The sun was shining and the birds were singing. Keith woke up to another glorious day. It was peaceful and calm as ever. Sebastian was already awake and dressed. He was in the kitchen cleaning the counters like a good young boy. The young seven year old had already matured drastically for someone of his age. He turned to face Keith and smiled.
Robin had already left to tend to Lana who had just given birth to a beautiful baby girl. She decided to name the girl Isabel after a dear friend of Levi's. Sebastian was on his way to school that he was enrolled in as Keith got himself ready for work. It was a beautiful day.
He walked through the streets and waved at many who greeted him on the warm morning walk. It had been just about two years since the battle of Shiganshina and Wall Maria's reclamation. Things were going well for them. A defence unit was initiated to monitor the outside of the walls. Anything out of the ordinary was to be reported in immediately. Eventually the plan was to expand their region and eventually monitor the shoreline as well. They wanted to be well prepared for whatever was going to be thrown at them.
The Survey Corps was using information given to them by the Military Police Brigade to develop new technology to better their defences and attack. They were no longer fighting against titans, but people as well. It was a strange concept to think that titans were not the enemy after all. It was the people who were making the titans.
Keith sat with Nile Dok as they were going over plans and procedures as per usual. It was a moment of bliss. Keith couldn't help but to be in a good mood. He gazed out at the window and watched the clouds above.
A knock at the door broke his moment of peace as Luca came in. Luca was normally an energetic individual who usually spoke his mind without fearing consequences. However, the usually energetic boy was serious. His eyes were dark and his voice was calm, almost as if his personalities were switched.
"Commander," he saluted, "there is a concerning report form the Garrison patrol along Wall Maria."
"Is it the Marleyans," Nile abruptly said.
"We don't know sir. They have recovered an individual from beyond the walls. He was found unconscious at the base of it. So far they are transferring him here to have him detained and questioned. There is no further information provided."
Nile looked over at Keith who perked up from the window and was eager to find out what was going on. At this time, they needed to proceed with caution. They needed to go in believing that the individual in question was a shifter sent from Marley.
"Aberdeen, I want you to be the one in charge of this. Get any information out of him as you can and find out if he is a threat to us."
"And if he is," Keith asked.
"Then I believe that you are more than capable of making the decision yourself," Nile stated with cold dark eyes.
Keith responded and began to follow Luca to the detainment center. They awaited for the unknown person to be brought in and withheld in the cell. So far from what information they could find, the person was a male, somewhere between the ages of thirty-three and thirty-eight. He was a taller man with brown hair and facial hair. Scars were strewn throughout his body suggesting that he had been through something along the lines of torture years ago. He was a tall man who was fairly thin but well built.
The two of them waited until the stranger regained consciousness and was ready to speak. As a precaution he was wrapped in such a way that would prevent him from inflicting any sort of self-harm. This was just in case he were to be a shifter of Marley. Along with being wrapped up, he was also chained to the ground to prevent him from trying anything. He was leaning up against the cold wall when he woke.
"Where…where am I," he asked in a groggy voice.
He turned his head to see where he was being kept and realized that he was chained up. At the sight of the chains he began to panic and throw himself around.
"You are in a detainment facility under the watch of the Military Police Brigade," Keith replied in a low stern voice.
Keith remained focused and serious, it was something Luca had never seen before. It was enough to send shivers up his spine as Luca was taken back by the nature of his superior officer. He took a step back and watched the scene unfold before him. It was Keith's goal to get every ounce of information out of the man. Whether he was a threat or not that didn't concern him.
As days had gone by, Keith had tried to speak with his superiors in regards to the future of the military. He knew that at the rate they were going, they wouldn't stand a chance against Marley. Their enemy was already an unknown force to be reckon with and the thought of going up against them in their state was fearsome. Any sort of information he could get was viable information. After Keith's recommendations being neglected and ignored, he began to feel stuck and unprepared.
"State your name," Keith demanded standing straight and upright to appear more assertive.
"Victor, Victor Challenger. Please, give me water," he gasped as he hung his head low.
Keith turned to Luca and gestured towards Victor. Luca reached down at his belt and pulled the keys that would unlock the door. He clearly was nervous to go inside, not knowing what to expect. A glass of water sat on the table outside of the door which Luca had grabbed and began to bring in for the prisoner. Keith watched as Luca crouched down low and raised the cup to Victor's lips.
