The Takanorian people had hid in their homes lately. Especially after the war had begun so many months ago. And with the rider galloping silently through the now abandoned streets in the evening, the eerie aura became even harder to ignore. The horse echoed through the town, as the lone rider approached a larger mansion. With hasty steps up the cold stone stairs he marched forward, into the house. Within, he was met by a larger collection of military men. All of them discussed silently amongst themselves.

“Pardon me, Sir?” The rider spoke up, addressing General Harakushi. 
“Yes?” the old man muttered, looking up at the soldier. The rider stepped forward, handing over a letter as he spoke.

“The village towards the west has been hit. More than a hundred Western soldiers.” He straightened his back, awaiting the general’s response. Said general raised his eyebrow carefully as he skimmed the letter. With a swift mutter and a gentle hand movement, the rider was dismissed again.

“Prepare a night squad. We’re hitting them while they sleep.” General Harakushi frowned.

The garrison silently prepared a large force of soldiers for a swift response attack. The lot was as experienced as they came. There was about sixty of them in total, but that was far more than what they needed. In the dead of night they’d storm the enemy camp with steps of a cat, and slice throats wherever they stepped.

Mikasa watched the garrison from her window with a wrinkled nose, grunting in dismay. 

“Mikasa?” Her mother entered the room and eyed her daughter with a careful eye.

“I should be with them, Mother.” Mikasa sighed to herself.

“Absolutely not. The battlefield is not a place for someone like you.” Her mother sternly said, folding her arms in the most motherly way she could. The young woman simply kept staring at the garrison, as the troops silently rode off into the dark night.


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