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

Chapter 15: Uneasy Silence

Perched atop a branch, the Levi squad checked their gear, awaiting orders. The sudden appearance of a blue smoke signal enveloped the forest, signaling withdrawal.

Your thoughts lingered on the captured enemy, and the conversation that previously occurred with the Levi squad about trust, and the possibility of a spy within the ranks. You looked over at Eren, shocked but speculating the same as you.

You juggled the idea of the Female Titan also being a shifter, and Commander Erwin's intentions throughout this expedition.

Nevertheless, you smiled at Eren, relieved he'd trusted them, and made it this far. Hoping it meant you could extinguish your ignorance towards whatever enemy hid beneath your ranks.

Eren questioned if they truly discovered the Titan's true identity.

Petra smiled, her voice soft. "Of course, all thanks to you! You learned to trust the fellow members of your squad. That's big."

Oruo scoffed. "Oh, please. Survive the journey home and I might be persuaded to respect you. The mission isn't over, not till we're made it through the gates."

Eld turned his back, mocking the memory of Petra and Oruo wetting themselves on their first expedition. 

The squad's laughter and shouts echoed through the trees, momentarily lifting the somber mood. 

You gaze ahead, wondering about the Female Titan. "What do you think her purpose was?" you asked Petra. 

Petra's expression turned thoughtful. "I don't know for sure, but hopefully we'll find out soon."

The Levi squad soared through the forest canopy, their ODM gear propelling them with swift silence. You glanced around, vigilant, still uneasy from the vague withdrawal signal.

A green flare signal shot through the trees, and the Levi squad retaliated with the same signal, heading in that direction. 

Suddenly, a hooded figure emerged from the shadows blade flashing in the dim light.

In the blink of an eye, the hooded Scout slashed Gunther down, his body crumpling to the base of the forest tree.

The squads eyes froze, horrified.

Eren rushed toward him, his eyes wide from staring at Gunther's lifeless body, his face ashen.

Levi's voice echoed in your mind, "Stay safe," now a haunting reminder.

"Gunther!" Eren screamed before Oruo slammed into him, pushing him to being fleeing.

Petra cried out, "Who is that!?" Confusion reigned. 

The squad confused, they continue fleeing through the trees, assuming the enemy has reappeared. 

Eld took the lead. "Make for HQ at full speed!"

Instantaneously, the Female Titan burst from the underbrush, her colossal form crashing through the trees.

The squad sprang into action, fleeing even quicker through the forest on ODM gear.

You glanced back, seeing the Female Titan gaining ground, her eyes fixed on Eren.

The squad weaved through the trees, dodging branches and leaping over obstacles. 

The Female Titan's footsteps once again echoed through the forest, her pursuit relentless.

Eren raised his hand to his mouth, determined to transform. 

"Have you learned nothing?" Oruo demanded.

"I thought you trusted us!" Petra pleaded.

"You two newbies need to keep it moving! This is our best course of action!" Eld added, his voice firm.