DILAN'S P.O.V.
Dilan woke with a small groan, her head pounding and her ears ringing. She forgot how inconvinent head injuries were. Her mouth felt like sandpaper.
"Dilan?" Petra asked hopefully, seeing she was waking up. Dilan took a deep breath and blinked open her eyes, kind of confused. She looked around and saw a blurry Petra sitting by her bedside. She wasn't in the HQ's infirmary.
Where was she?
"Petra?" Dilan mumbled, her vision focusing slightly. Petra smiled and nodded, taking her hand.
"You're okay. You had a small concussion but you're going to be fine." Petra reassured and Dilan sighed, remembering everything that happened.
Humans can turn into titans, huh? What fresh hell were they living in these days?
"How long have I been out?" She asked, her throat all scratched up.
"About 5 hours or so." She answered, stroking some sweaty hair behind her ear. Dilan hummed in understanding. She probably should have been paying more attention. Not all her fights were flawless and in her impacience to kill all the titans she may have been hit on the head by a piece of debris while she flew under a house. Not that she was ever going to tell Levi. He'd never let her live it down.
Speaking of which.
"Where's Levi?" She asked without thinking, her eyes closing again without permission. Levi was always there when she woke up from one of her stupid injuries and she was always there for him, minus the time she was thrown in a basement and stuck outside the wall.
It was tradition.
Still Petra didn't know that.
"Do you mean Eld?" She asked curiously and Dilan's eyes widened in shock at her own slip up.
"Um... yeah. Course." She corrected, blinking tiredly as she forced herself up into a sitting position. "Shit." Dilan cursed, holding her head.
"Here." Petra smiled, passing her a glass of water and some painkillers. Dilan sighed in relief and sent her friend a weak smile, eager to gulp down the pills and the rest of the water, soothing her patched throat.
"Eld and the others are helping with clean up. As higher ranking officers, we were all given a group of cadets and a section of Trost to... clean up the bodies. My section was cleared up pretty quick and they didn't have anything for me to do so I came here to wait with you. I've been here about 20 minutes. I'm sure Eld and the others will be done soon." Petra explained. Dilan nodded slowly in understanding, tapping her fingers on the glass.
There was a moment of silence.
"The Captain's with Erwin. They went to Sina for some reason." Petra added and Dilan looked at her, unable to hide her interest.
"For how long?" She asked. Petra looked at her for a moment.
"A couple days I think." She replied quietly.
Dilan bit her lip to supress a frown, pissed that her best friend would be gone for a couple days and she didn't even get to say goodbye to him.
"Dilan?" Petra said and Dilan snapped out of her thoughts, looking at her.
"Hm?" She asked.
"While... you were concussed you said some strange things." She informed and Dilan cracked a smile.
"Oh yeah? Damn, what'd I say?" She asked, amused. Petra didn't look as amused as her and Dilan's face dropped slightly. "Oh shit. Did I say something bad?" She asked, concerned. Petra looked up, hearing her worry and sent her a reassuring smile, squeezing her hand.
"No, Dil. It's fine. You just started calling everyone cute." She smiled and Dilan laughed.
Random, but could be worse.
"Oh. Sorry. Was that it then?" She asked.
"Well... um. While you called everyone else... cute. You, um... you called the Captain super cute." She explained awkwardly and Dilan's eyes widened in shock.
Shit.
"Petra it's not- I don't- I wasn't in my right mind- I swear I don't-" Dilan rambled, feeling her cheeks heat up by the second while Petra watched her with curiosity.
Then the redhead sighed and cracked a smile, saving her from her flustered rambling.
"I know, Dilan. It was just the slip of the tongue. It didn't mean anything." She comforted, calming her down.
Dilan swallowed nervously.
"Yeah?" She asked hopefully. Petra smiled in understanding and Dilan didn't have the energy to read into how far that understanding went.
"Yeah, of course." She assured. Dilan breathed out in relief, leaning her head back.
Then she cringed.
"Did... did he...?" Dilan tried to forced out the words, blushing while she did so.
"Only the squad heard." Petra informed and Dilan breathed out again, relieved.
Then she remembered something else.
"Oh shit. Eld, is he pissed?" Dilan asked, worried. Petra chuckled.
"He was surprised but I made him realise you weren't in your right mind." Petra sighed kindly and Dilan smiled back but deep down she wasn't as relieved as she thought she would be.
Did she want Eld to break up with her?
"Anyway, get some more rest. We'll pick you up on the way home back to the Inn. We'll be reporting here tomorrow to help with whatever clean ups weren't taken care of today." Petra explained. Dilan nodded, distracted by her previous thought. "I'll see you later, okay?" Petra smiled, pulling her into a gentle hug. Dilan sighed and hugged her back, appreciating the comfort right now.
"Thanks Petra. You're a good friend." Dilan said quietly, meaning it. Petra chuckled.
"You are too, Dil. Get better okay. We need your crazy out there." She teased. Dilan laughed and nodded.
"I'll be fine." She assured, squeezing Petra's hand. The girl nodded, smiling at her one more time before letting go and walking away. Dilan sighed and laid back down.
What exactly did she want?
It was 2 days later and herself, Levi and the Commander were sitting in a carriage on the way to Sina. Dilan didn't know if she could be more confused if she tried.
Things moved quickly the day after she woke up. They had to, there was no time for rest. All the squad had time to do when they got home was change and get some sleep before getting up the next day and reporting to command in Trost to help clear up the rest of the bodies before an epidemic broke out. Titan boy was still being hidden away. The government was trying to contain the news for as long as necessary and they had all been slapped with a gag order, but Dilan doubted they would be able to keep the secret hidden for long.
It wouldn't be long before he was dead, and that fact made Dilan's heart drop slightly. What she had witness when that boy plugged the wall... what she had felt. It was hope. Hope for an end. Hope for things to change. When they killed him, Dilan knew that hope would be stamped out again and it saddened her more than she was caring to admit.
So, they got to work collecting the bodies. Dilan hadn't seen such a violent massacre since they forced all those citizens outside the wall five years ago. She couldn't deny she was nervous when they started burning the bodies. Would this happen again? How long before they took Rose too, however they were? They were obviously people. If Eren could turn into a titan other could to. Dilan had linked those two facts quickly, but it didn't seem many others had yet. If she had to guess it was just the higherups in the know.
Dilan didn't see Levi, Hanji or any of the other higherups for 2 days. They were off attending meeting after meeting. Once her and the squad finished with their cleaning duties, they rode back home and relaxed. Dilan only got 3 hours to change into some fresher clothes before Levi suddenly showed up with no explanation and told her to dress into her uniform and get in the carriage. No explanation. She had no idea why she was here right now.
An hour was her limit.
"Okay, I think I've been pretty fucking patient, but I need some information. Why the hell am I here and where are we going?" Dilan asked, crossing her arms. She wasn't only in the cart right now because she trusted Levi and he was in here too.
Erwin sighed and remained staring out the window for a moment before his icy gaze fell on her.
Dilan frowned at him.
"We're going to see Eren Yeager." He informed and Dilan's eyes widened slightly in surprise. She dropped the scowl.
"Titan boy?" She asked, glancing at Levi. He remained looking out the window with a stony expression. Erwin nodded.
"We can't disclose much because you aren't high enough in the know but we want your fresh opinion anyway. We all know how quick you are. Honestly, I could use your help in this." Erwin said seriously and Dilan raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
She grasped the situation was a dire one if Erwin was coming to her for help. Supposedly, she mustn't be higher up enough on the ladder for them to disclose any delicate information but what Erwin was saying was if she figured it out his plan on her own... then it would be fine, and she could contribute her opinion.
She took a moment but nodded her agreement. Erwin nodded back and the silence continued.
Dilan looked around as they walked through the dark hallways. The basement of the deliberation hall kind of reminded her of Hans secret lair. It sent a shiver down her spine. From the frown on Levi's face, he agreed with her on that one.
