Author's Notes:

Thanks for the positive reviews last chapter. Everyone keeps encouraging me to get on with the potential romance…so I did hear your pleas. Now I won't say that I jumped on board with the romance, per say; however, I think as far as a sweet and emotional piece this will appease you. I apologize for short chapters but I really believe that when you have the muse to write then you just get it down then and there and not worry about the length. Enjoy!

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(Dream Rin's POV)

It's so cold and this place where I stand is devoid of life. I've never felt such a sickening feeling before. I grasp the collar of my shirt, it feels tight and I feel as though I am struggling to breathe.

"For his crimes!"

"This is what he wanted!"

"A hero of justice wasn't it?"

The voices belong to figures that I cannot see; they're cruel and I gasp as a deeper voice rings out in anguish. My eyes widen in alarm, my feet start as if having a mind of their own, my conscious can't put into words what is happening but my heart is beating faster and I run to reach the hill before me, the dawn's light starting to cast shadows over the land, the pink sky in the background.

"How can he still live?"

Another cry of pain shoots through the air; black birds scream and scatter. The sound is agonizing; I stumble, fall to my knees and pant; the hill seems endless. My fingers curl and my nails dig into the dirt as I pull myself up and regaining my balance stand to take off sprinting; almost there to the top of the hill and I can feel tears streaming down my cheeks. I reach into my pockets but alas I find none of my jewels; I know now that this is a dream, but I have to see it through to the end, even though it is painful and I fear its outcome.

The sound of metal rings out as I run forward; the sun's light is blinding but I push through blindly, ignoring the shadowed figures, the feeling of their hands trying to stop me, until my arms wrap around their target and I scream in angst at the sword ridden body before me.

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(Rin's POV)

I sit up with a scream, covering my mouth with my hands, tears streaming down my face, my chest heaving as I force down the urge to vomit. I rock myself silently back and forth in bed and I can feel his presence even before he materializes on the edge of my bed.

I try to catch my breath. My mouth is dry and I feel sickened. All the while he sits quietly awaiting for me to calm down.

Oh God…that was your fate…

I make sure to cloak my thoughts from him; I can't handle this conversation right now. He sits solemnly at the edge of my bed before kindly asking, "Another nightmare?"

I've reached my breaking point; I don't care. I can handle my own pain but masters that are closely linked to their servants often experience bleed through, memories from their servants lives.

"Archer…"

I know that my voice must sound quite distraught, but after what I've just "witnessed" I'm an emotional wreck.

I'm surprised when I see him reaching toward me; even if he does seem unsure. I don't care; I close the space between us and lean into his embrace; it's awkward at first but my chin finds his shoulder and my arms gently wrap around him, while his arms encircle my shoulders.

"You don't always have to be so strong," Archer's voice is soothing, yet he sounds weary, "I won't think any less of you."

I tighten my grasp around him a fraction in response; I'm trying to collect my thoughts, but I'm so saddened by the memory of his death that I can't bring myself to answer. I used to have this selfish idea that servants were only to be used as a means of obtaining the grail. Yet I never truly understood how their lives must have been impacted in order to have become a heroic spirit.

I sniff back the tears that want to keep falling.

I've taken you for granted.

I can at least allow him into my mind; even if the words can't be verbalized between us for fear that my voice may betray me.

You've done fine, Rin.

I shake my head in disagreement.

No, I've been selfish. I didn't understand…but your life has meaning, it can't be all about me. Archer, why do you seek the grail?

My life has meaning?

I feel his weight shift and feel his arms strengthen around me.

I seek the grail to change my past…

I feel his hesitation; the ruse is up. He now realizes.

It's alright…I know the truth. Your memories are painful...

Archer understands now; my nightmares, our growing bond, tonight's dream.

I'm sorry…you had to bear that memory. That was something that I had never wanted you to see. I died for my ideals; they were unrealistic and in the end I lost everything I knew and ever came to care for. In the end my sacrifice meant nothing.

He sighs so heavily in the stillness that it's stifling.

Even if you can't love yourself...I'll save you, Archer.

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(Archer's POV)

Her words are a pathway back to a past that I wish to change.

Foolish girl, you can't save something that is already broken.

You're not broken; disobedient, willful and sarcastic, but there's still hope for you.

I smile, absently running my fingers through her soft hair. This is a feeling that is all too comfortable; to think that I walked away from this in the past to pursue a life of servitude for a nation that would only use me to wage countless wars. Before I allow Rin to unhinge me completely, I gently grasp her shoulders and push her forward to gage her expression.

I look at her with a serious expression and watch as she blinks a few times before reverting to the sarcastic ass that she knows, "That's not a good look for you master. Your eyes are all puffy and you are hardly becoming. What will your admirers at school think?"

She gapes for a moment; yet she is Rin, "Baka!"

I disappear but sadly not before her pillow connects with my face.

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(Rin's POV)

I lightly tap my pencil on the desk, sparing a glance out the window and look out longingly toward the end of the day. Today was a letdown; Kuzuki didn't show to teach his classes and the substitute, although quite nice, is a trifle boring.

The bell rings as I promptly stand, push in my chair and collect my things. The warm wishes from my peers and the one or two males that are brave enough to approach my desk occur like clockwork; for each and every day is similar to the last. I smile but assure them that I am much too busy to take them up on any of their offers but thank them for thinking of me. It grows tedious at times; the formalities, the scripted responses, but this is the duty of a mage.

