Fate/Outer Code: Type-Andromeda (Nasuverse x OP!Male Reader)

SN Chapter 18: Converging Paths

Shinto, Fuyuki City

Through a dark forest, two figures rushed at inhuman speeds as they made it up the hill.

Archer did his best to enjoy the relative quietness as he and Rider neared the church, where several outcomes were indeed waiting for them, most of them very unpleasant.

He appreciated the silence, as he was sure Rider - whom he assumed was the only Servant who had a modicum of sanity remaining - wanted a break from all that nonsense at the Sajyou Residence. 

She was sure to be a reliable aid against the upcoming battle. Her Strength and Agility were two ranks above his own. Unsurprising, with her legend being very well-known across the world.

Leaping from a branch, they landed just outside the church's gates. In an unusual yet expected fashion, there was already someone standing on these desolate grounds.

???: I wanna guess that you both are here on straight business. I've had enough of overpowered comedians for one Grail War.

Lancer stood in front of the church, having no idea how much Archer resonated with that last sentence on a spiritual and existential level.

Lancer: Well, you look like you've got a stick a mile up your ass and the lady could give one of those automatons a run for their money. Just my luck.

Rider didn't so much as react to the remark. Knowing that reinforcements would be on their way, Archer figured he should talk a bit to stall for time.

Yes, it was to stall for time. Definitely not because he desperately wanted to talk to an actually sane individual. Not at all.

Archer: I'm going to assume you're here on the priest's behalf.

Lancer: Pft, not even. It's a Command Seal, and he's got an abundance of those, that prick. I'd take this kind of job for free, but at this point, I'm willing to throw a fight just to screw over that guy.

Archer: You'd betray your Master, just like that?

Lancer: Yeah, I wouldn't betray my real Master, not a goddamn asshole. That aside, who the hell are you supposed to be? An Archer that uses swords? A Rider that doesn't have a mount?

Archer: You're saying this while being a Lancer that doesn't use a lance.

Lancer: Yeah, well, I'm about to run this spear straight into your hearts, so it gets the job done. Hope you've made peace with yourself, buddy.

Archer: I am not your "buddy", man.

Lancer: I'm not your "man", guy.

He caught himself as he felt Medusa's sealed, yet very judgemental, gaze on him. Damn, was the tendency to derail into stupid tangents an airborne disease or something?

Lancer: Bah, we're wasting time here. None of us are walking away until the other party's dead, so go ahead and try your luck.

Given that literally all of the Servants present in the church boasted E-Rank Luck, Archer did not want to leave anything up to chance. Then again, this timeline was as unpredictable as it could be, so he didn't stress over it more than necessary.

Rider seemed to take that dare as the beginning of the battle. The chains linking her weapons rattled as the gorgon crouched low as if she was about to pounce on her prey. 

Lancer: That's more like it. Come on!

Rider blurred. Archer moved. Lancer grinned. 

Rider moved like a bullet as she raised a nail at Lancer's side, but the spearman saw it coming and smoothly blocked the offending weapon with his on. He was about to counterattack, but Rider had already made her retreat.