I guess I must welcome myself to the not so pretty side of fan fiction. I've noticed that the number of people reading my story has dropped like a whole lot. Not going to lie, but that shook my motivation to publish a little bit. Sorry about that guys. Years of depression and anxiety has made me a little too insecure for my own good. I'm sure that people still interested are tuning in, I suppose. But I can't shake that feeling, that annoying voice in the back of my head that's telling me that my writing is no good and that I should just call it quits. Just to let you know, I won't. This story is completed and I will finish posting it. I'd hate to leave anyone hanging. Just thought I owed some of you a bit of an explanation as to why I haven't been updating diligently. More at the end of the chapter!


"Discharged? But sir?!"

"Dishonorably discharged. You've brought shame to the uniform and tarnished our reputation. The Military Police no longer has a place in its ranks for you."

"I get my reports in on time, my assignments and missions always go off without a hitch. Sir, what did I do wrong?"

"The fact that you're asking means you'll never know."

"Well what the hell does that mean? Wait… This wouldn't have anything to do with that kid would it?"

"Pack your things, lieutenant. I want you out of here within the hour."

"It is! I knew it. You've gotta be shitting me commander. That little bitch isn't even worth the time of day. She's nobody. Why does it matter what happens to one little tramp?"

"On second thought, wait here a moment."


Ina hides herself when she hears a knock at the door. Levi comforts her before calling out for the person to come in. Dok again. If he's not here to get them out Levi doesn't even want to see this bastard.

"What?" He asks impatiently.

"If you would follow me, please." The MP commander's face is completely devoid of any emotion.

"I'm not going anywhere without her."

"I meant you both." Dok exits the room.

Levi stands with Ina still in his arms and follows the quiet commander down the damp hall. They walk for a few minutes before stopping outside a door that must lead to Dok's office in this building.

"May I ask her a question?"

Levi looks at the young girl resting her head on his shoulder. She looks so tired.

"Ask her what?" Levi's restraint is running out.

"Sweetheart, can you tell me if you recognize this voice?" Dok asks Ina in a quiet gentle tone. She doesn't look at him. Doesn't even open her eyes, but she nods on her papa's shoulder. Commander Dok knocks on his office door. At first there is no answer, so he just knocks again.

"What?!" A bitter and irritated voice calls out from inside.

Levi feels every single muscle in Ina's body tense up so tightly that he's sure it must hurt. He whispers soothing words of comfort to her until she fully relaxes.

"Ina, is that one of them?" Levi's voice is trembling with rage he's barely keeping at bay.

She whimpers, but covers her mouth out of fear that he'll hear her. That's all the answer Levi needs.

"Commander, I need you look after my daughter." Levi says calmly.

He will remain composed as long as Ina is around. Levi knows without that idiot doctor saying so, that if he lost his temper in front of Ina, she wouldn't be able to differentiate who his anger was directed towards. She would automatically assume he was coming for her and Levi will cut his own throat before he puts Ina through something like that. He will not do anything to jeopardize her trust in him. Never.

Dok just nods.

"Bother her in anyway and I'll kill you." The scout captain threatens.

Ina is used to the threats Levi makes, and he knows that. Sometimes, they even bring a smile to her face. She likes that he's overprotective. No one has ever used violence to defend her. Levi changed that. Ina knows Papa will tear this world apart for her. And she loves that about him.

"Understood." Dok holds his arms out to receive Ina.

"Ina, I need you to go with the commander. It's just for a minute. You can trust him, he'll keep you safe."

Ina reluctantly agrees and let's Levi hand her over to commander Dok. His arms are strong like papa, but his heartbeat is different. Somehow it's not as soothing as Papa's.

"I'll be right back, Ina." Levi says moments before kicking the door open. It slams closed behind him just a moment later. Both Dok and Ina hear the lock on the door click.

No disturbances.

"Today just might be your lucky day, Lieutenant." Levi approaches the MP who stood alert when the door was first kicked open.

"I have one question for you. Just one. Answer me truthfully, and you just might walk out of here with your anatomy intact. Deal?"

"Captain Levi." The MP chuckles. "Should have known she was yours."

Levi has changed his mind. Maybe he should just kill this one regardless.

A knee to the groin and two punches to each jaw are enough to wipe the smirk off the Lieutenant's face. He falls to his knees, clearly trying to keep from crying out like the little bitch he is.

"You're really pushing your luck." Levi glares while trying to keep his patience from running out too soon. Find out what you need to know first. Then kill him.

"Did you rape my daughter?" The wavering calm in Levi's tone is frightening. "I'll know if you're lying, you repulsive bastard."

