As the days go by, the nights turn into day. The elite squad had been working hard gathering what they could about Marley. However, it got to a point where they couldn't gather much more information. Keith's reports had gotten smaller and less informative. It was at this point that he was unsure as to what to send anymore.
Those within The Guardians had kept to their word to assist them in gathering information. They used the old connections that they had maintained when they were within the Crovus Clan. However, even their sources had become dried up. Nothing new was coming and things seemed to be consistent.
Keith and the others began to redirect their focus on the titans and changing the ways of Rhea. Considering how they were in the capital of Rhea, it was the perfect place to initiate their first plan of action.
In theory, they wanted to start with a protest to bring up the issue and perhaps find others who were like them. They were going to openly reveal their powers in the center of town and speak to those who would be listening. It was an extremely risky move as they weren't sure who was going to be in the area at the time. Bounty hunters could be present and Royal Knights would be there. However, it was a risk that they were willing to take even if it meant confronting enemies.
When it finally came time to address the people, they made sure that it was the busiest time of day. The group walked through the crowd right into the center. Several of their members along with the elite squad were spread throughout the crowd. Those within Keith's squad were equipped with their vertical maneuvering equipment that they had brought just in case things were to get out of hand. Everyone else was dressed in regular attire to blend in with the crowd. A few of them had their new emblem clearly visible, not afraid of showing who they were and what they represented.
It was Keith's responsibility to act as the face. He was used to it after doing it many times on Paradis and even being a poster boy for the circus. It was something he had no trouble of doing.
He walked into the center where there was an opening and began to address those within the area. "People of Rhea!" He shouted. "May I have your attention?"
Many people brushed him off and kept going about their business. A few stood to listen to what Keith had to say.
"How many of you feel like you have to live in secret. Like you're too afraid if people found out who you really are," he continued shouting. "Well just know that there are others out there who may be just like you. Know that you are not alone. How many of you remember the story of King LeBlanc taking over the throne?"
A few more people had begun to stop and listen to Keith's words. It was at this time that a small crowd was beginning to form. Within this crowd, the squad and the clan members integrated themselves within.
"How many of you remember hearing the stories of the titans?" Keith gazed out to the crowd as it was getting bigger knowing that to most people, titans were myths and legends. He decided to turn around and jump onto the fountain that was behind him. He turned back and continued, "Well the titans are still among us. They are walking through the streets just like you and me."
"Those are just stories you moron!" someone screamed at him.
A few people began to laugh at Keith agreeing with the person.
"Does this look like some story to you," Keith proclaimed lifting up his hand and creating a bone spike from his wrist.
Audible gasps could be heard. A few people began to whisper as it had become clear that panic was going to occur. The other members pushed through the crowd to join Keith up on the fountain. Those who had transformation capabilities revealed them to the now large crowd as Keith had created more spikes throughout his body.
"Monsters!" a lady screamed.
"Someone get the knights!" another yelled.
"We are titans, and we have been living within the shadows for centuries. For years we have been hunted down and killed and for what! Science experiments of the king? To be traded off to Marley for war materials? Well no more! We don't want to live that kind of life anymore! The laws are old and outdated."
Royal knights had begun to appear with their swords drawn. Things were going to start to get out of hand very quickly.
"We want to be treated just like anybody else! We deserve to live a life of freedom. We deserve to live a life without fear of being killed because of some outdated law. We will show you that we are not the monsters that you think we are. We are The Guardians of Rhea and just like our ancestors before us, we are here to protect what we hold most dear. And to us that is Rhea our homeland."
Those on the fountain began to call out and cheer at Keith's words. It was clear that it wasn't just them cheering but many within the crowd who agreed. Within that moment, the Royal Knights had approached and were prepared to take them all in. Everyone was prepared to fight them in defence. However, before they could clash swords sounds could be heard overhead. A fairly large plane could be seen.
One of the knights screamed, "CALL THE CAPTAIN AND ROUND UP THE SOLDIERS! THE MARLEYANS ARE ATTACKING!"
Everyone within the area began screaming and frantically ran from the scene. The Knights had sprinted in varying directions as a few had prepared to maintain calm and order. It was at that moment that everyone had completely forgotten about the people standing up on the fountain and ran for their lives.
