We both break free if we make it on top

[god_damned]

WHO: Kirei Kotomine and Lancer
WHERE: The dojo Kirei frequents.
WHEN: Tonight-ish I guess.
WARNINGS: Kirei being Kirei. Violence???
SUMMARY: What kind of Master spars with his Servant?
FORMAT: Actionspam.


[ Routine is something essential. Kirei does not train out of vanity, or any obsessive sense of self defense. At a time, it was a form of penance: making his body a vessel of divine judgment for God's will, a tool to be used by the Holy Church. Although he has passed that state of mind, the practice is ritualistic at this point.

It is also cathartic, in its way, when his mind is otherwise consumed.

He has not been training long enough to work up a sweat, so his shirt remains on his back. Under his sleeve, the Command Spells seem to hum with energy, and he stills his defensive posture. He is not alone, and it is not the Servant which has been occupying his mind -- in fact, it is the other. ]

I know you're there.

Comments

[lucke]

[Ambivalence always left a bitter taste in Lancer's mouth. As he climbed the steps to the rustic looking dojo it was clear his master was inside Though not as potent as it was in the Grail War, their pact still made sensing one another's presence easy within a certain proximity.

As effortless as it would have been to simply enter the grounds in spirit form, it was much more soothing to climb each step individually on his approach. Not to mention it gave him time to think.

Life in the city had become an unexpected treat, so much so in fact it was enough to put the though of Kirei and his pact out of mind. Which made dealing with him so much more tedious.

But he did, after all, have his uses.

Instead of his usual flamboyant entrances, he opened the the door politely, but not without purpose.]

Oye Kirei. Who gave you permission to leave the church?

[god_damned]

[ Kirei turns to face Lancer, tilting his head slightly as he observes him. ]

I was not aware that I needed permission. A Servant, on the other hand... or should I say: a dog... usually requires the grace of its Master.

[ It has crossed his mind to limit Lancer's mobility with a Command Spell. However, that would become increasingly problematic. ]

What brings you here, Hound of Ulster? Does the City not provide you with enough men to sate your lust for blood?

[lucke]

[Lancer gives a throaty sound of exasperation in response to Kirei's nip.]

Calm yourself, Kotomine. I was only joking. [Although if Kirei never left his church few, Lancer doubted, would complain.

Leaning on the door frame, he returned his masters look with a mirrored tilt of his head, but a playful smirk in spite.]

But perhaps I should be asking -you- the same thing?

[god_damned]

Oh? [ His tone betrays amusement. ] Do you think me such a beast? You are still unfamiliar with your Master.

[ Kirei returns to his stance, performing a steady practice of movements: stretching and loosening his body. These are calm, fluid motions, which do not betray the ferocity of his chosen art. ]

Unlike yourself, I am still a man.

[lucke]

HA! [The laugh is so abrupt its almost startling ]

Yeah, enjoy that while it lasts...

[Again the sobering thought stream trickled into his head, stunting his statement and softening his face.

Who exactly was this Kirei? No saint, that was painfully obvious. But was he indeed the same monster as the Kirei ten years his senior?

Quickly shrugging it off, Lancer shook his head and began pacing about the building as the moment quickly passes.]

But let's not do the whole 'Im from your future' song and dance again. [Sighing as he watches Kirei's movements out of the corner of his eye.]

You don't seem vert keen on believing what I have to say anyways. So I guess we just live in the moment.

[god_damned]

[ The first comment earns Lancer a questioning glance, but Kirei does not remark on it. Instead, he continues with his routine, his hands stretching smoothly in front of him. ]

Is that your philosophy on life, Hound of Ulster? To live in the moment?

[ Kirei's once languid motions suddenly become quick and powerful: he moves forward with a series of short jabs, fists and elbows striking forward. It is a short exercise, and when he finishes he presses his hands together again, like a prayer, as he regards his Servant. ]

How well does that serve you?

[lucke]

Its either that or live in the past. And for some of us, that's a more involved process.

[Lancer watches Kirei going through his routine with genuine, yet guarded interest as the priest flows through his motions. A flicker of amusement crosses Lancer's face as the steady stream of fluid motions violently explodes into the final set.

Despite being Kirei's pact partner in the future... or at least one of them as it would seem, Lancer spent a comparatively small amount of time with him. And in that time Kirei never demonstrated a knack for the martial arts.

But the bastard was full of surprises, wasn't he?]

