Chapter Text
It was like a scene from a dream.
She fell back, exhausted, but mesmerized nonetheless.
Her golden hair swayed with the wind that emerged into the room, along with the figure in front of her.
Rapunzel’s voice died down, as her eyes could only focus on what was before her.
"Your summoning call has been answered." A woman's voice, cold and indifferent… yet so beautiful.
The woman turned to face her, and in turn took her breath away.
Her straight and confident stance, her red cape and her white shining armor, with a sun symbol on the shoulder. Then there were her eye… her hazel eyes.
Something about them shook her to the core. The sadness and longing in them, the way they spoke a thousand words… betrayed the tone of her voice.
When their eyes met, Rapunzel knew that this sight would be burned into her memory.
"I ask of you, are you my master?"
-Prologue-
~Hours earlier~
Beep….beep…
"Five more minutes…"
Beep...beep...beep…
"Ugh." Rapunzel rolled to her left, groaning as she shut down the alarm. She was exhausted, having slept late because she was researching.
She pushed herself up, taking in the sight of her messy room. She ran her hand through her hair, and with a smile, she jumped out of bed.
"Today is the day!" She chuckled to herself, and pulled away the curtains, letting the sunlight fill the room. She turned to her Chameleon pet, Pascal, who was stretching. "Good morning Pascal!"
Pascal squealed in excitement. She giggled and kissed him.
"Isn't it exciting? Today is the day!" She said, but her pet clinged to her in worry. She sighed, and gently poked his face. “I know this is dangerous Pascal, But I can’t fail Mother. I have to make her proud. This is the moment she has been waiting for all of her life… She is counting on me.” She then looked at the clock on her nightstand, and shrugged. “Classes come first, though.”
And so, a new day has begun.
Rapunzel got all dressed up and prepared for the day. She sat down to eat her breakfast, and let her mind wander.
She was a full-fledged mage, in a society that did not know of magic’s existence. It was tough, having to hide her true identity from everyone, but it was for the best.
Being a mage, meant being ready to kill any outsiders who witness any display of magic. Being secretive was everything.
That was one of the main reasons why she was nervous about what she was getting into.
Her actions could get someone killed.
Her actions could get her killed.
But Mother always told her that this was her purpose, that this event would define her life.
And just as her thoughts started to run deeper, she received a text. She checked her phone, and grinned.
She gave Pascal one last kiss, before rushing out the door, and throwing herself at the two guys waiting for her outside.
“Woah there blondie!”
She wrapped her arms around her two best friends, Eugene and Lance.
She pulled away, laughing."Good morning!"
Eugene winked at her, while Lance laughed back, patting her on her shoulder.
"Good morning, Rapunzel!" Lance greeted, and the three started heading to college. "You seem very excited."
"Of course I am! Today is the day!"
Both her friends stopped in their tracks. Lance and Eugene exchanged a look, and Rapunzel-who was head of them- stopped and turned to them in confusion. Eugene rubbed his neck, before walking towards her and resting a hand on her shoulder.
“Look, blondie… It’s not too late to walk away. Who cares about this stupid war anyway?” He asked, then winced at his wording. “Well okay, a lot of idiots care, but the point is, it’s not worth risking your life for it.”
Rapunzel frowned, and pulled away. “It is worth it, Eugene. The grail could grant any wish that the heart desires. It is my duty as a mage to see this war through.”
“Rapunzel, we’re mages too, but even our families see no point in this war. It’s just bloodshed.” Lanced argued, his tone calm and inviting as always, though now it carried an extra layer of concern.
Rapunzel bit her lip and looked away.
“I can’t turn away from this. I’m sorry guys.” She sighed, keeping her gaze on the ground. She gripped her arm tightly, and prepared herself to ‘cheer’ up, to pretend this moment didn’t happen.
That was, until she felt a hand pat her head gently, and another, pulling her into a one armed hug.
“We can’t change your mind but… we’ll always be here for you, Rapunzel.” Eugene hugged her, with a warm smile.
“We’ve always had your back, that won’t change.” Lance added, and the blonde wanted to cry, not out of sadness, but happiness, because she had the best friends in the world.
They have been friends for a long time, and they were the only people she could confide to. She was grateful that they were mages too, and she was even more grateful that they would not participate in the holy grail war.
