Levi twitched his eye in annoyance and vexation. As usual, he let out a 'tch' and focused his glare back at Mikasa who returned the glare.

"Tch. Fine!" He breathed out, it would be an advantageous opportunity for both Levi and Mikasa.

Levi eyed Mikasa seriously. All the aggravation and anger deployed from his features, signaling that both have sealed the deal. Mikasa returned his stare and nodded in agreement. When she was about to leave, a bass voice rang in her ear, knowing that it was him she turned around, thinking that he wouldn't just go easy on her, since even she knows that she has indebted him from the moment her knee met his face.

"But" he casually started, regaining his professional posture "Only if you find my pendant, 'cause if you don't-" his apathetic look changed into a serious one, Mikasa knew that he was getting pretty personal with just a piece of metal strapped in a chain. "I'll never ever stop bothering you until I die, I will annoy the hell out of you, even if you call the cops. If you don't know me, I'm the heir to the Ackerman clan, the Ackerman clan. So if you don't help me find it, don't be so confident in graduating high school"

He let himself out of the classroom, and returned to his insensible demeanor, he lost since he met that gorilla.

Mikasa was dumbfounded. She stood there, not knowing the words she will say to him as a comeback, or the physical pain she's itching to give to him.

What was so special about that pendant? And why is he willing to disrespect a lady, even though my actions are wrong, but this is England, a place full of high class gentlemen who'd bare a woman's stubbornness, no matter what just to keep their high profiles.

That's just who she is, being mean to someone especially a guy, a handsome one for that matter. She's just used to keeping her tsundere act. But what she did to Levi was way worse. Mikasa felt something in his presence, that brings butterflies to her stomach whenever he tries to be sympathetic to her, after all she's done. She just never met someone like her, emotionless, stubborn, and understood the meaning of respect, the one she never gave to him.

She just wishes for him to apologize so they can start over, not as enemies, not as rivals, but friends. Friends who understand eachother. But apologizing to somebody, means admitting defeat. It says so in their tradition. All of them kept a rock solid heart not showing mercy when training, only thinking about the well being of higher authorities even when it means sacrificing their own lives, she'd do it. But she's the higher authority, she's the one being immensely prioritized by others, so she has no other reason to care about others except for her family. Her remaining ones, and her friends to.

Eren, Armin, Father. They're the the ones who she'd taken as the one who should have more precedence than her. A long time ago she used to have a loving mother, that never left her side during the toughest times. She passed away in order to protect her and remain the safety for the Ackerman clan.

They were just strolling around the park, mother and daughter. Her mother received a strange presence, like they're being watched, and dragged Mikasa to a safer place. Her mother was the Ackerman's purest blood, that attracted wealthy men, having the idea of selling her in the black market. While she held her dear daughter's arm, she walked into a dark ally, which is not the best place to go when your being stalked.

They were cornered.

Mikasa eventually noticed her mother's strange actions, as she saw men in tuxedos holding guns, and katanas. She saw fear present in her mother's eyes, and teared up. They walked backwards, Mikasa still in her mother's arms and bumped into a large wall, cornering them. Her mother knew that they were in grave danger, as they circled her and Mikasa.

"Stay back!" She warned frantically. "I'm highly trained in Aikido. And it's best if you back off, and let my daughter escape!"

They grinned mischievously not showing any change of emotions. She whispered to Mikasa, to run. Run and don't look back. She hugged her may ther one last time before fleeing for her life. As she ran out of the ally not one of the men tried to stop her since they got what they needed. She called for help but no service was given saying she was just a pathetic beggar.

After that, she woke up in a confined room with her English father who looked down in grief. And eventually she knew her mother was already dead. She was beheaded as said by the police.

She cried every single day wanting to bring back her mother. Years have passed and her mother's loss turned her into a stronger woman. And proved she can live without the protection of her mother.

But no.

She's not going to openly admit her feelings to anyone. She must keep it in. Not let anyone have the slightest clue of her sentiments and emotions. That's the rule. Don't be soft. Keep your true feelings caged inside you and let them die on the inside, to make you stronger.

But...

His pendant. The way he portrayed it, as if she'd saw it somewhere a long time ago. Ten years ago to be precise.

She laughed hysterically, for thinking stupid thoughts. Why did this conversation with her thoughts get so dark, so fast.

There's no way he'd even be the guy I gave a promise to.

She deeply sighed. She took a piece of chain in her neck and pulled it out. But it was not only a piece of chain. But a key, a gold, beautifully crested key with a blue topaz on it's head. She held it to her chest. She let out a soft smile.

"I'll meet you again my prince. As you said, we'll get married. I can't wait to see you again, my prince. Someday"

~•~

He clearly saw his intimidation worked. Mikasa's face went numb upon hearing his threat, as he let himself out of the classroom to just avoid her primate actions like, punching him in the face, and criticism. Walking alone would help him clear his thoughts about the ape, or so he thought.

As he walked his thoughts went deeper every step he takes. He felt a pang of guilt rush through his veins, as he put a frown. His mask reveals a insouciant young man, about to be culminated as the leader of a large clan with 500+ members, but deep inside he was just a young man wishing to have a normal as something he actually wants. Ever since he was a child, he always dreamed of joining the Survey Corps, a military regiment for gifted soldiers. He wasn't always the perfect guy with a rock stone facade everyone knew, when he was a child, he was cheerful, lovable, considerate, and charming.

But that was a long time ago, not long before his mother was still in his presence. Kind, supportive, loving. They were the traits of a mother worth living for.

He and his mother always play dress up and pretends he is a mighty soldier, that's battling a fierce enemy to maintain peace upon England. But years later his mother left to work abroad in Japan, and never went back. Years later, their family receives news that Levi's mother passed due to extreme illness. Levi spent the rest of his days locked in his room, mourning of his mother's loss.

He turned into a independent young man, who faces challenges not for boys his age. Calm, and composed Levi was crafted at the loss of his mother

He imagined his locket, and the girl he made a promise with. He smiled at the memory and thought to himself, I'll see you soon, princess.