Chapter 30: Point of No Return

It had been a long time since Erwin had what could be considered as a good day. Arguably, the most recent good day he had was when Eren was discovered to be a Titan Shifter and sealed the Wall. It was that moment where everything changed in favor of humanity. Then, Annie Leonhart came into the picture, someone who had a wealth of information just begging to be shared. Unfortunately, that came at a price when he allied himself with the mass murderer out of necessity. No matter how anyone cut it, that's exactly what happened. He would not regret his decision, though the ones in the Interior were making it difficult for him to focus on the positive.

"The reputation of the Scout Regiment is dangerously low, Commander," Zackley had told him once they were alone in his office. "Wall Sina's inhabitants have been calling for your head and the immediate disbandment of your Regiment ever since the Stohess Attack. Allying yourself with the Female Titan only made things worse."

"It was a necessary evil, sir," Erwin had explained. "The information she has given proves we made the right call."

"For us, you would be right, but, we are dealing with a large breed of people that cannot be sated by these revelations. In fact, it would only serve to increase their panic and make their resulting actions far worse. You need something tangible that will calm the populace, something to prove that you are still fighting for humanity."

"Such as retaking Wall Maria," Erwin had pointed out. "It can be done, Supreme Commander."

Zackley had simply looked at him intently, easily rivaling Erwin's own stares. "This is not the first time you have said that, but this must be the last. The next time you go on an expedition, don't come back unless you complete your mission. If your entire regiment is devoured by Titans in your efforts, it's a better fate than the one that awaits you should you fail us again."

The ultimatum was a long time coming, yet it still infected Erwin's thoughts ever since he left Zackley's office. No more could he perform secret missions within the actual Expedition. There was only one goal that mattered, and failure was not an option.

"Someone kick your dog, sir?"

Erwin glanced at the drawl captain. "You should be resting."

"Get your leg broken and then tell me if you can rest after that," Levi said.

Humanity's Strongest Soldier was currently ordained with a cast around his leg and bandages on his face, yet none of that was what took Erwin off guard when he saw him. In the eyes of the captain, he could a mixture of primal rage and brokenness. Six years ago was the last time Erwin saw Levi in this state, making him wonder what Elise, a woman they never knew about until recently, could've done to bring that out.

Unfortunately, the fact of the matter was that the mission had failed. Both Mandel and Marlena were in critical condition, forcing those two remain in Mitras for treatment. They did the best they could under the circumstances, but Erwin doubted the two would ever be fit to fight for the Scouts ever again. Even the MPs that fought alongside them could be commended for going up against Elise. A shame that their deaths ensured that Matthew's secret was still intact.

The carriage finally came to a halt outside Headquarters where Hanji and Levi Squad awaited them. They saluted Erwin as he stepped out first, but their collective eyes widened upon seeing Levi in the condition he was in.

"Captain," Petra whispered as she and the others moved to help him.

"Back off," Levi growled, giving them all a look a warning. Using the crutches the doctors forced him to use for the rest of the day, he began making his way towards the castle.

"War room. Now," Erwin ordered, following the captain inside.

It didn't take long for them all to arrive and take their seats, Erwin at the center of it all as usual.

"I take it things didn't go well, then?" Hanji began awkwardly.

"What was your first guess?" Levi sneered.

"Levi, enough," Erwin ordered, fixing him with a stern glare.

The captain snorted, but he kept his comments to himself.

"The situation has gotten worse," Erwin admitted. "Matthew Amsdale is now Elise's prisoner."

Levi Squad and Hanji exchanged worried glances. If Elise was able to accomplish beating the captain and taking Matthew prisoner, their situation was grim to say the least.

Gunther decided to speak up. "So, where does that leave us, Commander?"

"With things as precarious as they are, we can't risk conducting another venture into the Underground," Erwin answered, his neutral expression giving way to the exhausted man that he was for a brief moment. "At this time, we are at an impasse. We're going to need some time before coming up with a plan to defeat Elise."

Petra nodded, though it wasn't without a wince. "Guess that means one of us will have to tell Dillon what happened to his father."

"No," Erwin interjected. "If he were to find out, he would attempt to go rescue his family himself no matter what order we give."

"We could always threaten to execute him for treason if he tries," Levi deadpanned.

"Right now, he's confined to the basement," Eld pointed out. "He won't be able to find out."

