Attack on Titan: The Story of Keith Aberdeen

by mimetrix

A spinoff of the story Attack on Titan: Pure. We follow Keith and his journey of trying to achieve some normality to his life. When things get hectic he does all that he can to try and bring things back to normal. However in the process he learns that sometimes normal isn't exactly easy to get. He fights valiantly for the sake of his family and charges into war.

14. The Reports and the Trials

A plan was sent in motion between the Garrison soldiers and their commander. The plan was to seal the hole in the wall with a large boulder that had crashed down. With no sign of the Armored Titan they believed that the plan would succeed. However, they were unsure of how to go through with the idea. It was nearly impossible to move the boulder with soldiers alone with titans around let alone without. Then the idea came about of using the young boy with shifting powers. He was unsure of how to control his newfound ability but he was determined to try.

A large group of soldiers stood on the wall and fired at titans with the cannons. With a large amount of people, the titans would be drawn to the certain section of the wall. This enabled the young boy to turn into a titan and move the boulder without any interference. A squad of Garrison soldiers and one elite cadet escorted the shifter to the destination. Everything was going as according to plan. That was until the boy was not behaving properly. He had shifted into a titan, and it was in this form where his personality switched and he began to attack the escort team. The plan was believed to have failed as a friend of the shifter made an attempt to figure out what was going on. After disobeying orders, he went after the group. The friend was successful and the escort team continued on protecting the shifter. In their titan form, they picked up the large boulder and sealed the hole. The district of Trost was saved and would once again be reclaimed.

Keith and Lucas returned to the capital and took the boy into custody. They locked him in a jail cell where he would be detained until his trial under the theory that he was a threat to society. The Survey Corps returned just after the wall was sealed and were enlightened as to what the current situation was. The commander had an interest in the boy and wanted to meet him himself. Keith gave the commander and his captain permission to speak with the boy and ask any questions that they may have the following evening.

There was so much that was unknown about the boy. No one knew where his powers came from, nor did anyone know how he became able to use them. The boy was identified as Eren Yeager, the son of Doctor Grisha Yeager. His father was presumed missing as his mother was killed during the events in Shiganshina. Mikasa Ackerman, a fellow cadet, was considered the closest family member the boy has. Not much else could be said about him other than the fact that he excelled as a soldier.

Keith decided that it was his opportunity to talk with the shifter himself. It was late at night as he approached the cell. Two soldiers were standing before the gate as he peered into the cell. Eren was asleep in the bed, chained up like an animal.

"Both of you are dismissed," Keith ordered.

"But sir, we were told to be stationed here all night!" one of the soldiers proclaimed.

"Who gave you those orders?"

"Squad Leader Jack."

"Disregard his orders I can take watch from here."

The two were hesitant but relieved to be able to leave the area. It was clear that the fact that Eren could turn into a titan was making them uncomfortable. Keith couldn't blame them, he himself was a little intimidated by the sleeping boy that was before him.

"Hey!" he shouted. "Hey, wake up!"

Eren began to move around in his bed. Keith called out once again which caused Eren to finally sit up. He rubbed his eyes in tiredness and gave a yawn.

"Are you alright in there?"

"What?"

"Are…You…Alright?"

"I guess so."

"You're Eren right? Eren Yeager?"

"Yeah," he replied rubbing his face with one hand.

"I have some questions I want to ask, do you mind?"

"Look if it is how I got my titan power I don't know. I've said this before I don't know how I got it. I don't even know where it came from."

"Fair enough. How were you able to control it?"

"I'm not sure, it's like instincts. I knew right away what to do the minute that I figured out I had this power."

"I read in the report that you were pulled out of the neck of the titan you were controlling?"

"Yeah, I guess that's where I go when everything happens."

Keith thought back right away and new that there was no way that Eren was a pure blooded titan. The day he witnessed Eren's partial transformation there was a large bolt of lightning and the structure of the titan began to form. What he was used to was a tornado like structure concealing the shifter until they had fully shifted.

"Have you ever heard of the Corvus Clan?" Keith asked.

"Who?"

"Never mind, forget that I even asked."

That was a moment of slight relief for him. He knew that if anyone else from the Crovus Clan were to find out about the existence of Eren, then they would surely be after him to gain power. That's all they ever wanted, to become more powerful and a force that would be unstoppable.

"Hear me out, if Jack Adder a squad leader of the M.P's comes down to talk to you, I want you to conceal any information about you that you can."

"Why?" Eren was highly confused.

