Chapter 22:
AN: To make up for the late update yet again, please enjoy this long chapter. It may not be canonically correct, but this is fanfiction, so oh well :)
"Happy Birthday, dear Isabel. Happy Birthday to you!" The squad sang to 5-year-old Isabel, who was gazing at her birthday cake greedily. Her Papa had made sure to get her favorite: red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting.
"Alright sweetheart, make a wish," Levi whispered.
Isabel thought long and hard. In the end, she wished for a real-life horse. With a big breath, blew out her candles in one go. Her family cheered and hugged her.
"Happy birthday, Isabel." Eren smiled, hugging her tightly.
Levi cut up the cake and passed it around, making sure that Isabel got the first bite before anyone else dug in. The mixture of the cake with the frosting was so sweet in her mouth, and Isabel couldn't help but smile. She happily took big bites, leaving giant globs of frosting all over her face.
"Isabel, please use a little bit of decorum." Levi groaned, wiping some of the frosting off of her face.
"But it's good, Papa," Isabel replied through a mouthful of cake.
Levi narrowed his eyes at the auburn-haired girl.
Isabel swallowed before speaking. "Sorry, Papa."
"You're a big girl now, Isabel. Please try to act like one." Levi said, smiling ever so slightly. He handed her the cloth. Isabel wiped off the rest of her face.
"I will Papa." Isabel giggled, remembering how old she really was getting. It seemed like only yesterday that Levi had first taken her in. After he and Petra had saved her life. He had become her family, and she couldn't have asked for anyone better. Sure, he could be uptight, but she always got through to him in the end. They were a father-daughter dynamic duo.
"Who wants to play some games?" Connie exclaimed.
"ME! ME! ME!" Isabel jumped up from her seat and ran over to her friend.
"Alright. The first game is called 'pin the tail on the donkey.' I'll show you how it works. Sasha, would you mind helping out?" Connie asked.
"Of course, my compadre." Sasha beamed, rushing over to him after shoving her remaining cake into her mouth.
"Alright, so you see that donkey that I put up on the wall?" Connie asked, pointing to the drawing of something that could resemble a donkey...if you looked at it close enough.
Isabel nodded.
"So, I'm gonna put this blindfold on," Connie said, and Sasha tied the cloth around his eyes. "Now Sasha is gonna spin me around." Sasha then did as she was told.
Isabel watched as the two goofed around, Sasha spinning Connie one too many times.
"Enough, enough, I'm gonna puke!" Connie exclaimed. "Anyway, then you take the tail and try to pin it on the donkey." He shakily walked towards the picture and stuck the tail to the paper. However, he was off by quite a bit, impaling the donkey in the chest instead. Sasha and Isabel giggled at his attempt.
"Let's see how well the birthday girl does." Connie huffed, tying the blindfold around Isabel's eyes. He placed the tail in her hand and spun her around.
"Alright, Isabel. You got this!" Sasha encouraged her.
Isabel smiled and started her trek to the poster...or so she thought. She couldn't hear the suppressed giggles coming from Sasha and Connie, and when she thought she was close, she reached out her hand and stuck the tail to…
"OUCH!" Jean exclaimed.
Isabel tore off the blindfold to see that she had stuck the tail right on Jean's lower back.
"Oops," Isabel said sheepishly, taking the tail off of his shirt.
Eren burst into laughter. "Wow, Jean, not only are you a horse-face, but according to Isabel, you're also an a-"
He was interrupted by Levi, who had placed a hand on his shoulder. His gray eyes burned with a quiet rage. "Would you like to finish that sentence, Jaeger?"
Eren gulped. "N-no, sir."
Levi released the boy and knelt beside Isabel. "Guess your aim was a little off, huh?" He ruffled her hair lovingly.
Isabel giggled. "Yeah." She looked up at Jean. "Sorry for hurting you, Jean."
"It's...fine." Jean sighed, glaring at Eren.
"Here, I'll play!" Krista, or rather, Historia, exclaimed. The young queen had made it the utmost priority to attend her party.
The group all gathered around, laughing at each attempt. Unsurprisingly, Levi got it straight on the mark, as did Mikasa.
"Those Ackermans. What can you do with them?" Hange shrugged, nudging Erwin in the arm.
"Yes. Indeed." Erwin replied.
The party went on for quite a while, but alas, the time came for the guests to leave so the new five-year-old could get to bed. She got goodnight hugs and was then sent off to her room while the squad cleaned up.
