The Humanity's Strongest & The Graceful

Altering Plans

Tessa's POV:

While the graduation ceremony drew close, Tessa looked up at the beautiful night sky again. The stars danced across the blue blanket, and the moon gleamed like a perfect spotlight on the graduates of the Cadet Corps. Tessa closes her eyes as the cool breeze blows through her ebony curls. Her thoughts go back to the memory of seeing the night sky as a child when she and Levi went to the cavern on the night they met. The crack-in ceiling above them gave them a clear sight of the night sky, just like tonight. When Tessa opens her eyes, she finds herself staring at the moon. Somehow, her heart told her it was supposed to happen, but she didn't know why. As Tessa takes a deep breath, the ceremony is over, and she lets it go because it's now time for the next step of her plan. With the graduation ceremony over, there are sounds of cheering echoing in the castle's courtyard. Everything moved in a blur then time froze. Friends were hugging each other, and happiness radiated throughout the night. Tessa watched from the podium as all the people she met three years ago were now Cadets. She smiled that it was now time for the next chapter of her life. To join the Scouts and to save humanity from the Titans.

While Tessa reminiscences everything, she suddenly feels her feet lift off the ground. She looks to see Hange lifting her to squeeze into a tight hug, "We did it, Cat!" Hange squealed, "We fucking did it!" She cheers, and Tessa laughs as Hange spins them both before losing her balance, "Zoe, you're going to make yourself dizzy, then we'll fall!" Tessa laughed as she tried to wiggle herself free. Hange became Tessa's best friend the moment they met. After her mom died, Tessa was alone for most of her life then she met Hange. Their bond has kept Tessa from falling into the cracks of darkness. She has been grateful for Hange and her support. They strove for excellence in everything they did, and they accomplished it. After a few more spins and laughs, Hange finally lets Tessa down, "Thank you, Zoe," Tessa chuckles as she places a hand on Hange's forehead, "Are you dizzy?" She asks with a hint of humor, and Hange rolls her eyes, "Haha, very funny, Cat," She mocks, "I'm fine. I'm just excited that our plans are coming true." She beamed as she bounced up and down. Before Tessa can agree with her excitement, Hange spots another Cadet wanting her attention, "I'll see you later, Cat!" Hange squeals before running off.

Tessa shakes her head as she watches Hange disappear into the crowd below. Hange makes friends everywhere she goes, and Tessa envies that about her. It's one of the most admiring things about Hange, which inspires Tessa to open up to people. While Tessa stands there and watches everyone, she doesn't see the Commander of the Military Police walking toward her. When Tessa turned around, she saw Commander Tegan, "Commander Tegan." Tessa saluted when she looked at Tegan's brown-colored eyes. Tessa was surprised that one of the Commanders of the Regiments was there. Tegan bowed his head to Tessa's salute before clearing his throat, "You must be Cadet Lind, correct?" He asked, and Tessa nodded, "I've heard great things about you from your Instructor. Top of the class, who has excellent technique with ODM and is a skilled doctor. Is that right?" He questioned as he eyed Tessa up and down. Tessa noticed how Tegan was staring at her, which made her feel uneasy, but she didn't let it show on her face, "Yes, sir. All of that is true." Tessa replied as she kept her voice steady and calm.

Tessa remembered the Top Ten getting chosen for the Military Police, but she didn't want it. Hange and Tessa were the only two in the top ten that wanted the Scout Regiment. Tessa knew what the Commander implied when he asked her about her statistics on Cadet training. Tegan was there for her, but how far would he go to get Tessa to join the MPs? Tegan's voice breaks her from her thoughts, and she looks at him. Tegan crosses his arms when he looks into Tessa's blue eyes, "I'd like you to consider joining the Miltary Police, Cadet Lind," He declared, "We would benefit from your help more than the Garrison." He explained with an intense stare with his hazel-colored eyes on Tessa's body again. Tessa tries to hide the emotions that she is feeling. Irritation and humor were two of the few. Anger was because of the Commander's behavior toward her. He didn't act like she was a fellow soldier; instead, he looked at her with desire. Tessa could feel her nails digging into her palms as she watched Tegan eye her up and down again. The knife in her boot itched to get out, but she bit back the urge. Though she had frustration with Tegan, there was wit in there too. Tessa wasn't surprised that Tegan assumed the Garrison would be her choice, but he was sadly mistaken.