Awakened

Chapter 19

Art of Arlise on top by the lovely @JesterEdin

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Slipping out of the lodge unnoticed was much harder than Mikasa thought.

Hange had come for her in the supply room, where she had been preparing for the rescue mission.

Mikasa didn't react to the news of another mission by Erwin, and had simply nodded off in acknowledgment. Hange left then, and Mikasa hurried even more to gather all that she needed.

She met her team by the stables, which luckily Erwin wasn't there since most of the horses were up front from their arrival.

The team slipped out the back with their gear on, the Scouts inside not paying them any mind, most occupied by taking care of the injured and those that didn't were thinking they were just doing what their new mission required.

All of their faces were molded into one of impassiveness. They didn't allow for anyone to see their internal panic that they were technically sneaking away.

Once they got to their respective horses, Mikasa spoke. "Erwin is up front, waiting for us."

"He'll definitely see us leave," Arlise said.

"Hopefully we'll be far enough that he wouldn't bother to chase us," Mavick commented.

"Mikasa," Annie said suddenly, making Mikasa stop for a moment. "You know when he finds out that you've bailed on his orders, especially on a mission that's such short notice, you will more than likely lose your title as Captain." Annie gazed at all her her squad-mates before settling her gaze on Mikasa again. "You'll lose your squad too."

Mikasa saddled her horse and got atop of it in one swift move. She could feel the gaze of her squad-mates, waiting for her response. "My title means nothing without my squad anyways." She snapped the reins of her horse, "Let's go get Tauriel."

Annie didn't smile, but Mikasa saw pride in her expression. Before Mikasa could avert her gaze Annie got atop her own horse too. "Lead the way."

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It was late afternoon when they left the lodge, and they've been riding ever since. In the three hours they've been gone, the afternoon turned  into early night, with the moon shining over head.

It was a four hour trip to the Keep, but since they had to leave in a direction away from Erwin they had to take a different route that added an extra hour to the trip.

They were more than halfway done with the trip, and Mikasa knew Erwin and the others noticed their absence already.

Like Mavick hoped, by the time Erwin noticed they were long gone.

Mikasa could only imagine her consequences when she returns.

Her team could be the vanguard. She could get her title taken away. Her team could be taken away.

Or worse, Erwin could see it as betrayal and have them executed.

Mikasa shook her head.