How is Shinji, who isn't even my Master, able to communicate with me like this?
Moreover, it's only one-way!
Does this mean there's some hidden contract channel between us?
That must be it!
It all makes sense now!
My previous suspicions were correct! This one-way communication channel left by Shinji is the proof!
I must be the mole Shinji planted, meant to turn on Bazett at a critical moment using this communication channel!
Shinji Matou, what do you take me for?
Was all your behavior, pretending not to treat me merely as a familiar, just a façade? Are you really just using me for your own goals?
If I hadn't discovered this today, would I have only found out this cruel truth at the last moment?
The more Rider thought about it, the more infuriated she became, and her resentment towards Shinji deepened.
And even if you intended to use me this way, you should have discussed it with me first!
Seeing Rider standing there silently and motionless, Shinji grew anxious and urged her telepathically again.
"What are you doing? Hurry up and bite! They're almost here!"
"Hmph!" Rider finally let out a heavy snort, bending her knee.
Whack!
"I meant bite me, dammit!"
Shinji slapped Rider's butt hard, internally cursing: It's only been two days, and your dietary habits have changed?
Feeling the sting on her rear, Rider felt wronged—wasn't this what you taught me?
She then moved towards Shinji's shoulder, sinking her sharp fangs into him hard!
As the sharp pain surged through Shinji, he was speechless.
It's just an act; do you have to bite so hard?
Hiss—!
Why are you sucking so intensely?
"Are you sucking too much? That's enough! This is just for show!"
Shinji transmitted again, but Rider seemed to ignore him, vigorously sucking his life-rich blood.
Rider's thinking was simple: since you're my Master (in her mind), it's my duty to draw magic from you.
In simple terms—I'll pretend I know nothing and cooperate with your plan, but don't think you can skimp on my payment!
Besides, this life-rich blood tastes amazing!
Delicious!
When Shirou approached and saw what was happening, rage exploded within him.
His unconscious, lifeless-looking friend, Shinji, was being drained by an unknown Servant who resembled a feeding predator.
A cold, crystalline woman emanating an icy aura that felt like a sharp blade at his throat!
"Shinji!"
Knowing the strange Servant was dangerous, Shirou still instinctively wanted to rescue Shinji, but Saber held him back.
Feeling sated, Rider stopped sucking, lifted her head, and licked the blood from her lips, wasting none of it.
"Servant, Rider." Rider flatly introduced herself.
"Let him go!" Shirou demanded.
"Is he your friend?" Rider asked calmly.
"Yes! Just let him go! He's only a normal person!"
Shirou shouted, not realizing Rider's question was directed at Shinji, who was pretending to be unconscious.
"Enough. Even though Saber's current stats might not match yours, if Shirou uses a Command Spell, you might not win easily. Just leave already."
Shinji telepathically urged Rider to leave, but she misinterpreted it as Shinji underestimating her.
Irritated, she felt the need to prove herself. What part of me is inferior to Saber?
Ignoring Shinji's plea, Rider gently placed Shinji against the wall, then summoned her weapons.
She intended to show her strength.
"What the hell are you doing??"
Seeing Rider ready for battle, Shinji was shocked. Asking her to leave was for her own good, why was she drawing her weapons instead? Isn't Bazett's plan to act in the shadows and gather information? Why isn't she following her Master's plan?
"Shirou, stay back."
Saber, now fully armored and gripping her invisible sword, took a defensive stance.
Clink, clink...
The sound of chains marked Rider's resolve to fight. Shinji knew he couldn't stop her; he wasn't even her real Master.
The telepathic urging ceased, and Rider, believing Shinji had given silent approval, licked her lips...
Let me show my worth a bit.
With that thought, Rider finally attacked!
Clink, clink!!
However, just as her chains began to dance and she barely moved, Rider sensed her barrier being breached!
Other Servants were coming!
Not just one!
At the same time, Saber sensed this too, turning to guard both Rider and the alley entrance.
"Saber?" Shirou asked tentatively.
"More are coming, Lancer and Archer."
"What?"
In the narrow alley, four Servants, two Masters, and the prostrate Shinji were now packed together.
Archer, Lancer, and Saber formed a tense triangle, wary of each other and Rider.
None of the Servants moved, creating an eerily silent standoff.
Surprisingly, the Masters—Rin and Shirou—both stared worriedly at the lifeless Shinji.
I told you to leave earlier...
Shinji was exasperated, unsure how to break the stalemate. Fighting was impossible now, but who knew how long this would drag on.
How to break the deadlock?
Shinji began contemplating his next move. If they couldn't break it, this standoff might last until dawn.
Especially Lancer—why was he here? Wasn't he supposed to be partying with his VIP card (credit card) at the nightclub? Did he get bored?
And shouldn't that twin-tail girl and Archer be investigating Caster?
Are they all just so free?
"Young lady, and Saber's Master," Lancer spoke first, pointing his spear at Rider. "I have a personal grudge with that woman. And I promised to look after that blue-haired kid, so you better stay out of it!"
"Hmph!"
Archer crossed his arms, maintaining his usual aloofness.
"???"
Shirou, utterly confused, quickly retorted: "What do you mean you're looking after him? Don't joke around! You wanted to kill Shinji before! I won't believe you!"
"In my time, it's common for men to bond through combat! I like that blue-haired kid. It's called the camaraderie of men!"
"I don't believe—"
"Alright, Emiya-kun." Rin, holding her forehead in frustration, interrupted Shirou. "I know about the situation between Lancer and Shinji. Let's trust Lancer for now."