A Myriad of Scents (RivaMika Week 2015)

Day 6 - Floral

JULY 8TH, Day 6: Floral (e.g. Dandelion)

Levi could feel the sweat running down his back, his shirt uncomfortably sticking to his body. The air was humid and the noontime sun beat down relentlessly on the Survey Corps. The entire Corps had been called back to Karanese District, where they would then leave the wounded and the majority of the Corps. However Commander Erwin, Levi, Hange and Mikasa would continue on to the inner district of Mitris within Wall Sina. They were to report about the night of the unexpected titan attack on their headquarters, which resulted in the loss of over ten percent of recruits.

The Survey Corps horses continued to plough on into the sparse fields between titan controlled territory and Karanese district. The whole of the corps was spread out in the long distance scouting formation.
Levi had been positioned in the middle of the formation, where it was safest, to escort Eren Yeager back to the wall. As his titan shifting abilities were going to be important to the Survey Corps in the future, Eren's safety was of paramount importance. Levi had heard Erwin mention that Mikasa was out to the right flank as part of the enemy detection teams. She was in the most dangerous part of the formation, as she would be closest to the titans. She's strong and smart. She'll be fine.
"No falling behind, Yeager!" Levi called back to Eren, who seemed to be in some sort of daydream. "If I wasn't babysitting you, I could be out there with the others." I could make sure no one else got hurt.
"Sorry, Captain!" Eren replied, gripping his reigns tighter.

The journey back to Karanese District seemed to be going fairly smoothly. Every now and then red smoke signals would rise into the air, indicating the sighting of a titan, followed by a green flare to indicate a changing of course for the formation. Though at one point a black flare soared into the cloudless sky, which declared that an abnormal titan had been spotted, and Levi felt and twinge in his chest.

Levi's cape fluttered around him as he began to see the top of Wall Rose. He heard Eren behind him sigh in relief at the sight of the wall, and the safety of Karanese District. Their horses hurtled on as if spurned on by the sight of the nearing walls. Levi could see the formation of the Corps slowing coming together as if it was shrinking. The gate into Karanese District had already started to open by the time the first members of the Corps reached it.
As they started to filter in, Levi pulled his horses to side and watched the relieved faces of the Survey Corps file into the district.
"Go ahead Yeager, follow the others." Levi said as Eren had followed him.
"Yes, Captain."

He was waiting for any sign of her, any sign that she was safe. From the corner of his eye Levi spotted something blue on the ground. He pulled on the reigns of his horse, coercing it to go closer to what he had found so interesting. They were flowers, unlike what Levi had ever seen. Since this side of the wall had been abandoned for over five years, it wasn't uncommon to see nature reclaim buildings that civilisation had built. But these flowers were different; they were the shape of what Levi imagined a star to look like. He liked the way the different hues of blue blended and ebbed into each other. To anyone else they might have looked like any other flower, but they piqued Levi's interest immensely.

He swung his legs of his horse, and walked over quickly to the flowers. Members of the Survey Corps were still making their way through the gate. Levi bent down on one knee and inhaled deeply. His nostrils filled with a sweet floral scent that gave him goosebumps up his arms. He gently picked a few of the flowers, making sure to take them from as far down at the stem as he could, and carefully put them in the breast pocket of his uniform.

With much effort Levi managed to get back on his horse, and cantered towards the gate, still waiting for Mikasa. He spotted several scouts together ahead on what would have been the right flank. As they got closer Levi was sure he saw jet black hair shining in the unrelenting sun. Mikasa and three others were getting closer when Levi heard one of them say, "...close one. Never been so sure in my life I was going to die."
One of the others laughed and said something that Levi did not hear. Levi saw Mikasa sporting a serious look, and did not look in Levi's direction.
"They were right when they say you're worth a hundred soldiers, Mikasa." Said a scout with brown hair and had a boyish look about him.
Mikasa did not say anything, but continued towards the gate.
When the last of scouts with Mikasa saw Levi waiting at the gate, wearing his usual stoic expression, a freckled scout with red hair sputtered and apologised for being the last of the scouts to arrive.
"We were attacked by an abnormal-" started the freckled scout
" -it plucked me off my horse before I knew it-" said the brown haired one
"But it wasn't a problem for Mikasa, she killed the titan just before Errol was made a meal of." said Colt, wiping the sweat from his dark brow.

"Was anyone hurt?" Levi asked, surveying the group of scouts.
"No, Sir." Said the brown haired one, which Levi assumed was Errol.
"Good. Then get going."

The three scouts that Levi was not familiar with went on their way, nearing the gate of Karanese District. Mikasa and Levi rode side by side as they passed through the gate in silence. Levi didn't want things to become awkward after the night in the forest.

