Chapter Text
“Oof."
Dust is scattered around the sunlit room as yet again the prince’s body slams against the matted marble flooring.
Does she normally go this hard on me?
"Get up, Eren," her fists are raised as she prepares herself to pummel the target again.
Sitting up, Eren questions her brutality, briefly hiding the bitterness from his tone. "Did I do something to...I don't know, offend you?" They had their fair share of sparring sessions, some beyond competitive, others barely having both parties break a sweat, but this?
Eren despised how he couldn't completely blame her either.
All of this made sense. He was set to leave the estate’s fortified and equally stifling walls for the first time in years. Since it was discovered he was a target on the black market, his father ordered he practically be under house arrest. And no Zeke, the garden didn't count as going outside. Now he was finally leaving, without his parents, without Armin, without Mikasa. And sure, it was just to marry a girl he had never met, so what! This was the moment he had been waiting for. His freedom. Within arms reach again, a ride away.
"Of course not, but you'll be going outside soon. I need to prepare you, that's my job." Mikasa clenched her fist tighter than necessary, the frown lines deep near lips, something was off. She was putting all of this on herself, his safety... his life.
Even if it made sense for her to worry, Eren didn't want that.
Scraping himself from the floor, he dusts himself off before resting a hand on her shoulder. "No, it's not. You're my sister that's your job," sending her an overwhelmingly warm smile, he adds. “And you're doing it perfectly.”
She smiles with vain reassurance, but the effort is appreciated, even if her lip twitches at the corner of her grin. “You know what I mean,”
“Yeah, but still-” Just when he assumed she let her guard down, giving him a break in turn she continues. Her usual seriousness takes hold of her soft features as she grabs his shoulders in a crushing grip.
“You could get killed out there, Eren.” when she receives a sigh and folded arms as a response she proceeds all the more urgently as if that would convince him to take this more seriously. “This mission is pestilent, there will be multiple threats after you. And I won't be there to save you this time,” she's struggling with his ignorant indifference, her hands kneading into his skin. Her cheeks red and voice stern, why didn't he care about his future as much as she did. “Just be careful and take this seriously. It's not my life on the line."
Instead of going against her and risking yet another speech about how his life will be at risk the moment he walks out of the front gates, he nods along and mouths a sorry while backing away from her crushing grip. Knowing she had no intention of breaking his shoulders, but if he stood there taking that any longer, she just might have. "I get it, I'm sorry Mikasa."
"It's alright, “ steadily, her concern was fading from sight as she readies herself. “Now get into your stance," a look of amusement paints her usual dull expression as she adds, "And don't go easy on me this time." The nerve...
With that, she's on the offensive, with brisk movements as she makes her way towards him. Not giving him a second to blink before she's swinging and never pulling her punches. With her reignited vigor, Eren couldn't decide if she was just doing her best to prepare him or if there was an underlying motive. Perhaps she was pissed off at his lack of care and understanding towards “the perils awaiting him in the beyond.” Yeah, maybe she had every right to go so hard on him.
He takes a right hook, but successfully dodges the left and finally finds an opening start to attack himself. Bringing a knee to her gut, this, seemingly takes her off guard, and right, when he thinks it might land his foot, is in her grasp and she's twisting it.
"W-wait..." He stretched out his hands to stop her, but she was not interested in anything he has to say and sends him spiraling downwards.
"Your enemies won't hesitate Eren!" She arches her foot back to swing at him again.
Grunting as his anger boils over, Eren climbs to his feet, hands wrapping around her arm before bending it back and shoving her face-first to the floor. Finally! Was this the first time he had beat her? Did she let him again? Pressing his knee onto her, drenched with sweat, back, Eren relishes in the victory and view, even if it's potentially just a fluke. Mikasa growls under her breath though, and a thought slips by that maybe this is actually happening, and it's all from his own doing. She sighs snatching him midday delusions. “Alright, Eren good job now let me go."
Eren smirks before twisting her arm slightly, in a tease of breaking it. "You said no mercy."
