Ending the Cycle

by Tigershark431

Drake Griffin, a boy haunted by a repeating nightmare, has to travel to London to meet his birth father. While on the trip he is swept up into the most dangerous war known to man. As he fights through it his nightmares begin to take shape as a shared memory, but why they have been triggered is a secret beyond even the heroes of old.

5. Chapter 4

Hi everyone thank you for coming back to read another chapter in my story. I hope you enjoy this part and as always feel free to review or PM if you have any comments, constructive criticism, or questions on the story.

PS- Sorry for the grammar (I'm sure I missed basic mistakes again in this chapter a well)

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 4

Third POV

"Ceinwyn what's going on?", Drake whispered for the hundredth time, his mind unable to process anything but those four words as the young duo continued their escape from the Aelle mansion.

If the maid heard the question she simply chose to ignore it. Silent tears streamed down her face as she continued guiding him through the passageway below the house. She knew the design of the mansion by heart and did not second guess the direction she took to lead her and Drake from danger. But that fact did little to hide the fear she felt at the thought of the murderous Master somehow finding them. The young maid would be running as fast as she could if she was not concerned over Drake's asthma which slowed their escape to a fast walk. This secret tunnel was designed to be an escape route with many false paths one could get lost in for decades and had spells placed to not even allow magi to trace the layout of the tunnel, but even with that knowledge neither her nor Drake felt safe at all. Clutching the boy's hand tighter Ceinwyn continued to softly cry, the thought of getting Drake and fulfilling his father's last request slightly overwhelming the feeling to breakdown and weep over loss of Richard and in all likelyhood James.

"Ceinwyn what's going on?", Drake mindlessly continued.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hours past by in the tunnel the only noise filling the void the low whisper of Drake's repeated question. After many sharp turns and diverging paths the duo had eventually reached a straightaway that they've been traveling down for about half an hour. Slowing down to a walk Ceinwyn decided it was time to give them both a break, with Drake being shell shocked there was no way for the young maid to know how his lungs were holding up. Reaching out to locate the wall Ceinwyn's hand made contact with the cold stone that had been moved below the Earth for well over three hundred years. Placing Drake against the tunnel wall first she slowly allowed him to sit down before following suit in the spot next to him. The strawberry blonde let out a heavy sigh before hugging her knees to her chest. With Drake safely postion miles away from danger the maid finally allowed herself to let all her held up emotions out. She wept loudly into her own arms, everything she knew was gone. The only home she had ever known, the one member of the Aelle family that was kind enough to talk to a disgrace like herself, and Richard… the man who had treated her like she was his own daughter. The imagine of the butler's lifeless corpse filled her mind and a new wave of tears came out with renewed force.

He promised Ceinwyn cried as the tears began mixing with the blood that had all but covered her once white sleeve, h-he told me that he would survive… that he and Sir James would win

While James and Richard did their best to ensure that Ceinwyn would be left out of the war, as the only members of the household that cared for the maid's well being she deserved to be informed on what was to come. When Richard had first told her of the Aelle's family decision of having James be the participating member in the upcoming Grail War the poor girl broke down. Although she was just a simple housemaid, the lowest kind do to her unique situation, she had known all about the deadly event do to her knowledge of the Aelle's passed involvement. She knew how dangerous it was and finding out that James, and therefore Richard, were going to participate in the war caused her to wail out as if the two had already died. Richard had comforted the young women the best he could reassuring her that he would do his best to ensure his and Master James's survival. That did little to calm the maid down and she remained crying for hours in her father figure's arms before she began to calm down.

"Why does it have to be Sir James", she sniffled into the man's chest.

Rubbing her head softly Richard spoke calmly and professionally as he has done his entire life, "It was a decision made long ago, we knew this day would come… I just didn't think it would be this soon"

Ceinwyn began crying again, not as hard or loud as her wails before, but no less genuine, "I-I don't want you to die. It's not fair" Tears now stained the butler's uniform, but he hardly noticed instead he just gave of a depressed chuckle.

"Fair", the word came out of his mouth foreign and full of sorrow, as if the meaning of the word for him was entirely different from everybody elses, "... If anybody deserves to be treated fairly it's you Ceinwyn. I wish I could save you from this life you've been forced into but I simply do not have the power". The girl in his arm looked up with tear filled confused.

