Levi returns to me, his face set in a grim, determined mask. Oh, no. This doesn't look good. Erwin is right behind him, moving with the same focused intensity. Rocks continue to crash down around us, and I know we don't have much time.
I stroke my horse's nose softly, whispering, "We can do this. Don't worry."
Levi overhears me and just stares, his expression darker than before. I can't read him, but something's clearly wrong.
"Soldier!" Erwin calls out, and I fall in with the rest of the scouts.
"We have one way out," Erwin begins. "We charge the Beast Titan head-on, giving Levi the opening he needs to take him down. Smoke signals will help cover our approach. We'll use everything we've got to keep his focus on us. This is our only option."
The plan hits me like a punch to the gut. "You're insane," I say, quietly, though I'm not panicked. Just... resigned. "We'll be slaughtered."
Other scouts echo my thoughts, their voices shaking. "This is a suicide mission, right? We're all gonna die out there."
Erwin sighs. "Yes, many of you will die. But we have no choice. Either you die here, hiding behind the houses, or you die fighting. I will lead the charge myself."
I shake my head, looking back at my horse. "So, in the end, skill didn't matter? We die just because we chose this?"
Erwin looks at me but says nothing, simply preparing to ride. That silence speaks volumes.
I give my horse one last pat. "Sigyn, I'm sorry I dragged you into this." My voice is barely a whisper.
I glance over at Levi again, hoping to get a read on him, and to my surprise, he's still staring. I try to smile, but it's weak, and doesn't seem to ease the tension in his eyes.
He approaches, but there's a hesitation in his step, like he's holding something back.
"Well, Captain Levi," I say, forcing a bit of lightness into my voice, "it's been an honor." I extend my hand to him, hoping this doesn't feel as final as it seems.
He looks at my hand, then at me. "I told you to stay on the other side of the-," he says, his voice low, not angry, but serious.
"Doesn't matter now," I interrupt, trying to sound calm. "I made my choice. Isn't that what you always teach the kids? No regrets."
There's a pause, and then he takes my hand in a firm shake. "Right."
The scouts are almost ready to move, and I glance at them. "Don't screw it up," I add with a smirk.
"You know I won't."
"I do." I take a breath, trying to steady myself. "See you around, Captain."
"Yeah," he replies, but he hesitates, turning halfway as if to say something more. Then, with a swift movement, he starts to leave.
"Levi," I call out, stopping him again. He turns this time, fully facing me, his eyes locking onto mine.
I step forward, closing the gap between us, and without thinking, place my hands on his shoulders. Slowly, I press my forehead against his, the weight of the moment heavy between us. He stiffens, surprised, but doesn't pull away.
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The air feels thick, time slowing as we stand there. This is more affection than I ever thought I'd show anyone-especially Levi, of all people.
After what feels like an eternity, he steps back slightly, his expression guarded but intense.
"Come back alive, and that's an order." He sharply says. It sends a small smile to my lips, despite everything.
"Don't worry," I reply, but we both know it's an empty promise.
He turns and leaves without another word, disappearing into the chaos. I mount my horse, one last glance at the horizon before the charge begins.
I load my flare gun, and wait for the signal. I hear Erwin's war cry, and my heart sinks. Let's go.
We all fire our smoke signals, and charge.
I pat Sigyn's head. "You've served me well, young lady." I say, and the barrages come. I grit my teeth as they hit people. To my left. To my right. Falling off their horses. The horrific impact of rock hitting human flesh makes a haunting sound.
I scream, with all my might, and fire a second smoke signal, hoping it might even be close enough to obscure Levi's advance and keep him safe.
I hear the next barrage coming, and I shut my eyes as I ride. I don't want to see it coming. But it sure does. As far as I can tell, a rock hits the floor in front of Sigyn, sending us tripping over, even airborne for a few seconds. As I begin to fall to the ground, I feel the impact of small debris with my head. I feel warm blood pissing down my head, and weskness in all my limbs.
I didn't think I'd be so aware of my own death.
I open my eyes, and to my shock, I can still see. Sigyn scrambles to get up, I grab her reigns and pull her bridle down to the ground. "Stay down. Please." I beg her, and she seems to listen.
I lay my head on the ground, and groan. I want to get back up and finish this alongside Levi. But I just don't have the strength.
I feel my vision go dark, and sigh. The barrages of rocks seem to stop, and I shut my eyes and sigh. We did it. Cool.
