𝑺𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒇 | A Yeager Story

[15] The 57th Expedition part 2

Mina's POV

Memories are wonderful. It can vary from a person's perspective and surroundings, but it will always show us how important the little things are in life. It doesn't have to be festive, nor does it have to be grand. These memories that I treasure mostly consist of those gentle and quiet moments that I rarely experience.

In addition to those memories is this gal named Petra Ral. Unlike her usual demeanor with her squad mates, she always comes off as girlish whenever she's talking to me. For example, on one certain Monday morning, when I was in my usual spot in the courtyard, basking in the warmth that the sun provides, she once again surprised me by covering my vision from the rays of the sun.

"Mina?" Her glistening brown eyes covered my whole sight as the sun behind her back illuminated her bright and innocent smile. "Were you sleeping?"

Seeing her disrupting my resting time, I sighed. However, this young and wonderful lass did not take it negatively as she chuckled at my attitude. "Petra, I am simply resting, not sleeping."

"Yeah, you have horrible eyebags. Want me to make you some tea?"

Those words that she has spoken were enough for me to leap up from this crate as I eagerly nod my head. "You're the best, Petra."

She laughs as her smile brings warmth and tenderness, so contradictory to how this world is.

I'm scared.

For the first time in a few years, I fear what the future will show me. Those memories that I have carelessly added to my collection are something that I will someday regret if I fail to protect the squad that Captain Levi himself has created.

I shouldn't have gotten close to her.

Biting my lip until I tasted blood, I continued to maneuver my way in this huge forest as my eyes trembled in every direction that they gazed. Breathe in and breathe out: Petra taught me her way of calming herself, but it only added to my anxiety about not knowing what would happen next.

"Eren!" I called out to him, hoping for someone to reply. "Petra! Where are you?!"

I stumbled on the nearby branch and noticed how my right hand quivered. In annoyance, I used it to punch the trunk of the tree, hoping that it would alleviate that pent-up stress that had blown inside of my chest. Just why... why did I relax? Why was I careless?! Seeing that this is new territory for me, shouldn't I have been more careful? SO WHY?!

"Fuck!" I once again punched the poor tree as blood trickled heavily from my hand. "Fucking hell..."

Just where are you, Eren?

Without anyone to answer me, I silently leaped off the branch, praying – to whomever – that I may find them breathing and alive.

"You're seriously praying to anyone?"

Like a pang in my head, I almost lost my balance upon hearing her exasperating voice. With a growl, I responded, "I have no time for you, you useless ancient being."

She chuckles, one that greatly irritated me. "How rude, young Yeager. Look, you haven't lost your sense of sight. Aren't I amazing? I've been meditating a lot nowadays."

After taking another turn in a nearby branch, I groaned. "Yeah, but I can't fucking hear anything except for your stupid voice. Now get out!"

"Rude as ever."

I rolled my eyes and finally landed on the ground to properly beg Ymir to get lost. "If you're doing this to irritate me, then please stop. I'm busy trying to look for,"