"Wh-what do you mean. Given my position I'm treated incredibly well by the Aelle family. My life itself is a gift from them"

Richards eyes closed softly and he shook his head before Ceinwyn saw a single drop of water stream down his face. This caused the young women to almost gasp in surprise. Richard never cries.

Shaking his head slowly a few times and regaining his composure the butler looked back down towards the girl, "I promise you I will survive this war with Master James's Ceinwyn… but I need to give you something if the worst is to happen". Ceinwyn wanted to cry out in protest, but Richard quickly silenced her by pulling items out of his pocket causing the girl to freeze up. In Richard's hand before her he held a passport, a strange card with her picture in it, and a large sum of cash curled up that had to be worth a couple thousand pounds.

"Richard wh-what is this?"

"James has arranged it so I can provide you with a passport and a fake id… you are to keep them on you at all times. The family will be leaving later this afternoon… we will be staying behind for the war", Richard look down seeing if the maid had any questions, but she just stared back eyes watering waiting for him to continue, "The war will begin in a couple months, we do not know the exact date we will summon the Servant but before then I will bring you to the closest safe house… If I don't contact you three weeks into the war", Richard took a deep breath this next part was painful for him to say, "I want you to run away and leave the country… run as far as you can".

There was a short paused. Ceinwyn looked up at the man in shock for a few seconds before tears flew from her eyes once more and she clung to the man tighter than before never wanting to let go, "NO… I CAN'T! I WON'T LEAVE YOU"

Tears were now slowly making their way from Richard's face and he hugged the maid back lightly, "It's okay Ceinwyn, it's going to be okay", he replied lightly as the girl continued to cry, "I promise I will make it out alive… it's just a precaution". The two remained hugging each other as a father comforted his daughter like he had done so many times in the pass.

But know I have know one, Ceinwyn silently sobbed at the broken promise. Reaching into her pocket the maid grasp the money and passport she had been given. Hands trembling she felt the paper soaked her own blood but still intact and usable, I can't she thought as her arms shot out of her pouch and went back to hugging her knees, I Don't deserve such kindness when James and Richard are soaked in their own blood...It's all my fault.

Sobbing the young maid held herself tighter unable to control her emotions. She sat there weeping until she felt a gentle hand rub her shoulder.

"Ceinwyn", a voice broke through the darkness full of concern and sorrow, it was Drake. The strawberry blonde looked up towards the sound and even through the low light made out the boys face. It had change from his zombie like expression he had when she lead him through the tunnel, and by the look in his eyes, while still confused he had regained control of his mind. Bringing his arm around to her opposite shoulder, he hesitantly brought the girl closer and rested his chin on her head. He didn't know what he was doing but seeing the young maid like this was not a sight he wanted to see. "I-I don't know what's going on Ceinwyn", he whisper, his voice sounding frighten but still concerned, "... But I'm sorry that happen. I truly am". The girl looked up eyes wide for a split second at the young man she had waited her entire life to see, against the family code, against her duty as his maid, against everything her life has lead her to believe the young maid embrace Drake and decided for this one time that she would allow her master to care about her. So crying into his shoulder, the girl and was being embraced the same way Richard once had.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Drake's POV

We stayed in that position against the stone wall for hours, I began thinking the entire night had passed, but I had know way of knowing down here below ground. Nor did I care, I was so confused by the events that had happened just hours before my body went into full blown shock, even as I came out of it I was startled to find myself in a dark passageway with Ceinwyn sobbing next to me. Confused and needing answers I wanted to bombard the maid with question but I couldn't… she was mourning for people that she knew all her life, and while I had know idea how to help her I quickly moved my arm around and just let her cry out. Some time later she raised herself from the ground and patted herself off, dried tears still stained her cheeks but she looked to be in a much better state now, emotionally at least. Offering me a hand I took it and she raised me from the floor before bringing me into a short hug that lasted no more than half a second,

"Thank you", she whispered softly.

"... d-don't mention it", a light blush filled my cheeks. She turned around and appeared motionless as she stared ahead into the dark ahead of us, "... What now?"

"I'll lead you to safety", she said looking down at an object she held in her right hand that I could not even make out, "... and then", she clenched the item with a fist and brought it to her chest, "I'll do everything in my power to protect you".

