Of Epic Proportions

by authorinprogress97

And I thought life was hard enough the first time. OC self-insert (because I'm that shameless)

6. Battle

And I thought life was hard enough the first time.

OC self-insert (because I'm that shameless)

This chapter was hard, yo. Not as hard as the next one, but still plenty hard. So many emotions and… movement. The movement and fighting is a thing. I hope I don't disappoint?

As usual, you reviewers are a gem. You're all so fun to communicate with. –hearteu-

Nina – Thanks for your review~ I'm glad to hear you enjoy Dani's character. She's just so fun, isn't she?

-0-

"Hands upon your hearts!"

"Hai!" us trainees answered, a dull thud sounding through the room as two hundred and nineteen of us simultaneously saluted.

I… finally made it. I made it to graduation with minimal black marks on my record (there was a thing with me and Jean involving snowballs and Keith Shadis. I'd rather not say). I lifted my chin a little higher, proud of how much I've changed. I wasn't the same, spoiled child from Back Then. No, I had grown up too.

"For you trainees graduating today," the blonde man in the front continued, voice booming, "three paths now open before you.

"You can be stationed at the walls and defend the cities as members of the Garrison! You can put your lives on the line to fight the Titans in their own territory as members of the Recon Corps! Lastly, you can serve the King by controlling the crowds and protecting order as members of the Military Police Brigade! Of course, only the ten people with top scores we announced earlier are allowed into the Military Police."

I glanced to my left, not really believing that I was stood here. True, you could say that I just made it into the top ten, but I actually made it into the top ten. I mean, tenth place isn't so bad when I was worrying I would be in the bottom ten. I just… couldn't believe it.

Maybe this is a dream.

It was a shame this spot into the Military Police was wasted, though. Well, nothing to regret now.

I looked forward once more, thinning my lips in determination. Top ten or not, I couldn't be complacent. I couldn't afford to be. If I made it into the top ten, I'd better damn well prove I deserved it.

"Congrats on making top ten," Armin congratulated once the graduation ceremony was over. I smiled, pulling him into a hug. Sudden, I know, but I was just so happy. Armin stiffened before hugging me back.

I chuckled, ruffling his hair. "I don't believe it," I uttered, feeling like I was in a daze. "I'm tenth. Tenth. This has to be a dream. Someone pinch me." I yelped when I felt a sharp pain in my shoulder. "Mikasa, I wasn't serious!"

"You asked. I delivered," Mikasa pointed out, taking a sip of her drink. I snorted, nudging her with my hip. I fiddled with the end of my braid. The cloth bracelet around my wrist shifted and I pressed it close to my heart. I had, um, outgrown my vest last year and I couldn't bear to throw it away, so I cut it up and braided it into bracelets instead. It was painful, cutting up my mother's hard work like that, but I just needed it close to me. it made me feel better, knowing that the cloth my mom had touched was still with me.

"You don't wanna join the Military Police, Eren?" Thomas asked, shock evident in his… well, everything. "Are you serious? But you've got one of the top ten scores!"

"I've been dead-set on my goal since the very beginning," Eren stated, looking down into his tankard. He looked up, that familiar fire burning in his eyes. I couldn't help but think the light of the lantern reflecting in his eyes was very fitting. "I didn't train to live comfortably within the Inner District. I worked this hard so that I could fight the Titans."

"But you can't possibly win!"

I shot him an annoyed glare. Thank you for putting a damper on this awesome evening.

He seemed cowed at the sudden silence, but carried on. "You know full well… you know just how many have been eaten by them. We've lost more than twenty percent of the entire population already. Mankind doesn't stand a chance against them."

Silence descended. I couldn't but feel so annoyed by Thomas's train of thought. I have been struggling with the thought that I might die again because I chose the Recon Corps and I was aware that we were lacking, but that didn't mean I was just going to – to give up! I hated when people thought mankind wouldn't ever be able to win. It was people like that who ensured we would never be anything more than Titan food.

"So what?" I asked, crossing my arms. Thomas's eyes widened, suddenly shooting to me. I get why he's surprised; I usually preferred to hang back and watch, like Mikasa, but I just couldn't stand it anymore. "So what? You're just going to give up without even putting up a fight?" I let my gaze roam the room, noticing a lot of eyes on me. I didn't even feel embarrassed, my irritation burning hot in my chest. "We don't stand a chance because we don't fight. If we keep hiding behind these walls, how can we ever expect to stand a chance?"

There was so much more I wanted to say, but I just didn't have the capacity to express them in words. I was so frustrated my hands were trembling. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked back, meeting Eren's eyes. His eyes glinted in the low light – approval, maybe?

"It's true. We've only suffered defeats so far," Eren said and even then, he was on much steadier footing than I was. Back Then, Eren would have made a great public speaker. "That's because we knew hardly anything about them! We can't defeat them using sheer numbers. We may have lost, but the knowledge we obtained from those battles is our guiding beacon of hope."

Eren's eyes flashed. "Yet, you'd discard the tactical progress bought by hundreds of thousands of sacrifices, just to serve yourself up on a silver platter? You've gotta be kidding me!" Eren raised a hand in front of him and clenched it into a fist. "I'll kill every last one of them and break free of these walls," he vowed. "That is my dream! Mankind hasn't lost everything yet."

I couldn't help but gaze at him in admiration. There was something so impressive about his drive and focus. I couldn't hope to have that same single-minded determination, but the goal was a bright beacon in my mind, urging me to go forward and grab it with both hands. Just out of reach and I was willing to take the steps to achieve it.