"What? No way, man! I don't fuck with kids like that."

An actual growl can be heard from the furious scout. It makes the MP shudder.

"I'm telling you, I didn't touch her! Not like that at least." He's becoming desperate. Levi hasn't said anything. He's been standing there fuming for some time now.

"Who?" Levi whispers. The terrified MP doesn't even hear him.

"Who, dammit?! Who else went into her cell besides you?" Levi grabs the Lieutenant's collar.

"It must have been Karpov, man. He'd been itching to get to her. I swear I didn't know what he was going to do. I didn't have nothing to do with it!"

Karpov… That name is familiar. Levi knows this MP somehow. His prison guard.

Another growl emanates deep in Levi's chest.

"I'm telling you the truth! You have to believe me!"

Levi lets the shocked MP fall to the floor.

"I believe you."

A sigh of relief can be heard.

"You get to keep your testicles and your life. It really is your lucky day." Levi pulls the taller man up by his hair. "But still… You beat my daughter within an inch of her life. It's your turn now."


"Just remember one thing sweetheart, violence is never the answer. There's always a peaceful or diplomatic solution." Dok says quietly to Ina as he slowly rocks her from side to side. "But also remember, dear, in a world like this, there are much worse things." Such as harming a poor, defenseless child, he thinks. He does not pity his former lieutenant in the slightest. Were Ina his daughter, Dok imagines he would behave just as Levi is. Would go through anyone and anything to keep his child safe.

Ina has no idea why he's saying this but nods anyway. She gains an idea of what the commander must be talking about when she hears the monster yell in pain inside the room. Strange, she's never heard him sound that way before. He was always loud and arrogant. Always showing Ina how much power he had over her. Now she can hear him crying and begging, not dissimilar from the way that she used to beg him. Ina almost feels like laughing at him. She doesn't have to wonder how it feels to be unable to fight back. Still, she can't help but ponder over what must be going through the monsters head.

Minutes pass by and Ina finds herself feeling soothed by the commanders slow rocking. The door flies open once again and Ina reflexively cringes. She's too afraid to turn and look.

Levi is dragging the former MP lieutenant by the collar out the door. Both are breathing hard, but only one looks like he's been trampled by a horse.

"On your knees, you filthy son of a bitch." Levi growls quietly. "Do it!"

Ina has never heard her Papa sound so angry before. And he always seemed angry about something. Unless he was with her, that is.

"Don't even breathe in her direction, eyes on the ground." Levi's breathing has calmed, but his rage only continues to grow.

"Beg." Levi orders the former lieutenant. "Beg her."

The broken down soldier says nothing. Not satisfied by the silence, Levi swings his leg and kicks the beaten down soldier right in his stomach.

"Beg!" Levi yells.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry-" The lieutenant whimpers.

"Her name is a privilege. You don't have the right to use it." Levi hisses.

"I'm so sorry. What I did was wrong and I should never have hurt you. I swear on my life, I'm so sorry!"

"Please put me down, Uncle." Ina whispers to the commander. He obliges, but holds on to her arm to help keep her upright. He likes that he's been promoted to uncle. It's cute.

Ina takes painful step after painful step toward her former tormenter. Her nightmare.

"Master." Ina whispers.

At this the lieutenant's head snaps up.

"You're still in all of my dreams." She tells him.

Without any warning, Ina swings her arm, her fist connecting with his eye. No one stops her.

"Who do I belong to now?!" She hits him again.

"Who do I belong to now?!" She repeats louder. Before she can even realize what she's doing, her foot flies to his neck. He just takes it, fearing that if he doesn't Levi will take over.

"Ina belongs to Ina!" She yell and kicks him once more before using the last of her strength to hit him over the head again and again until she collapses. Dok slows her descent so she doesn't further injure herself. She sits on her knees directly in front of her old master. The soldier that caused her the most pain out of any that she'd known.

"Ina. Belongs. To. Ina."

"You're dismissed, lieutenant. Collect your things and leave the premises immediately."

They watch the poor pathetic soldier struggle to get to his feet and limp away. Levi walks over to his little girl and finds himself basking in his fatherly pride. Looks like she is taking after him. He has no problem with that, but also knows he can't take all the credit. Ina was already amazingly strong willed before Levi even entered the picture. All he can take credit for is helping Ina to realize her own strength and not be afraid to show it.

"Say it again. Tell us who you belong to." Levi puts his arm around her.

She takes a deep breath. "Ina!" She yells her name as loud as her voice will allow her. "Ina belongs to Ina!"

Levi smiles harder than he's ever smiled before. He hugs his little girl close.

"I'm so proud of you."


