*
A MONTH LATER
"Are you sure you're alright?"
His voice firm, but laced with concern for my wellbeing. "I mean, I know this is the welcome ceremony of the harbour, and Yelena will be present after a whole years so..." his voice trails off, while I slip on a comfy onesie on Luka.
"I won't attend the opening, but I will be present in the meeting room," I reply softly, as my eyes tenderly gaze into my sons azure eyes. His raven hair has somewhat grown, with a bright refreshing smile to ease my stress. Lifting him up I held him against my breast, when Levi steps closer and caressed Luka's chubby cheek tenderly with his index finger.
The infant curiously latched his tiny hand around his papa's finger, earning a small shift of a smile on Levi's stoic face.
Today was finally the day of the welcome ceremony, seen the Port has been finished. The infrastructure of the buildings aside nearby the docks, and few gathering and system points were finally cultivated. What's more, things were upgraded to a newer version of the current buildings were have within the walls.
Adding onto the opening of the harbour, the Marleyan volunteers managed to help us correspond withe the Ambassador of Hizuru. From a country that was from the same connecting branch of my clan. Maybe I can get a few answers, or understand what my clan was to them.
Luka coos again holding onto Levi's finger, with a look of wonder in those beautiful eyes of his.
Levi seemed to notice how silent I've grown recently, even Lena admitted I've mellowed out since Luka's birth. I just felt more overprotective of my son, that I'm afraid if I look away for a second, he'll be taken from me. A mother's love really is strong.
This must've been how my mother felt about me, how she wanted to protect me no matter how much she was ruining her marriage for it. Being a parent brought me new challenges, new obstacles and brought me more patience than I ever could be. Little by little, all I could do is take it step by step, trying to make everyday count with my son.
"You know, Lena can take care of Luka for a bit?"
Lifting my eyes tilting away from him while swaying little Luka, "I just don't want to--"
"Akira, you've been by his side since his birth," He says firmly, before softening with a heavy sigh. He steps closer and took my unoccupied hand, tracing his thumb in the centre of my palm gently. He presses a soft gentle kiss to my lips tenderly, "I know it's your duty, but you've run yourself ragged........how about we take Lena's offer.......she's your assistant."
"You know I would hate to put her on babysitting duty," arguing back, while little Luka coos towards his father's face. My eyes soon flicker to meet Levi's concerned ones, hating that I'm worrying him again. Within moments Levi took little Luka from my arms and held him close to his chest, feeling a sense of security with Levi right by my side.
~Knock~Knock~
"It's Lena, may I come in?"
"Come in!"
The doors with a heavy creak before looking presentable, in her forest green cloak and her hair neatly pulled up into a ponytail. Though her scar was large and noticeable, I was worried about her insecurities. However she surprised me, by presenting her facial scars proudly, she walks anywhere without a glimpse of disdain or discomfort in her appearance. "The ship is coming shortly, will you be attending?" Lena asks softly, before locking onto little Luka who began cooing towards her as well.
Levi clears his throat, "Actually Lena, could we take your offer?" his eyes flicker to mine, while I was silently giving him the death glare mouthing 'no' to him.
Shaking my head subtly, Lena glances in my direction, changing my face quickly to a smile.
For a moment she was in confusion but she realised what Levi meant, and soon nods eagerly with a bright expression. "Are you sure? Do you trust me to handle him, while you welcome the anti-marleyan volunteers and foreigners?"
Reluctantly I couldn't go past Levi's stubbornness, as a chuckle leaves my lips feeling excited to finally bring our new guests. "Yes Lena, it's just for the welcoming ceremony," I assure her, before taking Luka from Levi and passed him to Lena carefully. Ruffling my sons hair softly, "It won't be long, but I'll take care of him during the meeting.......he's a very quiet one."
For a moment I saw appreciation in her eyes, "Aunty Lena to the rescue again," Lena smiles widely, brimming from the sweetness of the infant.
It does put me at ease, when Lena's there to help me out.
*
AT THE HARBOUR
The cool breeze that swept up from the open ocean, where in the distance was the Anti-Marleyans slowly arriving towards the docks. Standing firmly at the front of our group of scouts with pride, I realised it's been a while since I've been back into the field despite a month since I went on maternity leave. Having to see everything completed and finalised, I was proud by the results.