"Now that you've had your water, are you willing to talk?" Keith questioned him as he stepped inside.
Luca quickly bolted out of the room and let Keith handle the situation on his own. The timid boy stayed behind at the ready.
"What do you want?" Victor snarled.
"I want to know who you are and where you came from."
"I already gave you my name. Why should you care where I'm from? You're probably just going to feed me to the damn dogs anyways. You soldiers are all the same no matter where you come from. You all speak of justice and the good of the people, and yet you have people dying at the hands of the military for being nothing more than different."
"Watch your tongue," Keith growled at the man.
"Why should I! You Knights, and Warriors, and soldiers all prance about with your head up your asses failing to recognize the corrupt world you live in. You think that everything is fine because you are doing the right thing. But is it fine when you slaughter innocent people for defending their own rights? Their rights as a human being. Everyone has the right to live no matter who they are or where they come from. You are the same, just like the soldiers of Marley and just like the Knights of Rhea."
Keith lost his serious demeanour immediately. His arms dropped as his eyes widened.
"What did you just say?" he quietly asked.
"I sad that you are all just the same."
"No, after that. You said, just like the Knights of Rhea."
"What's the point," Victor yelled.
"Are you from Rhea?" Keith asked with extreme concern.
"Born and raised in Drokish."
"Luca, the keys," Keith called back. He turned to face Victor, "I have every reason to believe that you are no threat to us. I have confirmed that you are not one of the warriors of Marley."
"I despise them and what they are," Victor snarled through his teeth.
"For that reason alone, you will gain your freedom. However, there are still some more questions that I would like to ask. I will give you a fresh change of clothes and a hot meal to regain your strength. For now you will remain within the barracks of the Military Police Brigade under the watch of Luca and myself. You are still a suspicious character and due to recent events, we cannot take any risks. This alone is a risk."
Keith unchained Victor from the ground who was confused as to what was going on. He wasn't the only one. Luca tried to convince Keith that what he was doing was a grave mistake. However, Keith was following his own instincts. Victor was a person from Rhea, a person from his homeland. That alone established a level of trust in Keith.
He set Victor up under watch by Luca who was still unsure as to whether or not he would need to report in his superior officer. He had every right to be concerned. Luca believed that Keith only let the prisoner go due to his connections to Rhea, Keith's homeland.
Although Keith deep down inside didn't want to say it. When Victor had brought up Rhea it was an altering point in the entire situation. Keith had so many questions about what was going on in Rhea. He wanted to know everything that had happened over the last twelve years. He wanted to know what was going on in the world beyond the walls. He felt like a dog in a cage. He was starting to go insane, or at least that's what he felt. He didn't want to be cooped up within the walls anymore. He wanted to be able to have the freedom to travel. Although he never did any traveling beyond Rhea, it was still nice for him to have the option. However, he couldn't neglect his duties as a soldier. He needed to see what Victor knew about the Marleyan army and what they would be up against. He remained awake during the entire night wondering. He was able to reflect on the current situation that was at hand. His moments of bliss were shattered at the reminder of what was beyond the walls.
The following morning Keith was ready to speak with Victor. He was going to get answers no matter what the circumstances were. He walked through the barracks and was greeted by an unwelcoming sight. Luca stood before the door, not wanting to make any eye contact. However, Luca was not alone. Nile stood next to him furious with the latest decision that Keith had made. He immediately furrowed his brow in anger and prepared himself.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" He yelled. "Do you understand what you could have done?"
The sharp tone in his voice struck Keith. However, Keith remained still and calm as he could be. His cold icy stare were like knives. This was not the fun loving Keith. This was the Keith that he normally keeps locked up. The Keith that gets his way no matter the circumstance. He was there for answers about the life beyond the ocean, and he was going to stop at nothing to get them. However, Keith understood the situation that was at hand. He was at risk of losing everything at that very moment if he didn't play his cards right. He was capable of restraining himself from lashing out to get the answers and calmly spoke to his Commander and reiterated himself.
"With all due respect, I have reasons to believe that that man in there is of no threat to us," Keith proclaimed gesturing to the door behind them.
"And what makes you so sure of that. Because he is from your homeland, is that it?" Nile continued to yell. The veins of his neck sticking out in pure rage.
