Your Wings - Reader X Levi Ackerman

Chapter 17: Bringing Down the Female Titan

As you scan the streets, you notice dozens of military police scattered around, their eyes locked on your group like hawks circling prey. The tension in the air is thick. A tall man steps forward from the cluster, his face marked by faint stubble and an air of authority. The bolo tie dangling from his neck paired with his military uniform instantly gives away his rank. Nile Dawk, Commander of the Military Police Regiment, you recall hearing the name in passing once before.

He is just about to speak to Erwin when a sudden bolt of lightning splits the sky, its flash illuminating the far side of the city. The deafening crack of an explosion follows, echoing off the high walls of Stohess. You stiffen, eyes widening and your pulse quickening as dread washes over you. That unmistakable signal—lightning. The plan failed already? Annie must've figured it out.

You glance at Erwin. His face is firm and unshaken, though you can feel the weight of the situation pressing down on everyone else. Nile's eyes widen in disbelief as he turns his head toward the sudden commotion, shock plastered across his features. "What was that?!" His voice trembles as he barks at his men, ordering them to investigate. "Find out what the hell just happened!"

"Yes, sir!" they respond in unison, scattering quickly toward the chaos.

Nile mutters under his breath, "What could that possibly be...?"

Before he can finish the thought, Erwin's voice cuts through the tension. "Assume that there's a Titan in the city. Dispatch your soldiers."

Nile's head snaps toward him, eyes blazing. "A Titan? Are you insane?! This is Wall Sina! Titans don't make it this far in! It's impossible!"

Just then, the door of the carriage behind you bursts open, swinging wildly on its hinges. Out steps a figure wearing a wig, fumbling with the disguise. You blink in confusion for a moment before it dawns on you—it's Jean, dressed as Eren. A poorly disguised Eren. Your mind races, piecing it together. Erwin hadn't mentioned this part of the mission.

One of the military police officers immediately rushes forward, trying to restrain Jean, shouting, "Hold it! Eren Yeager, you're under—!"

Before he can finish, Jean yanks the wig off his head, his face twisted in annoyance. "I'm not that stupid boy, Yeager!" he shouts, clearly exasperated.

The soldier stumbles back, eyes wide with shock, as Jean sprints toward you, Erwin, and Levi. "Never call me Yaeger again!" Jean yells over his shoulder before finally reaching your group. 

"Commander!" Jean gasps, trying to catch his breath. "Let me go. I'm ready to fight!"

Erwin, ever the composed leader, studies Jean for a brief moment before nodding. "Go. Retrieve your gear from the Fourth Squad."

Jean snaps to attention. "Yes, sir!"

He turns to run, but Levi's voice stops him cold.

"Jean." Levi's tone is calm, but there's a sharp edge to it. "It's fine to be enthusiastic. Just don't forget to guard your life."

Jean's eyes flicker with understanding, and he nods quickly. "Understood, sir."

Before he dashes off, he catches your eye. You don't need to say anything—he knows. You mouth the words, "Be careful," and Jean nods once more, then races into the distance.

As Jean disappears, a fellow Scout brings Erwin a suitcase containing his gear. Erwin thanks the scout and begins suiting up with swift, precise movements. You can see the weight of leadership etched in every gesture, the coolness with which he prepares himself for whatever comes next. Just as Erwin finishes strapping on his gear and is about to take off, Nile steps forward, rifle in hand. In a flash, the barrel is pointed straight at Erwin's head.