With how we came from the tents, and makeshift beds, to a modernised area of Paradian styled buildings. Thanks to the many people who have aided us, like blacksmiths, engineers, builders and knowledge. The place became another sanctuary for the scouts and the regiments in general for trade.
Even more proud at the fact that we've come so far, since I've joined the cadet corps years ago.
The ship further draws near the dock, while my chest felt heavy and soon felt nervous which isn't like me. Keeping myself focused on the possibilities about forming an alliance with another nation, and what supplies we will receive during that alliance if it does come to be. Glancing to my side, Hanji seemed very quiet and serious for a moment before she pokes my side.
"You okay? You're look nervous," She teases quietly, causing me to grow red in embarrassment.
"Shut up, just haven't socialised for a while,"
She nears my ear, "Sure, sure......" with a teasing hum, nudging my shoulder again. "Is it the new foreigners, the ambassador of Hizuru?"
A part of me did feel nervous about meeting them, wanting answers. Yet, worried that i would look like a fool for assuming that I'll gain an answer, only to be a fools errand.
"It's interesting to learn your heritage," The Commander adds, with a wide smile before it shortens to a neutral expression. "Maybe you might something, to put your questions to rest......for you to move on," her voice lowered, while I softly smile with a nod of agreement.
"You definitely know me too well, it's frightening," I tease her, with a smirk.
What's more frightening is that Yelena before leaving us a year ago, was begging to meet Eren face to face. So many times she would ask either Hanji, or myself, but each time was denied for security reasons. There was more to the meet, and that's why Levi has been feeling this unsettling tension since. Whether it was for Eren to stay away from people, specifically after his power when he doesn't know the full extent of it. It only remained to the issue she was in contact with Zeke, that left me to be cautious of her whereabouts and movements.
Yelena was a frightening person, despite the soft amicable side of herself. I sensed it, like an intuition.
Finally after a few more minutes patiently waiting, they began making their way towards us. Lining up Hanji, Levi and I stood in front of the scouts, dressed neatly and presented ourselves with pride of our regiment. Yelena's eyes met mine for a brief moment, noting their dressed in clean attire themselves. Soon her eyes slice towards Eren's, with a subtle smile and warm greeting.
"Eren. It's been a year now," Her voice breaks the silence, as the waves crash against the harbour walls. "I haven't see you since you picked up our whole ship," raising her hand out towards him to shake, about to step forward. "I look forward to working beside you."
Levi soon cuts in stepping between them, which I was taken back.
"Too bad, you won't be working with Eren directly," Levi corrects her blatantly, holding his hand to dismiss her handshake. His face remain stoic and unwelcoming as usual, which was enough to do for me. "This meeting is as far as we're willing to go."
Yelena's eyes rest halfway, "More than enough for me," she assures him, despite the greediness in her eyes to speak with Eren.
She had a way with her words that left me feeling uneasy, taking full advantage of the naive teenage in any way possible. Filling his head with lies, or even giving him the idea to make his move to use his power to the full extent. Even her begging towards either Hanji or I were out of the ordinary, and it was a no brainer to not allow a woman, a stranger to walk on paradis lands without a careful eye on her.
Of course we're new to all this, but it sets us all at a disadvantage.
"This is an auspicious day," She clears the, before walking towards the edge of the brick wall of the harbour. "The port's complete at last, and we're about to welcome our first foreign visitors...."
My eyes fall upon the direction she was gesturing towards, as another small boat and a large ship sailed towards Port.
".....from the sole nation that's friendly to Paradis, Hizuru," Yelena continues. "Their special envoy is Kiyomi Azumabito.....pay your respects...as she is from a noble family."
Not long as they docked to Port, my eyes fall upon a middle-aged asian woman that walked with grace down the ramp from the ship. Her raven hair neatly pulled into a bun, and her eyes slanted just like my mothers with thin eyebrows. Her pale complexion, complimented her raven hair and clothing. Her pale blue blazer and skirt rests over her white asian styled button up shirt, formally.
She began walking towards us with a few of her men behind, securing her safety whilst my eyes couldn't drift away from her.
