Chapter Text
Rhiannon takes a deep breath, easing the crawling anxiety within her heart. It was time, she had prepared for this moment. Her hand was trembling as she cut her palm, wincing as the red liquid plopped clumsily over the relic. It was a broken thing, fragmented and brittle from the years.
From an outside point of view, one would think that Rhiannon was being crazy to draw a summoning circle and use her blood over a deteriorating piece of pottery. Especially in a dark, abandoned church—and did she just hear something whispering just now? She shakes off that feeling, trying to steel herself. There was no time for her thoughts to run amok, she had a job to do.
Plip! PLOP! The splatter landed in a disgraceful manner over the relic she had been picked to use. She grimaces, finding it quite macabre to do such a thing on an important artifact.
But she had to do it. For her desire to endure and prove herself. And her teacher was counting on her. The strawberry blond closes her eyes as she concentrates, letting the words she practiced over and over now take control.
“Let silver and steel be the essence.
Let stone and the archduke of contracts be the foundation.
Let Red be the color I pay tribute to.
Let rise a wall against the wind that shall fall.
Let the four cardinal gates close.
Let the three-forked road from the crown reaching unto the Kingdom rotate.
Let it be declared now; your flesh shall serve under me, and my fate shall be with your sword.
Submit to the beckoning of the Holy Grail.
Answer, if you would submit to this will and this truth.
An oath shall be sworn here.
I shall attain all virtues of all of Heaven;
I shall have dominion over all evils of all of Hell.
From the Seventh Heaven, attended to by three great words of power, come forth from the ring of restraint, protector of the holy balance!”
The summoning circle glows, the light enveloping the room around her. She shields her eyes, not wanting to be blinded but she wants to see her summoned Servant before her eyes. Power seeps through the air as she slowly moves her hand away.
Green hair was the first thing that grabs her attention, along with the orange scarf around his neck that stretches out to almost the bottom of the floor. Armor shields covered his chest and some armlets but other than that, he was defenseless. He was quite a rugged, charming looking fellow, towering over her with an aura of—dare she say it aloud, inflated peacock-like pride. Definitely one who valued speed and strength.
“You are…?”
“Servant Class: Rider. I am Achilles, the great hero of the Trojan War!”
Ahhh…it made sense why he acted so confident . The hero known for his hubris, a tale warning of not to get ahead of oneself. And it did him no favors, leading to his death. Still, Rhiannon couldn’t deny how amazed she was by his presence. She nods in greeting. “It’s very nice to meet you, I am Rhiannon Pewter, your Master.”
“I'm the hero everyone knows for having only his weakness being his heel. But not many can even get to my heel, no way! Don't forget that I'm one of the fastest people of all time!”
An eyebrow was raised. “Well what happened when you got shot by—”
“I was getting to that!” Achilles cut her off, clearly offended that she would stop his monologue. He clicks his tongue in annoyance. “Now you threw me off, now where was I...oh!” He throws a cheeky smile at her, one that made her cringe a bit. Did she possibly summon Narcissus instead of Achilles? “Well, to catch a hold of my heel is not something just anyone could do, you know! The name, ‘mankind's fastest legs,’ is not just for show, you know?
“Like I said before, if you’re the fastest, how come you couldn’t outrun the one that did you in?” Rihannon asks, crossing her arms. “That...puts a damper on the reputation.”
Achilles sputters, “What a rude, belligerent Master you are!”
Indignation filled her mind. Of course that was his character, how could she forget? Confidence that blinded him and eventually did him in. “Try to at least rein in that hubris of yours!” Rihannon scolds him. “You got easily done in by an arrow, and that’s connected to your fame! You didn’t learn the first time, so this can be your second chance.”
The rider sighs, running his hand through his hair in exhaustion. “Look, I get that you’re my Master but let’s get something straight off the bat: I don't like getting ordered around. Just let me do whatever I want. Alright?”
