Months have passed ever since that encounter, the two of us became really good friends. His usual shy demeanor around me changed overtime. The entire 104th became great soldiers through out the time, some were even exceeding my standards
I learned a little about teamwork, I still think I'm better off solo than on a group. That way we can avoid casualties.
Certain casualties.
"Okay everyone. Today I'll separate you all into two groups. This will be an expedition task. Your goal is to go record and remain your composure throughout the expedition" The Commander said.
I was grouped with Mikasa, Thomas, Bertolt, Annie and Reiner. A group filled with quiet and mature people, looks like the commander still hates me.
I wouldn't blame him, I'd hate me too.
******
Half way on our journey, everyone is quiet. I hate this group. I wish I was on the other one, that way I can chatter without getting hushed.
Maybe I should go to their group instead, but wouldn't that be considered treachery?
"Whatever you're thinking, stop thinking it" An annoying voice that belongs to Annie said.
"Come on, Annie. You rarely talk and this is what you say, scolding me for my thoughts. Tch tch tch" I said. She sighed in annoyance.
"Seriously, why are you even here? We all know that you belong to the other group" She said, keeping her stoic face.
"I know right? I think the commander is messing with me again. Shesh, he can't move on, can't he?"I said. She ignored my remark and continued riding her horse.
In our group, Thomas is appointed as our leader while Mikasa records everything that happens during the expedition. It was easy enough, all we have to do is maintain our composure and ride a horse.
Problem is: That's boring.
"We should stop here to rest" Thomas said. Stopping in between two big boulders. We all followed and tied the reins to different branches. Mikasa and Thomas went to a corner and discussed some things, while the rest of us were eating and drinking.
"So nice weather we're having" I said, trying hard to start a conversation. They all raised their eyebrows at me and I just sighed in defeat.
"Seriously, I dont know how you guys do it"I said, crossing my arms as I let out a "huff".
"Do what?" Reiner questioned.
Well that's an interesting question.
"You know...being quiet. Whenever I'm with people, I can't help but talk and join conversations, while you guys are ZIP"I said, making hand gestures and Reiner chuckled at this.
"If you want, I can give you advice" He said jokingly and I chuckled, but my laughter died down as my ears caught something strange.
I don't know if it was just my imagination or if I really did heard sonething. It was a breaking of a branch. I looked up and searched for the cause, only to find a lizard and a bird.
"What was it, Mikasa?" I heard Thomas ask her from afar.
She heard it too.
"It was nothing" Mikasa replied, shrugging it off as her eyes still trained on the branches. Her eyes soon went to mine and we started to have an internal conversation until she finally broke eye contact.
I sighed and seated myself on one of the rocks. I drank some water and observed my surroundings.
It was hot, really hot. It was also boring as hell, I'm with a bunch of people that are giving each other the "silent treatment" I'd like to hear someone talk.
Someone other than Annie.
"Okay everyone, we need to secure the area and hunt for food. Get whatever you need and leave the rest here" Thomas said, pointing at the space between tree roots.
I placed my bag of water, ODM gear and small bag filled with bread. I kept a small pocket knife with me. I went ahead.
"Riza, where are you going?" Thomas asks.
"Securing the area"I said subtly as I continued walking. I heard a loud sigh, behind me as I ventured into the woods.
I heard rapid footsteps behind me and I turned to see a head full of blonde hair.
Thomas?
"I'll come with you"He said. Matching his pace with mine and I mentally rolled my eyes at this.
"I can handle myself" I argued.
"It's safer if I'm with you" He pushed.
"What are you? Mikasa? If so, then I'm sorry but I'm not Eren" I snapped. He still continued following me and I let out a groan.
"You're annoyingly persistent" I stated. He just hummed in response and we continued walking.
This is gonna be a long day.
******
He was not bad company, he was surprisingly talkative, unlike the rest of us. We made it back, we were the last ones to return. Reiner walked towards the two of us with his arms crossed.
Suddenly, a sharp-painful feeling went to my forehead.
"Ow! Why did you do that for?" I rubbed the spot he flicked.
"That's for running off alone"Reiner said, crossing his arms.
He sounds like and moves like Daniella...
"Thomas! All the equipment are gone!" Daz said, running towards our direction. All our heads snapped towards him and my eyes widened as I processed his words.
He lead us to where our equipment was supposed to be. All our ODM gears are gone, together with our food and water supply.
And my inhaler
"Are you sure?" Mikasa asks, stepping forward.
"There's no doubt about it, this is were we put it. Everything that we keep safe is here, together with our ODM gear" Daz said, kneeling in front of the tree.
"Over here" Annie spoke up, pointing towards another clearing beyond some bushes. I rushed towards her and my breath stopped abruptly.
Ashes and burnt fire wood.
Thieves in the area? Shouldn't the Commander be aware about the place he sends us to before he.....sends us to it?!
"They must be long gone" Reiner says, picking up the firewood, it was dry and cold.
"How many people are involved?" Mikasa asks and I started walking around and my eyes caught sign of the diagonal lines on the grass.
"Guys..."I started. They all turned towards me, I pointed at the tracks behind us.
"Looks like there were a lot of them. Based on these tracks, there are two carriages"I said.
"They're no longer fresh" I added, looking at the fallen leaves and dirt that covered them.
All I have for protection is a pocket knife, will it be enough?
Of course it isnt.
"There is no information about residents in the area" Annie stated, looking down at the tracks.
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