Slowly greeting us one by one of the higher ups, including Queen Historia, Commander Pyxis, Hanji, Levi and myself to be the last, her shake lingers longer for a moment as our eyes met. For a moment, I thought I saw her recognition within her grey eyes as they slightly widen. Clearing her throat, she resumed forward as we all headed to the main meeting hall where the meeting shall commence.
Before I could walk further, I even noticed Mikasa seeming a little curious. That's right, she has relations to my clan as well as much I know. I couldn't blame her for staring a little too long, but her eyes quickly look away to be polite.
*
MEETING HALL
With everyone trailing in one by one and heading towards their destined seats, I noticed Lady Kiyomi gazing around the wide and large room in detail. Was she not used to this kind of settlement? Or was she checking to see if the structure itself wouldn't fall apart? Assuming the worst would only cause myself to stress, when there is important matters to attend too.
The echoes of the footsteps of each soldier says it all, being a large modernised space for large meetings and such.
Guards were stationed at the large doors, and a few stationed near the ambassador cautiously due to the lack of trust. Hopefully over time once we form an alliance, things would mellow out and become quiet and calm. Standing behind Eren and Mikasa for assurance, my eyes remain on the petite woman. Indeed she held an amicable appearance, which was less intimidating than Yelena.
A sigh drifts past my lips, not realising I forgot to breath out of nervousness.
"She's seems too amicable," I mutter beneath my breath, judging by how her eyes subtly judge a few of my men, but changes quickly when Mikasa looks in her direction.
"Let's see how this goes," Historia whispers beneath her breath, keeping herself reserved and presentable beside me. "I know your judge of character, seriously just relax........you might get a chance to speak with her yourself."
"Doubt it'll be a pleasant conversation," I remark steadily, while hearing a soft chuckle follow from the blonde royal.
Two large burly men stood behind as guards, with one of them carrying some sought of briefcase. Kiyomi had opened it seeing some thick black material piece, wondering what she's up to. What caught my eye the most was a symbol or some kind of white letter, an emblem displayed in the center.
It was a white circle, with the letter 'A' formed by three blades overlapping each other representing 'Azumabito'.
"Do you recognise this family crest?" Lady Kiyomi asks, holding the fabric over her left up to display the emblem. In recognition of the emblem, I knew Mikasa must be surprised as well. She showed me a while
Mikasa's eyes widen, "Thats....!" grasping her right wrist, where her arm was gauzed with a bandage.
"Yeah, you should show it to them," Eren ushers her.
"You think?" She asks him quietly, in a hush tone. Her eyes meet mine for a moment, "But....mom told me that I should keep it a secret."
"You showed it to me back when we were just kids. This could be the whole reason she gave it to you," He insists. "Go on."
Mikasa's eyes met mine for a brief moment again, as if wondering if she should reveal her tattoo her mother gave her. I bare my clans crest on my bicep, which even Mrs Ackerman had given me as my mother asked her for the materials. With a gentle nod of confirmation, Mikasa reluctantly gave in, rolling up her right sleeve revealing her wrist gauzed.
Untying the tightly wrapped material around her forearm, revealing the exact same crest that lady Kiyomi has addressed to us.
Even Lady Kiyomi and even her men were taken back in shock, but I was more interested in how this plays out. "Before she died, my mom gave me this mark to match one she had herself," Mikasa explains, delicately tracing over the mark on her wrist. "And she asked me to pass it down to my own children."
Lady Kiyomi was gasping in awe, "A noble deed, befitting your lineage," grasping Mikasa's shoulders, with a trembling voice. Soon, we were guided to take our seats for a moment to listen to the history behind Hizuru.
*
"Over a century ago, Hizuru's shogun was an ally of the Eldian Empire," She began, as tea was served before us. A delicacy called green tea, with a pleasant aroma directly from the land of Hizuru. "We Azumabito's trace our lineage back to his son, who was on good terms with King Fritz, and often visited here."
My eyes narrow, paying attention to small details of her voice whether thsi was true, and was the same as my late Uncle had explained.
"After the great titan war, our once-proud nation was left defeated and in disarray. And amidst the chaos and confusion, a child fathered by the Shogun's heir, was somehow left behind on this island," Her eyes met Mikasa's firmly. "To think.....a hundred years hence.....that I am finally meeting you, as you are the descendant of our nation's lost lord. To put it simply, you are Hizuru's hope."
