tvk | ⚔ 022; [action]

[So she was gone. Or at least, Diarmuid couldn't find her. If she was dead...shouldn't she have come back by now? How long had it been? He honestly didn't know, but he knew it hurt terribly.]

[He was lonely. No, maybe he'd always been lonely to some extent, since his summoning or even well before that. And the only one who could ever relieve that pain was one who understood him, one who believed in the same ideals he did and fought with him as though they were but one individual. Though he had put aside his emotional attachment to Arturia, 'Lancer' could not deny his connection with 'Saber' and would never try. Without her now...there was a distinct empty sensation within him now, like his heart had suddenly disappeared from his chest.]

[Diarmuid could be found lingering around various places in Prospero that day--the bookstore, the park, the hotel and everywhere in between--and though he did his best to conceal it the lingering sense of unhappiness was clear in every inch of his demeanor.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

...The only person I can think to suspect so far is Kiritsugu Emiya.

I don't know why he would suddenly have reason to harm Saber and I honestly do not want to think he has, but I know for a fact he is capable of it. And I also know that there are few if any others Saber dislikes as much as him.

...I see. Wasn't he her Master in the Fourth Grail War...? There's a lot of bad blood, but I didn't know it ran that deep.

He was. I can't claim to know the extent of it, he and I only crossed paths twice back then. And I've not dared ask Arturia just what went on between them.

But he's capable of more than anyone realizes. I was willing to give him another chance, but...I fear perhaps I was wrong in doing so.

What should we do?

I don't know. I won't act knowing so little for certain, and I doubt Emiya would listen if I were to warn him.

...I'll keep an eye out. I don't know what to do either, but something has to be done.

...Kiritsugu is dangerous, Issei. No matter what happens, do not doubt that for a moment.

I'm going to be careful.

You misunderstand. I don't want you involved, period.

I might not be Saber's lover or her left hand, but we're friends.

We are, which is why I don't want you any more involved than necessary. I can't predict Kiritsugu's actions, and I don't know how much worse things could get if I am in fact right about what's going on.