"Are you okay? You're not hurt?" He asked.
"I'm fine." Mikasa said, "I killed the abnormal without any real difficulty."
Of course she is fine. She can look after herself.
"Who are your new friends?"
Mikasa's eyebrow arched. "The dark haired one is Colt. The brown haired one who almost got eaten is Errol. And the freckly redhead is Kurt. They are nice guys, but could do with some extra training if I'm honest."

Levi and Mikasa finally caught up with the rest of the group, and made their way over to Commander Erwin. In the background, Levi was sure he could hear Kurt retelling the story of Mikasa's titan kill to anybody in the immediate vicinity.
"We are going to leave the rest of the Corp here." Commander Erwin said, then turned to a tall blonde man to his left, "Mike, you're in charge until we return. We shouldn't be too long - maybe two or three days."
Levi watched Mikasa as she said goodbye to Eren, Armin, Ymir, Krista, Sasha, Connie, Jean, Bertoholdt and Reiner. They were all huddled around here wishing her a safe journey, Mikasa reassured them they she would be fine. Hange and Mike were talking to Erwin about the journey to Karanese. But Levi stood alone, and waiting.

The journey to Mitras took the best part of day even on horseback. Levi and the three others rode together mostly in silence, until the sun started to sink into the horizon when Commander Erwin turned to Mikasa.
"To be honest Mikasa we don't really know why the higher ups want to talk to you. We can only assume that they will try and make you say something that you might regret. I want you to control yourself at all times, no matter what they say."
"I understand, Commander Ewrin." Mikasa replied, answering a little too quickly to convince Levi.

It was the dead of night when the four of them reached Mitras, the streets were quiet, and lit by the candles in the street lamps. Erwin led the way to a small inn where the ground floor doubled as a pub, which was serving the last of its customers of the night. Erwin returned from the bar holding several key in his hands.
"I managed to get a room for each of us. Albeit small rooms, but the prices here are quiet inexpensive so we won't have to worry about breaking our budget." Erwin said with a smile, and handed each of them a key.
They all made their way upstairs, Erwin's room was at the far end of the corridor, Hange's room was closest to the stairs, Levi's room was in the middle of the corridor and Mikasa's was opposite his.

"Goodnight then, Captain." Mikasa said as she turned to open her door.
Levi turned to face her, but she was already gone, and he heard the faint sound of the key turning in the lock.

***

Mikasa was sitting in a hallway in a particularly uncomfortable chair. People wearing the insignia of the Military Police walked past her every now and then, giving her confused looks as to why she was in the Military Police Headquarters of all places. Erwin had said that Darius Zackley, head of all three divisions of the military had summoned them there, to report on the night the titans had attacked the Survey Corp Headquarters.
But what could they want with me? I saw the exact same thing as Levi that night. I have no special insight into what happened.
From the corner of her eye she could she someone approaching her from the far end of the corridor. Levi was making his way towards her when he said, "It's time. They want to speak to you now."
Mikasa followed Levi who led the way back the way he had come.

"Captain, can I ask you something?" Mikasa asked, hoping her tone did not sound as concerned as she actually was.
Levi nodded in response.

"Captain, what could they possibly want to talk to me about? I've been thinking about it and it doesn't make sense. Asking me about what happened the night of the attack on HQ is pointless because I was with you the whole time." Mikasa paused for a second before continuing. "What I mean is that, they could just ask you. I don't have any special information about what happened that night."

"I've been thinking about that as well, Ackerman." Levi said turning to her. "But something tells me that they won't ask you about the attack on HQ."

Surprised by his response, Mikasa asked, "Well what could they possibly want to talk to me about?"
"I guess we are about to find out. The only advice I can give you is to try not to aggravate them. I'm sure they will try to get to you...but if you respond in the way they want you to, they will attempt to make your life difficult." Levi said quietly.

Mikasa's eyebrow arched, "You make it sound like we are seeing more people than just Darius Zackary..."

"The Commander of the Military Police, Nile Dok is also here, along with Dot Pixis, Commander of the Garrison Unit...and a few others." Levi said, his voice was toneless.
This doesn't make any sense.

Levi stopped at a large brown door, one hand on the brass handle of the door, the other on Mikasa's shoulder giving her a reassuring pat. He lowered his hand and opened the door.
The room was large, with sunlight spilling in through the tall windows. Mikasa noticed the desks in the room had been put together to form a sort of giant horse shoe shape.

