-Mikasa's POV-

I ran out of the house, a soft breeze blowing my black hair back behind my face. The valley below was vast, a carpet of green speckled with a mixture of colors, under my feet. The sky above was littered with white clouds. Sunlight shone through tiny crevaces, almost as if the heavens itself was opening up before my eyes. A small creek, bubbling with fresh water from the mountains ran beside my feet. I lay down on the plush grass for it was Sunday, a resting day in the village. I would soon have to venture out from the shelter of my house into the market. Boys from the Fire Kingdom were arriving today-young boys about the same age as me. Annie invited me to come with her, a close friend I had met in the market, too. I watched a crowd of children laughing, running across the road with sacks strapped to their back.

I was from the Ice Kingdom, for the region I lived in was east of the Fire Kingdom. Our countries lived in peace, sharing meals and talking about current events was a common routine. My life started with nothing, no parents, no money, no food or water. I was a beggar off the streets until I had been saved from my distress from my now foster brother, Eren. He took care of me in place of those who would not. His father was a doctor and his mother stayed at home.

"Mikasa!!" I heard a high pitched voice call my name. I quickly turned around to stare into the wide grin and vibrant eyes of Eren. "Wanna go to the market now?"

"Ah..." I gasped, "Annie was supposed to take me..."

"Too bad~!" He jumped up from the ground, grabbing my hand and pulling me up, "Your brother is gonna take you there!"

"B-But..." I stammered, trying to shake off his hand.

"Let's gooooo~!" Eren's mouth turned into a charming smile.

I blushed madly, looking away, letting him drag me down the hill. I had to be honest, I loved it when he smiled. Eren was valuable to me. Almost like my only family left. His smile warmed my heart, a good feeling enveloping me. I started to hear the vibrant sound of the market people, bargaining for prices and shouting their wares for sale. The calm, peaceful sound of the bubbling river was gone.

Eren let go of my hand, reaching for a scented rose a young lady offered. Turning back towards me, he gave it to me, smiling once more. "It matches the color of my scarf I gave you that day..." Eren touched the soft, red scarf arounf my neck. I blushed softly, as his face softened. Pulling the scarf, he brought me closer, and closer...his lips were about to touch mine.

Suddenly, a sound of a trumpet, startled me and Eren. We looked around and saw a pathway, filled with parading children. The Fire Kingdom's children were here.