Attack on Titan: A Blacksmith's Tale

Chapter 25: New Reality

Two days. That's all it took for Matthew's life to get thrown into a frenzy. The forge he spent nearly half his life putting blood, sweat, and tears in was now the property of the Military Police until "their investigation was concluded." The weapons were also seized, probably to be sold to the highest bidders or kept for personal usage. To make matters worse, since the shop was also part of their house, the Amsdale family was officially homeless until further notice. Deep down, he knew a day like this would come, but he never imagined it being the fault of his own son. Matthew wasn't an idiot. He knew why Dillon did what he did just like why Carolyn did what she did. Good intentions with unfortunate consequences.

In Dillon's case, his good intentions happened to be attached to Annie Leonhart. Just thinking about the girl made his blood boil. He took her into his home, he let her sit at his table and eat his food, he gave her his blessing to continue dating in son, and she stabbed them all in the back. If he got his hands on her, he would break her neck and burn her body to make sure it would stick. Sadly, it was because of his son he wouldn't get the chance.

Instead, he was stuck in a room with a couple of guards for the duration of the trial. They had the decency to keep him uncuffed, but they were armed and ready in case he tried something. Their comments weren't helping either.

"Think the freak is gonna survive today?" one of the guards asked.

The other guard chuckled. "Please. A kid like him was practically begging for the noose."

"Shame it's not the bitch who's on trial," the first guard lamented. "I'd pay good money to see that."

"If you two morons are hoping for an excuse to shoot me in 'self-defense,' you're gonna be disappointed," Matthew interrupted coolly.

"What are you talking about?" the first MP asked, glaring at him.

Matthew rolled his eyes. "Come on. Insulting my wife and son and cheering for their deaths in front of me? You're as subtle as the stench you and your ilk carry around."

The second MP snorted. "Go ahead and make your jokes while you still can. From where we're standing, you're about to lose that traitorous freak you call a son."

"From where I'm sitting, your 'scathing' insults are as juvenile as you are," he shot back, annoyed. "So, why don't you clods shut up and spare the world from your immaturity?"

Growling, the first MP punched Matthew in the face. A little blood fell from his nose, but the man looked more annoyed than angered by the wound.

"My son hits harder than that," is what he wanted to say, but he wisely kept his mouth shut. Letting his emotions get the better of him, even if it was verbal sparring, was precisely what they wanted. It didn't end well with Dimo Reeves, and it wouldn't end well with the Military Police.

Suddenly, his mind was bombarded by terror seeping through a mental link. He recognized it immediately as his wife's, and sure enough, her voice cut through. "Matthew, help me! It's–" Carolyn's shriek instantly cut off.

"Carolyn? Carolyn!" Matthew fought down the panic that sought to overwhelm him. He was still linked with his wife, so she was still alive. How long that would be the case was up in the air. He needed to act fast, but first, it was time to cover his bases. "Officers, my son sent me an urgent message: my wife's been kidnapped!"

The first MP scoffed. "Right. Nice try, Amsdale."

Matthew looked down to keep them from seeing his glowing eyes as he slowly locked the door. There was no way to muffle the sound, so their attention went to the door in confusion. Matthew lunged out of his seat and slammed the first MP's head against the wall, downing him. The second MP attempted to draw his weapon, but he was too slow. A drop kick to the gut brought the MP to his knees and a knee to the face broke his nose. He was out in seconds, sprawled on his back.