Almost a full year goes by. Construction and redevelopment is well along the way as talk of completion is nearing. Keith become well recognized for his leadership throughout the entire procedure. The waters were all calm.

Lana had given birth to a son, naming him in honor of her previous Commander Erwin. Sebastian was growing into his powers more and more each day. However, as Sebastian develops his powers it has become evident that with the mixture of his blood, his powers were not as strong, nor is Sebastian able to transform in the same manner as his father. It has become more apparent that Sebastian's shifting capabilities is more similar to the likes of the nine titans. As a titan, Keith is capable of using any part of his powers in any shape or form. However, Sebastian was a different story. It has been learned through the efforts of Isaac, that Sebastian is only able to use titan powers in a titan form. Which means that the bone spikes that he has inherited from his father can only be used when he is a titan. It has also become evident that while in Sebastian's titan form, he creates a titan body around him and moves it around much like a puppet. His subconscious being within the titan body rather than his own. The very same way that has been documented for the previous titan shifters. With this information it can be assumed that the same affects will take place with Erwin as he grows older.

As things began to relax within the walls, there was still the threat that was outside. At any moment the Marleyan warriors could cross the waters and attack. Paradis needed to be ready just in case the situation were to arise. After a year since the Survey Corps had obtained the Colossal Titan and defeated the Armored and Beast Titans, there had been talk about strengthening their defences within the walls. They needed to be better equipped to handle another attack from the two titans as well as anything else that may come their way. It was at this time that plans were being devised. With the Colossal Titan and the Attack and Founding Titan in their possession, they would utilize them and eventually make a counterattack themselves. For now, they would just remain on the defensive side.

After another excruciating meeting, Keith sat in his office. He was no longer required to observe and maintain the development of Wall Maria and left it in the hands of someone who he saw as more than capable of handling it. He was then able to return home and help his son come to terms with his powers as well as remain by Robin's side.

Oscar had arrived with the most recent report from the Survey Corps.

"The Commander says that you might want to read this one," Oscar proclaimed handing him a piece of paper.

The report wasn't just any report. It was the plans for the latest expedition. They were finally going to go beyond the walls once more. It was going to be the first time in many years since any of them had set foot beyond the concrete cage that contained them. Keith was excited for them and knew exactly what was in store. According to the report, Hange believes that they had the means to make it all the way to the drop off zone. The zone where Eldians were sacrificed and turned into the mindless titans that once flourished on the island of Paradis.

Something came over Keith and it was an impulsive decision. He pulled out a piece of paper and began to write two letters in response to the report. One to be directed to Hange, while the other was going to Nile. Since Keith was from the capital of Rhea which was on the coast, he missed the scent of the sea in the air. He wanted to see if it was possible for him to go along with the Survey Corps on the expedition. However, that meant that he needed to find a way that would benefit the Military Police Brigade in some way or another. Keith devised up the idea of joining them to assess the land himself to come up with a strategy on how to build their defences and how they would want to counter attack. At first he believed that it was a stupid impulsive idea that would fall through. There was no way he was going to get approval to venture beyond the walls, it was not in his job description and that was what the Survey Corps was for.

Nile approached him in regards to the letter.

"Aberdeen, what is the meaning of this?" he asked sternly, waving the letter in his hands.

Keith stood before him and saluted, "Sir, I just want to be given the opportunity to observe and assess the Survey Corps expedition first hand."

"Is that so?" Nile replied looking at the letter and then looking back at Keith. "Why bother, that is why we have the Survey Corps to begin with. We don't need to send any of our men along with them. End of discussion."

Nile began to walk away from Keith as he was left with nothing more to say. With his Commander denying his request, Keith was disappointed. He wanted to be able to experience the expedition for himself and this was an opportunity to do it. Even at this time, his tasks were almost non-existent. But then the thought occurred to him.

"But sir, what if they were attacked."

Nile turned around to face him, "What do you mean?"

"I mean, what if they were attacked by the Beast and Armored Titan. Aside from the reports that we've seen, we really have no idea what we're up against. In the event that the Survey Corps come into contact with them beyond the wall, I'm not so sure that any will return this time."

"What makes you so sure about that?"

Keith paused, he was trying to find something in his memory that would defend his case. He remembered the soldiers that are currently among them and what they were capable of.

"Sir, their current Commander has lost an eye, they have a new titan shifter who is still learning his abilities. The Yeager boy himself is still learning. The pure blooded titan has been discharged. Not to mention, a good portion of their faction are rookies. People who are still new. I recommend sending someone like myself to attend the expedition to at least act as extra defence for them. We have powerful enemies and it's literally like walking into the unknown for them."

Nile looked away and reflected on the words Keith had said. Keith began to panic as he realized that he may have pushed Nile over the edge. However, he stood his ground and awaited to hear what he had to say.