Somehow she's not panicked and coolly replies with, "I'm not your enemy, get off of me."
"And let you ruin all the fun." Scoffing he bends it back, even more, earning a short yelp of pain from her. And that's when he lets go, removing his knee from her back and standing up.
Extending his hand towards her with a smile begging for forgiveness, she just slaps it away glaring at her brother before she's moved in a flash. Sweeping his legs out from under him and practically slammed her boot down on his chest.
Groaning in response, he smiles up at her before huffing out. "Did I piss you off or something?"
"Save it," this time she extends her hand out to him and unlike her, he takes it. Wiping off any dust that happened to find its way onto his clothes.
"You know this doesn't mean you win right? I was trying to help you up and you took advantage of that."
"Well, Eren your pursuers will take advantage of much more than that." She starts to make her way towards the exit, passing the glass windows that make the oddly wooden door stand out from most of the high-class room.
Eren just sits there feeling played and confused. "Like what?!" What could possibly be wrong with his technique!? If anything he could name several things wrong with her fighting style-
"Well for starters, you're too slow Eren. You put so much focus into your punches that you take too long to swing," Mikasa stops and gives him an all-knowing look as she adjusts the gloves on her hands and mutters so low that he's certain she wasn't even able to hear herself. "Not to mention your stance is sloppy." And with that, knowing full well he couldn't hear what she said at the end she's gone out through the doors wishing him well.
She's always been like that. It's still a wonder for most of the estate, why Carla allowed her to train the prince. Not that Mikasa wasn't a skilled fighter, because of course she was, no one has ever seen anyone like her. How one person could be so intoned with their body and their environment at the same time was a complete mystery to Eren. But she was also his sister, and having her train him isn't always the best option.
She's soft on him, and even he can see that. If his technique is so flawed then why the hell was he able to ground her?
That's just it, she let him.
Not to mention at the end of every session she sugar coats all of his flaws to try and make him feel better. It took him 3 months to realize that he was practically fighting with two left feet because she never bothered telling him.
"Um, Mr.Yeager?" Lifting his gaze towards the sudden voice that interrupts his current thoughts, Eren meets eyes with the guard, attempting to hide the ever-growing disappointment towards Mikasa from his face. Loosening his fist that he only just realized, had found its way into a tightly curled ball, he listens. "Mr. Arlert says when you're ready to come to your sleeping quarters he's waiting for you."
Shoving his hands in his pockets to hide the reddening moons that he placed there, Eren smiles formally. "Of course, thank you."
-
Making his way to his sleeping chambers, Eren ponders what exactly Armin could want, other than lecturing him on the topic of his potential and ever-approaching death. Every hall he finds himself traveling down is, unlike most days, deserted. A few workers rushing off here and there, but other than that it's devoid of all other drifters outside of the bothered prince. Simply because it's not like Armin to send some guard after him to fetch him for private affairs, even ones as meaningless as this or the garden adventures that he takes Eren out on. It's not like they have a formal relationship, they're best friends, Armin being chosen to be his advisor represents the only ounce of formality their relationship holds. Not that they ever act on their titles in the first place. He knows him better than anyone else, sometimes even himself. Hell, he could practically die happy knowing that he got to meet someone like him.
Allowing his thoughts to wander without decent distractions seems to pay off this time because he's at his chambers in no time. The scarcely decorated door left with a key emblem engraved into its fine wood essentially screaming, ‘This is the Prince’s Quarters good day’. Still, he's hesitant, hand hovering over the knob as his mind runs every possible fear-inducing sentence that could come from Armin. Even if they were meaning well, Mikasa and Armin weren't giving him the vote of confidence he oh so desperately needed. But he hasn't seen Armin in 3 days, preparing for the escort and wedding for what felt like months now. That should be enough motivation for him to go flying through the door at him, taking him in his arms as he squeezes all the information he needs to catch up on since these past few days, Armin is allowed to go outside.
