Cold

A Shingeki no Kyojin Fanfiction

Author's Note- Hi everyone! It's TheDarkLadyofSlytherin here! This is my first fanfiction, so I hope you enjoy. It's not an epic, thrilling first chapter, but it sets the scene for the rest of the story. Reviews and criticism are welcome, so please don't be afraid to speak your mind. It's rather short, but I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Shingeki no Kyojin.

Chapter 1- Of Fighting and Fists

Nightmares. They seemed to be the bane of Mikasa's existence, plaguing her sleep with twisted memories and images of her worst fears. Every night Mikasa would eventually wake up in a cold sweat, panting and gasping for air. And all of her dreams were focused on one person: Eren. She loved him unconditionally, but whether her love was for a brother or for a lover she could not discern. Mikasa's nightmares were filled with images of his death, different scenarios playing out in her mind. Some involved him dying that day in the cottage, others involving him being eaten by a Titan or getting beaten to death by Lance Corporal Levi. Despite many of these scenarios being unrealistic, they scared her all the same. Not that she let them affect her. Every morning, despite what horrific dream was still fresh on her mind, she would put on a mask of indifference, refusing to let any emotion show. Just like today.

There were few people who had ever seen Mikasa without this mask, for it was a rare occasion where she lost control. Mikasa knew that she behaved recklessly every time the mask slipped, and she hated it. Since joining the Survey Corps she had let this mask fall more than she would have liked, which made her determination to keep it up even stronger.

'Ackerman! Pay attention!' She heard the voice of Captain Levi yell. Her squad were training at the moment, or what was left of it at least. Only a few of those left had even bothered to attend, much to the dismay of the Captain. He had told everyone that they would indeed be punished. 'Two months cleaning the stables. Three times daily,' he had reassured them. If you could call that reassurance. So today it was just Eren, Armin, Connie, Historia, Jean, Sasha and herself. A few new recruits had joined the squad, but none had opted to attend. Idiots. Mikasa looked up at the Captain. He glared at her with cold, grey eyes.

'Okay, listen up. Get into pairs and spar. Since most of you didn't come, one of you brats has to spar with me, or sit out. Got it?' the voice of Captain Levi called out. The squad saluted, saying, 'Yes sir!'

Everyone scuttled around trying to find a partner as soon as possible. The reason for this was obvious: no one wanted to spar with Levi, and they sure as hell weren't going to sit out. Mikasa stood calmly, watching on as Eren looked at her with apologetic eyes as he partnered up with Armin. She observed the others, and seeing that everyone had partners, she slowly approached the captain. This was her plan, after all. She was sick of sparring with people who were well below her skill level, and wanted a bit more of a challenge. Levi would be this challenge. She wasn't trying to be mean about her squad's skill level, after all it was well and truly up to standard. But Mikasa was above that standard, and she knew it. 'Ackerman,' the captain said, acknowledging her presence. 'Are you going to sit out?' He asks, his tone firm. Mikasa shakes her head. 'No, sir. I would like to spar with you.' The Captain continues to stare at her, his face an emotionless shell. 'Oh you would, would you? Just wonderful,' he says sarcastically. 'Fine. But I refuse to go easy on you, Ackerman,' He says. They both stood opposite each other, both poised for battle. Levi glanced around. 'What are you brats waiting for? Start sparring!' And with that he looked back to Mikasa and nodded his head to begin.

Mikasa, knowing that her captain would immediately launch into attack, took a defensive stance and braced herself for impact. Just has she had predicted, Captain Levi sprang into action, using his small body mass to reach an incredible speed. It was a blur of fists, blocks and kicks from that point onward, Levi on the offensive, Mikasa trying helplessly to defend herself.

Or so Levi thought.

Suddenly Mikasa was throwing punch after punch at the captain, her accuracy and strength increasing rapidly. After a few swift kicks to the stomach, the Captain was at her feet. Levi was confused. Where did this come from? Then he realised his mistake: he had underestimated her, and she had used it to her advantage. Levi had never considered himself arrogant, but here was proof that he really did think himself better than others. He had never considered that he could be beaten by someone so obviously below him, an inexperienced recruit that followed a stupid, temperamental boy around like a lost puppy.

