DILAN'S P.O.V.
5 YEARS LATER...
Unsurprisingly yes. Dilan is still kicking. 25 now and she had been in the survey corps' service for more than 8 fucking years. To her merit, she hadn't killed Erwin yet and in her opinion that was a pretty nifty achievement.
The first few years after the wall fell were a shit show. A literal shit show. Dilan had never been more stressed out in her life. Every soldier had to do their part. Everyone had to contribute to the tragedy.
As it turned out, Wall Maria had fallen due to an attack made by a titan being referred to as the colossal titan. The gate of Shiganshina was kicked down. Debris rained down on the towns people like boulders and it made Dilan sick to think about. Christmas Eve, while everyone was off having a party and fun, people were out there. Screaming. Dying. Loved ones eaten in front of children, friends, spouses, mothers, fathers.
The military were supposed to protect them, and they failed. Dilan had never been more disappointed in herself.
The Colossal Titan's attack was followed by the armoured titan. Apparently, his flesh was firm and impenetrable unlike any other titan they had ever seen before. He knocked down the inner gate and titans poured into Maria. The evacuees were barely able to get out using a boat before the hordes entered maria. Everyone piled into Trost and the gate was closed.
As it turned out there was a problem with communication. While, as soon as Dilan heard, she was ready to grab her gear and head out there to help, that wasn't possible since the attack had already taken place 5 hours before. And that fact made her stomach drop. Those sent to deliever the message suffered an freak accident on the way. A random slab of rock fell from wall Rose and the messengers were crushed. It seemed suspicious to Dilan. Too freak to be considered an accident.
Regardless they didn't have time to think about it. They were already 5 hours behind.
Things happened real fast from that moment on. The Commanders talked in private while everyone was freaking out, the squad included. Some of their family was from Maria afterall and they were desperate to find out whether they were safe or not. Eld was so panicky, Dilan had to console him, thankfully it did the trick. They didn't have time to have a mental breakdown.
The commanders separated and ordered their factions to follow them, the party long forgotten and extra personell started shooing the nobels out of the ballroom so the commanders could speak to their regiments about a plan. They got back to HQ and everyone was dragged out of their beds, dressed messily to stand infront of the quadrangle. The squad hadn't even had the chance to change yet.
Dilan's eyes flicked over to Levi's as they gathered in front of the commander. He looked surprised by the news but okay, ready to get to work. Dilan felt the same and they shared a nod, telling the other that they weren't freaking out. It was a shock to know their kiss wasn't the biggest event of the evening and Dilan forgot what happened almost immediately in favour of doing her job right now.
"Scouts." Erwin started, raking a hand through his hair. "This is a tradegy. The greatest tradegy to befall humanity. The matter of the fact is that if we don't retake Maria now... more will die. A painful amount of people. We need to do our best to limit those numbers." Erwin explained and everyone nodded in agreement, determination in their eyes. "These next few months, perhaps years will be tough but I know you will get through them. With tradgedy comes promotion. Step forward when I call your name. Daniel Tatum. Matthew Band. Gabrella Anderson. Dilan Church." Erwin called and Dilan's eyes widened.
He just said her last name. Is that bastard trying to irk me or put me in my place? Dilan looked over to Levi who looked similarly shocked that Erwin had spilled like that. Erwin doesn't make slip ups. He had every intention to tell her he knew about her brother. Was he trying to get it all out into the open? Perhaps he was trying to point out they had bigger fish to fry.
In that case, Dilan agreed.
Regardless, Dilan stepped forward with her peers, ignoring the whispers of 'the titan ripper has a second name?' and trying hard not to roll her eyes.
"Tatum, Band and Anderson. I am promoting you to squad leaders. You will have your own team to navigate through this disaster." He informed and the cadets eyes widened but they nodded firmly in understanding and saluted.
"Yes sir!" They replied. Erwin turned to Dilan who was very confused now.
"Church." He started. "I'm promoting you to Major. You will head your own task force, a series of squads, as will Captain Levi and 2 other individuals." Erwin explained and Dilan felt her stomach drop. He was... separating her... from the squad? Again?!
"Commander I-" She started, anger in her tone. Glancing at Levi he looked pretty peed off too but Erwin cut both of them off with a stern look.
"This is humanites greatest failure. Humanities most desperate hour. I need my best soldiers on this. This is not about you, this is not about me, this is not about anyone in this room. This is about the greater good and how many people we can save before the world as we know it goes to hell. Now do you have any real problems Major?" Erwin said in a low, stern voice. Dilan swallowed, hating it but seeing his point.
This wasn't personal. This was survival.
"Yes sir." She said through a salute, trying hard not to grit her teeth. Erwin nodded in approval and Dilan took a step back, trying not to freak out as Erwin laid down the plan.
"There will be four task forces, sumised of various squads. The northern task force, closest to the gate will be lead by Captain Levi. The eastern taskforce will be lead by Major Church. The Western taskforce will be led by Section Commander Hanji Zoe. The Southern taskforce will be Squad Leader Mike Zacharias. Those teams will set up camp on the wall. They will desend daily to push back the titans while the Garrison and MP's and remained of the scouts devise a way to block up the hole. We must act quickly. Time is not in our favour but we will prevail. Many will likely die on the dangerous trip to the Maria wall and many more will die before we can take back the land. This will be the longest and most dangerous expedition of your lives. Know that I have never been prouder of this regiment and I know you will give your hearts to the cause!" He proclaimed, saluting his soldiers.
