like that star, burning away

Out comes a low whistle. “ I think I heard about that in passing. Don’t know too much about ‘em though. ” Truthfully he can’t recall if any of the Servants he’s met have mentioned such a thing yet. Bad memory and all that. Although maybe this one would feel more inclined to elaborate.

“ Mhm. Seems like this place tends t’ drag ‘em in every so often. I’ve only met a couple, but I’m pretty sure there’s plenty more out around the island. ” And there’s probably way more still to come. “ A’ight then. Considering you’re a Servant and all I’m gonna have to decline that little offer of yours. Can’t say I really like the idea of you beating my ass that easily. Doubt a handicap would do much t’ help either. ”

Lancer chuckled. True. This guy knew. 

“Well, after seeing ya lift all that I thought you’d manage. You see...” He looked up, that same honestly crossing the slit red eyes. 

“This city reduces our magic, we’re not that strong. I think my phone says I’m now considered a ‘dwarf’, whatever that means. I think it’s like the classification, like when they talk about top tier servants n’ all that. Mage stuff.”

He pointed at his chest with his thumb, that eagerness for a battle never fading, even if it was just a fistfight. 

“He is a singular. God. Anyone else is a false idol.”

Did he have to be friendly? Had he been rude, it would have been so much easier to kick him out without regret. Booting someone politely seeking sanctuary was highly frowned upon.

“There’s a blanket over there in that closet if you need it.” Not answering his question, but polite enough.

Oh man. This girl was certainly protective of her god. Sometimes he had a hard time remembering the names of the countless Celtic deities and their children, the faeries and ancestors. Cult stuff was hard stuff. That’s why it really hurt when he saw himself as a “druid priest-like” despite the fact he died it all.

“Hey! That’s very kind of you, Rider!” Cu grinned and casually reached for her shoulder, wrapping an arm around her.

“So you’re a guardian who offers shelter to the lost travelers.” He tried to draw her closer. A warm company was better than a towel in that cold weather.

          HE   learned nothing. Not a single thing. 

          She’s loathe to admit it, but… The smile that creeps once more along painted lips is sincere. Aggressive or passive, there’s something to be said for simple men. Hands that had been buried deep in the folds of her cloak come to rest on her hips instead, occasionally waving about as she speaks.   ❛   I wonder if I learned anything at all myself… Hmhm. One can only hope we’d have more energy to rely on than this city provides before any future War breaks out — or I would have little need to wonder who I should align myself with.   ❜

          Caster cants her head to the side, studying him beneath the relative safety of her hood. A simple man, but a perceptive man… Not a terrible Servant to run into this early.   ❛   My goal was to have far more than an Archer on my side, mind you… But you know what they say about best-laid plans. Had they all been more receptive, that War would have ended sooner than your Master could blink. … But enough of that. How long have you been in this place, Lancer ?  You have the look of a man on a hard-earned vacation, not a captive.   ❜

Oh, she smiled Lancer caught that. It was nice to make girls smile, even if the said girl was the spirit of an ancient witch loathed by her kingdom. 

“Oh, right. You had that Saber girl. She was tough.” Lancer grinned, red eyes lighting up with the memory. The duel they had under the moonlight had been one of the most challenging he had ever faced, and he had to admit it. 

“True. I’ve been here for quite a while. A year or so I guess. Y’know, life just goes on. For us, feels like a gift from the Grail. Life for the dead.” And he had the opportunity to make a sort of contract with the Tohsaka ojou-san. So one way or another, things were looking pretty good.

             ❛   … A shame indeed.   ❜

       DARK   lips twitch slightly, caught somewhere between a smirk and a frown. He’s a simple man, that much is clear — and it isn’t necessarily an insult. He speaks with simplicity, and it lends him an air of sincerity. … Of course, she once thought Archer’s blunt nature lent itself to honesty, too. Sometimes she can’t help but wonder if she’s truly learned anything at all about men… 

             ❛   I wouldn’t say I trusted him completely… But I’ll admit it’s a fool’s errand to keep someone with projectiles at arm’s length. Haha— !   ❜   Her laughter bursts forth, but it doesn’t sound incredibly sincere; it almost seems to end a beat too early, a stilted and unnatural end.   ❛   It isn’t a mistake I am keen on repeating… And you ?  Any lessons learned from this fascinating war ?   ❜

Women like her were like foxes, and his failed love stories had taught him quite a bit. For a beast-like warrior like him, that twitch in her shadowed lips was enough to tell one or two things. 

“The guy was an ass. He never played fair like a man, but eh. You didn’t play fair either right?” Lancer looked up, that free-spirited grin radiant in the sunset. There was no resentment, he had played his part and died covered in his own blood. Shame his Master had not been a strong-willed woman but instead a cruel-hearted priest.

Out comes a rather loud and jovial laugh. It’s all in good nature of course. I mean how could he not find some sense of enjoyment in the prospect of fighting this man? Especially when he asked him so blunt yet eagerly.