I can definitely end it here, but I'm a closure type person. I've seen other ff authors do this before. If you guys like, you can always stop here. There are about eh... 6 more chapters give or take? But to be honest this was my original ending point. I continued because... Well I could and I actually like the additions I've made very much, but still. It's completely up to the reader if you'd like to call it a day right here. I think a lot of people can still be plenty satisfied with this ending.

If you do decide to continue, thank you so much for reading. Your support is more appreciated than you realize. Please enjoy!


"Where are all my brats being held?" Levi asks Dok as they sit in his office. Ina remains in his lap, while Levi gently presses an ice pack to her hand. She's a little sore after beating up the lieutenant.

"They're in a group holding cell. Mostly to avoid conflicts between them and the other MPs."

"Take us to them." Levi has no time to waste on pleasantries. With everything he and Ina have been through, they deserve any and all free reign to do and say whatever the hell they want.

"Sure." Dok knew Levi didn't always have the most elegant vocabulary. And right now, he can't blame Levi for his short temper and lack of patience. This has to be a living nightmare for him. One that Dok himself helped create. He owes Levi this much. Even more to the little girl. Ina. He really should start calling her by her name before one of these scouts tries to throttle him.

Levi whispers something to said little girl in his arms, who tries to hide an adorable smile. At least she can still do that. Smile, despite all that has happened to her. Commander Dok knows he will be spending the rest of his life trying to beg her forgiveness for letting any of this happen. He'll never deserve it. Like the scouts said, there's a special place in hell for the MPs that harmed her. Dok will be right there with them. Not doing enough to stop this from happening, not being more active and diligent when he knew a child's life was on the line- that inaction will haunt him. The smell of her fear, the look in her eyes, the sound of her whimpers. It will follow him to the grave and beyond.

Dok leads Levi down a hallway, up some stairs and down another hallway. The guard standing in the hall salutes and steps aside. Levi wants to laugh. One guard? If they wanted, any of those brats could have taken this guy down in an instant. They should never underestimate the scouts. Especially not these hyperactive bastards. They sure can put up one hell of a fight.

Dok unlocks the door and steps aside. "I understand she's been put on bed rest until tomorrow. Rooms and meals are being prepared and will be ready soon. You'll all be staying at my house as my guest. We'll come and collect you shortly."

Levi just nods. He can't even think straight right now. His mind is going off in so many directions.

"Wait." Levi says, almost impatiently. "Karpov. The prison guard."

"Yes?"

"Two of them entered her cell. You discharged one, the other was Karpov. Find him."

"Certainly. I'll see you soon, Ina." Dok leans forward just slightly to get her attention.

"Bye, uncle." Ina is just barely audible. It still surprises Levi nonetheless. Well that was fast. Levi didn't think she'd warm up to Dok so quickly. She's just full of surprises.

Levi takes a deep breath before opening the heavy door leading to the large holding cell.

"Ina, there's some people here to see you." He whispers to her. She's been resting her head on his shoulder for quite some time. Levi knows how tired she must be. She needs her rest.

"No, papa. I want to stay with you."

"I'm not going anywhere, Ina. But I think your brothers and sisters miss you." He debated whether or not they should see Ina in her current state. It would be difficult for them just like it was for him. But after speaking with Krista, Levi had no doubt. They need this, and so does Ina.

"What?" Ina gasps.

"Ina!"

"Peanut!"

"Oh my god!"

They all rush towards her but Eren stops them as soon as he notices Ina cower in Levi's arms. "Take it easy, guys."

"Ina?" Eren steps forward, tears steadily flowing from his bright green eyes. "It's just us. You're safe here."

The small girl doesn't hear him. Doesn't realize that she is only surrounded by people who would give their very lives for her. They hear something, and are quick to recognize quiet sound as Ina mumbling to herself.

"No... Please. Please, don't. No more. No more."

"Ina. Look at Papa." Levi whispers to her. "Baby mine, you're okay here. You're okay."

Ina opens her eyes and looks only at Levi. Something about the confusion in her expression bothers Levi. She doesn't know why he was comforting her just now.

"Was I... Papa, what did I... Where are we?" The confusion in her eyes merely grows. Levi understands soon enough. Ina didn't realize she was speaking aloud. Had no idea she was begging not to be hurt.

"We're with your brothers and sisters." Levi whispers.

"What?!"

Levi gestures for Eren to come closer. After Ina relaxes a bit, Levi carefully places her in eren's arms. The young Titan shifter falls to his knees while Ina close and all but sobs into her hair. The rest of the scouts huddle around Eren, trying to get as close to Ina as possible. Levi steps out of the circle and sits on the bench encircling the walls in the room. He'll give them some space to be with her, but he can't make himself leave the room. He doesn't want Ina out of his sight. Not even if she's with people she trusts.

