to the city," Gabi said.

Mikasa nodded. Six minutes. She needed six minutes to defend the hallway's door until Gabi escaped. Even then, she wouldn't know if the girl was successful or not, but she had learned for quite a while that Gabi was a sneak expert.

Gabi held the scrolls, a small little thing with an overwhelming weight it carried. She hugged Mikasa for the last time, for after this she wouldn't be able to step into the palace again.

"Take care, Miss. It won't be long until we meet each other again. I'll be on the front line when we finally take back this palace."

"Good luck, Gabi. Thank you and I'm sorry."

The hallway's door closed and a group of scholars with guards hot on their tails came screaming.

"GET HER!"

They must have seen the torn wallpapers and realized that the scriptures were missing. Mikasa reinforced her stance and prepared to fight.

Her wound ached. Terribly. If the injury didn't kill her after this, the doctor would for making all her efforts gone to waste.

The royal guards were certainly strong, but sparring sessions with Captain Levi were much worse. She'd hoped that her cousin would be proud of how long she was holding despite her grave injury. Or mocked her for landing a few weak kicks.

The bodies littered the floor with a chorus of groans and curses. Two minutes left. The door was still intact. Some guards ran toward the forest to see where the corridor ended, but Mikasa knew how complicated the winding paths on the forest were. She knew Gabi would make it out alive.

Mikasa dodged a punch and quickly struck the gap between the armor. Another was slowly standing up near the door and she rushed to kick him away.

There were footsteps behind her, but she only realized what was happening when Eren's voice exploded.

"Mikasa, what the fuck are you doing?!"

The royal scholars were screaming among each other. That really proved the importance of those texts, Mikasa thought sourly. No wonder Historia fled the castle.

She won't let her sacrifice gone to waste.

One minute.

Eren bolted toward Mikasa to apprehend her and let the guards broke down the door. She blocked his grip and quickly caught his other arm. Mikasa let out a breathless sound as she stared hard into Eren. Her message was as clear as day. You won't make it past me and I will not be defeated.

Eren got her message and growled.

Trapped between his arms, Mikasa used her swiftness to somersault over his head. Her leg shot out and landed on the spot between his shoulder blades. Eren grunted but caught himself before he fell and dashed back to her, sweeping his leg underneath his feet. Mikasa jumped back, but he had expected this. Eren leaped into the air and steered until he was behind her. His elbow connected with her side and he was already working to seize her arms as she fell forward.

Mikasa gasped, blood trickling down her jaw. Eren straddled her back the moment she hit the ground. He flipped her around with a strong grip and was startled upon seeing the scarlet liquid around her lips. His hands rushed to her shoulder, but before he could pin them both down, Mikasa head-butted him and kicked out both legs. Both of them were thrown away.

Mikasa made the mistake to glance at the door and had the wind knocked out from her as Eren's broad shoulders buried themselves in her chest. She slouched down the wall, her knees finally giving up.

Six minutes were up. Mikasa exhaled painfully.

Eren, disheveled hair framing his face, grabbed both her wrists with the angriest look Mikasa had ever seen him wearing. The scholars stood dumbly behind them.

"I won," she hissed.

Blood bubbled and spilled from her mouth. She didn't notice the anger that changed into fear in Eren's face as she collapsed.

Note: Thank you so much for all the love! I wasn't expecting much when I published this story, and seeing how much love you guys give really overwhelm me most joyfully 3

This chapter is the longest I've written and I feel like there's so much information dump HAHA this chap really revolves around words (hence, the summary) from Annie spying on a conversation, the letters, and texts and finally Mikasa's last words symbolizing the true victory the alliance achieved.

Annie and the blanket business. What a cutiepie.

And the library description lol I had so much fun writing it coz I looveee libraries ehe

The fight scene is v brief coz I have no idea what to write :')))

I'm so sorry that Mikasa's always injured and suffered a lot and whatsoever like canon Mikasa will just brush it off HAHA but it'll get worse before it gets better righttt

See you next chapter!