To the Future We Seek and the Present I Concede (1)

Mina's POV

There are times of preparation, times of war, and times of respite. But, for us, having a war against a nation that almost everyone around me doesn't know of is a gruesome battle - a never-ending cycle that can only break once everything has been set in motion.

Specifically, the plan that Ymir and I created long before she threw me into this world.

I haven't exactly dived into the specifics, but I honestly need only two things. First, a Marleyan citizen who was willing to help me achieve my plan of saving Eren from his cruel fate, and second, is the support from someone who is in a very high position in the government here in Paradis.

The reason? It's to acquire the object that has touched both a citizen of Paradis and Marley, the item that will aid us in defeating the devil - once and for all.

It's a bit too idealistic. A plan that holds no logic or reason. But if Ymir Fritz had said so, who am I to question such an ancient being? And then - and only then - will I even get the chance to start looking for the tree that started everything.

Like Ymir Fritz's growth,

Eren's demise,

And my journey.

The list would branch from there, and endless scenarios may occur. But it's something that the future me will think about, considering how swamped I currently am just by checking off this current task. Besides, who said that saving both the world and the younger version of my father, even if I had seen some parts of what may happen in the near future, is easy?

Because it's not.

It's too much work to be honest.

But it has to be done. For their sake. And for my own as well.

That's why it's a relief to think that I've successfully acquired both a Marleyan citizen and support from someone who is in a very high position here in Paradis. 

And with… additional help.

Saving the Jaw Titan wasn't in the plan, to be honest. But during that scene in this world, it just felt right to do so. 

The question is, how will that change affect the future scenarios in this world? I've already changed too many variables, and so much has already happened when it comes to the advancement in Eren's story, so… the fear of the unknown gnaws from deep within as the Captain continues to walk alongside me towards my next destination.

Quite a stubborn man, if I may add. I did tell him that I can sufficiently care for myself.

To which he replied with, "A lie. You don't care one bit about your well-being. I'm free right now, so might as well accompany you."

"Ahaha…" Really? The elite squad leader of the scout regiment acting like this? "I just wanted to see Eren and Mikasa before I go…"

"Okay."

"You really don't need to accompany me, captain."

Shrugging his shoulders, he hummed. "So you said."

"..."

"..."

"You're not letting me go alone to do this, are you?"

"Nope."

Oh, my fucking- 

To summarize, Captain Levi and I spent the whole morning discussing the mechanics of the new weapon 'I' designed. It's a good thing that whoever took me to that room managed to bring the items I've brought along with me, along with the medicine bag that Fanya Blake had prepared for me. So, it was easy to show the captain how to use the weapon.

It was like handing him a new toy, one that doesn't easily shed as much blood compared to our usual blades.

Therefore, seeing him in a lightened mood, where a scowl is not evident on his face, is both confusing and terrifying to the people who manage to see it. Some even paled and ran off after passing the two of us by.

It's amusing, though, to see him just as confused.

I was about to tease him about it, saying something like, 'Sir, haven't you had your cup of tea yet?' or 'Do you ever not try and scare the soldiers?' But was immediately halted after hearing whispers in the adjacent hallway.

Specifically, murmurs that came from the soldiers I used to train with.

"I was taken away…" Eren's voice was a bit hard to decipher, but nonetheless, hearing it instantly made me feel… relieved, considering that it had been a few hours since I last saw him.

Alive.

And, technically, still in one piece.

"And because of that," He continued, prompting me to lean on the nearby wall, noticing that Levi had done the same thing. He didn't have to. He also could have reasoned with me that I could just join their discussion instead of hiding like this. But he didn't, which I am grateful for. "the Scouts had risked their lives just to rescue me."

"Still," A new voice had joined, making me tilt my head after realizing that it was Armin. "I don't know how Mina could do what she did. But, thanks to her, only a few people have lost their lives today. And there were no casualties on our way back."

A phenomenon so hard to believe in if hundreds of soldiers had not witnessed it. It was easily observed that the Titans completely ignored everyone and ran off to chase those treacherous men. 

Just thinking about it made me smile, relieved that Eren doesn't have to shoulder a lot of things in this world. I mean… technically, he still is, but… compared to how it was back in the second world, this is immensely different.

"Jean and I sat down to try and figure it out." Armin continued. "We have an idea what made the Titans act that way."

Oh…

"..."

I take back what I had thought.

So, it was this moment, huh?

"It was you, Eren."

The collective silence that we all shared could be figuratively heard from a kilometer away. I knew that it was at this point in Eren's life that he began to see from a different perspective what it means to have the power to turn into a titan - and how it can affect other people's lives, not just his own.

And for a fifteen-year-old kid to experience that? It's messed up.

Eren gasped as Jean continued and said that everything they thought about was still a theory. "But without assuming that," Jean says, as I slowly lift my hand to hide the frustration that was becoming evident on my face. "There's just no explaining what happened. It's a tough spot to be in, Eren."

"It all depends on you." Slumping backward without even trying to steady myself any longer, I was about to make my way out there and talk some sense into their minds - praying for their naivety to be rid of soon.

Or else.

Eren will officially lose himself.

But not before something stopped me from doing so - allowing me to ground myself again as I felt a warm yet steady pat on my head.

Not even a second had passed when I slowly lowered my hand to gaze at the man standing beside me, eyes looking straight ahead as he continued to pat my head in hopes of calming the rage that was quickly forming. It was as if he was telling me then to tone it down, to listen, and to do what I could instead of always lashing out like the child that I was supposed to be.

"If you're worth the price that some people have paid," Jean says while the captain continues to stroke my head. "You better show it. We don't have time to waste."

And when Eren answered that Jean was right, that he, of all people, should do it, I silently thanked Levi for stopping me from doing something that I might regret.

"You're a pain in the ass, brat." Captain Levi whispers, his voice low enough only for the two of us to hear. 

One that made me smile amidst the chaos that was brewing inside my heart. "I apologize, Captain."

"Tsk," He clicked his tongue, frowning ever so slightly.

It was just a simple act, one that he does so easily as if it were embedded in his very nature as a human, but it was enough to lighten the damped mood, prompting me to chuckle before leaving the hall.

***