Alive Again: Attack on Titan

Chapter 5: Nicholas Marxton

"Welcome back." It felt like someone grabbed my heart when those words came out of the garrison soldier's mouth, the very same soldier who recruited me and my sister for the operation. What is he going to do? Is this the end of our road? Is he going to turn us in for desertion? These were some of the questions that began to appear in my worrisome brain that was pulsating with pain from the trip up the wall.

Finally, after an eternity of silence "T-Tyler sent us..." It was a long shot, but there was still a chance.

There was a tense moment as he did not respond "Hey, Rick, what happened? Where'd those two come from?" A Garrison soldier asked as he started to approach them.

I started to wonder if I should grab a blade, take my chances and fight them, fight my way into Trost. However, before I could reach for a blade, Rick spoke "They're people from the Operation to retake Wall Maria, it seems the operation failed and they are the only survivors of the returning party." He told the approaching solider. "I'll take care of the situation; you can go on with your route." He then told the soldier, making them stop.

"Oh, okay then, see you at the end of your shift, Rick." The Garrison soldier then turned and started heading in the opposite direction.

He turned back to us "My name is Rick Trausser, Tyler's ally in the Garrison Regiment." The soldier told us with the same stoic voice before another soldier started to approach.

"Trausser, what's going on over here?" The senior-looking soldier asked strictly before seeing it for himself. "Is that a civilian with ODM gear?! Don't tell me they're from the Operation in Wall Maria." He said, appalled upon seeing me, Rick stepped forward.

"As a matter of fact they are..." Trausser stared him down.

"You know the orders the Garrison Regiment has received."

"You're too late, a soldier already saw them and I explained, sending them on their way."

"Rick, are you really defying the government right now? You have no idea what the repercussions of this will be." The senior officer was silent for a moment, waiting for Rick to reconsider his actions. I wasn't sure what they were talking about when they referred to government orders but I hoped to god that Rick wouldn't end siding with this soldier because if he did, I was certain it wouldn't be good for me and Liz. After an agonizing moment, Rick was still silent, resolute in his decision, the senior officer sighed in defeat "Yeah, I can't say that I agree with the government's orders either, but I can't let you disregard the orders... That's why I didn't see you do this, I was never here." He told Rick solemnly, turning away to where he came from "Just know that you chose this path. Regardless what happens in the future, I hope you don't come to regret this decision." With that, the soldier walked away and left us alone with Rick.

"R-Rick, sir...are-are you sure about this? I-it sounds like you can get in a lot of trouble by helping us." Elizabeth asked shyly, just loud enough for him to hear.

"I'll be fine; this was Tyler's plan after all. But I must admit I feel a little forced to help you now to honor his memory, I take it that he isn't going to be coming back."

"Wait, so what was that about telling the first soldier about us? I don't understand." I asked Rick bluntly.

"I informed him to ensure that this news gets out there before something like what happened happens, before a superior came in with his seniority. News that the Operation to 'Retake Wall Maria' failed and that there are two survivors will spread quite rapidly and with that the truth shall be out in a matter of days. The government cannot deny our story with you two showing your faces publicly, this will also ensure your safety for the time being." He replied.