Chapter 7: My Blood, My Honour, My Pride

Krista turned to Ymir with a shocked expression, mouth open.

"What did you just call me?"

Ymir laughed, slapping her knee. "The look on your face when I said that!"

Krista laughed as well, though her laugh bordered on nervous and apprehensive. Could it be? Did Ymir find out who she truly was?

"There's no way you're that Krista," Ymir mused, "she's rich and probably snotty. You're not even brave enough to talk back to the teacher, even when they're wrong."

"Yeah!" Krista agreed, "you're absolutely right. There's no way."

Ymir smirked and stood, sauntering over to where Krista sat. She plopped down, putting her feet up on the coffee table and her arms on the back of the couch. Krista leaned back and rested her head against Ymir's shoulder, to which the girl snickered a bit before turning her attention to the little box with the moving images.

"Uh huh... it's impossible," Ymir muttered.

"Yeah," Krista whispered.

They stayed like that until the sky darkened, motionless and eyes glued to the little box before Krista's stomach growled. She blushed and moved away, frowning at Ymir's laugh.

"I haven't eaten anything since lunch, you know," Krista reminded quietly.

Ymir stopped laughing and ran a hand through her brown hair, which she had let down. She sighed, standing up. "Whoops, forgot to feed my pet. You okay with leftovers?"

"That's not funny!"

"Sure it is, because you're my little Krista, aren't you?"

"What kind of leftovers?"

"I can feel your blush from here. You might need your own personal cooling system or something."

"Jerk!"

Ymir chuckled before opening her fridge and pulling out whatever she had yesterday, which was a box of cheap, greasy pizza. "I hope you don't mind pizza at night," she called out, placing the pizza on a dish. She tossed it in the microwave and leaned against the counter, listening to the steady hum.

"As long as it's not mouldy, over a week old or insect infested, then it's fine."

"You have high standards. I'm not sure you'll be able to survive with me for more than a day."

"That's so gross."

"Deal with it."

The microwave beeped loudly and Ymir pulled out the dish, walking back to Krista and presenting the meal. "Thanks," Krista muttered. She took a bite out of the food and sighed when it tasted okay.

"Do you really have no faith in me?"

"Sorry, Ymir, but you don't have the best track record when it comes to food."

"Jesus... one time, one time I bring us to a shady noodle shop and I'm suddenly a horrible host."

"Ymir, they served worms as noodles and– forget it, I'm gonna lose my appetite if I continue."

"Just eat your damn pizza and shut up," Ymir grumbled.

After Krista finished, she put the dish in the sink and walked to the bathroom to freshen up. After drying her hands and face, she noticed the mirror jutted out slightly from the wall, and slid her finger down the side. There was a door hinge, and curiosity overwhelmed her. She opened the newly discovered medicine cabinet, raising an eyebrow at the items in there: ibuprofen pills, bandages, gauze, rubbing alcohol, medicine syrup (to which Krista shuddered), a razor and finally... her hair clip.

She grabbed it and thumbed it delicately, remembering the circumstances behind it. It was a gift from her deceased paternal grandmother, who'd given it to her as a way of starting a traditional heirloom for the girls. The boys always inherited the company, and while the girls received a share of the money from their fathers, they never had anything concrete and memorable to pass down.

She hadn't been thinking when she gave it to Ymir, just that she wanted to make her feel comfortable and get closer to her. When she did remember it was her grandmother's, she hadn't worried too much, knowing it was worth it when she and Ymir grew closer together.

She set the hair clip back and closed the cabinet, exiting the bathroom and finding Ymir dozing on the couch, soft snores escaping. Krista giggled. She figured Ymir was the type to snore, but it was just too cute to see it in person. She approached the brunette, sitting beside her gently. Her face looked peaceful, but the crease of her eyebrows indicated otherwise. She twitched in her sleep, muttering incoherent words that sounded like threats.