Taking a breath, Eren twists the knob, cracking the door open before his fear can convince him a sniper is waiting for his arrival instead. And he's relieved he overcame such a silly assumption because the view waiting for him is more worth it. Armin Arlert, perched at his window with a massive book in his tender hands, tranquil serenity all over his being as he indulges into another world far from here. A signature scene for the seemingly timid blonde, outside of his new haircut that Eren has yet to get to use to, so he tells him.
“I’m still not used to your new look,”
Armin whips his gaze from the enchanting world he is so transfixed with to meet Eren’s amused grin. He clears his throat shooting Eren a quick smile before shutting and setting the novel down making his way to his good friend. “Eren, um hey...guess we both needed haircuts.” Except, Eren refuses to get one. Then he pulls one of the most convincing smiles Eren has ever seen him with. If it weren't for the concern flooding his seas, he would've had him fooled. "I just wanted to assist you on your way out." Another small smile is flashed as he moves a strand of hair behind his ear before focusing his gaze on his suddenly fascinating sleeve that needs immediate tending to as he plucks at the crisp white button-up.
Sighing, Eren moves past him, straight for his wardrobe. "I know you and Mikasa are worried shitless about me," even though his head is deep within the closet, muffled by the amount of fabric surrounding his ears he can still hear the small squeak of shock for his choice of words from Armin. "But I promise I'll be fine. It's just an escort. Eren adds matter of factly. “For a day, by the way. You guys are more protective than my parents and they've practically kept me locked in this tower all my life." adding the joke to ease his blunt ridicule, he grabs articles that wouldn't scream, ‘Hey I'm that Prince you all are targeting.’ But obvious formality was considered, he didn't want to scare off the young princess either. You wouldn't believe how hard that was to manage. Even so, soon enough after a bit of digging, he's ready for the showers, the highlight of every brutal training session.
He stands in the way blocking him from moving forward. "Yeah of course Eren I know, but I also know you. And I know you're not taking this seriously enough...if at all," Grabbing his arms and softly squeezing, Armin continues voice soft and eyes low. "I just don't want you getting hurt...I wish I could go with you..." Even if he wouldn't be much of a threat in combat, he was formidable in other sects which was why he wasn't allowed to go this time. Trailing off his fingers stroking the length of Eren’s arms as he loses his train of thought in whatever worrisome scenario he's got replaying in his head. Eren tries not to mention it and waits him out, the blonde’s delicate fingers finding their way lower until they're wrapped around his own.
That's when he slowly starts to confuse his intentions, thinking Armin might be smitten or something else forbidden. They weren't soulmates, and that was practically a myth for Eren for all he cared, so much so that he was allowed to marry anyone the court approved of. Hence, Historia Reiss.
Until he hears a low dragged-out whimper as Armin tries to hold in his tears, and Eren’s eyes must be bloodshot because he didn't expect him to cry at all. Even as he rests his head on his chest, it takes a few more seconds for it fully to dawn on him, what's happening. But he allows him to have his open break down, taking it as a sign that he seeks comfort- no, needs it, far more than Eren does right now. It seems like it is quite arduous for him to keep himself composed, how long was he dealing with this, all alone.
For the life of him, Eren could not understand why Mikasa or Armin assumed the worst from him and the situation. It wasn't like he was dead or anything.
"Yeah, but you could die Eren!" His sniffles are postponed as he takes a moment to send him a disapproving stare. And that's when he realizes he had uttered his thoughts aloud.
Smiling apologetically, Eren takes his hand in both of his own before responding. "You're right, Armin. Don't worry please, I'll be fine.” this seems to do little to sway the grief-stricken advisor, but he does little against Eren’s empty assurance. Letting the boy finish ruse. “But it'll be worse if I'm late so could you...you know." Moving his gaze towards the door leading to the showers with a hinting look. Armin easily gets the message letting his hand slip from Eren’s grasp as he apologizes and moves out of the way. But not before halting him before he can get fully past him, grabbing his wrist.
"Be careful."