"Look, I'm going to be honest with you. Things right now may seem scary, you may feel like you're alone," He began to say as he reached down into his pocket. He pulled out the key to the cell and proceeded to open the door. He reached over and grabbed a glass and filled it with a pitcher of water that was nearby. "But you aren't alone Eren. Right now there are those who are scared of you and don't trust you because they are afraid of what you might do to them. But I am not one of those people," he continued walking into the room. "You can consider me a friend, an ally, whatever you wish. I want to make sure that you are safe and well no matter what." He handed the glass of water to Eren.

Eren was unsure of what to make of what Keith was saying to him. He grabbed the water and began to drink it. Being in the cell was making him rather thirsty and the simple gesture was enough to trust Keith. "Why? Why are you like this to me?"

Keith walked out of the room with the empty glass and closed the door behind him. With the key in his hand, he locked the door and gazed back at Eren. "Because you and I are more alike than you think. And you may very well be the key to the future that lies ahead."

Nicholas and Keith were witnesses to the trial alongside their commander. They waited in the room alongside other citizens and soldiers. The trial consisted of two arguments. One side was the Military police Brigade who wanted to get rid of Eren and everything that he was. The other was the Survey Corps who wanted to utilize that potential opportunity that was before them. Keith was in favor of the Survey Corps. With someone like Eren he was sure that he was the by-product of the serum that he had been looking in to. This boy was living proof of what the serum could do. He only wanted to be sure that this was the truth and in order to find that out he needed the boy alive.

Before the trial started, Nicholas began discussing the events that had happened a few days ago.

"Many of the Garrison perished," Nicholas stated.

"I am well aware of that," Keith replied keeping his face forward.

"Many cadets did as well."

"Yup."

"So…"

"Look can we just talk about something else?"

"Traumatized?"

"Not in the slightest," Keith replied with a straight face.

"Good I'm glad to hear that." Nicholas paused for a minute before continuing. "So what did the boy have to say?"

Realizing the situation he was in he assumed that the soldiers he had dismissed had reported themselves in. Keith very well knew that he was going to be in some sort of trouble.

"Nothing," he replied.

"I figured as much."

Slightly relieved, he watched as the young Eren was being dragged into the court room. The trial was ready to take place. Each side said their argument and it was up to the Commander-in-Chief to decide the fate of Eren Yeager. Keith was on the edge of his seats and the M.P's and those in the Wallist cult were screaming that it would be more beneficial for everyone if he were dead.

The Wallists are a group of individuals who worship the walls and what they are. They are a semi secretive organization that seem to be convinced that their fate rest solely on the walls.

As Eren pleaded to those in the court that he is on their side, the side of humanity those began to grow scared and concerned. His lashing out had caused the captain of the Survey Corps to leap over the rail and take action. He kicked Eren across the face and continued to beat the literal sense into him. The entire room fell silent at what they were witnessing, however a point was being made.

It was proven to the court that they were very well capable of handling Eren Yeager if such a reason to arises. They agreed that they would care for Eren and take action if necessary if he gets out of hand. After witnessing the actions of the captain, the Commander-in-chief made his judgment. Eren would be placed in the hands of the Survey Corps. He was ordered to be sent out on their expedition to prove his worth to the cause. If he were to fail he was to be taken back into custody and his future would be discussed.

With a sense of relief, Keith was glad to know that Eren would be safe. He wanted to thank the captain for what he had done as he was ordered to escort Eren out of the room. As he approached the Survey Corps had a cold shoulder towards him.

"Excuse me, I don't mean to bother you but I want to thank you," he said to the captain.

"I was only doing what had to be done." He replied with a cold stare.

Keith looked at the captain and felt very intimidated by his presence. The captain was slightly shorter than he was but the look in his eyes was what sent chills down his spine.

"The boy is special, there is no doubt about it. I feel that he is going to be the key for all of us," The Commander proclaimed as they began to make their way out.

Keith helped Eren up from the ground once the shackles were removed. He guided him to the room where the Survey Corps officials were waiting for him. From that point on Keith was entrusting his safety in their hands. He wanted to be sure that there was no way that Eren was going to be placed under the hands of those who were against all that he believes in.

A few days later, Keith was in his office reviewing his paperwork. A few soldiers came in to turn in reports for him to look over. They were the reports in regards to the after math that was the Trost District. Once the papers were handed in to him a couple of the soldier began summarizing the report.

"In total there were approximately one hundred men and women dead who were soldiers. Thankfully no other bodies were found, just soldiers."

"Do you have an approximation on the average faction?" Keith asked.

"Most of them were Garrison soldiers the rest were cadets," replied another soldier.

"How many of those were you able to identify and find records of?"

"As many as we could sir. There were few who were still somewhat intact. Others were so torn apart that we were unable to determine who they were upon visual inspection. Bodies we could not identify were traced back to those who were recorded as missing in action through our roll call in each faction. Then again it was still hard to confirm and give definite numbers."