"Ymir, if you're tired, then just go to your bed and sleep," Krista murmured into her ear.

"Don't wanna move," Ymir whined.

The blonde sighed and roughly shook her shoulder. Immediately, the brunette was awake and alert, gasping. "What is it?"

"Go to sleep," Krista dully said, "you're tired."

Ymir stood and stretched, reminiscent of a cat. "Yeah, whatever." She slunk to her bedroom but left the door open. Krista heard the sound of springs under pressure and rolled her eyes, falling back onto the couch.

"Goodnight," Krista whispered. Little did she know, Ymir had heard her and whispered her own 'goodnight'.

The little blonde curled up into a ball, wrapped the blanket around her and tried to dream a better dream.

The following morning, Ymir and Krista walked down the road to school. They left later than usual, since there was no need to meet up early. Ymir had written down her apartment number and phone number to Krista, in case another thing like this happened again. However, Krista had implied that reasoning since Ymir had mentioned something totally opposite to what she meant on purpose. The brunette had grinned rakishly then, winking.

"If you want me to show you a good time, just come over or give me a call."

Krista had blushed, as usual, and shouted something before pulling Ymir down for a head-butt that left them both reeling back.

They walked close together and Krista noticed that the neighbourhood here was much livelier than the one she lived in. There were traditional decorations everywhere, and though it was early, kids were playing outside to have a little fun before going to school.

"It's so different," she muttered to herself.

"Huh?"

"Nothing."

As they reached school grounds, Krista noticed that students were generally closer to Ymir than usual. Instead of a big, empty circle around the tall teen, there were other teens behind her and in front of her, far enough to avoid physical contact, but close enough to hear what was being said. Krista wasn't sure what to make of it, but simply shrugged and smiled. She supposed people were getting used to Ymir now.

"Let's go straight to class– oh hey, is that Annie?" Krista remarked, jogging to meet the other blonde. Annie was leaning against the fence, looking bored, but Krista noticed she was tightly clenching her elbows. The lone wolf looked up at the sound of her name, relief leaking slightly into her features when Krista approached her.

Ymir shouted out something about 'loyalties' and 'ditching', but followed her anyway, hesitation evident in her movements. She didn't look at Annie and preferred to stare at the back of Krista's head.

"Annie, were you waiting for me?"

"No, I was simply here later than usual, due to a backup in traffic. The students are annoying me. I decided to lean here and wait for them to leave."

Krista grinned but hid it behind her hand. "Okay, Annie, I believe you. C'mon, Ymir, let's get to class."

Krista dragged Ymir by her wrist, and the brunette glanced to the side and caught Annie's gaze. It was dangerous, threatening and she remembered sparring with this girl, learning fighting tricks and teaching her own. She remembered the hours their group spent together, getting to know each other and trying to overcome their hostility. It's all gone, now, Ymir thought, and there's no bringing it back. The blonde broke eye contact first, staring at the crowd of teens. Ymir turned her head and smiled slightly at Krista's exuberance.

The blonde pulled her into room 104, sitting near each other and readying their supplies. Mikasa and Sasha were already there, and Krista stood to greet them after preparing her writing utensils. Ymir took this time to lay her head down in contemplation, thinking about Krista. What happened last night to drive her to the point of running away from her home? Was it her parents? Did they argue again? Krista mentioned she never got along with her mother. Was this a permanent problem, or one that could be fixed with an apology?

Krista poked her head and Ymir lifted it to raise an eyebrow.

"Just wanted to make sure you weren't asleep," Krista explained, grinning.

"Uh huh."

Keith walked in then, imposing as usual, and glared at Sasha before placing his briefcase on his desk. Said girl was desperately trying to shove a block of cheese into her mouth, squeaking when the professor stomped over and pulled it out, whipping it at the open window.