I'm almost there, nii-chan. I told you I'd make it. Just you wait.

Eren gazed at those around, eyes darkening with anger. Then, he turned and stormed off. Mikasa, Armin and I shared a brief look before following after him.

"Wait, Eren," Armin cried.

We stopped when we saw Eren sitting on the steps. I pretended not to hear him sniffling as I shared a concerned look with Armin.

I sat down next to Eren as Armin sat down in front of me and Mikasa sat on Eren's other side, a little ways up. We sat in silence and I was reminded to the day of the fall of Shiganshina. Not the appearance of the Colossal Titan, no, but the happenings before – when we were sitting by the river and shared a silence like this. I glanced at the three teens before me, feeling fondness settle in my chest. They were my friends and my family and I wouldn't let them go; not even in death.

"Eren, can we talk about your dream?" Armin inquired.

Eren smiled slightly. "Yeah. After all, I got it from you." That peaked my interest. He did? "Break free of the walls and all that…"

Armin turned forward and I stared at the back of his blonde head. I could practically hear the gears turning. "I'm going to enlist in the Recon Corps," he stated.

My fists clenched in my skirt as I swallowed down the urge to protest. He was his own person. He was getting too old for me to tell him what to do (not that I did that a lot anyway). I already knew what he'd choose. That didn't mean I didn't still fear for his life. I think… I always would. As long as there were Titans around, I don't think any of us would be safe.

Eren reeled back in surprise. "Are you for real, Armin? You're our top theoretician! Put that to better use."

"I don't care if I die as long as I can be useful," Armin countered, hands clenching into fists. He looked back, not at Eren, but at me. I could see the apprehension in his eyes and it took me a while to realise he was waiting to hear what I would say. We had talked briefly about the different branches we could join after we finished training, but neither of us had outright said which we would choose.

I smiled softly, hand raising to tousle his hair. "I think having the top theoretician in the Recon Corps would be more than useful," I commented and Armin relaxed.

"I'm going to join the Recon Corps too," Mikasa announced.

Eren turned to her, frowning. "Oi, you got the top score, didn't you? Go to the Military Police!" he demanded.

"I'll go to the Military Police if you do," Mikasa retorted in an even voice. "If you go to the Garrison, so will I. You'll die an early death if I'm not there for you."

I bit my lip so I wouldn't grin. Mikasa didn't need to say anything for me to know she would be joining the Recon Corps. Eren and Mikasa were a package deal, end of story. There was never any doubt for Mikasa. Where Eren went, Mikasa would follow like an intelligent, deadly shadow.

"I never asked for that," Eren muttered, tousling his hair.

"I don't want to lose what's left of my family," Mikasa whispered into the air.

He grunted, leaning back on his hands before turning to me. "What about you, Dani?"

"What about me?" I asked, reclining and resting my weight on my elbows.

Eren nudged me. "Where are you going to go?"

I nudged him back. "Isn't it obvious?" I asked. "I haven't changed my mind. I'm joining the Recon Corps too. I said before the four of us are in this together. I meant it." I exhaled slowly, looking up at the night sky. "I have something to prove to someone, anyway."

"Who?" Eren questioned.

I lolled my head to the side, wondering if I should tell them. I peered up into Eren's curious green eyes. "Maybe next time," I said gently. No, I wasn't ready to tell them yet. I still had to keep this close to my heart.

"Tch," Eren scoffed, shoving me slightly in mock annoyance. The grin playing on his lips gave away his lack of annoyance. "Always needing to act mysterious."

"It's make me interesting to be around, ne?" I grinned a little cheekily.

He shook his head, looking back up at the sky. "No, not just that."

I glanced at him curiously, but he looked at me out of the corner of his eye and nudged me, gesturing to the sky. I held in a gasp as I saw a shooting star fall, my eyes fluttering closed. It was childish, but I am technically a child, so I made a wish.

I wish… I wish the four of us would never be apart.

•●•●•●•

I barely managed to keep up with Eren, stumbling over a loose rock and nearly pulling us both to the ground. It was weird, being the one pulled around. Usually, I was the one pulling Armin around. This time, Armin trailed behind the two of us with Mikasa following closely behind. I don't get it. Out of the three of us, how come I'm the one being tugged by Eren?

"Where are we going?" I asked. Eren paused briefly for me to catch up and to rap my forehead. "Ow, what?"

"Did you forget?" he sighed. "It's the start of another expedition!"

I stopped rubbing my forehead. Oh, right. I forgot. Today was the, what, fifty-sixth expedition? I'd almost forgotten about that. Eren tugged me forward, nearly dislocating my shoulder. I put a little more effort into catching up with him (damn teenage boys and their ability to shoot up twenty centimetres within a year). We reached the small crowd that was gathering near the gates.

"They're here," someone shouted. "The main force of the Recon Corps is here!"

I turned, placing a hand on Eren's shoulder and tiptoeing slightly. Eren snickered, causing me to tweak his ear. He gave a yelp, retaliating by poking my side and causing me to shriek slightly. We shared a brief glare before I rolled my eyes and smirked. Children will be children, I guess. Hey, I was fourteen again. I could afford to be a little childish.

"Commander Erwin," a spectator screamed. "Kick their Titan asses for me." He didn't even blink.

It was funny how the Recon Corps were heroes now, but when they came back with at least half their forces reduced and injured, they were the scum of the military. Humans were so fickle. This was worse than reading about the press turning on celebrities Back Then.

I scanned the soldiers for that one familiar face. When my eyes rested on his face, I sighed inaudibly, relaxing and rocking back onto my heels. I knew he'd be there of course, but it eased my mind to confirm it with my own eyes. I followed Levi's form for a while, making sure he had all his limbs.

