The four men sat down at a table about to eat their first meal as cadets. They were joined by two others who looked a few years younger than them. One of them had shaggy blonde hair much like Keith and wore thick square glasses. The other had short mousey brown hair and was seen with a lollipop sticking out of his mouth. The group exchanged pleasantries with one another as they all began to eat their meals.

"I'm Spencer, this is my friend Allen," the man said pointing at his friend with his lollipop.

"Pleasure, I'm Lucas, this fella here is my main man Keith. And you have Jack and Nicholas just over there."

"No offense to you guys, but aren't you a little old to be trainees? I mean usually at your age, you'd be full-fledged soldiers by now."

"Late bloomers I guess," Nicholas replied with a laugh.

The six of them became caught up in conversation as they were discussing the hardships that were about to laid out before them. They were soldiers and they were about to become dedicated in their line of work. The topic of factions came up as each one was curious as to what faction they would go in.

"So what, are you guys wanting to join?" Keith asked.

"Well, I want to be part of the Survey Corps. I want to be able to see them up close and personal. I want to know what makes them tick."

"You're nuts, you really want to go head on with one of those things?" Lucas proclaimed.

"He isn't the only one yeah know. I want to see things for myself," Spencer replied.

The other four all agreed that they didn't want to come into contact with those beings ever again. They decided to try their best and make their way to the Military Police Brigade and vowed to never come in contact with a titan ever again.

During their training the four became quite close with Spencer and Al. The six of them treated each other like brothers. Spencer came from family of engineers. He lived and breathed technology. It wasn't until one day that his family's house burnt to the ground that everything for Spencer changed. All of his inventions he made with his father were gone along with his sister. However, it was their chance to start a new life with new inventions. His father signed on with the military and began assisting in the technology development program of the Military Police Brigade. This inspired Spencer to join the military himself to be able to use his own father's inventions in action.

Al on the other hand was destined to be a teacher. As a child, he was considered to be quite the intellectual. However, he wasn't very good at sports but he was good with books. His mother and father were both teachers at the school in their village. Al would often find himself after school working on neat projects with his parents. He learned so many new things that the other kids couldn't quite understand. One day the Survey Corps came into their village. Al was lucky enough to speak to one of the individuals who was in charge of the titan research. It was at that moment that the fire was lit in him. He wanted to know more about the titans, what they were and where they came from. He had so many questions left unanswered. That was when he decided to find the answers himself.

The four Sidonia members used what they knew to their advantage. Their skills within the circus had proven to be exceptional when put into use as a soldier. They become like celebrities with their skills. The achieved high scores in vertical maneuvering using harness's that were strapped to their bodies and a gas chamber on either leg. Keith was especially good at maneuvering himself in the air thanks to his training as an acrobatic. Their combat skills were phenomenal and almost unstoppable. With their basic understanding of titans through Lana, they even excelled at their classroom lessons, which Jack highly excelled at thanks to his lessons with her. Even their back country training was simple to them thanks to the hardships they had experienced traveling with the circus. Everyone was amazed and strived to be just like them.

During the entire process, they became good friends with Spencer and Allen and were not looking forward to the day where they would all be separated. Things as a recruit had eased the pains in their hearts. They had found a new life and smiles where on their faces once again. It was almost as if nothing had ever happened to them. Keith completely forgot about the serum, he just wanted to become a perfect soldier. Nicholas was less driven to find Lana. Even Jack knew how to crack a smile every now and again. The four of them were truly happy once more.

Three years had gone by and it was finally time for them to graduate as full-fledged soldiers. Proudly they all stood before their leader as he had begun to announce the top ten eligible for the Military Police Brigade.

"At ten, Isabel Hawthe. Ninth, Liam Evans. Eighth, Jackie Strong. Seventh Lucas Anderson."

Lucas let out a sigh of relief fearing that he wouldn't make it.

"Sixth, Hange Zoe. Fifth, Jack Adder. Fourth, Spencer Dean. Third, Ino Santura. Second, Nicholas Elric. And finally in first we have Keith Aberdeen."

