A Thousand and One Lifetimes

The makeshift arena is lit by strings of lights that hang between tall trees. The students sit on logs arranged in a wide semicircle, the chatter and laughter rippling through the cool night air. A fire crackles nearby, and the scent of pine and earth fills the clearing. The competitions started a few hours ago and they're only getting better.

Jean stands at the center of the stage, grinning from ear to ear, a small golden medal clutched between his fingers. He holds it up dramatically to his face, while his friends cheer him on.

"Alright, alright," Hange calls into the mic. "Let's not inflate Jean's ego more than it already is. Congratulations to our champion of the log race! But now—" She pauses, drawing out the moment. "It's time for the combat!"

The crowd erupts into cheers and whistles. Hange raises their hands. "And to start us off, we have the girls' match! Everyone, give it up for Mikasa Ackerman and Annie Leonhart!"

Sasha leans over to Mikasa, squeezing her shoulders reassuringly. "You've got this," she says, grinning.

Mikasa exhales slowly, nodding as she pushes herself to her feet. Her stomach churns, nerves winding tightly within her, but she steels herself. She steps off the log and walks toward the center, her boots crunching softly against the dirt.

The "stage" is a flattened section of earth, surrounded by a thin rope that marks the boundaries. Levi stands at the edge, his arms crossed, his sharp eyes darting between Mikasa and Annie as they take their places.

"You both know the rules," Levi says. "First to land on their back loses. No dirty tricks, no whining if you do something stupid. Understood?"

Annie's eyes don't leave Mikasa as she nods

"Got it," Mikasa says, her hands already tightening into fists. She glances toward the crowd briefly and catches sight of Eren, standing off to the side, his expression unreadable. She takes a deep breath, centering herself.

"Begin!" Levi commands.

Annie moves first, a blur of motion as she lunges. Mikasa sidesteps instinctively, her mind recalling the movements Eren drilled into her hours before. Stay light on your feet. Watch her hips—they'll tell you where she's going.

Annie's foot sweeps out, aiming for Mikasa's legs, but Mikasa pivots, narrowly avoiding the strike. She counters with a palm strike aimed at Annie's chest, but Annie deflects it, her hand darting out like a viper to grab Mikasa's wrist.

Mikasa twists, breaking Annie's grip before it can lock. She steps back, her pulse pounding in her ears. Eren's words echo in her mind: Don't let her set the pace. Push her. Force her to react.

She darts forward this time, feinting left before pivoting to the right. Her fist arcs toward Annie's ribs, but Annie spins, catching Mikasa's arm and using the momentum to pull her forward. Mikasa stumbles slightly, barely regaining her footing before Annie attempts to sweep her legs again.

"Oh shit," She hears Sasha mutter from the sidelines, clutching the edge of the log she's perched on.

Mikasa grits her teeth. Annie is better than she expected. Every strike she throws feels like it should connect, but Annie manages to deflect or counter.

Don't get frustrated. Stay focused.

Mikasa inhales sharply, stepping back to reassess. Annie takes advantage of the momentary hesitation, lunging with a series of rapid strikes. Mikasa blocks them, her arms burning with the effort. She waits for an opening, and when Annie overextends slightly on her third strike, Mikasa drops low and sweeps her leg in a perfect arc.