I was still beyond confused but I figured explanations could wait until after we left this God forsaken tunnel. Grasping my hand the maid lead me on, and it wasn't before long we reached the end. Through the dim light I could make out a rusted ladder at the end of our path. Letting go of my hands Ceinwyn took hold of the metal and begin climbing up testing to see if it could support our weight. A few feet up she looked down and motioned for me to follow. Placing a hand on the bars I began following her up. The climb took longer than expected, and I saw no light above us but after a few minutes Ceinwyn raised an arm up into the darkness, and seem to push upward. As she did a saw moonlight streak through the hidden latch she had open. We climbed out quickly. The moon looked three quarters of the way through its daily journey, telling us that dawn was approaching. I had no time to sigh in relief though as I realized we were in the middle of a dense forest dark green leaves blocking my sight in every direction.

"W-were our we?", I looked back towards Ceinwyn who was closing the hatch. She let it down gently not making a noise before walking up to me. Letting out a long held breath she pointed into the sea of leaves,

"I'm bringing you to a safe house, there you can rest and I'll set up the ritual"

"Ritua-", I began before I was being dragged into the trees, Ceinwyn parting the branches. It was a short walk when I saw the safe house. It appeared to be a run down small cottage, it's windows were tainted dark, and the wood that it was constructed from looked like it was rotting. Opening the door Ceinwyn lead me inside, and the second I stepped foot in the hut I began coughing from all the dust floating before us. The inside looked no better than the outside, it was one room that was maybe eight by ten feet long. The only furniture in it was a run down chair and couch that were hidden by stained sheets that looked like they were placed on them ages ago. I visibly cringed at the state of the cabin, I wasn't a neat freak but even this was too much for me. Ceinwyn on the other hand just gave off a sigh and lit an oil lamp lighting the room only to reveal more dust in the air. I coughed silently and Ceinwyn turned around to see if I was alright, but I waved her off. Getting back on task the maid began moving the chair and couch out from the center of the room leaving a large gap in the center. Once my coughing got down, I finally found the courage to speak,

"Ceinwyn what's happening?"

The maid stood up abruptly then turned towards me with sadden eyes taking in a deep breath, "I was told to keep this information hidden from you… but given our situation and your father giving you the seals I believe I have no choice but to reveal the truth to you", she walked up and took my hand exposing the read marks on the back, "I know you come from a different world Drake… but please believe what I have to say". I looked at her, with all that's happened this night I don't think I'd have any problem believing her.

"Okay", I replied slowly nodding. The girl nodded back then paused deep in thought,

" There are so many places to begin I don't know which to choose, but I suppose I will start with what you've already seen", I waited in the silence fore the girl to speak, waiting for much much needed explanation, " That man, Thomas", she she started making no effort to hide the hatred in her voice at the mention of his name, " and your father our not normal human beings… there magi. People who are able to use their magic circuits to perform acts that seem supernatural to the ordinary populace. A long time ago magi disequish themselves from society and made their own. Magi are superior to normal humans in every way, and many family with magi like to ensure their offspring are given the same gift. As time went on Noble family's emerged filled with pureblood magi, you come from one such family Sir Griffin", She paused and took a breath,

"...So you're saying magic is real but only certain people can use it, and because of that they think they're better than everybody else and declare their family noble", Ceinwyn bit her bottom lip at my dumbed down explanation,

"While it is much more complicated than that, in our case I guess it could be summed up in such away"

"So why did he try to kill us, is his family at war or something with my father's",

"NO", Ceinwyn shouted abruptly into the hut causing me to widen my eyes in surprise, taken back she regained her composure and spoke quieter, "...no, noble family's usually despise one another, but they would never risk killing a member of a noble's family. I'm afraid the situation you've arrived in is one rare even in the magi community", I raised and eyebrow in response wondering what could be so rare in a society filled with basically wizards. Ceinwyn noticed and ran a finger over the marks on my right hand. "These seals show that you are a Master in the Holy Grail War"

"Grail War?", I asked still confused. She nodded taking her eyes off the red marks,

