Keith woke up just like any other day and walked in to find the house empty. He was alone and was surprised to have the house to himself. There was no note as to where Robin and Sebastian were but he didn't think much of it. He walked out of the front door and leaned on the fence of his porch. With a cup of tea in his hand, he looked out into the street to see the happy people going about their daily lives.
A few who had recognized him greeted him and he waved in return. Since Robin had been released from the cell she had been clinging to Keith. It was almost her way of apologizing for her actions. Although he knew that she had no regrets, he couldn't help but to wonder what it would be like if something were to happen to her. He wondered what it would've been like if she didn't return alive.
The thought ran through his mind on what he would do if that were ever to happen. The pain he would feel was going to be hard enough. Even just thinking about it made him hurt.
As he was lost in his thoughts he was shaken by someone calling his name. He turned to see Commander Nile down below.
"I've come to confirm the latest work," he shouted.
"But sir, I'm off duty for once. Please can I just have this time to relax?" Keith whined.
Nile glared at Keith which prompted him to let him inside.
"I have reviewed the latest reports on the ship development. It seem things are going well," Nile began as he stepped into the house. "With that being said, your own statement on policies and procedures will be recognized when we launch."
"Holy cats, really? It's fine?" Keith replied in disbelief.
"Very much so. On top of that the case has been closed on the Clouded investigation thanks to you and your team. Everything has been straightened out."
"Well I can't take all of the credit, I did have a bit of help," Keith stated taking a seat and placing his head in his hand in a very relaxed manner.
"Wall Maria is now ninety percent back to where it was before. Again thanks to your initiative."
"I was there for the first year. All I've been doing lately is going back and forth every once and while to make sure things are in order. Lucas Anderson is a key factor there right now. I was just giving the orders and getting it started. I mean, think about the work you've done too sir."
"But you made sure the order was established to begin with," Nile proclaimed pointing a finger at Keith and leaning in.
"You've also helped on the front lines when needed, have been the personal escort to the Queen, been her military advisor as well. You have selected an almost near perfect squad. You were once an elite soldier who saw the treachery and helped open two of the biggest scandals that our Brigade has ever seen."
Keith began to wonder why Nile was really there to begin with.
"You mean the whole uprising incident?"
"That and the times you took down Nicholas and Jack."
"But that was so long ago. Besides why are you bringing all of this stuff up?"
Nile leaned back in his chair. His face began to grow stern causing Keith to be more on edge.
"I am taking you off of all of your duties. You've done more than your fair share and you need to relax for once. I am even willing to overlook the little incident from a few months ago with the outsiders."
Keith paused to process what he had just said. In that moment, he couldn't believe what he was saying and began to laugh at the thought. There was no way that he was going to believe that Nile came all this way to tell him to take time off.
"I'm being serious Aberdeen."
Keith stopped laughing and stared at Nile. There was something about him. Almost as if he had something else up his sleeve. He wanted to know what angle he was playing at.
"There's a catch isn't there?" Keith questioned.
Nile breathed in and spoke in a serious tone, "The Queen wants an audience with you and your squad. She wants to discuss the advancement procedures that we want to take. I suggest that you prepare yourself and perhaps look into people who would be replacing you."
The words took Keith by surprise. He was not surprised that he was going to meet with Historia, but he was shocked by his last comment.
"Sir, what are you saying?"
"I'm saying that in your absence a replacement squad would be needed."
Keith didn't question things any further. He quietly complied and accepted that this was a task he was assigned.
Nile handed him the notice for the summons with the Queen. It was scheduled for later in the afternoon that day. The look in Nile's eyes was of concern as if he knew more than what he let on. Keith decided it was best to not ask him anything and to wait until the summons.
He appeared at the main office in his official uniform. He hated wearing the long jacket, especially during the warmer months. The gloves would also irritate his skin a little due to the type of material they were made of. No matter how uncomfortable he felt, he loved the way he looked in it. It made him feel powerful and good about himself. He always felt better while wearing that uniform.