Keith watched the plane up above and saw the opportunity that they were waiting for. He watched as something opened up and had started falling out. He couldn't quite make out what he was seeing but he was able to hear an audible scream from the plane. Flashes of light emitted from the items being dropped as they had begun to grow considerably in size. As they got closer to the ground, Keith was able to make out figures. What was falling out of the plane was none other than Eldians succumbed to the serum. They were mindless titans.
Keith immediately called out, "Emilee, Luca take down as many titans as you can! Mia, Oscar, Lucas I want you to assist the Royal Knights and getting the people to safety! This our chance to show the people of Rhea what we are capable of!"
"Yes sir!" they unanimously responded as they all sprinted in varying directions.
"Sitka, I need you and the others to go with Lucas and help them," he sternly ordered grabbing her by the shoulders. He turned to the rest of the group. "I need those who have full shifting capabilities to come with me. Minor shifters and everyone else need to go with Sitka to assist in keeping the people safe. If this isn't a way for us to show what we can do and what we represent then I don't know what is!"
Keith turned back to see the few titans that had already started getting back up after healing from the fall.
"What are those things?" Piper asked.
"Those are Eldians who have been victimized by Marley for the sake of war. The only way to take them out is by severing the nape of the neck!"
Emilee and Luca used their vertical maneuvering equipment and managed to kill the two titans that were in the area. They stood before the others in front of the fountain with their blades soaked in the blood as it evaporated. The looks in their eyes were like a predator a similar demeanour like Keith when he fights. Much like how Keith grew up with killing instincts the same reflected on his squad in regards to the battle at hand. It's what makes them work so well with Keith.
"Captain, what is the plan of action when we run out of gas or can't change out our blades?" Emilee inquired.
"We didn't bring much in terms for gas replenishment. And I'm not exactly sure how many spare blades we have on the ship. The easiest option is to conserve as much as you can."
"Easier said than done," Luca chimed.
"Then let's not let them get any distance and take them out as quickly as possible."
"Yes sir!" the two called out as they had begun their charge once more.
In that moment a large burst of lightning could be seen over head. A large titan stood in the distance. They were more distinguishable than the other titans that currently roamed the streets. He stood a little bit taller than most and was covered in a bone armor. Keith began to realize exactly who they were.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here? If I remember correctly, I'd say that this is the infamous Armored Titan. A warrior of Marley."
"They look just like a regular shifter!" Sitka called out.
"Yeah, except these bodies are just puppets, and I'm going to take out the puppeteer," Keith shouted and began a charge.
He took in a deep breath and dramatically took his glasses off to cast them away. With a gust of wind, steam had risen from his body as he had begun to grow considerably in height. His skin was melted away from the heat as his muscles grew in size. His endurance and strength was enhanced drastically. Bones had surfaced over top of his skin to create a plated armor throughout his body. The bones formed a helmet like structure that left his lower jaw exposed. A small spike formed at the end of this nose making his face appear more elongated. Over top of the armor, spikes had formed at his shoulders and elbows. Long bone like claws had been created allowing him to dig them into the openings of the Armored Titan.
The titan let out a loud yell in pain as he shook Keith off of him. As Keith regained his balance, the Armored Titan charged at him to attack. Keith was able to block and counter attack with great ease. It was clear to Keith that his opponent was a skilled fighter. However, the moves were too predictable. It matched certain regiments that Keith had seen before within the military. Keith was able to give him an upper cut that sent him back a few feet. The titan fell to the ground and didn't get back up.
After several minutes of fighting Keith was prepared to keep going. With his fists still up he waited for him to get up, but he didn't. The body remained motionless as steam had started emitting from it. Keith knew right away that it was just a hollow shell with no one inside.
Using his keen eyesight he searched for the user. Although, Keith's eyesight was much stronger than when in his human form, he was unable to see the user leave due to the steam. Keith decided to stomp on the body to ensure that it was empty and decided to leave it there. He didn't want to risk destroying buildings in the process of searching for one individual. He knew that the shifter couldn't shift for a while anyways at least that's what he read in past reports.
He turned to see how the others were doing. It seemed that things were being well taken care of. There were only a few titans left to take down. It was apparent that during his small fight with the Armored Titan others had joined the battle to defend the people. There were two other full shifters in the city.