Dilan saw a lot of them were crying but they saluted back.
"YES SIR!" They replied. Erwin nodded in approval.
"Pack a light bag, essencials only. When you return to the quadrangle in 30 minutes your squads will be separated between the taskforces. Go now. I would like a word with the task force leaders." Erwin ordered and everyone saluted again before running off.
The squad looked at Dilan nervously and Dilan imagined her face was rather pale but she forced a smile of reassurance anyway and they ran off. The four remaining soldiers walked up to Erwin as he came down from the podium.
"Is everyone content with their duties? You have major jobs in this operation. I believe you are my finest soldiers but if you have any reasonable objections then I will hand the job to someone else." Erwin said seriously, talking to the group but everyone knew he was talking to her. So much so that they all glanced at her.
She had never even led a team before, let alone a taskforce. Dilan ignored the stares and looked into Erwin's eyes. Just this once... she would trust the blonde bastards judgment.
"I have no objections sir." Dilan replied firmly and the others nodded in agreement, Levi hesistating before doing so too. He probably wasn't fond about the idea of them being separated. Dilan wasn't either but this was for the greater good.
Personal feelings didn't matter any more.
"Good. I need to stay here in Rose to update the royals, as will my higher ups. But I expect they would have just slowed you down anyway. Once you exit the gate, I expect you to split. Levi you will head straight forward towards Shiganisha. Dilan and Hanji, you'll ride around the sides to the east and west walls. Mike you will be taking a different exit from Rose on the opposite side of the wall to lessen the journey towards the south. Is everyone understood on that?" He asked.
They nodded.
"I will leave you to devising the formations you see fit for your own taskforces. Be aware many will die on your journey and it's likely that they will continue to die until I am forced to fire retreat flares from the cannons on wall rose into the sky. Hopefully you will all be able to see it. From there I suggest you ride along the walls, meeting at the southern section as it is the safest before retreating back to wall rose."
"How long do you expect we will be out there?" Hanji asked, serious for once.
Erwin sighed.
"It cannot be said. A few months at the least, a year at the most." Erwin informed and Dilan's heart jumped at the idea of not seeing Levi for an entire year. Levi tensed slightly but remained neutral as ever.
"So our objective is to kill as many titans as possible?" Dilan asked. Erwin nodded. "Most of these kids are rooks, they wont last a year." Dilan said seriously. Erwin nodded again.
"I doubt they will." He said emotionlessly and Dilan clenched her fists at her sides but said no more.
"Are we to desend every day?" Mike asked logically.
"As often as possible. Of course, only you will know the needs of your soldiers at the time. You have permission to give them breaks as you see fit." He explained. "Any more questions?" He asked. Silence followed. "Then I suggest you pack." He said, before walking away. Mike spared them a sullen smile before doing the same.
The three friends were left there, slightly catatonic.
"I guess... this is the last time we'll see each other properly without titles and all that bullshit." Hanji chuckled nervously. Dilan looked up at her friend with glossy eyes before practically throwing herself on her in a tight hug. Hanji hugged her back just as tight.
"Hanji you have to come back." Dilan said firmly. Hanji nodded, laughing a bit.
"You too, Dil. I think if we compare our track records you're in the most danger." She joked lightly. Dilan chuckled, hugging her a bit tighter before pulling back, wiping her eyes. Hanji smiled at both of them. "How about a hearty handshake, Captain?" She teased, holding out her hand. Levi glared at her before sighing.
"5 seconds." He gritted and Hanji's eyes widened in delight.
"REALLY?!" She squealed. Levi frowned but nodded and Hanji jumped on him, hugging him tightly. Dilan chuckled, her heart warming at the friends. Seems they had made up. Levi rolled his eyes before hugging her a bit back.
"Die and I will drag you back from hell and kill you myself." Levi threatened and Hanji laughed, pulling back.
"I wouldn't want it any other way shorty." She smiled, sighing. "Better go." She said, putting a hand on both of their shoulders. "You'll be fine, superhuman short people. I love ya both!" She grinned before jogging away. Dilan took a shaky breath, watching her go. They would see each other before leaving the gate but they wouldn't be able to talk.
She might not see that crazy woman again for months. And that's if they both make it out alive.
"Dilan." Levi's low calming voice brought her out of her spiralling and she looked at him with glossy eyes. "Let's go home." He suggested. Dilan sighed and nodded and they walked back to the Inn.
--
After a shower, her last shower for god knows how long, and a change of clothes, she tied up her hair and packed her bag of essentails. When she was finished she put her bag on the bed and looked around at her room, her eyes catching a few items given to her from the people she loved the most.
Essentails be damned, she thought with a slightly emotional chuckle. She packed the book Levi had given her, the music machine from Hanji and put her silver necklace back on that she had taken off for the party. She needed something to ground herself out there and these object would do her well in hell.
