TCF: Hi, everybody!

Everybody: Hi, Fanficcer!

TCF: This is the last chappie! Enjoy it!

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Marie sighed and shifted the tiny Cecelia in her arms. The little One squirmed in discomfort and Marie pressed the child to her bosom, murmuring soothing sounds. Cecelia ceased her wriggling and pressed closer to Marie, who planted another kiss on her curly locks before glancing upward, at the stage.

It was the Ceremony, about a month and a half later. Marie had been working hard with Jaime, Nate, Isabel, Will, Arianna, Kara - who had popped by the dwelling once or twice – and even Jesse and Fenton. They made a small but hardworking task force, doing anything they could to pull the wool from the eyes of the residents of the Community.

Sadly, their efforts since the meeting with Kara had been all for naught; whenever any of the nine of them stepped outside to rectify the world, the streets, normally so full and bustling, became desolate; now it was just drab concrete and cement that extended for miles and miles, so unobtrusive, so plain, so void of life and excitement that Marie felt even more like an outcast. Though it was rude, they had actually tried sneaking into others' dwellings as to find them; it was fruitless and, more importantly, ashamed them to no end.

The days had taken their toll.

At the moment, everyone was just waiting, watching listening. Not only the small contingent of welldoers, but also everyone else in the area – Ones through Twelves, Childless Adults, the Old, workers-in-training, spouses, Elders, everyone. It was on this day that Marie had planned for everything to go smoothly and all her efforts to pay off. Or so it would have been, had anyone else joined their cause.

Which they hadn't, of course.

Marie gave a dejected sigh and made sure that her figure was completely concealed by the door's shadow. She was hiding behind it, a portal to the outside world – which was as uneventful and normal as the inside – as she watched the Ceremony, which was just starting.

The Chief Elder appeared behind the dull red curtains and walked across the wood-panelled stage until he faced the crowd. (Note: Marie and her friends are living in a different Community from the one where Jonas grew up in. The Giver is hidden; almost no one knows about the old man who lives in the countryside. So, that's why there's a different Chief Elder from the actual book.) "Fellow citizens," he began, waving his hand to indicate a crowd of Nurturers that were standing behind him; each of their faces was curled in grins as they clutched tiny newchildren to their chests. Cecelia would have been with them that day, but, because of Marie's attempted escape, only a small amount of people knew she was actually crouching in the shadow cast by one of the oaken front doors.

"Fellow citizens, I bring you today the newchildren who were born in the past year. Today, they will be given to the family units who have applied for a child. I present to you child number one… The curious Cristobel, to be presented to the Childless Adult, Gabriel!"

A Nurturer emerged from the shadows, a tiny dark-haired girl in hand. Cristobel giggled and squirmed excitedly, her happy squeaklike voice bringing smiles on everyone's faces as she wriggled. A curly-haired man rose out of his place in the audience and almost bounded up the stage steps to receive his newchild, but he was not smiling. Rather, he looked indignant…No, wrong word, Marie decided, just as her father had one November so long ago. He looked…defiant. Defiant, that was it. Maybe this man, this Gabriel, had seen them somewhat feebly trying to save the Community and bring them love, hope and joy…? Maybe he had others with him, others who were as willing to help as Jaime and all the others had been…? Maybe they weren't alone in their quest? Maybe they would be able to bring their Community to salvation!

Gabriel vaulted the last step with the greatest of ease and turned to face the Chief Elder, who caught the almost angry look on his face and backed up slightly. Cristobel, however, wiggled again and clapped her tiny, chubby hands excitedly, her blue eyes sparkling.

"Listen, sir, I don't mean to be rude, but…" He trailed off, paused, hesitated, and tried again. "My name is Gabe. Some residents of the Community have been trying to help us… You'll see how later. For now, I want you to listen to what these people have to say." His short speech finished, Gabe pivoted on his heel, his pudding-coloured curls whipping in the slight air, and called out to the crowd, "Come, Jaime, Jesse, Fenton, Nate, Isabel, Will! And yes, you too, Marie!"

One hand still clutching tightly onto her newchild's small body, Marie stared up at Gabe, amazed. As she walked down the aisle to save the Community and possibly the world, Marie had one thought on her mind: Cecelia, you are my only companion no longer. She smiled. Sometimes, things went exactly the way they should.

She, Marie, daughter of Jonas, Receiver of Memory, was going to help save the world.