The badges on his lapel signified his rank and how important he was within the military. They sparkled in the sunlight as he walked up the steps alongside the rest of his squad who was dressed in the same fashion.
They were greeted by a few of the officials who were currently guarding the place as they were to attend the meeting. One of them guided them into the main hall where the Queen and military officials were waiting for them.
Keith conducted the formal salute along with the rest of the squad. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Emilee roll her eyes in annoyance. It couldn't help but to put a smile on Keith's face. Historia nodded for them to take a seat at the chairs provided. The tension in the room was high and almost unbearable. Darius Zackly, Dot Pixis, Hange Zoe, and even Keith Shadis were present alongside Nile. Anyone who was anyone was present in the room to be a witness to this meeting.
He could see that it wasn't just the Commanders of each faction who were present, but a select few as well. Levi stood in a corner being the only other Survey Corps soldier present within the room. He could make note of a few Garrison soldiers as well as Lucas representing the other M.P's after being reinstated as a squad leader.
"Welcome," Historia began, "I assume that you five must be wondering why you were summoned."
"Of course, your majesty," Keith replied with a slight bow of his head.
"Captain Aberdeen, is it correct to say that the recent development of a naval fleet has been underway?"
"That is correct. Ships that can withstand the ocean have been completed. We are now looking to train those in preparation for the upcoming travels."
"And is correct to say that you yourself are from outside of these walls."
"Yes, as it has been stated before. I, Lucas Anderson, and Lana Ackerman were born outside of these walls."
"Therefore you three are the only people who have full knowledge of what the outside is like aside from what we can gather from texts and other books."
"I would assume so, yes," Keith replied unsure as to where the conversation was going.
He could feel the eyes of everyone in the room on him. The tension in the room was making him oddly nervous.
"In that case, I propose that you and your team will take on a mission. As discussed prior to this meeting, we are in fact unprepared."
Keith felt a bit of relief come over him. After speaking to many people in regards to how they needed an upper hand in the upcoming fight, it was now coming into the light.
"Aberdeen, the information you have gathered from the outsider a while back has proven useful in developing some sort of tactics. However, we need an insider. Someone who can start taking action without the enemy knowing," Nile stated.
"We want to be able to see how they tick. We want to know what we can do to reduce the amount of casualties on our end," Hange continued.
"What are you suggesting?" Emilee questioned sitting on the edge of her seat.
"We want you to go in. We want you to sail beyond the ocean and start the war just like how they tried with us," Hange responded.
"But that's suicide!" Mia cried out.
Keith placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her down. He stared down at Historia who bore a serious expression on her face. It was clear that this is what they wanted. They wanted the team to go to Marley and start taking them out from the inside out. However, this is not exactly what Keith had in mind. He began to think things through and decided to propose a counter.
"I'd like to make a rebuttal," he stood up to stand his ground.
Historia nodded her head to allow Keith to continue.
"It is to our understanding that you want us to go directly to Marley and walk among the people. However, that may just be something they might expect. Besides, we aren't too sure who they will recognize and who they won't. Mia is right, it's putting ourselves at too much of a risk, especially in a ship that would be docking right in their harbor. What I suggest is that we do make the trek across the ocean, but not to Marley. I believe that we can make progress if we reside within a neighbouring nation."
"And what nation do you suggest?" Dot asked.
"Rhea, where I'm from. I was born in the city of Drokish, the capital. There is a dock within that city where we can arrive safe and soundly. That way we can get a feel of the situation that is at hand. We can gather information in regards to the current status of Marley without going into the belly of the beast itself."
Everyone turned to each other and began to speak amongst themselves. Keith glanced over to Lucas who had his hand to his face in embarrassment. Keith grimaced believing that the plan was not going to go through like he had wanted. Things changed when everyone quietened down as Historia stood before them.