One of them was very thin, pale, and almost skeletal. They had no ears and no lips which exposed their teeth and no eyes. A flab of skin covered part of their face leaving them blind. However, it appeared that they relied on the vibration to detect movement. It let out a deafening scream that pained Keith. It was clear that this person didn't have full control over this form and wasn't clearly able to control its body.
The other one Keith could make out as Jaclyn. Her facial features had become more defined and sharp. Her chin and nose stuck out in a point as most of her skin appeared to be darker except for around her eyes. Very long and thin thorns had formed at her fingertips allowing her to pierce through virtually anything. She walked towards Keith slightly hunched over due to the distortion of her legs.
As Jaclyn had begun walking towards Keith she had begun to revert back. Keith had done the same as the two got closer. The other titan had started shifting once the last mindless titan was taken care of.
"Are you ok?" Jaclyn called out.
"I'm fine, you?"
"It's been a while since I've shifted but I'm alright."
"What's the situation?"
"The Armored Titan got away. Probably retreated after realizing what he was dealing with. Chances are Marley will come back with more power."
Jaclyn pulled a cigarette from her pocket and proceeded to light it, "Ah shit. Well we better go back and find Damien."
"Damien?" Keith questioned remembering meeting the small frail boy.
"Yeah, the poor thing can't exactly shift very well. He has a hard time trying to control himself. Almost as if he has a separate identity when he shifts. He and Deck are supposedly descendants of the old Nacht family and something freaky. Deck seemed to have lucked out a little more than his little brother. I'm surprised that either of them managed so well."
"That was Damien!"
"Yeah, the little squirt is a pure-blood just like you and me. But like I said, he has a little trouble."
"If Deck was a pure-blood then where was he?"
"He was over there. He transformed back well before we did," Jaclyn gestured away lazily.
The two of them sought out to find Damien roughly where his titan was spotted. He was lying on the ground out cold still emitting steam from his body. It was evident to Keith that Damien doesn't shift often. Due to this, he has developed a lack of strength to be able to tolerate the transformation processes.
Everyone regrouped and reported in. Lucas, Mia, Luca, Emilee, and Oscar returned unharmed. Even though they had returned unharmed, they had used up most of their gas and damaged their blades. The others had returned to the center also unharmed. As everyone was glad to see that they were all ok, they were approached by Royal Knights. One of them was in a more sophisticated uniform than the others.
"I am Captain Baldric Elmerstein of the Royal Army of Rhea," he introduced himself.
"I am Captain Keith Aberdeen of the Military Police Brigade of Paradis. I am also one of the leaders of The Guardians. State your business."
"Under normal circumstances I would have placed you all under arrest under the sector four of the LeBlanc Laws. However," he paused, "after witnessing the events of today and after hearing about your words I will let you go. With that being said, I believe that a thank you is in order. For if it weren't for your efforts, there would have been many more casualties during this assault." The captain graciously bowed along with the other knights behind him. "I can assure you that I would personally like to address the royal court in regards to our old ways. I cannot make any promises but you can call myself and a few others allies." He gave the group a firm salute and walked off.
The group was overjoyed with the news. There first step had become a giant leap. It was a start that they were hoping for and it was something that they had wanted for many years.
Keith had ensured that he would report the events that happened to Queen Historia. He gathered up reports from everyone within the squad from different aspects. All of them claim that they did not see any evidence of Armored Titan Reiner Braun since the attack. They made sure to keep a vigilant eye out for him as he could have been anywhere within the city.
As time went on those with titan powers were recognized as heroes and even the Crovus Clan had given up on their assaults. Although there were still plenty of people were disrespected them they were able to walk among the people without fear. Laws were in the works of being changed as petitions were being signed. Things were looking brighter on Rhea more so than ever before. Things were beginning to change on Rhea for the better.
It was decided that the squad, along with Deck, Suit, and Damien would travel around Rhea. Each town they visited in search of information started to sound the same. There was nothing new being added to what they already knew.
They reached a small town and decided to rest there for a few days. Thanks to the help of Sitka and the others, the squad had a small amount of money they could use for food and other necessities. Lucas and Keith decided to take the opportunity and visit a restaurant that they remember visiting long ago.