Erwin raised an eyebrow. "And why is he confined there, Eld?"

The temporary leader handed him the report. "Earlier today, four Scouts assaulted him while he was taking a shower. Hanji and I interrogated the leader of that assassination attempt and we learned that there's a hell of a lot of people who are planning their own opportunities."

Erwin skimmed the report, eyes narrowing for a moment. "Dissension in the ranks."

Eld nodded. "If we don't figure out a way to curb it, we'll have a riot on our hands."

Erwin placed the report down, focusing on his subordinates. "I will handle them."

"There's more, sir," Gunther interjected, albeit with some hesitation. "There was an… argument between Amsdale and Leonhart after the incident. Petra and I could hear it on the other side of the door. The result was Amsdale walking out and Leonhart flying into a sobbing rage. No transformation as of yet, but it's still possible."

"Can the idiot go one day without fucking things up?" Levi asked, annoyed. "At this rate, he'll cause this entire country to go belly-up."

"Perhaps," Erwin said. "I assume they are both being watched?"

Petra nodded. "Two guards each. I've made it clear that if the guards try anything against them, they will find themselves arrested for treason."

"We cannot risk Annie going rogue. She's too critical for our comeback against the Marleyans." Erwin put his hands together in thought. "Brute force might only succeed in pushing her away. Whatever edge she's on, we need to talk her down from it."

"Maybe Petra can talk to her," Gunther suggested.

"What?" Petra blanched at the idea. "Why me? I hate her." She shot him a dark look. "Is it because I'm a woman?"

"Well, statistically speaking, women are more comfortable around other women," Hanji said. "Of course, there are exceptions to that—"

"No one asked for your statistics, Hanji," Petra interrupted.

Hanji waved her off. "Gunther, you've got the right idea, but practically everyone will only make things worse. That's why I'll talk to her."

"Done," Erwin said before anyone could comment on that idea. "Do what you have to do."

For the very first time, Levi Squad pitied Annie.


The mess hall was quickly filled with confused and concerned Scouts. A meeting called on such short notice? Their minds raced with possibilities as to what could have prompted this. The most likely theory was that Titans had invaded once more, which was a distinct possibility. These days, it could be any moment that those monsters would come after them again. Didn't help that they had two in their ranks.

Erwin arrived 10 minutes after the meeting was called. He was on his own, without an aide. He ignored their chatter as he strode to the front of the hall, the sound dying off slowly in his wake. Almost immediately, the entire regiment saluted with one hand behind their back and a fist on their hearts. Erwin didn't return the salute. He simply turned and faced then, his eyes scanning the room and resting on several faces in succession. He just stared at them for a moment before he said, "At ease."

They all relaxed, silent as the graves their comrades filled as of late.

"Erikson." Erwin turned to a young recruit. "Do you know how many Scouts have fallen in the line of duty in the last year alone?"

The young man flinched, taken aback that he was called out. "Too many, sir."

"The exact number. Do you know the exact number?" Erwin waited for an answer. When he didn't get one, he continued on. "I do. I'm sure many of the veterans stopped counting a long time ago. I don't. What about the number of Expeditions we've made outside the safety of human territory. Can you answer me that, Wiesman?" He eyes landed on another Scout.

"57, Commander," was the answer that was given.

"How many of them were successful?"

"None."

Erwin nodded his head. "None. Do any of you disagree with my assertion that the Scouts hold within their ranks the best soldiers humanity has to offer? The MPs may get the top ten, but those skills atrophy or see use only chaining mankind. The Garrison, well, they wait for death. So, are we not the best?"

"Yes, sir," a larger group of Scouts answered passionately.

"Yet not a single successful Expedition, and only one victory against the Titans in our entire illustrious history." He shook his head. "We face odds no sane man dares again and again. We send our brothers and sisters into the mouth of death. We sacrifice the best humanity has to offer. Men in my role have always ended up asking 'for what?' For what?" He repeated. "Do you know?"

For a moment, no one answered, but then Armin spoke up. "For the freedom of humanity."

Erwin's lip twitched upward. "A fine sentiment, but only just words. How much closer have 56 of those expeditions brought us? What did all of those good men and women die for other than to remind the people of interior why they should stay prisoners? 'For the freedom of humanity.' Do any of you believe those words anymore?"