"You wish to return to Rhea to help our fight against Marley."
"Yes, your majesty."
"You are aware that beyond these walls there will be no form of contact between your team and the people here."
"Yes, your majesty."
"Very well. Your will leave a month from now for Drokish. There you are tasked to gather information in preparation of the fight. This will be on the agreement that you will set foot on Marley within one year of being on Rhea."
Keith looked at the others who shared the same levels of uncertainty as he did. He turned back to Historia and nodded to comply with her rule.
"During your time on Rhea you will report to us within the walls and only us by using a courier pigeon. This will enable us to plan ahead and be prepared. Should you feel the need to, you may return to Paradis. Do you have any questions?"
Keith turned to the others once more who shook their heads. He looked up at Lucas who nodded his head.
"I have one request," Keith said hesitantly still staring at Lucas. He turned to Historia and pointed at Lucas, "He comes with us."
Lucas unfolded his arms and stared at Keith in bewilderment. He could tell that Lucas wanted to blow his lid. He kept his cool and accepted the fate that was going to be before him.
"Very well, if that is the only other term."
Lucas smacked his face in response not believing that he just got pulled into the mission along with Keith. Right away Keith knew that Lucas was never going to forgive him for it. However, in Keith's eyes it was another adventure and he never wanted to go on an adventure without Lucas. Lucas was his partner in crime and that's how he always saw it. He needed him to come with him to make things a little more enjoyable.
What remained fact now was, that Keith had to select people to be their replacement for the time that they would be gone. There was no telling how long they were going to be gone for. During the meeting it was declared that they needed to stay on Rhea for at least a year and then move on to Marley. That meant that more than a year away from Paradis was going to happen.
The thought of being gone for so long pained him a little. For leaving Paradis, meant leaving his family. He was going to miss birthdays and holidays, family gatherings and celebrations. He wasn't going to be around for the laughter and the tears. He needed to prepare himself mentally and emotionally for the mission that was going to be at hand. It was especially hard given the fact that he had become emotionally distant already since the drug investigation. His mindset was not where it used to be, almost as if he were not like himself anymore.
Nile gave everyone going on the mission relief of their duties until their departure. However, it was part of their agreement with everyone that they would not inform anyone of the full mission. They were able to tell their loved ones that they were going to be gone for a long time, but they were not allowed to disclose any other information. As part of the agreement as well, Keith would see the Tulp Doctors and have samples taken from him in the off chance that he would not make it back.
Keith walked into his home to see Robin writing at the table. She perked up and smiled at him as he walked through the door.
"You know I really do love that uniform on you," she sparkled.
Keith twirled as if he were wearing a dress, "Really, because I feel like it make my hips look big."
The two shared a laugh with one another as Sebastian came barreling through the door with a friend. It was the daughter of Allen Strype, a Survey Corps soldier that Keith graduated with back in their training days. Unfortunately, when the Beast Titan had first appeared within the walls, Allen fell victim to his might leaving his daughter Elizabeth and wife Kaitlyn.
"Dad, you remember Liz right!"
"Of course, the little engineering prodigy. How could I not remember you," Keith stated with a smile as he took his gloves off.
"It's good to see you again Captain!" she replied with a bright smile.
"Oh come on, you don't have to call me captain. Mr. Aberdeen is just fine," Keith told the girl as he tussled her hair.
The two ran off to play their game leaving him and Robin alone again. Robin asked him about the meeting having read the summons that he had left on the table. Keith came close to telling her about it but only explained to her that it was a mission that he would be going on. At the sound of the mission, Robin wanted to know more. Keith only told her that it was classified information and nothing more. He informed her that he wished to tell her more details, but he was unable to. He could see that it hurt her a little that she was left in the dark about what he was going to be doing, but knew that there was nothing more that he could do or say.