I walk out of the school building and feel a nagging at my brain.

Yes?

I see you were able to ditch your adoring fans?

Perhaps it would have been easier if I had an unbecoming face like last night?

It would make coming and going a lot easier.

I'll keep that in mind.

I roll my eyes but stop and pause for a moment, watching my younger sister accompany Shirou home or it could be vice versa. She seems at ease with Shirou; it's nice to see that she's happy. Over the years, I've always cared about Sakura but I honored my family's decision and stayed away…mostly. Well, no time for reminiscing; I have to go return to my mansion and hole up for the night.

Sakura seems happy.

I thought that too.

I smile but then turn my attention back toward the war.

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(Archer's POV)

"I thought you were turning your attention toward the war?"

Rin has her homework scattered on the table in front of her; idly tapping her pencil and looking longingly out the window as she normally does when her mind isn't on her work.

"Well you don't expect me to flunk out of school, do you?" She replies although she doesn't sound very convincing.

I lean over her and see a history, math and English book on the table; all with questions highlighted but thus far no answers written.

"You won't need any help doing that if you don't get started," I smartly comment, before taking a seat on the sofa and leaning against the side, propping my feet up.

"Make yourself comfortable," Rin suggests, looking at me in disbelief as I lounge on her sofa, "If someone would be kind enough to make tea and bring me a snack I may be more inclined to do this homework."

"Yes, if only you hadn't fired all of the servants," I offhandedly remark, knowing exactly how to add to our playful banter.

She smiles sweetly, "I didn't fire them; I sent them on vacation for their own safety and besides, that's why I have you."

We both exchange smiles before I give in. "Alright my master. I shall fetch your tea—

"And a snack."

"Yes, and a snack," I can't forget that, "And then once your homework is done we'll go out."

"Out?" Rin arches an eyebrow, "We're on defense, remember?"

"We can still go roof hopping, can't we?"

I wait for her response, watch as she taps the pencil's eraser to her chin in thought before smiling, "Yes…but it had better be a good pot of tea and a fairly good snack for me to agree."

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(Rin's POV)

It's quite dark as I stand on the roof of the mansion; I place my mana compass around my neck and pull the collar of my red button down coat up. The wind's current is perfect for sailing on.

Ready?

I check to make sure that I have everything and then take a step off the roof; I'm instantly caught, feeling Archer's arm around my waist as we take off into the night.

I'm not sure how long has past, I always get caught up in watching the bright lights of the city below.

You're always happier this way.

I smile in agreement.

I like feeling free like this, Archer. I have no worries when I'm high above the city.

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"Caster, what do you see?"

"I see that another has deduced that there is a means to summon the Holy Grail before a victor is necessarily chosen," Caster informs her master, gazing into her crystal.

"How inconvenient," comments Kuzuki Souichirou, leaning against a chair and casually cleaning his glasses, "It was even more convenient that I needed to call out today instead of going to work."

"My apologies Souichirou-sama," sincerely replies Caster, "I felt it best that we plan our next strategy. Now my master…I feel that we need to secure Tohsaka Rin before our enemy discovers her potential as a vessel."

"And how do you propose we do that, Caster?"

Caster smiles and readjusts her focus into her crystal, "By finding some form of collateral to lure her out."

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(Rin's POV)

The city lights are breathtakingly beautiful, the air is cool and the higher we go, the more free I feel. Yet all of a sudden the dial on my mana compass starts to react and we find ourselves on guard.

"Yo!"

A familiar voice causes Archer to move back, landing gracefully on the roof of a nearby tower as Lancer appears before us.

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(Archer's POV)

I immediately release my arm from Rin's waist and move in front of her, swords appearing in each hand as I face our adversary.

"Lancer?" questions Rin, the compass around her neck reacting from the presence of Lancer's mana.

Lancer looks nonchalant as he stands before us, his weapon easily resting on his shoulders, gaging our expressions. "I'm not here to fight. In fact, I came with a bit of advice."

"Advice?" Rin contemplates the proposal, "What advice?"

I stand awaiting her orders, my fingers tightening and loosening around the handles of the blades in anticipation.

"You can calm yourself," Lancer refers to me, "I have no intentions of harming this wonderful woman." He smiles coyly at Rin, his tone is laced with pleasantry.

I notice Rin smirk, her arms crossed over her chest, "I'm listening." She gestures for me to stand down, but not to give Lancer the upper hand should this be a trick.

I stand tall before her, awaiting any indication of a trick and watch as Lancer whistles. "You two definitely don't take any chances do you? But that's alright, I'm not offended; if I had such a wonderful woman to protect I too would—"

"Get to the point," I remind him (out of annoyance) of his reason for seeking us out.

"Ah my point is that my master has a bargain for you. My master would like your strength and assistance in order to defeat Caster. She's currently amassing an impressive deal of strength and poses a risk to others. Once she is defeated the alliance would be broken." He smiles, shrugging offhandedly and again comes the flattery, "So what do you think?"

Rin, it may be a trick.

I agree, but we know little to nothing about Lancer's master. This alliance may prove useful, not only that but we could gage Lancer's strength and discover his noble phantasm.

Alright.

"We agree," Rin determines our next ploy in the war.

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