Pairing(s): Shadow Archer/Caster! Cú, hints of Archer I Heroic Spirit EMIYA/Lancer I Cú Chulainn
Warnings: Cursing, mentions of blood, aaand... that's it, I guess, so enjoy! *I own nothing but the idea, and even then I might not...*
Caster was certain that he was cursed.
As he let the sounds of numerous conversations sink into his brain, the blue-haired Servant let out a small huff before putting a fry in his mouth. For some reason, he couldn't stop staring at two particular Servants as they bickered back and forth.
One of them was his Lancer counterpart, another Cú Chulainn. Instead of a staff - like he had - the other had a spear: Gaé Bólg. His crimson orbs had a fire lit in them, each word that fell from his mouth a hidden challenge.
Lancer's arguing companion was an Archer dressed primarily in red, spiky white hair slicked back and gray eyes holding some amusement in them as he shot a sly remark to his companion. Although subtle, he carried himself with an air of grim resolution -- a far cry from the day he was summoned by their Master. Lancer was the main reason for this; he would not stop pestering the man until, eventually, he opened up to him.
- At least, that's how the story goes. Caster's not sure if they had a heart-to-heart or just fucked their problems away. Either or, the main point is that they look happy, and he was jealous.
Should he be? No - he's too preoccupied preparing runes for when his Master takes him out on a mission.
"I won last time, so give me some of your food!" God, they were loud. Caster could hear the Lancer from all the way over here. The Servant sounded confident, as if his declaration resolved the so-called "problem".
"In your dreams, Lancer. You are causing a scene; as such, in apology it is only right for you to give me a part of your share." The Red Archer countered, reaching over to snag three fries before popping one in his mouth. Caster could feel his scowl deepen, his annoyance getting to the point that he stood up and threw the rest of his untouched food out before walking away from the cafeteria. He was sure that he had gotten more than a few looks - Ko Gil looked ready to comfort him or something, what a ridiculous thought - but he couldn't bring himself to care.
Caster was just a bit older than Lancer, wiser than his battle-lusting counterpart. He reflected on his actions; Lancer sped forward without a second thought.
He had an Archer by his side.
Caster settled down at last in Chaldea's indoor garden, back against the solid bark of a maple tree and listening to the sounds around him. The place had grown in the past few months, housing an array of exotic and familiar plants as well as some wildlife. The artificial sun helped stimulate the small ecosystem, making sure the plants were cared for and allowing nocturnal creatures to sate their needs once it left the sky. Caster was a frequent visitor of this place, planting herbs and saplings if he felt up for it.
And everytime he visited, he longed to show the scenery to the one person that felt the farthest away from him.
"This is stupid, Cú." He grumbled to himself, resting his head against the tree and groaning in frustration. "Can't even get over a stupid little crush..."
"The sky here is nice, eh Archer?"
Caster grinned as he felt the nostalgic presence of the other Servant. The Grail War was in full swing at this point, and already Caster had seen his fair share of battles. The one he liked most of all was -
"If you're looking for another skirmish, then I regret to inform you that you won't get one Caster."
The Archer of this Grail War, a Heroic Spirit Caster didn't even know the name of, responded casually as he came to a stop next to him. Caster always found himself liking the way Archer's bangs fell over his eyes, complimenting their color and making the steel irises stand out. He shook himself to get rid of the thought, sighing at the words.
"Damn. Was hoping to get one last battle in before our Masters made an official alliance with one another." Caster cursed lightly, seeing Archer rest his arms on the railing next to him. He had a damn smirk on his face, the sky blooming in gentle crimsons and pinks due to the setting sun and it was doing things to Caster's heart that it really shouldn't be.
"If we put it under the pretense as just another "spar"..." Archer trailed off, leaving it to Caster's imagination to fill in the blanks. The blue-haired Servant grinned, staff already in hand as he whirled to face the other.
Caster chuckled to himself at the memory, raising a hand to his face. It blocked out most of the sun, yet some rays peeked through to settle on him. His chuckles died away into a melancholic grin, the soft sound of a canary chirping reaching his ears.
I always lose everyone I hold dear.
Caster ran. He was almost running as fast as he would if he was a Lancer at this point.
One minute everything was fine, then there was a sea of fire as far as the eye could see, the humans either having disappeared or died and Archer -
"Archer!" Caster called put again, hating the desperation in his voice. He knew that the other was carrying some invisible weight on his shoulders ever since they met, and when this happened he was the grim but determined look in the eyes of a man broken by the world.
"Archer, I want answers damnit!" Caster growled, blasting a walking skeleton to smithereens with a quick wave of his hand. They were partners, weren't they? They had made a promise to have each other's back until only their Masters remained. He...He -
He couldn't afford to lose him, goddamnit!
A glimpse of red disappearing behind the corner of a building had hope rising within him, feeling the presence of a Servant. It was him! He knew it was him!
The Servant stopped, bewildered. Then, in a quiet voice: "...Caster...?"