"Look," another person yelled in excitement. "There's Captain Levi! They say he alone counts for a full unit!"

That didn't matter; I already knew he was strong. All that mattered was that he was there and I could finally prove to him that I wasn't just some weak little girl with an impossible dream.

"He's okay," I sighed, my gaze lingering on Levi for a moment longer before I looked away.

"Who's okay?" Eren inquired. I blinked at him in slight shock. I hadn't expected him to hear that.

"Just…" To tell or not to tell? "The person I needed to prove something to."

I could tell he was getting a little excited at the thought. "Which one is it?" He tried to follow my gaze, but I was simply scanning over the entire main force now, not lingering on anyone in particular.

I tilted his head to the side with my index finger. "You'll find out eventually," I laughed. "Not today, though."

"Tch." He took in the whole force again. "They look completely different from five years ago," he commented. "People really count on the Recon Corps a lot."

"They are pretty cool," I agreed.

"They're cheering everyone up," Hannah, who was behind me, piped up. "The past won't have to be repeated."

"The artillery has been improved as well," Franz (we all know he's Hannah's boyfriend, but he doesn't know and Hannah doesn't know so shhh) added. "That Colossal Titan won't come again, right?"

"Yeah," Hannah chimed. I held in a squeal. Oh, they're so cute.

They're also horrifically wrong. I rested my chin on my fist, sighing inwardly. Today was yet another milestone in the series – the Battle of Trost. I stared at Eren's side profile, a shudder threatening to run through me. I was going to lose him, no matter how brief the moment. I couldn't even remember how his Titan form looked like, the image in my mind some fuzzy blur. Not for the first time, I cursed my failing memory.

Eren's reprimand along with Hannah's and Franz's protests at not being a couple (lies!) sounded like buzzing in my ears as I thought. It was today. God, I couldn't believe it. These past four years seemed to have passed by so quickly. Am I really ready for another attack – one that I would have to participate in?

I quickly shook myself. I didn't have a choice. I had to be ready. Mentally, I felt I was almost there. Physically… well, I placed tenth, so it meant something. It didn't mean everything, though. Marco placed seventh and… he died.

I pressed my knuckle against my lips as I thought. Could I… could I change that? I wasn't sure. I wasn't sure at all, but damn it I had to try. It was one thing to want to save him when he was simply just a character to me, but that changed. He wasn't just some character anymore. No, he was my friend and I would be devastated if he died.

I looked up from the ground to meet Armin's concerned gaze. He sidled next to me, leaning in close so we could have a private conversation.

"What are you thinking?" he asked, lips pursing in concern.

I blinked, forcing myself to lift the somewhat dark aura that settled over me with a cloud. I coaxed my lips into a smile, relaxing into his side. "It's nothing," I reassured him. He still didn't look convinced, so I shrugged. "I just have a bad feeling, that's all. It's probably nothing."

He scrutinised me closely, but let it slide. "Alright. If you say so."

"Although…" I bit my lip when Armin urged me to go on. I dropped my voice to a whisper as I said, "I'm pretty sure Hannah and Franz like each other."

We shared a look, erupting into silent laughter. "I'm pretty sure they like each other too," he coughed out. "They're not exactly subtle."

"Hey, you there," someone called, the words obviously directed at us. Mikasa, Eren, Armin and I turned. The face wasn't familiar to me, but it was obviously familiar to the others.

"Hannes," Eren called out, smile lighting up his face.

Hannes walked up to us. Oh, so this was the famous Hannes. He stopped in front of us, surveying the others closely as a parent would after not seeing a child for some time and sparing me a curious glance. "You guys graduated yesterday, right? I can't believe they really let you kids through."

"I heard they made a drunkard like you captain of the Garrison," Eren retorted.

"Touché," Hannes replied, poking Eren's forehead back. The smile slid off his face. "Sorry." Why was he apologising? "I'm sorry I couldn't save your mother."

I glanced at Eren, watching his reaction carefully. We had never really talked about it, his mother, since the night after the fall of Shiganshina. I didn't really see the need. When it boiled down to it, Eren would be a lot more talking about something like that with someone he knew longer, like Armin or Mikasa.

"It's not your fault, Hannes," Eren stated firmly. Surprise blossomed across Hannes's features. "I'm no longer ignorant. I won't let that sort of tragedy happen again. I will defeat the Titans."

Sometimes… sometimes I wondered if Eren thought saying it enough times would aid him in making it a reality. Maybe he repeats that statement again and again to remind himself of his goal. Either way, it was heartening. It helped me remember my own goal; to protect the three of them as much as I can.

Eren ran off not long after that, Mikasa and Armin staying behind to speak to Hannes.

"And who's this?" Hannes asked jovially, gaze directed towards me. I blinked myself out of my thoughts, smiling softly and bowing.

"Dani Vale, sir," I said politely. "I've heard a lot about you from Armin and Eren." Mainly Eren when he felt like complaining how hard training was and some spiel about not believing a lazy-ass drunkard like Hannes could pass it.

"Ah, so this is the Dani I keep hearing about." Hannes laughed, thumping Armin's back. "You caught yourself a good looking one, Armin!"

Armin turned red while a blush heated up the back of my neck. Why does everyone assume that I like Armin or Armin likes me? We don't think of each other that way!

"They're not a couple, Hannes," Mikasa clarified while Armin and I were struck dumb at the notion. I could detect an amused glint in Mikasa's eye. In response to that, I shoved her lightly.