The silence was palpable, no one spoke and the only noise that could be heard was the echoing of their shoes clicking on the cobblestone floor and bouncing off the walls. Dilan noticed there were no guards present which intrigued her, due to the fact that they literally had a titan stored down here. That was until she realised, they were likely not allowed to be here. The guards had all been paid off. Dilan doubted they had long, so she was going to have to think quick here to grasp Erwin's plan.
They came to the end of the hallway and descended down another staircase, deeper into the darkness. Dilan looked at Levi and he looked back. He seemed to be troubled on the issue. Her opinion could likely sway him either way.
After more walking they ended at a door. Erwin took a key and unlocked the door with a loud creak. It was pushed open and they stepped inside. The door was shut and locked behind them.
The room was a cell. Pretty small for a titan but Dilan supposed since he was in his human form and they were three floors below the surface, it was likely Eren wouldn't risk turning just to end up with a snapped neck. They were in front of a cage. Dilan saw Eren lying down asleep in a bed, shackles pinning down his hands and feet. Dilan frowned slightly. She knew from experience how uncomfortable that was. She felt bad for the teenager, but she knew it was necessary.
It wasn't going to help him trust them though.
"Has anyone talked to him yet?" Levi asked. Erwin sighed.
"He hasn't actually woken up yet. We only have 30 minutes; this is a gamble." Erwin explained. Dilan rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, well gambles can go fuck themselves." Dilan said, walking up to bars and kicking the steel with her foot, sending a loud clanging vibration around them and Eren shot up, wide eyed and panting. Dilan smirked. "See!" She said to the others who were frowning at her reckless actions.
In her defence, they didn't let her tag along for her princess attitude.
EREN'S P.O.V.
Eren woke to a large clanging noise and bolted straight up in a panic. He breathed heavily as he looked around himself, trying to get some bearings. He found nothing familiar. His eyes focused in and he saw he was in some sort of cage. He was strapped down on a bed in chains and there were people watching him. He flicked his eyes between the three and realisation dawned on him as everything that just happened during the Trost attack whacked him up the side of the head.
He could...
He had the ability to turn into a titan...
"See!" A girl said and the others did not look happy.
Eren focused in on the three people and his eyes widened. Sitting on a chair on the left was Commander Erwin of the Scout regiment! And then... Captain Levi! What were they doing here?!
Eren turned his attention to the last person in the room and his eyebrows furrowed. It was a girl. She was small and kind of cute. Eren was surprised for a second, wondering why a harmless low-ranking soldier would be in here with two legends like Erwin smith and Captain Levi. Then he saw her eyes. Blood orange and dangerous. He realised quickly that this woman was not harmless, and she was not to be messed with.
There was some mumbling that Eren couldn't make out before the woman turned her attention back to him. He blinked as he smiled.
"Yo, titan boy. Sup." She said simply, tilting her head. Eren was confused to say the least.
"Um... hello?" He replied, his voice kind of raspy. She giggled.
"Aw, he's kind of cute!" She mentioned. The Captain gave her a look and she pouted, re- joining his side on the wall. Eren looked at them, unsure what to say. Were they here to kill him? The woman seemed kind of familiar. Her voice even more so. Had they talked before?
"Any questions?" Commander Erwin asked. Eren swallowed, glancing at his chains. They were long, fit for a monster's shackles. Eren saw the commander lift a key and he gasped.
"Where did you get that?!" Eren demanded. That was his.
"From you." He answered simply. Eren glanced at the woman to see her face was serious. She looked to be taking everything in with him. Eren swallowed again. "Don't worry, you'll get it back."
Eren's eyes darted back to the woman as she walked over to Erwin and took the key, examining it. Somehow Eren felt safer with it in her hands. Erwin ignored the intrusion and continued.
"Let's talk home."
DILAN'S P.O.V.
Dilan observed the key with fascination as Erwin started blabbering about the kid's home and a secret about the titans kept in the kid's basement.
"Pretty big secret down there, right?" Erwin asked. Eren looked at them.
"Yes sir, I believe so."
"Must suck to have your dad and your memory MIA at the same time. Awfully convenient." Levi commented but Dilan wasn't so sure she agreed. This kid's eyes were innocent. He seemed so lost.
"Enough Levi. We've been over this. He has no reason to lie." Erwin scolded.
Dilan hummed.
"Untrue. There's plenty of reasons to lie." She added, putting the key around her neck and walking towards the bars. "Gain our trust. Stab us in the back." Dilan said slowly, eyes glinting and the kid visibly shivered. She smirked at his reaction. This kid was so fresh it hurt. He wasn't hiding anything. "But I don't believe that's your MO. You have no clue do you, titan boy?" She asked.
Eren shook his head quickly.
"Either that or he's one hell of an actor." Levi commented and Dilan rolled her eyes.
"Always so quick to assume ulterior motive, aren't you sir?" Dilan looked at him to smirk evilly and Levi frowned at the mention of way back when. Back when he accused her of being a spy, of having a reason to get captured.
Levi didn't reply and Dilan knew she had him on that one.
"Enough, the both of you. Let's get back to business. We know he has no reason to lie. But that's all we know. Care to shed a little light by telling us your intentions." Erwin said seriously, holding his hand out for the key. Dilan rolled her eyes but took it off and dropped the key back in the blonde bastard's hand.
Eren looked confused.
"My intentions?" He asked.
Then Dilan lost interest as Erwin started blabbering again about wall Maria, telling Dilan stuff she already knew. This kid was the same as the armoured and colossal. What they needed to know was if he was on the side of the titans or humans.
"Come on, it's an easy question. Answer it. What the hell do you want to do?" Levi asked, crossing his arms. Dilan was eager to hear the same thing. His answer could change the course of humanities history.
Dilan blinked as Eren's puppy face was gone and he looked up at them with almost a psychotic grin.
"I want to join the scouts and slaughter every titan that crosses my path." He said in a low voice. Dilan smirked, pleased by his answer and from the looks of things Levi was too.
"Psychopathic tendencies. Yep, he'll fit in well here." Dilan grinned, looking at Levi. She nodded, telling him to go for it.
"You game for this?" Levi asked. Dilan didn't need him to specify. If they were going to take this kid under the scouts, then they needed their strongest soldiers to keep him in check. That was the only way they were going to convince the court at his trial, and it was the reason Dilan was currently present. But if they were taking baby-sitting duty it also meant they would have to accept responsibility if the kid went berserk and they couldn't handle it. But Dilan was confident in her and Levi's abilities. Even more so when they fought together.
She nodded and Levi turned back to the kid.
"Well played. Me and Dil will take responsibility for him." He said, walking towards the cage, standing next to Dilan and putting his hands on the bars. "As the strongest soldiers in the corps I think our record more than speaks for itself. We can keep him under control. Kill him if we have to." Levi said, monotoned and Dilan saw Eren flinch.
"You did it, kid. You're officially a member of the scouts." Dilan grinned and Eren's eyes widened.
"Very well." Erwin nodded and stood up, walking to the exit. Levi spared Eren a distrustful glance before following. Dilan smiled and winked at the boy before moving to follow Levi.
"W-wait! Are you..." Eren called out and Dilan glanced back, orange eyes flicking over to him. "Are you the Titan Ripper?" Eren whispered with wide eyes. Dilan was surprised almost seeing adoration. That was new. Perhaps she wasn't like what the tales described her.
She simply smiled at him and walked off, closing the door behind her.
"I take it we don't need to explain it to you then?" Erwin asked without looking at her as they made their way back up to the surface. Dilan shook her head.
She had grasped the situation completely.
"No sir. The MP's will put up a good fight in court, perhaps the tables will almost turn in their favour. Things will get heated and there's a chance they'll threaten to kill him right there. Me and Levi need to put on a show, prove we can take him down. Prove the MP's don't have the balls. You'll jump in with the closing statement and Eren will be ours." Dilan said with a smirk. Erwin looked equally surprised and impressed that she had figured out his plan completely. Levi hid a smirk, not surprised but proud, nonetheless.