"If you were there listening to what he had to say you would understand that he is of no threat to us. Yes, being from the same land had made him more favorable in my eyes. However, my responsibilities as a commanding officer outweighs my own wishes and desires. I have to think of the good of the people and the future of this land before my own wants. With that being said, my priorities lie with the intentions of developing the necessary materials to gain the upper hand for our military. "
"Then you better have some explaining to do," Nile began to calm down a bit but still wore a stern expression.
Keith took in a deep breath and remained calm. He didn't falter with his words. "From what I could gather the prisoner, or rather Victor, had been through a lot. The scars on his body is proof of that. Not to mention, he has the ideology of a revolutionist. He is neither a soldier nor a warrior of Marley and even went as far as to express his disgust towards military in general."
"And that's you reason? You don't think he is going to go strike a revolution here! We've already been through hell like that!"
"One; Victor appears to have no connections to anyone within the walls. Two; from his own words, it appears that he is originally from Rhea but has been recently living within Marley. From the way he talks, it sounds like he was causing trouble with the government over there. In response, I do believe that's how he ended up here on Paradis. Much like the Eldians, I do believe he was cast aside and exiled for his actions Due to his ancestry being from Rhea rather than Eldia, they probably were unable to subject him to the serum. That means he has had direct contact with the military of Marley. Meaning that he had has information that may benefit us. He is one man, we are an army." Keith's expression remained still as he watched Nile adjust himself.
It was clear that Nile was taken back by his words. Keith's assertive behaviour was not faltering with any movement. He was straight forward and stared down at Nile. He did nothing more but stare. Luca was conflicted as to what to do. He kept looking back and forth between the two of them. It was clear to him that he did not want to get involved with anything.
Nile's eyes twitched due to Keith. "You've thought a lot about this Aberdeen."
"I will not deny anything. I've come to speak with him and find out everything that has been going on beyond these walls. Right now the only thing that stands in the way of gaining any sort of advantage for this kingdom is you."
"Very well, but if were to find out anything that would suggest that he is an enemy. I will personally handle you myself," Nile scowled as he pushed past Keith.
Keith remained fixated on the door in front of him as he was thrown off his balance. He didn't care what Nile had to say. He was determined. He turned to Luca who flinched at his gaze.
"Don't make it seem like I don't know what you did. I will deal with you later," Keith proclaimed once more with his lower voice that pierced through poor Luca.
Keith turned back to the door and made his way inside. He was relieved to get out of the situation and to be put back to where he wanted to be. He wanted to speak with Victor and see what he knew.
The room was quiet. It was almost too quiet. In a panic, Keith realized that Victor was not in the room. He had used the bedsheets and climbed out of the window. Keith ran to the window to see if he was nearby.
At the realization that he was nowhere to be seen, Keith shouted, "Damnit!"
He quickly turned and sprinted out of the door with Luca not far behind. As he ran down the hall, he ran past Nile. Keith's sudden outburst was of a great deal of concern.
"Aberdeen," Nile called out, "ABERDEEN!" he continued as he began to sprint after him.
Keith ignored his calls and continued down the hall and out of the barracks. He sprinted down the road and made his way into town. Once he reached a certain point, he stopped in the street to catch his breath. He scanned the area to see if there were any signs of Victor anywhere.
Nile and Luca eventually caught up with him.
"Aberdeen, you better explain to me what the hell is going on!" Nile yelled drawing the attention of others.
"He wasn't in his room. He climbed out of the window."
"I'm sorry sir. That was my fault, I failed…"
"Not now Luca. We'll deal with that later. Right now out priority is finding Victor. That man has information about what's beyond the ocean. The only information that will give us any sort of advantage about the war that is to come. He is the only reason people will actually start listening to me when I say we need to do something," He continued to scan the area. "Luca, I want you to round up the rest of the squad. We'll split up and search the city. If he is found, detain him without harm and fire a red flare."
Luca was prompt and quickly sought after the others. However, Nile was not happy about the situation and how it had progressed. He grabbed the collar of Keith's jacket and slammed him into the nearest wall.
"I should have you court martialled for this Aberdeen."
"Do whatever you want, I don't care anymore after all the shit I've been put through. Nobody is listening to me when I say we are screwed in this fight against Marley. I'm going to find that man and find out what the hell the world has come to. If we are about to head into war I want to do all that I can so that my family and I can survive. I've lost my entire family once, and I'll be damned if I'm going to let that happen again," Keith screamed pushing Nile off of him.
