A time for peace

859 – Mikasa's Estate

Sasha is 1 year old. Mikasa had decided to travel to Shiganshina to visit Eren's grave with Sasha, as she had been secluded to her estate nursing her baby, refusing to leave her with anybody else.

Historia is accompanying Mikasa with Princess Ymir in their travel. The princess has very little patience and traveling bores her…

Historia is carrying Sasha in her arms, Ymir hated this. Mikasa is concerned about the princess harming her baby… but also a bit relieved that she can take a break for a little while…

Historia: Ymir stop moving around! You will wake up Sasha!

Ymir: SO WHAT?!

Historia: I don't know what is the matter with you today…

Mikasa: She is jealous.

Historia playfully: Is that true love? Are you jealous of your aunt's baby?

Ymir angry: NO I'M NOT! You are mean Lady Mikasa!

Mikasa smiling: I'm just playing dear. Don't be concerned about your mother carrying Sasha. She just misses you being a baby. That's all.

Ymir less angry: Hmm!

As they arrived to Shiganshina, they had to make a stop at the military center to rest and for Mikasa to nurse Sasha.

Mikasa had remained out of the public eye for almost two years by then, so the news of her visit to the city spread rapidly. Many people and press members respectfully tried to contact her, but the security of the Queen made it difficult, as she had requested to not be disturbed.

Some members of the press managed to sneak inside the perimeter of the military station and managed to take quick peaks at Mikasa, managing to see she had a baby with her… a baby that very much resembled the savior… although he had been dead for 5 years at that point…


An hour later

Ymir is playing in the field with Historia watching her from afar, giving Mikasa some privacy as she visits Eren's grave…

Mikasa: Eren… hi. I'm sorry it's been so long… I brought the reason here with me…

This is Sasha… she… is your daughter… I don't really understand how this happened… but… she grew in me… when I felt you inside of me… your soul… is with me… all the time… isn't it Eren?

You know what happened that day… it's no accident… she looks just like you… see?

Mikasa shows the sleeping Sasha to the grave…

I'm… worried about what this might mean… I… almost made a decision… as hard as the one you had to make… but I chose a different road… one of life… of love… so you will have to wait for me… a bit longer…

I know… this is not what we had in mind… when we discussed having children… but I ask you… to leave me… and be with her from now on… okay?

I promise you… she will feel you everyday of her life… you will never be gone… my love…

Mikasa starts to tear up: How I wish… you could see her… she… is all we wanted…

I will not let her descend to darkness Eren… no matter how hard it is… she will be a light to this world… a shield for humanity…

We will visit more often from now on okay? She caresses the grave and leaves her usual 4 flowers and a bouquet of bellflowers.

See you later… Eren.

After a while, Mikasa and Historia return to the carriage in Shiganshina and start to head towards Historia's personal cottage… but a commotion starts to form around the carriage…

Many people start shouting and praying in their knees calling for Mikasa… some others are insulting Mikasa. Some people had guns. The crowd rapidly turns aggressive between them. Historia is shocked and disturbed by the scene.

Historia to her personal guard: What the hell is going on?

The chief of the guards: Your majesty, it seems Lady Yeager's daughter is the cause of this. The people know about her somehow… and the reactions are varied…

Some people learned from scoops of the press that Mikasa had a baby that resembled Eren Yeager. This in a matter of minutes turned into the talk of the town.

The majority of the people saw this is a miracle, a confirmation of the divine nature of the savior, his wife and now their daughter, a saintly being destined to free them of their woes…

Others instead, some military members, saw this as a betrayal from Mikasa… reaching to the conclusion she had found a new partner and produced a bastard.

Mikasa is shocked about the revelation… and starts to get really scared about Sasha's safety.

Mikasa: Historia… we need to get out of here… now.

Historia scared: Y.. yeah you are right. Chief open us a path… right now… in any way you can. But nobody reaches Mikasa or her baby. NOBODY reaches this carriage. Understood?

The military and personal guard managed to break the mob through force allowing the carriage to exit the city.

Mikasa was left very disturbed by the situation. She has a terrified look in her eyes. She is strongly hugging Sasha… as if she were trying to put her inside her body…

Historia concerned: Mikasa… dear… we are safe now… please calm down.

Ymir: Mommy what happened? Why is Lady Mikasa so scared?

Historia: She is concerned about her baby dear… some people… are not very nice.

Ymir: Why? Do they not like babies?

Historia conflicted: No... it's not that… it's complicated… I'll tell you later ok? Now we need to make sure Lady Mikasa feels safe so let's give her a hug, okay?

Ymir gleefully: OKAY!

Historia and Ymir wrap their arms around Mikasa and Sasha. Mikasa starts to calm down and beings to cry.

Historia lovingly: Mikasa… we are here… you are not alone… I'll never let anything happen to the both of you… trust me…

Mikasa crying: Ok…


After the incident, Mikasa decided that she and Sasha would stay secluded at her estate, as the news of Sasha'a existance had already traveled all through Paradis, causing a political turmoil.

