Battle for Trost (2)

Mina's POV

Unlike in the second world, where he rushed in by himself to fight the Colossal Titan, I made it my choice to join him in failure as well. The good thing about seeing the second world was that it allowed me to gain knowledge of what the future has installed for my parents. Eren and I jumped just in time when the colossal titan's arm destroyed the cannons that were stationed in that wall. 

As Eren took its right side, I chose to attack it in its blind spot. Similar to what happened, just when father was about to strike its neck, it released an air pressure so hot that it might burn our skin. 

Luckily for me, who can't feel any pain, I managed to slice its eyes, hoping that it would be enough for us to capture him.

How foolish.

The action I made only made him retreat faster compared to the past world. 

How cowardly, Bertolt. I clicked my tongue in annoyance as Eren and I went back on top of the wall. I lifted my blade and noticed that I did manage to injure it. 

Not that it mattered because the wall once again has been breached.

Noticing my father's dismay, I decided to apply what he had taught to me back when I was a kid. 

Gathering my strength in one hand, I lifted it and smacked him directly at his back. It made him both flinch and yelp, asking why I suddenly did it.

"You almost had it." I gave him a thumbs-up, wishing that this may somehow regain his spirit. "That was cool, Eren."

He widened his eyes just enough for me to mentally pat myself on the back. 

"Eren! Mina! Did you guys defeat it?!" 

Thomas then appeared before us while Eren shook his head in rage. "No, it was the same five years ago… He appears out of nowhere and vanishes just as suddenly!"

As I recall how he'll act afterward, I decide to cut him short and direct our attention somewhere else. "How is the wall? Are normal titans in sight?"

Connie was the first to respond. "None yet, but if we don't do something, then the Titans will get in like before!" 

"What are you doing?!"

Just then, a soldier from the Garrison made his way up, informing us that the contingency plan for the Colossal Titan had already begun. We performed a salute while he ordered us to go to HQ immediately.

"Anyone who made contact with it, don't forget to report it!" 

We reply. "Yes, sir!"

"Best of luck to the advance team!" Connie adds before parting with the older soldier. 

As we made our way to HQ, it was noticeable how the masses started to panic as they all rushed towards the inner wall, hoping to find shelter and safety. The evacuation is a mess, and for my second time seeing it, it's still as messy and chaotic as ever. 

I assume that the Garrisons are now preparing to defend the wall as they placed a net over the hole. However, they're just sacrificing their lives. It's foolish yet honorable at the same time. Deep down, I would like to thank their sacrifices to protect the common folks. 

Here at HQ, it was announced that since trainees like us have all passed the final training exercise, we are now full-fledged soldiers. I'm not sure if that's usually the case, but maybe due to the lack of soldiers, they were hoping for us to fill in the numbers. 

It's cruel to the kids who are forced to become titan fodder, but we don't have a choice to begin with. We chose to become one, so we have to fulfill the duties of being a soldier. 

Even if death comes knocking at our door.

I waved at Mikasa after noticing her figure and beckoned for her to join us. Beside me, Armin was panicking so hard that he couldn't even hear Eren's voice anymore. 

"I-I'm fine." 

No, you're not fine.

I crossed my arms and decided to observe my surroundings while both Eren and Mikasa comforted the panicking lad. At a distance, I saw Hannah and Franz hugging each other as I dug my fingers even deeper into my arm. Watching them being like that while knowing what will happen makes me both nauseous and angry, but I didn't come to this world to play the hero.

My goal is to keep my parents and their significant friends alive. I'll gladly let the souls of the people I've ignored hunt me forever once death decides to claim me, once and for all. 

"Armin!" Eren's shout gradually brought me back as I began to listen to his voice. "Calm down. Things are different now. Humanity won't be defeated by Titans anymore!" 

My chest tightened as I forced myself to do some basic breathing exercises. I couldn't stop myself from biting my lip, knowing that a few minutes later, Eren would be devoured by a titan right in front of the current trembling lad. 

And knowing that it's a turning point in his life, I can't even do a single thing but let it happen! 