Taking a shaky sigh, Dilan threw on her cloak and tossed her bag over her shoulder, leaving her room. She heard the others downstairs but knew she couldn't go down there yet.
She had one important goodbye to make first.
Knowing he'd be up there Dilan made her way up to the roof. Opening the door she glanced at the sun rising in the distance. It would be morning by the time they set off. After a moment she turned, seeing the person that meant the most to her. She set her back down and walked over to him, pulling him into a tight hug. There was silence for a long time as they simply just held each other. Neither knew what to say. There were too many words. In the end Dilan settled for what she wanted the most from him.
"Make it back to me." She asked, her voice thick with unshed tears. Levi hugged her tighter.
"I will. Only if you promise to do the same." Levi compromised. Dilan smiled, nodding.
"I promise."
"I promise too."
Dilan sighed in relief. They held each other for a moment longer before pulling back but not far. Dilan looked up into his eyes, feeling her heart speed up as she memorised every inch of his face. From the looks of things, Levi was doing the same. She bit her lip, trying to blink back the tears.
"I wish..." She whispered but trailed off, not being able to say it. They had just agreed never to speak of it again after all. She didn't know if the fact that one of them could very well not make it back changed that.
"Things were different." Levi finished for her and Dilan's eyes widened a fraction, a tear dripping down her face. Levi smiled and wiped it away. "Don't cry, stupid." He teased quietly. Dilan cracked a smile and rolled her eyes.
"Ass. I'll do what I want. I have a high rank now." She smirked, taking a step back to pick up her bag. Levi laughed and did the same.
"Not as high as me, brat." He smirked back. Dilan gave him a playful glare.
"Who knows, maybe I'll take your job if you kick the bucket." She shot right back. Levi gave her a look and she laughed. "Just messing. I couldn't have your job. Frowning gives me a headache. How do you do it all the time?" She asked, narrowing her eyes and pushing her thumb between his furrowed brows. Levi frowned deeper, slapping her hands away.
"You're so annoying." He hissed. Dilan laughed.
"Yep. But you're going to miss my annoying." She countered. Levi smiled a bit, looking out at the fading stars.
"Probably." He said softly. Dilan sighed, knowing they should leave now.
"You think we'll be out there long?" She asked as they looked at the brightening horizion.
Levi sighed.
"Yeah... I do. I think Erwin was lying. It'll be a year minimum." Levi replied honestly and Dilan looked at him in shock.
"A-and theres no way we can see each other?" She asked, shakily. Levi smiled sadly, taking her hand and squeezing it for support.
"It's unlikely unless something big happens and we have to regroup. We'll need to be with our task forces' constantly incase those titans come back and try for Trost. But we will make it back. We have to okay?" He said, his voice wavering ever so slightly and Dilan could see he was doing his best to keep it together. She took a breath and nodded firmly.
"Okay. We'll make it back." She agreed. Levi let out a silent breath of relief and nodded back. "We should probably head down." She mentioned. Levi hesistated before nodding in agreement.
He moved to pull away but Dilan pulled him into another tight hug before he could.
They stayed there for another moment before Dilan managed to compose herself, pulling back and taking a step away, saluting.
"Captain." She smirked. Levi chuckled, saluting back.
"Major." He replied. And with that they went back down.
After a long, long round of hugs with the squad she made everyone promise her they would survive. She wouldn't be there to protect them but she trusted Levi to keep them alive. As long as they didn't do anything stupid, they would be fine.
Petra was in tears and Gunther held onto her for a long time. She teased him that he should be happy and that he wouldn't have anyone stealing his food for a while. That seemed to push him over the edge too and he shed a tear as well. She said goodbye to Oluo too who seemed really anxious but a slap on the back made him perk up a bit and he got back to normal after telling him not to die like the moron he is.
Dilan pulled Eld away from the group to say their last goodbye.
"I did see it." She said kindly. Eld smiled, tears glossing in his eyes. Before she could register his lips were on hers for a brief, sweet kiss, and then he hugged her tightly.
Dilan let him have it.
If it was the confidence boost he needed then she would give it to him. Dilan glanced at Levi and there eyes met for a second before he grabbed his pack and head out the door. But a second was all she needed to know there was no anger in his eyes. He knew why she needed to let that happen. All she could see was longing for things to be different. But they werent and they had to accept it sooner or later.
--
They rode back to HQ, meeting back at the quadrangle. Erwin brought the four team leaders onto the podium with him before reading out the list of squads to go and stand in their section.
Dilan felt her pulse raise every time a squad was assigned to her team. She was responsible for so many lives. Would she be able to bare it? The list was finished and the squads were separated into four groups. Dilan spared her friends a glance and a small smile before they all separated and Dilan walked alone towards this massive group of people.
Each had a life and she was in charge of it. The thought made her sick but the last thing she needed was to display weakness right now.
As she arrived, silence fell and they looked at her. Dilan took a breath.
"These next few months will be hard, I'm not going to lie to you. You will be pushed to your breaking point but I will be there with you the whole way. I promise you I will do my absolute best to protect you and ensure you make it back to your families alive. The mission is important but you are too. I will not casually throw away lives, I hope you find comfort in this, if only a little. If anyone has any objections to my leading you, please speak now." Dilan offered. They had a right to express their opinions. The group looked around each other and remained silent before one cadet spoke up.