"Excellent work. Your next orders from the Commander is to follow through with the next step of the reform process. You are required to watch over the rebuilding and general maintenance of Trost to ensure that all goes well."

"Very well sir," the soldier replied. They all started to leave the room but the one soldier remained. She stood before the desk and was preparing the words she was about to speak. "Sir, if I may."

Keith looked up from the reports ready to listen.

"With all due respect, but why do we report in to you. Why not the commander or the captain. Why not even the vice-captain?"

Keith leaned back in his chair. He knew that this day was going to come to him at some point. After cracking his neck he leaned forward and placed his hands together on the desk.

"That's a question that I have been asking myself since I've been put into this position. The Commander is usually busy dealing with matters around the King alongside the Captain with the first division squad. The Vice-Captain is pretty much a role that they made up that made one squad leader more important than the others. The Vice-Captain's job is maintain order within the barracks as the Commander and Captain maintain order over the entire capital and the walls. That's a lot of people to deal with, so the Commander wanted the responsibility to be split between people he deemed trust worthy. That's how my job was created. Since I'm under Nicholas it became my responsibility to review all of the reports. I then distribute them accordingly between the three of them with the Commander receiving the prioritized ones. I literally became the secretary of the Military Police Brigade and I hate it. Was there anything else?"

The soldier was off put by the response. Keith was able to tell how uncomfortable he had made them. But he had to say what he needed. He was getting frustrated with the position he was in. He felt like nothing much other than a desk jockey for the Military Police Brigade. It was something he did not imagine himself ever becoming when he was training. He expected more action like when he had first joined.

Years ago when he was in the squad with his now current wife as his leader, there was lots of things for him to do. He would often patrol, guard, make appearances in events, and more. He was often sent to different towns and able to see the variety of people that lived within the walls.

Now that Robin had left and people had been switched around, Keith was placed under the direct leadership of Nicholas. He didn't mind it as much as he had when he first was under his direction. The little things were beginning to get on his nerves once again. Things between the two of them had greatly improved, but Keith still despised Nicholas' arrogant behaviour. The minute that Nicholas became the Vice-Captain of the brigade, he had made himself to be better than anyone else.

Things started changing further when Nicholas had learned about Eren. Since the discovery, Nicholas had kept himself in his office for hours on end. He would not speak to anyone and locked the door. He was only out of his office when he was under orders from the Captain or Commander. The behaviour was growing oddly strange.

"Sir…"

Keith raised his hand, "It's just Keith nothing more nothing less."

"That's the thing though. If you are the one we report to and the one who gives us orders, why are you not in any position of direct authority?"

"She has a point you know. I mean you are well recognized among most of us within the M.P's it's only right that you are least a squad leader."

"Relax would you? I do believe that they are giving me more work than what I am really cut out for but, someone has to do the job. The others are all gallivanting about, it's only right that they assign someone to be a secretary."

"I guess you have a point," one of the soldiers replied.

The soldiers were beginning to leave the room once more, but Keith stopped two of them. He pulled them back into his office and closed the door behind him.

"I want you guys to keep a secret. Can you trust me?"

The two soldiers looked at each other with a great amount of uncertainty. They had faith in Keith and nodded.

"I want to find more about Eren Yeager and his family. Anything at all. I want you both to go to the darker side of our faction and see if there is any relation to that boy and the higher ups. I want you two to dig up the information. Do you think that you can handle that?"

"I think so," replied on of the soldiers.

"Great, now remember this has to be kept away from everyone. Do I make myself clear?"

"Why though?"

"Let's just say there may be some people within the brigade that I may once had placed a great amount of trust in. That trust is starting to waiver drastically and I want to get to the bottom of things before they do. I have a feeling that there are things going on that we are not being told."

The two soldiers were even more concerned than they were earlier. However, they both were in compliance with Keith. They left without any further words with one another and set out on the orders that were given to him.

Although Keith didn't want to admit it, things within his happy family were not the same as they had used to be. Keith walked back to his desk and opened a drawer. He pulled out a photograph that he had kept from Rhea. The picture was of Keith and the others when they had all become top tier members of the circus. He remembered how much he hated Nicholas back then for stealing Lana away from him. However, Keith was completely over the matter now and even laughed at the mere thought of it.

