Nicholas was now behind bars for murder. He had completely lost his mind and his madness took over his actions. There was no telling what he was going to be capable of if Keith hadn't stopped him in the medical room. The following day, Nicholas' office was to be cleared and examined. Nile Doc had reasons to believe that Nicholas' madness had managed to uncover some potential material. At this time he was well informed on the situation of the potential threat that the Survey Corps was.
Keith had managed to make it to the office before the others. He located a piece of paper earlier that contained information in regards to the location of the Survey Corps. Reports of activity was seen within a forested area that was supposed to be deserted. As Keith searched for the piece of paper, he could hear footsteps enter the room. Quickly, Keith turned himself around and prepared himself for an attack. Standing in the doorway was Kenny Ackerman.
"Well done the other day. I'm surprised a pipsqueak like you handled that situation as well as you did."
"It wasn't that hard," Keith replied lowering his guard a little. "I'm surprised that they allow you to walk around the halls by yourself given your record."
Kenny smiled a toothy grin, "Tell me how someone such as yourself was able to make it out of there with only a few scratches and a couple of bruises."
"Luck I guess. Want to tell me why you're here…Captain?"
Kenny walked up to Keith and reached around him. He pulled the piece of paper that had the report in regards to the activity in the forest.
"I heard that the crazy ass had done a little looking into. Seems to me that it would be a shame to let all of this work were go to waste don't you think?"
Kenny began to make his way out of the room. He stopped and turned around to face Keith.
"Oh, you should pay your respects to the Minister at the very least. Sounds to me that those two soldiers weren't the only deaths last night."
At that moment Keith realized that Spencer and the others were too late. Those within the Interior First Squad had already reached the Minister. Keith went to the location to examine the situation. He was greeted by two squad members who stood watch over the room. They all didn't say a word to each other as Keith made his way inside.
On the floor was Minister Nick's mangled body. He had gone through some torture over the night that resulted in his death. With a cold face, Keith left the room and came to a halt between the two guards.
"Were you able to get anything out of him?" he asked sternly.
"Nothing. The dumbass kept silent the entire time. We even threatened the rest of the cult and he refused to say anything. He was faithful right until the very end, the poor bastard."
"I guess his will and faith was stronger than we had originally thought," Keith stated hanging his head low.
"That reminds me, it sounds like you had a rough night yourself. Congrats on getting that jackass locked up. It was only a matter of time before he cracked like an egg."
Keith didn't say a word. He only gave a slight nod in agreement and left.
Keith reported in for duty as the paper that was in Nicholas' office was initiated into a plan. Now that they knew of the location of the Survey Corps squad, it was time for them to strike and take a hold of the three in question. With no information from Minister Nick, they were the next targets on the list. They played off the death as another one of the deaths from Nicholas' rampage. It was spread among the other squads to avoid further suspicion. They took the lie without any question and were relieved to hear that he was behind bars.
Meanwhile as the plan was being instructed, Keith kept thinking about what was going on. It had become apparent that there were already those who didn't trust him after Kenny's behaviour earlier in the day. It was almost as if someone had seen them talking to Spencer a few days prior. He began to grow concerned and feared for Spencer's safety.
During the meeting they were given new vertical maneuvering equipment. They were instructed not to use it just yet, but were shown the differences from the ones that they were used to already. These were the same devices that Keith had reviewed the blue prints for. He was surprised that they were approved for manufacturing and usage so quickly.
"This is Dimo Reeves of the Reeves Company. He and his men will be the ones to follow through with the raid. The less of us present the better. That's why he has graciously offered up his employees. However, Keith and Lucas will be in attendance during the raid. The rookies will be the ones to do the dirty work," Kenny stated with a smile on his face.
The raid was to take place at nightfall. Keith and Lucas were prepared to set off with the rest of the Reeves Company. Prior to the plan, the Reeves Company had made countless deals with the Interior First Squad. The squad would receive goods and compensation for protection of the Company from competitors and other threats. It was Keith and Lucas' turn to act as the protectors to the company.
Instead of wearing their uniforms, they set out in their regular attire. All of the men were armed as they began to march out towards a small cabin that was lit up inside. It was dark and warm as they made their way down the road. Keith prayed that the raid would be unsuccessful. He hoped that with all of the events that had played out, then the Survey Corps would have gotten themselves out of there.