Audible gasps could be heard from those around them witnessing the sight. Nile knew that there was no way he could take on Keith alone. Keith pushed Nile off of him and made his way down the street in search of Victor throwing his uniform jacket off in the process. His eyes darted back and forth trying to search for him. He gave up trying to search for him on foot and decided to take to higher ground. Considering how he was not equipped with his maneuvering device, he was quick to climb up the nearest pole onto a roof. Once up top, he darted from roof top to roof top at full speed. He could feel himself grow tired after searching for so long while using much of his energy trying to stay atop. However, he pushed himself and leapt from the rooftops effortlessly. In a way, it reminded him of his youthful days running in a cloak on the rooftops hunting down his target.
A red flare could be seen in the distance prompting Keith to sprint at full speed in the direction. Someone within his squad had found Victor and captured him. Keith was not about to let this opportunity go to waste.
When he made it to the scene, Victor could be seen held up at gun point by Oscar and Mia. Luca and Emilee arrived shortly after Keith did and responded with the same action.
"Lower your weapons," Keith called out.
Victor had hate filled eyes as he was cornered up against the wall. No one within the squad responded to Keith's squad.
"I said lower your weapons," Keith tried calling out again angrily.
This time everyone exchanged glances at one another and dropped their weapons one after another. Victor was confused but still remained on high alert.
"Why did you leave the room?" Keith asked.
"I don't appreciate being locked up."
"Funny you sound like a friend of mine."
"Some friend of yours if they have to go about saying stuff like that," Victor snarled.
"I don't exactly understand what you've been through, but please let me assure you that we mean well."
"Says the guy in charge of these hounds."
Keith took in a deep breath to try and calm himself down. He was trying to watch his words and approach Victor in a polite and calm manner. However, it seemed like anything Keith tried to say would set Victor off.
"You had the option to leave through the front door. Why choose the window?" Keith asked.
Victor stammered. It was at this point that Keith realized he had caught him. This was his opening.
"Please, just come with me. I'm sure if we can talk things over, everything will be straightened out. Not just for you but for the both of us," Keith stated holding out his hand.
Victor was reluctant to take Keith's offer. He was like a stray dog fearing for his own safety.
"Why should I trust you?"
"Trust me or don't. It's up to you."
Victor made the decision and calmly followed Keith. The rest of the squad returned to their normal duties. Mia and Keith escorted Victor back to the barracks where he would be questioned.
It was quiet in the room as Victor and Keith both sat at a table. Victor refused to make any sort of eye contact as Mia brought in a glass of water for each of them. Keith was aware that it was going to be a long day at this pace.
"Why don't we start things off by telling each other a little about ourselves? I'll start. I am Captain Keith Aberdeen of the Military Police Brigade. I'm thirty-seven and I have a loving wife and a seven year old son. I've been with the brigade for about eight years now. You're turn."
Victor remained silent.
"Alright, I guess I'll just keep talking about myself. I have a knack for knives, it's a hobby of mine. I also rather enjoy history, it fascinates me." Keith paused and looked away, "I'm also from Drokish, the capital city of Rhea."
Victor right away perked up, "You're from Rhea?"
"Believe it or not, I am. I used to live with a travelling circus."
"You don't mean the infamous Sidonia Circus do you?"
"Oh, so you've heard of us?" Keith replied with a sly smile.
"All I know is that the circus disbanded almost thirteen years ago."
"That much is true. Let's just say that one of our members got themselves into a bit of trouble. And well, you have to stick with family right? So here we are now."
"So I'm just supposed to trust you now that I know that you're from Rhea?"
"Well if I told you that I have titan powers, would you trust me then?"
"I don't believe you."
"Sir are you sure that's wise?" Mia chimed into the conversation.
"If I'm going to gain all of your trust, I might as well throw down all of my cards right?" he proclaimed reaching for the concealed knife in his jacket that he had picked up.
It was clear to Keith that Victor had become uneasy. He waited to see what was going to happen as Keith reached for his hand with the blade. He firmly grabbed a hold of the blade and pulled it out causing his palm and fingers to be sliced open. Victor's eyes widened at the absurdity. However, he watched as Keith began to heal right before his eyes.
Keith leaned forward onto the table. His glasses shone in the light as the remaining blood evaporated from the table. "So Victor, why don't you go on and tell me about yourself."