“ Well god damn! Didn’t think you’d ask so soon. ” he replies. “ Shit, man. How could I refuse when ya look that friggin’ excited about it, hahaha. ”

However, it’s at the mention of his name that the Boss’s enthusiasm immediately stops. There’s something far more interesting at play now. Something he wishes to get to the bottom of if the other man happens to be kind enough to inform him. Though considering certain information that the Boss is already well aware of, this Lancer over here might play hardball.

“ Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold up a second. Did you just say your name was Lancer? ” he begins. “ Huh. Now that’s interesting. Tell me, would ya mind answering a question? Don’t think it should be too much of an issue, but…. ”

“ You wouldn’t happen to be a Servant now, would you? ”

“Ah, so you’re honest enough to read a warrior’s heart. Yeah, I’m all up for it.” The smile stretched radiantly. 

But then, those red eyes narrowed, both hands up as if he was completely clean. 

“ I guess it is pretty abnormal to see this, huh? ” Of course it is. While history has proven that some humans could perform quite ridiculous feats, there’s never really been a case of a man pulling the same kinds of stunts that the Boss has.

And if there was, then they sure as hell didn’t live to tell the tale.

“ You asking if I fight? Occasionally I guess! Not like it’s something I do constantly. ” This was an outright lie. “It’s more for fun, y’know? ” A half truth, but this gentleman didn’t need to know of this bastard’s passion for the art. Not to mention his bloodlust.

“Oh?” Lancer looked up, the grin clear in his face. Those feral red eyes seemed to light up with the idea. “I’d fight ya for this right, shame we’ll get in trouble. But the challenge stands for later.” His head tilted to the side as if sentencing the idea, earrings bouncing against his cheek. 

The thought was thrilling, and he was always up for getting into a fight. He simply enjoyed them.

“So what do you say, eh? Seems you’re strong enough. The name’s Lancer.”

♐ ] Yep, still as dumb as ever. Looking back, he definitely should’ve just walked out the room when he had the chance. Then again, Archer liked this job. Enough he’d tolerate this idiot. Leaning back and trying really hard not to groan, eyes would roll away. “No. I’m more than capable of putting you in your place. I just don’t want to get fired.”

Some things weren’t worth it, and he was one of them. Even if his mere presence was irritating. “Either order something, or take off. This place is for customers, not free loaders. Or would you rather I toss you out myself?” It could be arranged, if he tests him.

““Tch’“, Lancer’s grin sharped. “Now you’re askin’ me to choose between mead and fightin’.” Then, that gaze fell to a heavy-lidded stare. “Always findin’ your way, huh? I’ll take the mead this time. We can sort the rest at the backstreet later. Looks like you’re pretty lost with your freedom now. You even left the ojou-san on her own.”

That was the perfect moment to throw a spear or two.

Outta left field comes this blue-haired man with an all-too familiar accent. Never seen him before around here, then again this gym wasn’t exactly the kind of place the Boss tended to frequent. Guess he was aching to do whatever his routine might be on one of these bench presses, though given how the Boss practically took every weight used for the damn thing this guy was gonna have to wait.

“ Hmm. Suppose so! ” he replies back, a smile forming on that face of his before he sets the barbells down.

“ Can’t say I find it to be that stimulating for little ol’ me, but hey, whatever gets the blood pumping and keeps me active I guess! ”

This time he looked like a human, the typical white t-shirt now that his favourite Hawaiian shirt was hanging from a nearby apparatus. Clearly winter wasn’t a problem for him.

“Oh? That’s a way of puttin’ it. Though I admit I’m surprised to see a human carrying that weight.” He had not sensed any magical energy belonging to a servant. Perhaps his perception was dulled by his limited strength, but this could prove entertaining the least.

It had been over a month since the Boss’s little venture into the Mistwood for that long-form training montage of his. The things he had learned under the guidance of one Ragna T. Bloodedge had been time well spent—so much valuable information and experiences that he would take to heart in order to improve himself.

And while it would be quite a while before the two would head out to some other location to continue their work, under supervision this time, the Boss knew for a fact that he would need to keep his body in proper form as to not lose out on what had been built up during September.

But while a gym has proven to be a good place to go for people looking to do the standard when it comes to exercising and the like, what the Boss considers to be ‘standard’ for him involves boulders being tossed at him and wrestling with wild animals.

How none of that has killed him is anyone’s guess.

“ Y’all sure you don’t have any more weights? ” he calls out from the bench press he’s currently operating, which is already carrying far more weights than any sane person would actually use. Oh how fun life must be to apparently have a monstrous amount of strength for practically no good reason.

“Uh?” Lancer looked up, distracted from the weights he had greedily stacked. If there weren’t many left around the gymnasium, it was clearly his fault. Or perhaps it was that one guy’s fault there weren’t any others he could add to his own. 

“Hn”, a grin curved on his lips, amused, exposing his almost feral canines. 

“So it’s you the one who’s been hoggin’ them, eh?” Cú rose between the busy residents, the poor guys who had been almost completely excluded from the strange dispute.

She hadn’t expected him to respond, so she stood in momentary pause. She had no reason to hear him out, but supposed she might as well. In this scene, with her wish fulfilled by the Grail at her side– what was the harm?