Keith did tell her that he was going to be gone for a long time and was unsure of when he would return. This concerned Robin even further. She was upset and had every reason to be. Keith knew that this was going to hurt them both. Being apart for so long and missing so much of each other. They were a huge portion of each other's lives. There was no telling what was going to happen.
As the days went by before the mission, Keith ensured that he did all that he could to make the most of it. He spent as much time with his family as he could. He even went as far as spending some alone time with his sister-in-law Alexandria. It was as if that darker side of him had vanished the more he spent with his loved ones.
One of the things he was going to regret was not being able to be around Sebastian as he develops. He made sure that he would be able to spend as much time with him and help him grow.
As the two of them were out in the yard practicing he couldn't help but to feel proud of what his son has become. He was watching his little boy grow up and it warmed him. He remembered being there when he first took his steps and when he said his first words. He remembered the day that they learned that he had titan powers.
During their spare time together, Keith ensured that he would teach Sebastian everything that he could about his titan powers and how to use them. He taught Sebastian how to fight, shoot a bow, hunt, carve, and so much more. He taught his son everything that his own father had taught him.
Sebastian had developed the same powers as his father and was currently practicing. Large bone spikes had formed from his shoulders and his back. They were pointing in several directions just like his father.
"Dad are you sure this is right?"
Keith took off his shirt and glasses to show Sebastian. The very same spikes had formed on Keith.
"Yeah, I'm sure that it's right. Now focus on the spikes and think about nothing else but retracting them back into your body."
The spikes on both Keith and Sebastian began to move back into their bodies as the two appeared to look normal.
"Now, I want you to shift," Keith said.
"Shift, but dad I can't."
"You need to stop thinking deeply about it. Just listen to your body. Just picture your body but bigger. There is nothing else I can say, it's more of a feeling. Something that overtakes you. Trust me, when I first shifted it was not easy. You can even ask Aunt Lana. She only learned how to shift because it was a fight or flight response."
Sebastian groaned and threw his head back. Keith walked over to him and grabbed his shoulders.
"Just think big and we'll go from there. So far we've been doing nothing else but small scale transformations. Now it's time to get serious."
Sebastian shook himself away from his dad. He began to jump on the spot and closed his eyes. By breathing in deeply and slowly Sebastian focused on nothing else that was going on around him except for his own body. Keith stood back and waited to see what was going to happen. He wondered if it was even possible for him to shift. Considering how Sebastian was a half-blood, there was the possibility that this was an ability that he would not have.
Two minutes had gone by and nothing was happening. At this point Keith would have given up himself, but he watched his son trying the best that he could to make it happen. Keith believed in him and wanted nothing more than for him to succeed. Robin had joined Keith asking him how the training was going. She looked at Sebastian and sighed at how hard he was trying.
Just when they were about to tell Sebastian to stop for the day a gust of wind kicked up from beneath Sebastian's feet. It wasn't just any wind, it was the heat that Sebastian was giving off. It created an updraft kicking up the dust and formed a tornado like structure around him. Keith stared in amazement as Sebastian had finally begun to shift. Although, unlike Keith's and Lana's transformations bursts of lightning had appeared within the dust.
When everything had settled, what stood before them was a ten meter class titan. The titan before them was skinless and covered in a bone armor. Spikes had formed over top of the armor in the same way that they were positioned before. Bones had formed around his head like a helmet allowing him to peer through openings and leaving his jaw completely exposed.
"You did it!" Keith called out.
Sebastian let out a loud growl. Something was wrong. It was almost as if he was unable to create any words. No matter the circumstance, Keith was proud that he was able to finally accomplish what they had set out to do.
Robin stared in amazement at her son. Sebastian was in the form for only a few minutes before he began to sway. Keith right away knew what was happening and transformed himself. He turned just in time to catch Sebastian who had collapsed. Sebastian slowly began to transform back in Keith's arms as Keith did the same. The young boy rested in his father's arms, over spent from the latest training. Robin hurried over to the two of them concerned for his well-being. Keith reassured her that this was normal and carried him back inside where he would rest.