-
“Fuck,” Drawing out the ‘u’ with an ensuing sigh, Eren rests his head on the shower wall, the constant patter of water pelts his head before he finally decides to turn it off and climb out. He hated showering these days or anything that really required his nudity. Because then and only then, was he forced to see his markings, for a person he was doomed to never meet. Unlike most people who were excited and even motivated upon their marking's development, Eren felt defeated at the very sight of them. The bony narrow slits along his shoulder blades acted as mock wings that ended in the middle of his back, barely visible unless activated, in which they were said to begin to glow...which wasn't gonna happen to him.
When they first appeared he was like the rest, quiet with excitement and a wonderous desire to seek out his one. That quickly died, however, at the announcement of his arranged marriage with Historia Reiss, who in turn was equally disappointed. Mikasa had found her soulmate what felt like ages ago, and Armin found his as well, Eren would have concluded that he was just a defect destined to be alone if it weren't for his status and forced union in the way. But his mother and father found each other, and they were soulmates, even after Grisha’s first lover that resulted in Zeke, who also found his soulmate...so maybe he was a defect, after all, he couldn't hide behind these perceived obstacles forever and pretend that was the only reason he was alone.
He tried not to think about it too hard, and it worked for the most part. Until he fell asleep and most nights it was a randomized roll of dice if he would ever be teased with a dream of them. Nothing too telling, unfortunately. Always sensations. Ghosting grazes of skin and breathy moans that tickle the shell of his ear on those nights, where his sanity was truly put to the test. While he faced obscure places and messages on others. And none of it amounted to anything. So why was he being haunted by their presence like this? Armin tried reassuring him, tried telling him that he experienced the same thing before meeting Annie, and sure that was a telling sign that most united soulmates experienced, however, that obviously wasn't the case for the gloomy prince. This was just torture by his subconscious, and if he was being honest, it was undeserved.
It wasn't like he was lonely or anything of that nature either. He was very comfortable with his ongoing singlehood. It was like coming home to your pets every day, expected and welcomed. But he couldn't deny the tug at his heart and gut every time the subject came up, every time he awoke from one of those dreams...if you could even call them that. Fortunately, enough for him, the duties of being a prince were a plentiful and good distraction, this recent task being the most attention-grabbing, even if his arrival at the destination signaled the killing of any hopes he had of meeting his lover.
Drying himself off, Eren can hear Armin still rummaging around his room, a few bumps, and shifts until it's still for a while. Then eventually, Armin announces that he's leaving and he'll be waiting with the others for Eren’s arrival.
-
“Grisha Yeager has safely arrived at the target destination. “
Chimes from the radio signal off the relieving message that at least one out of the two traveling Yeagers has safely come into contact with the Reiss family. Zeke was fortunate enough to be bedridden, of all times, and was sentenced to bed rest. The suns’ ever-rising presence illuminates the once sleepy landscape as they approach closer and closer to town. It was a dimly populated town, to begin with, surrounded by lively nature and grooves somewhere where it was less likely for the young prince to be recognized by a friend, fan, or foe. Eren tries focusing on the view flying by beyond his tinted window, tries taking in traveling pedestrians, and simply distracting himself with meager thoughts of things he couldn't do at the moment or ever. Like getting lost on the tempting forest trails back home, choosing who he wants to marry, or for that matter finding his soulmate...if he even had one. And yes he still doubted this despite the markings bound to his skin. But he can't, he can barely focus on his thoughts, there's this constant racket, this pounding in his ears, and as they get closer, it becomes louder, banging against his chest and back. Raucous and set to demand his attention, he couldn't simply ignore this. His apprehension. And it finally hits him that all that banging is coming from his heart. What if Armin and Mikasa were right? And he spent his final moments doubting them, thinking he’d get another chance to causally bother them, to be with them.
Why all of a sudden is this starting to get to him?
His probable early demise, soulmates, and choice.