Keith was wide eyed at the belief that he out ranked Nicholas. He looked over at Lucas who had a large grin on his face as Nicholas was stunned. Keith couldn't contain himself as he shouted with excitement.

"MR. ABERDEEN you can celebrate after the ceremony!" yelled their captain.

Keith was not hesitant to shut his mouth and straighten himself up as the others tried to contain themselves from laughing.

"You ten now have the decision to make on whether or not you wish to join the Military Police Brigade. If you decide to join, you may leave, the rest will remain."

Without further hesitation Keith, Nicholas, Jack, and Lucas began to make their way out of the colosseum. Keith looked back to see Spencer standing his ground proudly as his goal was just before him. They were the only four out of the ten to make the decision to join the M.P's, but it was decision that they were wanting to make.

The cold night air was upon them as they watched the stars above. They all sat in their training corps uniforms one last time bearing the two crossed swords on their badges and back.

"Do you guys still miss her?" Keith asked the others remembering the whole reason why they were there to begin with.

"Every day," Lucas replied.

"Come on, let's get going, it's getting late," Nicholas proclaimed reaching out for Keith.

The following day, they said their goodbyes to Spencer and Al as they were making their way with the rest of the newly named Survey Corps soldiers.

"Shit, check it out, Hange is joining too," Lucas pointed at the eagerly excited person.

"Yikes. Well I have to admit that they are a strong fighter. Maybe they'll bring some good for the Survey Corps. When they get serious, they can get serious it's really scary," Keith replied remembering and unforgettable and regretful encounter they had shared one time during combat training.

"You two look sharp, your cart awaits to take you to the capital!" called out a Military Police Brigade soldier.

The four of them got into the cart. They had informed of Madame Nina of their new positions and what awaited them from here on out. As the four of them were training as recruits, she had started the circus back up again. With the remaining members, they tried their best to put on a great show for all to see. It was smaller than what they were used to, but they were still able to make do with the skills that they had.

The four men made their way to the Military Police Brigade barracks where they would be suited up with their new jacket and new roles to play. The journey was a long one to get from Wall Maria to Wall Sheena, but the excitement over weighed the dread of the ride.

Waiting for them at the base was their new commander. They stepped off of the wagon and saluted the man before them by placing a right fist on the left side of their chest and a left fist on the back of their right hip. This was the official salute taught to them in their early days as recruits. The commander responded with the same salute and nodded towards them in acknowledgement. The four were given their jackets that had the green unicorn displayed on back, shoulders and chest. With their old recruit jackets finally retired, they were now able to make a name for themselves. It was three years of hard work, but to them it was worth it to get them here.

When they were finally settled in their dorms, Keith made sure to start writing a letter to Larry of the Garrison. He wanted to make him proud of what they had accomplished in the five years of them living here in the strange land. Keith reached up along the wall in search for a light switch.

"Right, I don't think I will ever get used to that one," he said to himself realizing that running electricity wasn't exactly a thing within the walls.

During their time within the walls, they have had to make several adjustments. With the lack of technology that they were used to they still found themselves looking for simple things such as light switches.

He sat down and began writing his letter to Larry under the candlelight as Lucas was settling in for the night. The two of them were very thankful that they would be able to room together like they had been at the training camps. Keith did not like the idea of having to share a room with someone he didn't even know.

Once the letter to Larry was completed, Keith peered over his shoulder to see if Lucas was still awake. After verifying he wasn't, Keith reached in to a small box that he had kept with him for almost five years. In them were pieces of paper folded up neatly. He pulled out a fresh piece and laid it in front of him on the desk.

Dear Lana,

Not a day goes by where I don't miss you. I just wish that I could hear your voice again, or even the sound of you turning pages of a book. I miss those days.

I often wonder where you are, what has become of you. To me these letters are a way of coping. Even if I don't get a response in return.

I've become a member of the Military Police Brigade. I want to be able to prove to myself that I can move past everything. Start fresh almost. However, the haunting thoughts are still in my head.