"When will you learn, you hungry shit?" he grumbled. He performed roll call, as usual, rolling his eyes when Sasha sniffled her answer and Mikasa was forced to comfort her. Jean and Reiner were absent, due to another meeting for the band and it made Keith sigh, since now he had to meet with them at lunch.

"Class," Keith boomed, "I have a major announcement."

Students picked up their heads and perked their ears in anticipation, wondering at the announcement. It wasn't often that class was interrupted by a teacher; major announcements were usually held at the auditorium for assembly.

Keith opened his briefcase and picked up a pile of papers, sorting them and passing a smaller bundle for every column of students. When Krista received her slip, she recognized it to be a form for a field trip.

"Due to your excellent behaviour and habits since your entry from junior high, principal Erwin has decided, along with a small council of teachers, to give this grade an exclusive trip to the beach for two weeks of your six week vacation. No, stop cheering, you worthless mutts, I'm not finished. You may only attend the event once you've completed your exams and handed in the form, meaning if you fail this trimester, you're staying home. So, don't fail and study. Also, the slips are due for next week. Any later and you are of no consequence. Is that clear?"

"Sir, yes, sir!"

"Great, let's start the lesson."

Krista turned to Ymir, who frowned at the paper, chin in her palm. "So are you going?" she asked.

Ymir sighed. "It says it needs a parent or guardian's signature."

"Why would that– oh."

"Exactly."

"You could always talk to principal Erwin."

"I'm not sure if I want to go, anyway."

"Oh, c'mon, Ymir! It'll be so fun!"

"What's so fun about hanging around a bunch of hormonal teenagers at a sea-side resort?"

"The sea-side resort part?"

"If I regret this, you're gonna regret it, too."

"Then I'll just have to make sure you don't regret it!"

"Hmph, we'll see about that."

Krista turned around and opened up her manual to the page Keith inscribed on the blackboard, leaning her face on her fist. She smiled fondly, brushing back a lock of hair. Suddenly, she remembered what Ymir mentioned about the parent's signature and her stomach dropped. How was she supposed to get a signature if she didn't even want to see her parents? How was she going to go on the trip and make sure Ymir would have a great time if she couldn't even get her form signed? This was a problem, and Krista needed to solve it before it got out of hand. She decided she was going to need to confront her parents on this issue regarding her identity and birth, and that she'd have to do it alone.

When Krista left school, it wasn't Ymir waiting outside for her, nor Annie, nor her mother.

It was her father.

And he looked downright furious, leaning against his car and grasping the sides of his trench coat tightly.

Krista swallowed nervously and approached him, flinching when he flicked his eyes to her. He opened his mouth, looked at the students gaping, and then closed it. He straightened, opening the door to his passenger seat. Krista entered, sitting down and hugging her book bag to her. This wasn't how she'd envisioned it. She thought she'd have time to mentally prepare herself before facing her father. She was only glad that Mrs. Reiss wasn't here.

William Reiss sat in the driver's seat and ignited the engine, pulling out of the school driveway. Krista pressed her face to the glass and tried to get Ymir's attention by waving. The brunette noticed her and waved as well, though a confused look was the last thing Krista saw before her father turned a corner.

"Krista Historia Reiss," he began, voice dangerously quiet, "what possessed you to leave the house – without permission or escort – and not come back?"

Krista didn't answer, opting to look out the window rather than face her father. She watched the streets pass her by, colours and figures blending into each other.

"I asked you a question." His tone was clipped and cold.

There was only one way out of this, and it was to beg for forgiveness. Krista faced her father's form and took in a deep breath. "I'm sorry, Dad, for leaving like that, but I overheard what was said and I needed to clear my head."

William's eyes softened and he reduced the venom in his voice. "I'm sorry, Krista, but she's your mother."

"No, she's not! And I want to see my real mom!"

Krista gasped and put her hands to her mouth. She hadn't meant to shout, she really didn't.

William sighed, lifting one hand from the steering wheel to pinch the bridge of his nose. "This isn't what you want to hear, dearest, but you can't. Your real mother passed away when you were born."