"Hold up," Keith called out. He quickly thought up of a plan just in case things were to not go as he had hoped. He was prepared to put himself at risk for the safety of Lana and the others. His didn't care about his loyalty as an M.P., he cared more so about the safety of his friend and the common goal he had with Commander Erwin. He too wanted to get to the bottom of things and felt that having the raid be successful would ruin all chances of finding any answers.
"Lucas and I will remain here within the tree coverage. There may be a chance that they will escape and we want to catch them before they do."
Nobody argued with Keith and agreed that the plan was a good one. Everyone went on ahead as Keith and Lucas stayed back.
"Are you sure that this is a good idea?" Lucas asked.
"I'm not sure of anything anymore. Everything has gone to shit. Just think about what we were sent to do. There isn't any full proof that the Survey Crops are even wanting to perform a coup. But I know one thing is certain. We can't let them get their hands on any of them, otherwise we lose in more ways than one."
"Agreed, when I heard of the report that they could be here, I immediately set out for Spencer. I told him to tell Erwin to get them out of there."
Keith climbed up a tree as Lucas placed himself concealed within some bushes. They watched the lights reach the cabin as the others had begun the raid. Things seemed to be too quiet for a raid which sent some relief through Keith. He looked a little off in the distance and could make out faint shadows along a hill.
"There, there they are," Keith pointed. "They managed to get out in time. Come on, let's head that way and make sure that they get away."
Keith jumped down and began sprinting with Lucas not far behind him. They decided to make their way around the cabin to avoid anyone around the area. It didn't take them very long to be able to catch up with them. Before they were seen, they ducked out of cover and hid behind trees.
"Seems like everyone got out ok," Lucas whispered.
"Shh, their stopping," Keith whispered after peering out slightly.
Lucas did the same to see what they were doing. Upon further inspection they saw that they were cutting someone's hair.
"Seriously, they are giving someone a haircut at a time like this?"
"Idiots, come on let's move to make sure that they aren't being followed."
"Got it."
The two quickly darted away from them and headed towards the cabin. They met up with the Reeves Company as many of them felt outraged and disappointed. They decided that there was no point in continuing. Keith and Lucas were thankful that none of them realized just how close they were to the Survey Corps.
As they made their way back to the road Keith and Lucas were whispering to each other.
"I wonder where they are going to go this time." Lucas whispered.
"Think about the direction they were walking in. they're probably heading to Trost. At least at this point they know who the targets are. They'll lie low probably overnight. Let's just make it back to Trost and hope for the best."
The following morning Keith and Lucas reported for duty. The two of them received news that Nicholas had escaped from his prison. There was a rumor that during their raid he had started heading towards Trost. With the two of them in the district they were given the task to capture and detain him considering how Keith was able to stop him before. Nicholas was a threat no matter who he was dealing with. It was up to Keith to stop things from progressing any further.
The two of them walked around the street and patrolled the area. They were trying to keep an open eye out for any of the Survey Corps as well as for Nicholas. Things were quiet on all aspects. People had just started filling the streets to go about their normal routines. The Reeves Company had caught on to the plan and believed that the Survey Corps had already escaped the cabin before they had reached them. With Trost being the closest place it was obvious to them that this would be the location that they were going to hide. Many of the employees walked around the main entrance of the district awaiting for their targets.
As the two wandered there was something that caught Keith's eye. He saw a dark figure ducking into an alley way. Something didn't feel right with him and he wanted to be sure that the person didn't mean any harm. He carefully watched the person as they quickly moved out of the alley way and down the street. The two made brief eye contact with one another as they had ducked into another alley. Keith stopped and placed his hand on Lucas. He gestured towards the alley that the person was in and began walking in that direction. Right away he knew something was up with the person.
"Follow my lead," he whispered.
As the two approached the alley Keith continued, "This is crazy, I can't believe that this shit is happening. What are we going to tell the others?"
Lucas caught on and continued on with the discussion as they both stopped near the alley entrance. "The murder of two of our own soldiers Keith. The man is crazy, it was bound to happen sooner or later."
