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The icy grip of winter had taken hold, with frost coating every surface and snow blanketing the landscape as far as the eye could see. The bitter cold seemed to seep into every crevice, making even the simplest tasks a struggle. It felt as though the world had been plunged into a frozen wasteland, with no end in sight to the bone-chilling temperatures.
With each passing moment, Levi's impatience grew, the urgency to reach their destination mounting with every step the black mare took. He cursed under his breath, his teeth chattering from the cold as he willed his horse to move faster. The fear of losing feeling in his limbs pushed him to push on, the promise of warmth and respite driving him forward despite the harsh conditions. Levi's determination was unwavering, his focus solely on reaching safety before the unforgiving winter weather took its toll on him.
Levi's eyes narrowed as he glared at Mikasa, the cold wind whipping through his dark hair. He groaned quietly, regretting ever agreeing to lead this mission. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on his shoulders as he trudged through the thick snow, his squad following closely behind. The commander's orders echoed in his mind, a constant reminder of the daunting task ahead. Levi knew that finding a path in this unforgiving landscape would be no easy feat, especially with the relentless blizzard obscuring their vision.
Despite the biting cold and the relentless snowfall, Levi remained stoic, his jaw clenched in determination.
“Captain, we want to know when we arrive.” Mikasa's question hung in the air, demanding an answer that Levi himself did not have. He knew that his squad was relying on him to lead them to safety, but the harsh reality of their situation weighed heavily on his shoulders. As the wind howled around them, Levi made a silent vow to push forward, no matter the obstacles that lay ahead. The commander's orders may have set them on this path, but it was Levi's unwavering resolve that would see them through to the end.
"Mikasa," Captain Levi responded sharply, his steel-gray eyes narrowing as he glanced at her through the flurry of snow. The red scarf wrapped around her neck was now a stark contrast against the white landscape, despite it being covered in snow and frost. "We will arrive when we arrive." Levi stated firmly, his voice cutting through the icy wind. The determination in Mikasa's gaze did not waver as she gave a short nod at the answer.
As Captain Levi and his squad pressed on through their journey, they found themselves trudging through the snow-covered landscape. The biting cold seemed to seep into their bones, their horses whined and neighed with each step they took, they were just as cold and exhausted as they were. Just when their spirits were beginning to waver, Armin's sharp eyes caught sight of a small shed in the distance. With a sense of relief, he urgently signaled the rest of the group, his once golden locks now adorned with a frosty white hue.
"Look! There's shelter over there!" Armin exclaimed, his voice barely audible over the howling wind. Captain Levi quickly assessed the situation. Despite his usual stoic demeanor, a flicker of anticipation danced in his eyes. The snowstorm had taken its toll on the squad, and the prospect of finding respite in a warm refuge was a welcome one. With a decisive nod, he made up his mind.
"We'll make our way to that shed and wait until the worst of the snowstorm subsides," Captain Levi commanded, his voice cutting through the icy air. The squad members, their faces etched with exhaustion, eagerly followed his lead. Each step brought them closer to the shelter, and the promise of temporary relief from the relentless snowstorm. Though Captain Levi's expression remained impassive, his heart swelled with the hope of finding solace in the warmth of the shed.
The horses were secured to the fence, their thirst quenched and hunger satisfied before the group entered the dilapidated shed. Dust had settled on every surface, causing Levi to let out an exasperated sigh. The thought of cleaning up the mess seemed like a tempting task, but he pushed it aside, realizing they were all exhausted from their journey.
"We must light a fire to warm ourselves," Captain Levi declared, his eyes scanning the room for a suitable spot. The sight of some wood caught his attention, and he knew that starting a fire was their best chance at finding some comfort in the cold shed. Despite the weariness that weighed heavily on their shoulders, Levi's determination to ensure their well-being never wavered.
As the flames flickered to life, casting a warm glow in the dimly lit shed, Levi couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. The crackling of the fire provided a comforting soundtrack to their tired bodies as they settled down for the night.
*
As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the windows of the shed, Levi stirred from his slumber. With a lazy yawn, he blinked his eyes open and sat up, feeling the stiffness in his muscles from sleeping on the hard, cold floor. Rubbing his eyes, he glanced around the small space before standing up, his movements slow and deliberate.
Making his way towards the windows, Levi pushed aside the curtains and peered outside. The snowstorm had finally subsided, leaving behind a serene landscape blanketed in pristine white snow. The sunlight danced off the snow-covered ground, creating a dazzling display of light and shadow. It was a stark contrast to the harsh conditions of the previous day, and Levi couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the winter scene before him.
