A/N: Sadly, One with Spirits really didn't get the feedback I was hoping for...T_T

I don't feel right. Is this what depression feels like? Or is it apathy? Not sure. I'm swinging between that and anger, getting annoyed by the strangest things.

Either way, I feel...off. Been feeling out of it these past few days.

Really, I WANTED to update "Edge" today, but that would've meant a rushed chapter and 2k less words. Also wanted to finish "Berserker" and "Caster" today, but that didn't work out either. I'll figure out something later.

I need to find something to perk me up soon, I don't like feeling this way...T_T

As ever we're still sticking to the "Embers" rule here, folks. If folks don't like this...well, I won't continue something no one likes. Every review, every comment, no matter how large or small, keeps me writing in spite of my busy work schedule. I don't get days off anymore, so I try to respond when I can, but lately it feels like this has become a job in and of itself; albeit one I don't get paid for, one that it is often thankless...

So here we are, a fragment that never came, so on, so forth, etc...

As ever, I own no quotes, references, media or memes.

Should be obvious which "War" this is.

Here we go.

"We're not so different, you and I. We all have our wishes. Desires we'd die for.

You have one. So do I. As do they. Unfortunately...

...there can only be one.

~?

A Most Unlikely Rider (True)

...would you mind dying for me, Master?"

"Ha? What kind of question is that? If that's a joke it ain't fu-ack?!

An arm swept out of the shadows, looped around Shinji's throat, and slammed him against a tree. In the same instant a razor sharp blade kissed his jugular. Its edge dug in with intent, drawing a thin bleed of blood forth to surface. He tried not to shiver like the coward he was. Failed as cold breath hit the back of his neck. He knew such bitter steel would end his life in less than an instant, just as he knew who held it to his neck. He didn't move. He absolutely did not dare. Even the slightest twitch would spell the end of him.

"W-Wait a second, Rider!" words flowed from his lips, a high pitched squeal not unlike that of a pig. "You don't have to do this!"

...I really do." Flat blue eyes regarded him. "You're draggin' me down, Shinji. I can't have that. I need that wish."

The book! Where was the book! It had the command spells from Sakura! Where...?!

He spied it across the clearing. So far. Too far. He'd never reach it. Stall! He had to stall! "If you betray me, you'll never get your wish!"

"Is that what you believe? I've already made arrangements.

"We can work out a deal! I'm sure Zouken will-

-do nothing," his treacherous servant sighed. "I have had it with toadying up to you. You tried to make me kill innocent people. ME!" blue eyes blazed red, his body shining scarlet-on-sapphron for a moment. "I told you what would happen if you acted poorly. I warned you!" the dagger bit deeper. "So many times!

A stain spread down Shinji's trousers. "I'm sorry! I'll do better, I swear!"

"Really?" Naruto clicked his tongue. "You pissed yourself? At least die nobly. That Saber had more balls than you do, and she's a girl."

"Am I really worth killing?!

A pause pushed itself between Master and Servant. Shinji dared to hope.

The knife left his throat. "Maybe you're right."

...I am?"

"You are. Ya ain't worthy of this steel." Naruto turned and walked away, leaving him to slide down to his knees. A blue eye peered over his shoulder. "Do whatever you want."

Shinji babbled his thanks and made for the book. "Thank god! You won't regret this!"

Pearly white teeth flashed in the gloom.

"I wasn't talking to you."

"Ha?"

Giant red jaws burst out the dark -out the blond's shadow!- to close around him.

Shinji looked down into a maw filled with towering teeth. Looked up now, glimpsed Rider's toothy grin.

It was the last thing he saw. Teeth slammed shut around him.

There wasn't even time to scream.

He perished in a single bite.

Darkness swept in.

A/N: Yup. Dark. Sorry about that. There we are. Something that may or may not be a story down the line.

And there we go. With luck, I'll see you guys and gals again in a few hours.

So...in the immortal words of Atlas...

...Revieeeeew, Would You Kindly?

No previews. Not this time.

So terribly busy.

R&R! =D