The image saddened Keith in a way. Everyone was smiling in the photo and yet there was so much going on around them that they were all completely unaware of at that time. He wished things could go back to the way they were back on Rhea. He missed those memories that he held on to. However things were different for him now. The once mother figure that was in his life was now something different. She was keeping secrets from all of them, sinister secrets. She was making deals alongside Neal Sidonia with the Crovus Clan. When the deals fell through was when things started getting way out of hand for them. Nicholas was growing more arrogant with his sense of superiority with the others when Lana came into the picture. He knew that by having her by his side and becoming the new ringleader, he would be a monster of pure superiority behaviour. Jack was always a quiet and stern one. He kept to himself no matter what and that personality continued when they came to the walls. However what was underneath was just as bad as Madame Nina. He was keeping things from everyone. Keith believed that if Jack were to one day snap, he would kill them all, it seemed like something he would do. Lucas was the only one out of all of them that was there for everyone. He wanted to make sure that the well-being of everyone was maintained. He was the big brother to the whole troupe there whenever you needed him. Lucas was the only one that Keith had his full trust in. When they all arrived within the walls their family started falling apart. Although relationships were somewhat repaired, things were not the same. The circus was no longer in full motion and attitudes were changing.

Madame Nina stopped talking to the boys as much as she had used to. None of them really minded too much, they were grown up and that's how they saw it. Nicholas become more of a hot head, he was easy to anger especially in light of recent events. Jack was often hard to come by, he was hardly around and claimed to always be working on some sort of mission. Out of all of them he was the one who frequently went back home to Madame Nina. Lucas on the other hand was still there for everyone. He started to become the head cook for the brigade and was always there with a smile on his face when things seemed to be at their lowest. Keith had also changed. When he was much younger he was a spiteful hellfire who wanted nothing to do with any of the circus members. With some help he grew on to them and become a carefree active boy. When Lana came into the picture things changed, he was protective of her for who she was and what she reminded him of. He had deep feelings for her that he knew she wouldn't reciprocate. After he had moved on he was more focused and determined. He wanted nothing more than to expose the truth behind the secrets that were revolving around him. By revealing truth and clearing the air, he would feel more safe and less on edge about everything. With his family to protect, it wouldn't be just his life but their lives that would be affected if anything were to happen.

Not long after Keith had sent out the two soldiers on a mission, he was ordered to welcome the new recruits. Lucas was ordered to escort the only recruit from the southern camp as Nicholas and Jack had escorted the few recruits from the northern camp. He awaited for the arrival of the new recruits with their new jackets as the carriage pulled up. He introduced himself as they all did the same. He didn't expect much out of them, they were all well determined soldiers. There was one out of the group that stuck out a little more than the others. She had an attitude unlike the others. Her positioning was proper, her head was forward and back was straight. She was athletic and seemed to be experienced. It was the expression on her face that caught interest in Keith.

"You said your name was Annie, right?" Keith approached her.

"Yes sir," she replied.

"Don't bother calling me sir. I don't care much for formalities. Besides, I'm merely a secretary of the brigade. Just Keith is fine. What brings you to the brigade Annie?"

"I wanted to live within the interior of the walls."

He gazed upon her and watched the others. He could feel something about her. It was something he had felt before, but he wasn't quite sure what it was. He wasn't sure if it was the look in her eyes, or the tone of her voice, but there was something about her that seemed familiar.

"Welcome to the Military Police Brigade Annie. I can tell that you and I are going to get along very well. And as for the rest of you, I want to extend my welcome. If you have any questions or are in need of any assistance, the door to my office will always be open. Now let's get you out of those cadet jackets and make things official."

He escorted the group to their arranged dorms and made sure that they were able to settle in nicely. Keith looked forward to the new group that he was going to be dealing with. There was disappointment knowing that he was not going to be training them on procedures, but he was at least thankful to be able to welcome them at least.

When he though more on Annie, Keith finally began to realize what he was feeling. The facial expression was something he recognized. She had a lot going on in her mind, she was uneasy and nervous almost. He started putting things together believing that she was just trying to play off a cool exterior to hide what she was feeling inside. Little did she know; Keith had read her like an open book. Keith remembered playing the part very well. On a day to day basis, he still tries to keep the role going. He is afraid that one day he would slip up. There had been some close calls in the past but he was able to keep his deepest secret from everyone. The fear in his eyes grew exponentially over the last few years, for the safety of himself as well as the safety of his family could be jeopardized.

A couple days had gone by as the soldiers had returned with what they were able to find in regards to Eren Yeager's family and the secrets of the brigade. They made sure that no one was around to possibly overhear their conversation. Keith was eagerly awaiting to hear what they had.

"We first wanted to look at Eren Yeager. Everything seems to check out. He is the son of Doctor Grisha Yeager and Carla Yeager. He was born within the Shiganshina District where he grew up there. There was one very interesting report we came across in regards to the boy though."

Keith immediately perked up as he was eager to hear what they had to say.