What was this serum that my clan was after? Was it the same titan serum that Caroline was talking about? I'm not too sure. I remember Caroline talking about the titans beyond the wall being a product a serum experimentation. I have asked around and it seemed that no one has any knowledge of any sort of thing existing. They have no clue where these titans have even come from.

I do remember reading in one of your books though, that there was a case of titans, or rather Unwanteds as the book called them, appearing on Rhea. It can't be a coincidence that they had appeared back in our homeland. Something is very unusual here. I want to be able to get to the bottom of things. Maybe even save these people from being trapped within the walls. Although maybe I should have joined the Survey Corps then.

Anyways, maybe being an M.P will allow me to dig deeper into the secrets of the walls. It's funny, I feel like you. Wanting to know more about things that are out there. I only just wish that you were here with me to help me through this. We could work together.

Keith

He dropped the pen and leaned back in the chair staring at the ceiling. A small tear dropped from his eye as he closed them. It was complete silence in the room.

"Keith," came a saddened female's voice. "Keith I miss you."

Keith abruptly woke up from the chair. He slammed his hands on the table paralyzed. He was sure that it was her voice that he heard. He peered around the room and saw no one else besides Lucas. Lucas continued to sleep un-phased by what was going on.

"She's alive," Keith whispered trying to control himself.

The voice may had been a dream, but he was sure of it. She was out there somewhere alive and he knew it.

The following morning, the four were ordered to meet down the stairs in the main hall of the base. They stood promptly up against the wall awaiting for the orders that they would receive. They weren't the only ones. There were a select few other graduates from other regions who were eager to start their new life.

The commander came down the stairs and walked up and down the line of soldiers. Each one of them were staring straight ahead of them without making any eye contact.

"Aberdeen!"

"Yes sir!" Keith shouted.

"I want you on patrol duty with Watson."

"Yes sir!" he shouted with a salute.

He had no idea who Watson was, but assumed that they were not any of the soldiers standing present.

Everyone was dismissed with their orders as Keith headed to the storage house. He geared himself up with a vertical maneuvering device along with a rifle. A rifle was mandatory for those in the Military Police Brigade on patrol. It was their job to maintain order within the walls. The capital was especially troublesome considering how the Underground was a component that they had to deal with.

As Keith slung his rifle on his shoulders he could hear a sensual voice of a woman before him.

"You must be the new recruit I'm stuck with."

He looked up from the buckles and saw a beautiful woman standing before him. She had a sly smile on her face. Her sharp features were intimidating. Her wavy long dark brown hair was parted to the side revealing the beauty mark on the corner of her left eye. Keith stammered as he tried to pick out the words he was trying to say. He was star struck.

"Look alive recruit, we have work to do," she said patting him on the back as she went to get gear of her own.

The two of them walked around the town and made sure that things were well with the citizens. There seemed to be nothing wrong on the beautiful sunny day. All was quiet and calm.

"So tell me, does the recruit have a name?" she asked turning towards him.

"Uh…Keith…Keith Aberdeen."

"Pleasure to meet you Keith. I'm Squad Leader Watson, Robin Watson," she replied holding out her hand.

Keith responded as the two shook their hands.

"I expect high things from you. You achieved the highest marks out of any of the recruits that we have received. I'm quite impressed, you also don't seem to be as young as the other recruits. What's your story?"

"My story?"

"Yeah, what brings you here soldier?"

"Well…I first started out searching for a long lost friend, sister if you will. When I couldn't find her, it seemed like all hope was lost. Then I turned to the life of the military. It was a way for me to cope, to try and make myself feel better about everything. I believed that being a soldier may one day help me find her."

"Well Keith, that's quite the story you have there."

"Uhh, thanks? So….what made you want to be a soldier?"

"Watched my brother get beaten to death by people from the Underground my sister and I barely escaped with our lives."

Keith immediately shut his mouth and kept silent. He felt awkward for asking in the first place not expecting a response like that.

"I'm kidding by the way."

Relieved Keith listened to what she had to say. Robin was born a fighter. She was never like the other girls around her. She always hung around the boys and did exactly what they would do. She hated pretty pink frilly things that most of the other girls liked. She wasn't hesitant to get her hands dirty. That's when she fell in love with the idea of being in the military. Her parents wanted to her to marry and start a life with a family, but she didn't want to listen to her parents. She wanted to do the opposite and joined the military instead.