"Oh? Well, that's a shame."

"Hannes!"

"Seriously?"

Eren ran back at that moment, grabbing my arm. "Dani, come on," he panted, dragging me along and nearly causing me to trip again. I really hope this 'tugging Dani around everywhere' isn't going to be a regular thing with him. "We have to go maintain the cannons, remember?" He turned back to look at me, raising an eyebrow. "Why are your ears red?"

"Don't ask," I deadpanned.

•●•●•●•

"Huh? You enlisted in the Recon Corps?"

I looked up at Eren's exclamation, wiping my hands free of gunpowder. He was looking at Connie. I had to admit that I was surprised too. Connie had been dead-set on joining the Military Police, like Jean. I knew Eren was persuasive… but could he really persuade a knucklehead like Connie to completely change his mind and join the Recon Corps? You have to admit that the Military Police and Recon Corps were completely different. Almost worlds apart, in fact and that's a lot coming from me.

"Connie!" Eren continued, eyebrows furrowed. "You were going on and on about joining the Military Police. "

"Yeah, I know," Connie replied nonchalantly. "But…"

"Seems like he was listening to your lecture yesterday," Mina chimed, walking up to Eren. Interestingly enough, her eyes slid to me for a brief moment before resting on Eren once more. Um, okay, weird.

"Shut up!" Connie shouted. "This is my own decision!"

I giggled at the blush on Connie's cheeks. "It's not a crime to let yourself be swayed by someone's words, Connie," I teased, grinning gleefully as the blush on his cheeks darkened.

"Shut up," he repeated, this time directed at me.

"Don't be so shy about it. You're not the only one," Thomas expressed, joining our conversation. He scratched the side of his jaw a little bashfully. I looked at him with my eyebrows raised. When he met my gaze, he quickly looked away, blush darkening.

… I don't get it.

"Thomas…" Eren murmured. "Are you serious?"

"Um, guys," another voice interjected. We turned to see Sasha walking towards us, her Maneuver Gear clanking as she walked. I could only describe the look on her face as blissed out. "I borrowed some meat from the officers' morning rations."

I choked on my spit. "You're not serious," I deadpanned, eyeing the meat she was hiding in her jacket the same way I would a ticking time bomb. Holy shit, I knew Sasha was insane, but stealing from our commanding officers…

"Sasha," Eren choked out, sounding a little strained. "Do you want to get solitary confinement?"

"You're a real idiot!" Samuel concluded.

"Real idiocy's scary…" Connie breathed.

Suddenly, I patted Connie's head, causing him to flinch back and hit his head against the cannon. "What gives?" he demanded, rubbing his head and shooting me a glare.

"Connie," I said seriously, almost smirking when I saw him gulp. "I think I prefer your brand of idiocy over Sasha's."

He blinked at me in obvious confusion, still rubbing his sore head. "Thanks… wait, hey!"

"Let's all split it up together later," Sasha sighed wistfully, a little bit of drool dripping from the corner of her mouth. Her eyes widened in excitement as she added in a dreamy voice, "We'll slice it up and eat it with bread!" She shuddered in obvious pleasure and longing.

The bat shit insane are scary.

"Bring it back," Connie insisted, only to be disputed by Mina.

"Yeah," the shorter girl agreed, bluish-grey eyes shining. "Meat is a luxury now that we've lost so much land."

"Don't worry about it," Sasha said in a cheerful voice. She kneeled to place the meat in the chest as she continued, "Once we retake the land, we can keep pigs and cows again."

I smiled, resting my chin on my hands as I watched everyone get swept in the optimism. I let myself float in the current of positivity as well; I think I deserved a little cheer after all this time.

"I'll take that meat!" Samuel said loudly, looking like the words were forced out of him.

Connie seemed to steel himself. "Me too," he declared. "So save my part!"

I laughed, shrugging. "What the heck," I said, throwing caution to the wind. I haven't eaten meat in years. I almost feel like a vegetarian. "Save me some too."

"That goes for me too," Mina added.

Eren looked around at all of us in awe. "Guys…"

I poked his side, causing him to jump and look at me. I tilted my head towards the graduates. You in?

Eren blinked at me before a smile spread across his lips. In that one smile, I could see all he hope Eren had for humanity and for us. I wanted to be there to make his hopes and dreams come true.

"They'll find us out if we don't get back to work," Samuel sighed, heading back to the canon he was supposed to maintain.

"It's still a while before lunch," Mina chirped, heading back to her own canon as well.

"Back to work," I sang, poking Eren with the rammer. He huffed out a laugh, but I didn't push when he just stood there for a moment. I bet he was just taking in our awesomeness.

There was a sudden bolt of lightning, causing me to flinch back. The crash was deafening and even when it was gone, my ears were ringing. A shadow dropped over me and I dropped my rag, my body shaking as I slowly turned.

My eyes widened impossibly as I saw the monster that I hadn't seen in five years. It was one thing to see it from the ground, behind the safety of a wall, but seeing it right in front of me damn near had me pissing my pants. I could almost feel the heat of the skin.

Time seemed to suspend as we stared at the Colossal Titan in horror. I knew I had to do something, but my body wasn't obeying. I had my 3DMG on and all I had to do was reach for it and pull the trigger. I just – I had to do something. If only time would just move –

Eren gasped and I shot up, my hands flew to my gear when I found myself blasted by steam. I was thrown off my feet, my body flying through the air as I gave a short-lived scream.

Panic threatened to overtake my mind, but I pushed it away the same way I always did during training. I took a quick survey of my surroundings, releasing my grappling hooks into the wall to stop my fall. I felt disorientated, everything suddenly in razor sharp focus. The adrenaline.