Victor Challenger was a child who grew up in Rhea. However, his childhood was not as pleasant in the beginning as others. His mother sold him to a man who treated him as a slave. It was during this time that he began to grow hatred to those who treated others in this way. He began to feel that everyone deserved to be treated with the same amount of respect, no matter who or what they are.
It was at this time that he befriended two others. They were the only ones keeping him sane every day. One of them had managed to escape and had beaten their owner. It was at this time that the he and the other child were able to retaliate against the man themselves. The beaten man was driven to find the one who started it all and therefore neglected to take notice of Victor and Xavier.
Victor had used this to his advantage and planned a way for them to get out. By using a party, the two were able to hid among the crowd and make their escape. They retreated and were found by a local religious group. The group helped the boys and brought them into the local orphanage. They were then adopted by separate families but stayed connected with one another. They often wondered what became of their other friend after their escape.
He took up the last name Challenger and lived with his adoptive family. He watched those who were less fortunate than he was be treated poorly. They were often discriminated just because of what they didn't have. He even watched those who were of different skin be treated with the utmost disrespect. It was the same for those who were claimed to be titans. It made Victor sick knowing of what was out there in the real world. He began to grow more hate to people who he felt were just like the man who had once enslaved him. It was enough for Victor to want to make a difference.
He grew up to be a merchant and lived in Marley alongside Xavier. There he saw the same thing. Those who were of different blood being isolated and branded by a mark. They were treated differently from others because of who they were. He felt that this was not the way any sort of human being should live. He began to preach of equality for everyone. He felt that the government was wrong and that the military were just dogs following orders. No one deserved to be living in this sort of matter.
Victor's words caught the attention of not only those who shared the same beliefs, but of the government themselves. While Victor was a man of words, Xavier had more of a radical approach. He and Xavier were captured and detained for further questioning. Victor refused to let himself be treated this way and fought back by any means necessary. In response, the Marleyan government had treated him just like they would treat a person recognized as a person of Eldia.
He was brought to the land of Paradis where he was bound up top of the wall. He stood beside Xavier as his friend was injected with a serum and met his fate down below. Victor watched as he was turned into a horrifying creature. Victor too met the sand below them, however he did not receive an injection. The soldiers believed that his fate would be to be eaten by his friend.
Victor was left to die as the soldiers left them. However a remarkable sight occurred just as the soldiers had left them. Xavier had not succumbed to the injection and refused to eat him. He wandered away from Victor and began to run screaming as if he were in pain.
Alone, he was able to get himself untied and began to head straight after Xavier. However, he had lost sight of him and was left to wander the plains alone. That's when he came to find the wall and was brought in before Keith.
Victor remained in the barracks for the time being after sharing information on his background. Keith was amazed by his tenacity. The man was strong willed and fought for what he believed was right. He had a strong sense of justice and Keith respected that.
Although Keith had succeeded in his goal of speaking with Victor, it would not go without consequence for his actions. He stood before not only Nile but Darius Zackly as well. Keith remained firm and stood his ground.
"You are fully aware why we have brought you here before us, correct?" Darius began.
"Of course I understand that my actions were deemed questionable."
"They were more than questionable. What you have done had risked not only the well-being of your fellow soldiers, but the well-being of the entire town." Darius removed his glasses and paused. "However, upon further investigation ourselves we have concluded that this Victor is an asset. If what you are saying is true, then this man can help give us the information we need in order to defend and attack the Marleyan Warriors."
"That is correct sir." Keith couldn't help but to feel overjoyed that people were finally listening to him.
"Very well, you are dismissed."
Keith was astonished that he did not receive any punishment of any kind. He left without saying a word believing that if he were to say anything then they might change their minds. He was quick to leave the building and turn in for the night.
He was greeted at home by the usual chime of Sebastian. The young boy was excited to see his father once more. Earlier on in the week, Keith had promised that the two of them would work together and build bird house. What Keith had wanted, was to also refine Sebastian's titan abilities.
Robin sat in the dining room cleaning off guns that she was wanting to prepare for a hunt later in the week. She smiled at Keith as he prepared the materials necessary for the bird house. It was a great bonding time for the two of them to share. The house they were building was small but still good nonetheless.
Keith carved away at the wood as Sebastian was beginning to paint some of the pieces. Their quietness was abruptly interrupted by the door swinging wide open. Lana, was present with Isabel in her arms and Erwin held in a pouch on her back.
"Howdy, Howdy!" she called out.
"Lana, what pleasant surprise. We weren't expecting to see you today!" Robin chimed.
