Remaining Days: 5
As I wake up, Saber's head is resting on my chest. She fell asleep looking after me, huh? She has such a sweet, peaceful expression like this. Checking the time, I've been asleep for almost 5 hours—it's about midnight now. I had a dreamless sleep for once again but I can't exactly say I feel very rested.
I run my hand through blonde strains gently, accidentally awakening my Servant. "Huh? M-Master?" It takes her a while to wake up mentally as well, but as soon as she does, Saber hurries to get up from me, her cheeks being a slightly pink in colour now. "I-I just closed my eyes for a bit!"
She's so bashful, but I already miss the small weight on my body. "Of course," I calm her. Not that I really believe her. But I don't feel like arguing now. "It's late, though… Would you mind?" I hope I don't have to finish the question for her to understand.
There's a look of bewilderment I'm facing. It lasts for mere seconds, then she seems to realise. "Ah! Sure."
Saber changes into her shirt and short pants, then slips under the blanket right next to me. I cling to her arm. As she looks at me questioningly, I explain, "Sorry… I just kind of need this, I guess."
She turns her head slightly away but moves her body a bit closer. "If we can't help it…"
I'm worried I'm overstepping boundaries right now but to stay sane now I really need her company badly.
I'm sure she knows that and that's why Saber is not as persistent about keeping distance, even though it makes her visibly uncomfortable. I'll definitely apologise to her in the morning for this.
***
Today again we are skipping my classes.
"Let's head for the Arena—some training is going to get your mind back on track!" That's what Saber suggested. I don't think it's a good idea but she seemed so excited to get some action, I didn't have the heart to refuse. And I guess I owe her for letting me hold close to her last night, so I really have no right to reject her like this.
Saber pulls me by my wrist excitedly towards the Arena's door, I can't help but get at least a bit fired up myself. I connect my terminal to the Arena's door, gaining access for the both of us.
The Arena changed. It's still deep under the see, but it became more stunning, more beautiful. The Enemy Programs have changed as well, their attack pattern is more aggressive. Saber realises that as well and its motivates her just so much more. "Just see, Master," she shouts proudly as she charges forward.
However, the Enemy Program she is facing, looking like a bull albeit its appearance much squarer than any real living being would be, does not go down with a swift strike, unlike the sparring targets last week. Instead, its horn clashes with Saber's sword, pushing her back easily.
Saber grits her teeth in frustration and irritation. But she wouldn't be Saber if she let this faze her, so she charges again. This time, the Enemy Program seemed to have analysed her attack pattern, thus it blocked her sword, used another strike to push Clarent out of her hands easily and then heads for my partner.
"M-Master!" She shouts out to me, taking be out of my passivity. At this point I realise: I have just been standing there. Not participating, not supporting her as it would be my duty. In the next second, Saber is on the ground a metre away from where she previously stood, blood flowing from her side.
I feel sick instantly. Is she going to die? It's my fault . "D-Damnit… Master," she croaks, but it's obvious she wouldn't be getting up by herself, her sword dematerialising. Her strength is fading and she needs to be healed. I know that. But it takes a while until I can get my legs to move.
The Bull seems to lose interest in us and walks away through the next light barrier hallway. I ran up to Saber. "I'm sorry… Are you alright?" It's my fault.
"Sure, it's not like I'm bleeding." Her sarcasm is tainted with a hint of anger, though she doesn't show it openly. I'm not sure what to do. I'm not sure whether I should heal her first or go to safety, back into the school?
I decide for the latter.
I take her arm over my shoulder, a slightly awkward position considering our difference in height, and support her walk out of the Arena. Back in the school building, Rin just so happens to walk towards us.
"Ritsuka? Wait, what happened?!" She runs straight towards us, inspecting Saber's still bleeding wound.
"It's not as bad," my Servant says, pulling herself away from Rin as best as she can.
Rin is visibly annoyed by this reaction but directs a glare to me. "How could this happen?"
I struggle to find the words. "I…" Thankfully, Saber saves me here.
"None of your concern, move out of the way." I don't exactly understand why she's being so hostile, but Rin actually moves to let us pass.
"I'm sorry," I whisper. As we stumble forward slowly, Rin scolds me, before she disappears into the Arena as well.
"Your Servant's health is your concern and you are supposed to look out for her and keep her safe. I knew you're not cut out to be a Master, but I didn't think you'd be this careless." These words sting most, though they aren't the whole content of Rin's scolding. The worst part is, I know she is right. It's my fault.
As we pass the bulletin board, Saber stops me. "Wait. We should check it already," she pants. I would prefer to get to heal her sooner, but a look shouldn't take long.
Next to my name, there is another one written: Dan Blackmore. My eyes widened in shock. "Do you know him?" Saber asks, but I tell her I would explain later, thus we head for our private room.
"Yes, I do. I met him yesterday in the hallway. He was really kind to me, I didn't think…"
Saber looks down. "To face him so soon?" She finishes my sentence, and I nod in approval. Finally, her wound is closed after quite a few minutes of healing. Saber moves her arm and upper body around, checking if movements would still cause pain, which apparently is not the case. At least I could kind of make up for this mess up, though I still feel really bad.
"I'm sorry!" Both our voices echo at the same time. We look at each other confused for a second, after which Saber is the first to keep going.
"I knew you were still in bad shape, and yet I pushed you. It's my fault."
I shake my head. "No, that's not true! I could have refused or tried harder." She seems relieved at my words, knowing I don't blame her at all. And it takes weight off my shoulders that she doesn't think of me as guilty either.
"Tomorrow we'll do better, okay?" I nod at her. "By the way, what's our opponent like," Saber asks, as she changes into her sleep wear and lays down to rest. "Hmm. He seems like a former knight of some kind? Like you would imagine one. He honours battles so I don't think there will be any cheap tricks like last round."
This brings back memories. Why does this always happen? Saber pulls me close and holds me tight. "It's fine, it's fine. Just rest," she says. I'm glad for her support but I wouldn't exactly agree it's 'fine' yet. However, there's not much more to do now.
I free myself from her embrace and change into my sleepwear, joining Saber right after. "I hope you'll get some decent rest tonight," Saber says, her way of telling me 'goodnight' and to 'sleep well'. "Goodnight to you, too, Saber. And… thanks."
She mumbles something incoherently and then comes silence.
Tomorrow I'll have to pull myself together. I don't want Saber to be in any more danger.
I have to try.