"Well done, Church. I expect you to bring your all." He paused. "Just so you know, I intend to promote you back to Major for the foreseeable future." Erwin informed and Dilan's eyes widened, ready to protest. "This is unnegotiable, Dilan. You will remain in Levi's squad for now, but the future is unclear. I don't want to waste time on giving you power if a situation arises where I need you to take charge. I would rather you have that power already." Erwin explained seriously and Dilan bit her lip but got the Commanders point.
At least she got to stay with the squad.
"Understood, sir." She said and Erwin looked pleasantly surprised with her response.
"See you at court." He replied, getting into a carriage and going uptown, likely to another meeting.
Dilan sighed in relief, happy to see him go. Levi did the same, crossing his arms and leaning back on a wall.
"You think we can pull this shit off?" He asked.
"We can give it a shot, can't we?" Dilan shrugged. Levi sighed but nodded, closing his eyes for a moment. Dilan frowned slightly. "Are you alright, Levi? You seem tired." She said seriously, subconsciously taking a step closer to look at him.
Levi opened his eyes to look into hers.
"Would you be worried if I said no?" He replied, dropping all defences for a moment. Dilan pursed her lips.
"That would depend on what the problem is." She said logically. Levi looked at her and Dilan looked back. Time seemed to slow for a moment and neither moved. Dilan's heart was racing. "Tell me." She encouraged, wanting to hear what he was obviously desperate to say. She couldn't stop herself from reaching out and taking his hand, squeezing it for support.
When was the last time she held his hand? She wasn't sure.
Levi swallowed and looked down at their interlocked hands. He closed his eyes for a moment and took an almost shaky breath.
He opened his eyes again and Dilan saw his defences back.
"It's just this stupid war." He sighed, leaning his head back. He let go of Dilan's hand to rub his forehead. "How long before they come back? Who are they? Why are they doing this?" Dilan sighed, not exactly sure if it was the same concern he was focused on moments before, but it was definitely bothering him. It was bothering her too.
"There's no way to find out right now. We need to focus on Yeager right now. I have a feeling he's the next step in the battle." Dilan said seriously. Levi took a moment but nodded in agreement.
"You're right. Let's get home, we'll brief the squad." Levi decided, pushing off the wall and walking towards a carriage. Dilan followed him, wondering what would come next.
When they got home there was a commotion in the lounge that caught both their attentions.
"GUNTHER CALM THE FUCK DOWN!" Oluo yelled.
"NO! THEY'RE GOING TO BREAK THE WALL DOWN AGAIN! THEN WE'LL BE SENT OUT AGAIN ON THOSE GODFORSAKEN WALLS! WHO KNOWS HOW LONG IT WILL BE THIS TIME!" He yelled back, fisting his hair in panic with shaky hands. It seemed the kid was having some sort of mental breakdown. Although Dilan couldn't really call him a kid anymore. He was 23 years old.
"Okay, we're all freaked, we can admit that. But we can't lose our cool." Eld tried but Gunther was starting to hyperventilate.
"It's going to keep happening. They'll keep coming. They'll keep coming until every single one of us is dead." He whispered, eyes wide, looking at the floor.
"He's right." Petra mumbled, going to a dark place too. Levi and Dilan shared a look. It was time to intervene before things got out of control.
"Petra, don't-" Oluo tried but Levi cut him off.
"Everyone minus Swaltzs go take care of your fucking horses. From the looks of things, they haven't been brushed since the last expedition." Levi said, monotoned as he entered the room and crossed his arms. Everyone tensed and Gunther looked at the floor in shame. "Now." Levi warned and they saluted quickly before heading outside. There was silence as the door closed. Dilan could see the tears clinging to Gunther's eyes that he didn't allow to fall, embarrassed he had behaved in such a way in front of his superior.
Dilan watched Levi walk over to him.
"S-sir, I-" He stuttered, clearly thinking the Captain was pissed. Dilan supressed a smile as Levi stopped before he would have walked straight past him, resting a hand on his shoulder. Gunther's eyes widened in shock.
"The attack fazed all of us, there's no point denying it. But we push forward because we have people relying on us." He said seriously. Gunther swallowed, looking slightly closer to tears but took a deep breath, determination filling his face.
He nodded firmly.
"Yes sir." He replied confidently. Levi nodded in approval before walking into his office and closing the door behind him. Dilan was proud of her friend. He was getting better at expressing emotion to others when they needed it. Granted it was only a small bit of emotion, but it was all that Gunther needed to pull through.
Gunther glanced at the office door before back at Dilan.
"You saw that right? I'm not going insane?" Gunther whispered. Dilan chuckled and rolled her eyes, walking over to him.
"He cares about all of you. This shit messed us all up a bit." She shrugged. "How are you feeling?" She asked with a smile. Gunther sighed, raking a hand through his hair.
"A lot better. The Captain's right, we'll push forward. I only freaked out because my sister lives in Trost. If things turned out differently today..." He trailed off, not wanting to say it. Dilan smiled sadly in understanding and pulled him into a hug. Gunther sighed in relief and accepted it gratefully.
"We'll make it. We have people we need to carry to the end." She comforted. Gunther nodded firmly, hesitating before pulling back. He smiled at her.
"Thanks for always being there, Dil. I know we joke about it but you, kind of, are like a big sister and I really appreciate you always looking out for me." He said genuinely. Dilan smiled, her eyes glossing over a bit. She felt the same way. Gunther was the closest thing to a little brother that she had.
"I've always got your back, bud. I need you too." She said kindly. Gunther smiled. "I mean without you; I'd have to start making my own breakfast." She teased with a smirk and Gunther frowned at her for a second before cracking his angered facade and smiling, shaking his head in disbelief.
"I'm sure you'd find a way to steal someone else's." Gunther teased back and Dilan laughed.
"You know me well. Come on, kid. Let's go." She suggested. Gunther smiled and nodded. With his small freak out over, they went to join the others in the stables.
EREN'S P.O.V.
Eren sighed for the umpteenth time. He wasn't sure how long he had been stuck down in this dungeon, but the days had started to merge. He was so bored he could hardly take it. Was this it? Was he stuck down here forever? Commander Erwin had said he would join the scouts, but they hadn't visited since. He hadn't gotten his key back either. Was it all a hallucination? It seemed too real to be a hallucination. He wasn't smart enough to conjure up an entire conversation like that. Especially such unique characters. He hadn't been able to get that woman's eyes out of his head.
She was scary but comforting and still very familiar. If she really was the Titan Ripper, Eren wanted to get to know her more.
He had heard so many stories about the infamous Titan Ripper over the years. Her name was practically as big as Captain Levi. He had never seen her before but at the training corps some described her as tall, muscular and mannish. That woman was nothing of the sort. She was small and kind of cute. It's why Eren was so surprised when Captain Levi declared they were both the strongest soldiers in the legion. It must be her right? Only the Titan Ripper could be second to Humanities Strongest.
Eren had idolised Captain Levi for a long time. But when he heard of the Titan Ripper, she quickly became his favourite. It didn't matter what she looked like or how people claimed she was a genuine psychopath or that she was born in the underground or even that she was an off the rails savage who delighted in killing.
Eren didn't care about any of that.
Because if what he heard was true then she was his kind of person. The tale was that she had made a name for herself by protecting 50 soldiers during a mission outside the walls, taking down over 20 titans by herself in the process! It seemed far-fetched to his friends but Eren was a believer. As soon as they met again, Eren was determined to get an answer! Then he could tell Jean to shove his belief that it was all a bunch of bullshit up his ass.
Still, none of that could happen if he didn't get outside this cell!
Eren groaned and hung his head. He was hungry as well as bored. The food in here tasted like shit and he hadn't been able to swallow down much of it. The guards didn't seem to think he deserved edible meals considering he was a 'monster'. Eren was trying not to let it get to him, but it was still pissing him off.
He was human like any of them.
"HELLO!" A loud voice shouted out of the blue and Eren jumped, snapping his head up in shock. He saw a woman clinging to the bars, her cheeks smooched as she tried to push her face to the limit. She was thin and lanky with crazy brown hair and thick glasses that were glinting in the light and creating a psychopathic persona that had Eren gulping.
