When a year had gone by since Annabel arrived in the underground, it certainly hadn't felt like it, yet had at the same time. Time was flying faster than anyone could keep track of it. To celebrate, a certain friend had something special planned out. Isabel had no trouble convincing Farlan to join in but Levi was another story all together.

"Come on Levi! She's done so much for us and with what she's been through, she deserves it!" Isabel exclaimed.

"Are you saying we haven't been through much?" Levi responds slightly annoyed. He knew what she was talking about but he couldn't be bothered with some stupid party that would only cause a mess.

"You won't have to do anything. We could get the food and you could keep her distracted," she said with her usual grin.

"What makes you think I want to spend my time with that shitty brat?" he snapped.

"Now calm down Levi you'll wake her up." Farlan calmly tried to control the situation from getting out of hand. Annabel was in her room sleeping soundly. Isabel had woken up to go talk to her friends about her idea while they were still awake but Levi wasn't cooperating in the slightest. "She's helped us out a lot Levi and helped each of us out when they were planning something for the others so it is our turn to do it for her."

Levi glared at his friend as he explained. He knew it was true; for each of their birthdays she had gone out and gotten each of them a present. She had given Isabel a worn out stuffed teddy which she adored, Farlan a carving of a dog which made his day and she had found Levi a bracelet made of brown leather which was extremely rare. They didn't even have enough leather to make the uniforms of the military out of it. He didn't say a word to her as he took it. He gave her a nod which was enough for her. Since then, he'd never taken it off his wrist.

"She's also gone through a lot since she got here. There was that incident..." Isabel trailed off. It had been eight months since the mission had gone awry and since then no one was able to touch her. Whenever someone did she'd go wash the place where she was until it was red and raw. She had gotten a lot better and if someone briefly touched her she would only flinch. If someone grabbed her she would go into a full on panic and start to scream. It was only recently she allowed the three of them to be in physical contact again.

"She's also been training her ass off. In the space of one year she's at the level of someone who's finished the military training program or even higher. There hasn't been a day she's stopped working so she deserves this. Surely you can see that." Levi cursed under his breath at his friends' words. He knew they were right but he was just too stubborn to admit that fact. He stood up from his seat at the table and started to walk towards the front door.

"Where are you going Big Bro?" Isabel asked with curiosity.

"Out; I'll be back in an hour."

"What about tomorrow?" She whined. Levi clicked his tongue before shaking his head.

"If I say yes, will you shut your fucking mouth?" Isabel's eyes widened in shock and excitement.

"Yes I will! Thank you Levi!" she squealed. Farlan put his hand over her mouth to keep her quiet. "Oh yeah, whoops." Farlan let out a sigh at his younger friend's actions. Thinking about age made him curious; how old was Annabel? She didn't look as old as Levi and himself but looked slightly more mature than Isabel. She had a childlike aura to her which made it hard to pinpoint her age. He frowned as he struggled out the puzzle but was interrupted by the cheery sound of Isabel's laughter. He snapped from his thoughts and smiled at his friend.

"We have to organise everything first. Why don't we start making a list now before it gets too late?" he suggested. Isabel jumped up and down and excitement.

"Yes!"

Annabel woke up that morning to realise something was different.

"Where's Isabel?" she mumbled sleepily. She focused her attention to her ears to try and hear anything outside the room but it was silent. "What's going on?" She stood from the floor and went over to change into her clothes and gear in case she needed to go looking for them. It was never quiet in the house during the mornings; Isabel was always yelling and causing problems.

After doing her hair in a rushed manner, Annabel left the room to the dining table. She was surprised that someone was in fact there but just happened to be extremely quiet.

"Levi?" The short man looked up from the table and straight at the girl before him. Even though it had been exactly one year since she had been taken in he wasn't quite used to seeing her walk from that room.

"What is it Brat?" he said with a glare. His hair hadn't been done and was a bit of a mess and he unlike her wasn't dressed in his gear yet.

Levi had never called Annabel by the name he himself gave her; he always called her Brat unless in serious situations where the name wasn't appropriate. Farlan and Isabel wondered why but they let it go. They both knew that he had a tough time before they met him so they knew questioning his actions would get them nowhere other than causing him to be angered. It was a mystery.

"Where are Isabel and Farlan?" she asked as she let out a yawn. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she walked towards the kitchen.

"They went out to get supplies," he explained bluntly. Annabel tilted her head in confusion.

"Why would they do that? We went out and got some things yesterday," she wondered. She didn't question it aloud though, as she knew she would only get a half assed response from him. "Will we be doing more training then, Levi? We don't have much else to do." Since their talk all those months ago the only person she had been her true self with was Levi. She didn't bother trying to cheer him up because she knew it would just annoy him further.

"No, today you and I will simply be discussing things. You've been here a full year now. What do you intend to do now?" he asks as he takes a sip from his tea. Annabel looks at him as she prepares hers.

"I know enough about this world to survive now. You've trained me, and Farlan taught me. If you believe I'm a burden, then I'll leave and won't bother you again. As I said, causing you trouble is the last thing I want to do to the three of you. I did promise Isabel I would stay as long as she wanted me around though, so I will keep that in mind. Your call Levi; am I of any use?" She took her tea and took the seat next to Levi and looked him in the eye. He met her gaze with a hint of interest.