Behind the desks sat people with the insignias from the Garrison but most were from the Military Police. Mikasa even noticed a few people wearing the robes that people in the Wallist cult wore. At the top table in the middle sat Darius Zackary, who Mikasa recognised from Eren's trial. Levi ushered her to a chair that was position inside the horse shoe shape, giving everyone sitting around the desks a perfect view of her.

Mikasa could feel the heat rising to her cheeks already. Why does this already feel like an interrogation?

"Please state you name?" Darius Zackly called out.
"Mikasa Ackerman, sir."
"Place of residence before you enlisted into the military?"
"Shigishima District."
"But you weren't originally from there were you?" Asked Nile Dok
Mikasa could feel her heart thumping.
"No. I lived with my parents on a farm within Wall Maria."
I have a feeling that I know where this conversation is going to go.

"I believe that you lived with Grisha and Carla Yeager, and their son Eren. Is that right?" Zackley asked.
"Yes, sir."
"Tell me how that came to be, if you will."

Mikasa recounted the story from her childhood, keeping her eyes fixed on a point on the floor. She kept her tone of voice devoid of emotion, the years of practice made this easy for her. Mikasa could not bear to look at the faces of Levi, Hange and Commander Erwin when she described how she had killed a man that had attempted to kidnap her and would eventually sell her.

"Is this really necessary Zackly? Miss Ackerman and Eren Yeager were cleared of killing years ago. It was an act of self-defence." Mikasa turned to her right to see Dot Pixis, now taking a sip from his hip flask.

"We have to know her background before we start the questioning." This voice came from Nile Dok, his brow furrowed, his agitation clearly pointing in Pixis's direction.

Mikasa was relieved to see Commander Erwin stand up and face Zackly. Maybe he can get me out of this mess.

"I fail to see how Mikasa Ackerman's background has to do with the attack on the Survey Corps Headquaters, sir?" Erwin said, his voice calm and even.

"She's not here to be questioned about the attack as such..." Nile said, turning his gaze back to Mikasa. She did not like the way that he looked at her.

"Mikasa how long have you know Eren Yeager." Zackly asked.

"Over 10 years... probably more, sir." Mikasa replied.

"Would you agree then that when Eren Yeager's parents died, that you would the person that he has had the most contact with?" Zackly asked, looking carefully at Mikasa.

"I suppose I would agree, sir."

Suddenly Nike Dok stood up and faced Darius Zackly. "I propose sir, that Mikasa be removed from the Survey Corp and taken in for a full body examination immediately."

"Hold on one moment -"started Erwin.
"You insolent swine." Levi growled, and the room fell silent.

Mikasa turned to her comrades on her left, and found that Erwin, Levi and even Hange were all standing up in protest. Mikasa did not miss the murderous look in Levi's eyes as he stared down Nile Dok.

"I haven't decided anything yet Nile. You are getting ahead of yourself. But please enlighten us all as to why you want to examine Mikasa." Zackly said, "Erwin... if you would all kindly sit down..."

Mikasa's fellow scouting members took their seats; Levi's stare had still not left Nile.

"It has come to our attention that Mikasa Ackerman has been around Eren Yeager more than anyone else for the majority of his life. We still do not know how he came to have his titan shifting ability. I'm sure Hange Zoe will admit that even she does not know how he got his ability - and she has been studying titans for years. Additionally we would like to explore the possibility that the titan shifting ability could be contagious...moreover, that Mikasa may also have this ability." Nile finished.

This is ridiculous, if I was a titan shifter I'm sure I would know by now.

"What evidence do you have to support this theory?" Asked Erwin.

"We will have evidence when we examine her!" Nile retorted

"Do I even get a day in this matter?" Mikasa asked, many heads turned her way, as if they had forgotten she was even there. "If I too had the ability to change into a titan like Eren does, I am sure that I would know by now."
"You could very well be hiding it, Mikasa." Nile replied.

"Why would I hide it? Eren was still given permission to join the Survey Corp even though his ability was known not only to yourselves, but to the public as well."

"Indeed, but not everyone agreed with that decision. Besides it is common knowledge that we in the Military Police would still like to dissect Eren. In the process we would gain invaluable information about titans, which would of course benefit humanity. " Nile's voice was full of conviction.

Mikasa noticed several MP's behind Nile nodding in agreement. She turned to face Darius Zackly, he seemed to be deep in thought.

Zackly can't really be considering giving me over to that arsehole. I feel like I'm in a nightmare...this can't be happening.

"So because you couldn't get Eren on your dissection table, you will attempt to use me instead? How stupid are you? I'm not even a titan shifter!" Mikasa said, her voice rising.

"That is exactly what a spy would say isn't it?" Cried one of the MPs beside Nile Dok.