"Well I figured I was in the neighbourhood, and that I should stop by! So what's new?" she proclaimed setting Erwin on the ground with a toy.
"Well, we recovered someone from Marley the other day," Keith stated fixated on the piece of wood he was carving.
"Seriously!" Lana shouted as she lurched towards him.
"Yeah, says his name is Victor. And get this, he's originally from Rhea."
"No kidding," Robin replied as she got up to prepare some tea.
"Yeah, Victor Challenger. A revolutionist of some sort. Says that his preaching got him into a lot of trouble. That's how he ended up here."
"The Marleyans threw him over the edge," Lana stated quietly.
"He wasn't thrown alone though. He had someone with him that was turned. His friend disappeared though so there is no sign of him. I haven't even heard of any titans being found on the outskirts. Even on the first expedition we only came across the one."
"So where is Victor now?" Lana asked.
"Right now he's in the barracks. Just until he can find accommodations of his own. I'm hoping to meet with him tomorrow to talk about the changes that have happened in the last twelve years."
"You mean stuff like weapons?" Robin asked.
"Precisely. We need to know exactly what we're up against if we are going to face the Marleyans head on."
The room was silent as Robin brought the tea over to the table. Keith passed Sebastian the piece he was working on so that he could paint it, and graciously accepted the tea.
"Say Lana, didn't you say that one of the boys from your childhood was named Victor?"
Lana thought back, "Yeah, I'm surprise you remember that. That was so long ago. Besides, I have reasons to believe that he is no longer with us."
"Are you sure about that though? I mean anything is possible."
Lana looked down at Isabel and smiled, "You're right, anything is possible."
The following day Keith was ready to speak with Victor once more in regards to the recent changes that have happened. He wanted to know what was going to be expected with the upcoming battle. Nile was to be present during the questioning to hear the answers first hand. Everything that would be discussed would be brought before the Queen and further action will be taken.
Victor sat at the same table with Keith and Nile on the opposite side. He was melancholy as if all life had been sucked out of him. Bags were under his eyes suggesting that he hadn't slept decently in quite some time.
"Let's start things off, I want you to tell us what we need to be prepared for," Nile proclaimed.
"What?" Victor snapped in confusion.
"What he means is, is that we are trying to get ourselves ready to face the Marleyan army and we need to know what we are up against."
"Good luck with that, the army has started to become a bit of a laughing stalk if you tell me," Victor replied placing his head on his hand.
"I'm sorry?" Keith was unsure as to how to take what Victor was saying.
After Reiner Braun and Zeke Yeager, the Armored and Beast titans, had returned to Marley their military strength had declined. Neighbouring nations received word that they had lost two of their titans and had begun to proceed forward. Advanced weaponry was designed to take out titans specifically. Tanks, guns, ships, and much more had improved drastically. The technological advancements were beyond what anyone in Paradis had come to imagine. Airships were being used for travel and warfare.
Keith feared the worst. He knew that with what Victor was saying, they didn't stand a chance with the technology they had. However, he began to theorize that they were relying solely on the titan powers. From the sounds of it, it was only the neighbouring nations that had created weapons that could take down the titans with ease. To further speculate, they were only able to take the titan down and not fully kill the person who was in control.
The information that Victor had provided was indeed valuable in every aspect. They now knew that they were up against not just several titans, but stronger weapons. They were once a force to be reckon with to the surrounding countries but were now falling. Keith wanted to take this opportunity and strike back. They were weakening and this was their chance.
"They know that without the other titans, then they will lose all control that they have," Keith proclaimed. He stood up and began pacing back and forth in the room. "We need to be ready for them. They could attack at any time and try and take the titans that we do have."
"What makes you so sure that they will come?" Victor asked.
"For one, we know that they will not hesitate to come to our shores. You are evidence of that. Two; they know what sort of military weaponry we have due to their insiders. They know how we run, they know how we'll move. But if we can stay just one step ahead, then I think we have a chance. They're going to want to come after the other titans and take back what they lost."
With the meeting over, Keith bean to escort Victor back to his room. As they walked through the halls, they were greeted by a familiar face. Standing in the corridor was Lana, dressed in her old manner. She wore her old khaki pants and white button up shirt with a black vest. Her hair, now reaching her shoulders, danced gracefully with her every move.
"Lana, what are you doing here?" he asked, taking notice to the papers that were in her hands.