Naturally, the Shiganshina Trio did if their nods were anything to by. A few scattered Scouts also agreed, but they were a small minority.

"I suppose you all have your own reasons why you decided to sacrifice yourselves. I hope it's not for some vain hope that history will remember you or some notion of glory. Most of the Interior will not honor you either. Most of them have given up hope of that dream anyway. I suppose it is understandable that most of you will too." He fixed them with his iron stare. "I never have." He stood straighter. "In the last month we've seen monsters that were only theorized existing and new ones beyond that, yet for once, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I don't intend to sacrifice myself for pride or in a hope to make the nightmare end for myself. I won't settle for anything less than sacrificing my life for victory." His eyes moved to the trio briefly. "And for the first time, I see such a victory as more than a dream." He let his eyes sweep over the room. "So, why then do you spit upon your dead brothers and sisters?"

The Scouts glanced at each other, feeling quite uncomfortable now.

"We realize now the face of our real enemy. They're intelligent, and they have powers beyond sword and musket. We're a small frightened people in a cage, in need of every advantage, of every brave soul. So, why do you swear an oath of service and sacrifice only to violate it on a whim?" Erwin pointed to a random scout. "Can you answer that?"

"'On a whim?'" one foolish Scout repeated, catching everyone's attention.

"Yes, on a whim." Erwin said without flinching. "A foolish, ill-considered whim."

"Like putting your trust in two traitors who have every opportunity to kill us?" The Regiment went deathly silent as another Scout stepped forward, a fire blazing in his eyes.

Erwin actually smiled. "Yes, one of them is a traitor. That's why I considered using her. It was a conclusion I came to after a great deal of thought. Tell me, do you have some idea that could bring us victory? If you have some amazing, secret plan I have not considered, how would you win this war?"

"How about killing the traitor instead of giving her a chance to kill us all again?" the Scout retorted, clenching his fist. "How many lives have you sacrificed on whims, Commander? How many of them actually paid off to make those deaths worth it?"

A few Scouts voiced their agreements.

"Every so-called victories we've had these past months weren't because of you. They were because of pure, dumb luck. Look at Yeager, for crying out loud. You didn't even know the guy until he saved all our asses in Trost."

More Scouts were agreeing with the man.

"After every failure you put us through, we've still stood by your side, but then you cut a deal with a dangerous traitor on the off-chance you can use her. If history proves anything, this will head straight down the crapper like everything else! How can the Regiment actually trust you after everything you've done to us?"

It was a standoff. Whatever movement or word came next would make the difference between unification or tearing the Scout Regiment apart. Judging by the glares the Scouts were sending to their commander, the latter started to seem like the only conclusion.

Erwin chose his words carefully. "All of you have a choice: be a part of my new plan or continue the old way of doing things. Remember this number though before you make your decision. Fifty-seven. Fifty-seven Expeditions, and this last one was the least costly of them all." He started to walk into the crowd towards the first man to speak up, his eyes fixed on him, singling him out from the crowd and cutting him off from its safety and energy. "Chance is indeed a part of battle. Luck as the foolish call it. Once such a chance falls into your hands, you have to decide what to do with it, and we've never had such an opportunity." He stopped in front of the scout. "Two Titans, at least one psychic in our ranks. Two more still out there. What do we do with them?" He paused. "She used to stand by you in every meeting, didn't she, Heinrich?"

He flinched, but he gave a quick nod. "Y-Yes, Commander."

"I heard she was on the right wing. We didn't even get to return with her body."

It was like every Scout had vanished and it was just the two of them. "I... I could barely recognize her. Half of her chewed off, the other half grinded into the dirt."

Erwin nodded. "Fifty-seven Expeditions of people like her, and they all died for nothing, Heinrich. Every one of them. What would you be willing to do to change that? What line wouldn't you be willing to cross?"

Heinrich couldn't respond. He was at a loss for words.

"Without victory, they'll all be chewed up and then vomited on the ground for the flies to finish just like she was. Just like many that gave their lives out there." Erwin left Heinrich behind as he walked to the front of the room. "Speak all the pretty words you want, but if none of you are willing to fight for victory, I don't care if you're willing to die for humanity. The people in these Walls won't survive to appreciate it for too much longer. Not with what we're up against. While you wear the wings, you will follow me. If you can't handle that, then go now. Join the MPs or Garrison corps if they'll take you. Do as your conscience demands right now."

