"Forget it, just think of it as if you've taken a hostage," sighed Shinji internally, suspecting Rider might have some natural airheadedness.
Just as he finished complaining in his mind, Shinji noticed something was off.
Why was Lancer so close behind them? Only thirty meters away? He couldn't shake him off?
Rider had A-ranked agility, and a Command Spell-restricted Lancer shouldn't be able to keep up.
Unless they've fought before!
Have you fought Lancer before?
Rider subtly nodded in acknowledgment.
Shinji was silent for a moment, then wearily sent another telepathic message.
"Fine, fine, just drop me. Even though both of you have A-ranked agility, you have the advantage in average speed, but carrying someone makes it difficult. Besides, that guy's stamina and burst speed surpass yours, and if this drags on, he'll catch up."
Drop you? Rider was puzzled. From such a height and speed, drop you...
Sensing Rider's hesitation, Shinji continued, "Don't worry, Lancer won't let me die. We have a bond of manly friendship! Besides, only by doing this can you find a chance to shake him off completely!"
Rider was still hesitant.
"Hurry up! Otherwise, there's no way to explain this!"
The volume of the telepathic message seemed louder this time, which made Rider feel a bit indignant.
What are you shouting for? Just because you're my (self-proclaimed) Master, doesn't mean you can be so harsh!
After a second of contemplation, Rider released Shinji without any hesitation.
As Shinji fell, watching Rider above him, he remained silent. Two seconds later, he cursed inwardly: Couldn't you throw me backward? What if he doesn't catch me?!
"Finally caught up."
On a rooftop, Lancer landed with Shinji.
"You sure are unlucky, kid. Not once, but twice dragged into a war that's not yours."
After setting Shinji down, Lancer checked his condition.
Lancer says I'm unlucky?
For some reason, Shinji felt quite insulted.
But this guy is reliable, always there when needed.
"Lost a bit of blood, but with your constitution, there's no immediate danger."
As Lancer stood, he seemed to report to someone and then looked toward the direction Rider had fled. "Still, that woman's ruthless, using any means to escape, even taking you as a hostage."
Shinji: Who knows what she's thinking.
Shinji couldn't imagine that in Rider's mind, he had become her true Master, though an annoying one.
About five minutes later, Rin and Shirou arrived on the rooftop where Shinji was.
At 3 AM, outside Fuyuki Church.
Having just left the church, his face still pale, Shinji refused Shirou's offered hand and noticed Rin's troubled expression.
"You..."
Rin began but was interrupted by Shinji, "How's Mitsuzuri?"
Is this the time to be concerned about others? Rin grumbled inwardly but answered, "She's fine. I took her home. She'll sleep until morning without any problem."
"Good," Shinji nodded slightly and started to leave without waiting for Rin's next words.
"Wait a minute!"
Rin couldn't hold back her anger any longer and called after Shinji.
Shirou, remembering something, spoke up, "Shinji, you did all this for Mitsuzuri, didn't you?"
"Too tired. Going home to sleep," Shinji yawned, waving his hand without turning back. "Good night, night owls."
Seeing Shinji's attitude, Rin got even angrier, her fists clenched tight.
"You—"
"Take care of yourself first, Twin-Tails."
Seeing Shinji glance at her with his hands in his pockets, Rin was so angry she laughed.
"You've got the nerve to talk about others?"
Shinji didn't reply but sighed, signaling Rin to notice Saber standing nearby.
After a moment of thought, Rin understood Shinji's meaning: there's still an enemy from the Holy Grail War present! A moment's carelessness could be deadly!
Despite feeling a bit warmer from his concern, Rin's pride made her cross her arms and turn away with a haughty humph.
Understanding the situation, Shirou spoke up, "Don't worry, Shinji. Tohsaka and I agreed to work together to deal with Caster. Our alliance will last at least until we handle Caster."
Huh?
Shinji was taken aback. Had they shared information about Caster while he was being treated by Kirei?
It was as he expected; Rin had noticed the possibility of Caster having an ally and knew it was impossible to defeat Caster alone.
Still, he was surprised. Given Rin's personality, he thought she'd try to take Saber for herself first. Had she changed?
On second thought, Shinji realized Rin might have noticed Shirou's firm sense of justice and felt reluctant to act against him, opting to cooperate instead.
From this perspective, Rin wasn't influenced by her father's inhumane side of being a mage. She still had a lot to learn.
"Rin, it's confirmed. There's more than one."
Archer's voice sounded as he appeared before them.
"Let's discuss that later," Rin said, then looked at Shinji with some annoyance and impatience. "Let's get him home first."
"No need. I'd rather go back on my own. Seeing your face doesn't help me sleep."
Shinji waved dismissively and started to leave.
Seeing Shinji's attitude, Rin's clenched fists tightened further, and veins bulged on her forehead. Before she could explode, Shirou quickly interjected.
"Tohsaka, I'll take Shinji home."
"Humph!"
Rin crossed her arms and turned away with a heavy humph, effectively giving her consent. Then she reminded them.
"And about Caster, we need to discuss our plans. Let's meet at school tomorrow."
"Hmm?" Saber frowned. "Shouldn't we strike now that we've found the enemy?"