"Commander Erwin, I'm back with them." I step into the Commander's office, followed by the others he had me gather, Jean, Mikasa, and Armin. We assemble around the Commander's desk as he stands up.

"Okay, it looks like everyone's here now. Excellent work, Elijah."

"Thank you, sir."

"So, I'll get straight to the point. Armin, Jean, you three were first to encounter the Female Titan, per Elijah's retelling. When he spoke of your attack against her, he said that there were two things that stood out. One, the Titan knew what Eren looked like, and two, based on a few words, she was hesitant. You two agree with this information?"

"Yes," Armin says. "That's exactly what happened."

"I don't know how those words could possibly pause her attack," Jean states as he rubs his head. "But like Armin says, I said those words about Eren some time ago. Lots of times actually."

I speak up. "Sasha told me Jean called Eren a 'suicidal maniac' before the graduation ceremony," As I say that, I can feel Mikasa, who stands behind me, darken the room with malicious intent. "Armin said those exact words to Jean as he fought the Female Titan. I can say Jean has said these words so many times over the years. As I said before Commander, It could be any girl... But after the battle, three more pieces of evidence have come up. One piece during, and two pieces after."

Erwin, with interest, sits down. "The floor is yours."

"Actually, sir, we have Armin to thank" I turn to my friend, smiling and nodding at him. "After all, he figured out the identity of the Female Titan first."

Armin looks to his feet, not liking the well-deserved attention he's getting. "Well...yes, but I still had doubts."

"So did I, so I spoke to Sasha again before I gathered you two. I asked her who was around when Jean made that comment besides Armin and her. Armin and Jean can probably name the same people as well, at least who he was speaking to. That was just for reassurance, however, but it narrowed the suspects to those in the vicinity of Jean, which made them a cadet, one of us, at the time. The other piece was the ODM gear that turned out to be worn by the one who killed Sawney and Bean. Hange and I went over the report and I found an interesting detail. All of the cadet's ODM gear matched their owner, except for one. That one... It belonged to Marco Bodt, who died in Trost."

Jean's eyes grow wide. "Marco? His ODM was recovered?"

I nod. "Yes. The killer wouldn't use her own ODM gear. However, this is Marco, a friend. This is only a theory, but I think that the killer stole Marco's ODM gear when he was alive, if not then it would've been after he was regurgitated. Since I suspect the former, that means Marco must've known the girl to get close to him. That's only a few girls in our class, not all of them are our friends, but still a few."

"Wait." Armin looks to me, frowning. "You mean... I knew I recognized it. Marco's ODM had all kinds of scraps and bumps, and I would help him with maintenance on it. I saw it...with her. I suspected it was her..."

Erwin nods. "You said more evidence showed up during the battle."

I nod, then look to Mikasa. "Mikasa, remember our mele combat drills? Get into your fighting position" Mikasa shuffles her feet but doesn't raise her arms. I nod, then I get in position too. Right leg straight, left knee bent a bit, both arms raised at my eye line. Mikasa, Jean, and Armin all gasp as I hold the pose for a moment longer, a perfect mirror of the one who taught it to me.

"You're a slow learner, aren't you? Back to ask about my combat techniques again? What's the deal? It won't help you in a fight against the Titans, you do know that, right?"

I shrug, knowing she has a point, but after being hit with the technique, I desire to learn more. "Of course I know that. But hey, maybe I can throw a small Titan."

For the first time ever, I hear a small laugh come from Annie. It was small, but it was there. "Heh, yeah, maybe. It might work on a sub-class-three meter Titan, but don't blame me if it doesn't work."

I smile. "Fair enough."

"Alright then, I'll show you the technique I used on you before. Watch and learn."

"What..."

"No way!"

"So, it is true."

"Very. Before she defeated Eren, the Titan assumed this pose. I think Eren recognized it too, and that's why he dropped his guard despite winning the entire fight. Commander, as I said, the traitor is not within the Scouts, but now that we know who she is, I know she's in the Military Police."

"And who is she?"

Armin steps up. "There's still a chance we're wrong... But with all this against her... Her name is Annie. Annie Leonhart."

"Sorry I'm late."

We found Eren, Petra, and Levi together in the mess hall. The lieutenant is unusually dressed out of uniform, instead wearing a black shirt. Petra is still in her uniform. Eren looks the same, albeit in good health and spirits given the circumstances. He is the one who sees us first. "Commander! And...what are you guys doing here?"