There's no time to continue pondering on his fate or attempting to push away the sudden doubts clawing their way to the forefront of his mind because fate is knocking on his front door as the vehicle’s movement is ceased with a sudden pop of the tires. The quiet of the drive being shattered by the scrapping of metal as the driver attempts to steer the car to a halt, his harsh yank at the wheel tossing Eren against his door before the guy can finally get it under control, stopping in the middle of an abandoned parking lot. And then it's quiet again. Far too quiet. Outside of the wheezing air leaving the flattering tires, no one says a word, until Eren is grabbed by a guard seated next to him. Grabbing onto his shoulders and keeping his head down, prompting him to speak up in curious protest, even as he obeys.
“W-whats going on?”
Eren shifts his leafy gaze to the map displayed on the dashboard and scoffs at what he sees. Oh, the cruel irony of his fate gracing him with its presence as the screen flashes, ‘10 minutes away from the target destination.’ So damn close...
"Mr. Jaeger there seems to be a delay in our expedition.”
No shit.
He must be glaring at him because the next thing out of the man's mouth is frantic reassurance as he attempts to fix his blunder of pointing out obvious information. “But do not worry just stay put and we will have everything under control." As another guard gets out on the passenger side to check out what went wrong, the prince crouches down staying away from the window that he was once so eager to gaze out of.
Well...this ruins his hopes of ever being able to say, 'I told you so' to Armin and Mikasa. Eren wishes he was right, that they were a bit overdramatic about the whole thing. And it wasn't just because he could potentially die or get kidnapped. No, now he was pinned down. In a car, in the middle of God only knows where stuck with his small entourage, that could hand him over to whatever asshole is after the money on his head, if and when the going gets too tough. If only they were being overdramatic about all this...maybe they had unknowingly jinxed him?
Before Eren can wallow deeper into the widening pit of his despair, the door on his side of the car is yanked open. And with that, the guard that previously exited beckons for him to follow, wants him to leave what little security the vehicle is providing, and Eren is just about to follow when he is halted by the man beside him. Bushy brows furrowed in bemusement as he questions his partner. "Why would it be a good idea to let him exit the vehicle? He'll be an open target?!"
"We‘re pinned down! There are no other options, the destination is only minutes away.” He shoots back taking hold of Eren’s hand and he doesn't lean towards any of them. Not sure if he should stay or go. “We can make it on foot!"
"That's too risky. We can't risk the prince’s life like this.”
"It's better than staying here and waiting to get kil-"
A piercing bang echoes off followed by the associated ringing as blood is splattered onto Eren’s face from the guard that was by the doorway. He's been shot, and Eren watches as he collapses against the door frame before finally settling on the pavement below. A man just died in front of him, and Eren isn't sure what to do or if he's next... Then it's as if it suddenly hits him, Eren realizes he is next. That these could be his very last moments.
"I-Is he dead?" The driver questions sending frantic glances over his shoulder. "Should I keep driving?"
There's a heavy pause as they weigh up their options. If they left the vehicle there's a clear possibility that they could all end up in the same position as their fallen comrade. Instantly put to rest without the slimmest chance to fight back. On the other hand, if they stayed with their flattened tires and only slightly less vulnerable position, there wasn't any way of telling how long they could hold out for backup until their unknown assailants moved in on them. Hell, there was no way in telling if they were already making their next move now. And what if their attackers wanted them in the car, planned on waiting out the team's impatience to strike, knowing they would eventually leave. Or if the plan was to keep them pinned down in the car to move in, to kill those unimportant, and kidnap those useful, or kill all of them. They were trapped.
"The question isn't if you should, it's if you can. Did you not hear...? I think they got one of our wheels." The guard holding onto Eren bluntly states, and it was quite an understatement.
After another pause, the driver dares to speak of the inevitable, discarding the potential risks as their options dwindle. "So we should escape?" Fishing out a weapon from the glove compartment he prepares for the approaching gunfight, Eren tries to ignore the sharp clicks of metal falling into place as they all gather their own, readying to shoot blindly if need be.