They sat at a table and the waitress brought them their food. The young women was very cheerful and pleasant to be around. She was the type of person who seemed like she really enjoyed her job and never let the little things get to her.
"Here you go dearies! Eat up!" her high pitched voice cheerfully said.
"Why thank you," Keith replied equally as cheerful.
The two began eating their meals and talked about what was on their mind. It was like the good old days to them. The nostalgia of being in the restaurant alone was enough to give them good vibes. They weren't talking about work, they weren't talking about their mission. They were just having a casual conversation. It was something that they hadn't been able to really do in a long time. It's been two years since the two were able to sit down and share a moment with just each other.
To Keith, Lucas was his best friend. He was there through thick and thin. He had been there in Keith's darkest times and his brightest moments. The same went for Lucas. The two were as close to one another as they could possibly be.
"So you're really going to keep your hair like that?" Lucas questioned.
"Well yeah, as much as I liked the shaggy mop, it was time to grow up. What about you? Are you going to keep yours now that you've started growing it again?"
"Hell yeah, Farrah has always wanted a man with hair on his head."
"Makes me wonder what Robin will say about the beard I'm trying to grow out," Keith said with a chuckle as he grabbed his chin to feel the stubble.
As they sat there having their conversation, they were abruptly interrupted and caught off guard by a shrill shriek. The shriek itself could be distinguished as a woman. They could make out the sounds of their own names being called in the high pitch sound. The two of them froze in their tracks at they thought. Keith even went as far as to drop his sandwich. Before he knew it he met his fate. His face was shoved into the large bosom cutting off his air supply as he was being shaken vigorously like a rag doll. The woman kept saying words but Keith could make out what they were.
When he was finally let go, he adjusted his glasses to see Lucas undergoing the same demise. Onlookers were caught off guard by the interaction as a few couldn't help but to stare. Keith analyzed the person to see what was going on and why she was acting in this sort of manner. As he scanned her face he began to remember and began to visualize her in a form that he recognized. The hazel eyes, the petite waistline, the pale complexion, and the memorizing smile. With a sly glance to Keith he saw her for who she was.
"Angel?" he questioned with astonishment.
"Angel, I haven't used that name in years. Just call me Eleanora. Unless you want me to call you Knives," she gave a little wink.
"Eleanora, it's crazy to see you again. Please pull up a chair and have a seat. By gone the years have been good to you," Keith proclaimed.
"What have you been doing all of these years?" Lucas asked.
"My, my, my well…"she eagerly began as she sat in the chair that was offered. "When I left the circus I decided to go back to school. I got myself a really good education and left with a degree in the arts. Now I teach dance and gymnastics."
"Well good for you," Lucas humbly said.
"But that's not all. While I was in school I met my husband and he and I married and had two wonderful children." She turned as the door opened. Two people walked through the door. One appeared to be a boy in his late teens or early twenties. The other appeared to be a young boy around the age of fifteen or sixteen. "There they are now! Sweethearts!" she called out to them and gave a big wave.
The two walked over to the table. The youngest appeared to be nervous while holding onto a teddy bear as the oldest had the attitude of not wanting to be there at all.
"Keith, Lucas, I want you to meet Trevor and Anna."
"My name is not Anna, its Andrew," the young boy squeaked.
Eleanora reacted in frustration to herself, "I'm so sorry dear, I'll get used to it I promise."
Lucas and Keith glance over at each other confused.
"Andrew," Eleanora emphasised, "had recently told me that they didn't like being a girl. So we are referring to them as my son instead," she said with a smile. "We were fortunate that a lot of Trevor's old clothes could fit so we didn't have to get an entirely new wardrobe," she continued pinching Andrew's cheeks. "Trevor why don't you go and get you and your brother something to eat."
"Whatever," Trevor said and walked away without making an eye contact.
The two boys walked up to make an order of food while Lucas and Keith were left alone with Eleanora.
"So boys, what have you been up to all these years?" she excitedly asked.
"Well," Lucas glanced over at Keith with a bit of uneasiness.
"Were do we begin is more like the question. Let's just say a lot of things have happened."
"Well let's start on the circus shall we? I haven't heard anything about it. What happened?"
"Well…" Lucas said again and looked at Keith.