So this is your place, huh?

[god_damned]

That is an odd thing to say, considering you are a relic of a time long past. [ Kirei remarks as he adjusts the sleeves around his wrists. ] You cannot help living in the past; it is your nature.

I frequent this dojo, but I cannot claim any ownership.

[ Kirei drops his pose as he turns himself to face Lancer. He does not step off of the mats, nor lose any of his focus. ]

I ask again: is there something you require? I very much doubt you came here simply to observe.

[lucke]

Hmh. Typical. [Lancer shakes his head, stopping opposite of Kirei on the mat.]

All you magi are the same. You still see us Servants as mere puppets. Is it so hard for you to understand that I was once human, just like you? [Gestures] And isn't it reasonable that, if everyone I've ever known has died and all my accomplishments mean nothing anymore, I tend to look to the hear and now instead?

[He puts his hands on his hips and shrugs.] I don't even know why I'm telling you this. I guess maybe I thought you'd understand. What with living with your servant for ten years. You came to know him fairly well, didn't you?

[It was a bold bluff. But one carefully thought out, based on the details other Grail War participants had supplied him with. Kirei had a second servant. And this second Archer was the only unaccounted for servant in the grail war. Not to mention there were other details like Shinji and Kirei working together. Shinji suddenly gets a mystery servant. It just fit.]

[god_damned]

[ When Lancer stands opposite of him, Kirei smiles, and he returns to his defensive stance. Yes, it's an invitation and a challenge in one -- although his stern posture wavers a little on what Lancer says next. ]

Oh?

[ Kirei cocks his head, his eyes narrowing a little. ] You seem to be speaking very adamantly, all of a sudden.

What brought this on, Lancer?

[lucke]

[The evasion and lack of denial was enough to cinch it for Lancer, causing a wry smirk to twist his mouth. Gilgamesh HAD been his servant.]

You know, forget it. I'm just letting myself get worked up over a few careless words. [As if accepting the challenge, Lancer squares off against his master. Though his posture is still relaxed.] You're correct. I did come here for a reason. Several in fact.

Firstly[I'm one fluid motion, Lancer grasps the base of his shirt and flips it off over his head, letting fall to the floor. Leaving him naked from the waist up save for his dog tags and the circular scar over his heart.]

Do you think we're in any danger?

[god_damned]

[ Kirei arches a brow at that. He smiles, slowly, and he moves to the buttons of his own shirt, unfastening them. He undresses much more patiently than Lancer did with his own clothing. ]

That is a vague question. Do you mean from one another? Our contract prevents that -- in theory.

[ Kirei folds his shirt, setting it neatly aside. That done, he returns in front of Lancer: adopting his stance again. ]

But in the grand scheme of things? Most likely. Lachesis has proven that.

[lucke]

[The way Kirei discarded his cloths was irritating and overly formal to Lancer's more wordly eyes. For a brief moment he indulged in the daydream of walking over and tearing that shirt up right in front of his face.

But that wasn't really conducive to his visit. Maybe he can "accidentally" kick it across the room later...]

No you silly priest. From Gilgamesh.

[Hopefully the name drop will serve to drive his point home.

In stark contrast to Kirei's stoic, structured pose, Lancer suddenly begins floating on his feet. Bobbing back and forth rapidly on the balls of his feet, he flows first right then left and lifts his fists

--One out and the other tucked close to his chin in a brawler's stance.]

The man that kills you shows up in the city and you don't think to be worried?

[god_damned]

[ Gilgamesh.

His brows tighten slightly. Where Lancer bounces, restless and alight with energy, Kirei is still and composed. None of the Servant's bravado eggs him on. ]

Are you? I did not think you were concerned about my wellbeing, Lancer.

[ Kirei begins to circle his opponent, his motions slow and relaxed. Due to the bond of their gaess, Lancer cannot hurt him -- so his blows will be like those of an ordinary man, won't they? They will be evenly matched.

This will be interesting. ]

I have the situation under control.

[lucke]

Don't forget Kirei, you're not the only one with a stake in this. So forgive me if your ability to keep your servant in check are a bit suspect.

[Even though it's probably what Kirei wants, Lancer chances the first move. Though he can't use his superior servant attributes to harm Kirei, he can certainly use them to throw him off his guard.

Dipping, Lancer feigns right but suddenly flicks left faster than the eyes of most men could follow and seems to reappear on Kirei's flank.