She quickly tucked the papers in her pocket and gave a smile.
"No reason, I was just curious to see if anyone from the Survey Corps happened to be kicking around."
"You know you shouldn't be hanging around here. Besides who's with the kids?"
"Don't worry they're with Robin. Everything is fine."
"Lana," Victor quietly pushed passed Keith.
"I'm sorry, do I know you," she asked pulling the hair behind her ear.
"You're alive! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU'RE REALLY ALIVE!" he shouted and jumped towards her.
She stepped back and held her hands out to keep the stranger away.
"You're eyes, they're the same as long ago, the smile, the hair. Everything about you. You have to be her."
Lana kept eyeing towards Keith for help. The two were unsure as to how they were to handle the situation.
"Don't you recognize me!? It's Victor…"
Lana stared at the man before her as she scanned every inch of his face. She shook her head in disbelief.
"No, there is just no way," she took a step back once again and stared at him in horror. "Is it really you?"
"Yes, we used to clean the floors together. Remember, this," he held out his hand to show several long scars that went across it. "Remember when Master struck me with the sword after we had stolen pieces of bread."
The words were triggering to her. Almost as if there were things that she had been suppressing. Tears formed in her eyes as she refused to hear what he was saying or rather seeing the fact that he was still alive. She kept saying "no" under her breath.
"Remember the time that the Master held a party and you bled all over the piano because he made you play for so long. And remember how Xavier and I helped you after he had struck you with a brick. Then there was the time that Master had chained you in his room and Xavier and I held you afterwards."
"No…No….NO!" she kept shouting.
"Victor that's enough," Keith tried to make him stop.
"Remember how you escaped. You turned into that thing and nearly killed the Master. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here. Lana please tell me you remember the time that we were enslaved to Master!"
"STOP IT!" she shrieked.
Keith felt the crack in her voice as it shot up his spine. Victor remained silent and didn't say another word as if he were frozen. Keith was quick to console her and pull her away. He ordered one of the soldiers to continue escorting Victor to his room breaking him from Lana's control.
Lana was brought to Keith's office to try and calm down. She was shaken up at everything as Keith had offered her a cup of tea to calm her nerves. She stared into the cup and didn't say a word. He remained quiet and vigilant as she sat in his office.
"You know, he did escape from the Noble. Says it was because of you. When he became so fixated on you, he and your friend were able to escape. They grew up with loving families after being adopted from an orphanage. Victor says he's a merchant from Marley. Funny, how things all seem to be connected," he quietly said as he stared out the window.
"They're alive," she whispered.
Luca came to the door and was quick to walk in. "Keith we have urgent news!" He shouted.
"Now's not a good time Luca," Keith sternly replied gesturing to Lana.
"But we've captured another outsider. He was found outside of the wall. Says his name is Xavier."
Lana quickly got up from the chair and dropped her cup causing it to shatter into pieces as it hit the ground.
"Take me there!" she ordered Luca.
Luca was unsure as to how to respond to her abruptness. He turned to Keith who nodded in response.
The three of them began to head towards the main courtyard where Xavier was to be brought. Victor was also with them waiting to his friend. Garrison officials pulled up with the cart that contained the captured person. The door opened and Xavier fell from his seat to the stone below.
Victor was quick to run towards him and made sure that he was ok.
"Xavier, it really is you. But how? I saw you transform. You were injected with that stuff."
"The only way for someone to revert back is to eat someone who already has the powers of one of the nine titans," Lana stated with horrific eyes.
"That's what all of our reports say, so how the hell is he like this." Keith looked up at the men before him who gave no answers. "I want a men guarding the wall immediately. I want to know if there are any signs of anything. We need to know if the Marleyans are here or not."
"It's not what you think," Xavier called out. He slowly got up from the ground, "I did not eat anyone. Yes I was injected with the blasted stuff, but I did not eat anyone."
"Then how is it that you're normal?" Keith was confused.
"I'm not. I never really was to begin with. I always could feel it within me, I just could never pull it out." Xavier stated.
His eyes were dark and intimidating. It put him on a high alert as he readied himself for the worst. Lana did the same as she was waiting for Xavier to make a move. Her emotions were conflicted as she refused to say anything else.
"Whatever that stuff did to me did nothing more than awaken something that was dormant. I can feel it through me, this surging power that I have long awaited for. It was only a matter of controlling the mindless drone that I was becoming. Just like that blasted girl all those years ago. I can finally take my revenge on the people who've done me wrong. I will claw their eyes out and make them pay for all of the pain and suffering that they have caused to not only myself but to others as well."