"There was an incident out at a cabin. Three dead bodies were found with two children inside. One of the children being Eren Yeager while the other was Mikasa Ackerman. It was reported that the three men had kidnapped Miss. Ackerman in the hopes of selling her. Doctor Yeager was scheduled to visit the Ackerman household alongside his son Eren. Upon their arrival they had discovered that both Mr. and Mrs. Ackerman were murdered. Doctor Yeager had sent word for the Military Police Brigade at that point. Eren on the other hand took off in search of their daughter Mikasa. When he found her in the cabin, he killed two of the perpetrators as Mikasa had killed the other one. The charges were all dropped as the claims were for self-defence."

"You're kidding. Two kids killed three men?" Keith proclaimed not expected to hear something as incredible as this.

"That's what we thought. These kids have got some issues. And get this. Mikasa Ackerman was taken in by the Yeager family. She grew up within their house. Both she and Eren joined the Training Corps as cadets when they became of age. Mikasa was ranked first out of all cadets. She excelled in literally everything truly a worthy asset for any of the factions. She even proved herself worthy during the Battle of Trost."

"Is that what we're calling it now?" Keith said with some amusement.

"Anyways, the girl is strong there is no doubt about it. It's a shame that we lost her to the Survey Corps."

"Hey wait a minute," the other soldier interrupted, "I wonder if she had any relation to Levi Ackerman."

"The captain of the Survey Corps?" Keith asked.

"Yeah, I mean they are both skilled soldiers and they both bear the last name Ackerman. I mean there has got to be something right? Maybe that's why she joined?"

"Who knows? Anyways, what about Eren Yeager. What was he like as a cadet?" Keith allowed the soldier to continue.

"Eren Yeager was also considered to be a skilled soldier. He ranked fifth among the cadets. He was well recognized for his combat training and was even able to use a busted harness to keep him upright."

"That's hard?" Keith commented with a bit of sarcasm.

"This coming from the guy who grew up in a circus. Anyways, the guy has natural talent."

"So nothing on how he may have gotten his powers or anything?" with frustration in his voice, Keith placed his head in his hands.

"No, there were no signs or anything. We've searched through everything we could get our hands on. But there is more information we'd like to share in regards to the Yeager family."

"The mother, Carla Yeager, was a simple waitress in a bar before she married Doctor Yeager. She lived within the Shiganshina district, never caused any problems or anything. It was recorded that she become deathly ill, that was until the Doctor had cured her," the second soldier began to speak.

"But she was deathly ill how did he cure her?"

"No one is really sure. But Doctor Yeager's medical knowledge seemed have been well more advanced than any of the other doctors within the walls. It's kind of crazy, the man became fairly well known. Even I remember getting treated by him before."

"Interesting."

"No, this is where it gets interesting. Doctor Grisha Yeager is a well know doctor within the walls. He lived in the Shiganshina district, but when we dug a little deeper we found nothing from his childhood. Carla we at least had school records and her birth certificate. Grisha had nothing. We couldn't find a single document until he became a doctor. It's like the man wasn't from within the walls."

Keith sat in silence. He thought of the possibilities of others being outsiders. It would explain how he was capable of curing a deadly disease with no problems. With his chin in his hand he though harder on the matter. Keith and the others created forged documents to give themselves a sense of identity within the walls in case their past was dug into a little. Grisha just may have been lucky enough to get by without needing anything. Then he thought of other excuses as to why he wouldn't have documents such as a fire or theft.

"Carla was declared dead after it was found that she had been devoured by a titan during the fall of Wall Maria. Doctor Grisha was reported missing and nowhere to be found after the events."

"Seriously," Keith shot up in shock.

Keith was wondering how a father could leave his child behind. He very well knew that situation that was taking place, he needed to be there for his child. Keith couldn't understand why Grisha would just disappear without a trace. He wondered if maybe he retreated beyond the walls, if it were possible.

"What about information in regards to the brigade?" Keith asked.

"That's the thing sir, we weren't able to uncover much at all. We tried our best."

"However we did take witness to something rather unusual. Squad Leader Jack was with a member I recognized as part of the elite squad. You know how rare it is to see any of them around our offices."

"The two of them were discussing and it almost sounded like they were arguing with one another. They were talking about some sort of medication I think. I'm not too sure. It did sound like it was in Jack's possession and it was stolen from him."

"Is that all you were able to locate?" he asked as he sat back down in his chair.

"Yes that was everything. I'm sure there might be something we're missing, but nothing to detrimental I believe," one of the soldiers proclaimed.

"Very well, leave any documents you have with me and I will properly take care of them from here. Thank you both, I appreciate all of the work you have done for me."

"Wait, isn't today the day that the Survey Corps head out on their mission?"

"You're right. Soon we'll know the future for Eren Yeager and I hope for everyone's sake that it's a good one."