"Um... hi?" He offered. A wide grin spread across her face before she cackled loudly, pumping her fists in the air and scaring the hell out of Eren.
"Section commander, remember what Dilan told you?" A man next to her whispered and the woman paused, taking a breath and calming down, straighten out her clothes.
"Not to act like a crazy bitch." She repeated to herself. Eren choked back a laugh. She's already failed on that one, hasn't she? "Eren isn't it?" She asked with a wide smile.
"Yeah." Eren confirmed. He took a look at their uniforms and saw they were from the scouts like the others.
"How are you?! Are you well?" She asked happily and Eren didn't have time to answer before she moved on. "Sorry for keeping you in here so long but here's your chance to finally get out! Exciting right?!" She informed and Eren's eyes widened.
He was definitely ready for that!
They got up and out of the cell. The woman he learnt to be Hanji Zoe, put some hand cuffs on him and they moved through the cold halls. She started talking about something very quickly and excitedly but Eren was too concerned on figuring out firstly, where he was and secondly, where he was going. He jumped when a tall blonde man came up real close behind him and Hanji chuckled at his reaction.
"Oh, don't mind him, that's only Mike." She shrugged and they reached some doors with guards posted either side, glaring down at him. Eren gulped. He did not like where this was going. "Oh shit, I was really supposed to tell you about the plan." Hanji cursed, bonking herself on the head. Eren looked at her with wide eyes as the door was opened and more guards grabbed him.
"Huh!?" He asked, exasperated. Hanji chuckled, scratching the back of her head.
"Sorry, Eren. I'm sure it will be fine, probably best if you have no idea." She mentioned before the doors where slammed and Eren was shoved forward.
He swallowed nervously, turning around and his face paled at the sheer amount of people looking straight at him. His eyes widened in realisation. He was in a court room. This was a trial.
More specifically... his trial.
Shit.
Eren started to sweat as he was roughly pushed forward, his chains rattling as they directed him towards a pole in the centre of the polished floors. It was a fancy place. Eren had never been in such a well decorated place in his life. Honestly, he had never been in Sina before in his life. This might just be his first and last time. He had a feeling they weren't here to catch up.
This was a trial for his life.
"On your knees." One of the guards ordered gruffly and Eren hesitated before doing as commanded. A pole was placed on the chains behind his back and he was secured to the floor. He glanced around him, panic starting to set in. he saw the Garrison, the MP's and the Scouts were present. He caught his friends' eyes and saw the fear in them. He could understand. They were both totally helpless.
Would he ever get to talk to them again?
Close to hyperventilating, Eren looking around once more, freezing slightly as he caught dangerous amber eyes. He looked at the older woman who was present as well, standing next to Captain Levi. She gave him a small smile before looking straight forward again and Eren took a breath, calming down.
That's right. They said they would help him... or defend him at least.
Eren didn't know what they were planning but he would trust them to get him out of this. He didn't have any other choice.
"Alright. Shall we begin?" Commander Zackley spoke in the tense silence, taking off his jacket and getting rather comfortable for a trial but Eren couldn't really judge. His outfit was less than presentable.
"Eren Yeager..."
DILAN'S P.O.V.
Dilan frowned as the old man at the front started reading out random ass facts about stuff, she didn't give a shit about.
"Levi, I'm bored." She whispered. The squad weren't here. They were currently packing, reading to meet them and head off to the new base, given the condition that they win Eren. Levi didn't look at her and continued to ignore her, remaining professional. She huffed dramatically, looking around while the old man continued to blab.
When would the fun part start already?
She observed the boy in question. He looked a lot calmer than when he first came in the room. The kid looked close to a panic attack but a look from her seemed to do the trick. He got the message. He had to trust them. Trust them to get him out of this.
It was the only way.
Dilan blinked as the old man stopped talking and some ratty man at the other end of the court from the MP's started yelling out. Perhaps she should be paying slightly more attention. She looked at the MP section and her eyes narrowed on a man seated next to the ratty one.
Was it just her or did he seem familiar?
"My name is Nile Dok. I am commander of the Military Police and it is my recommendation that, after thorough examination of his composition, subject Eren Yeager should be disposed of immediately." He said seriously and Dilan scoffed.
"Wimp." She mumbled. Levi nudged her in the side discreetly, basically telling her to shut the fuck up. She rolled her eyes but did as told.
Murmurs in the hall broke out and Eren looked on the verge of panic again and Dilan couldn't really blame the kid this time. 3/4 of the people in the room wanted him dead. And they wanted to dissect him before doing it.
Dok continued to spout shit about honour and giving him a title of a fallen hero once he bit the dust like that really made any sort of a difference. The kid would be dead, it was just an empty gesture.
"UNEXCEPTABLE!" Another yelled and Dilan blinked again. Some old geezer with a heavy looking chain around his neck was pointing at Eren with a half terrified, half angry expression.
Dilan smirked.
"Okay, so now it's getting good." She muttered to herself, hoping all the crazies would start showing themselves so they could get this show on the road. Levi gave her a subtle glare and she sighed.
"YOU DEFILED OUR BELOVED WALL ROSE! YOU TAINTED HER PURTIY AND THAT WILL NOT BE..." He continued to spout shit and Dilan got bored again. What a load of bull. These guys were worse than the MP's. Levi told her before that they were a group called Wall cultists and they were fucking insane but given a place at the table for some strange reason. Dilan wondered why that was. Everyone here seemed to roll their eyes as soon as the bloke spoke up.
"Enough. Let's get back to the matter at hand." Zackley said sternly and the cultist freak shut his mouth, albeit reluctantly.
The conversations continued and Dilan was practically squirming. She wanted this to be over with. There were too many people in here and she was kind of hot and tired. Her head wasn't completely healed yet and her vision still got blurred sometimes. She wanted them to get to her part so she could get the fuck out of here. Dilan felt Levi's hand wrap around her wrist and paused, taking a glance at him.
His face remained straight forward.
"You're up next brat. It's almost over." Levi whispered, seeming to sense she was struggling. Dilan took a breath and calmed down, his subtle touch filling her with more relief than she would care to admit. It was gone just as quickly as it was there, but it was enough to help her refocus on the task at hand.
Things were starting to get heated.
"Major Dilan Church. You were present at the time of the breach closure, correct?" Zackley asked. Dilan looked at him.
"Yes sir." She replied professionally.
"In your personal opinion, at the time did you deem Eren Yeager, a threat to humanity?" Zackley asked and Dilan went over her script in her head.
She chuckled.
"That puppy? No way. His titan form seemed to hate titan's as much as I, sir. The humans weren't bothering him much. I even sat on his shoulder. We had a chat." Dilan replied casually, glancing at Eren who looked at her in shock.
Zackley raised an eyebrow.
"Is that so?" He asked. Dilan nodded.
"I-" Dilan was about to continue when she was interrupted.
"Sir, I don't believe that woman's report should be taken into account." Dok said seriously. Dilan frowned. The fuck?
"And why is that?" Zackley asked, as confused at the rest of them. The guy that was sat next to Dok stood up and looked directly at her.
"Because not only is she from the underground. But she has a violent past and I consider her to be deeply untrustworthy." He said in a low tone and Dilan's breath hitched in her throat when she realised why he seemed so familiar.
"The slut didn't tell you?" He said mockingly.
"Look asshole-" Brand started but the guy cut him off.
"She didn't tell you during her capture she was fucked silly. I bet the animal enjoyed it." He laughed putting a hand on her shoulder and Dilan's eyes widened as something snapped.
"Dilan-" Levi warned but it was too late. Dilan had already stood on her seat, turned to face the bastard and kick him in the side of the head sending him to the ground with a splutter as blood spilled down his chin. Dilan had absolutely lost it.
"Enjoyed it? Fucking enjoyed it?!" She yelled, walking towards him. The man's eyes were wide as he tried to army crawl away from her. "You fucking idiot. You seem to have forgotten the number one rule. Don't fucking touch me!" She hissed, treading on the man's leg and enjoying the snap of bone breaking. She ignored the gasps around her and the squad telling her to stop. "You fucking enjoy that?!" She snarled.
