Corrupted Dreams

Unsolved Problems

It was the first attack that escalated the battle. In the frenzy of fire, arrows and ribbons, it was impossible for any of us to make a successful strike. Jumping back from one close call, I released a long controlled breath, wiping off the small droplets of mud that latched onto my skin. My head decided at this moment to begin the pound, the thunderous beating harder than ever. A sharp groan exited through clenched teeth, as my hand shot to my head as if trying to hold the bulging pulse still. I focused back on the enemy just in time, materializing my swords to block a driving attack by two of the ribbons. Cas cast me a quick look, but the enemy demanded his attention right after, his eyes taking in every movement of the corrupt force. He was determined to not make another mistake.

I kept my breathing strong, trying to filter out the pain in my head while I focused on the fight. The hand the mud had splashed on quivered, small red dots from where it had burned apparent on my skin. I gripped that hand tighter around my sword hilt, stiffening the shaky movements to a halt.

The enemy's attacks were strong and persistent, filling my vision with muddy ribbons and fragments of shattered blades. A sharp strike penetrated the air beside my head, Kanshou coming up just in time to deflect it, but that didn't stop the whip of the ribbon from sending mud to splatter my cheek. The gooey texture burned on contact. I pulled my sleeve up, wiping away the content instantly, but that didn't stop the pain from erupting in heavy blows against my skull. My body shook, forcing me to take a knee as my feet failed to keep me steady.

Then my senses were blinded by a flash of images, a hallucination groping my mind. The ribbons were everywhere, coiling up my body and binding me. Mud burned my insides like an inferno of bile, soaking in through open wounds, and choking me.

"Shirou!" The scene vanished, recognition lighting up my irises. That scene was from my dreams. "Shirou!" I finally noticed Cas speaking. He was crouched beside me in a readied position, holding an arm around me, prepared to pull me back out of the way. A wall of runes lit up before us, stopping the driving force of the enemy. His eyes caught mine. "Are you alright?"

"Fine." I gripped his shoulder before standing back up. My legs were sure now.

He scowled at the lie, but never called me out in it. "Be careful, I can only save you so many times." Cas drew up another set of runes for protection.

"Alright, let's just kill this thing." As the shield Cas made shattered, the battle commenced again. My movements were successful in deflecting the black bands, acutely aware of the splattering mud. Each harsh strike and battering in my head, made me more and more anxious for this creature's death. Jumping from the ribbons, I brought forth my bow, giving Cas my attention. Deflecting the attacks with each arrow, I gave Cas the time he needed, inscribing a multitude of runes. With the last flick of his finger, he jumped back, a blare of flames springing to life, and devouring the enemy's ribbons. He sent another rune, the fire vanishing with the charred remains hovering with the wind. I didn't hesitate with this perfect play. Blades drawn, I charged forward over the burnt ground, decapitating the shadowed figure.

A weight left the air, and I could hear Cas exhale a long breath as the thing crumbled away. The darkness began to disperse itself, and we watched as the golem caved back into the ground. My eyes went to Cas to find he was staring at me too. "What the hell happened?" He spoke abruptly. I raised my hand, letting it sink into my hair as I rubbed my thumb against my temple.

"What?"

"Don't 'what' me, you just fell, and sat there frozen in the middle of the fight!"

"Please, talk a little softer, would ya?" Being yelled at wasn't necessarily ideal with a pounding head.