"Isabel?" Levi knocked on the door later on.
"Ready," Isabel said, opening the door. Her hair was still up in the french braid that Historia had done, and she wore her new blue nightgown.
"Alright, kiddo. Get into bed." Levi said, walking over to her bedside. Isabel skipped over to him and crawled into her bed, pulling the covers up to her chin.
"I'm five now." Isabel beamed.
"Yes, you are. You're getting so big." Levi smiled.
"This was the best birthday ever," Isabel said.
"I'm glad. I'm so grateful that I've gotten to celebrate two birthdays with you." Levi replied.
"Papa?"
"Yes, sweetheart?"
"What 'bout my other birthdays?" Isabel asked.
Levi paused. "Um…I wasn't there for them sweetie."
"Oh...right. Mommy and Daddy were there." Isabel's smile faded.
"Yes. I bet they gave you the best birthday parties."
"Really?"
"Of course. Who would be more deserving than you, the best little girl in the world?" Levi smirked.
Isabel's smile slowly returned. "I still see them sometimes. In dreams."
"You know what to do when they're scary?"
"Come find you," Isabel answered confidently.
"That's right. Great job."
"Thank you, Papa," Isabel said, a yawn escaping her.
"For what, princess?"
"For being my dad." Her bluebell eyes closed, and she nodded off.
Levi sat in shock for a second. Her dad? But...she had a dad already. The whole reason she called him Papa is because he wasn't her dad, only a father figure of sorts. Had he really grown that close to her?
Looking at her sleeping face gave him the answer. He was raising her. He tucked her in every night. He made sure she was washed up and fed. He loved her with his whole heart. He would move mountains for his little girl. Not a single hair on her head would be harmed as long as he was around.
He smiled at her. "Thank you for being my daughter, Isabel." He said, placing a kiss on her forehead before leaving the room.
…
"Levi?" Erwin knocked outside of Levi's office door.
Isabel quickly got up from her spot on the floor, where she was currently playing with her new horse figurines, and opened the door.
"Uncle Erwin!" She exclaimed, hugging the blonde commander tightly.
"Hello, sweetie. How's your first day of being five?"
"Great!"
"I see you like those figurines I got you," Erwin said, pointing to the toys strewn across the floor.
"Yes! Thank you." Isabel quickly skipped back to her spot. "You wanna play with me?"
"Sadly, I can't right now, Isabel. I will later when I get the chance." He patted her shoulder. "I need to talk with Levi for a moment. I'll call you back when it's okay."
Isabel hung her head. "Okay." She said, taking a few of her toys before leaving the room, shutting the door quietly behind her.
"If this is about the paperwork, I'm almost finished." Levi said, placing another piece of parchment into the 'done' pile.
"That's not what this is about," Erwin said.
"I'm not going to that dumb fundraiser for the Scouts again. I hate playing mascot." Levi continued.
"That's not what I've come here for."
"Then what do you need?" Levi rolled his eyes.
Erwin set a paper down on his desk. It was a letter.
"You've never been one to deliver mail," Levi said, cautiously lifting it up to read.
"This is…an exception."
As Levi read, he got more confused. Until one word hit him like a punch in the face. Adoption.
"Erwin…what is this?" Levi asked.
"A couple in Wall Sina has been asking for a meeting with you and I for quite some time now. They want to adopt Isabel."
Levi fumed. "You're still going on about this? It's been two years, Erwin! I think it's safe to say that she belongs here."
Erwin took a deep breath. "Levi, I've never stopped searching. As much as I hate to say it, Isabel needs to leave sooner or later."
"But she's happy here."
"I understand, Levi. Truly I do. I love that little girl and the joy she brings to the barracks. I haven't seen people this happy in ages. However, this is a safe decision for her. Just take a look at the letter. I think you'll find that they are quite the match for our Isabel."
Levi reluctantly read on:
Dear Commander Erwin,
We are so sorry to take up your time once again, but are there any times when you are available to meet with us? My husband and I are anxious to meet Isabel and get to know her before any steps further in the adoption process. If you need any references, we are more than willing to share. Having no children of our own, we want to give Isabel a loving and safe home. Please respond when you are able to do so. We understand you have a busy schedule, but it would mean the world to us if we could meet you and Isabel.
