Bargain (Levi x Reader)

Chapter 9: The Final Deal

In the next instant, they were inside the Paths. Levi recognized the barren landscape, the star-filled sky. And of course, he recognized the two people standing five meters away from them, hand-in-hand.

Even though Levi had already seen Eren's child form once, it was strange for him. He had gotten so used to Eren being taller, broader. Yet, in spite of his smaller frame, the haunted look in his eyes was still equally as unsettling.

A quick glance over his shoulder told Levi that he and (f/n) were the only ones that were brought here. Perhaps that was how Ymir and Eren wanted it – two on two. It would have appeared to be equal footing, if the titan shifters weren't controlling the very ground on which they stood.

"Ymir," (f/n) said gently, "I'm the new Wrath. I took the place of the demon who originally bargained with you. I'm just here to talk."

"I have nothing to say to you," Ymir replied, her voice devoid of emotion. "You have nothing that I want."

"Please, just listen," (f/n) murmured, holding out her hands beseechingly. "I know that you were treated poorly. I know that's why you bargained for power. I don't blame you. But your power has been twisted by wrath, and it's now a conduit for hatred and destruction. That can't be what you wanted, can it?"

Ymir's expression didn't change. "This world deserves to pay for what it did to me."

"The people who hurt you are dead and gone," (f/n) insisted. "You got your revenge. It's time to let go."

"There are still those who hurt her descendants," Eren countered in the same, expressionless voice. "We were imprisoned, enslaved, demonized, and murdered – merely because we shared her blood. It will never end, not until all those who are different than us are dead."

"But you're killing Eldians too!" (f/n) pointed out. "Millions of them! They live all over the world, and the Rumbling is crushing them beneath its feet!"

"They won't truly die," Ymir replied. "They'll simply reside here, in the Paths. My people and I will never be separated. You cannot take that away. No one can. All of us are going to be happy together."

"You –" (f/n) spoke. But then she paused. Blinked. As if she had just realized something. "You're like me," she breathed, her eyes widening in astonishment.

Ymir said nothing.

"You felt lonely," (f/n) continued. Slowly, she released Levi's hand, then took a step toward Ymir. And another. And another. "You wanted a human connection, but everyone in your life treated you like dirt. That's why you made the deal – not for power, not really. What you really longed for was love."

Ymir's eyes widened, and the tiniest hint of emotion seeped into her voice. "I don't..."

Levi was perplexed at the small crack in the child's mask, and it took him a moment to realize that it was the result of (f/n)'s power. She was amplifying human sentiments, just like she had done when they made their bargain, just like she had done with Eren. Only this time, her focus was fixed on Ymir.

"It's okay," (f/n) murmured as she reached the child. "I know what it's like. I was lonely too."

Ymir took a step back, but then Eren was in front of her, glaring threateningly at (f/n). A knife had appeared in his small fist, pointed directly at her stomach.

However, (f/n) didn't flinch, didn't take her eyes off the girl. "Let him go, Ymir," she murmured calmly.

"I don't want him to go!" the child cried. "I want him to stay with me!"

"Shh," (f/n) cooed in a calming voice. "It's okay. I'll still be here. You won't be alone."

Ymir swallowed, looking like she was about to cry. But after a long moment, she nodded. Then she let go of Eren's hand.