𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍; 𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍

51

As Eren, Zeke, and Captain Levi rode on horseback through the heart of the kingdom, a trail of people gathered to watch their departure. The golden sunlight bathed the landscape in a soft, ethereal glow as they left the bustling main streets behind. The scenery around them transitioned into the serene beauty of nature. Lush fields stretched out on either side of the path, while colorful wildflowers swayed gently in the breeze.

Their journey was filled with banter, the rhythmic clattering of hooves on the cobbled path accompanying their conversation. Zeke, in particular, was in a playful mood, trying to make light of the situation.

"So, Eren, you know what they say, right? Absence makes the heart grow fonder!" Zeke chimed in with a mischievous grin.

Eren chuckled but couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed. "Zeke, we're not going on a vacation, and this is serious business."

Zeke continued, undeterred. "Ah, lighten up, hobo! We'll come back with exciting stories of heroism and adventure, and Venus will be here eagerly waiting to hear them!"

Captain Levi couldn't hide his annoyance at Zeke's antics. "Zeke, this is no time for your jokes. We've got a duty to fulfill, and your silliness isn't helping."

Eren, in the middle of this amusing exchange, smiled and looked out at the breathtaking nature surrounding them. The worries of the kingdom were there, but so were the bonds of friendship and the beauty of the world. As they continued their ride, their camaraderie remained their strength in the face of uncertainty. Eren couldn't help but feel the mounting pressure in his head. He massaged his temples and then explained in a worried tone, "You don't understand; it's not just the headaches. They've been getting more frequent and intense with each passing day. I fear something is seriously wrong."

Captain Levi turned his stern gaze towards Eren, his eyes filled with concern. "Eren, you should have mentioned this sooner. Your well-being is of utmost importance."

Zeke chimed in, still trying to bring some levity to the situation. "Come on, Hobo, don't tell me you're getting sick of us now. We've got a kingdom to save!"

Eren shot Zeke a frustrated glance. "This isn't a joke, Zeke. These headaches are crippling, and I can't keep pretending they're not affecting me..." The stunning natural beauty surrounding them, a stark contrast to Eren's growing discomfort.

Levi ordered, "We'll have a doctor examine you once we reach the outskirts. Your health is crucial to the success of this mission."

Eren nodded, grateful for the support of his captain. The road ahead was uncertain, he knew he would face whatever challenges lay ahead, whether they be the perils of war or the mysterious headaches that plagued him. No matter how much Eren tried to ignore it, the relentless headache intensified. The world around him seemed to blur, and he felt an overwhelming sense of dread. In his mind's eye, a vivid and unsettling vision took hold.

He clenched his face in pain, squeezing his eyes shut. Suddenly, the image of Venus appeared before him, helpless and vulnerable. She stood within the cold, stone walls of the castle, facing a furious Grisha, the king. Eren's heart sank as he watched on, tears running down his face.

"No... no... No, STOP, STOP!" Eren's voice escaped as a strangled whisper. He hastily dismounted from his horse and leaned against the powerful animal, clenching his face in pain. Zeke and Levi turned their attention to Eren, alarmed by his sudden distress. Eren couldn't explain the vision he'd just experienced, but it filled him with an urgency to protect Venus at all costs. Confusion and fear spread among the men as they looked on.

"Eren, are you alright?" Levi asked with genuine concern.

Eren's breathing remained erratic as he muttered, "I saw... something... something terrible. We need to get back to the castle. Now... please." His companions exchanged worried glances, unsure of how to react to his sudden outburst. Some of the men grew fearful.

"Eren, whatever you saw is just your nerves of battle getting to you. I assure you she will be fine. Right now we must keep going forward. It will take us a week at this rate to even set foot into the other towns. The nearest town we can set up a rest point is only but an hour away at our speed. Eren, she is a strong woman, she will be fine."

Zeke tried to bring some lightness to the situation, saying, "Eren, chin up, don't let a nasty headache make you irritable."

"Zeke, please..."

"Alright, Eren, enough doom and gloom," Zeke chimed in with a forced smile. "Just don't think too hard on it, little brother. You'll be just fine." The three men leading the fleet remained silent for a while until Zeke lightened the mood with a chuckle. "So... who's up for some ale, eh?"

꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒦꒷

𑁍┊-TiredBunBun