"You've been more use than a burden. I have no issue with you staying here as long as you don't slack off and become a little shit," he explained. A small smile played on Annabel's lips.

"I wasn't planning on it. I like it here and you've given me a home. Why would I slack off when you've done so much for me?" As with most of her question Levi nods and says nothing more. The two of them finish their tea in silence. "I see you're still wearing the bracelet," Annabel comments. Levi looks down at his wrist that was decorated by the simple strap.

"It would be wasteful not to. Leather is so fucking rare now that it's a miracle this exists." Annabel laughed. She knew this was Levi's way of saying that he liked it.

"Don't tell me this is what we'll be doing all day," Annabel said after another moment's silence. Levi shook his head and looked out the window.

"What's the time?" he asked. Annabel turned to look at the broken analogue clock on the counter.

"It's around midday," she answered, "Wait a second. Why aren't you cleaned up at this time? You're usually the first one ready."

"Isabel is the one who wakes me up. With no reason to get up I slept in. Is that a problem?" he asked annoyed by the question. He wasn't exactly awake yet, so his mood wasn't the best.

"Not at all; it's just unusual that's all," she said defensively. He clicked his tongue before washing his mug and going to get changed. Annabel got up and grabbed a piece of bread from the stash to eat since she didn't have breakfast. Never had she gotten used to the staleness of the bread.

"Had I had stale bread before?" she asked aloud. During her year she hadn't remembered a thing of her previous life. All she had was her dolphin pendant. She didn't remember how she got it or what the creature was; she only remembered the name of the animal. "Who was I?"

Annabel no longer let it get to her that she didn't know anything; she thought of this as a new chance. It was possible that her life before this was worse and that maybe she didn't even have a family. There was no way to really know.

She had noticed some things about herself which she couldn't explain. Once every couple of weeks she'd notice a new scar. The most obvious was the one she first found that was usually covered by her shirt but she'd found them on her legs and stomach as well. Where they come from she didn't have the slightest idea. It didn't matter to her though; the past was in the past. Even though it didn't bother her too much that she didn't remember a thing she was still curious as to whom she was, good or bad.

Her thoughts were interrupted with Levi coming back into the room. She looked over at the clocked and her eyes widened when she realised she'd been thinking for a good twenty minutes.

"Are you ready to go out?" He asked as he tightened the last of his belts.

"I thought we weren't training today," Annabel said confused.

"I never said anything about training, Brat. I want to show you something." Nerves started going wild in Annabel's system. What would he want to show her? He kept most of his secrets to himself, so what could it be? "What is it? Do you need to take a shit or something?" A pink tint arose on her cheeks.

"No, I don't. Where are we going?"

"You'll find out when you get there." She didn't question him further. Sighing in defeat and nodded before following him out of the house. He launched his gear and sped off. He didn't bother looking back and checking on her as he once did. Over the year she's managed to become as fast as him. She was nowhere near as accurate and sometimes still rammed into walls, but her speed was incredible for someone with so little use of the device.

Annabel had been training nearly every day in order to become of more use to her friends. Her body was extremely worn down by the tough routine, but it had become accustomed to it. Levi was slightly concerned over her strenuous schedule. He didn't care so much for her wellbeing but for her use; that's what he convinced himself anyway. If she ended up wearing herself down, then she would no longer be able to help out and become a burden once more.

Levi was not used to creating bonds with others; not used to trusting others. It took both Isabel and Farlan at least two years to completely gain his trust. After three years he even considered them close enough to be friends.

Annabel was different. The way she acted and spoke showed him that she was not lying and had no reasons to hide anything from them. It took only this one year to become completely trusted by him and he almost considered her a friend. He was able to relate to her and they bonded more than he cared to admit. He didn't understand it at all; it was a feeling he couldn't just explain. He felt the need to look after her. She was smaller and weaker than even Isabel and it would take years of training to change that. He cared for her and he didn't understand why.

He came out of his thoughts as soon as his eyes caught glimpse of his destination. A relaxed feeling washed over him as he landed in front of the most peaceful place of the underground. He looked up at the clear blue sky and the grassy moss that covered the edge of the opening.

Annabel's mouthed open agape at the sight. She had never seen the sky or the grass. She had never experienced a breeze on her face that was able to blow the loose strands of hair behind her. A large smile grew on her face as she spun and jumped around. This is what freedom looked like; this was her first glimpse of being free and she loved it.

"This is amazing," she said barely above a whisper. A small smile appeared on Levi's lips just small enough for the distracted beauty before him not to notice. He had never seen such a reaction to this. Farlan and Isabel both knew about this place so he never thought someone could be so ecstatic over such a simple thing.

"This is where I go to clear my mind," Levi explained to her, "since you like to think a lot, I thought this place might help when you need to get away again." Annabel's attention turned back to Levi; a look of surprise painted her face. It was quickly replaced by a grateful expression.

"Thank you Levi," she said with a genuine smile. Levi's heartbeat picked up.