"AGH! STOP!" He screamed. Dilan ignored him, kicking him in the face before crouching down to him.
"Imagine that pain 100 time over and you might get close to how I felt."
"Oh my god. L-Levi that's-" She started quietly, looking at the man with wide eyes but cut herself off as her voice wavered. Levi tensed beside her, telling her he'd realised it too.
Nile had changed a lot since the last time Dilan saw him. A few months after the incident, the guy disappeared. Dilan never knew or cared what happened to him. Frankly, she was just grateful for him to be out of her fucking face. He looked a lot older now, with big bags under his eyes and some wrinkles on his forehead. He had gained some weight and lost some hair.
He looked old.
But the truth was he was never their age from the beginning. He may have been cadet status, but Nile had to start fresh in the corps after being forced to move from the MP's because of his crime of selling military equipment.
Dilan had so many questions she could hardly breath. The most important two being;
One, how the fuck did he get back into the military police? Two, how did he still have something against her after all this fucking time?! So what? She broke his leg a little, but he did cause her intense emotional damage.
They were even, Steven!
"Levi-" Dilan was starting to panic.
"I know, brat. Take a breath, we'll figure it out." Levi soothed quietly, taking a small step towards her so their sides were pressing together, and he could squeeze her hand without anyone seeing. Dilan let out a breath, her pulse going down again.
Seeing the bastard had brought up a lot of unwanted feelings.
"Dok who is this?" Zackley asked.
"First lieutenant Maynard, sir. My second in command of the Military Police." Dok replied professionally.
Dilan made a face.
Two Niles? That must be problematic.
"Violence, you say. Do continue." Zackley said and Dilan's breath hitched as Nile smirked, glancing at her and Levi, he looked eager to comply.
Revenge? Come on, man!
"Well-"
"Commander, I feel this is unnecessary." Erwin interjected coolly and Dilan swallowed.
"I wouldn't, Smith. We need to know the backgrounds of the people giving their testimony's if we are to know whether we can trust them or not." He replied sternly.
Erwin remained firm.
"Major Church had a rocky start beginning at the Scouts, there's no doubt. But considering where she is now, I believe it's safe to say she has atoned from her past mistakes. Not only has she been in the legion for over 8 years now, but she has one of the highest-ranking positions in the regiment and is considered the second strongest soldier within the walls. She was present during the battle to retake wall Maria and produced some of the finest results on that wall for almost three years. She has my upmost trust and I have nothing but confidence that her report is of a candid one." Erwin said seriously and Dilan blinked in surprise.
Even Levi looked slightly shocked.
Who knew the Commander had it in him to defend her like that? Although, they were wagering a lot on this trial. She needed to seem trustworthy so her report could go in and attempt to cancel out the other one that they knew was coming.
But, even then, that report still could tip the scales. It will depend on how they are able to control the people's reactions.
Zackley paused for a moment, taking a looking at her. Dilan did her best to look as un-criminal as possible.
Levi squeezed her hand for support.
"Very well. We shall proceed." Zackley decided and Dilan let out a breath of relief.
Nile Maynard was not happy.
"Commander she's a criminal! A murderer! An animal! She's worse than the boy, we should put her on trial too!" Nile debated and eyes turned to look at her with scepticism. Levi growled lowly, looking close to lashing out. This time it was Dilan calming him, squeezing his hand and telling him to relax.
He did so, albeit reluctantly.
"Enough. I made my decision." Zackley said seriously and Maynard opened his mouth yet again but a stern look from Dok made him back down and he took his seat once again.
Zackley nodded in approval.
"We will proceed. Onto the next report. Mikasa Ackermann." He said and Dilan's eyebrows rose slightly. Ackermann? Just how many surprises are we going to get today? Kenny's second name is Ackermann.
"Do you think-?" Dilan started but Levi cut her off, knowing where she was going.
"Not sure. No time to think about it. We need to focus." Levi replied quietly. Dilan nodded in agreement, turning her attention back to the court as it erupted into chaos.
"Is this true? Did Eren Yeager attack you while in titan form?" Zackley asked seriously. Mikasa hesitated but knew she couldn't lie.
"Yes, your honour." She replied reluctantly.
It's okay. We knew about that.
"But I would like to point out that Eren saved me a number of times before that-!" She tried but Dok cut in before she could get her point across.
"Your honour, we have reason to believe her statement is also untrustworthy. You see, Mikasa is the adopted sister of the subject in question. Not only does she have a family bond, an obligation to him, but we also learnt that the pair of them encountered a group of child traffickers and proceeded to stab them to death at the tender age of nine." He informed and Dilan cringed.
We did not know about that.
"Knowing this, should we really invest resources in him?! Money!? Manpower!? Perhaps the very fate of us all!?" Dok declared and whispers broke out.
Dilan shared a look with Levi.
They needed to act soon.
EREN'S P.O.V.
Eren watched as things started getting out of hand. The statement about Dilan had threw him for a second and he realise they had spoken before. While he was in titan form. If he lived, he would definitely be asking her what they talked about.
Or rather, what she talked to him about.
But then again. That was if he lived.
"Maybe she's one! I bet she's not human either!" A merchant yelled, causing more outcries.
Eren's breath hitched as he looked at Mikasa.
No, don't involve her!
"Yeah, you're right! Dissect her too just to be safe!" Another yelled and Eren grit his teeth in anger. No one was touching Mikasa. Not if he had anything to say about it!
"NOW HANG ON A SECOND! MAYBE I'M A MONSTER BUT SHE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS! SHE'S INNOCENT!" He yelled, needing to convince them. He felt like this whole thing was slipping away from them. He trusted the commander and the Captain and even the Major but... not enough to risk his friends.
"Like we trust you!" Someone yelled back at him.
"It's true!" He declared.
"She must be one if you protect her!"
"STOP IT!" Eren practically screeched, pulling his chains as he did so to get them all to shut up. the hall fell silent. "Your wrong! About it all." He said, his head hung low, his voice shaking with fury. "You're all blind to what's in front of you!"
"What do you mean?" Dok demanded. Eren knew he should probably shut up now, but he couldn't stop his mouth from moving. He wanted them to hear it. If he was going to die. He wanted them to hear what he had to say.
"What does it matter? None of you have even seen a titan! Why are you so afraid, huh?! There's no sense in having power if you aren't going to use it! Use it to fight! If you're too scared, too scared to fight for your life's, fine! Let me do it! You're all cowards! JUST SHUT UP AND PUT YOUR FAITH IN ME!" He yelled, breathing heavy with frustration. There was a moment of stunned silence where no one moved.
Then they seemed to gain grasp of the situation.
"Take aim!" Dok commanded and guns where shoved in his face.
Eren gasped, his eyes widening. He didn't have time to be scared, he didn't have the time to do anything as a boot was roughly shoved in his face with such a demanding force that his whole body was forced to the left and a tooth flew out of his mouth.
Eren choked on his own blood, too surprised to say anything. He glanced up to the Captain's nonchalant face in horror before another attack came his way and a boot was thrust in his stomach.
SHIT!
The Captain grabbed a clump of his hair, his face remaining impassive the entire time as he slammed Eren's face into his knee and continued to savagely beat the hell out of him.
Eren could barely think straight. His senses were overwhelmed with pain and shock. What the hell was happening?! How did he piss off the Captain? What could he do to get him to stop!?
He wasn't allowed to get a word in!
Eren choked again, blood dripping out of his mouth and nose as he was beaten once more before the Captain pressed a foot down on his head, pinning it to the once clean and polished floor of the courthouse with an audible crack.
"Personally, I believe nothing instils discipline like pain." He said in a cold voice that sent a shiver down Eren's spine. "You don't need a good talking too. What you're in need of, boy, is to be taught a lesson. And you happen to be in perfect kicking position." He said before kicking him again. Eren heard more gasps but he could barely hear anything past the loud ringing that followed from all the assaults on his head.