Krista paled. "What?"

"She died in childbirth. You are her legacy, and that's why I'm so insistent on your safety. You're all I have left of her." His voice cracked as his eyes watered. He pulled over and looked her deep in the eyes, insisting that she understand his position.

The blonde girl's tears spilled over as she unclipped her seatbelt and leaned over to hug her father. SO that's why he was so protective – why he was so furious when she saw him today.

"Why didn't you search for me last night?" Krista asked as she pulled away from her father, wiping her tears off the back of her hand.

William sighed. "Your mother – I mean, my wife – held me back. She told me you'd come back eventually, and prevented me from searching for you." He put his palm to her cheek, stroking her jaw softly. She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes. "I'm truly sorry for what I've put you through. Could you please come back and give it another shot? I only want what's best for you, dearest."

"I'll try, Dad. And if I really can't live with her, what will you do?"

The man pulled back, gripping the steering wheel. "I can't divorce her. It would cause a ruckus, since she controls a lot of my company's shares. Not to mention she will try to get custody of you, if only to force you to inherit her will. It will be far too messy that way." He sighed and lowered his head. "Truthfully, I don't know what we can do."

Krista clenched her fists on her lap, but nodded in appreciation. "That's ok, Dad. I'll try to take care of this on my own, with your blessing."

He grinned and pecked her forehead. "That's my girl."

The young woman looked at her father and smiled warmly, cherishing his presence. She closed her eyes and remembered the times they spent together, when things were much simpler. She knew that the position he held now in his company gave him more free time, but she still felt neglected by her one true parent. The lack of attention often caused her to slightly resent her father, but she still loved him more than anything.

"We're here," her father sighed. He parked the car and turned off the engine. He turned to her and gave her a stern look. "Now, I want you to march up those stairs and sob your eyes out. Don't let her think I let you get off easily, or there will be hell to pay for both of us."

The blonde nodded and looked her father in the eye, remembering his words of encouragement when she was younger. The memory forced tears to spring, and she quickly exited the car to run up to her bedroom. It wasn't fair. Why did her father have to be torn between his blood and his marriage? What did she do to put herself in such an awkward position? She flopped down onto her bed and sniffled into her pillow.

After letting out her sadness, Krista lifted her head and picked up her book bag, rummaging through it. She found a slip of paper and opened it, smiling at the messy writing. She could count on Ymir when she needed her, which was certain. The girl, though mean at first, had warmed up to her, and they couldn't be seen together without laughing and grinning. Maybe her life wasn't destined to doom, if Ymir was in it?

She curled up on her bed, wishing she was at Ymir's apartment, listening to her obnoxious snores and the sounds of cars rushing by. The dingy old couch was far more comfortable than her luxurious bed, she remarked, closing her eyes and falling into a fitful sleep.

Downstairs, William picked up a sheet of paper that had fallen from Krista's bag and lifted an eyebrow. "Hm? A vacation?"

"What's that paper you have there?" Mrs. Reiss demanded, snatching the slip from his fingers.

"It's Krista's," he answered, frowning when he saw her lips twitch slightly in a smile.

"Sign it," she ordered.

His frown deepened. "I don't take orders from you–"

"Sign it or else!" she yelled.

He sighed and nodded, bringing the sheet with him as he trudged up the stairs. He entered Krista's room and sat next to her, smiling slightly. He gently smoothed her hair, and looked at the permission slip. It sounded nice, and he definitely wanted her to get away from the stress at home. He didn't know why his wife insisted so much that he sign it, however.

Shrugging, he attributed it to one of her strange quirks. He grabbed a pen from his pocket and scribbled his signature. He tucked the sheet between his daughter's fingers and pressed one final kiss to her forehead as he left to his office.

Mrs. Reiss quietly approached the young blonde's bedroom and sneered down at her. "I hate you and what you represent for him. You're the reason he's holding onto his damn shares so tightly, but I'll make quick work of that." She scribbled a note and left it on the blonde's dresser before exiting the room.