"Tch," he muttered as he looked up again. Two pure white birds flew overhead which made Annabel laugh with joy. "Do you remember anything like a birthday yet Brat?" he said as soon as his heart calmed down. Her happy mood quickly darkened.

"I don't remember anything. I've been trying but all I get is a headache," she sombrely explained. She looked back up at Levi and put on a smile, "I don't mind though. You've given me new memories and a new life, so I'll be forever grateful."

"Consider it today then." Once again Annabel looked at him surprise. "What is it? It makes the most sense doesn't it? It's been a year since your life with us so why not?" He said nonchalantly. Annabel had noticed how Levi acted different around her, but she never understood why.

"What's the date today?" she asked him with another cheerful smile. Levi knew that this smile wasn't an act; this one was genuine and it was something he very much enjoyed the sight of.

"March 18th." She walked up close to Levi and looked up. He returned the action by looking down at her and meeting her gaze. He always managed to get caught up in her eyes. They were as inviting as the grass above them; as rare as a gem in this broken down world.

Annabel did something unexpected. She lifted up her hand and flicked him between the eyes.

"What's going on with you Levi? You aren't getting soft are you?" she laughed. It took a lot of will power to hold back a laugh of his own. She was right; he was soft when it came to her. If he was his normal self, he would have refused to do anything for her even if it was the anniversary of her entrance into their lives. He wouldn't have shown her this spot and he would have kicked her out after a while. He was captured and under her spell she had no idea she was even casting.

"Oh cause not you fucking idiot," he snapped with his signature glare. She chuckled at her response.

"Don't worry, I won't tell the others. Thank you for everything Levi." She turned to look at the sky once more. "Will we get to go up there one day?"

"We'll take you up there one day when you can take care of yourself."

"Are you saying I'm weak?" she said with a cold eye looking back at him, the other faced forward. Levi's usual seriousness came back at the question.

"Yes that's exactly what I'm saying. You aren't strong enough to fight anyone off yet. You've nearly perfected the use of your gear but strength wise, you're nothing." Annabel looked at him completely as he gave her the harshest glare she had ever received.

"Well then what do you suggest Levi? You're the expert after all," she said sarcastically. Levi rolled his eyes at her attitude.

"It's a simple matter of more training, but not the kind you've been doing. You need to learn hand to hand combat."

"You want me to learn how to fight?" she gasped. She had never thought of fighting before and she didn't want to. Causing people harm is not what she wanted to do; all she ever wanted to do was help. She continued to fall into deep thought. She thought back to the incident eight months ago where she couldn't even save herself. How was she supposed to save others if she couldn't do that simple thing?

"Are you even listening to me?" Annabel looked back up at Levi and shook her head.

"No I wasn't sorry. I was thinking about what you just said; you're right. If I can't protect myself then how am I going to help others out? I'll get stronger and one day we'll get outside and I'll see the sky," she said with an optimistic smile. Levi couldn't help but smile down at her which caused her smile to grow.

"The others should be back now. Let's get going," he said as he grabbed out the controllers for the gear.

"Sure; I'll meet you there," she said with a grin. She pulled out the controllers and head off leaving Levi in her wake. Levi rolled his eyes at her childish words and head off behind her. He caught up to her but stayed behind so she had something to cheer about. He enjoyed seeing her smile so why wouldn't he?

When Annabel landed at the door she waited for Levi before walking in.

"Surprise!" Farlan and Isabel cheered as they stood behind the dining table with fresh tomato soup: Annabel's favourite. The brunette looked at them shocked before looking back at Levi.

"This is why you took me out?" she said still in shock. He looked away before nodding. "You did this for me?"

"Of course we did!" Isabel said with an excited expression, "You deserve it."

Annabel ran up to Isabel and Farlan before pulling them into a hug, "Thank you so much guys," she said. Tears of joy pricked her eyes and quickly ran down her cheeks. "You have no idea how much this means to me." She let go of the two and turned to Levi, "Thank you too Levi, for everything."

"Tch," was all he said before taking walking to his room. Annabel shook her head before taking a seat at the table.

"It smells amazing!"

"It's tomato and pumpkin soup," Farlan explained to her. Annabel took a bowl and happily took a sip.

"This is delicious!" she exclaimed. The other two grabbed their bowls and joined her. They looked up when Levi came into the room but Annabel noticed something; he came from Isabel and her room. She didn't question it as she heard to words of excitement from the other two who were enjoying the filling meal.

For the remainder of the day Annabel, Isabel and Farlan joked around about some of the fun things that had happened during the year. A lot of interesting and unusual occurrences had come to past during her time with them which Annabel was grateful for.

It was starting to get late and Annabel decided to get to bed early. She had had an amazing day but she was utterly exhausted. She said her goodnights and walked to her room. She changed into her pyjamas and pulled out her braid. After folding all of her clothes she walked towards her blankets on the floor. As she looked down to pull back the sheets she noticed something. A small tattered book, along with a pencil lay gently placed on the bedding.

She thought to who could have done this and came to one conclusion. She smiled as she thought of Levi's kindness, and continued to grin as she slipped into a dream state.