"Suddenly I am a spy now? Listen to yourselves! You sound ridiculous!" Mikasa was shouting now.

But MPs all around were calling for Mikasa to be handcuffed, afraid that she would turn into a titan in that instant. Others called for her execution. Some from the Wallist Cult seemed to be nodding now as well.

Mikasa stood up so quickly her chair fell behind her and turned to face Nile Dok.
"I am amazed sir, that you are the Commander of the Military Police. I heard that they held high standards when it came to who were allowed to join the MPs. However from what I have seen, you have displayed nothing but incompetence and ignorance - far below what I expected of the MPs!"

The room fell quiet and Mikasa could feel eyes from all around the room where on her.
But she was not finished yet, as rage boiled inside her she knew she would have to quash these stupid allegations now before they had time to gain any more traction.

"Furthermore, I have a suspicion that because you could not gain access the Eren previously, that now you have some sort of vendetta against him. Now this is just speculation of course, but perhaps you want to "dissect" me for one of two reasons. The first, that you actually believe that I am a titan shifter; which is hard to believe because it would of course be stupid for the Commander of the Miliary Police to order such a thing without a shred of evidence."

As Mikasa paused to take a breath, she could not miss the deafening sound of silence. Mikasa put this down to a mere recruit of the Survey Corps talking so brashly to a Commander of all people.

"Or the second reason," Mikasa continued, "is that you wish to aggravate Eren. Perhaps to draw him out, maybe do something stupid in an attempt to save me from the dissection and land himself in a holding cell, where he would be at the mercy of the Military Police. Right into your hands..."

Mikasa picked up her fallen chair, took her seat and folded her arms before saying, "If you attempt to take me Commander Dok, believe me...you will regret it." Mikasa finished.

Nile Dok's eyes were the size of saucers, his mouth gaping wide open. His fists were shaking so violently, Mikasa wouldn't have been surprised if he was having a seizure.

"You all heard that! She threatened me! Seize her at once!" Nile roared, pointing at Mikasa.

Several MPs jumped over the desk towards Mikasa, the commotion sending papers fluttering into the air, and teacups flying about the room.

Let them come!

"Outrageous!" Cried Dot Pixis to right, who was trying to protecting his hip flask after it spilled a few drops when an MP pushed past him.

"This is ridiculous Zackly!" Commander Erwin shouted

Mikasa stood up ready for a fight her hand reached for her knife strapped to her lower back underneath her Survey Corp jacket. Before she could grip it, she felt a hand on her wrist. She spun around the see Levi behind her, his eyes alight with fire aimed straight at the MPs who stopped a few paces back from Mikasa.

The MPs are afraid to come any closer.

"Let go of me, Captain." Mikasa hissed.
Without turning his gaze to her he whispered, "Do not do something that you will regret" while releasing her hand.
Mikasa did not reach for the knife she had always carefully concealed since she was a child.

"If any of you half-witted pieces of shit come any closer...I promise to kill you." Levi warned. The MP's not sure what to do, all turned to look at Nile Dok. Evidently they did not find the prospect of fighting Mikasa and Levi appealing.

"Enough." The voice came from Darius Zackly, taking off his glasses and pained expression evident on his face. "MPs return to your chairs. This meeting is adjourned, Mikasa you may go. Nile I think we need to have a talk."

***
"Well I wasn't expecting that!" Hange commented as they left the Military Police headquarters.
Erwin sighed, his brows furrowed. "What a mess." He turned to Mikasa, "But you did well Mikasa. It could have gone a lot worse." Erwin finished glancing at Levi.
"Isn't that big fancy dinner tonight, Erwin?" Hange asked.
"Yes... and I'm sure that the subject of today's meeting will be all anyone will be talking about." Erwin replied. "That reminds me Mikasa, you need something to wear."

"I brought some civilian clothes with me, Commander Erwin." Mikasa reassured.

"I'm afraid regular civilian clothes with not be able to cut it. The dinner tonight will be with the top brass from all parts of the military. Some members of the royal family may very well be in attendance. Besides we can't let the MPs steal the show as always. We in the Survey Corp also try to keep up appearances. Passive aggressive warfare between the different regiments if you like." Erwin said with a smile.

"Hange, go with Mikasa and both of you can decide on something appropriate." Erwin said, handing Hange some money. Mikasa did not miss the way Hange's eyes lit up.


***
Mikasa did not have much time to get ready when she and Hange returned from the dress hunting in Mitras. She did not think that she and Hange would have such differing tastes. Mikasa wanted something that wasn't so eye catching, something simple. Hange on the other hand had a rather strong bias for the biggest and boldest wares that Mitras had to offer. In the end the women found a happy medium that Hange thought was appropriate for the dinner.