"The thing is, there was an altercation between Lana and the Royal Knights. That led to her arrest and escape. It was decided that we would go after her and well…"
"We went a little farther than anticipated. But don't worry were we went the circus went with us. At least those who remained," Lucas continued.
"Although it isn't exactly the Sidonia Circus anymore. Felix had taken it over after the passing of Nina and Nicholas and renamed it to The Odyssey Circus," Keith informed.
"The passing of the who and the what now!"
"Eleanora, how much time can you spare?" Keith asked realizing that this was neither the time nor the place.
It was decided that Keith and Lucas would go to Eleanora's house and explain to her exactly what has been going on within the last twenty years since they saw her. She said no words and only listened intently. She was hooked on every single word that the two of them had to say. They did leave out some information in regards to their jobs but did inform her that they were military officials of Paradis.
"And you see because of everything that has been going on we came to Rhea to see what we can find," Keith finished telling the tale.
"Amazing, and after all of these years. That's what you two boys have been doing." She got up from her seat and clutched both of them in her arms.
"Easy, easy, I don't want to mess up these glasses. They're my last pair," Keith proclaimed adjusting the thick rimmed glasses on his face after she pulled away.
"Wouldn't have needed them if you didn't dramatically throw your other ones during the fight," Lucas replied with a snarky tone.
"Well, I knew that they were going to be broken either way. I figured I might as well do it with style," Keith said with a smile waving his hands- to emphasize his style.
"You two never seem to have changed," Eleanora chuckled. "So what are your plans now?"
"Well, we don't really know that's the thing. We're kind of stuck now," Keith explained.
Eleanora sat in her chair in thought. A single gray curl dangled over her nose with the rest of her hair neatly tied back. She was calmly thinking until she snapped her fingers with an idea.
"Why don't you two go to Marley right now?"
"Well we haven't exactly come up with a strategy," Lucas stated.
"Nonsense I have the perfect thing for you boys. Why don't you go to Marley under a disguise?"
"What are you suggesting?"
"Well, what is the biggest thing that the two of you shared growing up?"
"The circus," Keith whispered.
"Exactly," she snapped both of her fingers.
"Holy cats! A traveling circus! It wouldn't raise any suspicion. Who would expect military officials of the enemy to be a part of a traveling circus? We'd be able to dress in costume and scope out the area just like we used to when we were kids."
"It'll be just like the good old days," Lucas proclaimed.
"Excellent! So, when do we leave?" Eleanora shouted with excitement while clapping her hands together.
"Woah, we?" Keith questioned her motives.
"Well yes, I want to help you. And besides if you're going to be a circus, you're going to need to do some sort of performance. Therefore, you need performers. Am I right?"
They reluctantly agreed, and it was decided. Keith and the others would travel to Marley as a traveling circus. Deck, Suit, and Damien from The Guardians decided to tag along with them. Eleanora even brought her sons Andrew and Trevor.
They prepared for the plan for a few months. Keith made sure to contact Queen Historia and inform her what was going on. When it finally came time to leave, Keith was feeling down within the last few days. He decided that on the journey to Marley he would take some personal time to himself and reflect on the situation that was at hand.
He was sitting alone with a piece of paper in his hand.
Robin,
I'm sorry that I wasn't around. I'm sorry for everything. In this moment right now, all I want is for you to be in my arms again. I have never missed you as much as I do now. It's hard to say when I'd even be able to see you again. All I know is, is that I miss you and Sebastian with all my heart.
I'm sorry I wasn't around for our anniversary. If it means anything, I did celebrate it with the group I am with right now. But they aren't you. Please know that everything that I am doing right now, I am doing for you and Sebastian. I never wanted to leave you both, but I couldn't bear the thought of what could have been if I didn't.
Just know that no matter how far I am away from you I will always love you until the end of time.
Keith.
It was late in the morning when they had finally reached Marley. Keith walked down the ramp stretching his arms out while letting out a great big yawn. Deck and Suit were down below with boxes in hand. Deck was already getting annoyed with the idea of acting out as a circus performer. Everything was setting him off causing him to be an unpleasant person to be around. Suit tried his best to keep him calm but no matter what he did, it didn't help. Eleanora was well into the idea. She was whistling a tune while unloading the ship with Andrew and Trevor.