"All due respect Major, but I think we're all relieved to be put in your taskforce. I doubt there are any objections here." A boy said with a reassuring smile. Dilan blinked at him, confused, as others nodded their agreement.
"Relieved?" Dilan asked. She didn't expect them to shun her but she didn't expect them to be relieved.
The boy nodded.
"You're the titan ripper. As skilled as Captain Levi himself!" He explained.
"Yeah, we all heard what you did a few years ago. How you broke formation to protect the first flank. You saved so many lives." Another pointed out from the crowd. Dilan was shocked. She looked as a woman stepped forawd. Nanaba, Dilan remember her name was. One of the more veteraned soilders who probably should be leading this taskforce considering she had senority.
"We admire you, Major. You don't only fight, you protect. We are all honoured to be in your taskforce." She explained with a kind smile. Dilan looked at them in surprise as they all nodded their agreement and saluted her.
She took a moment before saluting back.
"We'll make it through this if we stick together. I'm honoured to lead you in this fight."
The road to Trost was a tense one to say the least and it wasn't long before the gates were opened. She had briefed the taskforce of the squad formations. Their journey would be tough, but she was determined to get all of them to the wall. Even if she had to defeat every titan, they encountered herself. Although she knew that was an unrealistic scenario.
As the gates reached their peaks, nervous energy sparked in the air. This would be the longest period of terror in their lives.
"Prepare yourselves!" Dilan said to her troops, riding at the front on Stealth. They had plans to use the elevation booths that the Garrison had installed a while ago for replacing faulty cannons, in order to get their horses up and down the wall. They just needed to find them before the titans killed them all.
"Yes ma'am!" They replied, straightening their spines with determination. Dilan nodded in approval, looking over to the other taskforces, Hanji and Levi giving similar words of motivation.
She caught Hanji's eyes and she nodded. Dilan nodded back that she was ready.
She caught Levi's eyes and her heart jumped. Was this the last time she'd see him in at least a year?
They held the others stare. Dilan gave him a look.
'Stay safe and come back.'
Levi returned the same look, nodding. Dilan nodded back and with that everyone was ready there was nothing left to do but venture out into the unknown.
"FORWARD!" Hanji started the expedition, having the highest rank if you count experience and the scout's road forward. Dilan looked sideways as she advanced seeing the poor dirtied citizens of Maria who had lost everything. Injured and depressed they looked at the scouts with hope. Dilan knew she would do everything in her power to get their home back.
And with that the expedition began.
"Fan out!" Dilan ordered as they split off from the other taskforces. Dilan's heart was aching, but she decided to ignore it for the time being. She had more important things to worry about. Her taskforce included 20 different squads that she had to memorise to the last squad member.
Thankfully she had always had a good memory. Taking a spin on Erwin's long-distance scouting formation, Dilan devised a similar strategy with flares. However, they weren't as spread out. She needed to keep them close and she needed to see who needed help.
They only managed to ride ten minutes before the first lot of titans attacked. Two from the side and two from the rear. Dilan had placed veteran squads on the edges, leaving the middle with some form of protection. In the centre was the supply cards which they needed to protect no matter what or they would all die regardless of making it to the wall.
She fired an orange flare, a signal for the first rear squads to go and take care of the titans at the back. She had given them explanation on what flares now meant what since the likely hood was that she couldn't yell that far. She looked back, seeing that the three rears had left to deal with it.
Another yell had her head turning to the side, seeing another group. She frowned observing one of the two were abnormal.
She couldn't risk anyone.
"Nanaba, take command." Dilan informed. She had chosen Nanaba as her right hand.
The blonde woman looked shocked.
"But Major-" She started but Dilan gave her a stern look and she relented, nodding and taking her place at the front.
Dilan pulled out from the formation, needing to be quick. She galloped at full speed, standing up and lunging as the abnormal jumped, jaw first towards her. She used the normal titan as a tree to swing around the back, slicing the abnormals neck before swinging back up and ending the normal titan. She called her horse and rode back, taking her position and ignoring the impressed stares.
She looked to see how the rear were doing, seeing the second titan fall. Her stomach dropped as she noticed one of the members out of the three squads didn't make it back.
"I hate to say it Major but those are amazing good statistics." Nanaba commented, seeing her disappointment at the single death. Dilan knew she was right and took a breath looking forward. She would get as many as she could to safety.
Three hours. They just needed to hang on three more hours.
--
It took a lot of time and effort, but they did make it. Dilan took on the brunt of the attacks, killing every titan she could. Every now and then she would have to send out a squad to deal with some that she couldn't get to.
By the time everyone got to the wall, lining up at the elevation checkpoint, they were exhausted, both mentally and physically. 3 men had died on the journey. People informed her that she did amazing and they all expected more deaths, but it didn't sooth the ache knowing those men wouldn't be going home to their families.
Dilan stood watch while her soldiers got up to the wall. Nanaba had kept trying to convince her that Dilan should go up first, that she mattered the most as their leader. Dilan didn't agree.
"My life isn't worth more than any of you."
