Corrupted Dreams

Unsolved Problems

"What's happened, Shirou?"

"It— I— I don't know..." The crumbs of a hypothesis were in my hands, slipping through the cracks. I couldn't think at all with the state my head was in.

My reply did nothing but annoy him, but he kept his mouth shut to seal off any rebuke as the other members of our party joined us.

"You know," Achilles' voice cut between us. "It's really annoying when you're trying to kill something, and just when you have it where you want it, ready to bring it down, it just vanishes right before you can claim it's life and victory!"

"Oh, grow up Achilles." Cas rolled his eyes. "I'm sorry you couldn't have your happy ending because we were finishing the mission. You can't be angry when we were following our master's orders, which is something you apparently haven't learned to do. Honestly, what were you thinking just running off like that!?"

"I was taking care of an unfinished battle, one that you cut short!"

The escalating fight between Cas and Achilles was a double edged sword for me. It kept Cas' attention off me for a time, but my aching head just wanted them to shut up. Fujimaru eventually intervened, getting them to stop yelling, making me extremely thankful to the young master.

The evening had set in as Fujimaru decided what to do next, discussing with Mash who was now back online. Looking around, it seemed the fires were dying and mud sinking into the ground. Gradually, the city was healing itself again. Rather than rashifting back to Chaldea then and there, Fujimaru decided we'd stay one more night in the city, the supplies we'd gathered just short of what he was hoping for.

That meant tomorrow we'd all be back in Chaldea, and I'd be with Setanta. The thought both warmed my chest, and terrified my stomach. After a little thought, I decided it was better I face him sooner than later. I didn't care about the consequences, I just wanted to see him, and come clean. I'd lie my ass off about anything else, but something that could potentially damage mine and Setanta's relationship. That's the one thing in my life that I truly value, and by damn I wouldn't let anything ruin it.

As we made our way into a building for the night, I could feel my feet dragging. Fujimaru passed me a glance as I began working on the food with sluggish hands. I straightened myself up as he looked, trying not to appear as tired as I was. Apparently, I wasn't fast enough, or convincing enough, because he saw right through it.

"Are you doing alright, Shirou?"

"Great." I kept my eyes on the food.

"Mm, you look tired."

"Well, it's been a long day."

"Have you been sleeping well?"

I stayed silent for a minute before responding. "Not the best, I'll admit."

"Have you figured out why?"

"I appreciate the concern, Fujimaru, but could we talk about this once we're back in Chaldea?" A therapy session is the last thing I wanted right now.

"Alright," his voice was small. "Later then." Fujimaru got up and left to deal with something else as the day came to a close.

I hurried with dinner, thankful when the time came for me to settle into bed. I wasn't really expecting sleep, but having the room go completely silent ws nice. Once the noise died, the pounding in my head died with it. I actually felt somewhat refreshed when Cas came to get me for watch. "Hey, sleeping any better?" He massaged my bicep.

"Mmn." I shook my head softly, rubbing my aching eyes. "But don't worry about it, Cas. I'm a servant, I'll be fine." Sitting up, I moved, his hand falling from my arm. "Goodnight Cas." Manuring through the room and its occupants, I opened the door. A hand caught the rim of it as I went to close it shut behind me. "Cas, what are you doing?" He held the door, keeping me from closing it.