"Eren!" I yelled, the ringing in my ears finally subsiding.

"I'm okay," Eren yelled back, a little ways away from me. I heaved out a sigh of relief; since Mikasa wasn't around, it was my job to look after Eren while she kept an eye on Armin for me, not that Armin needed it. Watching out for Armin was certainly a whole lot easier than watching Eren's back.

"Sasha!" I heard Mina desperately cry out and turned, my eyes easily catching Sasha running against the wall and… no, Samuel's falling body! My foot slid, my fingers twitching to disengage the hooks and try to grab Samuel out of freefall, but logic told me I wouldn't be able to make it. No, I had to leave it to Sasha.

I leaned my head back, releasing the breath I hadn't realised I was holding when Sasha fired her grappling hook into his leg. It would hurt like a bitch when he awoke… but at least he wasn't painting the ground with his blood.

I looked towards Connie, who was closest to me, but he wasn't looking at Samuel. No, his gaze was somewhere a little lower…

I followed his gaze, something akin to ice sliding down my back when I noticed the hole in the wall. Damn it, he broke the gate again!

My grip on the wires holding me up tightened to the extent that the metal bit into my skin. I could feel myself trembling, but I wasn't sure if it was from adrenaline, anger or fear. It might have even been a strange mix of all three. I couldn't decipher my own emotions right now.

In the back of my mind, a voice blubbered too fast, too fast, but I had had years to prepare for this. I hadn't gone through that hell of a training, I hadn't lost Anna, I hadn't come this far just to freeze when it counted.

"Ready the artillery! Four groups!" Eren commanded and I snapped myself out of my thoughts, gritting my teeth in determination. I was goddamn ready for this shit and if I wasn't, there was something seriously wrong with me. "Prepare for battle!"

Eren snapped his blades on, unsheathing them with a ridiculously loud scrape. I had a feeling it was only loud in my head, having heard the same sound multiple times before. That was in training. This was the real thing.

I'm ready.

He let loose some wire and my hands reacted, dropping down to the handgrips and efficiently snapping a pair of blades on. I drew them out as well, bottom lip clamped between my teeth.

"The target's right in front of us," Eren shouted.

No more doubts.

"It's the Colossal Titan! This is our chance!"

I've been training for this. I'm not weak. I'm strong.

"Don't let it slip away!"

I'm Danika Vale. I've been preparing for this moment my whole life!

I pulled the trigger, reeling myself to the top and simultaneously using the gas to propel me upwards. I shot over the edge of the wall, landing a little harder than I wanted to, my knees bent to accommodate my landing.

Eren was right there in front of the Titan and I had promised Mikasa I would take care of him. Most of all, I had promised myself that I would be there for him. I didn't break promises in this lifetime.

I ran towards Eren. He turned slightly and we shared a brief look. I've got your back.

A large hand swept towards us and we ran to avoid it, jumping off the edge towards the Colossal Titan. I gasped as it took out all of our fixed canons. I shouldn't have been surprised, of course. I knew it wasn't like the other Titans. It was far more intelligent.

It turned towards the two of us, still falling and I shot my grappling hooks forward, snarling under my breath as it reached for Eren. The grappling hooks embedded in the miniscule flesh near the base of the skull and I shot forward. If I angled myself like so, I was pretty sure I could cut near the nape, if not actually hit it.

I spun, reeling in my hooks at the same moment as I used the compressed air to spin me around faster, my blades poised to strike. I could sense Eren nearby and we were going to hit it, going to kill it –

Steam buffeted me, making me feel uncomfortably hot. I felt myself knock into Eren, the two of us freefalling. His arm wrapped around my waist as my left arm wound its way around his shoulders. I couldn't see, the steam too hot for me to even try to squint. I could only cling to Eren, the only thing keeping the both of us anchored.

I felt both of us being propelled forward – Eren had managed to reel us in and I let go of him as the steam dissipated, firing my grappling hooks forward.

I bared my teeth in a wordless snarl as they impacted stone instead of flesh; damn Colossal Titan was gone. I hurriedly reeled myself in; the line was too long and it I didn't act fast, I would just end up plummeting fifty feet to the ground.

I was moving too fast to the wall. The momentum I gained would end up with me crashing hard enough into the wall to probably fracture something. I gritted my teeth, disengaging the hooks once more to reel it in faster and shooting it forward once more.

The impact jarred my knees, but it wasn't crippling.

"Dani!" Eren yelled from somewhere above me. I looked up at him, shielding my eyes from the sun with my arm. "Are you hurt?"

I reeled myself up so I was next to him. "I'm fine," I panted, not from exertion but from the suddenness of the Colossal Titan's disappearance.

He scanned my body, eyes widening when it reached my right hand. "You're bleeding!"

I looked at my hand and sure enough, blood was beginning to stain my right handgrip. I must have cut myself when we were blown off the top of the wall the first time and I gripped the wires for something to do.

"It's nothing," I dismissed quickly.

"Eren, Dani!" Thomas called from the top of the wall. "Did you get him?"

"No," Eren replied, looking frustrated at himself. "It's just like five years ago," he growled. "He showed up out of nowhere and vanished into thin air!"

I eyed the huge hole in Wall Rose uneasily, the words Titan shifter repeating in my mind repeatedly. The Colossal Titan… it was a Titan shifter, wasn't it? If only I could remember who.

"Are you coming?" I shook my head, reeling myself to the top. I could think about that later. The Colossal Titan was gone now, so musing about it would have to be done at a time I wasn't in immediate danger.