Silence filled the room to the point a pin dropping could be heard. The ultimatum was before them and there were only two choices, two possible outcomes. Then, ten Scouts turned around, including Wiesman and Erickson, and walked out of the mess hall without looking back. No one else moved a muscle. Not even Heinrich.

Erwin fixed the remaining Scouts with a steel look. "If the rest of you stay, know this. Anyone else who goes after Leonhart or Amsdale faces the firing squad. If either turns up dead and we can't find the perpetrators, then you all face decimation. I read about it in an old book. The soldiers would draw lots. One out of every ten would be randomly executed by his comrades. Betray your brothers and sisters at your own peril. We win, or we die. It's as simple as that… and I don't intend to lose."


It was a bit of a blur after Dillon left Annie. One minute, he was speed-walking from his room, the next, he was in the basement with two Scouts keeping watch over him. From the Scouts to the MPs, this entire week someone was guarding him. Granted, they were all for legitimate reasons, but that didn't make it less annoying. Being alone was all that Dillon wanted, and no one was giving it to him.

Perhaps all of this was punishment. The assassination attempt, an outcast among humanity, the hatred most people felt for him, they were all consequences for how he treated Annie. He could not get anything she said to him out of his head, especially when she told him how much she hated him. In the end, he was nothing more than a failure to her, and he didn't blame her. He let out an exhausted sigh, emotionally drained from the incident. He just wanted to go somewhere, away from the Scout Regiment, away from the war, away from Annie. Just leave everything in the dust until he could recover. Now, if only he could get past the guards.

As if God was finally getting around to answering at least one of his prayers, someone knocked at the door. The Scouts sprang into action, swords at the ready. "Who's there?" one of them asked.

"Jean Kirstein," the person at the door answered.

Dillon's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't seen Jean in a while. Not since Stohess, at least. "He's my best friend," he assured them. "Let him in."

Easing up a little, the Scouts opened the door and allowed Jean to enter. However, the other Scout said, "Hold still," as he began to frisk Jean.

"Hey, what gives?" the teen asked, uncomfortable with being touched the way they were doing it.

"We're not taking any chances," the first Scout explained. "For all we know, you could be hiding weapons."

"Didn't you hear him say that I'm—"

"Jean, just shut up and let them do their jobs," Dillon interrupted, losing his patience.

Jean was taken aback for a moment, but he did as he said.

"He's clean," the second Scout announced, backing off. "What do you want?"

Brushing himself off, Jean answered, "I wanted to see if Dillon wanted to get some fresh air. Probably going stir-crazy."

Thank you, God. "Sounds like a good idea," Dillon said, brightening up at the suggestion.

"Out of the question," the first Scout replied, giving the two teens a stern look. "Dillon Amsdale is a security risk that needs to be watched at all times."

"Well, I'm a Scout, so I can keep an eye on him," Jean pointed out confidently.

"You're as green as they come, rookie. You're not qualified for this."

"Then how about we all go outside?" Dillon asked, standing up. "You three can keep an eye on me there. Besides, it's probably a lot safer to be outside than trapped in a building full of soldiers that want me dead."

The Scouts opened their mouths to reply until they thought about it. They didn't like being stuck in a room as much as Dillon did. Going outside would not only be getting them a chance to stretch their legs, but they wouldn't be defying their orders. With a combined sigh, the two gestured to the door.

"You run off, and you'll be shackled," the first Scout promised.

"Duly noted," Dillon responded, exiting the basement with Jean.

The group wisely stayed away from the main corridors in order to avoid the majority of Scouts. Sure, it took longer than it normally would, but that wasn't a huge concern. Also, it gave Dillon the chance to speak with Jean the only way he could at the moment. "Try not to freak out."

Jean's sudden stumble and gasp was the opposite of what was supposed to happen.

"The hell is wrong with you?" the second Scout asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I, uh, tripped over something," Jean lied, face turning red with embarrassment.

The second Scout rolled his eyes. "Damn rookies tripping over their own feet. No wonder things are going to hell."

"Talk to me with your mind," Dillon advised calmly, though he was amused by his friend's antics.

"A little bit of warning next time," Jean replied, clearly miffed.

"I needed some humor today. Saw and advantage and took it."