"It is a war between seven Magi that takes places every sixty years, as the name suggest it is a battle for the all powerful Holy Grail", I stare on in amazement, in less than twenty four hours I went from being a normal teenager to finding out the Holy Grail is real, it's all a little to bizarre to be true but I'm in know position to determine fact from fiction, "To fight the war each Magi summons one of seven heroic spirits from the past fight for them, they are called Servants. Do you remember the circle your father was drawing on the bedroom floor", I nod trying to follow the best I could, "He was trying to call forth a hero from the past to fight for us… but now it appears that burden falls upon you", Ceinwyn reaches into her pouch and pulls out the familiar red chalk my father had used. I fall down on my behind after seeing the red object and I want to cower away from it,

"W-why do I have to do it, if this war is as dangerous as you say then we should get the hell out of here", Ceinwyn simply shakes her head.

"Thomas is hunting us now, even if we made it to the one place that we could be safe his Servant would kill us… you must summon one to protect you"

"Can't you do it then", I shoot back, "You know more about this stuff then I do", the miad eyes widen in shock,

"I do not have the magic circuit structure to support a Servant…I would need to", she pauses as to say more but stops,

"And what makes you sure I have the proper magic whatever in the first place"

"Because your an Aelle, pure blood or not when your father transported the command seals to you and activated your circuits, and you have the ability to anchor the Servant to this world". I wanted to protest more, after all I didn't even understand half the crap she was saying, but the threat of being killed by that Thomas guy still lurked over me and I remain silent. Ceinwyn back away from me and sigh, "I know it's a lot to take in, and it probably makes no sense, but I simply don't have time to explain it all we need to summon a Servant now, Thomas and his Servant could be upon us at any moment". Taking the red chalk in hand, the young maid made her way to the center of the room before kneeling down and using the chalk to design the very same circle my father had been trying to do.I remained on the ground in fear and shock as the strawberry blonde held girl painted across the floor having the imagine come into view. I wanted to scream, call for help, or run away, but I couldn't do anything. The thought of Thomas sending a shadow spear through my chest commanded me to stay in place, deep down I knew, even though it seemed impossible, summoning this Servant thing was the only way I was going to survive the night.

Once the outline of the summoning ritual was complete Ceinwyn's paced slowed down dramatically. She now hesitated when adding smaller details to the circle, I was truly impressed that she was doing this all out of memory. I had no idea how this magic stuff worked, but I assumed while summoning an ancient hero you couldn't make any mistakes when setting up the ritual. As the time ticked on the young maid began glancing up at the door nervously, no doubt worrying that the evil man would burst into our hiding place. But after thirty more minutes she had finished. Dropping the chalk on the floor Ceinwyn stood up and gave her creation one last glance over. She closed her eyes, and for a moment I thought she might be praying that everything was going to work. Breaking from her plea she slowly made her way over to me. It was at this point I realized I was still glued to the floor. Reaching a hand down to me I grasped it nervously, unaware of what was about to happen. Both standing now we remained frozen in spot, it was not long until I realized we were both slightly shaking. I gave off a small laugh while still fidgeting trying to defuse the tension,

"I guess we're ready to begin", Ceinwyn look towards me frowning, her faced seem so conflicted and she then looked down allowing her short bangs to cast a shadow over her eyes,

"I'm so sorry it's come to this Sir Griffin… I failed you"

"What do you mean by that, you're the reason I'm still alive", I reply shocked that she would think any of this is her fault. She simply shook her head back and forth and continued to speak with voice filled with self hatred,

"My job is to protect and serve you… and now I'm forcing you to participate in the most dangerous event possible", Unable to see the girl like this I grab her shoulders and face her me,

"Ceinwyn I don't know what's happening right now… what I do know is that we're in danger and you've saved my life countless times tonight! I don't care what my family thinks a good servant should be, your more than a maid to me you're a human being and my friend", I light blush crossed my face now but I continued, "... This magic war may be dangerous, but if summoning a hero from the past, as crazy as that sounds, is what it takes to ensure my friend's safety then that's what I'm gonna do". There was a pause and the cabin was only filled with my light breathing. A sudden grip on my hand tightened and I met Ceinwyn's blue eyes as she looked up to meet mine,

"I don't deserve to be treated like this by you", I almost sigh in disappointment, but pause when I see the young maid give off a small smile, "... but since my friend needs my help I shall accept it. I smile back the laugh nervously when I realize how red my face is getting,