Damien had gone with Lucas and Emilee in search of a site for them to set up their little circus as well as a way to bring all of the stuff there. The others just unloaded as much as they could as three people approached them.
"That's a mighty fine vessel you have there. Quite the antique!" the older gentleman proclaimed.
He had a bit of dirt on his face and was wearing matching work clothes to the other two behind him.
"Yeah, my….father…had passed it down to me," Keith replied turning back to the ship.
"Are you folks travellers of some kind?" he asked.
"Uh, why yes we are," he turned to Luca and Oscar who were on standby. "We happen to be a travelling circus. This will be our first tour overseas."
"Is that so? Well that explains the odd looking weapons you have there," he gestured to the crate of replacement blades that someone had mistakenly grabbed.
Keith began to feel his heart pound as the man kept eyeing him. He was trying to be cautious as the stranger could do anything that would ruin their plan. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Luca and Oscar prepare themselves by reaching for weapons at their hips. Keith held his back and lowered it as a sign for them to keep their weapons down. Meanwhile he had reached for a gun of his own that he kept tucked behind him.
"Anyways," the man patted Keith on the shoulder, "I'll be looking forward to the performance."
The three men walked away without any further words. The tension within the area was very high. Everyone exchanged looks at one another without saying any words.
Lucas and the others returned with a location in mind. Although the original plan was to set up a small camp like area, there wasn't a spot for them to do that legally. They didn't want to put themselves at a risk of getting involved with the law enforcement of the area. However, they were able to find an alternative space. It was something that Keith and Lucas weren't fully used to, they were able to speak to the local theater. With no performances occurring in the near future, the owner was thrilled to be able to have them. The next issue was rooming accommodations for them. There was a hotel right next to the theater that would allow them to stay. Of course their stay would not go without a price. They shelled out what they could to be able to get a few rooms to accommodate all them along with their things.
As they were preparing to load a carriage that the theater owner provided, a pigeon had landed on top of the crate that Keith had lifted. On the leg of the pigeon was a small piece of paper. On it read:
Thank you for the latest report. Remain vigilant. A plan of action is underway. Expect the arrival of others and follow their lead.
Nile
Everyone had their own set in mind. There wasn't much they could do in preparation. Lucas was going to do his usual act as to be expected. Considering how they were going to be in a theater, Eleanora was going to do a ribbon and hoop dance routine. It was something she could do other than the trapeze and a tightrope. Andrew juggled as a hobby and was able to do tricks while juggling while contorting his body. His mother had originally wanted him to be a dancer just like her but things took a different course. Trevor remained as a stage hand and provided music. He hated being in the spotlight and hated the idea of it. Deck and Suit were street performers back on Rhea, hence their nicknames being used instead of their real names. Deck and Suit were a power couple who were masters of illusions and magic tricks. Meanwhile, Damien didn't have any skill sets like that. He remained of stage and helped when he could.
The concept of being performers was something completely different to the others. They each picked something that they would like to do on the stage. Emilee was planning on doing a fire dance routine. She knew basic moves and was flexible already to begin with. She and Eleanora worked out a quick routine for her to do. Luca and Mia were in a partner act with each other. It was agreed that the two of them would do an acrobatic arrangement. Their plan was to detach the hilts of the vertical maneuvering equipment and to hold a stage fight with an acrobatic sequence. Oscar grew up on a farm that had cattle and horses. He became proficient in using whips and lassos and decided to utilize that skillset as his act.
The only person that remained out of the group was Keith. Although Keith was planning on doing his normal knife throwing act there was something that their show was missing. It was missing someone to be the host of it. There was no ringleader. It was a unanimous decision to declare Keith as their leader. Keith was the designated Ringleader and for his act he was going to a performance with guns, arrows, and knives.
As the others were inside practicing, Keith and Lucas and taken it upon themselves to investigate more of Marley. The two decided to carry flare guns on them in the off chance that they run into a problem. This would also alert Luca who would keep watch at the theater.
Keith was found leaning up against a building having a smoke. The streets were busy with people but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Everything seemed to be normal. Everyone seemed to be minding their own business going about their daily lives just like anybody else. He remained still and watched the people walk by him. Not a single of one them made eye contact with Keith. It was almost as if he were invisible to them.