Keith gave a sharp look towards Lucas not expecting him to discuss what happened to Nicholas. He decided to carry on with the conversation anyways.
"Yeah, but to be this crazy!"
"Well, with no Vice-Captain someone needs to take the reins seeing how the Commander doesn't care too much about us."
"I wonder who will do it."
"Beats me, but have you heard anything strange going on around here lately?"
Lucas nodded towards Keith for reassurance. Keith knew right away what he had going on up his sleeve. He reached and swung the rifle he had on his shoulder at the ready just in case.
"I don't know, what have you heard?"
"That there are strange weirdos following people," Lucas stated turning into the alley.
The two saw the stranger hiding around the corner listening into their conversation. Without hesitation Lucas had grabbed the person by the shirt and slammed them up against the wall. They flailed a little as Lucas got right into their face.
"WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"
"Stop, Stop, STOP! It's me!" they shouted.
The two realized that it was Lana that they had come across.
It was no wonder that they didn't recognize her. Her long black hair was no longer there. She was dressed like a man to conceal her identity. Lucas quickly apologised for his actions as he let go of her. She dusted herself off and relaxed a little.
"What are you doing?" Keith asked confused as to why she wasn't with the other squad members.
She paused a moment before she spoke. In a quick instant her words cracked like the sound of a whip. Keith could feel it resonate through his body but was able to shake it off quickly.
"Tell me what you know about Historia Reiss and Eren Yeager."
Keith only moved his eyes and witnessed Lucas become very stiff. He knew right away that this was one of Lana's abilities. Lucas obeyed and responded to her with what he knew.
"Historia Reiss is the bastard child of nobility to the Reiss family. She is of great importance to the government due to this noble status. She has information in her bloodline of the history of the walls. This information must be kept a secret to ensure order remains under the rule of the monarchy," he stated in a monotone voice keeping his eyes forward.
Keith breathed in and complied staring straight ahead of him. "Eren Yeager is a known titan shifter. His cause of his abilities are unknown. His father was seen breaking in and stealing something of great importance to the government. What it was is unknown. It is believed that Eren Yeager has information on this item. We are told to bring this item back into custody without further interferences." Keith didn't want to tell her everything fearing that it was going to land her in more hot water than she was already in. He decided to give her some information just no all of it.
"Tell me what your current orders are," she demanded.
Without any waver Lucas replied, "To find Nicholas Elric and kill him,"
The look on Lana's face was of shock. She looked over at Keith who remained straight faced. The day before, Keith had heard of the trial that had taken place. Nicholas was deemed guilty for his actions and was sentenced to death.
"Keith's bruises from the show," Lana whispered.
He had to think back to what she was talking about. As far as she knew Keith and Lucas were still a part of Nicholas' squad. On the day of the circus performance, Keith had met up with a few members of the Interior First Squad. To prove to them of his worth they had put him under a trial of strength. He was beaten senselessly that morning leaving many cuts and bruises. They told him that if he were to make it in to work the following day then they would be impressed and treat him with respect. With control and determination, Keith was able to put on the show and return to work. He concealed bruises with make-up for the others to see but not very well. It took a lot out of him to ensure that the bruises were only there for the other soldiers to see for a few days.
Keith stared at her as she was lost in thought. A small trickle of blood began to drip from her nose. After realizing she was at her limit she quickly made one last order.
"Forget I was here. You didn't see me, you don't know what I look like."
She pushed passed the two of them and darted down the street. Keith watched her run as Lucas came to.
"What happened," Lucas said holding onto his head.
"Lana used her powers on us to try and get information."
"Wait, how do you remember?"
"Forget it, she got the information she was looking for. I just hope she doesn't do anything stupid with it. Let's go, we have to make sure Nicholas doesn't get to her."
The two of them continued to make their rounds as Lucas was trying to figure out what had happened. An employee of the Reeves Company had approached them with some information.
"Hey, you two were the ones with us the other night. Listen I have something you ought to know. We have captured the Reiss girl as well as the Yeager kid. We have them in a warehouse not far from here. Keep your eyes open. The other shifter has to be around here somewhere."
