Your Wings - Reader X Levi Ackerman

Chapter 42: Fighting for Marley

The metal truck rattles along the uneven road, each jolt pulling you from your thoughts. Around you, the other warriors sit in heavy silence, their faces grim, except for Pieck and Porco, whose conversation is the only sound breaking the tension. You keep to yourself, trying to steady your nerves as the growing anxiety claws at the edges of your mind.

The months you've spent in Marley feel like a blur of rigorous training, adapting to their combat styles, and returning home to your grandmother. She's the only family you have left, and the bond between you has grown unshakable. The memory of her tearful farewell lingers vividly. Her embrace had been warm and tight, her pleas for you to return safely echoing in your ears. You reassured her, over and over, that you would be fine. It's been so long since you've felt a mother's care, and the thought of her waiting for you fills you with both resolve and dread.

The truck jolts again, yanking you back to the present. Your gaze snaps up, only to find both Zeke and Porco watching you. Porco smirks, his tone mocking as he says, "You ready to taste real war, island devil?"

Before you can respond, Zeke cuts him off, his voice sharp. "Don't underestimate her. The soldiers on that island are bloodthirsty and dangerous."

You glance between the two, and a sly grin tugs at your lips as you say, "I agree. After all, they managed to take down the Colossal and the Female Titans, didn't they? Considering the fact that they aren't here." Your eyes flick to Porco, your voice deliberate. "Not to mention, I heard your brother didn't survive his time on the island either, did he?"

Porco's smirk vanishes in an instant. He springs to his feet, his face contorted in rage. "Watch your damn mouth!" he snarls, his voice trembling with fury. He takes a step closer, the tension in the truck crackling like a live wire.

You don't flinch. You meet his glare head-on, your voice steady as you reply, "What? Just returning the same energy you've been throwing at me these past months."

Before the situation can escalate further, Pieck places a hand on Porco's arm. Her voice is soft but firm as she pulls him back into his seat. "Porco, enough. Save your energy. We're already heading into one war-there's no need to start another here. Besides, we're supposed to all trust each other if we want to make it out alive."

Porco mutters under his breath, his glare still fixed on you as he slouches back into his seat. "I'll never trust an island devil," he spits.

You lean back as well, crossing your arms. "Is that all you can come up with? Try being more creative with the name calling."

Before Porco can respond, Zeke pinches the bridge of his nose with an exasperated sigh. "That's enough. Both of you. Your bickering is giving me a massive headache."

The truck falls silent. Porco shoots you one last glare but says nothing, and you hold your tongue as well. Moments later, the truck slows to a stop, and the doors creak open. One by one, you all climb down, ready to face the chaos ahead.

As your boots hit the ground, the dust rises, filling the air with a dry, earthy scent. The heat bears down on you like an oppressive weight, the barren landscape offering no relief. It's a wasteland of sand and dirt, broken only by tents scattered across the terrain. Soldiers and trucks move with purpose, their hurried steps and grinding wheels adding to the tension in the air.

Zeke waves you all forward, leading the group to one of the larger tents. Inside, Commander Magath stands over a table, maps and papers spread before him. His sharp eyes meet each of yours as you enter, and he greets you with a curt nod before diving straight into the plan.

"Here's the situation," Magath begins, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. "The front lines are struggling. The enemy is relentless, and our forces are barely holding. That's why I summoned all of you." He gestures to the map. "The Cart and Armored Titans will assist the front, breaking through their defenses. The Beast Titan will handle their aircraft, creating an opening for the Winged Titan to engage. Once the skies are clear, you," he says, pointing directly at you, "will carry the Jaw Titan to their backlines. Your mission is to unleash Porco there, destroy their towers, and eliminate their forces within the base."