"I'm so sorry, Ina! I'm sorry!" Eren cries as he rocks her back and forth. Already, Levi is realizing he's going to have to kick Eren's teeth out. No more fucking apologies. He thought he was crystal clear.

Wait. Dammit. Levi remembers what they said. Eren was in the infirmary with Krista. He heard everything. He knows what happened to Ina. More than that, Eren was the last person to see Ina before she was brought here. He took a bullet for her.

Levi might have to let some of these apologies slide. For now.

"Big brother? Eren?" Ina tries to sit up slightly, but stops short. The little girl is terrible at hiding her pain. Instead she tries to shift everyone's focus. "Are you okay?!" She's been so worried about him.

"Hey, it's alright. I'm good as new. Don't worry about us, Ina."

"Eren… I'm sorry they hurt you. I didn't know they would do that. I didn't-"

"Hey, hey slow down. Look at big brother, Ina." Eren stops her right there. "Breathe in, good job, now out. In one more time. And out. Better?"

Ina nods.

"Take a look." Eren pulls his collar to the side enough to reveal his shoulder. "It's gone. I want you to worry about yourself, not any of us."

"But…" Ina touches his shoulder. She remembers him bleeding. She thought he was going to die.

"How?"

"I'll explain another time." Eren hugs her close. "I'm sorry we couldn't protect you, Ina." He whispers, his voice trembling with a mixture of guilt and sadness. "I heard… and I tried to stop them, but… I wasn't strong enough."

"No…" She can't stand to see him so upset. "Don't cry, big brother." Ina looks around. They all look just like Eren. Do they all feel sad because of her?

"Why… All of you are crying. Did… Did I make you sad?" Eren can feel the guilt make Ina tense. Sasha beats him to the response.

"No! No, you beautiful little peanut! We're just happy to see you!" She wipes away her tears and attempts to smile. All the others do the same. They are happy to see her. But they know they're liars when they say these are tears of joy. Just looking at the baby's face. Watching her try to hide her pain. It's devastating.

"Don't cry. It's okay now. We're all together again." Ina meets their eyes. One by one they all put on a brave face and a smile while trying not to crumble. Try to hide how much it hurts to look at her grin with that black eye.

"You bet, kiddo. And we're not letting you go." Jean takes her hand.

"How do you feel, Ina?" Mikasa asks.

Ina just shakes her head. She doesn't want to talk about how she feels anymore. As the day wears on, she feels worse and worse. It's getting harder to move on her own. She's used to this pain in a way, but it's just been so long that she almost forgot what it's like to hurt this much.

"It's okay." Eren whispers. "Don't worry, Ina. As long as you're here with us, nothing else matters. It'll go bye bye."

Ina nods at this. "Big brothers and sisters and Papa will make me better." She mumbles. "Where's… Where's Armin?"

Ina looks around the circle and sees all her brothers and sisters except for Armin and Krista.

"Is he hurt too? Did something bad happen? Where is he?! Where is he?!"

She untangles herself from Eren's arms and attempts to stand. It's extremely difficult. Her entire body is telling her to stop, but she can't. She doesn't know if her big brother is alright. That's worse than being in pain. The scouts all try to calm Ina down and reassure her that no one else is hurt. But their words fall on deaf ears.

"Ina." She hears krista's voice but doesn't see her right away. "Over here."

Ina spots Krista sitting in the corner. Armin is next to her, curled up on the ground. She can't see his face. Ina wants to run. No. She wants to fly. Whatever is the quickest way to get to her big brother. But she's trapped in this broken body. With legs that refuse to run. With a back that refuses to bend and let her move.

"Come here munchkin. Come talk to big brother. Let him hear your voice." Krista says quietly.

Ina uses Eren's shoulder as a support to help her stand. Connie walks her over to the corner where Armin and Krista are, but rejoins his friends on the other side of the room. Armin needs space. He's been curled up on the ground since Krista returned from talking to Ina. Eren and Mikasa believe he may have regressed in some way and is stuck in a nightmare or a bad memory. But even his very best friends weren't entirely sure what was wrong. Everyone is stressed and exhausted and they've all been worried sick about Ina. Not one of them is reacting the same as another. This could be his way of trying to handle the intense stress and confusion.

"Armin? Hey, armin. Ina is here. She wants to talk to you." Krista whispers to him.

Ina notices armin shake his head.

"She's dead. She's dead. It's all my fault." He mumbles. "She's dead. She's dead. We killed her. She's dead." Ina can hear armin crying now. He… He thinks she's dead?

