𝑺𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒇 | A Yeager Story

[26] A Treacherous Dawn

Mina's POV

The events that took place at the Ruins of Utgard Castle were nothing short of terrifying. When Ymir brought me back and forced me to experience how the world should meet its end, I honestly didn't expect a lot since I always compared it to my original world. People were still dying at the hands of the Titans, and there was no complete trust among men.

However, that place and the scenario that followed still kept me awake at night, wondering just how oblivious the people of Paradis were – Ignorant of its history and the source of their damnation.

"I see it!" Shouted a soldier that was ahead of us, pointing his arm at the castle in the distance. By the looks of it, nothing has changed. It's a bit disappointing, but following the flow of scenarios is a must. No matter how much I would like to save the four scout regiment soldiers who were protecting our friends and the two traitors, their deaths would ultimately unravel the dark horse in this battle.

The Jaw Titan.

"Titans spotted ahead!" The pace we maintained gradually sped up after hearing those words, as worry, fear, and anger became apparent in everyone's expression. No words were needed, and the first one to act was, unsurprising, Mikasa. I may not see what made her use her maneuver gear, but upon recollection, it must have been Krista.

That was all it took before the other soldiers disembarked their horses, following in pursuit. I was about to join them, but not until I heard Captain Hange's voice, screaming at a certain soldier that he didn't need to join the attack.

"Ah," The laugh I made went unnoticed, amused at how aggressive the younger version of my father was currently acting. It was simply a hunch, but when I finally maneuvered myself towards him, worried that something might go wrong, I couldn't help but imagine myself patting my shoulder just when I caught him by the waist, eventually preventing him from crashing on the ground.

He killed one.

But instead of mulling over that fact, I decided to ignore my current knowledge just to praise Eren for his achievement. "Congratulations on your first kill, Eren! Though you did kill a lot already, in your titan form."

This world is sick, and I'm one of the humans who continue to stain it.

How disgusting.

"That was close!" He balanced himself out of my grasp and grinned. "That was the second time you caught me. Thanks!"

"Ah..." I chuckled my way out of embarrassment and regret, knowing full well how fake I sounded to myself. "You're welcome."

"Hey!" If it wasn't for the fact that we knew whose voice that was, there was no way Eren and I could have known that it was directed at us. So, upon seeing them jogging their way toward us, I immediately neutralized my expression, toning down the rage just from seeing those traitors. I'm sure Eren has noticed, considering that he glanced in my direction, and I'm glad that he chose to ignore it. "Eren! Mina!"

"You guys..."

"Please look after him for me, Connie." That was the last thing I said before maneuvering my way out of that spot and towards the incoming titan.

"You still hate him that much?" Ymir once again startles me just when I finish slicing a titan's nape. "Even after understanding their side of the story?"

"You tell me," I whisper to myself while tumbling on the nearby pile of rocks. "I chose to remove my memories of the rumbling temporarily. Did I stop hating him back then?"

"No." That was all I needed to hear before targeting another titan out of rage.

***