He nods with a swallow. "Yes, we have to get out of here." The driver simply shakes his head but unbuckles his seat belt decision cemented, and life on the line. Turning to the silent prince, the guard ever at his side meets Eren’s distant eyes as he grabs his shoulders, forcing his gaze from the pool of crimson spreading on the ground. The bullet hole in his throat to the light in his eyes fading, at least the gurgles ceased by now. “I'm going to protect you, the location where your father is waiting isn't far from here. Keep your head down, and stay close to us.” He doesn't wait for a nod of understanding before turning to the only two escorts left, “Surround him and move fast.”
They all nod and it's not long before the doors are opened. All the guards and the single driver leaving the vehicle. Eren can't help but detest this idea, what will stop them from just cutting them down like the man before, a protection circle can't stop bullets. Was risking getting shot better than the potential ambush they could have faced for staying put.
There's no time for Eren to ponder this or come up with a new and improved plan before he is thrust out into the thick of it. Wrapping his arms around his head as he keeps it down, the immediate protection from the guards surrounding him drives Eren forward as they move in unison. Bullets are fired from those shielding him, half encasing him, the other firing back at the enemy. Again his heart seems to move faster than his feet, as he's grounded back into the reality of the moment, the threat of imminent danger keeps him moving to a place he isn't even sure of. Where are they going? Can't they look for cover...
Lifting his eyes, Eren looks around the huddle of human shields, seeking cover, and when he finally spots an all too perfect neatly hidden pillar a few ways to go he can already feel relief washing through him. It was perfect for his size and could give them time to regroup. At least to figure out where the enemy is attacking from, to call support. Except, someones’ hit, and Eren can't tell how or where until the man on his side and in front of him collapses. Shit.
“Keep moving!”
The guard at his side keeps him standing, practically dragging him over the fallen escorts until he's able to run on his own, pushing the youthful prince with renewed force. Eren’s breaths are heavy as panicked huffs turn into desperate gasps, his feet slapping against the concert as he nears the sanctuary, his fist-pumping with each hurried stride. He's moving fast, faster than the guard that's been protecting him thus far, and he's so close. So close that even as a shot is fired he keeps moving not daring to look back at the final protection given to him for this expedition falling prey to murderers in hiding. How many of them were left? Maybe he wasn't alone...
Turning back, Eren finds relief in the view of the remaining guardian a few steps away, pistol aimed squarely at a shrouded form near their abandoned transport. They're moving in...
Eren mentally curses not having or bringing a gun, he wasn't prepared for a gunfight. And he wanted to fight back. Especially when he hears a shot whistling by him only a few inches away from his face, and another is fired in succession. They're firing at him now. Attempting to clumsily misdirect the shooter Eren, hopefully unpredictably, swerves to the right, and the bullet misses his vital areas to much of his relief, but it doesn't miss him entirely. A sharp ache begins to reside in his lower left leg, searing heat shooting its way up his leg as he clenches his teeth, flesh-tearing open as piercing steel makes its way in. God, this was it. Foolishly he attempts to press onward, shuffling towards the tilting pillar as he drags his legs behind him. Was the world shifting or was he falling? Because it felt like both were happening, it just turns out the latter was happening. Yet before his legs can completely give in and he can find out for himself, he's taken down, landing hard on his good side. Turning to face the source, Eren comes face to face with death or the man taking him to them.
Still, he must be out of ammo, there's no other reason to attack him head-on like this, which also means, he's alone. And Eren still has his last guard at hand, the equally injured man exerting himself to save the prince’s life as he sprints to catch up to the under attack royal, and just in time. As the attacker climbs on top of the still-recovering prince, knife in hand, it isn't long before he's knocked right off him, having his own problems to deal with as the guard presses his knee onto his torso, the attacker's knife clattering somewhere off to the side, nearby. Eren turns away to reach it, even if his guard wins by some slim chance, it'd be best for him to carry a weapon. But the aching pain in his right calve significantly slows him, as the struggle beside him goes on. Reaching out for the end of the blade, Eren grunts as his fingers are just about to clasp the hilt, a blade is buried deep into the neck of his escort.
Everyone. Gone.
