Attack on Titan: A Blacksmith's Tale

Chapter 43: Two Sides meet the Coin

The next day came quicker than Dillon wanted. He would've just stayed content staring at the ceiling if it meant prolonging the inevitable for just a little bit longer, but as of late, life was unkind to him. Dread infected his mind, refusing to let up for even a moment. He had no choice but to go through with diving into Annie's head, but the unknown of what would come after terrified him. Physical threats he could handle, but abstract ones? Jumping off the Wall with no ODM gear seemed like a better idea. There was no planning for this. All he could do was react. Nothing more.

Keiji didn't even bother knocking as he entered the room with Nifa right behind him. "Section Commander Hanji wants you in the war room immediately," he said as he carefully lifted Dillon into a sitting position.

The Psion shook his head, avoiding their gazes. "I'm gonna need help getting there. Walking is still a problem for me."

Nifa nodded in understanding as the two used their weight to support his. "We'll get you there, Amsdale."

"Thank you," Dillon said gratefully.

"Thank us by not doing anything stupid," Keiji replied with a stern look. "You don't want to be labeled as a traitor."

Dillon wasn't remotely surprised by that declaration, especially considering that he assaulted Levi Squad the last time he tried to save Annie. All he could do was keep his head down and follow orders no matter how much it pained him to do so.

"Whoa, easy," Keiji warned as he felt the teen's body go limp for a moment, making the group stumble. "Come on, man. We're almost there."

I just want to rest. He thought to himself. His body was sore and numb, bringing a constant discomfort to the forefront. Emotionally drained seemed like an understatement concerning his mental state. What he'd give to sleep the nights away and pretend this reality was nothing more than a dream he could awaken from. However, his thoughts drifted to Annie and the words she had spoken to him. For once, he needed to be strong for her just as she had be strong for him. No matter what happened, he would be there for her until the end.

The door to the war room opened as he was practically carried inside. Naturally, Hanji, Levi, and Annie would waiting for him at the table. One simple look towards his girlfriend and he knew that she slept as badly as he did. He also detected auras of anxiety surrounding her no matter how hard she tried to hide it. The two locked eyes for a brief moment, but no words escaped their lips. There was nothing they could say to change any of this. He let out a grunt as he was deposited into a chair.

"You can go, you two," Hanji said, waving them off. She was nearly bouncing in her chair from excitement.

Keiji and Nifa saluted and took their leave, shutting the door behind them.

Levi's drawl voice began the meeting, leaning forward to stare at Dillon. "In case the point hasn't been drilled into your skull, defy us and I will treat you as the enemy. No protests, no girlfriends, and no safety nets will stop me. Is that clear, Amsdale?"

"Yes, sir," Dillon answered with a nod.

"Finally!" Hanji completely ignored the tension in the room and started to do a little skipping-walk around the room. "So, how is this going to work? Is it going to be like when you're on hallucinogenic drugs? Will it be like we're Annie? Will we be able to feel what it is like to be a Titan?"

Heaving a sigh, Dillon said, "When I used my powers to find out the Female Titan's identity, I saw things from her viewpoint."

"I get to be a completely different person?" Hanji giggled gleefully. "This is so cool. I can't wait."

Dillon wanted to scream at how this whole thing would determine whether he and Annie would live or not, but even if he did, Hanji would just find a "bright side" to all this.