“Are you serious?!” It was at this moment, Rihannon knew that she drew the short stick with this Servant. She rubbed her eyes to make sure she wasn’t dreaming a ridiculous illusion. Nope. Still a stubborn, prideful green-haired hero.
“Give me whatever sort of orders you like, but I will say no if it's something I don't want to do. If it's REALLY important, then you'd better use Command Spells.”
Sure, it was a reasonable request but she had a bad feeling that meant that he wouldn’t be quickly willing to listen to her—at all. She groans. This was going to be a very difficult partnership. Her luck really was thin. She got her hopes up for nothing. The girl shakes her head. “To think I ended up with a walking disaster of hubris…what have I done?”
“Hey! You think I’m happy with such a rude Master?!”
Rhiannon rubs her head, it is going nowhere now. A finger points at him, wagging sternly. “Alright! Enough. Let’s just calm down now.” She takes the time to breathe, wanting to deescalate the situation. “Look, since you told me your conditions, here are mine. It’ll be fair that way, right?”
Luckily, he nods in agreement. She sighs in relief, continuing, “I don’t want a relationship where I am the one in complete control. I hate the idea of doing so, there’s no need for you to worry.”
“Then what do you want?”
She meets those golden orbs evenly. “I just want an equal relationship as partners. There’s no need for any of us to have power over another.” The young woman reaches her hand out to him. “I promise not to make you do anything against your will but in return, I expect both of us to be truthful to each other and protect one another.” He eyes her hand with wariness. However, she couldn’t let that stop her from trying to negotiate. Rhiannon pushes, “What do you think, Rider?”
“Hmm..I suppose.”
“Got it…anyway, we have to go and meet with the mediator of this War. That way, he’ll teach us the rules and how to properly play this out.”
He harrumphs, clearly annoyed. “You tricked me well, you said there would be no one to answer to.”
The girl returns that gaze with her own, not wanting to stand down. “He’s someone who I am indebted to, and it is to ensure that the War will be handled fairly.” Rhiannon juts her chin to show how confident she is. He was much taller than she thought, needing to strain her neck to look at him straight. “But it will be alright. No one will truly be over one or the other. He promised me that, so don’t call me a liar or trickster.”
Those sapphire eyes burn brightly as she proclaims this. Achilles found himself taken aback, he had never seen such eyes in a long time. It reminded him of a familiar face, one that merely prompted regret and loneliness. One whose name he can never call for again…
I wonder…if that person was ever a Heroic Spirit…would that person have gotten along with her?
Slowly, he softens. The Grecian hero sighs, clearly defeated but with a hint of fondness. “Alright then…but just this once. If there are any other things that you forget to tell me right away, I will not forgive you.”
That did seem fair. Rhiannon nods. “Of course. I will make sure to do that.” They both look out to the doorway, their destination leading out there. She smiles, her hand flicking into interesting movements to reveal a portal. The strawberry blonde turns to him, “Shall we?”
It took a while for him to respond, merely looking at her hand as if it was a blade pointing at him. Rhiannon did feel a slight fleeting emotion of anxiety, wondering if he would actually take it despite getting on the wrong foot. She falters in her outstretched hand, the uncertainty eating away at her mind. Of course it wouldn't work—
“Alright, just as long as you remember to let me take the reins,” Rider sighs, grabbing her hand to shake. The mark on her hand glows, solidifying the relationship between the two of them.
“Great,” she remarks happily. “I’ll be in your care then, Rider.”
“Hmph! Well, don’t count on me all the time.”
On the other side was a more furnished, more visited church by the looks of the furniture. She looks around to see that none of the other mages had appeared with their Servants, merely just the two of them. Why…? Rhiannon felt confused.
“Eh, what’s up, Master?”
“Oh…just…wondering why no one else seemed to appear,” Rhiannon notes. “I mean, we all summoned Servants...or so I was told...”