“Thank you guys.” She smiled, genuinely, before taking them both by the arms. “We’re going to miss our classes you know! We will talk about this later!”
And so, she dragged them with her.
-Fate-
“Saber, Archer, Lancer, Rider, Caster, Assassin and Berserker… The 7 heroic classes summoned by the holy grail to fight for the war, and whoever stands last, gets their wish granted… Who will win this unforgiving war? Which Master and Servant will be the last standing? Will our kind hearted Rapunzel triumputh?”
“Wow Lance that was great! They should make this holy grail some sort of spots show and have you as the entertainer.” Eugene said, dryly. He was painting his nails, with his legs crossed and resting on the table. Lance let out a tear, standing dramatically in the background, with a book in one hand, and a snack in another.
Rapunzel shook her head, wondering if coming to Eugene’s house was the best idea.
Granted, he had more books than her, and the information in them was useful most of the time, but this certainly was not the best place for ‘studying’.
She took a sip from her… third? Fourth cup of coffee? She had no idea. If she wasn’t going to die from caffeine consumption she was sure it would be all the sugar that kills her.
“Guys, I thought you were going to help me.”
“I am helping!” Eugene exclaimed, then blew at his nails. He took a moment to admire them. “I am blessing you all with my charming presence!”
Lance laughed.
“Sure.”
“Alright Rapunzel! What did you find?” The two stood up and sat down beside her on the couch.
The house… or should she say mansion? Was huge and cozy, so they would often find themselves in different corners, doing their own thing. The couch however, was her favorite spot, comfortable and big, and soft enough to sink into.
Today however, she couldn’t relax.
“Not much. Only the same story I find everywhere. The theories are different every now and then, but the basics don’t change.” She sighed, staring at the pile of books before her.
Lance leaned in, taking a look at the one in her hands. "Oh."
"Hm? What is it?" Eugene raised an eyebrow at his friend's reaction, and leaned in as well. His eyes widened, and he cleared his throat. "Blondie, this is a bad idea, how about a change of plan?"
"I can't. Mother is already on her way with the catalyst." Rapunzel leaned back, groaning. "She contacted me yesterday and told me to research this person… I had no clue until now."
"She left you in the dark until the last day?" Eugene rolled his eyes. "Typical Gothel."
Rapunzel glared at him.
"Hey! She did try to burn me once."
"It was an accident!"
"Pretty sure she was laughing, sweetheart." He reasoned, then crossed his arms. "So this knight you are summoning… Cassandra-"
"You pronounced it wrong."
"Was a loyal and strong knight who went crazy and destroyed two kingdoms! Sounds great! A murder machine is useful for the war, but what is the point if you can't trust your servant?"
"Well, that is why the 3 command seals exist." Rapunzel said, putting away the book. "I can keep my servant in line as long as I have them. Servants can't disobey them, no matter how powerful."
"Look, blondie… I hate being the voice of reason but, most heroic spirits were people, whose actions in life were recorded by history books, therefore, if this woman betrayed her entire kingdom before… she can betray you."
Rapunzel stared at him for a moment, before taking a deep breath.
He was right.
She knew he was, but she had no other choice.
She got the news that most servants have been summoned, and only a few remained.
She did not have much time left.
Her phone then started ringing, and she jumped out of her seat, alarmed. Her friends looked at her in surprise as she grabbed her phone and ran towards the door.
"I'm sorry guys! I have to go now real fast love you bye!" She yelled all in one breath before slamming the door behind her.
Lance stared for a moment before taking her unfinished coffee and drinking it.
Eugene shook his head, and started painting the nails on his toes.
Rapunzel ran as fast as she could, avoiding anyone who was in her way. Mother was waiting for her, and she could not fail her or upset her.
Just as she turned around the corner, she crashed into someone, causing them both to fall.
Rapunzel groaned in pain, the fall might leave a small bruise. Her eyes widened as a pair of hands took her by the arms, and helped her stand up. She was met by a pair of beautiful green eyes, sad and tired eyes… but kind nonetheless. The woman looked like she might be in her forties. She was gorgeous, stunning even.
Rapunzel just gaped.
"Are you okay?" The woman asked, gently, and it was enough to snap her back to reality
"Yes!" She blurted out. "Oh ma'am I am so sorry! Are you okay?"