Mikasa closed the door to her room in the inn, and hung her dress up on the wardrobe. Mikasa quickly jumped into the bath, gasping as she submerged her body into the scalding water. She scrubbed hard at her skin, ridding herself of the sweat and dust. She began to ruminate on the day's events. Even thinking about it made her heart race. Commander Nile Dok of the Military Police, wanted her to be examined and possibly even dissected.

I'm going to have to watch myself around him. No doubt he will be at this dinner.

She wrapped a towel around herself as she made her way over to the dress she was to wear that evening. Mikasa could not imagine what she would look like in it. Of course she had tried the dress on in the shop to make sure it fit, but they were in such a rush to get back that Mikasa did not have time to have a look at herself in the mirror. Hange had simply said that it looked good, and they left the shop immediately.

After drying off, Mikasa slipped into the dress. It was a full length gown, a light blue colour, with a lace detailed bodice that came up to her neck. It was sleeveless but came with small lace detailed gloves. She tied the small belt around the smallest part of her waist and turned to the mirror. For a moment Mikasa did not recognise herself. Her chin length hair looked familiar but the girl in the mirror was a stranger to her.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door that broke Mikasa from her thoughts.

"Mikasa? We're leaving in 10 minutes. Me and Erwin will be waiting downstairs." Hange called from the other side of the door.
Mikasa replied that she would be down soon, and returned her attention to her hair.

Maybe I should try and recreate the style that Krista did for me before.

Unfamiliar with styling hair, Mikasa found the task quite challenging. Strands of hair would fall loose as soon as she pinned it back, and some bits stuck out at odd angles. Eventually, she was satisfied with her efforts and started toward the door, when someone knocked on it. Mikasa crossed the floor, paying extra attention to her feet as she did not want to tread on her dress.

She turned the lock and opened the door to see Levi waiting for her. He was dressed in his immaculate black suit, his crystal white cravat sitting in its usual place. Mikasa took this opportunity to take in his image, his angular features, and his dark narrow eyes. Several moments past before either of them said anything, until Levi cleared his throat.

"You are staring." Levi's commented.

Mikasa was sure her cheeks must be a violent shade of scarlet. She pulled away her gaze from Levi and instead aimed it towards the floor, as if finding some part of it more interesting. But she couldn't help but smile when she said, "You look very handsome this evening, Captain."

Mikasa was sure she detected a flicker of a smile of his lips, before Levi said. "And you look radiant as ever. However, can I make one slight alteration?"

Trying to ignore the butterflies in her stomach, Mikasa nodded. Levi took something out of the inside pocket of his blazer. He stood behind her, and carefully intertwined the blue flowers he had picked earlier the day before into her hair. He let his hand fall, brushing down her shoulder, and arm until it reach her hand. His fingertips brushed the back of her hand.

"We had better go and meet Erwin and Hange." Levi said.

***

The dining room was bigger than Mikasa had imagined it to be, even with the ornate tapestries that hung all around the room. Grand paintings lined that wall, and the chandeliers that were suspended in the air glittered and shone, throwing sparkles of lights about the room. The four scouts were ushered to their seats on a grand dining table. They sat down on one of the more prestigious tables which Mikasa guessed could accommodate up to twenty people. There were other smaller round tables set about the room, and people were already taking their seats.

Mikasa was seated next to Levi on her right, while Commander Erwin and Hange were seated to her left. Mikasa gazed at all the cutlery in front of her. Why do I need three different types of forks? Won't one do?

Levi who seemed to sense Mikasa's confusion said, "It's simpler than it looks. Start with the cutlery from the outside and work your way in."
Mikasa nodded.

Suddenly Mikasa noticed the seat opposite her being pulled back and was surprised to see Commander Nile Dok of the Military Police take his seat. Mikasa could feel anger rising in her chest and resisted the urge to throw the biggest of her three knives at him.

"Good Evening, Captain Levi, and Miss Ackerman." The Commander said, his smile wry.
Levi nodded, and Mikasa muttered a reply.
Erwin and Hange spent most of the dinner talking to Commander Pixis who seemed to be very fond of the red wine that the waiters were serving. With his red cheeks, glassy eyes and kind nature, Mikasa could not help but smile.

Mikasa and Levi were quiet for most of the dinner, only talking when they were replying to questions that curious members of other military divisions asked. Mikasa noticed that it was not only Commander Pixis that was fond of the refreshments that were being served with dinner, as Commander Nile began berating a waiter to fill his glass to the top.