He finally looks around to see that she was indeed correct. “Hmph…well that’s just odd. Did you do something wrong?”
“That shouldn’t be…hmm…?” As soon as she begins to let the doubt swallow her, a man appears before them with a benign smile. A blush appears on her cheeks as she greets him, “Oh…I knew I had to greet you but I didn’t know you were here already…”
Rider’s eyebrows twitch at the switch. What was this all of a sudden? She was all strict before and now she seemed a bit—oh. She must like this man. “No worries at all,” the priest comes towards them in a warm greeting. “I am the one who acts as the watchdog of this Holy Grail War. I’m Shirou Kotomine.”
Rhiannon nods her head in acknowledgment, smiling at the man familiarly. “It’s been a while, Teacher. Rhiannon Pewter, reporting for the Red Faction.”
“And your Servant?”
Rider drawls, “Nice to meet you, Priest. Rider: Achilles.” She nudges him in the ribs, annoyed with the attitude he was giving off.
“Then I suppose it’s my turn,” he turns to his side, a Servant materializing before the empty space. She was a beautiful black-haired woman in a black dress that's flowy and decorated in gold lining and red tulle. The Servant greets, “I am Assassin of Red, my real name is Semiramis. Nice to meet you, Rhiannon Pewter.”
Rhiannon nods in greeting as well to the woman, pleasing Shirou. “Now then, let us start with exchanging information,” he says, changing the flow of the conversation. “What did you learn about the other side, Rhiannon?”
The young woman tries to fight her aweness of Semiramis, shaking her head to finally pay attention. She clears her throat, hiding her embarrassment. “Ah…right. The Black Faction is soon to be moving with the armies of homunculi and golem created by one of their Servants. He seemed to be skilled in creating them so that the others can supply themselves with enough Mana.”
“I see,” Shirou hums. “Did you ever figure out the True Name of this particular Servant?”
A dark shadow is cast over her face. That…she was unable to do so since she felt eyes on her as she spied the area. Rhiannon’s fists clench in frustration. She could have done more…but the observer would have definitely alerted the Black faction. “I apologize…Teacher. They were onto me before I could get a closer look at them.”
The priest shakes his head, clasping his hand over hers in comfort. “It’s good to know what they have planned against us. There’s no need to worry about it, Rhiannon. You did very well. Over time, we shall uncover the True Names when the War starts.” He pats her on the head with a serene smile, making the young woman flush in embarrassment. She felt like he was coddling her akin to a child, but the strawberry blonde let him be. After all, it might be the last time they might be like this before the War.
Unbeknownst to them, Assassin’s teeth gnashed aggressively with her lips tensed. Rider notices this, smirking at the perfect, haughty facade of Assassin now distorted with anger and jealousy. How interesting…
Rhiannon was the first to break away, clearing her throat. “Teacher…what about the others? I didn’t see them when I came in. Am I the last to arrive…?”
“The others are waiting in an area where they will be protected from the casualties of the War, so don’t worry. They had come from the Tower together, so that is why you didn’t see them. However, there’s one more person I have to wait for.”
“Ah…I see.”
“Now then, let us meet the other Masters.” Shirou takes her hand to lead her while Assassin watches them leave with steely eyes.
Rider’s eyebrows raise up, confused on how Rhiannon was behaving more timid and reserved. He could sense something was off with their dynamic. He was her teacher, and yet he seemed to behave like a father or a friend…perhaps more. Definitely appeared to have affection for him by the look of those eyes, Achilles would know better than anyone. Golden eyes train at the man. The priest looked young enough to be her age, but she spoke to him like he was a respected elder.
Wait—what was he thinking all of a sudden? This child was of no concern to him, merely a vehicle for his dream. He shakes his head, dispersing those thoughts away.
“Come Rider,” Assassin states grandly, flourishing her black dress. “We shall meet the other Servants.”
