Beyond These Walls (Levi x Reader)

The Moon That Weeps

Your P.O.V

Patiently, we wait for our emphatic commander's orders. The unexpected assault left our forces reeling in confusion, at a loss for words as to where our plans were headed. Without a knowledgeable heading, Hanji scrambles to assemble our forces in order to attack our upper handed foe. The soft whispers of doubtful soldiers fill the briefing room with an eerie aura, begging for the tension to be released. Without warning, Hanji emerges, her eyes filled with confident perplexity. "We will continue our movement as planned. No reprimands will be made to the agenda. All able-bodied soldiers are instructed to outfit themselves in proper attire and mount their horses. We leave for Nedlay immediately." As if in synchrony, the soldiers rise and disembark for the icy wasteland that lies in wait.

As I approach the stables where my horse is stationed, an apathetic hand encases my own, pulling me closer. Levi forcefully directs me to the steed adjoining his and insists I maintain a watchful radius within the formation. At first, his overprotective antics agitated me beyond any feasible tolerability, but now I yearn for his protection and gentle touch. He smiles slightly, providing me with an unexpected and remarkable gesture. Giggling to myself, I am reminded that no matter where I am, or what may come to harm me, I will always be safe by his side. No longer does a resilient fear rumble in my chest, home now follows me wherever I go.

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Briefly, I catch a casual exchange between Armin and Hanji as we march through uninhabited forest. Since Erwin's death, Armin has been appointed the lead strategist in tactical operations, making him impervious and pivotal to all acting decisions. "It's safe to assume the beast titan will take no hesitation in making his next move. The failure in Chlorba will only act as fuel to propel his hard thought plan into action. We must take caution when approaching Nedlay and be weary of our surroundings. If we are too late, the meager forces safe guarding the district will be no match for our feral and unpredictable enemy." Armin rambles as he speaks, his unnerved demeanor evident in his fast-paced rant. Although, his brains out weigh his brawn, his uncontrollable anxiety still consumes him. He will forever be downtrodden with new recruit syndrome. I laugh maniacally, shaking my head with chagrin. Amidst my dazed reflection, I have lost track of time. The gentle horizon of maple and oak has faded, leaving behind a thick brush of conifer and dark skies. I nuzzle my cheek deeper into the neckline of my fur parka, beseeching the warmth to fill my complexion. My nose and ears sear with prickled chill, causing my pale façade to ignite a rosy pink. The air has grown stagnant, filling my lungs with dehydrated breathes. Slowly, each breath becomes more difficult to relinquish. I avert my gaze to the left, catching a glimpse of Levi as I fight desperately against the unaccustomed cold. Much to my surprise, he remains unfaltering within the unfamiliar climate. His frame is stoic, eyes pierced forward with drive. Upon noticing my ambient glare, his attention shifts, falling on my figure. His expression softens as he analyzes my pained distress. A look of empathy radiates from within him and I motion for him to disperse any concern.

I am taken aback as a mysterious fleck lands on my skin. The miniscule freckle of alabaster satin transforms, becoming a transparent drop that cascades from my heated cheek. Snow. My insides ignite, causing a torrent of excitement and bliss from within. Levi snickers at my childish amusement and presses forward, unmoved by the changing landscape. As our precarious march continues, the frosty downpour thickens until our vision is completely obscured. Without warning, the ravine growls and echoes with ferocity. Our horses halt, apprehension filling the air. The sinister orchestra falls silent and we wait with weary. A muffled purring is heard from above, but I am unable to evade. At the last moment, I catch a glimpse of the malevolent white sheet that falls menacingly from the mountain side. "AVALANCHE!" Cadets scream in terror as they steer their horses in desperate attempt to evade the onslaught.