Following Him (Rivamika)

Chapter 33

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Mikasa was back at full health, eating lunch with her friends and spending time with members of Hanji and Mike squads when helping them with duties. It seemed Levi barely told anyone she was sick and using the old room joint to his office. Instead, he told most that she was currently on a side mission for him and Mikasa, was thankful for that. 

She hated being sick but she hated the aftermath of everyone suddenly taking notice over her and giving her a mass amount of attention just because she wasn't sick anymore. She liked to easily slip in as if it was a normal day and returning from a "mission" made that easier. It was normal for soldiers to come and go for a few days after a mission after all and no one made a big deal out of it. 

But now, her mind was focused on the expedition that was only seven days away, a whole week. 

She helped with the prep for the expedition and gave her friends  few tips knowing they were either nervous or scared over going outside the walls for the first time. Sure, Eren acted as if it was no big deal and he was excited to go slaughter a bunch of titans but both Mikasa and Armin knew best. They noticed the hint of fear in his eyes, the unease over the unknown beyond the walls. 

She even tested them over the meaning over each flare colour. 

Blue - An order to retreat.

Green - Change direction of the formation: Fired by the commander in one direction to indicate a change in the direction, and then repeated by the relay soldiers.

Yellow - This lets everyone know that the mission has been terminated, be it successfully or failed.

Red - Titan spotted. 

Black - Abnormal Titan spotted. 

Purple - An emergency of some kind. (Someone is grabbed, etc.)

Than of course, she had to learn her own course and placement off by heart at the same time. She was a little more use to this and made a way to remember her own part rather easy. Helping those around her to learn their parts when they struggled since it wasn't always easy, even a pro sometimes struggled. 

And with every getting ready, the days seemed to just fly by before they knew it, it was the morning of the expedition. 

Every horse saddled and ready.

Solders dressed in full uniform with their gear strapped on ready and checked to be in perfect working condition. 

Squads huddled together even if the survey groups made a long, almost never ending line of soldiers on their horses. Squad leaders sat close to their squads and everyone was staring at the unopened gate. 

Some waved to their love ones, some stayed silent as they gave their final preys and other's just sat unbothered. While everyone emotions were running high, they all knew to stay looked as proud as ever before the people. 

Mikasa was placed behind Mike, Levi and Hanji squads for now but would separate from them once they were outside the walls. Her eyes glancing around, taking in the fewer numbers of love ones, fans and anyone who gotten up so early to send them off. 

Her gaze settled on an elderly man, a blacksmith, grandpa Joe. 

Mikasa glanced around, knowing it was still some time before they'd be riding out and she hopped down from her horse while most was still distracted. She gave once glance to where Captain Levi, Captain Hanji and Captain mike sat with Commander Erwin and all four was still facing forward. 

Mikasa came to a stop before the blacksmith that helped her long ago, one she'd promised to return and give her name one day. 

He had came to see them off, she knew he wasn't here to see his other granddaughter off since they didn't hold anyone called Charlotte in their fresh recruits over the last six months. 

"Apparently the girl without a voice will pass on her name this year. Well, that's what my granddaughter told me when this nameless girl paid my blacksmiths a visit last year" Joe spoke with a rough and worn voice but a friendly smile staying on his lips.

"Mikasa" Mikasa simply spoke her name in reply, giving the blacksmith a proper salute as he just looked to her with pride.

"A pretty name for such a lovely girl. That young man must learn to truly cherish you otherwise I'd be having a few words with him" Joe smile softly, his eyes kind and seeming as if he was her own grandfather.

Mikasa glanced over her shoulder, an amused look in her eyes as he looked to Levi who was flicking at Hanji forehead, clearly saying something stupid. 

"I don't think you'll need to worry about that" Mikasa admitted as her gaze lingered on Levi a few seconds longer before she turned to Joe who gave a knowing smile. 

"Glad to hear it. I might be old but I'm still ready to face of Captain Levi himself. He may be Humanity Strongest but I'll still teach him a few manners" Joe grinned back, placing his hands on his hips and chuckling while Mikasa images Levi losing against Joe. 

But than something hit her. 

Joe knew who Levi was, well, everyone in the walls knew who he was but still, did he know who he was the night he helped them. Was that why he helped?

"How do you know his name?" Mikasa finally decided to ask, feeling Levi gaze fall on to her back, clearly checking on her when he noticed she wasn't on her horse. 

"Charlotte may have been in the training crops but she knew a lot about the known officers. She's got a huge crush on that short lad over there and even Evelyn is cheering the lad on a little. As their best grandpa, I have to check up on any and all males that catch their eyes. But, I didn't learn his face until a few months ago" 

"Where did Charlotte join up? I know Evelyn will take over the blacksmiths one day but I never found out over Charlotte final choice" Mikasa asked, rather enjoying the small conversation with Joe as she's waited for the day she could finally give her name to him. 

"She's with the stationary guard. She hoped to be able to join the military police but she didn't reach the top ten in the end sadly. But she's happy where she is, thankfully. Evelyn even runs the blacksmiths on her own for one day of the week for her to have a feel over what running the place is like and how she'd be when I'm gone" Joe answered happily, the proud look in his eyes again as he talked over his grandchildren. 

Mikasa just gave a friendly nod, glancing over her shoulder as she heard a sharp whistle and found Levi nodding his head towards her horse. A small hint that they'd be riding out soon. 

"It was good to see you, Mikasa. Stay safe out there" Joe smiled sweetly, tilting his hat towards her. 

"We'll meet again, Joe. I'll make sure you'll see the person I've became" Mikasa promised back, giving a small determined nod before hurrying back over to her horse, climbing back up and looking ahead ready to ride out as a proper soldier.