Commander Erwin steps up to the three of them, the rest of us standing beside him. "We have identified a person of interest who may be the Female Titan. This time, we won't let her escape."

we assemble around the table, taking our seats as Erwin unrolls a map of Stohess.

"The operation will begin in two days. It will take place in the Stohess District, on our way to the capital. This is our first and last chance. Once we pass that point, Eren will be remanded to the capital. Our pursuit of those who seek to destroy the wall will become fraught with difficulty. Ultimately, humanity stands to go extinct. We will stake everything on this plan. Here it is. When we pass through Stohess, Eren will act as a decoy, and lead the target into this underground tunnel. If we can get her to the lowest level, given the tunnel's size and structural integrity, even if the target transforms, we can immobilize her. But if she transforms before then... Eren, we'll need your help."

Eren gasps but agrees to the task. "Yes, sir. As for the target... Are we sure she's in Stohess?"

"Yes, our target is a member of the Military Police."

"The Military Police?"

"It was Armin and Elijah who arrived at that conclusion. They believe the target also killed the two captured Titans. She may be a former trainee from the 104th, the same as you."

"W-Wait a second... The 104th?"

"The name of the girl we believe to be the person of interest is... Annie Leonhart."

We let the information sink into Eren for a moment. I was sure he figured it out back then, but i guess he forgot it, all things considered. "Annie's the Female Titan? Why? Why do you think that, Armin and Elijah?"

Armin answers first. "From the start, the Female Titan knew what you looked like. and she reacted to your nickname, 'suicidal maniac,' which only the 104th trainees would know. And the biggest reason is that I believe Annie kill the test subjects, Sawney and Bean."

"How can you tell?"

I answer. "Only someone very skilled could've done it. and they'd have used their own ODM gear, which they're accustomed to."

"Yeah, wasn't that why they inspected our maneuver gear? But they didn't find anything on Annie..."

"Annie brought Marco's ODM gear to the inspection. That's how she managed to avoid getting caught."

Eren's voice rises, which only happens when he's trying to convince himself that we're wrong. "Huh? What are you talking about? What does Marco have to do with this?"

I drop my head. "I don't know."

"Are you sure it was his?"

Armin speaks up. "Yes, I know what I-"

"Hey, kid," Levi interrupts, apparently done with the back and forth. "We get it. Do the two of you have any other evidence?"

"No, I don't."

I shake my head, my confidence in my evidence lower than when I met with the Commander. "No, sir."

Mikasa turns to Levi. "I think Annie's face resembles the Female Titan's."

Eren stands up. "Huh? What are you talking about?! That isn't evidence-"

"So, you have no proof, but you'll do it anyway."

"You have no proof? What? Then why do it? What if it isn't her?"

"Then we'll know she's innocent. That's all."

"And then I'll feel bad for Annie."

"...Part of me wants to believe she's innocent."

"However," Armin looks up to Eren, his eyes pleading to believe. "If we don't do something, you'll end up being sacrificed to the people in the capital!"

Eren turns away. "You're crazy to think Annie's a Titan."

Mikasa looks to me, then to Eren. "Eren, now that you know we suspect her, isn't it ringing any bells?"

I wonder where Mikasa was going with this, then it hit me like a slap. "Eren, do you remember how your fight with Annie went? You fought hand-to-hand combat with the Female Titan. What did that Titan do to beat you?" Eren's face hollows out as the fight replays in his head. I stuck a nerve, one that will get him to believe. "You knew, didn't you? You've known since then, that's why you let your guard down. You know that the Female Titan is Annie."

"...Is that all to the plan?"

Erwin looks to the map. "To get her to the tunnel, Eren, Mikasa, and Armin will make contact with the target. The rest of the regiment will be disguised as civilians and move in to incapacitate her. As an extra precaution, I want a fully equipped squad standing by on her tail. Elijah, you're in that squad, okay? You'll be observing the target."

I nod. "Understood, sir."

"The target's actions are likely to be erratic," Levi says to me. "Keep a close watch at all times."

We leave for Stohess in the morning. Soon, Annie will face the consequences for all those she's killed. I may still have doubts, but I am willing to bet my own life that she is the Female Titan. I am ready, but first, there's somewhere I must go, more specifically, there's someone I need to see. I may get myself court-martialed for leaving unannounced, but this is something I have to do. I decided it the moment I saw her...back in Karanes.

By my loyal horse, Spirit, I left for Karanes early in the morning, narrowly avoiding fellow cadets and officers so I wouldn't be questioned. Now that I wasn't riding with a caravan, time was more on my side. At the rate I was going, I could be back in Trost before people even questioned where I went.