The woman smiled.
"I am. You should be careful."
"You're right! I am so sorry, how can I make it up to you?"
The woman chuckled. "Oh you don't have to. Accidents happen. I am afraid I have to go now. Take care." She gave her one last smile, before walking away.
Rapunzel stood there, watching her. Something about the woman made her unable to look away.
It caused her chest to feel tight. It was unpleasant, but she couldn't understand why.
The feeling wouldn't leave, so instead, she decided to continue heading to her destination, once again burying her uneasiness.
-Fate-
Rapunzel had made her way back home. Thankfully, her mother wasn't there yet.
The message she received was from her, telling her that she would bring the catalyst in about an hour.
And so, panic started to settle in, as the awaited moment was coming closer.
She sat down on her couch, petting Pascal, who was trying to comfort her.
The doorbell startled her and Pascal, and she shuddered, before getting up to answer.
She opened the door and was met with her mother… Gothel.
"Oh, Rapunzel, you look exhausted!" Gothel states, and walked right past her.
"Oh, it's nothing Mother!" The blonde smiled apologetically.
"Then you must be all prepared for today, dear. I am sure you won't fail me." Gothel laughed, as she handed her a small box. "This is what you will use to summon the most powerful servant, Saber."
Rapunzel took the box, and stared at it in awe.
Catalysts were things that once belonged to the heroic spirits, relics from their past.
She was amazed they would survive hundreds and even thousands of years.
Using a catalyst while summoning would guarantee her getting the servant she wanted.
However…
"Mother?" She started, and avoided the woman's pointant gaze. She could feel her stare burning holes into her head. "Do we really have to do this? I don't want to hurt anyone, and those spirits… weren't they once humans?"
"Are you questioning your path?"
Her response came, cold and low… it sent chills down the girl's spine.
She then felt a hand 'gently' stroke her face.
"Now dear, winning this war means that I will always be by your side. No one in this world loves you the way I do." Gothel stated, sweetly. Her hand moved up to push away the strands of her hair from her face. "I don't want to leave you…" she lifted her chin, forcing her to look at her. Gothel smiled softly. Rapunzel felt like suffocating. "And you don't want to be alone, do you?"
"Of… of course not, mother "
Gothel laughed.
"Good! You don't know half the trouble I went through to get that old thing!" She walked towards the door, only to turn back to Rapunzel. The smile was gone, replaced by a cold stare. "Now remember. Servants are nothing but blood thirsty tools. Do not feel sympathy for them."
Her grip on the box tightened.
"Yes mother."
"I love you, Rapunzel."
"I love you more "
"I love you most. "
And the door was shut, leaving her alone…
-Fate-
It was 2 am. Her mana was at its peak.
Rapunzel took a deep breath. She was at the basement, staring at the summoning circle that she drew.
Now was the perfect time to summon. There was no way she could mess this up.
She placed her hand on her chest, hoping to calm her heartbeat. She could not hesitate now.
She opened the box her mother gave her. Her eyes widened, and she stared in confusion at what was inside.
It was a ring. A beautiful ring with a sun symbol on it.
She picked up, and inspected it. Why would something like this be the catalyst. Surely a knight had better stuff, like a sword, or an armor.
Well, there was no use pondering. Time was running out.
She took a deep breath, and magic started to flow through her body.
She started the summoning chant, careful not to mess up any word. Her body soon started burning, and with each second, the pain became worse
She had to endure it. It would be over soon.
She clenched her fist harder, slowly opening her eyes to see a red mark burning into the back of her hand. It was the command seals, shaped in the form of a sun.
And with that, a light filled the room, and Rapunzel fell on her back, both from exhaustion, and surprise.
"Your summoning call has been answered."
The woman said, her back turned to her master. She opened her eyes, still new to the feeling of materializing.
The knight, with her white armor, and her long red cape, turned to whoever summoned her.
And the moment she did, she was struck with something, with a sight, so painful, that it broke her stoic expression for a moment.
Her eyes were wide as she looked down at the blonde girl. Her hands shaked, before she closed them into fists.
She closed her eyes, and sighed.
This must be…
"I ask of you…"
...some kind of punishment.
"Are you my master?"
And as the two stared at each other, both lost in their own thoughts… this strange scene, was like a scene from a dream.