𝑺𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒇 | A Yeager Story

[16] Warmth

Mina's POV

Carrying a dying man while maneuvering my way out of this forest is not an easy task, especially with my mind preoccupied with what had just happened. Just recalling how she was mercilessly killed brought a certain pain that I could never describe.

It can't be compared to when I saw Eren's severed head in the second world, but losing a friend is something that will forever haunt me. I took a sharp intake of air and accelerated even faster to make sure that the man I was carrying wouldn't lose his life.

"First, calm down. Okay?" Her words resonated within me, her tone so gentle and sweet. "Breathe."

Then it goes back to her last message for me, one that cost me my whole sanity. "I'm disappointed, Mina."

I laughed, giggled, or whatever it may define. Just remembering it brought me to a fit of laughter, but no tears were ever produced. "Me too, Petra. I am also disappointed with myself."

After minutes of carrying Eld to where the commander is stationed, finding them at the entrance of the forest, I finally saw where I could safely place him down. And just my luck, Gunther is also there.

"Mina!" His voice, alive and well, called out to me. However, upon seeing the man I was carrying, he instantly panicked. "E-Eld? Is he alive?! Say something!"

Devoid of any emotion, I answered, "He will be once a proper treatment has been applied."

"And the others?" I flinched just when he had successfully acquired the wounded man in my arms. "Petra and Olou, are they safe?"

There was nothing to say.

No...

In truth, I do not know how to respond.

Seeing such an expression, Gunther was enraged. He placed Eld on the cart before directing his anger at me. "You said that you'll bring everyone back." With a strong grip on my collar, he lifted me and cried. "You liar!"

"Gunther put her down!" Captain Hange's command was primarily ignored as his grip only tightened. "Gunther!"

"Put her down, Gunther. That's an order."

After hearing the commander's voice, he has no choice but to do so. With a click of his tongue, he finally returned to the cart and helped in aiding his friend.

Friend... Just thinking about that word almost made me laugh, an attempt to secure the insanity that was forming within me.

"Mina? Can you hear me?" I looked up and saw the captain's stare, her eyes worried and anxious. "Do you know where Eren is?"

Eren...

I hummed and carelessly gave out sensitive information. "He'll be fine. Mikasa and Captain Levi will save him."

"Will... save him?" Captain Hange grabbed both of my shoulders and leaned closer. "What do you mean?"

Her eyes, so bright and curious, might be staring at a doll right now. No thoughts were forming inside my head, and all I could think about was how the fuck did I even manage to survive during the rumbling. I wonder... how much in pain I was back then.

But it was no use. Ymir did take my memories away.

"I..." With one goal in mind, I took a step back while turning my head to look at the forest once more. "I have to go back... I promised Petra that I'd come back for her. Her body,"

"Will safely be acquired by the other soldiers." Captain Hange finishes my sentence, one that I found to be incorrect.

So, I shook my head along with my body. "I... have to go get her, captain. I-I promised-"