Things were not looking good for the Survey Corps. At least through the minds of Keith and Lucas. However something did seem to settle with Keith. To him there was no way that the Survey Corps would just be captured without putting up some sort of fight. Especially when they have someone such as Levi Ackerman with them. To Keith, it was almost as if they were willing to get themselves captured. Almost like they had a plan.
Keith smirked and gave a slight laugh. "Good job, I guess there really isn't any need for us. Have fun."
The sun was starting to set as Keith and Lucas were about to prepare themselves for another sleepless night. The two had changed into regular clothes and were prepared to meet others in their squad as well as those of the Reeves Company.
"You seem to be awfully calm with the whole capture," Lucas broke the silence.
"That's because I don't really believe that they were captured. I think that the whole thing was a set up on the Reeves Company. Think, why would they give in so easily and why was Lana out on her own."
"Those crafty sons of bitches."
"That's the Survey Corps for you."
When they entered their meeting place, Kenny Ackerman was proudly standing in front of everyone in the room. All of those present were equipped with the new vertical maneuvering device as they were getting ready for the next attack. Two employees of the Reeves Company were present and had informed Kenny of everything.
"It appears that the Reeves Company has the two shifters and the girl. They have them all held up in a cave just for us. Now I say that we go and pay them a little visit."
The two employees were very uncomfortable and it caught people's attention.
"Cave I thought they were in a warehouse," Keith whispered.
"That's what the one guy said. Plus didn't he just say that they had two titan shifters. When did they get a hold of Lana?"
"Something doesn't sound right."
Two gun shots could be heard. The employees who stood in front of everyone had now collapsed to the ground. Blood was pouring out of the wounds that were in their heads. Keith was astounded by the amount of trust that was in the room. It was evident that even if deals were made, it was a dog eat dog type of world.
"The two of you there. I want you to retrieve them. Take the wagon and head out to meet with them. And would someone take these pieces of trash out!"
The two soldiers who had tortured Minister Nick set out and began to make their way to bring the shifters and the heir back to them. Everyone waited for them to return as they were all going about like normal. Lucas and Keith remained on edge and kept to themselves. They feared for the worst believing that things were going the wrong way that they had hoped.
Time went by as people had begun to grow impatient.
"Where the hell are those idiots?" Kenny called out in frustration.
It had become apparent that at this point something had to have happen to the two soldiers that went after them. With a great deal of anger, it was proven where the Reeves Company had maintained their loyalty to.
Later that afternoon a Reeves Company employee approached them once again and informed them that they had to change locations. The shifters and the heir were now located in a cabin within the forest. Immediately, Kenny knew that this was some sort of trap that they were getting themselves into. It wasn't just Kenny, everyone knew that. At this point Kenny had declared that there were to be no survivors aside from the three that they needed.
"All of us will head out there tomorrow to retrieve them. It's time we take back what's ours."
That night Keith was looking at some of his old journal entries. Some of the things he wrote brought him old memories. However, there were some things that reminded him of the troubles that were ahead. He remembered the words that Caroline said to him. Her smile when she was consumed by a titan still haunted him to this day. He reflected on the contract that the Sidonia's and the Crovus Clan must have had. His excessive thinking caused him to once again have a sleepless night.
The following morning, they began to make their way to the secluded location as they were prepared for what was going to be laid out for them. Keith and Lucas were instructed to stay back and let everyone else handle the situation. They were ordered to stay within a perimeter in case someone were to escape or the Survey Corps were to interfere. It was believed that with their skills, the two of them would be able to handle the situation themselves.
Keith and Lucas awaited outside within the trees as the others began to make their way towards the cabin. They stayed off of the path and remained hidden. Out of the corner of Keith's eye, he could see movement within the trees not far from them. He assumed that the Survey Corps were nearby to ensure the safety of their comrades.
"We're not alone," Keith nodded towards the direction where they were.
"We're leaving them alone right?" Lucas asked.
"Of course. I don't want to be on their bad side no matter what the circumstances are. Hey listen Lucas, I've been thinking."
"It's about the serum stuff again isn't it?"
"Caroline had information in regards to the serum but it never sounded like she was able to create what she wanted. Or rather what Madame Nina and Neal wanted. What if Neal was traveling overseas to get that information?"
"Go on I'm listening."