“Huh…? Alright then.” Rider reluctantly follows, feeling as though Rhiannon had yet lied to him about being safe with Shirou. But he did cheer up at the thought of meeting the others, wondering what kind of Heroes were summoned.
She led him onto the top of the Church, where four other figures had stood around. He didn’t seem to think much of them, eyeing them with a quick glance. None of them seem to have been from his origin of Greek mythology—
No, he was wrong. There was one other, the green-haired woman dressed in green clothing. She held herself in a very strict manner, apparently separating herself from the rest of the group. Her face was familiar, one that his father had praised so brightly whenever they passed by the mosaics. The huntress, the only woman to board the Argo along with the great heroes like Jason.
Atalanta … The heroine that he longed to meet ever since he was a child. A smile spreads on his lips. Someone he could probably bear with and respect.
Achilles slowly approaches her, as if approaching a wary deer. “Are you…Atalanta..?”
The green-haired woman scans him with a discerning eye. Perhaps it was her instincts as a huntress that she was wary towards anything unfamiliar. “And you are?”
That only made him smile even wider. He points to himself, “The son of Peleus, a hero that had fought alongside you since the Argonauts. I am Achilles, the fastest hero alive!”
It was then, that a flash of recognition finally gleaned in those green eyes. Slowly, her shoulders relax, albeit slightly. “I see. So you are his child. But for you to say that you are the fastest…perhaps we should see if that is true—since I was acclaimed to be the fastest.”
Ahh… His heart fluttered at the humored tone from the huntress. Even though there was no smile on her lips, he could tell that she was definitely amused. To think that this heart would feel this way again after all this time.
Was it excitement? Admiration? Rider couldn’t quite put a name to this feeling, but he knew that he was giddy for this war, being able to fight alongside this famous huntress.
Meanwhile, Rhiannon found herself in a secluded room that was protected by mage seals. Shirou kindly clasps her hand, squeezing in comfort. “It will be alright. No one will lock you up ever again, so don’t worry.”
Right…it was different this time. It wasn’t dark or cold in here, like where she used to be. The young mage takes a deep breath, mentally encouraging herself. I am safe. It is warm. There is light, it's alright here. The mantra that usually comforted her worked, making her ease. She could trust Shirou.
And…the weakest link is still a link that is necessary for the chain to endure.
Those golden eyes peer down at her, noticing how her sapphire orbs finally regained that cheerful glimmer. “Don’t worry about the other Masters. They might seem…interesting, but they won’t bring you any harm.”
There was no doubt in her mind in his words. After all, he saved her from the darkest moment in her life and was helpful in cultivating her skills. Rhiannon smiles, “Alright. I’ll be alright. I’m sure that you must be busy waiting for the other Master. You can go on now.”
Although he seemed stunned, Shirou quickly recovers with a light-hearted chuckle. It was such a welcoming sound, almost like the bell that rang from the Church. He pats her on the shoulder, “Of course. Then, I’ll be responsible for my job.”
The door shut behind her, gleaming with a bright light to signify the protection spell. Tentatively, Rhiannon approaches the inside of the room, seating with the other Masters. All of them were intimidating, older, yet experienced and talented. Rhiannon marveled how she was able to be on par with them, trying to figure out why she was chosen.
“So…what was your intention for this War…?”
All of them sneer at her, their eyes glaringly mocking towards her question. “This little small fry…don’t tell me you just waltzed in without any information?”
“Huh…?” Rhiannon cocks her head.
One of them sighs at her, an older woman. “To think that we have to work together instead of being against one another…I have no intention to rely on a child who knows nothing. What an eyesore.”
She stiffens, her breath hiking a bit. It was fine, she reassured herself, there were much worse things that have been thrown at her before. After all…the ones who inflicted those monstrous words were gone. Rhiannon clenches her fists, trying to compose herself. “I do apologize…I have not been brought up with an extensive education in magecraft like the rest of you nor have I the benefits to be given the information about the war.”