Taking a moment to appreciate the tranquility of the snowy landscape, Levi felt a sense of peace wash over him. Despite the discomfort of sleeping on the floor, he was grateful for the warmth of the sunlight and the beauty of the snow outside. With a contented sigh, he turned away from the window and began to gather his belongings, ready to face whatever challenges the day might bring.
Levi woke up his squad, ready to continue their mission of exploring the outside world. They quickly untied their horses and set off on their journey, eager to see what lay beyond the walls of their familiar territory.
As they traveled, they were struck by the beauty of the world around them. The trees were covered in a blanket of white snow, creating a picturesque scene. A squirrel scurried past them, adding a touch of wildlife to the landscape, while birds soared overhead in the clear blue sky.
Despite the dangers that lurked beyond the safety of their walls, Levi and his squad couldn't help but be captivated by the peacefulness of the scene before them. Levi made the decision to take a break and enjoy the moment, knowing that his squad needed a moment of respite. They all dismounted from their horses, grateful for the chance to rest and take in the beauty of the outside world.
"Hey eren!" Jean grinned, "I dare you to walk over there and make a snow angel." Jean's mischievous grin grew wider as he taunted Eren, daring him to perform a seemingly innocent task. Eren, however, was not easily swayed by Jean's playful antics. "I aint making snow angels, that's for children!" With a narrowed gaze, he vehemently refused to participate in the childish activity of making snow angels, dismissing it as utterly lame. Yet, Jean, never one to back down from a challenge, continued to goad Eren, insinuating that he was a coward for refusing. He questioned the harm in indulging in such a harmless pastime, further fueling Eren's frustration. "Fine, then I bet you're a coward! And besides, what's so wrong with making snow angels?"
Eren's eye twitched in annoyance, his pride getting the better of him. Unable to bear Jean's taunts any longer, he begrudgingly accepted the dare, determined to prove his bravery. As he made his way towards the designated spot, Eren couldn't help but notice the absence of any animal tracks in the snow. A sense of unease washed over him momentarily, but he quickly dismissed it, focusing on the task at hand. Lying down on the untouched snow, Eren began to move his limbs rhythmically, creating a perfect snow angel.
"HA!" Eren exclaimed, "I made one! I ain't no coward."
Eren's triumphant declaration echoed through the air as he rose to his feet. The snow angel he had created lay before him, a testament to his bravery. Pride radiated from him as he admired his handiwork, his chest swelling with a sense of accomplishment.
"Yeah eren!" Connie couldn't help but join in the playful banter, a mischievous smirk dancing on his lips. Jean, too, couldn't resist the opportunity to tease Eren, crossing his arms and smirking in amusement.
However, Eren's moment of triumph was short-lived. A sudden, quiet crack shattered the stillness, causing him to freeze in his tracks. Confusion etched across his face as he scanned his surroundings, desperately trying to locate the source of the sound. Something was amiss, and a sense of unease began to settle in his gut.
Captain Levi's voice boomed across the frozen landscape, laced with a hint of panic. His urgent call for Eren to return sent a ripple of worry through the rest of the squad. Why was the captain so concerned? The exchange of concerned glances between the squad members only deepened the mystery.
Levi's frustration grew, his teeth grinding together. How could the others not have noticed? The truth was glaringly obvious to him - they were standing near a frozen lake, and Eren was perilously positioned in the middle of it. The captain's heart raced as he realized the danger that Eren had unknowingly put himself in.
Eren took a few more tentative steps forward, his voice laced with growing concern as another, louder crack reverberated through the air. Fear gripped him as he shouted out, desperate for answers. "What's going on?!" What was happening?
Levi's frustration turned to determination as he barked out a command, his voice filled with a mix of anger and worry. "Damn it!" Levi growled, "Stay there Eren! I'm coming!" He urged Eren to stay put, assuring him that he was on his way. With each step, Levi's caution was evident, his movements calculated and wary. He knew that time was of the essence, and he would do whatever it took to ensure Eren's safety.
Captain Levi's heart raced as he reached Eren, his grip firm on the younger man's arm as he guided them back towards safety. The tension in the air was palpable as they neared the others, but just as they were almost in the clear, another ominous crack echoed through the icy landscape. Levi's eyes widened in alarm, his instincts kicking in as he swiftly pushed Eren towards the squad, away from the danger that lurked beneath their feet.
The sound of cracking ice reverberated through the air, sending shivers down Levi's spine as the frozen surface gave way, plunging him into the freezing water below. The shock of the icy plunge stole his breath away, the cold seeping into his bones as he struggled to resurface amidst the chaos. Panic set in as he fought against the numbing cold, his mind racing to find a way out of the watery trap that threatened to engulf him.