"Very well, as long as Commander Hange agrees to your attendance. Just make sure you report back to me when you return."

It didn't take much to convince Hange to allow him to join them. Keith made a bargain with Hange. If he were to go on the expedition then he would assist in one training session for the titan shifters.

On the day of their departure, he said farewell to Robin and Lana and made his way to the Survey Corps barracks. With his trusty stead and Military Police Brigade green cape, he arrived to be greeted by Hang and Levi.

"I don't see why we need you here, but I'm not going to argue," Levi stated.

"Friendly as always, aren't you," Keith replied with a sarcastic smile.

"Why are you really here?" Hange asked.

"It's as I stated before, I want to be able to experience the expedition for myself. To get a true feeling as to what to expect. It's not that I don't have any faith in you at all, you are more than capable of it. It's just hard to understand sometimes when it's just written on a piece of paper. Besides, the chance to see the ocean again would be nice. Personally for me, if I can just see for a moment what it's going to be like, then maybe there will be hope of one day reuniting with lost friends."

"You mean to go back to Rhea?" Levi asked.

"Yeah, I want to return one day. All of us who came from there may have had a shit life over there, but it is our motherland."

After a few more exchanging of words, Keith was debriefed on the procedures of the expedition. The Survey Corps is to be set up into different units and spread out. In the case that someone sees a titan, a red flare from that unit will be set off. Hange would then set out a green flare in the direction that they are to go to avoid confrontation with the titan. Black flares indicate an abnormal titan and can be devastating, while yellow was a sign for retreat. They would set out in a formation and stick to that the best they can. This was the method that was first introduced by the late Erwin Smith. A method that had managed to save many Survey Corps soldiers.

Before their initial departure, Keith stood in front of the soldiers next to Levi as Hange spoke to them. He was glad to see a few more soldiers who had joined the faction to increase their numbers. It was going to make things a little easier on them.

As Hange spoke, Keith had completely zoned out and only stared across to the soldiers in front of him. They were all so young and yet they had been through a lot. He himself was able to relate to them to a certain level and it hurt him a little to think that. Keith's thoughts were broken by his name being called. He realized that all eyes were staring at him. He had no idea what to do, he looked over to Levi and Hange who waited for something to happen. Keith was like a lost puppy.

"Say some words dumbass," Levi whispered leaning towards him.

"Some words?" Keith asked back still unsure as to what he was supposed to say.

"You could just stand there like the idiot that you are."

"Soldiers!" Keith shouted snapping forward to show Levi that he wasn't an idiot, his voice echoing against the stone wall of the barracks. "It is an honor to be joining you on this expedition. You men and women have done so much for all us within this last year, allowing us to grow and strive as a society. You have learned that we are not alone and that there is an even greater battle ahead of us. With this expedition I hope that we can achieve some sort of understanding as to what we are up against. I am eager to lend you my blood, sweat, and tears, to ensure that this expedition is successful. Don't think of me as an M.P, think of me as a fellow comrade, one of you."

Keith saluted and held his chin up high. Everyone before him responded with the same salute. Keith often isn't much for words, but today was different. The words were flowing naturally.

The time had come for the first expedition beyond the walls in many years. Keith would be riding alongside Hange in the center. He was responsible for relaying the messages through the flares. He sat on his horse before the restored gate which would grant them the access to the hell zone before them. With a valiant yell, the gate was opened and the horses took off.

They charged through the gate into the open field. In the distance there was forests. It was refreshing to them to be able to look up and not see a giant stone wall before them. Keith couldn't help but to take the sight in. He had forgotten what it was like beyond the walls.

"Don't lose focus," Levi shouted coming up by him. "A titan can appear at any time."

Keith shook his thoughts off and continued to keep a vigilant eye out. Something was off. There was not a titan in sight. Keith imagined that there would at least be one or two by now. The expedition was going too easy for them. It seemed to have put Keith on edge. Then the moment struck.

Nearby was in fact a titan that was coming towards them. They readied themselves for an attack as Keith prepared the flare. However, Hange ordered him to keep riding. As they got closer they found that the titan was incapable of attacking them. It had been dragging itself from the drop off point towards the wall. The poor being was unable to stand on its own two legs and therefore was unable to try and go after any of them. They rode their horses quickly past the titan and continued on ahead.

Since that one titan, they had not come across any others. It had become clear that most of the titans had now been eradicated after being contained within Wall Maria. Any titan that was outside of the wall now, was deducted to be newly transformed Eldians.

The remainder of the ride was long but smooth. In the horizon there was a large pile of sand and a wall. Keith remembered clearly the day he had first arrived to the land and had to walk up and down the stairs of the wall. It was nostalgic. Once they had reached the wall, they dismounted the horses. Keith was able to pick up a scent he well recognized. The scent of the ocean filled the air. It had been so long, he had forgotten what it was like.