"I…I don't understand," Keith stated.
"You morons. Don't you get it! I am no ordinary human. I AM A BEAST AMONG MEN!" he shouted.
His skin began to grow hard and scaly. Long claws formed from his fingers as fangs were visible from his mouth. He began to grow in size. Although he was not as tall as a titan, his features and strength were labeled on the same level as one.
"Xavier! What are you doing, this is not what we want. These people are here to help us." Victor called out as he watched the transformation.
"Cram it would you," Xavier shouted as he dug his hand into Victor's chest.
Blood began to pour from the wound as Victor was struggling to breath.
"You really think that the dogs of the military give a rat's ass about our problems. I am tired of being treated as garbage. Now with this power, I can finally make those pay for what they've done," he continued pulling his hand out.
The surrounding soldiers began to open fire. Their shots were proven pointless as the bullets ricochet off of him.
"My mother would be so proud that I've finally became the son she wanted. My father a mere human could never understand this power. And yet it feels so good! It's too bad that they died before I could show them. And they died because of people like you!"
Xavier shouted and swung his arm, knocking out several of the soldiers. Keith was preparing himself to attack but watched as Lana was the first one to dart in. With her head down, she shifted into a beast herself with her long massive fingers aiming for Xavier's neck. Keith was right behind her and called for his bone spikes after throwing his jacket off.
He stood above them both as Lana struggled to fight with Xavier. Her strength was not what it used be after being out of action since the birth of her son. She was thrown to the ground allowing Keith to have a moment to strike. With his fists, he aimed for the back of Xavier's neck. The force was enough to knock him down to the ground. However, it wasn't enough to subdue him.
He had quick reflexes and dodged the next attack that Keith had thrown at him. The speed was incredible and almost hard to keep up with. Xavier had Keith in a hold, digging his claws deep into his flesh. In defence, Keith let out several spikes through his body to pierce Xavier. Although the spikes didn't penetrate him, it did lift him away from his body.
Lana had recovered and gotten up from the ground and joined. Her skin was now exposing her muscles as she grew in height. She and Keith both stood at ten meters tall as Xavier remained at five meters. They had the upper hand and were able to bring Xavier down to the ground. Lana had used a technique she rarely used and formed a crystalized structure around her hand. She swung her fist up high in the air as Keith had done the same. A single spike was formed from his wrist as he swung down.
In that instant Xavier was dead. There was no further explanation as to what was going on. Upon further examination, Victor had died as well due to his wound. The bodies were collected and brought in for an autopsy. Things had died down and everyone was able to relax. There were no other reported deaths. Those who were injured lived to tell the tale.
It was discovered that Xavier was a half-blooded titan. One of his parents was a human while the other was a pure-blooded titan. Unlike Sebastian, Xavier's powers were dormant. The injection that he had received upon their arrival on Paradis had awaken the powers. The overwhelming powers and his unstable sanity had driven him mad with power. This lead to him causing the destruction in the courtyard.
The discovery meant that there were more things out there than they realize. There was no telling what people were capable of. A defending team was organized to remain out by the shoreline. They were to report of anything that seemed to be out of the ordinary. Further development was necessary in order to better prepare themselves for what was out there.
Keith and Lana were cleaning the blood off of their hands alone.
"I'm sorry," Keith broke the silence.
"For what?" Lana replied quietly.
"For the loss of your friends. For everything that happened today."
"Don't be. Besides those men out there weren't my friends."
Keith questioned her philosophy.
"They were two strangers who had separate lives from what I thought. The time we shared as kids was so long ago, and we have all moved on from that. Some in different ways than others. What has come to be has come to be and-and I accept that," she stated drying her hands off.
She turned to Keith and gave a smile. Keith could see the smile on her face and knew that she meant every word of it. However, the tears in her eyes said otherwise.
"Besides, now we know what to expect with half-bloods. Even though pure-bloods like us are extremely rare, it's just as rare to see someone who is a half-blood. I bet there are plenty of others just like that on Rhea."
"We don't know that though. We don't even know if there are any pure bloods like us over there to begin with."
"Well, we will just have to win this war and see for ourselves, don't we," she said through her smile.
"We?"
"Forget that I said that. Things are going to be different now aren't they?"