The Scout Regiment

Was I frozen in fear or was I genuine in my decision to stay? This question popped up in my head the moment I decided to stay behind, and the answer is no. In the end, I couldn't just sit idly by knowing I could've done what I could to prevent another Shiganshina and Trost from happening. Was it the wisest move? Definitely not, but it is what my heart wanted to do. Joining the Military Police Regiment guarantees a safe and comfy life but what a life would it be knowing I could do better. Joining the Garrison Regiment wouldn't be as dangerous as joining the Scout Regiment, but recent experience proved that they too aren't free from fighting titans. Joining the Scout Regiment guarantees that I am at the forefront of the battle for humanity and that I'm doing my best to prevent another disaster from befalling on others. Joining any other regiment would've made me live a life filled with regret. Before I knew it, I, with the rest of the cadets who decided to stay, are saluting and cheering in front of our new commander.

Once the emotions died down, I briefly scanned the area to see who decided to stay and was surprised to see Mina among them. After a brief moment of hesitation, I decided to walk over to her and clear the air between us.

"Mina," I called.

She turned to me and looked at me with a neutral expression. "Ralfe."

"I want to apologize, for everything. I betrayed you and I know what I did is unforgiveable. But you're still a dear friend and, even if you could never forgive me, I swear that from here on out I will do everything I can to make it up to you." I said rapidly.

Mina let out an enormous belly laugh in response which made me confuse. "Ralfe, you idiot," she said playfully after recovering from her laughter.

"Huh?"

"What happened between us in the past was so childish its funny," she said. The smile that was just on her face faded suddenly before continuing. "So many of our friends died, Ralfe. What happened before then was nothing. You lost your closest friends, I'm sorry for making you feel even worse while you were already down."

"Don't apologize. You don't get to apologize when I'm the one who betrayed you," I declared.

"Regardless, I see your joining the Scout Regiment too."

"Yeah, it doesn't feel right doing anything else after... everything."

"In that case, let's start over and do our best for the hope for humanity," she said as she offered her hand to me which I shook eagerly.

"Yes, I'll be happy to get my friend back."

"Yeah, you're a terrible lover but a decent friend at least." We laughed together for the first time in days not knowing the challenges facing us in the future.