She had replied sternly. Nanaba didn't have anything to say to that and proceeding to go up the wall as commanded. Dilan had to take down 4 titans, protecting the soldiers while they were vulnerable but no more were killed, and they were safe resting on the top. They had made it but that didn't mean they weren't still in danger.
Dilan looked out towards the north, figuring Levi must be up too about now. His distance was slightly shorter than hers, but he was in the most dangerous sector. He was facing the brunt of the titans.
Her heart jumped in panic at the realisation.
"Ma'am. What are your orders?" Nanaba asked. Dilan turned around to face her and the sea of soldiers. They were scared and tired but alive. She offered them a comforting smile, seeing some of the tension in their shoulders ease up.
"You did well to get here." She praised and they relaxed a bit more. "We'll set up tents now. Secure the horses then you can rest. We should prepare before it gets too dark." She explained, knowing they were tired, but it would be hard to set up camp when it was pitch black.
Still they seemed to understand that, saluting and getting to work. The horses were secured, setting up pitches of water and nailing ropes down to the walls, they were de-saddled and brushed down, placed in a long line, away from their sleeping areas.
Thankfully the wall was wide.
They were able to form line of tents on each side with a decent strip of walkway between them. On the left were the boys and on the right were the girls. Higher ranking officers got their own tent while the cadets would have to share their space with a roommate.
Dilan informed that she didn't mind who the roommate was as long as they shared the same gender. As much as she didn't like to be a dictator, she made herself very clear that there would be no pregnancies on her watch. Children were innocent and they would die out here. The group nodded firmly in understanding.
Dilan just hoped it got through.
Another small space away from the tents was the eating station with a small tent were the food would be prepared, next to the wagon.
They had brought 5 wagons with them. Two were stocked entirely with 3DMG blades and gas and spare parts. Those would last them roughly 3 years if used sparingly. The other 3 carts were stocked with military food, meant for lasting for long periods of time without spoiling. Dilan was told it would last them three years. Four if they rationed it. Dilan intended to ration the food for lunch and dinner but giving them a normal portion at breakfast. She needed to account for all contingencies in case the food ran out at a faster rate than anticipated.
As for water, each soldier had brought up a few canisters with them but that wouldn't last them more than three days. Thankfully they were still within the walls, even if the land was crawling with titans, the villages would still have wells with adequate water supply. Dilan planned to make the trip once a week.
There was also a medical tent. Four licensed medics were with them and Dilan intended on making certain they stayed alive. They needed them to help with injuries and Dilan anticipated there would be a lot of them. Cleaning and cooking were to be on a rotating system. All personnel were on the system, even herself. She didn't intend to pull rank often and she wanted people to feel comfortable here, not like they were in a dictatorship. From the smiles she got she was glad the message got through.
So, the camps were secure, and the tents assigned. Everyone placed their limited belongings in their tent before gathering around the eating area. They made three fire pits, lighting the fires and huddled around it for warm.
The food was dished, and people ate in silence. Dilan couldn't blame them for the sombre mood. As much as she could try to make it a decent set up for them more than a few of them were likely to die before they got home.
Dilan's own mood dropped at the thought.
Dinner was finished and Dilan took her post at the washing up station with 2 other random cadets she had learnt were called Rosy and Jasper. They seemed scared but confident. Regardless of this they were greener than grass and Dilan was scared for their futures.
People retreated to their sleeping bags and Dilan took her post on watch. She would be relieved by the next cadet on the rota in a few hours.
Dilan sat on the edge of the wall, swinging her legs over the side, a bit away from the tents. Cadets were snorers it seemed.
She looked up at the moon, wondering if they were going to survive this. She wondered if she was really going to be able to keep her promise to Levi and come back to him. Would he be able to keep his promise to her? Were the squad okay? Were they all still alive? How was Hanji doing? And Moblit?
Dilan sighed, knowing there was no possible way to answer any of these questions. Not until she could see them all with her very own eyes and squeeze them in a hug until they ran out of air. Yes, even Oluo, the annoying bastard.
An awkward cough sounded and Dilan looked to her side to see a cadet standing before her. Guess she was really out of it otherwise she would have noticed his approach.
"Shouldn't you be in bed?" Dilan asked, raising an eyebrow. The boy was medium height, lean with fluffy red hair and blue eyes. He smiled awkwardly nodding. Dilan chuckled softly at his embarrassment, gesturing he sit down next to her.
"Thanks." He mumbled, sitting down over the edge.
"Can't sleep?" Dilan deduced. The boy rubbed the back of his neck.
"No- well yeah but I also wanted to say something." He explained, cringing at his own nervous voice. Dilan smiled, amused by his uneasiness.
"I won't bite, kid. I'm not Captain Levi." She joked and some of the tension in his shoulders dropped. He let out a small chuckle.
"Yeh. Well I guess, you probably don't remember me but... I-I was one of the cadets on the first flank. Squad 4." He smiled and Dilan's eyes widened a fraction. He was vaguely familiar.
"I see. A fellow first flanker." She smiled back. The boy chuckled, looking up at the stars.
"You saved my life. My gear jammed and I fell, and you caught me. You saved my life and I never got to thank you." He explained, looking back at her with a genuine gratitude.
Dilan smiled.
