Chapter 32: The Promise

Eren could not believe his eyes. Mikasa was there, right in front of him. His friend and closest family. They embraced each other silently. There were no words to be said. Everything they needed to know to understand each other was communicated in a simple hug. They were both alright. That was all that mattered.

When he finally took a step back, he looked at her more closely, she was wearing her uniform.

"I have a report for Commander Erwin." She said lamely

"I see," he said slowly, as bits of information began to fall into place

"We'll talk to you later?"

"Yes, let's." he was still slightly dazed, it felt like everything around him was moving so quickly and he was stuck in the mud, "You've changed." was all he could say.

Eren was summoned to a meeting later that evening. He arrived a few minutes before Armin and Hanji entered the room. Levi and Erwin were already there, sitting behind them was Mikasa.

"After years of research," Erwin began, "Hanji discovered that titan's had heightened sense of smell. That's how they are able to locate humans, even when we are out of sight. Hanji has been working on an ointment of sorts to mask human smell, even from titans. With this ability, all we need to be is out of sight, they won't be able to find us.

"A few months ago, Hanji perfected the ointment and presented it to me. With the capture of Bertolt Hoover and the Old World books that Armin reviewed (recovered with the help of Mikasa), we uncovered some valuable information concerning the origin of the Titans. And information concerning your family," said Erwin, turning to Eren, "it led us to your father."

"For the past three months, Mikasa has been in Titan Territory, making her way to the outer wall, back to your childhood home and your father's research." Eren was stunned. He could feel the blood drain from his face, his stomach tightened, and all of a sudden, the room felt cold. He couldn't move.

"I think it would be best if Mikasa told the rest of the story." Mikasa stood up and tightened her scarf around her. After my capture, I was unable to function in the way I previously had. I was psychologically unwell. I intended to retire and spoke to Commander Erwin concerning my situation. He offered me a chance to serve humanity one last time. After all, it was the least that I could do after my rescue. I had a debt to repay. I accepted for that reason and because it was a solo mission. My actions would not endanger anyone else.

"The Survey Core had been and is still under surveillance by the military police. No mission outside the wall was authorized but a single soldier could slip passed unnoticed. With my horse, I traveled by night and slept in tall trees during the day. Hanji's ointment allowed me to remain undetected. When I arrived at my childhood home, I dug through the rubble and got into the basement where I found the information we were looking for. I also found various machines and scientific objects. After further investigation, I found a flying craft called a hot air balloon. With it, I was able to travel back here safely with the information and technology I found."

"There's so much in between us." said Eren

"I'm sorry, I did what I thought….what I think is right. You would have stopped me if you knew I was leaving."

"Yes, I would have. There's nothing to apologize for… it's just circumstance… I'll always love you, you know? No matter what you do, you will always be my sister. But we've both moved on, grown up. We're not the same people anymore. And we don't know each other like we used to. I hope you find someone to confide in. We both know that person isn't me anymore."

On a rooftop, three months earlier

"Retirement." He replied

"I thought as much." She got up and started to head down. He watched her move away from him, perhaps out of his life forever. Months ago, when he had lost Petra, she had been there for him on a rooftop just like this. Now, she needed him more than ever and all he did was tell her to leave the only job and family she had ever known. He was her friend for crying out loud! But at the same time, what kind of friend would ask her to stay and risk her life again and again. He jumped to his feet and ran after her. He pulled her into an embrace just as she had so many months ago. He held her tightly and felt her convulse as she began to cry.

"Do you remember the night, just before graduation? When I tried to convince you not to join the Survey Corps?" she nodded into his chest, "I still remember what you told me that night. You said that "This scarf, was a promise to defend the people you love and to never give up. You said that this scarf signified your refusal to be a victim. This scarf is a statement that you control your own fate and a refusal to let the Titans continue to terrorize humanity. If you want to leave, that's fine. I will support you, no matter what you choose. But I want you to know that you don't have to choose retirement. I will help you in whatever way I can. I believe you can overcome. The fact that you woke from that comatose is proof of how strong you are. I've trained you before and I'm willing to do it again ."

"I believe you can get through this. I don't know how but I want to help you. I see a skillful soldier and a capable young woman. I think you would succeed whichever path you take. If you think leaving the Corps is the best thing for you, then I will support that decision. If you want to stay, I'm willing to help you in whatever way I can."

Later that same night

Erwin: So what will it be?

Mikasa: I choose the Scouts.