Sincerely,
Gloria and Tobias Macallister
"So…" Levi started.
"This is the third letter they've sent, Levi. I think it would be wise for us to meet them. They live in the Ehrmich District, so she will be safe and more than cared for. Schooling will be best there, not to mention that she will have attention from the house staff."
"They would turn her into a snobby brat." Levi rolled his eyes.
"We won't know that until we meet the family. I was planning on scheduling a meeting the day after tomorrow. I will be sure to clear your schedule. Please make sure that you have no other plans."
Levi sighed. "Yes, Erwin."
"Thank you." Erwin grabbed the letter off of his desk. "I'm hoping that you'll see this from my perspective. As I've told you for the past two years, this is the best thing for her. God forbid something happened to you in the field."
"Right," Levi murmured. That last comment hit like a punch in the stomach.
Erwin opened the door. "Alright, my dear. You may come back inside."
Isabel bounded into the doorway. "Yay!" She hugged Erwin tight. "See ya later!"
"See you later, sweet girl," Erwin said. He turned to Levi. "And just so you know, I waited till after her birthday to tell you. I didn't want to ruin the celebration." After giving one last hug to Isabel, he set off to do other work.
Isabel skipped over to her toys and resumed her game. Levi tried to focus on his work, but horrid thoughts kept clouding his head. Erwin seemed extremely eager. And that last comment...why did it play in his head over and over? God forbid something happened to you in the field.
"Isabel, would you mind if I played with you for a little bit?" Levi asked.
Isabel's eyes lit up with joy. "Yay!"
Levi chuckled and got up from his desk. Isabel scooted over to make room for him and handed him some toys.
"You pretend to be the bad guy," Isabel demanded.
Levi obliged, mimicking evil laughs and schemes that he had heard from stories and such. Isabel giggled, playing along as the heroine.
"Isabel?"
"Yes, Papa?" Isabel answered, keeping her eyes fixed on her game.
"Do you like it here?"
"Yes." She said simply.
"Do you feel...safe? Cared for?" Levi's mind flooded with doubts. He had struggled with them for two years, and he finally decided to bring them to light.
With this question, Isabel put down her toys and looked up at Levi. "Yes. I love it here. Am I...am I gonna go away?" Her face twisted in concern.
Levi pulled her into a tight hug. "Not if I can say anything about it. I'll do anything to keep you right here, by my side." He blinked back the tears that threatened to emerge.
"I love you, Papa."
"I love you too, sweet girl."
Outside of Levi's office, Erwin listened in on the conversation. He sighed. He loved Isabel as much as anyone. No one seemed to understand where he was coming from. Isabel wouldn't be safe here. The Scouting Regiment was no place to raise a child. She needed to be in a place that would nurture her into a fine young lady. He had taken long enough to find a good family. He hoped that this couple would be the one...for everyone's sake.
…
The day that Levi had dreaded had finally arrived. He sat next to Erwin in the commander's office, waiting for this couple to arrive. Erwin had been in a cheery mood all day, and Levi hoped that this interview would wipe that smug look off of his face.
"They're all set up for you." A scout opened the door and let two people enter the room. The woman had blonde hair and blue eyes. To Levi, she almost looked like Historia. The man had dark hair and striking, icy blue eyes that shone with excitement.
"Hello, Commander Smith. Captain Levi. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm sure you already know, but I'm Tobias, and this is my lovely bride Gloria." The man extended his hand, and Erwin immediately took it, giving a firm handshake. Levi reluctantly followed suit.
"I apologize if we have been pestering you at all with our letters," Gloria said, shaking the commander's hand as well.
"Not at all. I'm glad that we have a couple who is eager to adopt our Isabel." Erwin said. Levi repressed the urge to scoff.
"Well, I thought that before we start the official interview, you could tell us a bit about yourselves. We would like to get acquainted before moving further."
"Of course. I am a teacher at one of the academies in Ehrmich. I mainly teach 10-year-olds, but I also work as a history teacher for the older teenagers." Tobias said.
"I started out as a seamstress, and I still do some alterations and such from time to time, but everything is done in the comfort of my own home," Gloria added.
"So someone would be home with Isabel?" Erwin asked.
"Yes. Although we do have servants, we thought it would be best if Isabel would have a parental figure in her life, especially while growing up. We don't want her to feel like we don't have time for her." Tobias said.
"So why do you want to adopt Isabel?" Levi asked.