"Now... hold on, Levi-"
"What is it?" He asked, his tone dark and unpleased. Dok gulped.
"Yeah, come on Captain, this aint right." Another familiar voice spoke out and Eren strained his vision to the corner of his eyes, considering Levi's boot was currently forcing his head upright against the metal pole. He saw Dilan walking towards them, and his heart jumped in hope.
Would she save him? Would she stop the torture?
Maybe even explain why the Captain was beating the shit out of him!?
"Oh?" Levi asked, monotoned. She nodded, reaching them. Eren watched as a twisted smirk made its way onto her face.
"Why should you get all the fun? I like teaching lessons too." She grinned evilly and Eren gasped.
She was so friendly?! What the hell!?
Levi let go of Eren for a second to take a step back, pushing his hands into his pockets and glancing at his subordinate.
"Be my guest." He shrugged, as if bored with the entire thing. Dilan grinned and rolled up her sleeves, walking towards him.
"M-ma'am... please..." Eren just managed to croak out before he was kneed in the face once more. The gasping and muttering continued as Dilan beat Eren within an inch of his life.
Eren wasn't sure whose blow's hurt more. They seemed to have their own specialities of pain. Levi was better at kicking the hell out of him. Dilan was better with her fists, smashing his face around like a ragdoll over and over. He was this close to passing out when Dok choose to speak up again.
"W-wait... it's dangerous. What if he gets angry! Turns into a titan right here!?" He asked, fear clear in his tone.
Dilan burst out laughing, grabbing a clump of Eren's hair and pulling him up to face the MP's.
"This kid? You for real?" She laughed, like it was the most hilarious thing in the world. Levi remained neutral but seemed to think the MP commander's comment was rather ridiculous too.
"Don't be stupid. After all, you shit's just want to dissect him, right?" Levi said simply, walking back over. Dilan took a step back instinctively so Levi could throw his boot into Eren's face once more and Eren slumped like a doll, drained of any energy to move, breathing heavily. "It was said Yeager could kill 20 titans while in his titan form. And yet both of us could still take him down without a problem. How many of you cowards can say the same?" Levi asked the terrified crowd.
Dilan crossed her arms, glancing at Dok in distaste.
He flinched.
"That's the question isn't it?" She asked, walking up to where Dok stood and putting her hands on the bars, her orange eyes boring holes into his. "You talk the big talk but when the time came around and the boy showed violence. You all fucking hesitated. If it was left up to you, Eren has the potential for destruction." She turned her dangerous gaze to the man that spoke against her before. Maynard, Eren remembered his name was. "You don't have the balls to kill him." She whispered the last bit in a terrifyingly calm voice and the man paled, swallowing thickly.
Eren once again felt a shiver run down his spine.
These two are terrifying.
Dok swallowed hard as Dilan looked at him again. Sweat dripped down his face from the intensity of her glare and he couldn't even manage to stutter out a response. Eren blinked as he almost saw a small smirk on the Captains face before it was gone again.
"Sir, I have proposition!" Erwin interrupted the tense silence. "A lot about Eren is still unknown and it's likely that his potential for danger will remain ever present. As a solution I suggest this. Eren Yeager be placed under Captain Levi and Major Dilan Church's supervision. We will conduct a recon mission outside of the wall." He continued and Eren's eyes widened.
Outside the wall?
"Yeager will join you on this mission?" Zackley questioned.
"Yes sir. The outcome of the mission will determine how we proceed with Eren's case. If he successfully controls his ability, Eren will have proven his value to man-kind." Erwin explained.
"And should he... lose control?" Zackley asked, looking down at the two dangerous individuals in front of Eren.
"The boy has a freaky ass talent but at the end of the day, he's just another titan." Dilan shrugged casually. Levi nodded his agreement.
"We can definitely kill him if it comes to that. The Major and I have the abilities to put him down for good. The only downside is that there's absolutely no middle ground." The Captain said seriously.
There was a moment of silence and Eren was trying hard to control his shakes from the pain and fear.
"Then I have made my choice..."
DILAN'S P.O.V.
As soon as court ended and people started filing out, Dilan was off. She wanted answers and she wanted them now.
"Dilan." She heard Levi warn as she started disappearing into the crowd, towards were Nile just stalked off, disappointed with the verdict. Dilan paid her friend no attention.
It was a few minutes before she managed to track the bastard down. He seemed to be in the middle of talking with one of his subordinates. Dilan ignored the cadet and grabbed the ugly ass man, ignoring his protests and pushing them both around the corner, slamming him into wall.
"What the hell, man!" She snarled. Nile pushed her off of him and straightened out his uniform.
"Here to break the other leg, are you?" He spat.
Dilan growled.
"How the hell are you the second in command of the Military police?!" She asked, exasperated.
Nile chuckled humourlessly.
"Thanks to your stunt, I was banned from field duty. My leg can't even bend properly anymore, most days I have to use a cane to get around, but I can cope with the pain for public events." He informed with a look of hatred.
Dilan scoffed and rolled her eyes.
"You want me to feel guilty or something? You fucked me over too. Now answer my damn question!" She demanded. Nile glared at her.
"I used my injury against Commander Erwin, threatened to sue. Doing so, I managed to get him to pull some strings and I was accepted back into the military police. From there, I worked my way up. The fall of wall Maria was where I hit my stride again. So many soldiers where focused on the crisis that I practically strolled up the chain of command. Two years ago, the old second in command finally bit the dust and here I am. One of the most powerful officers in my regiment. I have more power than your precious Captain now." He smirked.
Dilan glared at him.
"You have no power over me." She gritted. Nile took a step towards her.
"I disagree. Not only do I know your dirty little secret." He started and Dilan swallowed. "But things have changed. I have influence and you were just seen dragging me around a corner in a courthouse full of people. It won't take much to convince them you assaulted me again given your track record." He grinned evilly, taking another step.
Dilan took a step back.
"I wonder how quickly I could get you locked up for good. Perhaps even executed..." He mused. "You'll do whatever I want. You're mine, now." He whispered, reaching out to touch her face and Dilan grimaced, about to back away but she didn't have to.
Levi grabbed the bastards hand before it touched her, holding it in almost a bruising grip. His eyes were hard, and he was glaring daggers into the MP. Dilan let out a shaky breath of relief.
She saw Nile swallow.
"What did you just say?" Levi growled. Nile tried to steel himself and pull the hand away, but Levi wouldn't allow it.
"Captain... his is highly inappropriate-" He tried to pull his arm away again, but Levi gripped it tighter.
"Yes, I would say so. Because I'm pretty sure I just heard you threatening one of my subordinates." Levi said in a low voice, shoving his hand back at him and the man stumbled a bit.
Nile scoffed.
"It was, in fact, her who threatened me." He replied through gritted teeth. Levi chuckled humourlessly and Dilan swallowed.
This was not going to go well.
"Is that right?" He glared. Nile paled slightly. There was a moment of tense silence.
"Let's cut the bullshit, Captain. You can't protect her anymore; I have the greater power." He said straight up. Levi looked unperturbed.
"What you have is regardless if you enjoy living. Power doesn't stay with the dead." He said darkly and Nile's eyes widened a fraction.
"Are you seriously threatening me!? The first Lieutenant of the Military Police!?" He asked, exasperated. Levi took a step towards him and Nile took two back, flinching as he hit the wall.
"Do you remember our conversation almost 8 years ago?" Levi asked and Dilan's eyes widened remembering what Tabitha told her. Levi had talked to Nile before. Threatened him to keep quiet. "No? Do you need a refresher?" Levi asked in a stern tone.
Nile was starting to sweat.
"I suggest you-" He tried to gain some resemblance of control, but it was perfectly clear who had the greater authority right now.
"Shut it." Levi ordered and Nile did so. Dilan would have been amused if she wasn't so worried about how this was going to play out. "8 years ago, I told you never to speak to her again. I told you never to look at her again. I warned you what would happen, did I not?" Levi snarled and Nile flinched. Dilan's eyes widened as she saw the dagger in Levi's hands. She had to stop this before they couldn't go back.