"Your welcome. I'm sorry I couldn't save you from this mess." She sighed, looking back out. The boy's eyes widened, and he waved his hands in disagreement.
"No, I think you're doing everything you can! Everyone's so grateful they were put on your team. You took care of us today. You even took on most of the attacks yourself!" He protested enthusiastically. Dilan blinked at his seriousness before cracking a smile. The boy's cheeks flushed and he looked away.
"What's your name, kid?" Dilan asked.
"J-Jamie." He replied.
"How old are you?" She asked. The boy looked so young and innocent it hurt her heart.
"17." He replied. Dilan sighed, nodding in understanding. A lot of her troop weren't even 18. The kids were going to drop like flies.
"Well it's nice to meet you, Jamie. I'm sorry about the circumstances." She smiled, offering a hand. Jamie's eyes brightened and he smiled back, shaking it firmly.
"Nice to meet you too, Major." He replied. Dilan laughed.
"Please, call me Dilan when were alone. I've only been a Major for a day and the titles suck ass." She scoffed, leaning back.
Jamie chuckled.
"You're not like the other officers, are you?" He asked, seemingly more at ease around her now. Dilan smiled, closing her eyes.
"Nope."
--
That evening Dilan thought long and hard about how to preserve as many lives as possible. She came to an answer she knew Erwin would not approve of but the blonde bastard wasn't here to stop her, so she didn't give a shit. It was the next morning that she made her announcement at breakfast.
Dilan stood at the head of all the cadets, eating their breakfast. She cleared her throat and they stopped talking immediately, giving her their full attention.
"Today the plan as far as you know, is to go back down and kill every titan on sight, is that correct?" Dilan asked and the entire taskforce tensed up but nodded. "Well pardon my language but the plan is bullshit." She scoffed and eyes widened in surprise. "Let's think about this realistically. Half of you are cadets with experience. A small fraction are cadets with no experience and an even smaller fraction are veterans that can handle themselves." She continued. "I aint saying this to make you feel bad or worry, I'm simply speaking the truth. You go out there like you are, you aint coming back." She said seriously and faces paled.
Nanaba gave her a clear 'what the fuck are you doing?' look. Dilan ignored her.
"Lucky for you shits, I got a solution. I was running the numbers in my head last night. All the main command want are numbers. They want results and they want to push the titans back. How many do you think we should kill a day?" She asked the group. There was a moment of silence.
"20?" A timid cadet asked. Dilan nodded in agreement, that was the number Erwin had briefed them with.
"20's the minimum titans they want dead a day, no matter how many of you they have to sacrifice to do it. Unfortunately for them, I don't much like that plan." She kept going.
"B-but if we don't kill enough titans, we won't be able to retake wall Maria!" Someone shouted. Dilan supposed he was from wall Maria.
She smirked.
"Don't worry, I fully intend on getting the numbers. High numbers too. But I'm going to do it my way." She said seriously. "Who here out of the cadets has experience teaching combat?" Dilan asked.
Another moment of silence followed before a girl's hand was raised. She had blonde hair and green eyes.
"My-my father was a combat instructor." She explained hesitantly. Dilan nodded in approval.
"Come up here. Show me what you got." She ordered. The girl's eyes widened in dread before steeling herself and standing up, walking to the front and taking her stance. Dilan noted she was terrified. "Don't worry, this isn't meant to teach you a lesson. I simply want to see your skill, understand?" She asked with a reassuring smile.
The girl calmed down a bit, becoming more confident with her posture. Dilan nodded in approval and leant forward before nodding that the girl should attack.
She twisted on her heel, ducking down low to send a sharp roundhouse kick to Dilan's face that she managed to dodge by a hair. A right hook followed that Dilan blocked but was impressed by the force. More firm, precise blows followed. Of course, she didn't get a hit on Dilan and Dilan chose not to fight back to observe her skill, ending the fight by raising a palm and the girl stopped.
"I'm impressed, cadet. What's your name?" She asked. The girl smiled widely.
"Tyla." She replied. Dilan nodded.
"Tyla stand over there for me please." Dilan ordered and Tyla moved to the side. She turned back to the very confused looking cadets. "Now here what's going to happen. I am here to kill titans and preserve lives. Meaning I am not letting a single cadet down that wall until I deem them ready myself." Dilan explained seriously and jaw's dropped. Seeing this, she continued. "You will carry on with your training. Combat will be taught by Tyla. One of the squad leaders will continue with your 3DMG lessons, using the wall. I would also like to ensure you can climb up it as fast as necessary. We will practice drills until your blue in the face. And eventually I will take you out in groups to test your skills on the field once I think you're ready and supervise your kills. Only then will you join the task force and come with us daily to kill titans." Dilan explained firmly, noting relief, confusion and more relief.
"B-but who will be killing titans to get the numbers?" Someone asked.
"I will hand pick a group of capable soldiers that I can trust not to die to join me on the field every day. We will get the numbers and come back. This will continue until you are ready. As long as we get the numbers and you stay alive, I see no problems. This is a fucked-up situation and we will handle it as humanely as possible. Finish your breakfast and get ready. You'll do combat first." Dilan explained. The cadets face brightened, and they stood to salute her with gratitude.