My search, though seeming more hopeful from the start, feels more like finding a needle in a haystack. Karanes is a big town, and I am searching for just one person. Not everyone is going to know her, not like I do, but someone here must. Finding myself in the market, I speak to a local fisherman. "Excuse me, sir?"

"Huh?" He looks up to me, and he doesn't look too happy. "Listen, like I told your other Garrison buddies-" He stops mid-sentence, looking down at my jacket, possibly noticing the Scout Regiment insignias. "Sorry, kid, thought you were with the Garrison for a second."

I shake my head. "Don't worry, sir."

"Anyways, what can I do for ya?"

"I'm looking for someone, I was hoping you could be of help?"

"Oh?" He tilts his head. "And who are you looking for?"

"Well, I don't know her first name, but her last name is Carolina, and she has black hair tied in pigtails, and grey eyes."

The fish enthusiast thinks for a moment. "Carolina... Sorry, name rings a bell but I don't know her. If I were you, I'd ask the local tavern in town. They know just about everyone."

I nod. "Thank you. Where can I find it?"

He stands, pointing to the area behind me. "It's just down that road. Look for the hanging sign with the wine glass on it, can't miss it."

I nod and begin to walk off. "Thank you."

"No worries, kid. And good luck to ya!"

The walk was thankfully not that long, and I found the tavern easily. I head inside, It's a quiet place, and thank God it doesn't reek of alcohol. I get a few looks from a few civilians, but I ignore them as I head up to the bar. The man behind the bar looks at me like a lost child, guess it makes sense since I'm technically still a child. "Sorry kid, can't serve you here." He sounds friendly like he only said it to not get in trouble.

"Actually, I need some help. I'm Looking for someone."

"Looking for someone?" He finally takes notice of my uniform and then looks at me with concern. "Is everything alright?"

I nod. "Yes, it's just a personal matter."

Nodding in understanding, he sets down the glass he was wiping down. "Gotcha. So, describe them for me."

"Her last name is Carolina, black hair, pigtails, grey eyes."

He thinks for a moment, then his eyes light up. "Ah! You must mean Nadia Carolina. Yeah, she lives on the south side of Karanes, just look for the house with white lilies in the windows."

I sigh in relief, finally glad I know exactly where to look now. "Thank you, this means a lot."

"Don't mention it, kid. Good day to ya."

I nod and then take my leave. Southside and white lilies, perfect, shouldn't be a problem.

For the last few days, Captain Levi has personally assisted Eren and me in one-on-one training by Commander Erwin's orders. For reasons unknown even out of the Captain's comprehension. First things first, he made the two of us clean the entire old Scout HG from head to toe, I was more enthusiastic about it than Eren, mostly because I got to work with the Scouts even more, even if it was just for cleaning. The Captain was appalled by my cleaning skills, but to be fair, his standards for cleaning are higher than anyone else's. Although, he did say I make a good cup of tea. Thanks for teaching me that Mom.

"Ah, good, back for more. Follow me, we're going out."

I raise an eyebrow. "Just you and me, sir? What about Eren?"

He nods. "Yeah, just you and me. I've got something else in mind for Eren. We're going into the city. But be warned... This isn't going to be a pleasurable experience."

It was not. Levi and I spent the rest of the day going to the home of the Scout who unfortunately died in their previous expedition. I had to watch a woman weep over her now-deceased husband, and all she had to remember him was the Scout insignia that was recovered from his uniform. Unfortunately for me, this wasn't the end of my grim day in the city. "Now, you'll be doing the rest on your own. Prepare yourself. In fairness, it's a senior officer's duty, but Commander Erwin's made a judgment call here."

"I'm not so sure about this, sir."

"Just do your job, kid. Report back to me when you're done."

"...Yes, sir."

"Good, I'm glad that's all clear."

I hear footsteps from behind me, and when I turn I see that still intimidating face I haven't seen since before the battle of Trost, Keith Sadies. "Ah, Captain Levi. You've been visiting the families of the dead if I'm not mistaken."

Levi nods. "And you, sir. Looks like we both had a hard time today. The kid here will too."

The Captain now takes his leave, disappearing down the alleyway without a word, leaving Sadies and myself alone. I've rarely heard the man speak normally to me, or anyone in fact, so when Sadies spoke up, it caught me off-guard. "So, Everett, do you understand why we deliver personal effects to the families of the dead?"