When Sebastian woke up, Keith was right by his side.
"Dad," he groggily called out sitting up from his bed.
"Hey kiddo, great work today," Keith whispered.
"Dad what happened to me?"
"It seems you just spent a little more energy than you had, that's all. But you did it! But I have to ask, why didn't you just shift into yourself but bigger?"
"That's the thing dad. When you told me to think of my body but bigger, it wasn't working. But when I thought about shifting in general that's when things began to grow fuzzy."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know dad. It's hard to explain. But when I pictured myself as some sort of titan was when I felt really hot. Then I remember the dust and then being really big. I tried to talk to you but it was as if my body couldn't."
"Interesting, well I wouldn't worry too much about it. It may just be possible that you can't shift just like your dad here. Either way, more practice will tell us more."
Keith got up and began to leave the room. Sebastian called out to him.
"Dad, there is something I want to talk to you about."
Keith turned around and walked back towards him. "What is it?"
"I want to join the military when I'm old enough."
It took Keith completely by surprise. He wasn't sure how to respond or how to even feel.
"What makes you want to do that Seb?" he asked sitting back down in the chair.
"If I can master my powers, I want to be useful. Everything that you've taught me and everything that I've worked on. I want to be able to do what I can for the people."
"Sebastian," Keith began calmly, "If joining the military is what you want to do, then I won't stop you. I just want you to know that what you are getting yourself into is something very serious. The type of stuff we do in the military that isn't always available to the public can be very hard to deal with. Just know that this is going to be something that you will have to endure."
Sebastian nodded in response and pulled his knees to his chest.
"If this is really what you want, then I will support you. No matter what decision you make, just know that I will always be there by your side."
"Thanks dad," Sebastian quickly turned and grabbed Keith in for a hug.
A few days later Keith was greeted by Lana. She had heard from Robin that he was going to be sent away on a mission. She hated the idea of not being able to see him, but knew that what he was doing had to have been very important. She was supportive of him and his decisions and left it at that.
As the two were sharing a discussion with one another, Sebastian was trying to reach something on the top shelf of a bookshelf. Without Keith knowing, he had grabbed a chair to reach a book that was up high. In the process of reaching for the book he had fallen off of the chair and knocked the contents of the shelf off.
"Are you ok!" Lana quickly asked him.
Sebastian quickly got up from the ground gave her a thumbs up. A small cut on his forehead was healing with a small amount of stem rising from the wound. The new glasses on his face were not as lucky.
"Your mom is going to kill you," Keith commented pulling the glasses off. "We just got these for you and you already broke them."
"Sorry dad," he sheepishly replied.
Keith turned his focus from the broken glasses to the contents that had fallen off of the shelf. One of them being the box that had his father's gun. The box had broken and the gun had fallen out.
"And look what you did," Keith scolded placing the glasses on the table and turning to pick up the box. "Do you not realize what this is?"
Sebastian avoided eye contact, "I'm sorry."
Keith gave out a growl in frustration as he placed the broken box on the table with the gun.
"It's not perfect, but it's a fix!" Lana tried to lighten up the mood by handing the glasses that she fixed back to Sebastian.
She turned to examine the broken box as Keith held onto the gun. There was something weird about the box. A piece that had broken revealed that there was something within the top of the box. It was tucked inside the lining and slightly poking out where the box had broken.
"That's odd," she said walking closer to it.
She pulled out pieces of paper that were tucked within. Keith snatched the papers out of her hand and was shocked to see what was written on them. It was written in a language that he knew all too well. It was written in the language of his people. It was also written by his father. He began to read it to himself.
"Wait, you can read that!" Lana shouted.
Keith shushed her as he read the contents of the letter that was addressed to him.
Keith Thomas Aberdeen, my dearest son,
You mean the world to me. You always have and you always will. Although we weren't a part of your life for very long, always know that your mother and I will always loves you no matter what.