The two soldiers were dismissed from his office, as Keith was able to reflect on the information he was given. The idea that Grisha Yeager was an outsider was not as farfetched as it may have seem. It was the idea that he was able to retreat the walls that was unbelievable. Keith was convinced that Grisha was somewhere within the walls. There was a reason he was hiding and Keith wanted to know why.

"I wonder if the doctor knows something about the serum like Caroline," he began to say out loud. "I wonder if he is partnered with those men that Jack's involved with. Or maybe he was a shifter himself. Maybe that's why the boy is able to shift, from his father. And Jack, what the hell is he up to. He must have had the serum but to have it stolen from him and by who. Things are getting more interesting that's for sure. Where are you Grisha and what are you hiding?"

The Survey Corps returned from their expedition earlier than anticipated. The report was turned into Keith as he regretted the decisions he was about to make. The early arrival was an immediate indication that things failed. The fate of Eren Yeager was to be determined once again by means of the court.

In the report, the expedition had started out as per usual. They were following normal procedures and attempted to avoid any titans that they could. There was one titan in the end that ruined the entire expedition. The titan was abnormal but unlike others that they had faced before. There was a level of intelligence behind their movements. The concern was high as this particular titan was classified as being on the same level as the Armored Titan and the Colossal Titan. There was real fear as Keith continued reading the report. With the possibility of people turning into titans, it was believed that the three titans in question were shifters themselves.

Within the reports it was classified that the titan resembled a female and someone who was well aware of how things worked within the military. This suggested that the shifter themselves could have very well been a traitor. It was determined that she was after Eren and assumed that she was after him because of his powers. Eren was placed under the protection of the elite squad led by Levi Ackerman.

Commander Erwin Smith had a plan set in motion. He knew of the situation and was prepared to strike. His high intellect enabled him to foresee the potential target that Eren would be. He wanted to utilize this to capture one of the shifters and bring them in. They intended to trap the proclaimed Female Titan and pull her out. However, their plan failed after she was able to summon titans into a forest where she was trapped. The titans began consuming her allowing her to escape within the steam that had formed around the decaying body. The Survey Corps did all they could to try and capture her but lost sight. It was declared that she was using vertical maneuvering gear which further proved that she was a soldier.

She was able to turn back into a titan after locating the elite squad. Once in her form, the entire squad was wiped out leaving Eren alone. He turned into a titan in defence which lead to his capture. Levi and Mikasa were able to catch up to the Female Titan and attack her enough to rescue Eren from her mouth. It was decided to retreat back to the walls once more.

Eren had shifted without orders from the Commander and his further actions resulted in his capture. The consequences of this would decide his fate within the court room. Keith was not thrilled to be there at trial. He was unsure of how things would play out but he knew that things did not look good for Eren.

Keith had decided to see what the possible plan of action given the results of the expedition. His best option was to refer to Nicholas first before asking the Commander directly. As he made his way to Nicholas' office all seemed too quiet. He approached the door and slightly gave it a tap before entering. There was no response. Things began to run through his mind which was giving him a great deal of concern. He tried to open the door but found that it was locked. After looking around, he wanted to be sure that he wasn't catching any unwanted attention. He proceeded to reach the cuff of his sleeve where he kept a small tension wrench and pick hidden in a sewn pocket that he made. He may have been a soldier now, but skills and habits he had developed in the past will always stick with him.

He placed the tools within the lock of the door and carefully maneuvered them within the lock. Once he had figured it out he was capable of unlocking the door. It didn't take him long as he swiftly placed the tools back in his sleeve and slowly make his way inside.

The first step in, Keith could hear the rustling of papers. He looked down to see pages littering the floor. It was almost as if the floor was made out of papers. The feeling of concern overcame him once the door was closed as he failed to realize the sleeping Nicholas on the desk. He reached down and picked up one of the papers. On it read:

Lana = Eren Yeager?

Keith picked up a few more pieces and started to put the pieces together. It had appeared that Nicholas was trying to make sense of Eren's powers and how they could relate to Lana. All of the papers on the ground had some sort of note on it referencing the idea that Lana was still alive.

Keith looked up and realized that it wasn't just the floor, it was the entire room. Pages were posted on the wall, the furniture was littered with notes. In the pile of work was Nicholas drooling all over his notes on the desk. Keith cleared his throat causing Nicholas to spring up from his desk. A piece of paper stuck to his face where the drool was.

"Hey Nick, what is all of this?" Keith asked.

"It's none of your damn business," Nicholas was quick to snap back at him.

"Easy, I was only asking."

"Breaking into a superior's office is in violation to the code of conduct. I should write you up for doing that. I thought you would've broken the habit once you joined."