Mikasa was left conflicted by the woman, who stood before her who is showering her with more added weight to her shoulders.
"Uh....I...." Mikasa was finding it difficult to comprehend, while I stepped forward.
"Lady Kiyomi, she maybe a direct descendant.....but don't you think it's a little heavy for her to process?" I suggest softly, yet firmly. Earning the woman's attention, she seemed to collect herself for a moment.
"Section Commander...." Mikasa whispers, with relief.
Lady Kiyomi's eyes flicker towards mine, studying me for a moment. Raising her hand with a simple gesture, "Everyone maybe dismissed, I wanna speak with this woman alone, please?"
Hesitantly Mikasa was surprised by this, with a look of guilt for me stepping up for her.
Giving the teenagers a nod of assurance, Levi pats my shoulder once before ushering everyone out as the heavy wooden large doors were closed. Turning my attention back to the woman, she held her teacup delicately and sips it with such elegance and little effort. The silence grew heavy the longer I sat there, taking a moment for my eyes to studying her people that she brought. All dressed in black shirts, and white buttoned shirts, some with ties or without.
A young eastern female also stood behind her, dressed in a light mauve cloak that hugs her petite frame. Her hair neatly pulled into a low bun, and glasses framing her pale complexion.
"How many years has it been?" her soft voice breaks the silence. "almost three decades......huh? Time sure does fly by....."
"You know me?" I arch a brow, while I sat on the other side of the table.
Kiyomi held light tears while reminiscing, "You look just like her, the Hime of the Yamasaki clan.....those azure eyes are the trait of one," she smiles warmly, which made me cautious. "How is she doing these days? Did she have the life she wanted, with that miscreant of a husband?"
Miscreant? Well, she isn't wrong about that.....
My heart slightly aches, "She is no longer in this world, but she lived a fulfilling life," I reply simply, trying to not allow another trigger to happen. The news seemed to have taken a hit, as her eyes widen in surprise before lowering her eyes. "It wasn't a natural cause, but by the hands of the Armoured....."
"I see.....may she be remembered," She bows her head, her face filled with remorse. "If you have no knowledge of your family, how are you not desperate for answers?"
"Excuse me?"
She gestures with a tilt of her head, "Your face says it all, you have many questions....I assume and you will receive an answer," her voice hints with a warmth, sincerity to her words. "I'm just surprised......you've grown into a strong woman, Akira."
Which question shall I ask for? There is so many, my head will explode any second.
"My late Uncle spoke of our family, as if it was a parasite that needed to burned," my shoulder shift back, my face soon rests with confidence in my voice. "The tyranny my Uncle caused, left for my clan to become extinct to ashes......and why I am still alive to this day?"
Taking a moment for Kiyomi to process my inquiry, she lowers her tea cup closing her eyes for a moment.
"As you know there were branches that all connect to Hizuru, such as the Orientals, Yamasaki's, each have a position to the roles of the nation," She began, while I focused on her explanation. "The orientals were direct descendants of us, and the Yamasaki's were our protection.........as the strongest warriors. Given such strength, endurance, your clan was known as the direct warriors of the Shogun, an army so great beneath Hizuru.......heaven forbid, it surprised me how far they had fallen since Marley captured and over thrown them...."
So, my mother's letter of confession and my Uncle's words were true.....
"You were only a infant, when I briefly visited Marley for a meeting," She continues on. "Your grandfather was eager to lift the curse to free his clan, to on for Hizuru. By forcing an Eldian to marry and bare an heir to become the next female titan inheritor, to gain the leverage for an escape......but how he went about it, was more selfish than I could ever imagine...."
She sighs with a troubling gaze, "But your mother refused to place such an expectation on a child, only to have their life cut short," her voice grew firm, less welcoming with inner rage.
"She begged her father, but he wouldn't budge. He insisted the alliance, to sacrifice you to free the clan and you wouldn't last fourteen years at least......so she decided to flee with your father to Paradis," she takes a piece of paper, only to see a photograph of a family.