"What if the Crovus Clan was also after that information? I mean we know that at this point the Sidonia's and the Crovus Clan had a deal with one another. What if the deal was to have the serum made for them so that the two groups can overthrow the kingdom?"
"I see what you're saying, but we aren't in Rhea anymore. So why does all of that matter?"
"Don't you remember when Lana first came into the picture? Neal wanted to protect her with all of his might. We know now at this point, pure blooded titans must have something to do with the serum right? Maybe he was protecting her and the Crovus Clan wanted none of it."
"Where the hell did that thought get in your head?"
Keith stared ahead into the trees as he continued. "Just think about it. It's too much a coincidence that there are pure blooded titans, a serum for titan shifting, and the fact that there are titans to begin with. I believe that when Neal and Caroline died, Jack became Madame Nina's partner. He has always been secluded from a lot of things we do. On top of that, do you remember me telling you about the meeting he was a part of with Kenny?"
"So you think Jack is after the serum after all."
"He may have something more to do with this than we think. If Madame Nina gets her hands on the serum I'm not sure what will happen but I don't like the idea of it. Something tells me that the shifters are in more danger than what is realized."
"If I'm thinking what you're thinking you do realize what this means for the both of us."
"Heck, I'm ready to turn my back on the military any day if it's for the safety of our family."
Just before the two were about to make their way towards the others, they could hear gun fire.
"It looks like the party has started without us," Keith proclaimed.
"Let's hold up and wait."
It wasn't long before they could hear rustling down below. They caught a glimpse of someone sprinting through the bushes. Keith was able to make out the person as Lana. She appeared to be running alone.
"What do we do? Should we follow her?" Lucas asked.
"No she may be at further risk if we do. Let's just let her go and hopefully her squad will catch up with her later. For now let's regroup with the others and figure out what is going on. If Lana got out then maybe the other two didn't."
Keith was correct to believe that Historia and Eren were captured. Lana was the only one who had escaped. Both Lucas and Keith had lied to Kenny and claimed that they did not see Lana at all while they were on guard. Kenny believed them and felt that it was necessary to leave her for now.
During the kidnapping, their squad had killed all members of the Reeves Company that were present and had obtained both Eren and Historia. It was now their duty to transport them to a warehouse where they would be confronted by the true king Rod Reiss. Here he would decide the fates of both of them.
Keith and Lucas were resting in a dorm in the Stohess district as they were instructed for the time being. It was one night they were told to patrol the area in search for Lana and other Survey Corps soldiers. It was their job to eliminate discretely any threat that may arise with their plan. If they were able to locate Lana, she was to be brought in to their custody and be detained.
When night finally fell, the two put their vertical maneuvering gear on and made sure to dress all in black. Keith was reminded of the times he had as a kid with his parents. It was almost as if the past was creeping up on him once more. He shook off the feeling as the two began to make their way out onto the streets.
It was a quite night as the moon shone above. Keith and Lucas made sure to conceal themselves within the shadows. Nothing seemed to be out of place, but there was an eerie sense in the air. It made the hair stand on end. Almost as if their instincts were telling them that something bad was about to fall before them. They remained silent as they patrolled, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious.
"Look up there," Lucas pointed to a shadowy figure on the roof top.
"It's almost like they are wanting to get themselves killed. What the hell are the Survey Corps up to?"
"Let's go check it out."
Keith and Lucas made their way in the direction that they saw the shadowy figure. It wasn't long before Keith caught sight of a trail of blood. He knelt down on the ground and touched it with his gloved hand. It was still wet and warm which meant that it hadn't been there for very long. Not very far up ahead where a few people standing at the entrance of an alley.
Keith calmly pulled his gun up and was prepared to shoot as he approached the scene.
"What's going on here?" he shouted.
"Hey, those are Survey Corps," Lucas proclaimed recognizing a few of them.
Unsure of how they would react, Keith began to play as the bad guy to assess the situation. Even though he deemed certain members as allies, not all of the Survey Corps could be trusted at this time. At any moment they could strike either one of them.
"Is that so? Yeah come to think of it, isn't that Captain Levi? I reckon they are out causing more trouble, don't yeah think?" Keith said with a snarky tone.
"What should we do?"
Keith noticed something in Levi's arms that seemed to be out of the ordinary.