The assailant simply shoves him off too, as if he's done this a million times before, the blood on his face reflecting the stains of red on Eren’s. The methods however are all too deferring, and that's what separates them. As Eren scrambles to get up, moving back on his elbows, the man suddenly towering above him, knife in hand cleaning it off on his pants as he readies it again. How many knives did he casually keep on his person!? Who the hell was this guy?
Pushing himself up only to be brought back down with a force that leaves a ringing in his ears as his head hits the concrete below, Eren attempts to ready himself to fight back or at least defend himself, as earthy eyes lacking any trace of humanity dig into him. The assassin straddles his midriff, aiming right for Eren’s throat, fighting him for the knife, tight in his grip. Eren can feel himself losing the struggle, the sharp edge tickling against his tanned surface until a shred of crimson is unearthed. They grapple to overpower each other, grunts of effort leaving the determined brunette, turn into soft panicked whines as his wrist is grabbed, leaving him with one hand separating himself from deaths’ looming embrace. He can feel the man attempting to twist the wrist of his other hand, to get him to lose this fight. That's when the stupidest idea hits him, and it's nothing that Zeke or Mikasa have taught him, but it's there in his head, and before he knows it, his free hand is already obeying it before he can logically assess the outcome. Ripping his wrist from the man’s grip, Eren twists his fist in the attacker’s shirt yanking the man down to his level, to the crook of his neck, right next to his face just as a distant shot is fired and Eren swears he's dead. Nearly feeling the impact of the bullet himself. Except he isn't and he doesn't, the murderer collapsing against him however is, and Eren doesn't really know nor care why. He's just alive to keep fighting, and that's what matters most. Still...it made little sense as to how he was saved.
There was no time to call for reinforcements. But how else would he receive aid? Maybe they were contacted beforehand without his knowing. They must have been. The resounding silence of the blood-soaked car park says enough on that. Eren can hardly believe he's alive, even as he opens his eyes to the dead man on his shoulder, it's surprising that he isn't said man, left to bleed out his life source in the middle of nowhere from sources unknown. What exactly happened?
Pushing him aside to the best of his abilities, Eren lifts his head scanning the area with caution, the adrenaline steadily abandoning him as his bullet wound reminds him of its persisting existence. It's empty now, the area, only the wrecked vehicle and himself remaining. Well, that and the anonymous angel or demon lurking in the shadows.
Eyes of emerald land on the bullet wound puncturing the frail flesh of the assassin slain. Picking up the shattered shell, Eren examines its bloody shape, it's not the same as the others. Meaning the gun that was used differs from those his royal guard was given. Swallowing slowly, Eren can feel his heart in his chest as the realization washes over him, he isn't safe just yet. Not with the overarching question of what and more importantly who fired the shot left unanswered.
He could be a target as well.
Damnit.
Resting his head back to the ground with the corpse acting as a shield of sorts, Eren begins to play dead in the hopes of giving himself time to morph a good enough escape plan, in case the potential threat is still nearby, which is likely. Or if he has to, to wait out for help to arrive if that wasn't backup after all. What should he do?
What could he do?!
He had to get to someplace safe. Maybe the car? Hell, he’d drive it. Even on its flattened wheels...speaking of which... Glancing at the tinted transport Eren’s hopes of easy escape are diminished as he catches the quiet smoke steaming from the car’s hood.
So the car was a no-go. Of course. It was a good idea to leave it then...
Just as he's conjuring up another getaway plan, he hears the sudden sound of footsteps and clanks of weaponized steel approaching him. Heavy yet unhurried, as if they were expecting him to, 1. Not run 2. Not be dead 3. Be an easy catch, if either 1 or 2 just so happened to be wrong. Panic quietly reaches its peak in the injured prince as he shuts his eyes, despite wanting more than anything to see what dangerous threat was dawning on him. Holding his breath as he mentally prays to whoever is willing to listen. If he survives this, it would be quite the reoccurring nightmare sequence to get over in therapy. But Eren doesn't have much time to catastrophize, as catastrophe knocks on his door in the form of the husky, toneless voice demanding his attention.
“Get up.” And his marks begin to glow.