I think about his question for a moment. I'm sure that there are many reasons for doing all of this. To honor their memories, give meaning to their sacrifices, or even just to give their families closure to what happened to them, but I'm sure he wants a specific answer. "...It's our duty as fellow soldiers, sir."

He nods. "Exactly. You've got an innate understanding of what it means to be in the military, Everett. No doubt that's why you were given this assignment in the first place. It's our duty as brave men and women in our care to do this. But that's not the only reason."

I nod. "The other reason, sir?"

"These soldiers gave their lives to protect their fellow man. No matter what their contribution was, those of us who remain must remember their sacrifice. By doing that, we honor them, and give their deaths meaning."

I nod, while my left hand unconsciously reaches for my chest, grazing the two items that mean the most to me. I manage to hold in my tears, but just about. "I couldn't agree more, sir."

"Anyway, that's what Erwin and the other officers want to get across to you, I guess."

Now it's Sadie's turn to take his leave, and soon I'll have to take mine as well. This job won't be pretty, but at least now I understand why I'm the one doing it. I pull out my necklace, fiddling with the gift and the crystal in my hand. "I'll always honor your memory. I'll fight every day for our freedom, Mina." I pat my left jacket pocket, right where my journal is. "I'll write as much as I can, Thomas." A single tear falls down my cheek as I look back at the crystal. "...And I'll keep my promise, Mom."

Many houses and I still haven't seen any white lilies. Some roses and tulips, but no damn lilies. I've almost reached the other end of the city wall, hopefully, my search will either come to an end with me finding her, or me just leaving back for Trost. I pray that it's the former.

I guess my prayer was answered because that's when I finally saw it. It's a small home, kinda reminds me of mine. Although, mine was a little bigger, and not out in the city. Beautiful white lilies are laid out on each windowsill, I guess she must really love them. My nerves may be getting the better of me, but it doesn't stop me from approaching the door. It's not like I haven't done something like this before. Sure, she has to know that Mina is gone, but what I have to say still isn't pretty. So why am I so anxious? Is it because I was friends with her, making this harder?

Knock Knock

Guess I'll find out soon.

After a few moments, the front door opens and there she is. She's a spitting image of her daughter, though, I guess it's the other way around. "Yes?" Man, she even sounds like her too, this is gonna be harder than I thought. "Oh, hello. Can I help you?" Her voice is soft, reminding me of my own mother...and her smile...

I clear my throat. "Uh... My name is...Elijah Everett, ma'am."

She lets out a small gasp, her eyes widen a little. "Elijah...Everett?"

I slowly nod. "Yes, ma'am. I need to speak with you."

"Your father was really a former Scout, Elijah?"

I nod. "Yeah, he was part of the 22nd expedition outside the walls."

Thomas's eyes grow wide, reminding me of myself when my father first told me about it. "Wow! Your father must've been an awesome soldier! No wonder you're so good!"

I shrug. "I guess, but I tend to not think about it that much. In all honesty, I don't think I'll ever be as good as he was. Enough about me, what about you guys? What are your folks like?"

Thomas is the first to answer. "Well, my dad is a butcher, and my mom works at the market from time to time. She usually helps sell the vegetables local farmers grow."

I nod. "I can imagine it was rough for you guys when those behind the walls had to evacuate here, ya know? Losing most of the food going to those in need."

The blonde face grows solemn. "Yeah, it was a rough time for my dad, but he didn't mind too much, at least that's what he said."

I turn my head to Mina. "What about you?"

"Oh, well, my father unfortunately died when I was really little."

Both Thomas and I give her a sorrowful frown. "Oh, I'm sorry, Mina."

"Yeah."

The girl shakes her head. "No, it's okay, you didn't know. It was rough for my mother, but she pulled through somehow. Although, it wasn't easy being a single mother and a doctor all at the same time."

"You're mom is a doctor?"

She nods. "Yeah! She's helped a lot of people in her time."

I nudge her arm. "Guess that explains how you know so much about medical stuff."

Mina's cheeks go pink. "Hehe... Thanks."

An idea pops into my head that I'm sure the others will agree to. "When we have time someday, we should all have a dinner together. Me, you two, and your folks."

They seem to love the idea as they both look like a couple of excited kids right now, especially Mina. "Yes! That's a wonderful idea."

Thomas nods enthusiastically. "Yeah!"

I smile at them both. "It's decided then."