The yeagerist majority saw the incident as an opportunity to regain control of the government from the moderates, by pushing the religious angle that had spontaneously formed. The military leaders approved the political approach, but were frustrated from the absolute denial from Mikasa to leave her estate and support the cause in any way.

Historia and her moderate ruling faction continuously had to fight on the government meetings to avoid falling into nationalistic and militaristic policies, but now they had an additional problem, the people were becoming more and more ideologized from the Church of the Redentor, so her hold on power was starting to become weaker… and Mikasa's absence to support her made things worse.

The military distrusted Mikasa intensely, so they decided to subtly control her and watch her movements by constructing a military training center at her estate, with the excuse to allow her to continue her work with the cadets. Mikasa knew this but allowed it anyway… it was better for her to know their intentions more directly… and she could continue her work.

As weeks passed, it had become a regular occurrence for people in processions to try and enter the Ackerman Woods, as it had become a pilgrimage site to try to witness at least for a second the holy daughter, as they called Sasha. Historia decided to close the entirety of the estate under a metal fence and heavy guard duty. This was quite costly, she decided to finance it herself from the royal house funds. Mikasa and Sasha's peace was more important to her than anything else.

Historia took advice from Armin as how to act on this complicated situation, communicating thought the telegraph, as Armin's work as minister had become intense… due to increasing threats of violence against eldians and the marleyan government alike…

After a few months, Armin announced he was visiting Mikasa and Historia with Annie, as a break from the intensity of work, and to support Mikasa.


The Ackerman Woods

The official carriage had arrived at the estate. Mikasa with Sasha in her arms alongside Historia were waiting for Armin and Annie. As they climbed down from the carriage, Historia and Mikasa gasped in surprise…

Annie: Yeah… surprise I guess. Don't you say anything mean.

Armin very excitedly: Hello guys! Well, here is the reason why we decided to come here!

Annie is pregnant. Her belly had just started to grow, she is probably about 5 months on.

Historia crying: ANNIE! She runs to hug her crying profusely.

Annie: I'm not letting you touch my baby.

Historia laughs: You meanie…

Mikasa: Congratulations… would have liked to know before…

Armin: Oh come on Mikasa, weren't you surprised?

Mikasa: I guess… so how this happened? I don't see weeding rings…

Historia: Yeah, you wouldn't have married without telling us… RIGHT?

Armin ashamed: No, we are not married… yet. We are here to invite you actually, we want it to officiate it here… in Paradis…

Historia excited: REALLY?!

Annie: Yeah… it's the least I could do… Armin stayed at Marley for me… and unwillingly made him a father…

Armin feeling embarrassed: Geez… you talk as if I don't love you or that I hate that you are pregnant… I couldn't be more happy.

Historia: Aw…

Armin: I… was thinking… of officiating the marriage … at our tree… you think it's fine… Mikasa?

Mikasa feels very moved: Yes Armin… thank you…

Armin feels moved as well: Thank you… that place… is so full of memories… happy ones… so full of love… I want to add one more… I hope he visit us that day…

Annie is quietly crying.

Historia: Annie are you okay?

Annie: Shut up… it's the mood swings…

Mikasa feels like lightening the mood: So Armin… are you answering my question?

Armin getting red: Uh… that's a way to change the subject huh?

Annie getting angry: Well who you think is at fault here? Huh? With your great advice.

Mikasa looks at her surprised: You actually remember that day?

Annie angry: OF COURSE I DO. AND LOOK. THIS IS THE RESULT. YOU HAPPY?

Mikasa: Yes.

Historia confused and irritated: Can someone mind filling me in?

Annie pissed: I'll tell you all about that scheming devil woman. Annie takes Historia away to tell her about their time in Marley.

Mikasa softly laughs.

Armin: She is driving me crazy…

Mikasa: Well it's not like you are not at fault here Armin.

Armin: Yeah… I know… I don't regret it though.

Mikasa: Yeah I bet.

Armin ashamed: Mikasa…

Sasha wakes up and starts to cry.

Armin: Hey beautiful… long time no see. You have gotten so big!

Sasha calms down after hearing Armin.

Mikasa: She remembers you…

Armin: Wow… want to come with your uncle?

Sasha smiles at him as Armin begins to carry her. Mikasa is lovingly looking at them.

Mikasa: You don't need to worry Armin… you have taken care of us… since we were children… you are more than ready.

Armin smiles at her: Thank you Mikasa.

Meanwhile, Annie and Historia continued talking.

Historia is impressed: Wow, you are so much fun Annie! I want to go with you the next time.

Annie: Yeah you are going to have to wait a few years.

Historia: Aw right! I can't even go with Mikasa as she is still nursing Sasha.

Annie: WHAT?! STILL?! But she is over a year!

Historia: Annie that's normal, it's the best for the baby. I stopped nursing Ymir after a year and a half.

Annie: Oh no… I can't live… without a drink… FOR TWO YEARS?! I'm going to kill somebody.