"Yes Major!" They replied, scrambling to finish their breakfast and run to their tents, talking animatedly about how they might just survive this. Dilan sighed in content before turning to face the absolutely raging Nanaba.
"Major, I mean no disrespect, but this is ridiculous. Commander told us to-!"
"The Commander told us to die. He told these green ass cadets to die. Do you agree with his judgement?" She asked plainly. Nanaba's eyes widened a fraction, glancing at the children. Some were as young as 15. Her eyes softened before she shook her head and steeled herself.
"Commander Erwin gave us orders and-"
"Commander Erwin isn't here. I am in charge and you'll do well to remember that." She said firmly and Nanaba backed up a bit, remembering who she was talking to. "If we go with Erwin's plan half of these cadets will be dead by the end of the month. If we go with my plan, we will get the numbers as it will be a team comprise of only veterans, meaning we won't have to worry about protecting the cadets, and we will spare their lives. I do intend to train them up and get them on the field but only when I am confident in their abilities. Now." Dilan pursed her lips slightly. "Do you have any logical reasons as to why we should not go ahead with my strategy?" She asked. Nanaba took a moment before sighing.
"You're kind of crazy major." She chuckled. Dilan cracked a smirk.
"True."
"Okay, I'm in." Nanaba agreed. Dilan nodded in approval.
"I need you to get me every veteran soldier right now. Use your judgment on this one. If they're a squad leader but lousy on the field, then leave them behind and we'll use them to train the cadets." Dilan ordered. Nanaba nodded quickly, saluting and jogging off.
Dilan turned back to the catatonic Tyla, offering her a comforting smile.
"So, are you my girl?" Dilan asked, tilting her head. Tyla looked at her with wide green eyes.
"M-Major I don't know i-if I can teach that many people!" She exclaimed. Dilan chuckled warmly.
"You know the routines; you will be fine for today. When I get back, I will give you some proper tips." She reassured. Tyla gulped, playing with the hem of her sleeves.
"Why wouldn't y-you just choose-" Tyla started but Dilan cut her off, getting where she was going.
"I could just ask a training instructor but I want someone able to communicate with the cadets on their level. Someone who understands, first hand, how terrified they all are and knows when to be strict and when to let it slide." She explained. Tyla looked at her feet.
"What if they don't listen to me? I'm small and a girl and-"
"Kid, look at me." Dilan interrupted and the cadet looked at Dilan in all of her short ass girl glory. Tyla blushed with embarrassment and Dilan smiled.
"Sometimes you do have to make them understand and I can't teach you that, but you have balls. No one else put their hand up. Do your father proud and make them listen. Okay?" Dilan asked. Tyla's eyes hardened in determination.
"Yes ma'am!" She said strongly. Dilan smiled in approval.
"Good. Go on and get ready. Devise a schedule for them with breaks included. I'll approve it before heading off for the day." Dilan ordered. Tyla nodded before running off. Dilan sighed hoping to god this would work. No time to think about it though.
Damn having authority is hard.
"Major, these are the veterans. Most of them are squad leaders but some are experienced cadets and I trust their abilities." Nanaba explained. Dilan grazed her eyes over the 10 soldiers. They stood firm and confident.
She liked it.
"Alright troops. Let's do some damage." She smirked.
An hour later and the training schedule was approved, her new squad was geared up, the horses were prepared, and the cadets were standing in rows, preparing to train. However, they were watching their departure, scared looks on their faces.
Dilan caught the eyes of Jamie and sent him a reassuring smile.
"Work hard today. Just because you're staying up the wall doesn't mean you're allowed to slack off." She warned and they nodded quickly.
"Yes ma'am!"
"Alright. Listen to instructor Tyla and your squad leaders. We'll be back in 8 hours at the latest. Understood?" Dilan asked. They nodded again.
"Yes ma'am." Dilan gave them a look of approval before turning back to her squad and walking over to them. 8 were squad leaders plus Nanaba and 2 were cadets but even they were older than her. She would trust Nanaba's judgment on this one.
"You do exactly what I say out there. If I tell you to fall back, fall back. If I tell you to let me handle it, you do. No hesitation, understood?" She said seriously.
They nodded.
"Yes Major." Dilan nodded in approval, looking down at the large drop. There were 3 titans at the bottom pawing up at her. Dilan fought back a smirk. Only 17 more to go.
"I'll take these out real quick while you load the horses. Someone tend to mine." Dilan ordered, plugging her first round of blades into her grips. The squad looked at her in surprise.
"Major don't you want help-" One of them started but Dilan cut them off with an unimpressed look. "Sorry ma'am. No hesitation." He repeated, smiling sheepishly. He was only a cadet; she'd let it pass.
"Exactly. Do as ordered and we'll have a good day." She smiled reassuringly before jumping off the side of the wall towards the creatures reaching hands. She'd protect them. She had too.
--
3 hours later...
"MASON PULL THE FUCK BACK." She ordered, diving under an arm and up to slice the nape. They had run into a horde of 5. She had ordered them back after they all dealt with the third one and two revealed themselves to be abnormals. Thankfully the group had listened to her order without question, but one fancied himself some sort of hero.
