"Into the Unknown"

Mikasa's return to the cottage marked the beginning of a new chapter. Despite the uncertainty of the future, she was committed to honoring Eren and ensuring that their vision would live on. Her journey was far from over, but her resolve was unwavering, and she was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

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The morning sun filtered through the small cottage window, casting a soft glow across the room. Aiden sat on the edge of his bed, the same bed he'd slept in since he was a child, his legs dangling off the edge, his boots not yet laced. He stared at his hands, feeling the weight of the moment. Today was the day he would leave for the cadet corps in Trost. It had been his dream for as long as he could remember—to join the Scouts, to see the world beyond the island, to protect his home.

His mother, Mikasa, had told him countless stories over the years—about the world outside, the Titans, and the brave soldiers who had fought to keep them safe. But it was the stories of his father that stuck with him the most. Eren Yeager. A name that carried a heavy legacy. Aiden never truly understood why his father had disappeared when he was so young, nor why his mother spoke of him with such a mix of pride and sorrow. But he felt connected to the man, nonetheless. Perhaps that was why he was so drawn to the Scouts, to the same path his father had walked.

Mikasa stood in the doorway, watching him in silence. Her heart was heavy, but her face betrayed none of it. She had always known this day would come. Aiden had the same fire in his eyes as his father, the same desire to protect, to explore, to fight. But unlike Eren, Aiden didn't know the truth about himself. He didn't know that the blood of the Attack and Founding Titans flowed through him.

She took a deep breath and stepped into the room. "Aiden," she said softly, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "Are you ready?"

Aiden looked up at her, his dark hair falling into his eyes. He nodded, though there was a nervousness there. "Yeah… I think so. I've been waiting for this for so long, but now that it's here…"

"It's okay to be nervous," Mikasa said, sitting beside him. "The Scouts, the cadet corps… it's not easy. But you're strong. You'll be okay."

There was a pause, heavy with unspoken words. Aiden had heard about the cadet corps his whole life—how his father and the 104th cadet corps had trained in the Trost District, how they had faced their first battle with the Titans. Now, it was his turn. His mother had prepared him as much as she could, teaching him everything from combat techniques to survival skills, and filling him in on the military branches. The Garrison handled the infrastructure and maintenance of the island, while the Military Police kept the peace. But it was the Scouts who ventured beyond, who explored the unknown. That was where Aiden's heart lay.

"Why did you never join the Scouts?" Aiden asked, looking up at his mother.

Mikasa smiled faintly, the memories of her time in the military flashing through her mind. "I did, a long time ago. But my path changed. I had to protect something more important." She reached out and gently ruffled his hair. "But now it's your turn."

Aiden smiled, though his heart ached at the thought of leaving her behind. "I'll come back," he promised.

Mikasa nodded, her chest tightening. "I know you will."

The morning passed too quickly, and soon it was time for Aiden to leave. He slung his bag over his shoulder and stepped outside, the cool breeze brushing against his face. The path that led from their cottage stretched out before him, winding toward the horizon. Trost was waiting. The cadet corps was waiting.

Mikasa followed him to the gate, her steps measured, her heart heavier with each one. She had always known this moment would come, but that didn't make it any easier. She looked at her son, so much like his father, and wished she could tell him everything—about Eren, about the Titans, about the power that lay dormant within him. But she couldn't. Not yet.

Aiden turned to face her one last time before he left. "Mom," he said, his voice quiet. "Will we see each other again soon?"

Mikasa swallowed hard, her throat tight. "Of course," she said, her voice steady. "I'll be here when you return."

He smiled, that same carefree smile that reminded her so much of Eren. Then, without another word, he turned and began his journey down the path. Mikasa watched him go, her heart aching with every step he took away from her. She stood there for a long time, even after he disappeared from view, her mind racing with memories of the past and fears for the future.

When Aiden was far enough ahead, Mikasa went back into the house and took one last look around. The cottage felt emptier now, quieter. But she knew this wasn't the end. She grabbed her cloak, her eyes lingering on the fading sunlight outside the window. She couldn't let Aiden face this world alone, even if he didn't yet understand the full weight of his heritage.

With a final glance at the cottage, Mikasa left the house, following the same path Aiden had taken. Her steps were sure, her resolve unshaken. She would be there, just as she had always been, watching over him from a distance.

As she walked, memories of Eren, Armin, and the others flooded her mind. They had all fought so hard for the future, and now that future was in Aiden's hands. He might not know it yet, but one day, he would.

For now, though, she would let him have this—his own journey, his own dreams. And when the time came, she would be there to guide him, just as she had always done.