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]

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?