"Levi, stop." Dilan tried, quietly. Levi ignored her completely and in less than a fraction of a second, the dagger was up against Nile's poorly shaved throat. He gasped, freezing up completely.
"What did I say would happen?" Levi demanded in a terrifying voice. Nile was starting to shake.
"Levi, Levi please." Dilan whispered, grabbing his hand she tried to squeeze some sense into him. They were in the middle of a fucking courthouse. Anyone could come around that corner at any time. Levi stayed where he was but did glance at her. "I'm fine, okay. Let's just go." She begged. Levi hesitated and Dilan's heart was pounding hard in anticipation but reluctantly Levi put the blade down.
Nile was breathing heavily, clearly very scared but he released that fear in a momentary splodge of anger.
"Bastard! Who do you think you are?!" He gritted, clearly embarrassed and in that embarrassment, he stupidly raised a fist, intending on regaining some control. Dilan was in between them before Levi even had the chance to dodge.
No one touches her best friend.
She grabbed the arm, twisted it behind his back and slammed him into the wall.
"Listen here you piece of shit!" She spat and Nile squirmed, but Dilan held him still effortlessly. "You may have power now and congrats for that. But stay away from us or consequences will follow. Being powerful yourself doesn't take any power away from us. The only difference between our power and yours is that we can use it personally. You need others to hurt us and I don't see anyone else here. Do you?" She asked and Nile shivered. "So, take a damn minute and think about what you were threatening. We're in the middle of a god damn war, there's no time to be focusing on an 8-year-old petty rivalry when there's a chance those freak titans could come back at any fucking second and kill us all. Are we on agreement with that fact?" She asked.
Nile hesitated but nodded his head.
"Good. Now I'm going to let you go and we're going to leave. This never happened. And I think that fact will benefit you too. Who the hell is going to follow someone who can be bested twice by a little girl?" She mocked, shoving him against the wall again and enjoying his wince before letting go.
And with that, she grabbed Levi and walked away before another word could be said.
When they were a far enough distance away Dilan let out a breath and sunk down against the wall, resting her head on her knees.
"Shit." She muttered.
Levi let out a breath too and they both took a moment before bursting out laughing. Levi laughed so hard he had to lean on the wall and Dilan was rolling around on the floor, gasping for air like a fish.
"Did we just threaten a fucking officer of the military police?" Dilan choked out after a moment, trying to compose herself. She wiped away a tear of laughter from her eye. Levi smirked at her, composing himself too.
"Nah, we threatened one of the most powerful officers in the military police." He corrected and Dilan rolled her eyes, shaking her head in disbelief.
"There's a small chance that will backfire in the future." She pointed out. Levi chuckled.
"We'll sort it out. We always do." He shrugged, offering a hand. Dilan smiled at him, almost unbelieving how the man always finds a way to have her back. She took the hand and Levi pulled her up.
They walked in silence for a bit.
"We're you really going to kill him?" Dilan asked with a teasing smirk. Levi rolled his eyes.
"No, idiot. I was not going to kill him. I was trying to make him shit his pant. And I was so fucking close until you intervened." Levi teased back and Dilan laughed.
"My apologies. Just kind of looked like you were about to kill him." She shrugged. Levi scoffed.
"I'm not that stupid. That's your forte, brat." He said, monotoned. Dilan chuckled and shoved him gently. He smiled at her and Dilan's heart warmed a bit.
"Hey, where are we going?" Dilan asked, refocusing before a blush broke out on her face.
They started walking up some stairs.
"To start our new job." Levi replied briefly as they reached a door. Dilan looked at him.
"New job?" She asked.
Levi nodded.
"Babysitters." He replied before opening the door. Dilan's nose was scrunched up in confusion until she saw the room and the people inside it. Erwin, Hanji, Mike and a very bruised and beaten Eren. The boy flinched when he saw them, and Dilan felt a twinge of guilt in her stomach. She probably could have been a little less harsh, but Levi told her to go full out.
"Where were you?" Erwin asked, sternly. Dilan cringed internally knowing he would not like the answer.
"Around." Levi replied casually, dropping down on a seat next to Eren and the kid flinched. "Do you hate me Eren?" He asked, amusement in his eyes and Dilan shook her head at her friends need to be intimidating.
"N-No sir. I can see you did what was necessary." He replied and Dilan smiled, glad the kid saw it that way.
"Great. We're sorry for being so harsh. But I'm not gonna lie, Eren. It was kind of fun kicking your ass." She said with a teasing smirk, ruffling the boy's hair. He cracked a small smile.
"Yeah, you looked like you were having a ball." He shot back and Dilan grinned.
She liked this kid.
"Still you did both go a bit far! You knocked out a tooth each!" Hanji exclaimed, sliding to her knees and presenting Eren's teeth to him like some sort of trophies.
Dilan laughed as Levi openly grimaced.
"Get that shit away, it's disgusting." He scolded. Hanji frowned.
"You're the one that knocked it out Levi. Take responsibility!" She yelled, shoving the teeth at him. Dilan watched with amusement as Levi's eyes widened in disgust and he lifted his knee up, shoving hanji in the stomach with his boot so she flew across the floor away from him.
Hanji gasped, winded by the action, rolling around on the floor dramatically.
"A-are you okay?" Eren asked, concerned, not used to the odd group yet. Dilan snickered and dropped down on the other side of Eren, poking a bruise on his cheek and he winced.
"She's fine. You'll get used to how fucking weird everyone is soon enough." Dilan commented with a shrug.
Levi glared at her.
"Watch it, brat." He warned. Dilan smirked at him.
"Oh, I didn't mean you." She corrected herself. Levi looked at her sceptically, clearly thinking she had more to say.
And she did.
"You're borderline psychopathic." She grinned and Eren gasped as Levi sent her daggers.
"Enough. You're all behaving like children!" Erwin scolded and Dilan rolled her eyes, kicking her feet up on the coffee table and putting her hands behind her head.
"We've always behaved like children. Why address it now?" She asked, amused. Erwin gave her a glare but did not retort.
He ignored her and kneeled down in front of Eren.
"Thank you for going along with that. You were a real soldier." Erwin praised and Eren smiled at that, looking at the man with adoration. Dilan scoffed and shared a look with Levi.
That adoration will fade soon enough.
"Yeah, I guess. I'll admit it was kind of confusing when you started attacking me, but I understand now it was the only way to save my life." Eren said with a smile.
Everyone blinked at him.
The kid didn't know!
"Hanji! You forgot to tell him the fucking plan?!" Dilan yelled at the woman who suddenly stopped squirming on the floor and shot up with a sheepish smile. Levi sighed, pinching the brim of his nose in annoyance.
"Fucking idiot." He mumbled. Hanji rubbed the back of her neck before standing up and walking over.
"Apologies Eren, time got away from me a bit back there. However! All worked out so I think there's no point dwelling on the past." She said cheekily. Erwin sighed but didn't reply to that. Mike simply smiled in amusement, watching from the background.
"N-no problem." Eren chuckled awkwardly as Hanji knelt down too and there were suddenly a lot of people staring at him. He blushed and Dilan chuckled silently. He was a cute kid. Kind of reminded her of Brand. Her heart panged at the painful reminder, but she smiled, nonetheless.
"So Eren! Open your mouth for me." Hanji practically squealed. Dilan rolled her eyes.
Crazy bitch. Where's Moblit when you need him?
Eren balked at her.
"W-what?!" He asked. Hanji chuckled.
"I want to see the damage!" She explained excitedly, shaking the teeth in his face. Eren hesitated but awkwardly opened his mouth, the blush on his cheeks becoming more distinct. Dilan snorted quietly in amusement. He was going to have to get used to that. "HUH?!" She gasped.
Levi raised an eyebrow.
"What?" He asked. Dilan was intrigued too.
"It... it grew back!"
They got outside, via the backdoor where several horses were waiting for them along with the squad. Eren looked towards them with obvious excitement in his eyes and Dilan chuckled, ruflling his hair.