A voice from behind: Yeah you would, ungrateful bitch.

Annie turns: Oh… it's you.

Hitch: ANNIE LEONHART. Nice of you to come. First time here in 5 years. RIGHT?

Annie: Oh yeah… sorry I didn't look you up before.

Historia: Come one Hitch, you now how she is. And you didn't look her up when she came as an ambassador. It was all over the news!

Hitch: ME?! GO TO HER? HA! She is the one that ditched me!

Annie: You still going on about that?

Hitch: I HAD TO EAT TWO PIES THAT DAY. YOU KNOW HOW SICK I GOT THAT NIGHT?!

Annie: Geez… why are you here anyway?

Hitch: Well… you are seeing the head of security for this estate. How about that huh?

Annie: What the hell Historia.

Historia: She is actually quite able Annie… even if she gets distracted sometimes…

Hitch: Bah! I'm perfect for this! Keeping a bunch of idiots in line and protecting the one woman who does not need any protection? Piece of cake.

Annie: Ah yes… not doing anything. That sounds about right.

Hitch: Hey! The only one allowed to slack off is me. All the rest are very much good little soldiers under my watch. Isn't that right your majesty?

Historia: I got to say it's true.

Annie: Pff… hopefully nothing happens. The only survivor would be you. As always.

Hitch: HA! You'll be surprised! In any case, nothing has happened in months, just a bunch a crazies trying to get here. This is a very expensive operation. Our Queen here spares no expense when it comes to Lady Mikasa. Kinda weird if you ask me.

Historia annoyed: You just follow orders you hear?

Hitch: Touched a nerve huh your majesty? All right I won't snoop… when you are around…

Annie: Tell the truth… you are just here for the gossip… aren't you?

Hitch: HAHAHA! WELL. I can't say that has not been in my mind a time or two…

Historia: I chose her for that reason too. She knows us since before everything happened. I needed someone I can trust.

Annie: For what?

Hitch: Well… let's just say I got to report any "suspicious" activity that happens here to the military… without the Queen knowing. Ups. Failed my mission haha

Historia: There is quite a power struggle right now. And Hitch here has full confidence of the military leaders… because how she is.

Hitch: Well those men certainly underestimated me!

Annie: Yeah… you are actually dumber than they think.

Hitch: Look WHO is talking you horny devil. Hitch lightly slaps Annie belly. You certainly didn't put a fight when THIS happened huh? HAHAHA

Annie kicks her making Hitch drop to the ground and locks her with her knee.

Annie: You are so funny… aren't you bitch?

Hitch struggling: Oh COME ON! I'm just joking! Can't say I'm wrong right?

Armin approaches them: Annie let her go. You could hurt yourself.

Annie: Tsk fine.

Hitch getting up: Hello Armin, you sly devil. You had this planned years ago. Didn't you?

Armin blushed: NO! It… just happened

Historia: Where is Mikasa?

Armin: She went back to her cabin. Sasha had to sleep.

Historia: Aw I want to see her. Come on Annie, we got to prepare you for what's coming!

Annie: In a minute.

Historia goes to the cabin in a hurry.

Annie: How is Mikasa Armin?

Armin: She is fine… but she is very concerned and saddened… it's like it's impossible for her to just live a peaceful life.

Hitch: Well we are trying our hardest to give that to her. But you know how she is.

Annie: I'm surprised she hasn't killed you already.

Hitch: Hey, I'm a much needed distraction! And I help her with the baby titan.

Armin: Don't call her that.

Hitch: You guys are so serious! She is a beautiful baby, and those little marks are so cute. She looks so much like Eren though, it's freaky. Like how the hell that happened?

Armin: It's… complicated.

Hitch: You think they had some type of ghost sex? Something must have definitely went insi…

Armin un confortable: OKAY. Come on Annie let's go to the cabin.

Annie going with Armin: You are getting killed one of these days. Mark my words.

Hitch angry: There you go DITCHING ME AGAIN. You will miss me Annie! You know you are laughing in the inside!


A few weeks later, Armin and Annie's marriage was officiated under Eren's tree. It was a simple yet beautiful ceremony attended only by their closest friends and family. At night, Armin and Mikasa with Sasha in her arms are sitting under the tree, getting away from the party for a while…

Mikasa: I wish I could drink with Annie… she is so much more relaxed while drunk.

Armin: I wish that too… she is way too temperamental now.

Mikasa: You got to understand… being pregnant is hard… but beautiful too.

Armin: Yeah… at night I usually put my head in her belly… and I can her the baby… it's indescribable…

Mikasa looks at Sasha sleeping: I wish he could have lived that moment with me…

Armin: He did. He is within her. It's the only way to explain her appearance. It's not just wishful thinking. There are many things we don't understand yet. The love the two of had is one of them. She is a result of that.

Mikasa smiling: I guess.

Armin: Don't dwell on sad memories Mikasa… look at that miracle in your arms… enjoy these moments… this time of peace…

A few months later Annie gave birth to a boy… they named him Leopold.