"Look Nicholas, I was worried when you didn't respond. I'm not the only one who is worried either, you're entire squad is concerned over the way you have been acting lately," Keith walked in further as he was gazing upon the vast amount of papers scattered everywhere.

"Why should you care?!"

"Because I'm…I'm your brother aren't I?"

Nicholas sharply looked away and sneered.

"Nicholas, this has to stop. All of this has to stop," Keith stated gesturing to the papers.

"She is still out there Keith and I swear on my life that I will find her!" Nicholas shouted standing up from his chair.

"Don't you understand that she probably never wants to speak to any of us anymore? How many times must I say this! How many times will we go through the same argument before it finally goes through that thick headed skull of yours," Keith wasn't hesitant to shout back as he got right into Nicholas' face.

"I loved Lana more than anyone of you! She was everything to me!"

"You weren't the only one who loved her! I loved her! She never reflected the feelings back but damnit, I still cared for her! When I realized that things would never happen she became like a sister to me! You weren't the only one who was close to her, we all were. She mattered to all of us because she was family. Now why can we all move on while you wither away in your obsession with someone who you will never speak to again?"

"You will never understand," Nicholas shouted grabbing a hold of Keith's collar.

"Yes I do!" Keith shouted doing the same.

"I will never let her go! I will find her!"

Keith slammed Nicholas up against the wall with all of his might.

"Snap out of it Nicholas! You have to move on! You need to forget about the past. It's the least you can do. Do you think she would even want to see you like this! Think about it Nicholas! For your own sake just fucking move on with your life before the past destroys you on this path you've set yourself on!"

Nicholas let go of Keith's collar and stormed out of the room. Keith was left alone in the insanity that was Nicholas. He realized that there may be no hope for him. Nicholas' mental state had started to deteriorate over the last ten years. At first nobody was able to notice what was going on, but now the instability of his mind had started to affect others around him. Keith was uncertain of what would become of Nicholas, but he was sure that he was going to need help in order to pull Nicholas back together again. It wasn't just for the sake of the squad and the family, but it was mostly for the sake of Nicholas himself. He was unwell, and even though Keith didn't want to care about it, he couldn't just stand by and let someone he considers an arrogant brother just fall apart into madness.

The day Eren's trial came as word had approached Keith of their arrival. The newer Military Police Brigade recruits were ordered to be the Survey Corps escorts. They didn't want Eren to shift while on the way to the trial and wanted to use the vertical maneuvering gear as an extra precaution. Usage of the gear had become unnecessary for the M.P's years ago and only brought out when threats of titans were high. In this case those lucky enough were able to wear their gear in the chance that the Survey Corps would disobey their orders and protect the boy.

Things seemed to be going well as the Survey Corps had arrived into town. Keith prepared himself for the trial that he would be a part in. He wore is formal black Military Police jacket and was ready to face the worst outcome. He did not want Eren to perish because of his powers. He knew how hard something like this must be on the young boy and he knew that Eren was the closest thing he had to finding out any sort of truth.

Keith sat among the others within the bleachers as they awaited the arrival of Eren and the rest of the Survey Corps. They waited and waited, until things started not feeling right. Keith began to notice that they had not arrived at the appropriate time and began to grow concerned.

"Do we have any status report on their whereabouts? They should have been here by now," Keith proclaimed.

"No I haven't heard of anything yet. But we have to put our trust in the Commander. He knows what to do and I'm sure that everything will be fine."

A loud bang could be heard in the distance. It was enough to shake the entire building.

"What on earth was that?" one of the others shouted.

Keith quickly got up from his seat and ran to the nearest window. Not far away from them was a cloud of what appeared to be smoke. His first thought was an explosion. Once the smoke cleared, his thoughts changed. Standing in the distance was a titan, but not just any titan, it was a titan shifter.

"Nicholas, you better come see this."

Nicholas ran to check it out for himself. The two of them recognized the titan as the one that they had read in the reports from the Survey Corps.

"This can't be good," Nicholas stated. "All hands we are under attack! Get to your gear immediately and make your way towards the center of town. There we can regroup with the Commander and figure out a plan of action!"

Everyone made their way out of the court house and headed for their gear. Keith threw his jacket to the ground and sprinted as hard as he could. At that point he had completely disregarded Eren from his mind. All that he could think of was his family and their safety.

With their gear on, they made their way towards the center of town. Nicholas spotted the Commander and ordered the others to head in the direction with him. Once they had regrouped with the Commander they began asking how they should proceed. Standing with the Commander and a few others where Commander Erwin of the Survey Corps and his Captain Levi. There was another young man standing with them chained up in front of the carriage.

"Sir, Squad Two reporting in," Nicholas stated as he approached their Commander.

