Naive and Damned

Chapter 20: Loyalties

Mikasa

"Wasn't that just amazing?" Hange struggled to keep their professional mask on as they slipped off the Beast Titan. Mikasa watched on from bellow, fondness blooming.

A flying titan had sparked something alive in their Commander. Despite their overwhelming responsibilities, the existence of a flying titan seemed to invigorate them endlessly. Mikasa was only glad to see Hange back to their cheerful self; it seemed so long ago that this was their usual disposition.

Now they'd even asked Premier Zackary to fly to the port rather than go by train. In addition, they had managed to have him agree to it.

Said man nudged his glasses up his nose, looking back up at Falco, steam surrounding as the boy immerged. "It was like nothing I'd ever experienced. But your sure that it can't be sued in combat?"

"With the technology outside the walls, one lucky shot would take him down. He's fast, but a large target nonetheless... those giant wings are particularly vulnerable." Hang's brow furrowed at the thought. It didn't last - gathering themselves and loosening their shoulders. "Of course, there are a million possibilities with such a titan." Hange's excitement was back in full force as they animatedly gestured for Falco to step down, which he did. "Falco here has been practicing everyday – he lost control the first time he transformed – but beyond that, his performance has been incredible!"

"I have read your- detailed reports, Hange." The Premier reminded. "But seeing it in person is admittedly extraordinary."

The Premier's gaze turned to Falco, who noticeably straightened. "You've done well."

"Thank you, sir." The boy gave a tight nod.

Hange clapped their hands together, looking off to the ocean. "Well, since it appears the Azumabitos have not yet arrived, how about a full demonstration?"

Mikasa was only a little surprised to hear him agree. It seemed even someone as distinguished as the Premier wasn't immune to the awe a flying titan demanded.

A safe distance away, she turned to mutter that observation to Hange. They gave her a cheeky grin.

"He's not as stilted as you'd think. Erwin told me all about a few... questionable decisions he's made."

Mikasa raised an eyebrow, but didn't comment. The rumours of a torture-chair involving... unmentionable things... resurfaced in her mind – no, surely not.

As if reading her mind, Hange snickered ungracefully. They straightened up quickly when the Premier glanced behind him.

Returning to watching the show above their heads, Mikasa lost herself to her thoughts.

Unlike the Founder and the Attack Titan, the Beast Titan changed drastically with each inheritor. Hange had suggested many times to the Premier that the ability to fly would almost definitely be lost if they were to have Falco eaten – something Mikasa knew her Commander would never let happen.

Mikasa only hoped that public opinion would sway towards that, too. Having both the Armoured and Beast stay with Warriors of Marley was not a popular decision, and had sparked huge outrage when they officially announced it would remain that way for the envisioned future.

Ironically, that outrage had been part of what spared Eren of any appreciable punishment.

The Azumabito arrived on the horizon within the hour, their ship docking without problem. Falco, spotting it first, had landed and hence instructed to stay back as the Premier first went to greet them, officials from the Military Police flanking him, arriving from the train. Hange and she stood to the left, standing to attention.