18 Figh (1/2)

After some times, they arrived in front of the forest bordering Einzbern castle. There was Lancer waiting for them, leaning calmly beside a tree.

”Yo. You're all really slow. I heard that damn Archer wants to kill that boy, you may go with your girlfriend and Saber. But you and that Berserker, need to stay behind.” Lancer was speaking nonchalantly to them.

”Wha..wha..what..do you mean Shirou's girlfriend? Nee, Shirou, explain to him, we are just a cooperative partner aren't we.” Tohsaka blushed, looking at Emiya half-hoping half-worriedly.

”...”

”If you're silent like that, then we will look like a..a couple, Shirou.” Tohsaka was crouching down as she mumbled in a low voice, though she seemed happy seeing Emiya's silence.

”Why are you halting us here, Lancer? Do you think you can take me and Berserker alone? You are really underestimating me, Lancer.” Saber asked him sharply.

”Nah, it is just my Master's order. He said that I must prevent that strange magus and new Berserker from interfering with Archer's fight. He even uses a command spell for me to kill that magus. So, don't mistake me for deliberately hindering you, Saber.”

”Hmm, so this is it. Then I and Berserker will stay behind. Leave Lancer to me, I want to fight him after all. You all go ahead first, Emiya-san, Tohsaka-san and Saber.” After Rafi said that, Emiya, Tohsaka and Saber looked at each other. Knowing the difference of battle experience between Rafi and Lancer, they couldn't help feeling worried for Rafi. Even Saber who found Rafi an annoyance, worried for him, as she was inherently a kind and righteous girl.

”Don't just stay here, first solve Archer and Emiya's problem first. I will catch up with you all after solving Lancer here. Besides, I am also with Berserker here.” Rafi said rather harshly as they were still waiting for him. After hearing his words, they were nodding at each other before hurriedly went to Einzbern castle, leaving Rafi and Berserker alone.

”Ho ho kid, you're pretty confident aren't cha. But my spear always takes lives if used, you're better not boasting shamelessly like that.”

”Likewise.” Rafi took out Gungnir from his Inventory, stunned Lancer on the spot.

”That spear...is Gungnir. Hmm, it is not a Noble Phantasm, it is a real weapon. Just like her, huh.” Lancer reminisced his previous Master while he readied his Gáe Bolg, as he looked at Gungnir seriously.

'Berserker, please find Kirei around here. I believe he might be watching me somewhere near here. Kill him for me please. Then, let's fight, Lancer.' Rafi said telepstically to Berserker, using a connection between Master and Servant. Rafi then activated EMS and properly stored his heart in Kamui dimension. Minamoto no Yorimitsu was against her Master decision at first, but seeing his firm stance and fiery eyes filled with battle lust, she revealed a gentle smile at him.

”Mn, take care, Rafi. I believe you can defeat him.” She said as she was leaving, scoured around the forest to look for Kirei.

”Heh, so serious since beginning, I am honored. Then, let's dance, kiddo.” Lancer smiled widely seeing Rafi activated his 'mystic eyes'. Thus their fight began.

It is a fortunate thing Rafi could have a spar with Saber before. His experience battling her helped him to fight off some of Lancer's spear attacks. As times went on, Lancer's attacks began to break through his defense, left him in a sorry state with blood all over him, but there were no wounds could be seen on him. Alhough he had no wounds due to his {High-ranked Regeneration}, but his stamina was still wearing out for a prolonged fight with Lancer.

Clang, clang.

”Kid, you really are disappointment for holding that spear. If your skills is just like this, you will not be going past me today.” After some times fighting, Lancer was disappointed seeing Rafi's fighting skills.

”Heh heh, don't be so smug, Lancer. I admit that my battle experience is severely lacking. But fightung you make a nice battle training for me. Even if you wish to kill me, you aren't even able to kill me for some times are you, Lancer.” Rafi said as he gasped for breath.

”Your skills indeed are getting better as we fight. But, kiddo, do you think spearplay is that easy to master? If you think like that, looks like I need to kick it up a notch. Be prepared kid, as I am not serious before this.” Lancer'eyes flashed a cold light in that instant. As he prepared new stance, Rafi could felt something about Lancer felt more dangerous. Eventhough nothing can be seen from outside, but Rafi sensed some things inside Lancer seemed have changed.