"Mina?" Now, it was Mikasa's voice that calmed my raging mind as she decided to pat my shoulder. I can't show her how much I would have wanted to receive such comfort, so instead of melting like I mentally am, I maintained my neutral face. "It's time."

"Yeah." 

At this moment, I can feel that the Titans have finally entered Wall Rose. 

***

"Just follow your training! Split into groups! Under the Garrison's orders, you will resupply combatants, relay orders, and kill titans!"

I suppressed my yawn as I recalled every single word that he had spoken back in the second world. Not listening to him right now doesn't change the fact that many lives will be lost after today. 

Everyone here shared the same expression. They are terrified. Not knowing when the armored titan will emerge is giving almost everyone anxiety attacks. 

For this operation, we have but one goal: To defend Wall Rose with our lives until the evacuation is complete. 

"Mark this well, and fight to your last dying breath! Dismissed!"

"Yes, sir!"

As people began to panic and vomit in every corner of this place, I decided to stand near Eren and Mikasa, wishing that being ranked second wouldn't mean anything. 

However, it seems that Father once again caused a commotion, telling Jean to man up as we had endured three years of hellish training to help us survive this day. I chuckled beside Mikasa, who was so focused on keeping Eren in her sight. 

"Eren…" Mikasa moved closer to him and said, "When the fighting gets fierce, come find me."

"Huh?" Eren frowned. "You and I are on different teams!" 

Mikasa's eyes were filled with apprehension as she shook her head and continued. "Plans will fall apart in the chaos of battle. But I will protect you."

"What are you saying-"

Right on time, someone called Mikasa to inform her that she was being moved to the rearguard. 

Her worry grew even more. "B-but I'll only slow them down!"

"I'm not asking your opinion." The direct officer says as his gaze moves in my direction. "You too, Trainee Carolina."

"…"

And this is exactly what I was so afraid of happening because of becoming second! 

"The evacuation is falling behind. We need as many skilled soldiers overseeing civilians as possible."

"B-but!"

"Hey!" Eren suddenly intercepted her as he headbutted her forehead. Seeing them like this almost made me flinch. "Enough, Mikasa. Don't you freak out, too!"

"I wasn't planning to!" She replies as her eyes trail into my figure. "Knowing that Mina will come with you lessened my worries, but now she's being placed into the rearguard as well!"

Hearing her say those words filled something inside my chest. Learning that Mikasa is now trusting me, even for a little, is making me regret my decision on how I will act today. All I can do is clench my fist, hoping no one will notice my increasing rage toward myself. 

"Humanity is in danger of being wiped out." Eren continued, inching a bit closer to Mikasa. "What you want doesn't matter!" 

I once again paled. Even if this is the second time that I have heard those words, it still hurts to see them this way. The parents I knew and cared for me back in the first world were so patient and gentle with each other. The younger version of those people seems to have some screw loose. 

But I guess everyone living at this age considers it normal already. Do I even have the right to think this way? I'm probably the person who has the screwiest bolt. 

Upon seeing that Mikasa had finally apologized, I took it as a chance to go in between them. Eren's eyes asked what I was doing, but I ignored it. I abruptly grabbed both of their hands and forced them to become entwined. 

"M-Mina?!"

My guess was right. Eren and Mikasa don't seem to realize what this gesture means.

"Even from afar, a pair will always be connected." I gently removed my hand and was happy to see that they didn't let each other's hands go. "Mikasa, don't worry. Eren is strong."

"And you," He almost flinched after noticing the glare that I was giving. "You're too violent. Just tell her to trust your abilities. Your way of communication is so weird."

"G-giving us a pep talk in the middle of a crisis is even weirder, Mina!"

As I laughed out loud, they finally let each other go, making me notice Eren trying to say something to Mikasa.

"Don't die."

Those words that were meant for Mikasa to say were eventually spoken by this young man. If this is what my interference would produce, then I would gladly do it for the next years to come.

"You too," Mikasa continues as she forces herself not to get emotional. "Please… Don't die."

Not even a minute had passed before Eren left without saying anything more in return. But as his daughter, I knew that he was determined to stay alive. 

If only he had been like this during the rumbling, then my job right now would have become a lot easier.

*****