Corrupted Dreams

When the Chips are Down

Wandering the rooftops in the city, I kept my eyes peeled for any movement other than the whipping dance of fire and the crumbling of stressed buildings. Emiya and I had regularly been scouting the area over the past couple of days to catch the movements and patterns of the corrupted servants. Unlike Emiya's, my horizon was empty of life.

Emiya, she still there?

Wandering near the bridge as usual. Even now, it still felt uncanny to hear his voice inside my head as if it melted into a part of my mind with the means to settle there permanently. It didn't have the vacant ring like that of my past masters, this one was far more intimate...

I'd used some runes to connect our minds. It took some mana and I had to take a crystal to sustain a good connection, especially over a distance like this, but it was the best strategic move we could use, spanning our vigilant gaze over more of the urban area.

See any other servants around her? Assassin? Lancer had been set near the bridge, the only other servant we've managed to find.

No, no one. She's still alone. From what I've seen she's always been within the same three-block radius and doesn't seem intent on leaving any time soon. How about you? Any luck with the other servants?

Nothing.

Sitting down on the roof's edge, I stretched my legs out in front of me letting my head hang back. I'd been bounding from roof top to roof top all day, and I wanted to give my legs a break.

Well, sounds like she's isolated sure enough. I said.

Yes, and it's about time we start thinking about a stance of attack.

Hmm, I agree. I sighed at the blackened sky. But not tonight.

What, your tired bones need a rest?

Yes actually, so I'll meet you at the mansion. Standing up, I set off for the house.

Since when did you become the voice of command in this team?

Since I'm the one that doesn't resort to suicidal tactics every time I get my emotions riled up. Besides, I'm your elder, it's only natural.

Yes, and it's only natural for you to become a senile fool as well.

I am not senile!

If you say so, old man.

Stop smirking.

What makes you think I'm smirking?

Please Emiya, I know you well enough by now. Yes, I did know him well by now, especially due to this war. Maybe I was getting to know him a little too well.

For whatever reason, unbeknown to me, he never replied. Fine by me. Honestly, it was stupid to be spending mana with our connection for such senseless chatter.

I made it back to the mansion before Emiya, making my first stop there in the kitchen. It wasn't until I finished putting together a peanut butter jelly sandwich that I started getting suspicious. Honestly, Emiya should've been back by now.

Are you worrying about me Cu?

Damn it! The problem with these connections was the occasional unguarded thought that managed to leak through.

Well when my partner takes an eternity to show up at base, I do start to wonder.

You can stop worrying, I'm here. Just moments after I heard his voice, he came striding into the kitchen.