Attack on Titan: A Blacksmith's Tale

Chapter 70: The Psion's Gambit

If there's one thing any human being had in common, it was the appreciation of a good night's sleep. Work all day followed by the comfort of a bed (if there was one available) was something that should not be traded for anything. Unfortunately, there were always times when that would be impossible to obtain under different circumstances. An act of insomnia or a late night on the job were such possibilities. In Atticus Tybur's case, he was waiting for the opportune moment.

The combination of a cup of coffee and a decent book to keep his blue eyes focused helped him stay awake. Not to mention sitting on an uncomfortable chair outdoors in the cold. People always asked him why he never tossed this abomination against furniture in the garbage. This was the best and only reason he kept it in the mansion. Were he a younger man, he probably could have fallen asleep even in these conditions, but he was nearing sixty. No matter the medicines he took or how active he was, he could never outrun his age. It made him slower, more prone to exhaustion. At least his mind was as sharp as ever.

Speaking of which, his mind was currently focused on a particular individual. He had been watching him for some time now, especially after the death of Elise. To think a child like him could cause so much trouble in one country, it was almost unthinkable. Atticus knew better than to underestimate anyone's age. People from all walks of life have been crafted into unique individuals, like the children who became Warriors. In that regard, Dillon Amsdale was no different.

However, what fascinated him the most was how malleable his mind could be. Always clinging to something or someone he deemed to be good in his eyes. And yet, without fail, that good would slip away be it from outside circumstances, or his increasing madness. Coping was a vital part of every young adult's life, and Dillon had none of that. That made him the perfect vessel to be used.

Tonight, he would see the boy fall right into his grasp. There was a choice to be made, and Atticus knew beyond the shadow of a doubt he would choose the correct one.

(Dauper Village)

Dillon had absolutely no idea how long he had been staring at the ceiling for. Evening had settled in a long time ago, yet he couldn't find it in himself to sleep. He couldn't stop thinking about the things he had done to his friends, the people he had killed. Granted, the latter was to help Dimo Reeves, but the sheer brutality of it frightened him. It was so easy for him to lose control like that, allow his emotions to take hold. There seemed to be no end in sight to the darkness that had been plaguing him for so long. Whatever hope he had flickered and died like the candle in his room.

Annie was right to leave him. His friends were right to be horrified by his actions. Levi and Hanji were right in trying to exact justice upon him. His unstable mind was a danger to everyone around him, and there seemed to be no way to get it under control. Every action he took to fix it was only a temporary solution, a bandage constantly reapplied to the same wounds. And now, it was only a matter of time before he was hauled off in front of that bastard Zackley. Dauper couldn't protect him forever. He committed treason against the Scout Regiment, and he would have to answer for his crimes.

Letting out a deep sigh, he spoke to the only person that was still with him. "Ymir?"

For a moment, there was no answer. Perhaps she had decided to leave him to suffer in the darkness alone. Then, her soft, maternal voice poured into his mind like a gentle caress. "I did not think you wanted to speak to me again."

Dillon winced at the memory of when he snapped at her. "I know I messed up, and I'm sorry."

"I told you before, young one. I wanted to help you get stronger and be able to face your demons, but you have been fighting me every step of the way," Ymir rebuked, her tone becoming stern. "Every time your emotions rose to abnormal levels, I tried to talk you down, but you continuously shut me out. How can I help you if you refuse to let me in?"