As Levi's body thrashed in the frigid water, a sense of desperation washed over him. The sensation of drowning was overwhelming, the icy tendrils of water dragging him down into the depths. His attempts to cry out for help were futile, the water muffling his voice as he gasped for air that wouldn't come. In that moment of struggle, Levi's survival instincts kicked into high gear, driving him to fight against the icy grip of the water and claw his way back to the surface, his will to live stronger than the icy embrace of death.
"Captain!" The squad shouted in unison, their expressions filled with dread. "What's the plan now?!" Eren exclaimed, his heart racing as he hurried to join the group. "We can't just stand here!"
The squad members exchanged determined glances, knowing that they had to act fast to save Levi. "He's in danger of hypothermia if we wait any longer!" Sasha warned urgently, her voice tinged with fear. Time was of the essence, and they couldn't afford to waste a single moment.
With a shared sense of urgency, the squad sprinted towards the gaping hole in the ice where Captain Levi had disappeared. The risk of the ice breaking beneath them was a secondary concern compared to the life of their Captain. They were prepared to do whatever it took to rescue him from the icy depths.
*
Born in the underground, Captain Levi faced a dire situation that highlighted the limitations of his upbringing. The lack of swimming skills, a consequence of living in a place where such abilities were deemed unnecessary, left him vulnerable and powerless in the current predicament. Despite his best efforts to navigate the water and reach the surface, his weakened state hindered any progress he attempted to make.
Struggling to keep his eyes open and maintain consciousness, Captain Levi fought against the overwhelming urge to succumb to the depths of the water. The realization that his chances of survival were dwindling with each passing moment weighed heavily on his mind, adding to the already dire circumstances he found himself in. The currents of the lake mercilessly dragged him further away from any hope of rescue, pushing him closer to the brink of despair.
As the darkness of the water enveloped him, Captain Levi's resolve was put to the ultimate test. With each passing second, the struggle to stay afloat and cling to life became more arduous, the odds stacked against him in a seemingly insurmountable manner. The once confident and capable leader now found himself at the mercy of the unforgiving depths, his fate hanging in the balance as he fought against the inevitable pull of the water.
Levi's vision blurred as he desperately tried to break through the thick layer of ice above him. The freezing water seemed to sap the last remnants of his strength, but a surge of determination coursed through him. With a final burst of energy, he pounded his fist against the icy barrier, each strike echoing in the frigid darkness.
Armin's heart raced as he followed the sound of Levi's frantic banging. The realization that his friend was trapped beneath the ice sent a chill down his spine. With trembling hands, he cleared the snow from the surface, his breath forming misty clouds in the cold air. The sight of Levi's hand reaching out from the depths below spurred Armin into action, his voice ringing out in the desolate landscape.
“Over here!”
As Levi's fingers grasped desperately at the ice, Armin and the others sprang into action. Together, they worked to break through the frozen barrier, their movements fueled by a sense of urgency. With each passing moment, the icy water threatened to claim Levi, but the collective efforts of his friends gave him a fighting chance. The race against time had begun, and they were determined to bring Levi back from the brink of darkness.
After relentless efforts, they finally succeeded in shattering the icy barrier by relentlessly hacking at it with their swords and various tools. The triumph was palpable, and this time, hope surged through their veins even stronger than before. Despite their aching muscles and the biting cold that seemed to seep into their bones, they managed to grasp Levi's hand and lift him up from the freezing water. As a few droplets splashed onto Sasha, she couldn't help but shiver uncontrollably, a sinking feeling settling in the pit of her stomach. Captain Levi had been submerged in the frigid water for an extended period, and the freezing temperature had taken its toll. Panic gripped her as she observed his once-pale skin now turned a haunting shade of blue. His lips, almost entirely blue, remained motionless. The hope that had filled their hearts mere moments ago was swiftly replaced by a sense of dread as they failed to detect any signs of life in his still chest.
"Fuck... This is entirely my fault," Eren muttered, his voice choked with tears. The realization of his mistake weighed heavily on him, causing his eyes to well up with unshed tears. Regret flooded his heart as he berated himself for venturing out onto the frozen lake without knowing its true nature. Frustration consumed him, and he clenched his teeth, tugging at his brown locks in anguish. Armin, sensing his friend's distress, placed a comforting hand on Eren's shoulder, shaking his head gently. "Don’t blame yourself," Armin reassured, his own tears streaming down his face, mingling with the snowflakes that covered the ground.
Eren's voice trembled as he closed his eyes, the weight of the situation sinking in. "He's gone," he whispered, his voice filled with despair. The profanity slipped from his lips, a testament to the overwhelming grief that engulfed him. His words were laced with a mixture of pain and helplessness, echoing the depth of his sorrow. The realization of the loss hit him like a tidal wave, leaving him feeling utterly broken.