Boredom, he spoke of; Medb allowed a soft, wry smile to highlight her features. Perhaps boredom was on of the few things that could harm a Servant, aside from beings of a similar disposition. He was right, as much as she loathed to acknowledge it. A short exhale was all she would give him in response for now, as it appeared he somehow had even more to say.

Even now, he was so infuriatingly durable. He was like a cockroach, she thought.

“…”

A king– did she actually need one of those? Did Connacht? Her lips pursed into a thin line, but such an expression was soon replaced by a forced smile.

“You’re a dead warrior, one that is unnecessary to me.”

“Stop saying such stupid things. Connacht only needs me, and with this Grail I’ll revive my country into something eternally beautiful.”

She was far too stubborn to listen to the suggestions of a dying man, didn’t he know that by now?

 Cú inwardly cursed, that place only served Medb’s plans. She was victorious, her will and whims absolute..., and he was just a dying man at her feet.

‘Dammit’, his thoughts hissed again. What sort of proud warrior would die helplessly in a pool of his own blood? 

“I guess I won’t be able to keep killin’ your men,” his eyes closed,  the inevitability of the situation made him smile, lips curved, accepting defeat just like he had millennia ago, tied to a cairn stone. 

That went over better than she expected and because of that, she can’t help but feel proud of herself for it. “I’m glad that we seem to have an understanding then, Lancer.” While she had never been fully aware of the sort of rivalry the two servants had with one another, she finds it amusing that Lancer is so very convinced that he can do a much better job at whatever Archer does. Still, this would prove to be beneficial to both of them. She wouldn’t have him regretting agreeing to become her partner.

“I keep him around because it suits me.” She looks down at the seals on her hand, now. Though Archer had not made a point to visit her often, they served as a reminder that whenever she needed him, he was always going to be there for her. “I do, yes. Who can say what he’s doing right now, honestly…I haven’t felt the need to check up on him considering he seems to be enjoying his free time. That’s why I thought it good to form this partnership with you.”

“We are partners from now on though, yes. Though I don’t really hold any real authority over you and of course you’re doing this out of your own free will. I’ll make sure you won’t regret it.”

Lancer nodded in return.  If he’d have to fight along with Archer, it was something he’d deal with in the future. 

“I’ve also made my way ‘round this town. There’s stuff to do but I’ve been aching for a fight, just doesn’t work we know it, which is kinda good n’ bad at the same time.”

So the red Archer was still bound by command spells? That was an interesting detail. Opposed to his own “new contract” which was completely free.

“So tell me, what ya have in mind? Are you curious about the workings of this city? Magic, servants and all that? I’ve seen a lot of weird people around using magic and magic artifacts. Hell, you even have this shop open to the public. Magic isn’t a secret anymore. The rules of the war are gone”. Yes. They could finally fight freely without having to worry about silencing the witnesses.

A gym they said? Yeah, that was how modern warriors trained, sort of. A pity it looked so civilized and safe. How they’d learn to become stronger if nothing could kill them? Perhaps find another worthy opponent (or sparring buddy) there would be the greatest challenge of all. 

For the time being, he had been punished to be a somewhat average human, so he’d have to adapt. Again. And now that it was clear the bastard red Archer was in town, he’d have to keep up.

The day at the London Fog had been a busy one, and the evening quickly fell into the autumn streets of the city, wet with drizzle. 

The gym was brightly lit, flashy neon inviting the passersby inside. Strong individuals depicted all around the hall. Good, it looked like a place that took pride in their champions, or whoever they were. 

Lancer grinned, cig still pressed between his lips as he dropped it in the ashtray by the entrance. The bag holstered over his shoulder still had his waiter uniform, he didn’t need any special clothes for this. After all, in the past, he had trained and fought almost naked.

    ✦ She thought a bit on his words, but they really didn’t convince her after all. “ Free? I wonder about that… Even if I never longed for this kind of freedom. “ Right, the freedom of death was what she would have preferred. Instead she woke up on a strange island with a giant hole that she is too tired to deal with.

    “ What did you say…? Someone who is you, but isn’t you? An alternate… “ This better not end up being two lazy good-for-nothings. But how he spoke of this second one sounded promising… She would like to meet that one too then. Hands found her hips, still in full scolding-mother-mode.

    “ Very well, it can’t be helped then. You know even a wooden spear can kill a God when wielded by one with strength. It is not the spear that lends you strength, but your own self. Thus you must train. Thus I must train. “ So she might be fiercer than ever before. What a mess.

True, the Queen of the Shadowlands was a prisoner of her own vows. He’d never seen her regret it, which only made her feel stronger in his eyes. Ah, perhaps this time would allow them to duel so he could show her what he had learned in his previous and unsuccessful Grail Wars. The whole idea was terrible, and that was why it was so good.

His smile persisted despite the small thorn about that ‘alternate’. “So you’re commin’ over then. I’ll grab food and get ready! Uh, I dunno if you’ll like the mead of this city. Modern beer isn’t like the stuff of legends.” But then he glanced aside trying to push away the darkened though. The smile had faded like a setting sun. He couldn't hide things from her, she’d know either way.