"Well...Tobias and I have had trouble having children. So, when we saw this notice, we decided to at least see if we still had a chance. We always thought about adopting." Gloria explained.
"Do you know how you would deal with her panic attacks? I ensured that it was clearly stated in the updated notice." Levi said.
Tobias and Gloria looked at each other solemnly, and Gloria took a deep breath. "Sadly, I do understand a bit of what she is going through. When I was younger...my brother, Elliot, got very sick. The doctors did their best, but every single treatment only worked for a little while. His health declined with each passing day. For two whole years, I saw my brother suffering. He would cry late into the night, cough until his mouth was filled with blood, until one day…" She paused, trying to compose herself. "H-he passed away in his sleep."
"I'm...sorry to hear that," Erwin said, giving Levi a side glance.
"I don't know exactly what Isabel has gone through, but the loss of a loved one is the worst pain in the world. I want to give her a safe place to live where she knows that she will have people to comfort her."
"Crap. They seem like decent people." Levi thought to himself.
"How is your financial state?" Levi asked.
Erwin chuckled. "We don't mean to pry. It would be nice to know this information, however." He shot Levi a look.
"I earn plenty of wages from the school. She will not want for anything. We will make sure she lives in pure comfort." Tobias said.
Levi sighed. The way this interview was going, Erwin was going to ask…
"Would you mind letting us schedule a day where Isabel could come to your home to meet you? It would be a great way to see where she could be living."
"Of course!"
"Does tomorrow afternoon seem suitable?"
"Absolutely. Thank you so much, Commander Smith. Thank you, Captain Levi!" Gloria burst from her seat, giving their hands each an excited shake. She beamed with pure joy.
"We look forward to meeting her." Tobias smiled warmly at Levi. "Thank you."
Levi stayed as stoic as always. He gave a slight nod, nothing else.
The couple left Erwin's office, and Erwin gave a relieved sigh. "What a nice couple." He looked sternly at Levi. "I hope you will be on your best behavior tomorrow."
Levi rolled his eyes. "Tch."
…
"WOAH! Papa, look at the big houses!" Isabel exclaimed, skipping down one of the streets in Ehrmich.
"Yes, Isabel. Remember to stay close by." Levi called.
"HORSIES!" Isabel squealed, rushing over to a carriage that was currently unoccupied.
"Wait, Isabel! Be gentle. Don't spook them!" Levi warned, rushing over to the excited five-year-old. He lifted her onto his shoulders and allowed her to pet the horses' soft muzzles. She giggled when they sniffed at her fingers.
"Alright, sweetheart. We have to keep up with Uncle Erwin. He has a schedule to maintain." Levi said. He gave each of the horses a loving pat. He always loved horses, although he wasn't as nearly as enthusiastic as Isabel. They were great listeners. His horse was one of his favorite things in the world...besides Isabel, of course. And cleanliness. And tea.
Still keeping Isabel on his shoulders, Levi walked briskly towards the commander. He put a spring in his step, causing the young girl to let out giggles of delight.
"I believe this is the address," Erwin said, stopping in front of a set of double doors. They were painted pure white with gold accents. Levi wondered if it was actual gold.
Erwin walked up the stairs and knocked on the door. A maid opened it.
"Oh, Commander! Please, come in." She smiled warmly at the guests, opening the doors wide so they could enter.
Levi marveled at the difference between the barracks and this home. Gorgeous, hand-painted vases held multitudes of flowers. A grand staircase wound up to the upper level. Their footsteps seemed to echo through the foyer.
"Commander. Captain. It's wonderful to see you." Gloria emerged from one of the rooms. "And this must be the famous Isabel." She knelt down in front of the auburn-haired girl.
"I'm five." Isabel proclaimed.
"Is that so? You're getting so old!" Gloria exclaimed, giving a warm smile.
"Papa says that I'm a big girl," Isabel explained.
"You definitely are. Five is a big deal." Gloria chuckled. She looked up at Levi and Erwin. "Please, make yourselves at home. Moira just made some cookies." As if on cue, the maid walked in, displaying a plate of cookies.
"Yummy!" Isabel licked her lips. She took a cookie from the plate.
"Don't eat too much." Levi reminded her.
Isabel frowned but took one more. Two cookies weren't too bad. Besides, they had made them just for her.
"Please, feel free to look around. I can even show you the yard out back. I have a lovely garden that I think might interest you, Isabel. Do you like flowers?" Gloria asked.
