The forest was still.

Deep within the woods near Paradis’ eastern front, light filtered down in gold shards through the pine canopy. You stood watch beside the transport wagon—Zeke Jaeger seated inside, bound, silent.

Everything felt too quiet.

Your squad—veterans handpicked by you—were stationed throughout the clearing. A few sat in the trees. One brewed tea over the campfire. Laughter hummed low, tired and familiar.

Levi was posted not far, standing atop a branch, arms folded, ever alert. You didn’t need to look to know he was watching both you and Zeke.

He always did.

You were Commander Lee. Strong. Strategic. Sharp. And Levi—Captain Levi—was your anchor. Where you went, he followed.

Where he stood, you stood firmer.

Until—

Zeke screamed.

A deafening, unnatural sound.

The forest exploded into chaos.

You turned just in time to see it: Titan steam. Bursting from your men.

One by one, your soldiers—your friends—convulsed and fell, transforming mid-breath.

Their faces contorted. Bones cracked. Their skin split and peeled—then came the roar. The Titan roar.

“No—” you gasped.

It was happening again. Like Ragako. Like Faye. Like every nightmare you studied in Marley reports but never thought you’d see done to your own.

You stumbled back. Knees buckled. Your blade dropped beside you with a thunk.

This wasn’t battle.

It was betrayal.

The ache in your chest bloomed so violently it made you breathless.

You’d trusted Zeke.

You vouched for him. You convinced the brass to move him under your detail. You drank the tea.

And now…

Your comrades were Titans.

And you were frozen.

⸻

Then—

Levi moved.

ODM gear hissed through the trees like a vengeful god.

He didn’t scream.

He didn’t curse.

He cut.

Limbs flew. Heads dropped. Titan screams rang through the woodline as he tore through them—his own men, turned to monsters. His face didn’t break.

Until he saw you.

—

You, on your knees in the dirt. Eyes wide. Covered in steam and blood. Silent. Shaking.

Not injured. But devastated.

Levi landed in front of you hard, boots skidding in the mud. His chest heaved. Blood dripped from his jaw.

He didn’t ask if you were okay.

He grabbed you. Pulled you to your feet, into him. Held you like you were the last stable thing left in this cursed island.

Your fingers curled into his uniform. You didn’t even know you were crying until he said your name.

Soft. Unlike him.

“Lee—look at me.”

You tried. You really tried.

“I’m here,” he said.

Your voice cracked, barely above a whisper. “They were mine, Levi.”

“I know.”

“I trusted—”

He grabbed the back of your neck, pressed your forehead to his. His breath was sharp, pained.

“You didn’t fail them,” he growled. “Zeke did. And I swear to you—he’s going to pay.”

His eyes were on fire. Not for glory. Not for command.

For you.

And when he finally let go—just for a second—he turned toward the smoke still curling from the forest edge.

His voice was death.

“I’ll tear that bastard apart.”

And you believed him.

Because Levi Ackerman may have been humanity’s strongest soldier— But today, in the forest where everything fell apart—

He became your shield.