"Fill. Fill. Fill. Fill. Fill. Repeat five times, but destroy each when filled. By the Wand of oak, come forth from the mists of Avalon. My will creates your body, and if you hear the Grail's call, answer the summons and be my spell!" The summoning circle glowed a bright sky blue and mana swirled in spirals around Naomi. A tall, bearded fellow rose form a kneeling position in the center of the circle. His slate grey hair reached the middle of his back. A pair of goggles rested atop his head. He looked around, showing particular interest in the summoning circle.

"My, my. Your magical abilities reach far indeed, Lady Tohsaka. Oh, I would much like to have my wand." Naomi gave him the shaft of wood that rested at her feet. The man whistled softly as he studied it. "Is this your catalyst?"

"Yes. You are Merlin, King Arthur's trusted mage and advisor, correct?"

"I am."

"And you know and acknowledge your role in the war to come?"

"I am knowledgeable of my role, yes." He paused, studying her face. "However, I am unsure whether a girl as young as yourself should be participating in such vile bloodshed."

Naomi pouted briefly. A gleam lit up in her eye. "I may not look the part, but I'm quite adept at using magic!"

"I see. It is not your skill I question, more your resolve. As you know, only one Master can win this war, the others must be defeated one way or another. Whether it be by slaying them or their Servants."

"I know that! I… have to win. To end future wars before they start."

"An admirable vision. Very well. I've decided. I will be your Servant. On the condition you at least attempt to refrain from behaving impulsively."

"Fine, fine. I also have a condition. Don't lecture me on boring subjects." Merlin looked at her quizzically.

"Define 'boring' please."

"Alchemy, Gregorian Choirs, ritual sacrifice, anything like that."

Merlin choked back a laugh. "My dear young lady, those subjects are far from boring. They are-" Naomi raised her hand, silencing the old mage.

"That is up to opinion, upon which we do not agree."

"Very well. However, in the event that I must explain one of those topics for the survival of you and any potential allies, I will elaborate upon the subject."

"Fine, fine. Only if necessary. I think that concludes the formation of the pact. Unless you have anything to add."

"I reserve the right to act as I deem best in a given situation. And also to scope out allies. In this conflict, your going to need them."

"As long as it doesn't get you killed and the 'allies'," Naomi made question marks in the air with her fingers, "aren't simply using us, I agree. Oh, I don't like being called Lady Tohsaka. Naomi is fine."

"As you wish. That concludes our pact. Now, what to do about attire? What era is it?"

"Modern? Post-modern? One of the two. It's been two centuries since the Industrial Revolution."

"Ah. Well then, something casual will suffice." Merlin glowed for a second and his magnificent robes were replaced by jeans, a t-shirt and a studded leather jacket. "I once served a mage who adored this style, Sadly, the poor soul met an ill fate during the Grail War. This is my memento to them."

"Uh… OK? Go ahead, I don't mind." Naomi glanced at the clock. Like her mother, her mana was at its peak a few hours after midnight. It was now three fifteen in the morning. She yawned. "I'm off to my room. Sit tight, patrol, study, do whatever Merlin does when he's alone." She went upstairs to her room and fell right asleep.