Mikasa's gaze fell upon Captain Levi's lifeless hand, frozen and pale. She couldn't help but bite her lip, her conflicting emotions swirling within her. Though their relationship had been strained in the past, she couldn't deny the admiration she held for him. He had shown immense bravery, saving Eren from a grim fate. Yet, despite her gratitude, a sense of emptiness settled in her heart. Suddenly, a flicker of movement caught her attention, and she snapped back to reality. Placing her ear against Levi's chest, she desperately sought any sign of life. And then, she heard it. A faint, irregular rhythm that resonated through her being.
Badump, Badump, Badump.
It was his heartbeat, feeble but unmistakable. A surge of hope ignited within her, rekindling the fire in her eyes. With renewed determination, she declared, "He's alive! His heartbeat may be weak, but it's there!"
The squad was frozen in shock, their eyes wide with disbelief. Connie's voice trembled as he questioned Mikasa, unable to comprehend the situation. A-Are you sure Mikasa?" Was it truly possible that Captain Levi had survived the icy depths below them? The air was heavy with tension as they awaited Mikasa's response, their hearts pounding in their chests.
Mikasa's unwavering gaze met Connie's, her determination shining through. "Yes." With a single word, she confirmed their suspicions. Sasha broke the silence, her voice filled with a sense of urgency. The squad knew that time was of the essence, and they needed to act quickly to save their captain's life.
Armin's hands moved swiftly as he performed CPR on Captain Levi, his pleas echoing in the icy air. Mikasa's frown deepened as she monitored Levi's weakening heartbeat, the fear of losing him palpable in the air. Just when all hope seemed lost, Captain Levi suddenly gasped for air, his body convulsing as he expelled the water from his lungs. The squad watched in awe as their captain fought for his life, a testament to his strength and resilience.
"F-Fuck.." Captain Levi's labored breathing gradually subsided as he trembled uncontrollably. The cold air seemed to seep into his bones, causing his teeth to chatter as he instinctively wrapped his arms around himself in an attempt to find some warmth. Despite the discomfort, Sasha tried to reassure him, explaining that the shivering was actually a positive sign, indicating that his body was actively trying to generate heat. Her smile offered a glimmer of hope amidst the freezing conditions.
Concern and guilt etched across his face, Eren couldn't help but express his worry for Captain Levi's well-being. "Captain.. are you okay?" Levi, still struggling to find his voice, managed to assure him that he was fine, though his words were punctuated by another bout of stuttering. Jean, ever the reliable comrade, stepped in to lend a hand, helping Levi to his feet. Slowly, they made their way back to the horses, with Jean providing support as Levi rode alongside him. Despite the challenging journey, they successfully returned to the safety of the walls without encountering any further obstacles.
The sight of Levi's vulnerable state upon their arrival sent a wave of alarm through Erwin and Hange. Rushing towards them, their eyes widened in shock as they took in the captain's condition. Hange wasted no time in demanding an explanation, her gaze never leaving Levi's trembling form. "Shit! What happened?!" The squad quickly recounted the events that had led to Levi's current state, and without hesitation, Levi was swiftly taken to the infirmary for immediate medical attention. The urgency in their actions reflected the gravity of the situation, highlighting the importance of nursing Levi back to health.
*
As Captain Levi regained consciousness, Erwin hurriedly approached him, his face displaying concern. "Levi! How are you feeling?" the commander of the survey corps inquired. The past few days had been filled with worry, with Captain Levi lying unconscious in the infirmary after nearly drowning in the frozen lake during the mission Erwin had assigned to his squad.
"I'm feeling better..." Levi groaned, his gaze fixed on Commander Erwin. "How long was I out?" he asked, squinting his eyes. Erwin explained, "You were unconscious for three days. The nurses mentioned that you were on the brink of death, Levi. Your body temperature had dropped significantly. If you hadn't arrived here when you did, you would have..." Erwin's voice trailed off, his teeth clenched. Levi reassured him, feeling a bit uneasy discussing the previous accident. "Hey, I'm still alive, aren't I?"
Erwin nodded. "Yes, forgive me. I'm relieved that you're back, alive and well." Commander Erwin smiled, turning around to make his way towards the door, "I'll bring you some tea." he said.
"Thank you," Levi acknowledged with a nod.
Erwin turned his head to stare at Levi, raising an eyebrow and tilting his head slightly. "You'll be here when I come back, right?"
"Tch, I won't be able to go anywhere anyway, asshole." Levi scowled.
Commander Erwin chuckled before opening the door and stepping outside. "Welcome back, Levi," he said before disappearing.
Levi felt a small smile form on his lips, shaking his head before closing his eyes once again. He was glad to be back.