She found Ymir waiting for her at the fence, arms crossed and a worried expression on her face. The minute Krista approached her, Ymir changed her frown into a smirk.

"So, ya ditched me for the guy with the car, huh?"

"That was my dad," Krista replied solemnly, smiling slightly. Her smile faded as she remembered her mother's written words this morning: 'Enjoy your trip, worthless tramp! This way I get some alone time with your father!'

Ymir's smirk faded slowly at Krista's tone and she pulled the girl with her to the entrance, arm around her shoulder. It was a thoughtful gesture, but Krista didn't seem to notice. Her eyes were dark and dreary. It scared Ymir to see her like this, but she played it cool, not wanting to show her feelings.

"Hey, Ymir?"

Ymir turned to the girl, looking down. Krista didn't look up, only ducking her head further. "Yeah?"

"You'll always be there for me, right?"

Ymir sighed. "Of course; you're my little Krista."

Krista giggled and Ymir was relieved to see the light overcoming the darkness. "I guess so!"

"Good, now stop moping and let's get to class."

"Did you ask principal Erwin about the permission slip?"

"Yeah, he signed it for me and said I could go under three conditions."

"And those are?"

"One: don't break anything; two: don't break anyone and three: stay with Krista at all times when possible."

Krista puffed her cheeks, lips twitching.

"If you laugh I swear to god Krista."

"I-I'm s-sorry– pfft!"

"You're dead."

Krista shrieked as Ymir picked her up and threw her on her shoulder. Ymir was merciless; she tickled the blonde's sides until she was begging and gasping for breath, tears of joy leaking out of her eyes and ears burning red. She placed her on her feet with a satisfied smirk, marching to class. She didn't expect the head-butt to the small of her back, pushing her to the floor. Krista helped her up and they both grinned, walking into class.

Two months flew, and Krista was happier than ever, if not a little worried about the results of her exams. Ymir was a pretty decent studying partner, but Krista wasn't allowed to leave her home anymore to be with her. If she did, it was sure to cause friction between her parents, and she didn't want her father to suffer. With that, she made up an excuse about her father being too overprotective. Ymir accepted it with a grain of salt, meaning she didn't believe her, but on the other hand they spent more time together in the morning, during lunch and after school while waiting for Krista's bus.

Their trust grew exponentially, as did Krista's bonds with her friends and classmates. In no time, Krista was invited to many occasions and parties, but had declined whenever Ymir wasn't present. She tried her hardest to convince her parents to let her go, and had even persuaded her father to go to one of the Scouting Legion's gigs.

However, it was the day before the trip, and Krista decided she should tell her father about the note her mother left her. She approached his office cautiously, peeking to make sure Mrs. Reiss wasn't around before knocking politely. A muffled voice told her to enter and she did, closing the door behind her. William was sitting at his desk, looking over his business files. He peeked up, his blue eyes glassy. Upon recognizing her he offered a smile and gestured for her to sit. She complied, greeting her father politely with a smile.

"What can I do for my beautiful daughter today?"

"Dad, I need to tell you something. It's about Mrs. Reiss. The night that you signed my permission slip, she left me this note." The blonde produced the note from her pocket and passed it to him. "I'm scared, Dad. I don't want her to hurt me or you." Her blue eyes shined with unshed tears, prompting William to stand and approach her. He crouched and wiped her tears away.

"Don't worry about her, dear. She can't hurt me. As for you, well, I'm sure your enthusiastic friends will be there for you. Have faith in your comrades." He pressed his forehead to hers. "You're my pride and joy, don't ever doubt that for a second." He pulled back and straightened as he crunched the note. "I'll have a word with her. You enjoy your trip, okay honey? Please be safe."

"Of course." She hugged her father. "You too. I love you, Dad."

"I love you, too."