With a huff, Mr. Leonhart slammed his wood-splitting axe down hard on the work bench in the barn, causing Annie to abruptly stop mid broom sweep. They had been cleaning out the barn to use for additional firewood most of the day in silence, the sun now sending vibrant orange streaks through the uneven roof.

Nestled in the trees just off the north side of Liberio their home was isolated and quiet, far from the noise and rush of the town. This distance had been at Annie's request, and their construction had finished in the late spring; now it was time to make sure they could withstand the winter that was creeping towards them through the thick summer haze.

Yet it was not this concern that plagued Mr. Leonhart's mind now as he rounded on his daughter, her eyes still downcast to the floor. She remained silent as he frowned at her, knowing all too well the reason behind his frustration.

"Are you really going to allow this to go forward, Annie?" He said sternly, watching her still form. "It's been weeks. They have probably already left for Kardif and will be passing by Liberio within days."

Annie resumed her sweeping, concentrating intently on the growing pile of sawdust. "I know, father."

Mr. Leonhart grunted, passing his hand across his face.

"I don't understand. When Reiner sent message of this excursion, it was his hope that you would be more than willing to join them in their attempt. Instead, you've cleaned every object we own. Are you truly more interested in the upkeep of this home than you are in their mission?"

When she didn't respond, he sighed. "Annie, I know you feel it's your duty now to take care of me after all the years that separated us, but this endeavor is bigger than that! You contain more than enough skill to tip the balance for them; your presence could mean the difference between their success and their failure. Surely your own them that much."

Annie had stopped sweeping again yet was still unable to meet his eyes. Yes, perhaps she did owe them. It was because of them that her and her father could live the life they had, away from the fight. Ordinary. Despite this looming fact, Annie shook her head. She finally had exactly what she wanted, and after everything that had happened, Reiner was still asking too much from her.

"They are more than capable enough to do this on their own. My fight is over. Too many of my years were spent in battle, I'm done."

A fresh wave a guilt rolled through Mr. Leonhart as he watched his daughter. Yes, she had certainly seen more of war than she deserved, thanks to him. Years and year of it in fact, all in the name of the greater good. How could he implore her to take part in another war after what he had done? The world could ask no more of her, and neither could he. All he could do now was hope that this choice wouldn't come back to haunt her, as it did him.

He turned away from her and back to his work bench, taking off his gloves and strolled towards the open barn doors. Before rounding the corner nearest the house he stopped, turning around and finally catching Annie's eyes as she watched him leave.

"You're right. The choices of your life are in your own hands now, as are theirs. But know this, Annie: there wasn't a moment of the day I didn't wish I could have been there with you on your mission, and not a single second I wasn't racked with pain when I believed you lost." Her blue eyes shimmered as he turned from her once more.

"I only pray that you are able to live with outcome of your choices."

And with that, he disappeared into the late afternoon sun.

The dock had been thrown together in haste, shifting and swaying dangerously with the tides as Arya gathered what little provisions she needed and stuffed them into a compartment along the standing deck of her vessel. It was not much more than a rowboat outfitted with a small engine, but with the assistance of the larger Hizuru naval ship, she would be able to cross the short distance to the Paradis port with little to no issues; assuming of course that the Jaegerist's would refrain from opening fire on her.

With that thought in mind, several of the Hizuru officers attached a large white flag and adjoining flagpole near the bow of the boat, and Arya sent up a silent prayer that it would be enough to stay their hand, even for a short time.

Leaping off the edge and down onto the creaking pier, she made her way back to the group huddled together against the strong coastal winds. Now that it was time to leave the relative safety of the group, her nervousness flared dramatically. What if she couldn't convince the port officials of her identity? What if the General had no interest in her arrival and locked her away? What if she didn't even have a chance to worry about that and the port simply blew her out of the water before she could say a word?

Arya opened her mouth to say something once she stopped in front of Armin, who's thinly veiled concern mirrored her own, but was unable to say anything. Within a matter of seconds however, she had a set of arms wrapped tight around her in a strong embrace that nearly knocked her over in surprise.

"You better be careful, Arry." Connie's tense voice mumbled near her ear as she returned his clutch fiercely despite herself. It was a bittersweet feeling, knowing suddenly how strongly their friendship has grown within the barracks, and a new type of worry clouded her mind.

"Be safe." She whispered, uncharacteristically embracing Pieck and Gabi in the same fashion, wiping a small tear that had spilled over from Gabi's eye. "If all goes well, we will be seeing each other again in no time." She cast a quick glace towards Levi, who was staring out at the ships bobbing in the water with a hard look. Turning back to Armin, she smiled softly through her wind-swept hair and up towards his pained face.

Taking a hesitant step, she slid her arms around his waist and hugged him, her cheek pressed tightly against his chest. After a small pause Armin's returned the gesture, holding her tightly against him. Of all the bonds that had been forged between herself and her comrades, Armin's friendship held a special place in her heart, one where he discomfort almost completely left her. Though she couldn't quite explain why, he reminded her of home… of family.

"We will pull you out." He said, his voice thick with emotion. "That's a promise."

Pulling back, she gave them all a grin.

I believe you. But now I'm going to need someone to punch me."

Her abrupt request was met with aghast expressions, and Arya laughed tightly.

"There is no way the port authority is going to believe I escaped from the mainland without a scratch on me, even if they are familiar with who I am. And since I can't exactly do it myself, one of you have to do it."

When no one responded, she turned to Quinn who looked taken aback. She stared questioningly at Jean who was frowning at the dirty beneath his feet. After a moment, he gave her a terse nod.

"Wait a second, we don't need to do this, do we?!" Connie's voice was high as they watch Quinn approach Arya, looking desperately over at Armin, who didn't answer.

"She's right, we have to sell it, Con." Jean muttered, his mouth set in a grim line. With the commanders go-ahead Quinn pulled back her arm, having the good grace to look apprehensive.

"Sorry, captain."

Arya's head snapped back as two quick succession punches to her face blurred her vision, followed swiftly by a hard kick to her ribs. Her fractured rib bent dangerously despite Quinn having tempered her kick significantly, and she groaned. After a few more hits, Quinn raised her arm and pulled back once more, but the throw was caught by Levi's outstretched hand.

"I believe that's more than sufficient, solider." His voice was no more than a whisper, but Quinn nodded fearfully and shrank back into the ranks.

He turned to Arya then, looking passed her bruised and bleeding face and into her wide eyes. Taking one of her long braids in his hand, Levi pulled on it firmly until her face was no more than a hands length away.

To the others it looked as though they were speaking to each other without saying a word, Arya having matched the intensity of his stare after a moment of shock. The air around them seemed to hum slightly as they stood there, and the rest of the group looked on in confusion.

"Don't get yourself killed." It was not a request.

Her eyes hardened in response. "Ye of little faith."

The corner of Levi's mouth turned up into a half grin, and he dipped his head. Releasing his hold, he strode away towards their horses without another word.

Ten minutes later the large navy ship was pulling her away from the shore and out into the harbor. Looking back at the dock she watched the others mount their horses and take off up the beach, one by one disappearing into the trees that jutted out towards the water like grasping hands. With a sigh she tucked herself into a small open storage area beside the steering wheel and away from the wind, which was picking up swiftly as the Hizuru ship gained speed. Her mind raced nearly as fast as the land behind them faded from view, leaving only the vast expanse of the sea.

I'm going home.