"Yes, you idiot!" Once Caster got close enough he whacked Archer on the head with his staff. He was about to scold him for leaving when he saw the various wounds littering his body. "You're hurt." He stated bluntly, immediately regretting his decision to whack him. The wounds looked almost life-threatening, even to him.
"This is nothing. Caster, you need to run." Archer said quickly, a sense of urgency filling his tone.
"And leave you to face whatever has you quaking in your boots? Hell no!" Caster readied himself despite Archer's protests, staff hitting the ground in emphasis.
"You don't understand! Saber, she - "
Everything happened in slow motion.
Archer's eyes took on a look of fear - something he had never seen before in the usually unflappable man - as he reached for Caster -
Caster felt himself being picked up, arms holding him close to a firm chest bridal style as Archer jumped -
- And a beam of light, one of twisted ethereal beauty, devoured the land they were on seconds ago. The whole area became blinding, and Caster had to close his eyes from the brightness as the world trembled at the power of the Holy Sword. Before he knew it he was back on solid ground, having been set down gently by his companion who grimaced at the damage.
"You...saved me." Caster said, quite intelligently. Archer chuckled, standing tall despite his injuries. It must've taken a lot out of Archer carry him, his brain noted in a daze . He could only think about how it had felt to be in those arms, safe and secure -
"Saber has seen it fit to restart the Holy Grail War, but it isn't the one we know anymore. Her True Identity is Arthur, King of Knights." Archer's voice cut through to him, and Caster blinked twice, thrice to refocus himself.
"...Archer. Do you think we can stop her, with just the two of us?" Caster had to ask. He wasn't even remotely strong in the strength department, and he was certain that his Wicker Man would be destroyed before it even touched her.
Archer grimaced, and Caster felt dread pool in his stomach. "My Noble Phantasm is the best option. There, I may be able to weaken her enough for you to use yours."
It was a plan. Shaky, but a plan nonetheless. "...Alright. I trust you."
And that was the beginning of the end.
Caster tilted his head forward to see the worried yet curious eyes of his Master, their hands wringing constantly. He knew it was a nervous habit, and he couldn't help but wonder what made them so nervous. He opened his mouth to respond, expecting his voice to come out as mildly amused -
"What is it, Master? Another mission for me?"
- But he didn't expect it to sound so tired. God, what was happening to him? His Master's worried expression only deepened, their hands stopping their movements as a frown creased their face.
"...No, I just thought that you'd want to know that I - "
"...What did you do this time, Master?" Caster raised an eyebrow when he saw them pause, apparently trying to find the right words to say. It was usually very easy to talk to him; what had them so worked up?
His Master laughed nervously, and Caster's eyes narrowed. Nervous laughter was never a good sign. "I, uh - "
The minute that voice, the oh-so painfully familiar voice made itself known to his ears, Caster was on his feet in a second with his head whipping around to see Archer leaning against the side of the tree.
His mouth dropped open in surprise. It wasn't just any Archer...it was his Archer.
Even though the other was tainted by the mud of the Grail, he had a certain light in his eyes that was unmistakable.
The Archer chuckled at his facial expression. "Yes, but I am now referred to as Shadow Archer since there are multiple other "me's" roaming this place."
Their Master was watching their interactions, some of their previous nervousness gone, and Caster felt numb. He...He honestly wasn't expecting this.
How many all-nighters had his Master pulled to summon his Archer?
Why would they do that for him?
Did he really deserve this second chance, after he had let Shadow Archer down the first time?
Caster swallowed, mouth dry. "Master...I - "
"I know how much that Singularity crushed you, Caster. Servant-Master dreams, remember?" The small smile that formed on their face faded, eyes softening. "This is the least I could do as thanks for helping Mash and I when we were at our lowest." They started to walk away, waving to the two Servants. "Have fun, you two!"
Once they left Caster let his gaze wander to Shadow Archer, realizing with a jolt that the other was already looking at him. "I've heard from our Master how much you missed me." Shadow Archer sounded amused, smug even as his molten gold irises danced in the artificial light.
"I-In your dreams, Archer." Damn him, damn him, damn him for making him stutter! Shadow Archer's eyebrow raised, clearly not believing him as he took a step closer. He opened his mouth, and Caster knew what he was going to say next.
Don't say it don't say it don't say it you stupid Archer -
While Caster prided himself on still being able to read Shadow Archer easily, he felt his face burn in embarrassment. "I know you don't believe me, but you don't have to point it out!"
"But I didn't say anything of the sort." Caster had fallen for his trap once again, it seemed. He really needed to stop panicking in Shadow Archer's presence. "That must mean that it's true, then."
"You - !" Caster was pulled into a fierce embrace, warmth enveloping him as Shadow Archer hugged him.
"I missed you too, idiot." The Servant mumbled, cheek resting on Caster's hair. Caster had frozen at the suddenness, relaxing once he heard those words and genuinely laughing for the first time in months.
Maybe he wasn't as cursed as he thought he was.