He ignored her order yet again and dodged a swipe, aiming for the nape but the abnormal pulled a freak move, because they are abnormals and you cannot anticipate them, and turned about to snap Mason in half. Dilan frowned, pushing him and herself out of the way as it snapped.
"NANABA!" She ordered and Nanaba came forward in time for Dilan to unceremoniously throw Mason onto her horse, dodging an attack as she did so. Thankfully Nanaba retreated with the idiot hanging uncomfortable over her steed so Dilan could focus. "Shit!" Dilan hissed, twisting her hips and dropping to avoid getting swallowed, she twisted around the head and pushed herself into a spinning motion, digging deep into the titan's flesh before it could get another shot on her. Dilan hooked to its shoulder as the lug dropped to the floor and the squad rode over, her horse in toe as she stepped away from the disintegrating bodies.
Their count was up to 13. Not bad but not what she wanted.
"That was amazing, Major!" One of the cadets said with bright awed eyes. The others nodded their agreement, but Dilan ignored them, walking straight up to Mason who was looking at his feet, ashamed. She grabbed him by his collar and tugged him down to her height.
"What the fuck was that?" She hissed. Masons eyes widened in panic staring into her burning orange orbs.
"I-I um..." Dilan scoffed at his lack of response and shoved him backwards with enough force, causing him to stumble like an idiot.
"You directly disobeyed my orders and you almost got yourself killed while doing it. Let me ask you this; do you want to die?" She growled. Mason paled slightly.
"N-no Ma'am." He mumbled, averting his eyes.
"I can't trust you. You'll hang back the rest of the day and remain with the cadets tomorrow." Dilan declared, monotoned, taking her horse from another squad leader.
Mason looked at her in shock.
"Major, I apologise! Please, I want to help! Please give me a second chance, I won't disobey you again!" He begged. Dilan gave him a sideward glance as she mounted her horse.
"There are no second chances out here. You may return to the field when I deem you ready. Your life is important, and I don't trust you with it." She said seriously before kicking her horse and moving out.
--
They got back 4 hours later and thankfully no one had been killed. In fact, there hadn't even been a single close call after the Mason incident. And thankfully Mason had obeyed the rest of the trip, staying behind and sulking while they dealt with the titans.
Dilan was confident in her decision to bench him. Hopefully it would teach him the value of life and serve as a reminder to the others that they shouldn't disappoint her.
Ha! How ironic. The once suicidal girl talking about the value of life. Oh, how Levi would mock her right now.
As soon as they got up to the wall, cadets rushed over to tend to their horses. Dilan liked the initiative. They were all exhausted. Dilan was tired but would be fine after a good meal and a full 8 hours. She hoped the others felt the same.
"Major! Major!" A cadet asked running up to her. She raised an eyebrow at him.
"Yes?" She asked, looking behind him to see everyone else was watching too.
"I-I was- we were wondering... how many titans did you kill today?" They asked hesitantly. Dilan could understand their worry. If Dilan's plan failed and they couldn't get the numbers they needed, she would likely have to take more cadets out to deal with them.
Dilan paused before smirking.
"Jonna want to do the honours?" She asked, turning to the young cadet in the squad. He was 18 but a fine fighter. The boy smirked back.
"We killed 32 titans today!" He declared and gasps followed before the wall erupted in cheers. Dilan laughed and shook her head.
Children the lot of them but this was something to celebrate.
"It's not over yet but yes, we did well today. Keep it up and we may survive this hell." She said confidently. They grinned in response. Dilan shared looks with her squad, feeling a sense of pride.
They could do this.
A/N: Yo!
If it wasn't obvious to you why I couldn't allow the relationship before, it should be now. Having Levi confess and then separating them an hour later would have been way too cruel. Even for me.
I'm glad you all don't resent me after that last chapter. Or if you do you're deciding to keep reading anyway lol.
And I am sorry for the time skip. I know some of you hoped I wouldn't go there but it's just where the story is taking me. You'll just have to trust that I will allow time for Levi and Dilan's relationship to grow in between the chaos. If you're wondering, these chapters on the wall are going to be flashback chapters. Technically we are almost in cannon but I'm not going to jump in straight with Eren and the others. We'll take a minute before things get hectic.
Also I saw a lot of you were glad that soldier came in at the end and I totally agree. Not only because Dilan and Levi are endgame but she was emotional and not thinking straight there. Jumping into a relationship with Eld at that moment wouldn't be fair to Eld or herself. She would need some time to think about it.
The wall may be odd and there may be some technical inaccuracies in this chapter. Like I know the wall didn't fall on Christmas Eve but I kind of needed it to. This whole plan to seal the breach is just something I could see Erwin come up with in an attempt to save all those Maria citizens and maybe that's why he was so adamant that they didn't have the resources to seal the breach manually in cannon. Because they've already tried it. (I know they didn't but like alternate reality speaking, they could have). Unconventional but my mind comes up with some crazy plot lines.
I hope it is realistic enough for you guys to follow along. But if your not a fan I'll remind you, it's only three chapters.
By the way my breaker lines weren't saving and I don't know why so I've just replaced them with -- for the time being. I'm sure I'll fix it by next chapter.
Thanks for the comments guys! I love hearing from you! Keep them coming! X