A Night Filled with Worry (1)

Mina's POV 

"Papa! Look at this!" The younger version of myself, years before my enlistment, showed a bouquet upon his arrival. I remember him hunting for food a few days a week, sometimes making Mother tag along. "It's for you!" 

His rough yet warm hand patted my head as he gave my younger self a tired smile, courtesy of the fate that the world continues to shackle him from. "It's beautiful." 

"Thank you, my lovely daughter." 

Daughter. That word may be the reason why I'm walking on this thorny path, but it's something that I take pride in. Even though it's the reason why my fellow soldiers bullied me, tortured me, and isolated me and why the devil took me in as his next toy, it doesn't matter. 

None of it does. 

Seeing my parents smile is enough for me to endure this unbearable pain. Just as how they gave me a peaceful childhood life, I intend to repay them by attaining that impossible future. 

Freedom and happiness. 

And so here I am, about to change another scenario that would certainly cause a butterfly effect later on. Ymir did say that I should take more risks. So, as early as she said it, I won't miss this opportunity to do so. 

"Did you regret fighting Annie?" 

He frowned as his gaze searched for my own. "I thought we were talking about Reiner." 

"We'll get there. Just answer it." 

With an annoyed sigh, he eventually did. "She was our comrade, so at first, I did." 

"And now?" 

"Now I'm just mad at her." He then balled his fists while lowering his gaze to look at the ground. "You know very well how much I want to eradicate every titan outside these walls. " 

Very. 

"So why can't you accept the fact that Reiner might be a traitor? Even though Armin already laid everything out, do you still believe that he's one of us?" 

"Naturally!" Just as he once again connected our gazes, I inwardly growled, showing him a contorted expression. "Why do you look like that?" 

"Because you're too naïve and trustful, Eren." With a sigh after listening to his outrageous replies, I placed my defeated face on my palms. "It's irritating. Don't you realize how much pain you'll be in if Reiner is the Armored titan?" Which, in this case, he is. "You already suffered once, thanks to Annie. I just… I want to minimize your pain." 

"Why?" 

"Huh?" 

Then suddenly, a hand was placed on my shoulder, pulling my whole body. His green-colored eyes, which I've come to love, connected with mine, showing me the intensity of his stare. "Why are you like this? I don't need your protection!" 

With a smile, I whispered. "I know." 

"Then why are you so stubborn?!" 

Because… 

I gulped, forcing my words back in. 

I know full well that the younger version of my father is a hardheaded boy who is always aggressive. It's not hard to understand why he wants to show his capability as a soldier. However, shouldering the fate of this world is too much, even for him. He might not acknowledge that fact right now, so instead of being stubborn about it, I decided to do something else. 

A compromise. 

"You're strong, Eren, but even more so if you have people who would stand by your side." Finally, his expression of rage lessened, making me use that opportunity to continue. "Haven't I always shown you my support?" 

"You have…" 

"So, how about this time? Can you support me as well?" With a smile, I finally proposed a concession. "If I'm wrong about Reiner being the armored titan, then I'll cut my hand off as compensation." 

"That's," Flabbergasted, he hurriedly spoke. "That's too much!" 

"But!" Without giving him the time to speak, I continued. "If I'm right about him being a titan shifter, then please, don't doubt me so easily like this." 

Loyalty, trust, and faith are so hard to find in this cruel world. However, as someone who has traveled in multiple worlds, these values helped in keep my sanity intact. I don't need to save humanity. I simply… want to save my parents from their tragic endings. 

So, like what I did during the past expedition, I lifted my right arm and placed my fist on top of where his heart lies. His eyes widened in surprise while I opened my mouth to speak. "Remember, even if death comes knocking at my door, I will always prioritize your and Mikasa's safety." 

"We're friends, are we not? It's the least I could do." 

"You…" Surprisingly, he turned his head away. "This is the second time you've said that." 

My smile could only widen as I eventually pulled my first from his chest. And I'll repeat it as many times as I need to. 

With the moon illuminating the night sky, I couldn't stop myself from tilting my head upwards to witness such a rare and peaceful sight. I would have preferred to simply relax and enjoy this moment if not for the sudden movement that Eren gradually made. 

He once again faced me and spoke. "But you still haven't told me how you're so sure that Reiner is the armored titan." 

"Ah," After noting the fact that Eren doesn't let these kinds of things pass him by, I debated telling him my over-analyzed assumption, which is full of bullshit against the most logical and fastest solution. "Well… I'm not sure if I can tell you… But" 

"But what?" 

Seeing that it's Eren that I'm talking to and knowing how stubborn he is, I inwardly sighed. "I suppose I can tell you, considering that the commander handed her over to me." 

"Huh?" The scowl on his face was not left unnoticed. "What do you," 

"What I mean is," After pausing for a whole second, knowing full well how risky my next move would be, I grinned. "Someone did not deny my assumption of Reiner being the armored titan." 

His frown could only deepen as his gaze urged me to continue. 

And so, I did. 

In that instant, I craned my head, showing him a bandaged neck. "Annie's reaction verified it. Just look at what she did." 

"…" 

"What?" Comically, his eyes widened from my sudden revelation. I'm sure Ymir is smirking somewhere in her vast sandy realm, amused at my recklessness. "Annie… wait, didn't she crystallize her heart?" 

"We lied." 

Not knowing how to comprehend what I had just said, Eren immediately stood from the ground and briskly walked in circles, muttering words that immensely pleased my mood. 

"Don't you smile!" Irritably, the younger version of my father pointed his finger at me, which catalyzed my abrupt laughter. "For the love of- Explain!" 

"Ahaha, I will, I will, just," With a snort, I couldn't stop myself from doubling over as tears threatened to spill. "Just sit back down, and I'll continue." 

"You better!" 

***