"Hey, what do you have there, Captain?"
Levi slowly turned around with a bit of hesitation. Keith watched as the fear struck the eyes of Levi's fellow squad members. In his arms was a sight of horror. Keith lowered his gun in shock as his stomach turned. In his arms was a bloody mess, a mangled body. But not just any body was in his arms, it was Lana's body.
"Shit, that's Lana!" he yelled as he ran towards them dropping his gun in the process.
"Keith calm down! What happened," Lucas cried out holding Keith back from Levi.
"Oh, no" Keith began to cry in panic at the sight of her, "What has happened to you sis. Who did this to you? How is this even happening! She is supposed to be able to heal! WHY ISN'T SHE HEALING?"
"Keith, you have to calm down!" Lucas made eye contact with Levi. "How badly do you want her to live? If you can trust us we can help."
At that point Lana was not dead. She was very much alive, but barely holding on. The damage she had obtained were severe and life threatening. Even with her titan healing abilities, she was knocking on death's door. Lucas came up with the idea of getting her medical help from a trusted friend. Dr. Isaac Tulp currently lived within Stohess district and was the only hope that Lana had of survival.
The Survey Corps deemed that there would be a level a trust between one another for the sake of a mutual friend. Immediately, they all made their way to the Doctor's house to try and save her life. When they approached his house they were welcomed in with open arms. At this point there was still no explanation as to what had happened to her. No one knew since they had all parted ways. Whatever had happened to her, had happened to her alone.
Keith and Lucas made sure to explain to Isaac that Lana was a unique individual. At first it was a bit of a shock, but he was thrilled to be able to assist her in any way that he could. He quickly got to work and treated her wounds as Keith and Lucas waited with the others in the main room. The tension was high in the room as no one spoke to one another.
It was a long wait but finally Isaac returned with blood all over his clothes. "She is a unique specimen! It is quite the honor to be working on a body such as hers. I have already seen her body at work already. Now it seems that most of her healing is focusing on the internal damage that she has, which is why she seems to be brutally injured on the outside. I can only imagine what it was like on the inside. She is healing at a faster rate than a normal being, but she did need that little medical help to give her powers a little boost that it needed. I'm glad you boys brought her here, I don't think she would have made it with all of that blood spilling out of her."
"Will she be alright?" Levi asked.
"Why of course she will. The stitches are all done and splints are on her broken bones. All I need to do now is bandage her up a little to keep her wounds nice and neat," Isaac said with a smile.
A large amount of relief swept across everyone in the room at the sound of her recovery.
"I don't understand this. You are soldiers of the Military Police Brigade…so why are you helping us?" one of the soldiers asked.
In the heat of the moment, Keith abruptly responded irrationally and stood up from his seat, "Why you little brat…"
"Keith, you need to relax," replied Lucas pushing Keith back down into the chair. "We are helping you because we care for Lana. She is one of our own, our family. Through thick and thin we will always be there for her."
"We would do anything to protect her. And any friend of Lana's is a friend of ours," Keith proclaimed.
"We would literally throw down our jackets for her. Factions mean nothing to us when it comes to family."
Keith agreed to Lucas' words after remembering the discussion that they had just the day before. To them, family was the most important thing and nothing would change that. In that moment, the Survey Corps were willing to cooperate and Keith and Lucas were declared as allies to them. The two of them gave them any information that they could, revealing to them that they had originally made a pact with Spencer. In return the Survey Corps promised to keep Lana safe and out of harm.
"Did Lana happen to say anything about who did this to her?" Lucas asked.
"I couldn't make out what she was trying to say. I did hear her say the name Jack."
Lucas made eye contact with Keith the minute that they both figured out what was going on. Keith tried his best to keep his composure but it was evident that rage was filling his veins. At any moment he was ready to strike and take his revenge for what had been done.
As the night was turning to day, Keith and Lucas knew that they had to return to the Captain and report back in. They didn't reveal to the Survey Corps however that they were part of what was now referred to as the Anti-Personnel Squad. A squad filled with many elites, given the direct order to hunt down the Survey Corps with no exceptions. It was something they wanted to leave out for their own good. They had a rough night and that type of information was not necessary. They wanted to let them rest for a moment.