The deadpan tone of Dillon caused Jean to be a little unnerved. "Uh, I think your girlfriend's personality may be rubbing off on you a bit." Not even Jean could miss Dillon stiffen at the mention of Annie. Something clearly had happened. Still, he decided to bring up one of the many things he wanted to talk about. "Why didn't you tell me about your powers?"

Dillon resisted the urge to sigh. "Call it caution or paranoia. Maybe I was afraid that if I told you, somehow, I'd get found out. Or maybe it was just stupid. Krista, Annie, Eren, Mikasa, Armin, my old squad in Trost, I revealed it to them one way or the other. Mostly because it was a do-or-die situation."

"So, all I had to do to be a part of that group was put myself at risk of dying?" Jean asked.

"Probably."

With a simple push of the door, the setting sun shined brightly upon them all. It was a pleasant day for once, the wind blowing just enough to be a soft breeze. Rarely did these types of days show up in the Walls, and the inhabitants would take as much as they could get out of them.

"We're heading into the woods," Dillon announced more for the guards' sake, making his way over there.

"Right, the woods." Jean heaved a sigh. "Not where anyone would try to hide our bodies." He followed anyway.

"Anyone tries to come after us, I'll be able to hear them," he explained. "Grass, leaves, lots of noisy things to step on. Besides, I want privacy."

"Gonna be hard to have a private conversation with our chaperones."

The Scouts, to their credit, kept their mouths shut.

"That's why I established a mental link with you, Jean," Dillon explained.

Jean shook his head. "Yeah, let's not. No offense, but the whole mental thing is really weird. Let's just talk like normal people."

"I'll not to take offense to that," Dillon muttered.

"Right." There was no way to increase the awkwardness Jean felt, so he just jumped right into it. "How are you holding up after, uh, the shower?"

"Well, besides the fact nearly everyone on this planet hates me including my girlfriend, I'm just fucking wonderful."

"Hang on, I get the feeling I've walked into something." Jean ducked low under a branch. "Plenty of people hate you sure. But everyone? Annie too?"

"Yeah, because I am the worst possible thing to happen to her," he practically snarled, full of self-loathing. "Because I'm nothing but a pathetic fool who thought he could actually mean something."

Jean was not qualified for this stuff. "So, I'm guessing there was a spat?"

"Understatement." Dillon sighed, but he pressed onwards deeper into the forest and knocked aside a tree branch in the process. "I got mad that she didn't help me when I was attacked and said that she had no problem killing Scouts like a psychopath before."

"Well, not untrue," Jean admitted. "Got to see that up close and personal myself."

Dillon actually stopped, turning around. "Wait, what?"

"She nearly killed me, and she tried squeezing Reiner to death." He shuddered, the incident having left quite the impression. "Took her sweet time doing it, too. Dude, your girlfriend murdered people in cold blood. Seems reasonable to tell her that to her face."

"But I'm supposed to love her," he protested. "I'm not supposed to feel so much hate for her." Yet again, he faced the ground, almost as if he was ashamed. "She tortured a man to death, Jean."

Jean nodded. "Yeah. That's who she is. Who she chose to be. I don't know about being supposed to love anyone, let alone someone you never really got to know except in a lie. I've stuck with you because it's you, not because you make great choices in love. Kind of hoped you'd realize what she was, honestly. Yeah, she tortured a man to death. Not counting all the people she probably fucked up bad for her amusement before she reached you."

"It could've been me," he whispered. "She was so close. If I didn't attack her, she would've..." His eyes grew wide again as he began heading right back to that village again.

"Or one of the titans she summoned could have eaten you, and she'd never have known." Jean leaned against the tree. "She put you in the line of fire knowingly, buddy. You have every right to not forgive that. That's not a shameful thing. That's called self-respect."

For once, Dillon was able to bring himself back as he faced his best friend. "Jean, why haven't you abandoned me?"

Jean raised his eyebrows in confusion. "Huh? What do you mean? We're friends, dumbass."

"You don't understand. I know what she did to Marco, and I still stuck by her."

Jean grimaced. "I try not to think about that too much."

Dillon shook his head, turning around. "I know Eren hates my guts. You should, too."

He couldn't help but roll his eyes at that. "Eren hates everything for one reason or another. As for me, I don't have a whole lot of friends left breathing. Got to look after the ones I do have, even when they're morons."

The young Psion chuckled but it was very short-lived. "I'm scared, Jean. More than I've ever been in my entire life."