"So how do we do this thing", I say rubbing the back of my neck awkwardly. Coming out of her own trance Ceinwyn also quickly looked away,

"... you have to recite a chant to summon the circle, here I'll help you", dragging me to the summoning circle Ceinwyn positions me dead center then stands beside me, "Any chant should work… but in my readings on the Aelle family during the last war the participating member used this, just repeat after me". Taking in a deep breath Ceinwyn began whispering silently to herself, before speaking aloud, "I send a whisper to ripples through the sea of time". The words echoed in the room silently as I let them sink into my brain before repeating,

"I send a whisper to ripple through the sea of time"

"To disturb those who deserve peace"

"To disturb those who deserve peace", I fill a powerful surge in my arm, but I shut my eyes wanting to remain focused on the task at hand.

"To awaken those who sleep in eternal rest",

"To awaken those who sleep in eternal rest", another pulse of power shot forward stronger than the last.

"To fight on after a life of battle"

"To fight on after a life of battle", The pulses across my arm began to appear more rapidly and it felt like my arm was stealing the energy from the air around me.

"To accept a quest that shall be their greatest achievement", The pulses were now becoming painful and they were only becoming more powerful, but I continued on,

"To accept a quest that shall be their greatest achievement",

"I summon you forth, heed my call Hero", fighting through my burning arm I struggle to get the last line out, sweat sticking to my face as my arm began to burn like the sun,

"I summon you forth, heed my call", there was a slight pause in my sentence, no longer than a millisecond. Such a short gap between words that nobody would notice… but I did. I felt my body become possessed as my mouth formed the last word but I felt an unquenchable desire to say something else, a word that my brain had already been programed with escaping my lips quietly unheard by even me, "Dumnonia".

"...", The pulsing and pain in my arm seized and the atmosphere in the room returned to normal. I looked around nervously for anything out of the ordinary but everything was as it should be. Moving my vision towards Ceinwyn I noticed her face moving downward, a shadow of disappointed began covering her face. I immediately assumed the worst.

"I screwed it u-", I blinding intense pain returned to my arm with vengeance. All the pent up energy it had consumed coursed through the appendage all at once and the command seals glowed a bright red covering the room, causing both me and Ceinwyn to gasp in surprise and fall over while all the power in my arm exploded outward in a bright light. The intensity from the light seemed almost solid and I struggled to breath normally as to not induce an attack. It felt eternal for me but the light faded as soon as it arrived. Gasping for air and trying to slow down my racing heart I turned my head to the side to see if Ceinwyn was alright. The maid was on the ground supporting herself up with her arms. She seemed to be no more injured than before much to my relief. Looking at her face I saw her frozen her gazed locked onto something before in shock and awe. Gazing over to see what she was looking at I soon found myself in the same position,

A Goddess was the only thing I could think as my eyes were gifted with the being before me.

Standing dead center in the summoning circle I had moments before inhabited stood a girl. She was just above five feet , but her appearance made her seem much taller. Her hair was the most beautiful shade of blonde I had ever seen cut cutely with two bangs outlying her face, while also having a black ribbon form a short pony tail. Her skin was flawless and covered by a white armored dress that only proved to amplify her alrighty divine level of beauty. Clasp between her hands, she held a sword that outshined any weapon made before or after it, seemingly crafted by a god. Her eyes were closed lightly and her face seemed at peace,

"I ask you are you my", her sweet voice began as her eyes shot open revealing a sea of emerald that I was quickly lost in. But the second eye contact was made time stopped as the goddess tensed up. Her once queen like presence morphed into an expression I couldn't read. Her hand gripped her weapon tightly causing the cloth on her gloves to nearly rip themselves apart, and her eyes began filling with tears which caused my whole body pain. Silence followed the room, remaining frozen for eons as I continued to stare at the girl looking back at me in sorrow, regret, sadness, and anger. And in a voice barely loud enough for the human ear to hear she whispered a name, "... Derfel?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Saber has finally been Summon! and yes this is a Saber Lily Fanfic. I hoped you all enjoyed this chapter and I will now use this time to answer Kamen Riders questions. This is a ArturiaXOC story.

Chapter 5 will be posted 2 weeks from now, and review or PM if you have any questions on the Story. See you guys next time!