"Here," Nadia sets down a small teacup down on the table. "Careful, it's hot." I can already see that from the steam coming from the cup. It also smells divine, thank God I like tea so much. I carefully take the cup, blowing it to cool the tea before I take a small sip. Jasmine tea...my favorite.

"Thank you, Ms. Carolina."

She nods and gives me a reassuring smile. "You're very welcome, but please, call me Nadia."

Nadia sits down across from me at the table. I lower my head. I don't know how I should start, I came all this way, risking my place in the Scouts just to speak with her. Thankfully, she already knows what she wants to say. "My daughter wrote about you often in the letters she sent me."

I raise my head. "She did?"

Nadia nods. "Yes. Mina thought very highly of you, did you know?"

I'm fighting against the dam, sooner or later it'll break. So for now, I have to remain strong. "Yes, I know..."

"I'm very grateful that she had someone like you in her life...before, you know."

"...You shouldn't..."

She raises an eyebrow. "I'm sorry?"

I lower my head again. I can't bear to look ay the mother of my dead dearest friend in the eye. "I failed her... I was there when she... I did everything I could, and she still died. All my training and all I did was get her killed. If I wasn't so hellbent on killing that damned Titan she would still be alive..." The dam finally breaks. "It's my fault your daughter is dead... She died in my arms and all I could do was just watch... I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..."

For the first time, since Trost, I'm grieving for her...for them both. I haven't felt this way over anyone, not since that day... I don't even know how long I spent crying at the table. If any of the guys saw me, they wouldn't believe it themselves, well, besides Eren, Mikasa, and Armin. My crying subsides as I feel a gentle grip on my shoulder. When I look up, I almost see her, but in reality, it was Nadia bearing a sad smile with small tears in her eyes. "Don't you dare go blaming yourself young man. Mina knew the risk when she first signed up. She was terrified, I was too...until she wrote about you. You made her into a strong and determined soldier of humanity, her and Thomas both. I couldn't be more grateful that my daughter found someone she could rely on in her darkest hour, and I knew even in the end, you were there for her."

"...I was." I wipe my tears away. "She was in agony, and all she could think about...was you. In the end, she was thinking of her home...and her mother." It hurts, but I smile anyway.

Nadia lets out a soft sob, but she keeps her smile. I can't tell if she's sad, happy, or both. "I'm very grateful to have had such a wonderful child, and for you to be her friend."

I pull out my necklace and lay it down on the table. Nadia, intrigued, gets a closer look. "Mina made this for me a week before graduation. She said it was something to remember her by. At the time, she wasn't going to choose the Scouts, but before Trost, she told me she wanted to be by my side. I always wear it, so she's always a part of me."

"What's this?" She points to the crystal.

"It's my mother's, she was killed when the Titans invaded my homeland of Shiganshina."

"Oh, I'm very sorry. It's a very beautiful crystal."

I smile. "My mother did have good taste."

Nadia laughs a little. "She must have."

Without a second thought, my hand started reaching for my necklace with the intention of untying the wooden carving, but my gesture was stopped by Nadia's hand. "No, she made it for you. Please, wear it for her. You've already done more than enough... Just keep fighting...for her."

"I will. I promise." Wiping my tears away, I glance out of the kitchen window, noticing it's getting around dusk. I put my necklace back on and stand. "I really need to get back now. I leave for Stohess in the morning. Thank you for-"

I almost lose my footing thanks to Nadia practically leaping onto me and wrapping her arms around me, hugging me tightly. Her voice was barely a whisper. "Thank you."

"..." I don't feel like I deserve any of this. How can she look me in the eye and thank me? Regardless of my own temporary self-doubt, I wrap my arms around Nadia, returning her gesture of kindness. "...Thank you...for raising such a wonderful person that I've grown close to."

We release from each other and she smiles up at me. "Before you go, I have something for you." Nadia leaves me alone in her dining room as she goes to another room. After a few minutes, she comes back with an envelope. "Here," She hands it to me. "I think Mina would want you to read this."

I take the envelope. "Are you sure?"

She nods. "I insist. Now go on, you need your rest for tomorrow, and good luck."

I nod in return and smile as I place the envelope in my jacket pocket, right beside my journal. "Thank you, I'll be sure to come back and visit someday."

As I begin to leave, I hear Nadia call to me one last time. I turn around, then to my shock, she salutes me. "Give your heart for humanity, Elijah. I believe in each and every one of you."

The dam nearly breaches once again, but I'm able to hold it in as I salute her back. "Thank you. We'll all do our best."

"I know you will."