"… I let him escape," I heard Eren say as I reached the top, Connie holding out a hand to help me up. I sent him a strained smile of gratitude.

"What are you apologising for? We couldn't move a muscle." Thomas shook his head, probably in shame at freezing. I didn't blame him; I had been prepared for this and Eren had his unwavering focus and drive to propel him forward.

"Hey, there's no time for that," Connie interjected, sounding mildly irritated. Maybe at not charging forward like Eren had? "The wall's been breached. If we don't hurry and block the hole, the Titans are going to get inside again!"

I exhaled harshly. "We can't do anything about that," I pointed out.

"Damn right you can't!" The sharp zip of 3DMG filled the air as an older soldier joined us. The four of us immediately sheathed our blades and saluted. "The operation we had planned for the Colossal Titan's reappearance is already in motion!" I frowned at him, lips pursing in thought. To be honest, I hadn't thought they would have planned for this probability. "Return to HQ immediately. Don't forget to make a full report if you came into contact with him!"

"Hai!" Eren and I responded.

"Best of luck to you and the rest of the initial response team, sir!" Connie added.

We stayed at attention until the soldier ran past us. I glanced down at the wreckage the Colossal Titan had made of the gate. "You heard him," I said. "Let's head to HQ."

We flew through the streets, flying over civilians. I spared them a brief glance. It couldn't be easy on them, suddenly needing to get up and move like that. I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to go a little faster. At least they had the option of evacuation.

•●•●•●•

HQ was in chaos when we arrived. All the graduates were running around, putting on their equipment and filling up their gas tanks. There was someone attempting to make a speech – probably about us being true soldiers and blah, blah, blah – but his words were fading into the commotion.

I started forward to find Armin in the mess, but a hand in my jacket held me back.

"What?" I snapped, whirling around to meet Connie's eyes.

"You're bleeding," he exclaimed. I clenched my right hand, finally feeling the sting from the cuts.

"It's nothing," I replied impatiently. "Don't worry about it. I'm sorry, but I have to find Armin."

Eren grabbed my elbow and I nearly snapped at him, but the focused expression he was wearing had me following his gaze. Some of the tension in my shoulders eased; Armin was there and I hadn't failed.

I grabbed Eren's wrist and squeezed, hoping it was enough to convey how grateful I was.

"Armin, are you okay?" Eren asked, concern colouring his voice as we ran up to Armin.

"I'm fine," Armin responded, his voice sounding hollow. "I'll be fine in a second."

He was obviously not fine from the way he wasn't able to hook his gas tank up to the gas supply. The problem was we didn't have a second. I put my hands over his, stopping his movement and feeling his hands tremble. He looked up to meet my eyes and I could see the fear painted in the blue depths. I squeezed his hands, guiding them and successfully hooking the gas tank up, the whistle of pressurised gas signalling it was hooked up.

"This is bad," Armin croaked out. I could feel him slipping into his safe haven, using facts as a shield from the fear. "Right now, we lack the means to swiftly fix an eight metre high hole in the wall. We haven't even managed to dig up that massive rock that was meant to fill the hole!

"That means we can't block access and that this town must be abandoned. It's only a matter of time until Wall Rose gets breached too! Regardless, the Titans have the power to destroy mankind whenever they damn well please!"

I slapped him, my hand stinging (I probably shouldn't have used my right hand). "Snap out of it," I ordered quietly. "We're not dying today and we're not giving up more land, you hear me?" I tilted Armin's chin up so he was looking me in the eye. "We're not the same as we were five years ago. The Titans aren't going to win this time. So stop freaking out and calm down."

Armin stared at me for a moment, the cornered animal look still lingering in his eyes. Then, he blinked and my Armin came back again. The whistling stopped and I unhooked his gas tank, handing it to him.

"Sorry," he breathed, grasping his gas can and hooking it up to his gear. He stood up slowly. "I'm fine now."

"Good," I said sharply, double checking Armin's straps were tight enough, wincing when the straps bit into the cuts in my hands.

Armin grabbed my wrist, turning my hand over so he could see the cut palm. There was blood smearing my palm, but the twin cuts that ran the length of my palm weren't serious. They weren't that deep, only long.

"You're hurt," he whispered.

I pulled my hand gently out of his grip. "I'm fine," I said, the words sounding overused in my mouth. "It looks a lot worse than it feels."

A white handkerchief blocked my vision and I blinked at it as it fluttered down onto my palm. I looked at Mikasa, who held a glimmer of concern in her black eyes. I smiled faintly at her, clutching the handkerchief. "Thanks."

"I'll wrap it for you."

She didn't wait for my permission, taking my hand and wrapping it just tight enough. Standing here, with Eren, Armin and Mikasa, I felt taken care of. This was my family and I wasn't going to give them up easily. Going out there again meant I could die, that they could die, but I didn't care. I knew they'd be there, watching my back the way I watched theirs.

You know, as long as we were in the same team.

"Split up into teams, just as in training," a commanding officer (I wasn't sure which) barked and there was another flurry of activity as the graduates gathered. Mikasa squeezed my hands one last time, her gaze demanding I not get hurt further. After all this is over, I'll tell her that those cuts were just due to my own stupidity.

"Under the Garrison's command, you will form supply and information routes as you mop up any Titans you encounter. The Garrison's Intercept Squad will form the vanguard." I couldn't help but scrutinise the high tone in the commanding officer's voice, broadcasting his panic like a bullhorn. Pathetic. "The cadets will function as the middle guard under our command and the Garrison's elite will form the rear guard! According to the information we received, the initial response team has been wiped out."