She slides it towards me, soon recognising my mother dressed in eastern clothing, I assume as a Kimono. Her hair neatly pulled back, and her face filled with a deep sadness. My uncle looked far different without his scar and age, and I assumed behind the two stood my grandparents.
"Your clan remains respected by the nation of Hizuru, and when I heard there was a possibility that there was a Yamasaki....I had to see for myself," She continues on. "Many complications with money, power and grief consumed your clan, and after Ronin's betrayal against the will of Hizuru, murdering an entire army, he was a liability to us.........he was long gone......he brought dishonour, and I no longer welcomed him once we gained an opening into Marley at the time....."
Her tone brought chills the moment she spoke of my Uncle again, as he was a deadly man. A force to be reckoned with.
"So I assume you've heard how I ended his life, after his attempt to kill me," I assume, my brow arch a little while keeping my gaze steady. Taking another glance to the photo, it gave me clarity to see mother's face again.
"Yes, word gets around now," She nods, confirming my suspicion. "I was very surprised, judging by how strong he was, that a woman like yourself ended his life.....Karma sure does bite you back......you're truly a Yamasaki warrior."
I haven't heard that surname in a while since I've been married, as I lower my gaze staring at the old photograph.
"So......is that everything you desired? Or are you dissatisfied with my answers?" She asks, her voice softening up again.
"No, that is all," I reply, hesitantly wondering if I missed anything important. My clan's history was clear, my uncle's actions were clear, my mother's reason for fleeing was finally cleared. I may at least relax and thank that I found someone, who knew me as a child once.
Pushing my seat out I politely bow my front half towards her, before turning on heel towards the door and exiting the room. The heavy doors open and soon close behind me, as I was greeted with Hanji and Levi on the side from where I stood.
"Were you two eavesdropping?" I scoff lightly, with a chuckle.
Hanji shook her head, "Nope, it's too noisy in here to hear," She looks away, while I turn to face my husband.
"You?"
Before he could reply Lena came forth and passed me Luka, who was getting very wriggly in her arms. Taking him into my arms he nestled right away against my chest, realising how precious he was to me. Levi sighs deeply, "I did hear a bit, okay......." he mutters under his breath, while I rub Luka's back gently. "Just.....don't get yourself tangled with that woman, I just can't read her motives......yet.."
"Perhaps we should ask Yelena's opinion?" One of the garrison brass spoke in the background, while I rock little Luka to sleep.
"No! That's exactly what they want us to do!" A Garrison soldier raises his voice, arguing back making me cover Luka's ears for a moment.
"We're sure of one thing at least," Pyxis spoke up, closing his eyes for a moment and then opening them with a calm nature to the situation. "In this world that our new Port has connected us to, we may as well be a tottering child, learning to walk....so for now, let's keep quiet and learn what we can from our guests..."
Pyxis walks over to the wooden doors again, his back facing us with his garrison rose emblem emblazoned on his cloak.
Taking that for a moment we're gonna be discussing further, Luka was on the verge of sleep. Which meant he'll be quiet during the meeting, as I needed to be there as well as Lena. Finally getting him to sleep, I pass him back to Lena. "Thank you, he's a quiet sleeper.....so you'll be alright during the meeting,"
"Right,"
Taking my leave back into the meeting hall, Levi pulled a seat out for me as I gladly took and sat down between him and Hanji. Pieces of paper laid before each of us on the opposite side of Lady Kiyomi. Historia takes her seat at the far end of the table, to represent our country.
"This is a historic day for both our nations, and it's worth noting that this day would never have come " Lady Kiyomi exclaims, her eyes meeting ours. "And it's worth noting that this day would never have come if not for the man who brought us together. I'm speaking, of course of Zeke Yeager......we conversed him in secret, and before he would agree to facilitate this meeting, he negotiated with us on behalf of your island.....we discussed more than Lady Mikasa and Lady Akira...."
She explained about how she was given one of our omni-directional mobility gear, which she was shared information in how we equiped such a piece. What was more strange is how he managed to procured it himself, if not for Marley. Zeke continued to explain how it's operated by a special kind fuel, that we use 'iceburst stone' which must been only mined in Paradis.
