𝑺𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒇 | A Yeager Story

[09] A Weapon and A Curse

Mina's POV

"That was a splendid speech, Armin. I'm moved." I patted his aching back as gently as possible while trying my best not to laugh at his pained reaction. "I won't ever do that again, sorry."

"It's all right, Mina, and drop the formalities already." He gave me a smile, which somehow worsened my guilt. "We're friends, aren't we?"

Friends...

Can you call me a friend even after knowing what I did to Mina Carolina?

With such a depressing thought lingering around my head, I purposely remained silent as we continued to follow the man who had just saved us from being cannoned for the second time.

Commander Dot Pixis is the High Commander of the entire southern region, which includes Trost. From what I recall, he has the authority over defending humanity's most important region. Back in the second world, I didn't have the chance to interact with such a man and only found out in the end that he died during the battle in Marley. It's a shame.

The four of them were about to go up the wall when I purposely moved a bit further away from them. The first one to notice my absence was, of course, Armin. "Mina?"

"I'll go ahead and resupply first." With a wave of my hand, I bid them a short farewell and good luck. "And I'll keep my mouth shut, so be careful up there!"

With a wave of my arm and a smile that could ease their worry, I immediately clicked my heels and proceeded to walk in the other direction. Now, I can't say for sure that such an action will place me under suspicion, but I trust Armin to defend me if it comes to that point.

Being placed during their time of training surely do wonders for me. I rescind my statement of not wanting it.

Sorry, Krista.

Just then, after I had just turned a corner, hundreds of eyes instantly gazed at my lone figure. The Garrison wasn't trying to hide their animosity towards a creature like me who would rather protect a titan shifter like Eren. However, it's not like my priority is protecting humankind. I, for one, am wholly devoted to my parents.

So, whoever their enemies are, they are mine as well.

After resupplying gas safely on this side of the wall, news about the plan to recapture Trost District wildly spread amongst the soldiers. Some were confused and refused to cooperate, while most were simply waiting for their upcoming fight with destiny. It's a good thing I resupplied early because soldiers began to crowd every available gas station.

I made my way to the front but got sidetracked after noticing Marco among the crowd of soldiers. My intention of going near him, however, was halted upon noticing that the man near him was screaming. It wasn't a pretty sight, and I wanted no part of that chaos.

All around me were terrified soldiers, both veterans and trainees. It's a common sight, and I honestly don't want to get used to it.

"Hey, I wonder if someone will rebel here, too." A woman's voice caught my attention nearby, forcing me to gaze in their direction. The one who spoke had dark shoulder-length hair and gloomy eyes and was noticeably distraught about all this.

Her friend, who had shorter and lighter hair color, responded, terrified of this predicament. "I also want to die on my terms."

"Hey, you two!" A man whose eyes bore a fatigued gaze pushed even forward, scaring the two ladies.

The one with shorter hair tried to defend herself. "I-I was just joking!"

However, the man leaned even closer and said, "Do it."