"Stand down soldier, this is beyond us right now."

"But sir I don't understand."

"There is belief that, that thing out there is one of our own. This was all part of their plan," he gestured to the Survey Corps.

"If I may intervene, what is become of the Yeager boy?" Keith asked.

"He is all part of the plan as well. They want him to take down that titan using his own abilities. They are under the impression that there is a traitor among our ranks."

"We believe that the shifter is Annie Leonhart, a member of the 104th division," Commander Erwin stated.

"Her?" Keith questioned him.

"You know of her," Levi replied.

"Yes, I was the one who helped her settle in. But what makes you think she is the one?"

"We have evidence that supports it," Commander Erwin said sternly.

"What kind of evidence! She is just a young girl how can you…"

"That's enough soldier," came the growl of his commander.

Keith immediately backed off and was silent. He wanted to believe that the young girl that he had met had nothing to do with all of this. However, he thought back to the day that he met her. The look in her eyes were cold. She wanted nothing to do with people. She never really got along with anyone in her group and kept to herself. She was a mystery that Keith never really noticed.

"Evacuate anyone within the area and get them all to safety, that's an order."

Keith was snapped out of his thoughts and followed the rest of his squad. It was their job to ensure the safety of those who lived within the walls. They soared through the air and began to make their way through the streets. Many knocked on doors and brought people out of their homes. Crowds were running to safety as fast as they could before the titans could reach them.

At this time Keith could see two titans fighting each other. One was the Female Titan from the report and the other was Eren Yeager. He stood up on a rooftop and watched the two of them battle. It was a battle of beasts. He was mesmerized by them as the two were attacking each other. His attention was redirected as a Survey Corps soldier landed right next to him.

"Funny, I never expected to see you here," came a familiar voice.

Keith turned to face the soldier and came to realize that it was Al from his training days.

"AL!" Keith shouted with joy.

"Geez, they still have you wearing your glasses normally? That just shows how often you guys use your devices."

"Not exactly the kind of reunion I was hoping but I'm glad to see you too?"

"Here," Al reached into a small bag at his side and pulled out a strap. He pulled Keith's glasses right from his face and attached the strap to them.

"These will make it so your glasses will stay on better and will be less likely to fall off," he stated handing them back to Keith.

He was grateful and somewhat relieved. He remembered what happened the last time he was in an emergency and couldn't see very well.

"Thanks, hey wanna tell me what the hell is going on here?"

"I'd love to but, it looks like we don't have much time. It looks like she is heading towards the wall. Probably as a mean to escape. I'll have to catch up with you another time I promise!"

As quickly as he had arrived, Al was gone. Keith stammered and made up his mind. He followed after him to try and figure out some more sense on the matter. He watched as the Female Titan began to climb up the wall to make her escape. It wasn't long before she came crashing down. He couldn't tell how but he was somewhat relieved. If this titan shifter was in fact who the Survey Corps claims it is, then he was sure that they needed to be brought under custody of the Military Police Brigade for questioning.

Before he was able to reach the scene, he could hear people calling out for help. With some annoyance, he decided to disregard the titans and make his way to the yelling. It wasn't long after that, that things began to settle. He had helped the people in need by giving them quick medical treatment. When he was finished, Nicholas had found him and asked him to report back to the Commander.

Eren's name was cleared and Annie Leonhart was declared a traitor. It was confirmed that she was the Female Titan after she had been pulled out of the neck of the titan she was in. When asked if she would be questioned it was stated that they were unable to do anything of the sort. Annie had used her abilities in a state of panic and confined herself within a crystal structure. The structure was unbreakable and therefore caused Annie to be untouchable. They decided to hold her captive underground where she would be kept out of sight from the citizens and prevent her from shifting if she were to ever break out. Studies would be conducted on whether or not it would be possible to break her out.

With the news of a traitor being among the Military Police Brigade, some of the soldiers began to grow uneasy. They began to feel even worse after they had received news of a new kind of titan being discovered at the same time. As Annie had tried to climb the wall in her titan form, a large chunk of debris had fallen. The missing rock had revealed a chilling face behind the wall. It was a face of a titan. It seemed that the only person who was made aware of the situation was Minister Nick of the Wallist cult. He knew that the titan should be covered and seemed to let on more than he would like. He was taken into the custody of the Survey Corps with the permission of the Military Police Brigade.

Keith felt disgusted and concerned at the same time. He let a traitor join within their ranks and he wondered if there were other traitors among them. He knew of the Armored Titan and the Colossal Titan being shifters. He wondered if it was possible that they were soldiers among them. He wanted to know what their motives were. Nothing made any sense to him no matter how he looked at it. On top of that he had a traitor of his own that he needed to deal with.