"I love flowers!" Isabel exclaimed.
"Great! I'd hoped you would. If you want, I'll show you." Gloria extended her hand, and Isabel took it. Gloria started to guide her further into the house.
"She seems happy enough," Erwin whispered.
Levi grunted in response.
The soldiers followed the pair around. Each room seemed more beautiful than the last. The garden entertained Isabel the most, and Gloria even allowed her to make flower crowns with some of her flowers. She made four in total, placing a crown on each of the adults' heads.
They continued to walk around, even making their way to the second floor. Gloria showed them one of the spare bedrooms, which contained a smaller bed and toys.
"We're all prepared, in case that was one of your questions," Gloria explained once Isabel was out of earshot. "Even if we don't adopt Isabel, we want to be ready for any child that comes into our lives."
They nodded. Levi suppressed a frown. With each passing minute, this family seemed to be the perfect fit. He had to find something to make Erwin change his mind. Otherwise, he would lose Isabel forever.
"Gloria? I'm home, darling!" Tobias called from downstairs.
"We're up here, my love," Gloria replied.
Tobias found them moments later, exchanging firm handshakes with both Levi and Erwin. Then, he gave his wife a peck on the cheek.
"I'm so sorry I'm late. One of my students needed some extra help after class today." He explained.
"No need to worry. Gloria has given us a wonderful tour." Erwin said. "I think we have seen all that we need to."
"Before you make a decision," Gloria stated, "Tobias and I wanted to talk to you specifically, Captain Levi."
"Me?" Levi was startled. Most candidates didn't ask for his opinion.
"We won't be long. Just a couple minutes of your time?" Gloria asked.
"I...I guess that would be fine." Levi grumbled. "Isabel, I'll be back in a moment. Behave for your Uncle Erwin, okay?"
"Yes, Papa," Isabel replied. She turned her attention back to the toys.
The Macallisters and Levi made their way back downstairs into the drawing-room. Levi took a seat, and the couple made themselves comfortable on the loveseat across from him.
"We wanted to talk to you about a few things before we talk to the Commander about the adoption process. You see...it appears that you and Isabel are very close. In the adoption notice, it did say you were her caretaker."
Levi nodded.
"We...we wanted your blessing," Tobias said.
Levi's eyes widened. "Excuse me?"
"We understand that you and Isabel are quite close. After all, she's been in your care for two years. We want to know if you are willing to allow us to be her new guardians." Tobias explained.
Levi was shocked. They had Erwin in the palm of their hand. If they really wanted to, they could have taken Isabel without giving Levi a second glance. But...they wanted his permission specifically.
He was ready to say "No. Of course you can't take her away from me. She'd be better off with me. It's where she belongs." However, the more he thought about it, the more his mind seemed to change. He was overtaken by all of the doubts that he had tried to push away for so long. The whole reason he met Isabel in the first place was because of the titans. Her parents weren't even Scouts, and they were killed by those nasty creatures. Levi put his life on the line constantly. What if one day...he didn't come home. What if he turned out like his last squad; killed mercilessly by the enemy. Isabel couldn't take that. It would be the breaking point in her sweet little mind. She would be safer with this family. Although most Sina citizens were stuck up, this family seemed kind enough. They would be safe within the walls. Isabel would be safe.
"I...I give you my permission." Levi said.
Relief flooded the couples' faces.
"Really?" Tobias breathed.
"Yes. She will be safe here with you."
"Thank you, Captain! You don't know how much this means to us!" Gloria squealed. "You can even visit her if you want. I'm sure she would love that. We all would."
"That's very kind of you...but I think it would be best if I stayed away." Levi sighed.
"What? Why? You wouldn't be imposing at all. We would love to open our home to you."
Levi frowned. "With some new information about the titans coming to light, everything is changing. One of these days, I may never come home. I don't want Isabel to have to mourn my death. So...I think it would be best if she just stopped seeing me altogether. It would spare her the pain."
"Please, Captain. She'll be so upset." Gloria pleaded.
"Not as upset as she would be if I died. She's already had enough death in her life. She doesn't need more. Please...just do this for me. Love her with all your hearts, even if she is not of your own flesh and blood."
"Of course," Tobias said.
"Then she won't have any more need for me. You two will be more than enough." Levi said.