My eyes widened as I clenched my hands into fists in an effort to steady my trembling. Wiped… out? We… we had just spoken to one of the members what felt like three minutes ago! They couldn't have… already?

"They let the Titans break through their defences and get into the town!" My jaw clenched. I didn't think he deserved to talk about them like that. Let the Titans break through? They didn't just let them through, goddammit. They sacrificed their lives. "In other words, as things stand, the Armoured Titan could show up at any time to destroy the inner wall.

"No way," someone, I wasn't sure who, uttered weakly. I tuned out the murmurs, not wanting to be brought down further. When people descended into panic, they tend to drag people down with them.

"Attention!" the officer croaked, his voice on the verge of cracking. "The vanguard is intercepting the Titans at the moment. This defence mission has only one goal: to protect Wall Rose until the civilians have evacuated! Also, as I'm sure you're all aware by now, fleeing from the enemy carries a death penalty. Keep that in mind as you offer up your lives!"

I pursed my lips. It was… counterintuitive. To face the enemy meant death and to flee it ended the same way. When you looked at it like that, it didn't matter which route you took. At least by taking your chances with the Titans, you have a chance of survival. Personally, I would always choose facing the Titans. I was sick of feeling inferior.

With one last glance around, the officer yelled, "Dismissed!"

"Hai!" I said in unison with the other, right hand thumping against my chest. As I held my fist over my heart, I could feel it beat at a faster rate than usual.

Fear or excitement?

Everyone seemed to move at light speed around me, making me feel a little out of place. I felt like I was moving through amber.

My knuckles turned white from the force of my clench. I cleared my head and everything slowed down again. I looked around, letting my surroundings filter through my senses. Spatial recognition. I wasn't as good as Jean, but I was good enough. Okay, first, I should look for my best friends.

I frowned as I looked around at all the trainees beginning to panic. I couldn't help but feel the slightest bit, well, disdainful. Being teenagers aside, they had been trained to expect that something like this might happen. Albeit not at this scale, but they should have at least expected facing a Titan at least once in their lives. Especially in a time like this.

I strode forward, finally finding Armin amongst the crowd. I grabbed his elbow, ignoring his wordless yell of surprise. He struggled a little at first, but stopped when he noticed it was just me.

"How are you holding up?" I inquired, grabbing his shoulders. Hey, if I needed to shake him back to his senses, it'd be easier. I think I've slapped Armin enough for this lifetime.

"I'll be fine," he answered and I could hear the hard determination in his voice that I was used to. "We should find Eren and Mikasa."

I smiled a little. It probably looked a little weird, but whatever. This was a weird situation.

"Lead the way."

It was harder than I thought, finding them. Trying to find two specific people among two hundred and seventeen was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. I just needed to find –

"Hey, there's Eren," I pointed out, pulling on Armin's sleeve and pointing. There he was, heading towards Jean and… they were fighting. Again.

Armin and I shared a mildly exasperated, really scared look (I'm pretty sure the fear was more from our entire situation than from Eren) and headed towards them at a run.

"What's gotten into me? I don't need to hear that from you, you suicidal bastard," Jean snarled, grabbing Eren's collar ad tugging him close. I bit on my lip, slowing down as I neared them. Jean had that frightened look in his eyes that Armin had had not too long ago. Looking around, I realised he wasn't the only one. Only teenagers… "You actually wanted to join the Recon Corps, didn't you? I'm sure you're good and ready to die at any second! I was supposed to leave for the Interior tomorrow!"

This was a cruel world indeed.

"Relax," Eren urged. He didn't quite know how to calm Jean down either. Hell, I don't think even I could. In my old life, I never had to put my life on the line for anything. All I was doing when I was fourteen Back Then was struggling through school. This was my first battle just as much as it was theirs. The only difference was that I had five years to prepare for this and the rest of them were content with thinking they would be able to breeze through their lives with minimal danger.

"Relax and accept death, is it?" Jean was on the verge of hysterical, only keeping his calm from all the training we had been through. I heard footsteps and met Mikasa's gaze, the worry in her eyes evident.

"Hell no," Eren snarled, pushing Jean back until his back hit the pillar. "Don't forget; never forget the three years we poured our blood, sweat and tears into. We've nearly died so many times over the past three years. Some people actually did and some ran away or were driven out. But we survived! Isn't that right? I'm sure we can do the same now!"

The graduates around us, I could see them regaining their composure. I smiled faintly. The ability of Eren's words would never fail to amaze me. I don't think I had ever met someone like him before.

"You're going to survive this day and go to the Interior tomorrow, right?" Eren finished, burning gaze on Jean. His determination was so strong I felt I was going to burn in the heat of his fervour. Eren stepped back, but Jean stood in place for a moment. Eren had that effect on people. Sometimes I wondered if even he knew.

Jean looked to the side, his fists clenched. In anger? I didn't know. If my skills at reading Armin were fair at best, Jean might as well have been a brick wall for all I could read him. "Shit," he muttered, walking away. "Let's go, Daz. How long are you going to keep crying?"

"Jean…" I murmured, staring sadly at his back. I hated this friction between Eren and Jean. Even if I sometimes got angry at him, I didn't dislike Jean. I didn't dislike him at all.

He paused, head almost turning to look at me, before he shook his head and walked off.

"Eren," Mikasa said, walking towards him. "If things go bad, come to me."

"Huh? Aren't we in different squads?"