Like pistons, the brawling beast's arms pumped in a one two succession.]

[god_damned]

Oh? My role as your Master does not sustain your existence in this place. My demise would not mean your own by association.

[ Kirei is expecting Lancer's approach, so he is ready for it. He moves with him, and the blows are dodged and blocked. He only retaliates a little, his own fist aiming for Lancer's ribs, before he backs away again. He will assault in full after a better sense of Lancer's form is set in his mind.

To attack him without knowing his full capacity would leave himself wide open. ]

Unless you believe there is reason for him to hunt you down as well, if not merely for a grudge.

[lucke]

Careful! [He grunts as he pivots to the side and away from the blow. It was only a testing blow and not meant him any damage, but he still won't let Kirei have the benefit of a hit if he can help it.]

That sounds dangerously like permission to stand around while you get cut down. [FORESHADOWING]

[Matching pace with Kirei, Lancer steps back then right back in leading with a low kick intended to distract Kirei and hopefully mess with his footing. Commiting to the action, he swings his right arm in then out in a face-level swipe.]

[god_damned]

You know that is not what I implied.

[ His tone is flat as he moves with Lancer. He can take a blow as easily as he can deliver one. The blow to his face connects, but not viciously, and Kirei takes the opening presented by that and drives his elbow into Lancer's abdomen. ]

Our bond is one of convenience, as you said. I do not expect for you to be protective of me.

[lucke]

HURK-! [Lancer staggers back, clutching at the smarting area and hissing through his teeth]...Convenient for whom?

[It was a skillfully delivered blow, and completely unexpected. Lancer had underestimated Kirei's resolve and discipline, never expecting him to just take his punch.

And he paid for it. How did Kirei hit that hard anyways? Magical reinforcing most likely. But something about that style, the way he connected with his blows... it was like they were designed to inflict as much internal damage as possible.

But even this damage was nothing more than an annoyance for the heroic spirit, who quickly regained his composure, albeit defensively. But that didn't mean he shouldn't be cautions.]

Well since you put it like that way. I have a bit of a proposition for you.

[god_damned]

Oh?

[ Kirei actually smiles a little, since his blow connected. Watching Lancer stumble is satisfying; his pride is injured as well. It isn't the norm that a Heroic Spirit can be bested by even a mediocre magus like himself. It must be humbling.

Kirei circles him again, waiting. ]

What would that be, Lancer?

It is late for you to begin alterations to our contract.

[lucke]

Hmph. [Even though the blow was little more than glancing, it was the satisfaction on Kirei's face that smarted the worst.

But it gave him an idea.]

You think I'd waste my time with something trivial like that? I'm trying to set up an event.

[As he speaks, he tosses a kick out to his side as a warning for Kirei to keep his distance. But he didn't stop there, diving in afterwards with a flurry of punches. If they hit, bonus, but they were purposefully reckless.

What he was actually trying to do was get a good sense of Kirei's fighting style. Taking a few hits in the process would actually be productive as it would embolden the martial priest.]

[god_damned]

An event?

[ He speaks after recovering himself. He manages to shove Lancer back with a harsh jab from his elbow, followed by a blow aimed towards his legs. Lancer's speed was assisting him here, but Kirei could compensate for that.

He matched Kiritsugu Emiya, who could alter time; he could match a speedy Servant just as well. ]

Explain.

[lucke]

[Fool him twice, Kirei. Even though the second elbow still connected, Lancer had been expecting this one and rolled his body with the motion of the attack. It still stings like a mofo but he is able to mitigate some of the internal bleeding on this one.

The fist glanced off his ribs but allowed Lancer to hook one arm around Kirei's offending limb. Unfortunately the priest kicked out as the servant tried to step in and their feet suddenly became entangled, tripping them both up.

Not exactly what he was going for, but it'll do.

Lancer swung himself up and over straddling the downed priest during the confusion, pinning his limbs beneath his own as he smiled down triumphantly at his prey. ]

Heh. I'm putting on a little festival for imports. And I'm looking for some volunteers.

[god_damned]

[ Kirei's eyes widened. He should have been able to predict what came next, he hadn't anticipated the tangle of their limbs, and he cannot fight the fall when Lancer drags Kirei down with him.

He hits the mat with a grunt, wincing only faintly, and he peered up at him with narrow eyes. He doesn't fight the pin; there would be no point. ]

Why would you ask me?