"Considering you've been nearly eaten by Titans, I suppose that's something." Jean shook his head. I don't what to tell you other than you got bad taste, but I'll still have your back."

He glanced back at his friend, a sad smile appearing. "I think I know why we became friends so easily back in Training. You're as much of an idiot as I am."

Jean gave him a smile, but it faded slowly. "Seriously, don't forget what she is. She's a murderer and a liar. I guess you can't help it if you love her, but you don't owe her your soul."

"I don't think she wants anything from me anymore. Not after—

" He froze, his ears perking up. "Someone's coming."

"I hear it, too," the first Scout said, both guards drawing their weapons.

Jean didn't jump this time, but he shifted his position so he could see who was coming.

It was a horse, the loud clopping giving it away. Dillon had his knife at the ready once more, but once the horse and the rider came into view, he dropped it on the ground. "Dad?"

Matthew brought the horse to a halt, dismounting it. There was a bandage around his head and he looked quite exhausted, but at least he was still alive. "Hey, Dillon."

The young Psion was about to ask about his mother, but then his eyes widened when he saw someone else get off the horse. A woman he unfortunately knew too well. "You!" He started towards her, but Matthew held him back.

"Hold on, Dillon," the man warned, keeping him away from Elise. "I can explain."

"What's going on?" Jean looked confused.

"I kidnapped his mom," Elise explained simply. "Long story."

The moment those words left her mouth, the two Scouts charged towards her. A flash of her eyes and the two flew backwards into two different trees, out cold. That simple action caused Dillon to struggle harder against his father.

"Enough of this." Matthew pushed him back, giving him a warning look.

"Hey, hands off." There was a click, and Jean raised a flintlock. Not many Scouts carried them, but Jean wanted to be prepared in case he needed to shoot something or someone.

Elise rolled her eyes and levitated it right into her hands. "Nice try, kid."

Jean's mouth hung open and he took a step back, his hand going to a knife. It didn't feel like much when his opponent had a gun and psychic powers.

Dillon glared daggers at his father. "What the hell is going on, and what is she doing here?"

"I told you this was a bad idea," Elise muttered with annoyance. "Look, kid, save your piss attitude for later. Your father and I need to have a chat with Commander Erwin so we can come to an arrangement."

"Elise, I can handle this." Matthew let out a sigh. "The situation has changed, Dillon. Elise isn't the enemy. Not anymore."

"What are you talking about?" Dillon couldn't figure out any of this.

His father grabbed him by the shoulders, forcing him to make eye contact. "Listen. There will always be a time where you have to admit the truth, even if it's painful. Just as Annie is the Female Titan that destroyed your life, Carolyn is the woman that destroyed ours."

"What?" Dillon's voice grew softer, his vulnerability seeping into his tone.

"Every action that she has done was for her own benefit. Project Psion, taking me to this godforsaken island, our marriage, her job, you? She doesn't care who she hurts or kills to get what she wants." Matthew's grip became tighter. "We're all just a means to an end to her, and we have to break the chains, Dillon. It's the only way for us to be free."

Dillon's expression was frozen with mortification. He couldn't speak, and he could barely breathe. It was like his father just stabbed him in the gut.

"Are you kidding me right now?" Jean yelled angrily. "After everything your son has gone through, you're gonna pull this stunt?"

"While Matthew's parenting abilities leaves a lot to be desired, he's right," Elise answered. "So, take us to your commander so we can make our case to them."

"The hell you will." Jean started to walk towards her but froze when her palm raised.

"You saw what I did to those Scouts. Imagine what I can do to you if I wanted to."

"Elise, don't," Matthew said. "The more people we hurt, the less they will listen."

"They took in Annie, Matt. I think a few unconscious Scouts won't make a dent in our reputation."

"Matt?" Jean repeated in disbelief. "So, what? You two together now? I'm starting to get your son's taste in women now."

Angered, Matthew took threatening steps towards him. "None of this concerns you, Kirstein."

"You're hurting my friend, sir," Jean replied, standing his ground. "That concerns me."

Their words began to fade, drowned out by Dillon's heartbeat that was steadily increasing. Every person he had ever loved, everyone he cared so deeply for stabbed him in the back. Liars, traitors, murderers, all of them. They always said they never meant to hurt him, and yet they always hurt him. This all had to be one big joke just to see how much he'd be able to take. Well, he wasn't laughing.