"Good boy, thanks for never letting me down." I pat Spirit and leave the stables, slowly and stealthily making my way back to the barracks. I've done a good job avoiding anyone when I got back in Trost, but if I get caught here, I don't think a simple 'visit' would be a good enough excuse for basically ditching the military for a day. Good thing it's dark out so sneaking around is much easier for me. "Elijah?" Or so I thought. I internally curse myself for not being vigilant enough as my mind goes to the worst punishments this person could think of. Though most of my worry subsides as I turn around to see that the voice calling my name belongs to Petra. "What are you doing out here? Aren't you supposed to be in your barracks? We leave for Stohess in the morning."

"I know, I just had something to take care of."

She raises her eyebrow. "Oh? And what was that?"

"Seeing someone of importance to me. That's it."

"Oh..."

I stand my ground, Petra may technically outrank me, but my resolve is much stronger. "Look, Petra, if you're going to report me for this then just say so."

Petra shakes her head hastily, as if she's...embarrassed? "No no no! Don't worry, I won't." The short red-head looks down. "If anything, I should thank you."

"For what?"

"You know... Saving me...back in the forest?"

"Oh, right. It was nothing."

She shakes her head. "No, it was. If it wasn't for you, I'd be..." The girl shudders at her thought.

I walk up to Petra, resting my hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry about it, we're soldiers, it's what we do."

She smiles. "Right. But again, thank you."

I smile back. "Of course." I begin to walk away, but my motion is stopped by Petra who grabs onto my arm.

"...Why did you...disobey your orders? Did you really not trust in us?"

"In that moment, I didn't, no. But that doesn't diminish my belief in your capabilities as a soldier. We were facing a threat that we barely understood and one that clearly has more experience than we believed. If we're going to take down the Female Titan, it's going to take more than experience to take her down." I know I shouldn't continue, but she needs to hear this. "That's why your squad failed, Petra. They, including you really believed that just because you were the Levi Squad you could've killed the Titan. Just look where it got them."

Petra takes a moment to think. She looks upset with me, maybe even a little angry, but she doesn't say anything. The woman only stands there, now with her head lowered. Possibly trying to hide her ashamed look.

"Look, just because some of the best soldiers failed, doesn't mean we can't be better. That's why we keep fighting, not just for a better future for humanity, but to not let their deaths be in vain. If I'm going to die, I'll be dying for something like my parents did. They died for me...because they knew in their hearts I would survive."

Petra steps closer to me, raising her hand to my face. Gently wiping underneath my eyes. "You're crying."

I step back, wiping away whatever tears remained. "And? I miss them. Wouldn't you?"

She smiles, then nods in understanding. "I feel like I would. You gave me a lot to think about, Elijah. I'm grateful I got to know you."

"Feelings mutual, Petra."

Later in my barracks, I managed to not wake anyone else up, thank God. So now I can finally get some rest before tomorrow. But my mind goes back to the envelope Nadia gave to me. I sit up in bed, pulling out the envelope. I look at it for a few minutes. Should I really read it now? If I die tomorrow, I'll never know what it says. But...do I even deserve to know what it says?

...Fuck it. I open the envelope

Mother,

Graduation is around the corner, and pretty soon I'll be a real soldier. After three long and hard years of grueling training finally comes to an end, and I am excited, proud, and terrified all at the same time, but I know with my friends by my side that I will survive. Especially if I have Elijah. I plan to join the Scout Regiment along with him, he doesn't know this yet, but I'm sure he'll be thrilled. Heaven knows I will be when we reach outside of the Walls together. I know I've said it before in my other letters, Mother, but Elijah really is amazing. I just know you'll like him as much as I do. Well, maybe not as much as I do. Regardless, I know this news of my wanting to be in the Scouts may come as a shock to you, and you probably won't support my choice, but I see now that I must fight. Not just for myself, but for you, our home, my friends, and Elijah. Thank you for raising me and being my mother. I know life was rough for you, especially after Father died, but you've always inspired me to be strong. I just know I'll make you proud.

Your loving daughter, and future soldier of the Scouts,

Mina.

Tears drip down onto the letter as I read those last sentences. I meant...so much to her, how did I never realize it? I'm sorry, Mina. I'm sorry I couldn't return your feelings. I grip my necklace firmly as I lie back down in bed. I swear, with everything I have left in me, I will keep fighting for you, for Thomas, for Mom, for Dad, for everyone. Tonight, I'll need all the rest I can...

As for tomorrow...Stohess awaits.