The woman sighs, “Never mind that, after all, attacking against allies is forbidden. It is a contract among us mages.” She throws a dirty glare at a man who resembles a lizard. “Best not trust that disgusting man.”
Was she…giving advice? But the stern look at her face made her think otherwise. However, she seemed more approachable than the others, so Rhiannon figured to remain on guard with everyone.
She tries to relax, breathing in the incense that was placed in the room they were in. It was a strange, yet pleasant scent, her body feeling lax. The scent soothed her greatly, taking away any emotions of fear or anxiety. It was good that Shirou let her stay with the other while Assassin ushered Rider to meet the other Servants, since she wasn’t so alone.
Soon, Shirou comes into the room with a teapot and cups. He smiles at her as he pours her a cup and announces, “Ruler has come to Romania. She’s heading for Trifas as of this moment. We’ve just dispatched Lancer after her. Even the judge herself shouldn’t be able to stand against his might.”
He seemed so confident that Rhiannon felt more at ease. Perhaps they could win…since Shirou reassured her that they had enough power to win. He holds out his own cup, “Let’s pray for good news.”
She nods, raising hers as well with the others. Her eyebrows raised, noticing how sluggish they were in holding theirs up. Perhaps they were just as feeling relaxed by the incense, maybe even more affected than her. Even experienced and strong people like them could be somewhat tensed up? But it was alright.
They were going to have the upper hand in this war.
Rider . She closes her eyes, allowing herself to be lulled by the sweet scent of the incense. Despite knowing the situation was dark, her body relaxes. We’re going to get ready soon. Be prepared, you’ll get to be back on the battlefield once more.
Huh? Already? Well, I don’t have any complaints.
Good. The young woman relaxes even more so, a relieved sigh escaping her lips. A chuckle fills her mind. You seem pretty cozy from there, Master. Making me do all the dirty work while you’re inside your pretty bird cage with your precious Teacher?
That made her jolt, her eyes snapping open. Rhiannon internally growls, clearly annoyed. Hey. We don’t know if they’ll come for us while you’re busy on the battlefield, it’s a countermeasure. And if I could…I would be by your side to fight. But Teacher said it was best this way, so what can I do?
Sure it isn’t because of that?
What was wrong with him?! He was really getting on her nerves. The strawberry blonde huffs, “Foolishness and mayhem.”
“What you barking out, little lady?” Rhiannon shuts her mouth, not realizing that she had spoken aloud. Hurriedly, she shakes her head before closing her eyes again. She couldn’t believe that she had gotten too hotheaded from just a few quips. Never mind that, Rider. We have more important things to worry about. Ahh…it’s nice to see you’re feeling relaxed enough, like it’s that easy.
Even though she could not see, the mage was sure he was smiling. She really hoped he didn’t take this too easily, she needed to rely on him when the time called for it. Rhiannon wondered if the other Servants behaved like him. Definitely not like Assassin, who seemed to be loyal to Shirou despite her bravado and confidence.
Rider…have you met the others?
Of course! I met an interesting ally today.
She sits up straight, clearly alarmed by his cheerfulness. He actually found someone he liked being around? Who…?
Oh? Are you that curious? Haha! Rider seemed to be pleased with her shock, milking it as he avoids telling her.
Hang onto that, Master. He interrupts. We’re getting ready now. That priest is telling us to get into position. Damn…that Berserker went loose, we’ll talk later!
She turns her head to who she believed to be the Master of Berserker. Deimlet Pentel, one of the Pentel Brothers. He didn’t seem to be grimacing, rather he seemed at peace. Perhaps he told his Servant to do as he wished? Still, it seemed to be very chaotic from the sounds of Achilles’ voice.
Rhiannon mentally advises, Okay…just be careful. Make sure to weaken their side as well.
You don’t have to tell me twice, Master. I was already planning on it!
And just like that, the Holy Grail War had begun with a bang.