I am writing this to you for you to read when you are old enough to understand the world around you. When you may read this, I do not know, but I do know that at this point in your life you must have grown to be a fine man. A man that I am damn proud of.
There are some things in this world that you may not know of. Some things that you may not understand and you find yourself constantly asking yourself the same questions over and over again. In this letter I hope to answer at least one of those questions.
It all started when your mother and I left our homes. The two of us wed and began to start our happy lives together. As you already know we were mercenaries. Assassins who were paid to kill in the underworld. We were wanted for criminal acts, but we were only just cleaning up the streets.
After your mother and I married, we were discovered by the Crovus Clan. As members of the clan we were branded with the infamous mark on our bodies. We vowed ourselves to obey the rules and regulations of the clan. Making the promise to use our skills and talents to strengthen the clan. We were given various jobs from assassinations to theft. However, we were unaware of their intentions until we were too far deep. We had to remain careful with ourselves and kept our life a secret.
We are not the only ones out there. There are many other titans just like us. The very same beings from many years ago. Many of us are in hiding, trying to keep our unique powers a secret from the outside world. Others had fled to other countries in the hopes of living normal lives. In the end we all live lives of concealment, constantly afraid of being discovered for who we are.
As titans, you very well understand that our powers must remain hidden for the sake of our lives. The king and his family have constantly hunted us down since the minute that his ancestor became the king and overthrew the Weismann line. However, what was to come was a horrific event.
Many of our kind were separated, being picked off one by one. Once separated we were beaten and broken upon near death. Even our own powers couldn't save us. All for the sake of science and preventing the risk of regaining the throne. Our people were being experimented on one by one. As the years went on less and less known titans were heard of. We started becoming a legend or myth, something of a story. Even the knights refuse to admit our existence. Those of titan blood are charged of other means before being executed or exempted to experiments. Now we just live in shadows of our dark history as people have begun to hunt us down. Pushing us to reveal who we are for us only to be captured.
Titans were being sold within the black market to a scientist who goes by Doctor Rogers. He made a deal to those who would bring him titans. He made the promise of a powerful serum that would give them unbelievable abilities. The same power that King LeBlanc had used to overthrow the throne. However, the original documents were lost once the King had won the throne. For many years there were plenty of people trying to recreate the mysterious concoction. Most were unsuccessful. As the years had gone by there were less and less people who were interested aside from the royal scientists and the very few scientists within the underworld.
Those who resulted from the failures were deemed as "Unwanted" as they were unwanted by the very men who had created them. They were killed on the spot but some escaped every now and again and roamed the land when your mother and I were young. They were like mindless creatures who ate people they came across. The only thing that seemed to kill them were by cutting the neck and often severing the spinal column.
You're probably wondering why I know so much about this. Well you seem, the Crovus Clan became heavily involved in the matters. Doctor Roger's himself used to be a scientist of the royal family but was casted aside after continuous harassment of the young princess. Denied access back into the kingdom, the doctor continued his research in the underworld. Just as he had done with the Crovus Clan, he had become close to the Sidonia family.
Long ago the Sidonia family was a strong and powerful aristocratic family. They were very obedient to the royal family and were referred to as the new Royal Sword. Some claim that it was the Sidonia family who should have been the rightful family to achieve the crown for leading the revolution against King Weismann. The family dwindled to a small handful who had turned their backs against the monarchy but were still considered aristocrats of great nobility as long as they had the seal of their family name. They were anarchists who believed that they were the rightful rulers. When they heard of Doctor Rogers and his research they sought out to find him.
The Sidonia family and the Crovus Clan worked together under Doctor Cornelius Rogers in the hopes of his work becoming successful. The two groups had worked together in the hopes of finding titans for his research, using any means necessary. Neal Sidonia was capable of using his aristocratic ties to hide any messes that either side had created.
