Chapter Four
Elesian watched as all the refugees flock into Wall Rosa. They looked so scared, so scared, so shocked and overwhelmed. They had lost so much, some a family, some a home, some even lost both. The haunting memories they'll now have, Titan's killing and devouring loved ones and friends. Elesian knew only too well how it felt to have that happened. She took a deep breath and walked away, knowing that getting to close would only make things harder. She wanted to help but couldn't, for she was useless behind these walls.
"It's funny, I asked for freedom and instead am locked behind stone walls," she muttered to herself. She stopped in her tracks and closed her eyes, listening to the people around her. So many whimpers, so many pleas. Mommy, where are you? Where's my father?!They took my child! My home, my home, it's gone! Help us get home! I want to die. I want to live! Help us, help us, help us. Elesian felt her body tremble a bit. These cries, they are coming from victims who lost so much. A tear streaked her eye. I want to help, please let me help, she begged.
She ended up spending time with the refugees. She didn't have a home either, so she spent her time watching them mourn their losses and struggle for food. There wasn't enough for everyone to eat plenty. She felt as though she walked into a new hell, a hell where people suffer thanks to other people.
Just then she heard someone trotting over. She turned to see Darrin. She smiled and stood up. "Darrin! What's up?" she asked. He stopped beside her. He was still in his uniform just without his green cloak or 3D Maneuver gear. He didn't look to happy.
"We lost Wall Maria, so we have to try and manage everyone inside Wall Rosa," he muttered. Elesian didn't quite understand what he meant, but by his tone she figured it was a bad thing. It was a horrible time for her to decide to come into the walls, but at the same time she had the opportunity to help people by joining the military. She looked at all the people than Darrin.
"Is here any news on me joining the Military?" she asked. Darrin shook his head.
"We're a bi preoccupied with the matter at hand. As soon as things clear up though you can enroll for the training Squad," he replied. Elesian brightened up.
"That's awesome! I definitely will! But, what are you guys going to do about the wall?" she inquired. Darrin bit his lip and looked around to see who was listening.
"There's talk of them getting normal citizens to try and fight for the wall," he whispered. Elesian got excited.
"I can do that! I'll help them, I can fight the Titans!" She chirped. Darrin grabbed her arm and pulled her close. He whispered softly in her ear.
"It's a suicide mission." Her eyes widened. People were expected to die?! She pulled back in disbelief, trying to find words. Was this the life of people behind the walls, to serve the people up on a silver platter to the Titans, to watch them die for humanity? She took a deep breath.
"B-but why? Why would they do that?!" she said trying not to be too loud. Darrin adjusted his jacket and looked down.
"There isn't enough room or food for all the people, so this is meant to even things out," he replied. Elesian fought back her anger. It was despicable to do such a thing. He looked at her. "You can't tell anyone, though. I only told you because you can be a real good fighter for the military if you stay. If you die there we'll lose the chance at a good strong fighter." She looked down and closed her eyes. He was right, how could she protect people if she died? Fought tears and looked at him.
"A-alright, I won't tell anyone," she whispered. Darrin nodded.
"Alright, I have to head back to the Corps, I'll see you later," he concluded before taking off. Elesian sat there, her heart in pieces. She wanted to protect people but she couldn't even do that. She hoped people would see the truth behind the mission.
Soon, the mission was announced. People quickly flocked for the chance to regain their land. Mothers, fathers, uncles, everyone was there. The group was large, and they were all going to die. She stood alone behind the group, watching people say good bye with smiles, telling their loved ones they'll be back. She felt tears swell her eyes as parents hugged their children. She began trembling.
"Don't go," she whispered as they began leaving the gates. "I-it's suicide." Her words were unheard to everyone. She promised not to tell them, but every piece of her regretted that promise. She should have told them, told them to stop or they'll die. Then she closed her eyes.
No, they knew this would happen. Many left, perhaps all knowing they'd die. They were doing it for their loved ones, so they'll be fed and can live happily. She wrapped her arms around her body. How could people do that, walk into a battle promising death?
Soon the battle was over, and the death toll was high. She walked through the tears of lost ones. The moon shown down on the darkness below. She peered around a corner to see three children, one on the ground clasping a straw hat, tears heavy on his face. Two boys, one girl, all alone. She trotted away, unable to stand the sight. Children alone, like she was alone. I want to stop this she thought. That had been on her mind for so long yet every chance she had she was denied. Why can't I stop this? She wondered.
She heard footsteps behind her and saw Darrin behind her again. She looked away, unable to bear the thought of what he had stopped her from doing. He placed his hand on her shoulder and she looked back at him.
"You're patience has paid off, my leader wants to talk to you," he told her. Just hearing that made the sorrow that much less. Finally, she wasn't being held back. Darrin lead her through town and towards the Survey Corp's head quarters. She was both excited and nervous as she was taken into a room. There stood the man, Darrin's leader. He looked out the large glass window towards the town. He turned to Elesian.
"Ah, I'm glad to see you are here," he said softly. Darrin left the two alone to speak leaving her more nervous. The leader smiled a bit. "I was curious about you, wondering what the soldiers saw that I didn't. Apparently you killed Titan's without a 3D maneuver gear, and they never attacked you. I first thought they were mistaken but after hearing it enough I became curious." The man walked over to her. "So I ask you this, who are you and how do you know how to kill Titans?" She shifted a bit.
"I'm human just like you. I can't explain why the Titans don't come after me for even I don't know. However I can answer your question about my abilities. For the past five years I have observed the Survey Corps and learned from their actions. For the past four years I've practiced those techniques myself, using an old sword I found in a barn. I admit, it was hard, but I've learned lots from those years," she explained. The leader looked surprised by this.
"Why fight them, they don't attack you," he added.
"Why do you seek the titans beyond the wall? For you, it may be curiosity, or a will to be stronger. I am not you, though, for I don't do it for those reasons. I've spent years watching people die by the hands of the titans, but no more. I learned to kill them so I could one day protect those people. One day I planned to leave my home and help your Corps, the people that passed by me often, fighting and dying," she explained.
"But why fight for people you don't know?" he questioned. Elesian simply smiled.
"Sir, I must ask, who do you fight for?" she asked. The man was taken back.
"Well, we fight for the people that reside within the walls."
"Do you know them?" she inquired, "Do you know the name, the history, the life of each person? You most likely don't, no one can know that much. So you too fight for people you don't know. You speak to me as though we are different, but we all fight for the same thing. Why worry about my reasoning and my training when we both want an end to the Titans? I wish to fight, fight to end the suffering and end the pain, so I ask you let me fight for the people sir!" Elesian brought her feet shoulder length apart, arms crossed behind her back. The leader smiled and walked over to a table. He wrote something down.
"I cannot directly put you into a squad, but I can enroll you into the training squad. From there your own will and determination will decide if you can be a part of the military," he told her. Elesian couldn't help but smile. A chance was better than nothing. The leader finished righting then stood up and looked at her stance."And if you are to be a soldier, you must learn to properly salute." He quickly brought his feet together, pressing his right hand over his heart and the other behind his back. Elesian nodded and copied his Salute. She would become a soldier; nothing would stand in her way.