Mikasa and Levi looked around. Almost everyone was staring at them in awe, admiring their fighting prowess. Until Levi heard giggling, and he realised that they were actually just watching him get his ass kicked. Flustered, Levi rose to his feet and looked at Mikasa. 'I let you win, Ackerman,' he said, whatever traces of a blush he had on his aristocratic features disappearing instantly. Mikasa smirked. 'Sure you did, Captain Shorty.'

He glared at her. 'Nice, Ackerman. Straight to the childish insults is it?' He glanced around the room. People were still looking. 'Alright, rotate partners. I'll be back shortly. Ackerman, with me. I'm taking you to the Commander.' Mikasa looked at the Captain with disbelief in her eyes. Was he going to punish her? Why did she need to see Erwin? It made no sense, even if she was going to be punished, why would she need to see the Commander? Surely Levi could reprimand her himself. 'But…' Mikasa whined. Levi looked at her coldly. 'No buts, Ackerman. With me.' She quickly regained her composure. She had to ask professionally to get answers. 'Please sir, may I ask why I must see the Commander?' Levi looked at her once more, his grey eyes glinting with something close to anger. 'Do you have no patience, brat? Just wait,' he says.

Walking at a fast pace, the pair make their way to the Commander's office. Their footsteps echoed softly down the hallway, a comforting noise in an otherwise uncomfortable situation. As they approached the door, Levi turned to Mikasa and said, 'Wait here.' Mikasa nodded her head and mumbled something under her breath. 'Yes, Captain Shorty.'

Levi turned and looked at her, eyes piercing grey. 'What was that, Ackerman?'

Mikasa looked at him innocently. 'I said, 'Yes, Captain Levi'.' Levi looked suspicious but nodded his head and knocked on the Commander's door. Mikasa heard a lazy 'come in', and watched Levi walk inside. Mikasa slouched down onto the ground. She guessed she would have to wait a while. The two soon began talking, but Mikasa couldn't make out much of what they were saying. The only thing Mikasa knew she heard for sure was, 'Stupid, immature brat!', but it wasn't really useful. I guess I'll just have to wait it out, Mikasa thought to herself. Mikasa had never liked waiting. She knew that it was necessary in most circumstances, but it didn't mean she had to like it. She would prefer to get things over and done with.

Mikasa heard footsteps approaching the door and quickly stood up and brushed dust off of herself. How the Captain hasn't sent people to clean these floors yet I'll never know, she thought to herself. Levi opened the door and waved Mikasa into the office. 'Inside. Now,' he said. Mikasa walks into the office, her face void of all emotion. But on the inside, her mind was on fire, thinking of the many possibilities of why she was here. She saw the Commander sitting calmly at his desk, with a slight smile on his face. 'Mikasa Ackerman, is it? Please, sit,' Erwin motioned for her to sit down. Mikasa lowered herself into the small, wooden chair in front of his desk, and folded her hands into her lap. She looked around the room, admiring the décor. It was very homely, mostly brown and cream tones. Not exactly Mikasa's cup of tea, but she could see how some would like it. She turned and faced the Commander, her face expectant. 'Well, Ackerman, your captain here has told me some very interesting things about you. Beating him at sparring? Impossible. Insulting him afterwards? I'm surprised you're still alive,' he chuckled. 'But anyway, you're probably wondering why you're here, yes?'

Mikasa nodded her head, 'Yes, sir. I have been wondering.' She readjusted her scarf, it's smooth surface soothing her uneasiness. Erwin arched a brow. 'Quite well-mannered aren't you? Not what I was expecting from the girl who insulted Humanity's Strongest,' he said, glancing at Levi.

'Please, skip past the pleasantries, Erwin,' Levi said, irritated. Erwin nodded at him.

'Alright then. Levi wants to train you,' stated Erwin. Upon seeing Mikasa's confused look, he elaborated.

'Privately.'