When they made it to the other side, there it was. It was vast and magnificent. It was the ocean in all of its glory. Keith watched as the kids were eager to take off their boots and equipment to run in the water. Keith himself was eager to do the same. He ran alongside them taking off his entire harness and pieces of clothes. All that remained were his white pants as he reached the water. He was quick to dive right in and soak his hair into the warm waters. He laughed as he sprung back up.

"It's salty," he heard someone call out.

He presumed that someone attempted to drink the waters and laughed at the thought. He ran his fingers through his now wet hair as he felt the soft sand between his toes. He made his way closer to the others who were not as willing to go into the deeper waters like he was.

"Captain Aberdeen?" a girl with a long brown ponytail called out to him as he got closer. "What's that thing on your shoulder?"

"WOAH that's so cool," her friend called out.

Keith tried to remember who these two were. He remembered Mikasa, Armin, and Eren after dealing with them on multiple occasions. Through descriptions that Lana had provided he was able to pick out which one among them was Jean. Therefore, by narrowing down his options of Squad Levi, he confirmed that these two were Sasha and Connie.

"What, you mean this old thing?" Keith proclaimed looking at the mark of the clan. "It's called a tattoo where I come from. And this particular one represents my clan."

"You were in a clan?" Armin asked walking closer to him holding onto a handful of fine sand.

"Yes, I'm part of a clan known as the Corvus Clan. Although I'm not very proud to say that."

"Why is that?" Eren asked.

"The Crovus Clan has done some pretty bad things. Including the capturing and selling of pure blooded titans.

Everyone around him was interested in what he had to share. He spoke of his life on Rhea and what it was like. Eventually the group began to ask him questions about various things on Rhea. Keith was intrigued by their enthusiasm. He had begun to fully understand why Lana was so fond of them.

Keith looked down the shoreline and saw something he never expected to see. He darted over as quickly as he could concerning everyone else around him. He observed and examined a large tattered ship. The wood was rotten and the flags were destroyed, but Keith was able to make out exactly what this ship was and where it came from. It was the very same ship that the Sidonia Circus had initially arrived to Paradis on. He was amazed at the fact that it was still there after ten years.

The ship was an older style ship of Rhea. It once belonged to a fisherman who graciously gave it to them in order to achieve their goal. Most of the ships on Rhea were old fashioned wood to keep with an aesthetic structure. Keith remembered seeing them along the port with their various colored flags. He shared stories with the others about his time on the ship and explained what he was able to about each part. Considering how they had no nautical training they were able to manage the long journey to Paradis. Most of the terms that Keith shared were not the actual terms used for real sailors, they were just nicknames that they had developed. A sort of jargon that would make sense for everyone.

As the evening was drawing near, Keith sat on the wall with Levi.

"So what do you think?" Keith asked him.

"About what?" Levi asked taking a bite into some the rations they had brought.

"About the ocean, about this?" Keith continued as he sat down next to him.

"It's…breathtaking," he replied.

"Is something wrong?"

Levi remained silent. He was straight faced and stared out into the ocean. Levi was not one to talk about his feelings, let alone what was on his mind.

"Look, if you don't want to say I won't ask," Keith stated quietly.

"Lana had made a promise a while ago that she would be here with us. To show us the ocean."

"You really do love her don't you?" Keith replied with a sly smile.

"Shut it weasel," Levi said sharply.

"Easy, easy. I only have good intentions. If you really love her, I think you should tell her."

Levi was quiet for a moment or two. "It's not that easy."

"I completely understand that. I missed my opportunity long ago and my feeling changed. I found someone new. And you want to know what I did. I had to admit to myself that I loved her first before I could say it to her. And now here we are, happily married for six years with a growing son. If you were to tell me that I would be living a normal life like this twenty years ago, I would've laughed right in your face."

"Normal, I don't think I could ever live a normal life. Especially with someone like her. She deserves better."

"She wants you," Keith proclaimed placing his arm on Levi's shoulder in reassurance.

"Like I said, the first step into telling her that you love her is to admit it to yourself. If I can achieve a normal life, then so can you two. It just takes that one step that will lead to the next."

The soldiers returned to the wall with no casualties in the first time in their military history. Although it may not have seemed like it at first, they were able to gather valuable information. It is apparent that the Marley warriors had briefly been present within Paradis since the battle of Shiganshina. With the sighting of one titan, it was also clear that there had been no Marleyans present to transfer turned Eldians as frequently. With these pieces of information, there seems to be a sign that everyone can relax. Although there were still high possibilities for an all-out attack on those within the walls, it seemed that it is unlikely that it would happen any time soon. It was time for them to take this advantage and prepare a plan of action themselves. No longer were they caged beings. It was time for them to move beyond where they had never set foot before.