"But-"
"I've made my decision. Now, I think it's time we get the adoption paperwork out of the way, don't you?"
…
"Papa, where are we going?" Isabel asked as Levi packed her clothes into a suitcase. "A trip?"
"Something like that," Levi murmured. Each word seemed like another dagger in his heart, but it had to be done.
"Need some help?" Isabel asked, stuffing her toys into a bag.
"Thank you very much, Isabel," Levi said, patting her auburn head.
Isabel hummed to herself as she helped her Papa pack. The past few days had been strange. When the squad thought she wasn't around, they would start to cry. She didn't understand why. What had happened that had made them so sad?
"Levi," Hange entered the room, her usual smile pulled into a frown. "They're here."
"We're ready," Levi said. "Make sure everyone is outside."
He carried her bags outside, where a carriage was waiting for them. Waiting Isabel. Tobias and Gloria emerged from the car.
"I'll take these off your hands, Captain," Tobias said, grabbing the bags and carrying them to the carriage.
"Thank you, Captain. I promise we will take good care of her." Gloria smiled, shaking Levi's hand.
"I hope you will." He replied.
"Goodbye, Isabel. We'll miss you." Armin sniffled.
"It's okay, Armin. I'll be back." Isabel reassured, trying to comfort the blonde. To her chagrin, he started to cry more.
"Goodbye, Isabel. I'll miss making food with you." Sasha pouted, hugging the girl tightly.
Isabel went down the line, saying goodbyes. She didn't understand why this was such a big deal? She would just be gone on a quick trip. The nice people, Gloria and Tobias, were going to take her on a trip back to the city with all the horses and cookies.
"Goodbye, my lovely little girlie. I'm gonna miss you more than you know. Don't forget me, okay?" Hange tried to smile, but tears started gathering in her eyes. "I love you so so much."
"I love you too, Auntie Hange," Isabel said, wrapping her arms around the mad scientist in a tight embrace.
The last one in the line was the person she loved most in the whole world: her Papa.
"Promise you'll be good?" He asked.
"I promise," Isabel said.
"You're gonna help around the house?"
"Yes, Papa."
"Work hard in school?"
"Yes?"
"Play as hard as you can?"
"Papa, what's going on?" Isabel asked.
"Levi, I think it's about time you tell her. This is cruel." Hange sniffed.
Levi sighed. "Isabel...this isn't a trip. Gloria and Tobias...they're going to be your new mother and father."
"W-what? But you're my daddy." Isabel gasped.
"Not anymore sweetie. They're gonna love you and take care of you. Trust me, you'll have more fun there that you'll forget all about me."
"NO! You're my Papa! I love it here! I'm not leaving!" Isabel cried.
"I'm sorry, Isabel, but this is what's best for you," Levi explained.
"NO NO NO! I can't leave!" Isabel screamed.
"Listen-"
"No."
"Isabel-"
"No."
"You have to-"
"NO!"
"Isabel, listen to me!" Levi raised his voice, shutting up the five-year-old immediately.
Levi sighed. "I don't want to do this. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. I wish you could stay with me forever, but it's not safe here. I love you too much to see anything happen to you. Uncle Erwin told me for years, but I never realized it until now. This is what's best for you."
"But...I wanna stay with you." Isabel said, tears pricking her blue eyes.
"And I want you to as well. But...we can't be together anymore. You have a new family now. And they will love you so much."
"But…"
"Please be good for them. Can you promise me that?"
Isabel's lip trembled. "I...I promise."
"Good girl," Levi smirked. "Now come here." He opened his arms wide, and Isabel fell into them, sobbing.
"I love you, my sweet girl. Never forget that." He whispered.
"I love you too, Papa." Isabel wailed.
Giving her one last hug, Levi picked her up and carried her to the carriage. Tobias and Gloria climbed in, and the doors shut.
"Wait. No. PAPA! DON'T LEAVE! PAPA!" Isabel cried, plastering herself against the window with all her might, trying to reach her family.
Her screams echoed for what seemed like ages, and a single tear slipped down Levi's cheek.
AN: So...Isabel has a new family! The adoption is final, and she's moving to a better place! In the words of my favorite anime:
Levi: "Ah, it looks like it's beginning to rain."
Hange: "No, I don't think so..."
Levi: "No. It's raining all right."
However...THIS IS NOT THE END OF THE STORY! Our little Isabel has not disappeared forever. Stay tuned :)