Cornelius married to a member of the Sidonia family. The two gave birth to a daughter Caroline who continued his work after Cornelius' death at such a young age. A deal was made with Caroline Rogers of the Sidonia family and the Crovus Clan. She would grant the Crovus Clan the power and respect they deserve as long as they use the power to overthrow the current king.
Neal Sidonia and his wife created a circus. It was a cover for them to gather information. Neal would travel to other lands to gain recruits with many skills. Along those travels he would gather interesting information. The information was always shared with the Corvus Clan and this the bond was shared. However, it always felt like the Sidonia's were gathering skillful people to betray us. To be able to take care of everything on their own and leave the Crovus Clan with nothing.
Now you are probably wondering what all of this has to do with you and what has happened to us. As this information may not be relevant to you now, it is something that you must know. I cannot say that your mother and I were not a part of the titan hunts and the deals that were made for power. We concealed all of what we are to them.
When you were born it was one of the happiest moments of our lives. The man who brought us into the Corvus Clan was there at the time of your birth. Although it was an accident, he learned of who we are and what we are. We pleaded to him to not release this information to the others. Out of relief he did not and kept his word. He promised that if anything were to happen to us that he would help take care of you. Carl McGill, I will always owe him a great debt for your safety.
Your mother and I trained you the best that we could. We wanted to make sure that you would be able to defend yourself the best that you could. We even brought along on some of our missions. You learned a lot from us and I am proud of you.
Everything seemed like it would work out in the end for our little family. That was until things between the Crovus Clan changed. During one of our missions your mother received an injury that would be fatal to most. However, she was able to heal herself. The problem was she was healing in front of other members. The discovery that we were titans had proven to be a great risk to us. There were a few who still considered us as friends. However, there were more than a few who wanted to be detained and brought to Caroline. Those who were against the wishes of Caroline protected us the best that they could, but the burden that we felt was too much. We had a friend attack both of us in the middle of the street in broad daylight to reveal who we are in front of many other people. We had fallen prey to the Knights of the Royal Army. As we tried to escape we had no choice but to use our shifting capabilities. We retreated to Carl who had kept watch over you as we hid and explained everything to him. We knew what we were doing and it was all for the sake of your future.
It was in our best interest to have you removed from the Crovus Clan. To them they would think that we had killed you for your own good. We both knew at this point that this was going to be the end for us. In our right mind we made the final decision. You were to go with Neal Sidonia and become a part of the Sidonia Circus. The idea was to hide you right under Caroline's nose.
Neal was good friends with Carl and me. When he learned of our powers he wanted nothing more than to help us. He was never one to approve of the titan hunting. Especially after his sister's death after trying to protect and raise a young female shifter. Her husband, a well-respected doctor, had come across ancestors of the Weismann line. We weren't the only ones who had discovered their whereabouts. There were others who had come across them and had taken the parents in cold blood after the woman had given birth to her daughter. The doctor fled with the child along with Neal's sister. However, their whereabouts were soon discovered. The child fled and the two were murdered in cold blood.
Just as his sister had done, Neal had promised to take you in and raise you like his own. You would not be Keith the son of two titan shifters detained and killed by the Royal Army. You would be Keith the son of two personal assassin' of a noblemen who were killed in action, adopted son to Neal Sidonia.
I am sitting down mere moments of being captured by the Royal Army. Your mother has prepared the box to conceal the letter and placed one of my most prized possessions. I hope that this letter has answered many of your questions. Please stay safe. The world is crazy and anything can happen.
I love you son,
Sebastian Aberdeen.
Keith let the words sink in. He could feel tears within his eyes after reading the truth behind things. Everything to him was clearer than ever. What he had always thought of was just a struck of fate, was really just a plan that was devised.
"Dad," Sebastian broke the silence.
Keith wiped the tears from his face and placed the letter on the table. He explained to Lana the contents that he read as he watched her jaw drop.