They were. Armin, Eren and I were in one squad while Mikasa was in another. I couldn't help but feel a little frustrated; I had hoped I would be placed in Marco's squad, but no luck. I could switch with someone, of course, but that meant leaving Armin behind. I could never do that.

"Things don't follow the plan on a chaotic battlefield," Mikasa pointed out. "I'll protect you." I stared at her and sure enough, I found it; the same bright-eyed determination that brought Eren this far.

I stepped back to give them some privacy, but Mikasa's eyes flicked to me; a brief sign telling me not to go.

"Hey," Eren protested, "what are you – "

"Cadet Ackerman," a soldier interrupted, causing the three of us (I cast a cursory look around, spotting Armin talking to Marco) to turn. "You've been permitted to join the rear guard. Come with me."

I jerked in surprise, but I shouldn't have. Mikasa was top of our class. Not only that, but she had a natural talent with, well, everything she did. I wasn't saying this as her friend, but from an objective perspective. Mikasa was good. I could confidently say she was good enough to be with the elite and thrive.

Mikasa frowned, the slightest crease appearing on her forehead. "A-at my level of ability, I'll only get in your way!" I sucked in my lower lip; Mikasa was too humble.

Or maybe… she simply hadn't realised just how good she really was. That was fine. In time she would. As long as I was around, I'd make sure she knew just how good she was.

The soldier's lips tightened. "I don't remember asking for your opinion. The evacuation is behind schedule. We need to place as many of our elite soldiers as possible with the civilians."

For the first time since I knew her, Mikasa was flustered. She wasn't able to fully grasp the situation. I don't think she even really realised what that soldier was commenting about her ability. "B-but – "

"Oi," Eren interrupted angrily, head-butting her. I placed a hand on his arm, frowning.

"Eren," I said sharply, but he ignored me.

"Cut the crap, Mikasa," he demanded. "Pull yourself together! Mankind is in real danger of extinction here. Quit selfishly fooling your own priorities."

Mikasa stared at him in surprise before her gaze slid to the floor. "I'm sorry. I lost my cool," she whispered. Eren turned to walk away, but was stopped by Mikasa. "I just have one request." She paused. This time, I really did feel like I was intruding, so I stepped back and looked away. The wind blew, blowing their words towards me anyway. "Please… don't die."

The wind blew through my hair, the wisps of my fringe I could catch in my braid blowing into my face. This was the extent of Mikasa's and Eren's relationship, wasn't it? They were all they had left. I called the four of us family, but Eren and Mikasa truly were siblings. It didn't matter that they didn't share blood. They loved each other enough to move mountains for each other. Yes, even Eren would give his life to save Mikasa; he cared, but that didn't mean he was good at showing it.

I looked towards Armin, just taking a moment to stare at the back of his head. I'd move mountains for Armin too. I was loyal Back Then, but this was different. This wasn't loyalty. This was friendship – no, this wasn't friendship. This was something more. This was family. Armin was my family too.

"Dani."

I looked away from Armin, letting my gaze settle on Mikasa's slightly hunched figure. "Yeah?"

She met my gaze, letting me see the worry in her eyes. She was actually allowing this unmasked glimpse into her state of mind and it made me aware of how far we've come since our tentative friendship five years ago. "Look out for him. Make sure he doesn't die."

I couldn't promise he wouldn't die. I only placed tenth; what could I add on to Eren that he didn't already have? Nonetheless, I gripped her forearm, hardening my gaze with determination. "I'll try my best," I promised. "I won't let him die without a fight."

She gripped my forearm as well and it felt like a deal, but much more serious. I was serious. I would fight tooth and nail before I let Eren die.

It just settled heavily in my stomach that I wouldn't be able to stop his 'death'. I couldn't, not if I wanted him to discover his abilities.

I felt simultaneously hot and cold, but I couldn't back down. Maybe I could figure out some other way for him to awaken those powers without being eaten.

I stayed in my spot, long after Mikasa had walked away. I was in a strangely contemplative mood, the promise I had made to Mikasa weighing heavily on my shoulders. I figured I could change it, but if I killed the Titan while Eren was inside, did that mean he wouldn't shift?

I banged my head lightly against the stone, shutting my eyes. Ugh, what a headache.

"Are you okay?"

I opened my eyes to see Armin and Marco standing in front of me wearing similar expressions of concern.

"Yeah," I answered mechanically. "I'm fine. We should – we should head towards our squad, right Armin?"

I walked forward, but Marco caught my arm.

"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked, eyebrows furrowing.

"I will be." He was pulling away and the words were on my tongue. I didn't think it would change anything, but the word friend kept repeating in my head. Marco was my friend and I didn't want him to die, goddammit. "Marco, don't…" don't die. I shook my head. "Be careful, alright?"

He blinked at me, hand hovering over mine that was clutched in his jacket sleeve. "Dani?" he inquired tentatively.

I wanted to tell him what I knew, but how could you tell someone he was going to die? He wouldn't be able to fight, knowing his end was near. I felt near frantic, my eyes constantly shifting between his. I couldn't tell him. All I could do was be his friend.

I took a deep breath, slowly releasing my fingers from his sleeve. Calm. I needed to stay calm. "Just – " I bit myself off. "Stay safe. Please." For me.

He just looked at me for a while and I thought he was just going to brush me off, the way Eren, jean and even Armin would. Instead, he sighed and patted my shoulder. "Okay," he answered and I didn't know why, but it went a long way to calming my fraying nerves. "You stay safe too."

I took another deep breath, nodding sharply. The panic was receding back to a normal level and I could feel myself become normal again. Good. I needed to be my normal self.

The Battle of Trost was beginning.