Your Wings - Reader X Levi Ackerman

Chapter 39: For Humanity

The atmosphere was thick with fear and the stench of death. Levi stood among the scattered remnants of soldiers, his blades slick with titan blood. He had managed to help clear out the smaller titans that charged into the village, but their numbers and morale were dwindling. The loud roar echoing from within the walls sent a chill through the air, forcing Levi's head to jerk upward. He clenched his fists tightly, his thoughts racing. What's happening in there? Are they okay? Is she okay?

Levi barely caught his breath before a massive barrel shot over the walls, crashing down on the other side. His instincts screamed to rush toward the source, to confirm if you were safe, but the terrified faces surrounding him dragged him back to the present. He turned, catching sight of Erwin sitting on a crate, his posture uncharacteristically slack, his expression distant.

Levi strode over, his voice low but firm. "You can still retreat. You, (Y/N), and the rest of the squad. You don't have to stay here and die."

Erwin raised his eyes slowly, a faint, almost wistful smile gracing his lips. "There's still a way forward. A plan to save them all... and take down the Beast Titan."

Levi blinked, his brow furrowing as he crouched down to meet Erwin's gaze. "You're serious?"

Erwin's voice dropped to a grave tone as he outlined his plan—a suicide charge to draw the Beast Titan's fire. The soldiers would use flares to obscure its vision, making it harder for the titan to aim accurately. Levi shook his head, his tone incredulous. "You think they'll follow you into certain death?"

"They will," Erwin said firmly, "if I lead them."

The words landed like a blow, and Levi's glare sharpened. "So, that's it, then? You're going to throw your life away too?"

Erwin's expression softened, his lips curling in a faint, regretful smile. "There's no other way. My only regret..." He hesitated, then added, "I'll never get to see what's in Eren's basement."

The admission caught Levi off guard. His eyes widened, a mixture of frustration and understanding flashing across his face. "That's your regret?" he asked, leaning closer, his voice low and sharp. "All of this, and that's what you care about?"

Erwin chuckled softly, his voice carrying a hint of sadness. "I've spent my life chasing the truth, Levi. Protecting humanity was always part of it, but the answers—those kept me moving forward. And now, they'll die with me."

Levi swallowed hard, the words sitting heavy in his chest. "What about me? Where do I fit into this suicide mission of yours?"

Erwin straightened slightly, the weight of his resolve settling over him. He gestured toward the line of titans standing motionless in the Beast Titan's shadow. "You're wrong if you think there's no way to reach him. Those titans—use them. They're positioned perfectly for your ODM gear. You'll kill the Beast Titan."

Levi's gaze followed the line of titans, realization dawning. He turned back to Erwin, a mixture of admiration and disbelief in his eyes. "You're insane," he muttered. "If there really is no other way... Then fine. I'll do it. Give up on your dream of seeking the truth, and lead them all to their deaths." He says as a last attempt to change his mind.

But Erwin smiled again, standing and resting a hand on Levi's shoulder. "It's been an honor fighting alongside you, Levi."

Levi clenched his jaw, bowing his head as his eyes locked to the ground. "Thank you... Erwin."

The moment shattered with an ear-splitting explosion from within the walls. Levi and Erwin whipped their heads toward the source, the sheer force of it shaking the ground beneath them. Levi's eyes widened, his mouth slightly agape as a wave of dread washed over him. "No..." he muttered, his mind racing back to you.