"Go on, kid." She encouraged and the boy smiled at her before walking towards the squad and accepting the horse they gave him. Petra started talking to him kindly and Dilan thought the boy looked like he belonged.
"I trust you will be able to manage him?" Erwin asked. Levi rolled his eyes.
"Course." He scoffed. Erwin pursed his lips but nodded and turned to leave. "How long have you known about Maynard?" Levi asked suddenly and Dilan was curious to that answer too.
Erwin remained with his back turned.
"A while. But I meant what I said in there, Major. I'm putting my faith in you. You, Levi and this plan. Don't disappoint me." Erwin replied before walking away. Dilan's eyes widened a fraction.
He really trusted her? All it took was 8 years.
They stayed there watching him walk away for a moment.
"This is the start." Dilan thought out loud.
"Scared?" Levi asked, his hand lightly brushing against her own and Dilan supressed a shiver of thrill that the light contact gave her. The squad were right there but she didn't move her hand. In fact, she was fighting against the desperate urge to get closer.
"A little." She replied honestly. "You?" She asked, her breath hitching a bit as Levi laced their fingers slightly.
"A bit." He admitted. Dilan felt her resistance disappear for a moment and couldn't stop herself from lacing their fingers all the way and squeezed his hand. Levi looked at her with those amazing grey eyes and Dilan looked back, utterly breathless.
"Captain! Should we set off soon?" Oluo yelled in the distance and they ripped their hands away from each other, turning around. Dilan sighed a breath of relief when she saw the squad were still chatting animatedly.
Oluo didn't seem to have noticed anything out of place.
Dilan took a few shaky deep breaths to calm down, rubbing her forehead, distressed by what just transpired. What the hell was she thinking?
Her boyfriend was right over there.
"Dil-" Levi tried but Dilan walked away before he could finish. They couldn't let anything like that happen again. There was holding hands for support and then there was whatever the hell that was. It felt wrong, especially with the man she was committed to less than 10 meters away.
"Hey." Eld smiled as she reached them. Dilan let her conflicting emotions drive her, turning to him completely to slide a hand around the back of his neck and pull him down to kiss him. Eld tensed in surprise but kissed her back, pulling her closer. She didn't let it go on for too long, but she made sure it was long enough to send a message to Levi and herself.
She was Eld's. Neither of them had a fucking right to do what they just did.
She pulled back and smiled at her boyfriend before saddling her horse, glaring at the other members of the squad, who were looking at them in surprise, to get a move on. They flinched and did as they were told, getting ready to leave. Eld chuckled and kissed her hand before retreating back to his horse.
Dilan's breathing was still fast, and she tried to calm down.
She glanced back at Levi as they started moving, his jaw set and his eyes firm with frustration, but she didn't miss the look of hurt there too. She felt a pang of guilt, but she moved past it. It was obvious the message got through.
That's all that mattered.
LEVI'S P.O.V.
Levi clenched his fists so tight the leather reins were digging into his skin as went over what happened again and again. He never imagined Dilan would do something like that. Something that was purposely designed to hurt him. Granted he had fucked up a bit back there but so had she. He didn't understand why she would punish him like that.
Surely, she knew it hurt him to see them together?
Although at this point, Levi had no idea what she knew. There had been a good few close calls recently, enough close calls for her to put together that he was feeling something for her. Of course, she had no idea how deep those feelings were. When she kissed Eld like that in front of him, Levi felt like someone had shoved a metal pole through his heart.
Did he deserve that? Levi never would have done that to her.
Levi shook the thoughts from his head. She was clearly trying to point something out. She was not his and that shouldn't happen again. If that's what she wanted, fine. But he was still pissed about the way she went about conveying that message.
They rode up towards the castle and Levi kept close eyes on titan boy the entire time. He still didn't trust him but that wasn't because he thought Eren was a spy or anything. The kid was clearly clueless. An open book really. Levi didn't trust him because it was obvious he wasn't in control of his power, and Levi wasn't letting anyone of his squad die because of a fucking glitch.
The group chatted mindlessly, and Levi saw Eren and Dilan and Petra having some kind of a talk up at the front before Oluo started blurting out some sort of arrogant speech and making a fool of himself. Levi didn't pay attention but he was staying alert.
They got up to the old grounds and everyone dismounted, leading the horses to the stables. Dilan looked at him, but Levi blatantly ignored her. He was still pissed, and he was going to remain that way until he could ween himself of the image that she put in his head. Dilan sighed but gave him his space and walked over to the others while he finished tying off his horse.
"This place is... old." Eren pointed out with a frown.
"Yeah this is the old headquarters. It hasn't been used in years. The place is going to be a real shit hole." Eld informed.
"You know what that means." Gunther sighed. Levi rolled his eyes as he walked towards the entrance.
"Best grab a broom. I want this place spotless by nightfall." He ordered coldly.
"Yes sir!" They replied quickly, sensing his tone.
He was not happy right now.
Levi was cleaning one of the spare rooms a few hours later when Dilan came in. Levi ignored her and opened the windows, starting to scrub the windowsill.
"Levi-"
"What?" Levi cut her off in a sharp cold voice. He wasn't sure when the last time was that he used that tone towards the brat. Dilan looked surprised at his tone too, but he couldn't care less in the moment as he continued to clean.
She sighed and looked down, fiddling with the handle of her broom.
"I'm not exactly sure at this point." She mumbled. Levi could get that.
What the hell was going on between them?
He had no idea what she was feeling for him. She was sending some very mixed signals and he wasn't sure his heart could take anymore. Dilan sent her message and it got through. She was with Eld and he had to respect that. But Levi didn't know if he could if he was to remain so fucking close to her and yet so fucking far.
If Eld was who Dilan wanted, then Levi needed to stop being a problem in the relationship and remove himself from the equation. It would hurt like hell, but he was doing it for her.
He did everything for her.
"I... think we should stop..." Levi forced out the words as he finally stopped his incessant scrubbing.
"...stop what?" Dilan asked hesitantly. Levi took a breath, closing his eyes. He was glad his back was turned, or the brat would be able to see the distraught look on his face.
"Stop being friends, Dilan. I can't do this anymore." Levi admitted, trying to keep his voice even. He was so tired. Tired of hiding, tired of pretending he didn't feel this way, tired of being so close without being able to do anything about it.
"What do you mean?" Dilan blurted out, panicked. Levi ignored her. "Levi, don't-" She tried, putting a hand on his shoulder but Levi took a step back, finally looking at her.
"I can't do this anymore, Dilan. I need to focus on work, and you need to focus on your relationship. Eld is the most important person in your life, is he not?" Levi said, swallowing down his nervousness at the answer. In fact he was so nervous he didn't let her answer. "We're distracting each other from what's important and it needs to stop." He said firmly.
I can't take it.
"I can't just stop caring about you, Levi. You're my best friend. Look, I'm sorry about before, just take a minute to calm down and-"
"I've made up my mind. If it's not about work, please leave me alone." Levi forced himself to say. It was the healthy thing to do for both himself and Dilan. It would hurt at first, but they would both be better off in the end.
Dilan looked at him desperately, tears clinging to the edges of her eyes.
"Don't do this." She begged quietly. Levi swallowed again, managing to find the strength to steel himself.
"I'm sorry." He replied, walking out of the room, trying not to let the pain in his heart get to him.
A/N: Sorry?
I'm slightly evil, I know. But you all know I love the drama.
Damn, Dilan was a bitch in this chapter. Stubborn idiot. She knows what she wants deep down, she's just too scared to go for it.
I wanted to respond to all of your comments to thank you but I am literally so behind today. Would it surprise you if I told you I'm a massive procrastinator? I would think not.
Still I really wanted to post this chapter for you today. I promise I will respond to you guys as soon as I find the time!
Who enjoyed the Nile thing though? He disappeared way too suddenly in my opinion. We all knew he would be back. I have no idea if him being first lieutenant makes sense but we all know I suck when choosing military titles lol. We'll just have to go with it.
2 more chapters to go!
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed. Stay safe! X