They continued to make their way through the city watching the people go about their day. All was fine until they heard yelling.

"Sounds like someone is having a party without us. Shall we," Robin proclaimed with a smile.

She tied her hair up quickly into a ponytail and ran towards the sound. Keith was not far behind her as they made their way through the streets. They made it to the scene where they saw an elderly woman kneeling on the ground.

"They took my grandson, they took my grandson," she cried out pointing in the direction of the kidnappers.

Keith did not hesitate and began sprinting down the street. He focused his breathing to ensure that he was not wasting any stamina. The sound of gas spurting out and metal being reeled in could be heard. Keith looked up ahead and saw Robin using her gear.

"Did you forget that we had these," she shouted soaring past him.

Keith was humiliated at the realization that he was still getting used to having equipment. He reached and grabbed the triggers that activated the gas mechanism of the device. He clicked on the triggers that released the clasps. Once lodged into a solid surface, he used another trigger to activate the gas. He propelled himself upwards by reeling in the cords that had sprung out of the device at his hip. The gas gave him speed as he began soaring through the air. He soon caught up with Robin.

Down below they could see the kidnapper running with the child. The child had a burlap sack placed over his head as he was being carried. Keith was eager to show off what he could do in front of Robin. He wanted to prove to her that he was in fact an asset to the brigade.

By using the vertical maneuvering device, he pushed himself further ahead. He threw himself downward right in the path of the kidnapper. The man stumbled at the sight of a soldier in front of him. Keith straightened up and pointed his gun straight at the man.

"Put the child down and surrender," he called out.

The man stammered and started to back up. Right behind him was Robin with her own rifle held up. The man backed into hers as fear sprung in his eyes.

"Do as he says, and nobody will get hurt."

Everyone in the area watched as the two soldiers remained calm and motionless. The kidnapper on the other hand was freaking out at the sight of two soldiers holding him up at gun point. He reached down into his pocket and pulled out a knife. In his fear he went to strike the small child that was in his arms. Without even blinking Keith made his shot. What seemed as seconds to everyone else felt like minutes to Keith.

The bullet knocked the knife out of his hand. With great speed a second shot was fired causing a bullet to hit the man's shoulder. Keith through his gun and ran to catch the child before they hit the ground. With a great amount of speed, he was able to reach the child just in time. In one fluid motion, Keith had clipped a blade onto a hilt and drew a sword. The end of the sword was pointed directly at the throat of the kidnapper.

"Please, spare me," he called out.

With a sadistic smile Keith went to make a final blow. Robin had grabbed a hold of Keith's arm before contact was made.

"Enough soldier stand down. The court will handle him from here."

When the kidnapper was detained and the child was returned, the grandmother was very thankful. Keith was humbled by the sight of the two hugging each other. However, what was waiting for him was a different story. He knew that he may have taken things a little far. He met with Robin who had let her hair down. She stood sternly before him as he approached.

"I will admit that you are quite skilled. However, remember that we cannot make the decisions ourselves unless the situation is considered an emergency. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Excellent. Good work, I expect much things from you. Let's get going our shift is almost over."

Keith was expecting more of a punishment, but he was thankful at what he was able to get. He didn't want to try and make matter worse and just hurried by Robin's side.

It was still hard for Keith to this day not to get a thrill when in a fight. It was in his blood. Always in the heat of the moment, it's like his logical sense is being over ridden by the desire to see the blood of his enemies pour. His sadistic behaviour takes over and becomes something unlike his normal self. It was something that Keith himself wanted to work on defeating. He didn't want to lose himself to that side of him. In the hopes of joining the military he wanted to destroy that part of him.

When the shift was over he retired for the night and reflected on the events of that day. The adrenaline rush was something he was not used to anymore. At least in that way or form. He hadn't felt like that since he was a teen back on Rhea. A smile came over his face as the thought of working with Robin came across his mind. Things were going to be different for him and he was ready to take it head on.