Two people walked by that seemed to stand out more than the others. It was a father and son. In a way they reminded Keith of himself and his own son. Their bond with each other appeared to be strong as the two were inseparable. The thing that stood out about them were peculiar bands that were wrapped around their arms. Both of them wore a band with an emblem on it. It was something Keith hadn't seen before but he remembered hearing something about it before. It was almost as if it were a mark that was designed to separate them from the rest of the people that were walking in the street. Keith decided to follow the two at a distance to see where they were heading. It was at this point that he was sure that they were Eldians.
As they walked down the street, the father became more and more anxious. He kept looking around and began to walk faster. Keith wondered if he caught on to the fact that he was being followed. Keith began to add more distance between them but found that, that wasn't the case. It wasn't until an official had stopped them in the middle of the street. Keith swung himself up against the wall and listened into the conversation that they were having.
"What are you doing?" the official asked sternly.
"I'm just going back! Honestly, I have the papers right here! I'm going back!" the father panicked and pulled a piece of paper from his jacket.
The official snatched it from his hand and took a close look at it. He handed the paper back and nodded his head behind him. The man swung his head down and grabbed his son. The two began to quickly walk in the direction they were heading as the official left them alone and continued. Keith continued to follow the father and son until they reached a closed off area. He stayed at a distance and watched the two entire the area and disappear.
Keith was left outside in awe. Right away he began to piece together what the place was. Before him was the internment camp for the Eldians. He was disgusted and felt sick to his stomach at the thought of what was before him. The people were like caged animals. They were only used and never free. Even the Eldians on Paradis aren't considered free. They lived within walls fearing Marley and the titans that they had brought. He had already helped his own people become free, now it was time to help these people be free.
Keith began to head back and informed the others of what he had found. Lucas was lucky as well and had learned that the infamous Warriors of Marley were in fact Eldian volunteers. They were handpicked at a young age to be a part of the Marleyan army. Those lucky enough, obtained one of the titan's and carried on the battle with honor. With the information that they had received, they relayed it to the others on Paradis via the pigeon.
As they were having a discussion on the stage, the theater owner had come down to speak with them. He was ecstatic and had some news for them. On their behalf the owner had gone ahead and informed many people about the performance that they would hold. They had sold out the entire house. But more importantly, there is word that the Warriors will be there to witness the show.
The stage was set, the lights were dimmed, the chairs were full, and the performers were anxious. It was time for their rouse. The whole thing that they were doing just to play off the fact that they were soldiers. They were willing to go to great lengths to do this.
Keith walked up on the stage with the red velvet current swinging behind him as he walked through. The bright lights blinded him from seeing the audience but he was able to make do with what he could. His outfit was nothing fancy like before. They had to make do with what they had. Eleanora tried her best but she was no Nico or Nisha. Keith's outfit was a simple button up shirt with a black vest and dress pants. He wore his white military gloves and a gray hat.
"Hello, and welcome to the performance," he began to address the audience. "We are a traveling group from Rhea known as Spectacle."
Keith wasn't sure what else to say as all eyes were on him. He remembered what Felix or even Nicholas would be like up on the stage as the Ringleader, but he froze. Almost as if a form of stage fright was getting the best of him. He turned to see Lucas standing in the wing trying to coax him to keep going or to get off.
He turned back to the audience, "We hope you enjoy the show." He quickly got himself off of the stage and joined Lucas in the wing.
"What were you thinking!?" Lucas sounded irritated.
"I don't know I panicked. Felix makes it looks so easy but I just couldn't think of what else to say."
"You idiot! Look Emilee is on the stage just monitor the audience."
Trevor had pulled out a guitar and sat at the back of the stage. With the staff that Emilee had lit, he began to play. She danced to the music and swung the flaming staff. The audience was already captivated by her graceful swings while others found her to be a little more erotic as evident by whistles.
Keith and the others were fixated on the audience trying to locate the warriors. With the lights, it was harder for them to make out anyone that may resemble a warrior or anyone marked with one of the bands.
Once Emilee was finished, Luca and Mia were up. The two did an acrobatic act involving their swords. However, the minute that the swords were visible there was an audible commotion from the audience. Keith was able to make out a person standing up and remaining still. They stood there as it sounded like other people were telling them to sit down. Eventually they sat as Luca and Mia continued on with their performance. It was at that moment that Keith and Lucas were able to pin point exactly where they were.