Krista looks at Ina. Go ahead, Munchkin. She mouths.

Ina moves so she can try to see Armin's face. He has his eyes covered with his forearm, but that will still work fine. She lies down next to Armin and faces him, lying close enough to reach out and touch him. Ina places her tiny hand on the side of his head and let's her thumb run circles over his temples. Just like what Papa does with her. She closes her eyes.

"It's warm where we are. It's warm and the sun is going to sleep and there's lots of colors in the sky. Pink, and orange, and purple colors. We're sitting on something soft. It's… It's kinda like dirt only less messy. It's loose and fluffy. You called it sand. From where we're sitting, there's this big huge... thing. It looks like a lake but it's bigger. Way bigger. It stretches farther than we can see. If you taste it, it's salty. You said it was the ocean. You can watch the sun go to sleep and the big huge ocean will look like a mirror. And it would be… It would be so…"

"Beautiful."

Ina was so caught up in what she was saying that she didn't even realize Armin had moved his arm and was looking right at her. Her eyes fly open.

"That would be so beautiful." He takes her hand.

"Big brother?" Ina feels like she's cried so much today, but yet here she is about to shed more tears. "Are you okay?"

"Can I hug you?" Armin asks, his blue eyes shining with unbelievable relief.

Ina nods. Armin sits up first and is slow and gentle when helping Ina to do the same. He takes her into his arms and soon she is engulfed in his warmth. Ina didn't realize how much she missed his hugs until this moment. It feels so nice to be back in his arms. Feels like home.

"Oh my god!" She hears him cry. "Ina's alive! She's here. Krista look! Isn't she so beautiful?!" Armin wails shamelessly for at least fifteen minutes. All the while raining down compliments on Ina.

She feels her cheeks grow warm. But he's not done. No, far from it, in fact.

"Look at how brave she is. So brave and smart and amazing."

"You're just so pretty. Krista look at her, isn't she gorgeous?!"

"I'm so happy you're here, Ina. You make me so happy! My little baby sister. I missed you! I missed you so much!"

"Don't ever go away, Ina. Stay with us forever. With your family. I know Ina belongs to Ina, but belonging to a family is nice too."

After hugging her and pulling away and hugging her again, armin puts some space between them so he can get a good look at her face. He kisses her eye and her cheek and just beside her lips. Making sure to get the visible cuts and bruises on her face.

"They may have hurt your face, but you're just as radiant as ever. You're still so strong. Still our bright little sunflower. Our princess."

It's pretty clear to the others that Armin isn't really aware of what he's saying or even doing right now. Looking back on this, people will say that it was the sudden euphoria that started his mouth running like an abnormal Titan. Armin won't remember any of this. When he hears about it later, he's going to be so embarrassed. Even more so when he realizes Captain Levi was there to hear it all.

What no one will tell him is that Levi, Humanity's strongest soldier, shed tears in front of his subordinates for the very first time. Something about all of Armin's endless praises must have gotten to Levi. No one is really sure. And the captain will deny it until the day he dies. They probably won't mention this to Armin because of the several rather creative threats.

Holy shit goddammit this is not happening. Levi is not crying in front of all these kids. Shit.

He didn't even realize it this time. What the hell is going on? What part of him is so broken that he can't keep his shit intact? He wasn't even upset this time. Levi was beyond elated. Hearing someone list praise after compliment to Ina. Seeing her wide eyes and growing smile. It just made Levi so happy to bear witness to how loved Ina truly was. How Armin's words of kindness uplifted her spirit and made her feel special. Seeing that beautiful smile. Hearing that squeaky little laugh of hers. It was more than enough to make Levi smile. His smile grew wider and wider until next thing he knew he was tasting his own tears.

He's broken so many of his own rules today. Levi can't remember when he last felt like himself. It's this damn place. Even when he's happy, he feels miserable. He cries when he wants to laugh. He mourns for Ina even though she's sitting right in front of him.

Levi doesn't understand this. Nor does he like it.

If any of these fuckers say a word about this they won't live to be annoying ass adults because he will destroy them.


Hope you all enjoyed that! Thank you for tuning in and I'll see everyone at the next update! Also a little fun fact tidbit for you guys: has anyone seen the parent trap? Remember when Chessy found out she was talking to Annie instead of Hallie? I still get choked up watching that scene. That was kinda my inspiration for Armin's... whatever you want to call it. If you're a big fan of Parent Trap like I am, you'll see the similarities between my fic scene and the movie scene. I just found it so beautiful and heartwarming. I couldn't pass up an opportunity like that. Well that's all for now folks!