"This whole time," she whispered and covered her mouth. She too began to grow emotional at the realization that the truth was finally reveled.
The two of them had come to learn that the reason why so many of their kind had disappeared or gone into hiding was because they were hunted down and killed. They were killed due to the fact that they were experiments to the king. Their spinal fluid was used to create the serum, the very same type of serum that have been used on the titan shifters of Paradis.
"This matches what was said in the journal," Keith commented leaning back in the chair.
"The journal, what journal," Lana quickly asked.
"A few years ago, I went into the royal archives. I found a journal written by Prince Emil Weismann. The same prince that supposedly went missing years ago."
"Wait, that journal! But it was written in a different language…"
"Except for the last page," Keith finished her sentence.
"So you can read it, the entire thing?!"
"You can't read this at all can you?" Keith questioned holding up the letter than was written in the same language of the journal.
Lana shook her head in response and informed Keith that she didn't understand a thing that was written on the pages.
"This is written in an old language. I'm not sure if there are very many people who can even speak it to begin with. This-this is the language of our people, Lana. They say that this is the language of the titans and their descendants. My father taught me how to speak and write it. For the longest time it was the only language I knew. My parents would talk to me in this way and nothing else. I eventually started learning the language we speak now and well..." he trailed off.
"Teach me," Lana sharply asked slamming her hands on the table.
"I-I can't just teach you an entire language. Especially now, there isn't enough time. I leave in just two weeks."
"I don't care, teach me!" she got louder.
"Fine, fine. I'll teach you what I can but I can't make any promises that you'd be fluent."
Every evening Keith would teach Lana and Sebastian the language. Sebastian wanted to feel more connected to his titan blood and agreed to do this on his own. He was quicker than Lana and was able to pick up on it a lot smoother than she was.
While they were doing their evening practices, every morning Keith would train and work with Sebastian. He had begun to develop a lot more. He was getting stronger as each day went on. He went as far as to even challenge Keith to a match to see who would win. Keith won very quickly but Sebastian had learned much for the challenge.
The afternoons were spent with Robin and only Robin. He would hold her and kiss her. Clean with her and talk with her. He would do everything that he could with her to make up for the time that would be lost. He was reminded each day of her beauty and grace.
Keith watched Robin hang the laundry out to dry. Her long thick brown hair danced in the wind. The sun shone on her beautiful skin as it made her brown eyes sparkle in its light. He did nothing more than stare at her beauty. He couldn't help but to smile at how perfect she was to him. She could think otherwise, but he would always tell her how beautiful she was in his eyes. He was in love, and that was all there was to it.
The time finally came. A carriage awaited to take him to begin the convoy to their mission beyond the walls. Everyone was there to wish him goodbye. There were many tears as Keith had to be ripped apart from his family. He clutched onto Robin not wanting to let her go. The two embraced in a kiss and held onto each other for as long as they could.
When they finally pulled away, he turned to Lana and gave her a hug. He kissed little Isabel and patted Erwin on the head. Alexandria was even choked up. He gave her a hug and told her that he would be back to annoy her soon. The last person was Sebastian who held onto a brave face.
Keith knelt down and presented Sebastian with a gift. It was the very same gun that was passed down to him. It was now time to pass it down himself to his son.
"I want you to have this. My father gave this to me and now I want to give this to you. Just promise me that you won't ever shoot it unless you feel like you really have to. I want you to be strong for me ok? You need to promise that you'll protect everyone ok?"
The words caused Sebastian to finally crack. He dropped the gun that he was given and grabbed Keith in a hug. Keith held onto his son as hard as he could. This was going to be the last time that he was going to see any of them for a while. He was unsure of when he would be back. He was even unsure if he would ever come back at all. There was always the looming threat that going over across the ocean was going to be the end to his own journey. There was always the possibility and he couldn't rule it out. He may be a titan, but he wasn't immortal.
Everything that was going on had to be carefully planned out. This was the start of the war.