"....Zeke yeager's proposal was that we ally with and assist Paradis in exchange for access to a resource that could return our nation to its former glory," She continues, before noticing the change of her expression. Tilting her head her inner self was beginning to shine, "It's a rather tempting offer. Thus, while we're aware that he made this offer without surveying your reserves, we suspect that in this modern era, a treasure like iceburst stone could change the world and generate a fortune in the process," licking her lips greedily.
"Miss Kioymi, please," one of her men, scowls at her informal behaviour.
"My goodness, how unseemly of me," She sheepishly spoke, clearing her throat. I swear by the minute, you see their true intentions merging to the surface. It's disgusting.
My face subtly darkens along with jaw tightening, remembering that Yelena mentioned that the negotiations would go well because the Azumbitos are money grubbers. Such honour they have, if all they think about is money than their own lives.
"Hold on, so Zeke Yeager asked you to assist us?" Historia spoke up, breaking the bitter silence that lingered for a moment. "What would you assist us with?"
Kiyomi shifts her attention towards the Queen, "As I'm sure you're aware, he's concocted a plan to protect Eldia and the world. We're here because this plan can only succeed with Hizuru's assistance," She replies, before gesturing to the papers that were presented to us each. "It calls for a three-point course of action which would allow you to defend yourselves, with your so-called 'Rumbling'. This would begin with a test run of the Rumbling. You would unleash a fraction of the titans in your walls. Enough to display their destructive potential for all the world to see. That will buy you time which to modernise and strengthen your army, so as to render the Rumbling unnecessary. You're a hundred years behind the rest of the world. Hizuru will help you catch up....."
Hearing a subtle breath shaking nearby, I side glance over to Eren and Mikasa's shocked expressions.
"......Until then, you must be able to shake the earth by maintaining the founding titan, and having a titan of royal blood. That's the third point of this plan. Zeke will pass on the Beast titan to an individual who has royal blood," She states, causing my skin to crawl in response. "...and that person must spend the thirteen years they'll have left bearing as many children as possible."
With the advanced weapons we'll be trading and gaining, would that be enough to stop needing the rumbling? If we choose to rely on it, we'll have to continue the practice of titan inheritance for generations...like I understand it could protect us for time being, but is that enough for excuse for us to push this issue onto our own descendants? of course it is....but...
"I understand....and I'm ready," Historia breaks the heavy silence, that weighed against my chest. "If the Rumbling is essential to our survival, I'll do my part. I'm willing to inherit the Beast titan from Zeke Yeager."
Kiyomi held a solemn expression, as everyone recognised the heavy issue. I can't allow Historia to be some kind of tool, a breeding machine just for this power to continue that it will ruin her. She's so young....
Eren suddenly pushed himself to his feed abruptly, "If Zeke's plan is to buy our salvation at the price of broken walls, trampled lands, and children bred to be slaughtered like livestock, then I say he can go to hell and take his sick little plan with him!" He seethes through his teeth, his brows creased with fury within his darkened gaze.
"Eren...."
"Staking our survival on the threat of the Rumbling is a dangerous move," Eren continues, turning his attention to Lady Kiyomi who sat in silence. "So before we commit to it, we should try to find another way. Let's use what time we have to look at our options....."
For a moment and the first time I agreed with Eren, knowing better to assess further to the situation than to jump into action.
Slowly as the meeting came to an end I remained seated, while in deep though while everyone began to be dismissed. Footsteps approach me before hearing cooing sounds, seeing my son reaching his arms towards me. Lena shares a concerned look after that intense meeting, that left us to dwell in our thoughts. How risky our situation is, if we have to rely on the rumbling.
Standing up I tuck Luka to my side, while nuzzling my nose with his.
"Thanks Lena, the conversation was a bit heavy to soak in," I apologise softly, sharing her an apologetic expression. "You know......if I was in Historia's position, I couldn't bear to see my son suffer with my own problems. All I wish for him is to have a life I couldn't, a proper start and future with no expectation in regards to the future of Paradis....."
"It's fine to think on those things, it shows you care for the next generation," She assures me, gentle rubbing her thumb across Luka's chubby cheek. "I want the same for your son, and maybe when I have children.......life is unpredictable. So, we must steer our paths to make way for our children's future...."
Chuckling in response I nod in agreement, "I agree...."
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