Voices began speaking in his head, memories from the close and distant past all clambering to be heard. He began to shake as fury began to build up, just begging to be released.

Being with you was the best thing that ever happened to me.

I hope you didn't trip over all the bodies she left on your way into her arms.

Your mother and I love you, and we wanted you to have the best life we could give you.

We want a soldier that can be depended on, but instead we have you.

354 casualties, most of them civilians.

This is all your fault, Dillon!

What's the matter, freak? Scared of your own shadow?

I question his sanity with the utmost sincerity.

Annie abandoned you, but I… we never did.

I hate you…

The situation has changed.

I hate you.

There will always be a time where we have to admit the truth, even if it's painful.

I hate you!

An ear-shattering scream erupted out of his lungs along with a shockwave that shook the forest. Elise and Matthew flew backwards, slamming against two trees respectively. Even Jean was flung to the ground in a heap. Branches snapped off from various trees, and leaves were forcefully ripped from the limbs, causing them to descend to the ground. A crater had formed with Dillon at the center as he panted heavily. Raw power coursed through his veins unlike anything he had ever felt before. This what it must've felt like to Annie, to Eren. Finally getting a chance to cut loose without fear of repercussions.

He could see their shocked expressions even from a distance. They never knew what he was truly capable of if he just stopped letting his limitations worry him. So what if he bled? So what if his head was going to hurt? None of that mattered. It never should have mattered in the first place. The only thing that mattered was to take what he should have taken long ago.

His glowing eyes darted to the first target, the woman that tore his family apart. Everything was perfect until she came along. What little happiness he had left was stolen from her. For that, she would die. He charged towards her like a raging bull seeing red but found himself quickly immobilized. Elise was straining to keep him there if her pained grunts were anything to go by, but a quick attack to her mind distorted her focus, releasing him. He almost closed the distance between them only to be pinned to a tree by his father. In the end, the man who raised him was nothing more than a pathetic coward who was too weak to fight back. He could almost hear him demanding him to stop as if he had any control over him. No more. Another psychic blast sent Matthew flying back. He would be dealt with later.

Dillon's feet left the ground as he was psychically slammed into the tree. He tried to get up, but he was bombarded by sticks. Fucking sticks! Then, there was a gigantic flash of light in the distance, catching the adult Psions off guard. Perfect chance for a counterattack. He pulled Elise towards him and landed a severe punch to her face, downing her. Why wasn't this feeling good? He was dominating them for once. They took that away from him, too. He bent over and punched Elise in the face. And then he did it again. And again. And again. And again. And again. And again. He was screaming at the top of lungs, trying to get back what was taken from him. They always took from him, never stopping, never granting mercy. Yet again, he was denied retribution as Matthew tossed him off her. Dillon responded with a psychic, savage haymaker to his own father's face. It knocked both of them to the grassy ground.

Then, the ground began to shake, causing Dillon's head to whip towards the incoming figure. After all this time, she had finally come back. The skinless demon that started the whole, damn thing. She took nearly everything from him, leaving his father and Elise to pick up the scraps. Screw everything else. She would die first. With all the power he had, why should he have been afraid of her? She was only human.

He didn't even get two steps when an arm wrapped around his throat. He tried to struggle against Matthew, but his other hand clamped down on his forehead.

"Stop fighting!" Matthew shouted.

Dillon screamed in pain as he felt his mind getting impaled by a thousand daggers. It was searing hot to the point he couldn't even see. Amidst all this, he could hear a frantic cry of, "Dillon!" Why was she calling his name, acting so concerned? She hated him and told him as much. Just hearing his name leave her lips hurt just a little more than what his father was doing to him. And then, he knew no more.


Remastered Edits: Commander Erwin got his chance to shine. Only the man with the greatest of all eyebrows could calm down the Scouting Regiment. Big thanks yet again to my co-writer writing his lines and Jean's.

Speaking of which, it's been a while since Dillon and Jean actually had a scene together. In the original, they never had this kind of discussion. I felt it necessary to show Jean's feelings towards the whole situation and prove that he is a good friend to have.

And finally, the rage-breaking point. It was inevitable that this would happen. It also gave me the chance to show the terrifying raw power he had within him if he just cut loose.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, I look forward to reading your reviews, and I'll see you all in the next one.