The night continued on with Deck and Suit completing a magic act. Their act involved going into the audience. Before they had gone on, Keith informed them of where the warriors were and to confirm whether or not it was them. When the two completed their act, they confirmed that the people sitting there were Eldians.
Eleanora went through with her routine along with Andrew, and Lucas was shortly after. Keith was the only one left to complete his. He was going to get a feel for the Eldians and ask them to volunteer for his act. With the bow strung on his back and arrows at his hip, he prepared several knives as Mia and Emilee grabbed their volunteers after the first part of his act. Two people were guided up to the stage. Both were well built men wearing bands of Eldia. There were whispers from the crowd as they walked towards the center.
One of them appeared to be a little younger than Keith. He wore glasses and his hair was parted down the middle. He had a beard matching his blonde hair. The other was a brute looking young man. He was in his late teens early twenties. The figure resembled something that Keith had seen before. The facial structure was very familiar.
"Welcome gentleman!" he greeted them and stood in between them. "Now why don't we start by telling everyone your names," he said gesturing towards the audience.
"I'm Zeke and this is my comrade Reiner," the older man introduced himself.
Keith immediately froze in his tracks. He could feel his heart beat faster within his chest. He glanced over to Lucas without moving his head. The two shared eye contact as Keith gave a subtle nod. Lucas immediately went on the move.
"Pleasure to meet the two of you. They call me Knives. Want to know why?"
"Not really," Zeke replied.
"Well, I'm going to tell you anyways. It's because I'm a knife thrower," Keith explained and threw a knife at a target in the process.
The knife landed in the dead center as the crowd cheered. Keith turned back and gave a bow. When he stood up he could make out figures standing at the exits. The plan was to be on alert. Luca and Oscar were behind the stage dressed in full vertical maneuvering gear with Emilee and Mia at the top ready to evacuate people. Deck and Suit stood at the sides of the stage ready for anything along with Damien. Everyone was on edge as they were interacting with the enemy.
"That was pretty good," Zeke chimed.
"Ah, yes, but not as good as what you two will take part of." He pulled Zeke to one side and pushed Reiner to the other.
Keith unequipped himself with the bow and arrow and grabbed two pistols that were behind him. While looking at the audience he aimed the guns at the two volunteers at his side and fired. The bullets missed them at each shot he took. Keith wanted to rip the band aid off of everything and land a bullet into one of them. He adjusted his movements to aim right at Zeke's chest. However, the thought of what might happen prevented Keith from doing so. He quickly reverted back and missed him completely. The crowd was silent until the final shot was fired.
Not a single bullet had hit them. The tension in the room was as high as ever as Keith prepared himself to send the volunteers off. Zeke shook his hand and pulled him in so that his ear was by his mouth.
"That was a risky stunt you pulled there. Makes me wonder what you and your little friends would have done if one of the bullets happened to have hit us. Don't think I didn't know what you were up to. I saw you make a slight adjustment during one of the shots. He were going to purposely hit me but opted out. And it seems like your little group was prepared for the outcome if you went through with it. If I were you, I would watch your back from now on."
He pulled Keith away from him and smiled. His eyes were filled with delight, it sent shivers up his spine. Zeke patted him on the back and returned to Reiner. After the audience had left once the performance had been called, Keith remained on the stage.
Keith was slightly shaken up as the others approached him.
"What happened?" Lucas questioned.
Keith turned to him with slight fear in his eyes, "He knew."
"Knew what?" Emilee asked.
"He knew I was going to shoot him and knew that I missed on purpose. He knew that we were prepared for them to shift. He said that I needed to watch my back from now on. I think that he may know who we are."
"Impossible," Luca cried out.
"Not entirely. See we may be piecing together information about them, but they could very well be doing the same. I mean the entire time, they had three of their own right under our noses. Annie Leonhart, Reiner Braun and Bertolt Hoover were all graduates of the one hundred and forth division. I mean Annie was right under us as an M.P."
"Relax Keith, everything is going to be fine," Eleanora chimed.
"For everyone's sake I hope so. But for now we need to be as cautious as possible. I don't want anything to slip past us. Not a single piece of information, not a single detail. I want it all. Our lives are at stake because of this."