In The Eyes of A Stranger [Levi Ackerman x Reader]

Chapter 14: Uncertain Horizon

The days dragged on, and the tension between you and Levi remained palpable. The Scout Regiment prepared for the expedition to reclaim Wall Maria, and you'd been assigned to Levi's squad.

As you mounted your horse, Levi's gaze met yours, a fleeting moment of connection. His expression, still guarded, hinted at a depth of emotion he refused to acknowledge.

You broke eye contact, focusing on the journey ahead. The uncertainty gnawed at your resolve.

Armin approached, his voice low. "Hey, you okay?"

You forced a smile. "Just focused on the mission."

Armin's eyes narrowed. "Is it Levi still?"

You nodded, the admission barely audible.

Levi positioned himself at the front, his back straight. You followed, your heart heavy.

As the squad departed, the contrast between their determination and desolate landscape struck you. The Scouts rode with purpose, their faces set, while the world around them seemed to have given up.

Barren trees stood like skeletal sentinels, their branches etched against the gray sky. The wind whispered secrets, its mournful sighs echoing through the ruins. Crumbling buildings, once homes and businesses, now served as tombstones for a lost civilization.

You gazed out at the desolation, your heart heavy. Yet, amidst the devastation, a spark of hope flickered. The Scouts, with their unwavering resolve, embodied that hope.

Levi rose ahead, his eyes fixed on the horizon. You still followed trance like behind him, drawn to his unyielding spirit.

The landscape unfolded before you, an expanse of ruins and scrubland. The silence between you and Levi stretched, a living thing.

Hours passed, the sun beating down relentlessly. Eren rose beside you, his eyes scanning the horizon.

"I don't know if I can do this," he whispered. "Plug the wall, I mean. What if I lose control?"

You placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We'll be there to support you, Eren. You've been practicing, I know you can do it."

Levi's voice cut through the air, his tone crisp. "Stay alert. We're approaching the Titan's suspected territory." He says, weary since there's been an unshakable abnormal on the right.

As you rode alongside Levi's squad, the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow over the desolate landscape. Suddenly, a series of black signal flares pierced the sky, their dark smoke billowing in the distance.

"Black smoke!" Eren shouts.

Oruo grunts. "It's right behind us!"

Levi called out, his voice crisp. "Stay alert."

Eren's eyes narrowed.

The squad accelerated, their horses' hooves pounding the dry earth. You felt a surge of adrenaline, you senses heightened.

"Blades drawn. It'll happen in the blink of an eye, get ready," Levi warned, his eyes scanning the horizon.

The landscape shifted, ruins giving way to a dense forest. You sensed a presence lurking beyond the tree line.

And then, without warning, a Female Titan emerged, her colossal form bursting from the trees.

Eren's eyes widened. "It must be... the one that wiped out the right-wing spotters."

Levi's gaze locked onto the Titan.

Petra, Oruo, Eld, and Gunther's voices rang out, "Captain! What are your orders?!"