Beyond These Walls (Levi x Reader)

A Chance Encounter

Levi's P.O.V

We ride our horses in strategic formation, my hips move rhythmically up and down. Erwin rides in front of me, never looking back, always forward. Our mission was to collect two new test subjects for Hanji, but now we must return without reward for our efforts. A dissatisfying loss. The influx of oncoming titan swarms left us with a handful of casualties and now we have been pushed off course. We must circle around through an unexplored area of thick brush and heavy vegetation. Soon after, we emerge through a clearing and discover a small cottage no more than 50 feet away. Smoke pours from the brick chimney, signaling habitation. A house outside the walls is a rare artifact, but one occupied by a human is undeniably impossible. Erwin signals our halt as we approach the suspicious cottage, weary in our every step. Erwin and I dismount, the others remain on guard. We proceed through the unlocked door and emerge into the main area of a 2 room quarters. A pot of water simmers atop a burning fire. Several perfectly trimmed cuts of flank steak catch my eye. I bend down and inhale; they are fresh. The room is mostly empty, with the exception of a few scattered books and blankets. The residence is in recent occupation. Erwin returns from what I presume to be the bedroom and we exit the residence together.

We prepare to mount our horses when the ground begins to shake beneath us. The trees behind us begin to tumble one by one, until a titan, 10 meter class, appears in the back of the clearing. Erwin raises his hand to signal our attack and the titan races towards us at full speed. We wait for Erwin's orders, but he does not proceed. An unfamiliar sound, a sinusoidal buzzing, encases the clearing. The intensity of the noise grows as it approaches. Then, the sound is above me in a flurry. I snap my head upwards to see the shadow of a mechanical mass pressed against the blinding glow of the radiant sun. The mass lands with a thud a few meters behind the group. A steel frame sits atop two wheels. It appears to be a mechanical horse of sorts. It's rider, a frail frame encased by a charcoal cape. The mysterious figure presses a trigger and steam pours out around them. Two canisters, similar to the ones used by the 3DMG, clatter to the ground. Two more canisters fall into place, in order to replace the empty ones. We are all too absorbed by shock to move. Expressions of awe and amazement overtake faces. I remain expressionless, amused by the performance.

The figure reaches towards their back, pulling an axe from behind them. They twirl it once to assume an upright position. The titan's foot crashes down, threatening to smother the rider, but they seamlessly swerve left to dodge. Kicking their left foot out, they make a sharp turn to the right along the backside of the titan. The axe becomes a blur of silver as it is gouged into both ankles. The titan stumbles slightly, letting out an ear-piercing shriek before falling forward to the ground. The rider leaps from their contraption, somersaulting once as a gash is cut from the nape of the titan's neck. They land with two feet on the opposite side of the titan, steam bellows from the decaying body.

As the figure approaches, their features become more visible. Brown army boots, connected by slender yet muscular legs to a torso with khaki shorts and a (f/c) tank top. Her female orientation is made obvious by her protruding cleavage, but her face still remains a mystery. A young girl single handedly defeated a titan tirelessly without adequate equipment or training. Even I am impressed, this girl has peaked my interest. I smirk to myself, but return to my stoic persona as Erwin speaks. "State your name, soldier."

Your P.O.V

An older man with blonde hair and thicker frame demands me to speak. I hesitate for a moment, unsure of the situation. I look to the left of the man and observe a shorter and more slender soldier. His raven hair and laborious silver eyes are intimidating. Yet, I feel no imminent threat. They are humans not titans, so I proceed to answer. "(f/n) (l/n), Sir. May I ask what your business is this far beyond the walls?" He does not hesitate and replies to my question in full detail.

"Erwin Smith, 13th Commander of the Survey Corps. Our mission is to explore beyond the walls in order to relieve the titan threat and build a home for humanity in the outside world." I freeze at his words, remembering my father. The images come flooding back to me in a torrent of painful memories. The nights he would spend reading me stories of the wondrous outside world, the ridicule he received for his unpopular beliefs for a life beyond the walls and the soft smile he gave as he told me to follow the path I believe is right. My eyes tear slightly at my longing to bring him back. I am brought back out of my daydreams by Erwin's final remark. "I believe I am inclined to ask you the same, Miss (l/n)." I have no objections to his prodding, this much he deserves to know.

"15 years ago I was brought outside by a scientist performing experiments on turning humans into titans." The group before me gasps and their lips are tugged by distain. I continue. "An injection was administered to the first test subject, a young boy from my village. His body morphed into that of a titan. Unfortunately, he lost control and killed the scientist along with the other 2 test subjects in cold blood. I ran into the forest, away from the walls, as far as my feet would carry me. This is where I have made my home since then." I look upwards and see Erwin giving me a heart warming and comforting grin. The others behind him chatter in gasps of disbelief.

"Surviving for 15 years outside of the walls."

"She's incredible."

"She's terrifying."

"Some of us don't even make it an hour."

But, Erwin has not finished his interrogation. "What information do you know about these experiments?"

"Very little, Sir. I was only in their company for a mere three days. The most I can advise you is that the experiments did not have their desired outcome. I believe it is also safe to presume any remainders of his work have long since been lost or forgotten. I am sorry I cannot not be of much help." He chuckles at me, amused by my chagrin.

"You may not be able to provide us with the information we desire, but that does not mean you cannot assist us in our cause. Your skills are impeccable and you exhibit intelligence far beyond your years. Your inventions dictate that you are an extremely talented individual. Miss (l/n), we would be honored if you would join our ranks." He vaunts, but his voice is filled with melancholy. Everyone behind him recoils in surprise. I rebuke intensely.

"And if I refuse?"

"As a citizen of Wall Maria you will be charged with long-standing tax evasion and illegal excursion into unregulated territory." Erwin states blatantly. The intimidating man beside him snickers and mutters the words 'sly bastard'. I grit my teeth. Now, I can see why the others look up to him so dearly, he is cunning and tactful. Remembering my past, I feel my breath hitch. If this man has the same values and beliefs as my father, then I will gladly follow him until my last breath. I ask my final question.

"Do you really believe the day will come where humans will live outside of those walls?" He nods and I feel triumph rise in my chest. A burst of vigor consumes me. I approach Commander Erwin and extend my hand towards him. He accepts it graciously.

"I'd be honored."