Author Note: I am so sorry that this story is slow to update, but you guys have to show patience to me. Sorry for the long wait because school work and my first time to write a story around one thousand words per chapter.
This story has been updated and rewritten on 6/14/2017: I rewrote the chapter now, as it has more meat on the bone of this chapter with more dialogue and more reactions from Benjamin to Chiron and Atalanta. Now he realizes that he faces a possibly new issue that servants would not listen to an average teenager.
"Sometimes I always wonder if this was all a dream," Benjamin said to himself as he pinched his hand. "Nope, still not a dream at all. God damn it."
If anyone who could tell what Benjamin is feeling right now, tired and exhausted. He feels dizzy and confused by the recent events, as he felt there is no other choice nor whether to accept the fact. "At the all, this is the reality, which I am going to say to myself every time."
"So...basically, let me get this straight for both of you," Benjamin said with a bit of an irritated sigh, "You two happen to know each other from the previous wars from the different side." Benjamin fidgeted as he gazed at Atalanta delicately cutting off a piece of the steak and inserting the chunk into her mouth with her bare hands. Now, that is bad table manners for a servant.
Chiron, who was eating a salad bowl, chuckled at Atalanta's table manners. "Yes, you could say that. We fought each other in an alternate universe to win the Holy Grail War. There were fourteen servants, divided into two factions with each faction having seven of the original servants." Chiron answered with a calm voice before he chewed his food.
Benjamin studied his appearance, which is kind of hard to tell about his curious aspects. The information he helpfully supplied, put all his doubts to rest. There was no more doubt, this was indeed the son of Cronus, the equal of Apollo in some disciplines and teacher of heroes.
Chiron, the Mentor of the Greek Heroes, is a centaur that is half man and half horse. He was renowned for being the one person who had trained countless numbers of great heroes, who they themselves had great legends, including Heracles, Achilles, Perseus, and much more. Chiron was notable throughout Greek mythology for his youth-nurturing nature. His personal skills tend to match those of Apollo, his foster father (sometimes along with Artemis): medicine, music, archery, hunting, gymnastics and the art of was known for his knowledge and skill with medicine and thus, was credited with the discovery of botany and pharmacy, the science of herbs and medicine. He was sired by the Titan Cronus when he had taken the form of a horse and impregnated the nymph Philyra but she was ashamed of her offspring's half man and half horse appearance which she transformed into a linden tree.
The old Centaur was accidentally wounded by Heracles when the hero was battling other members of the tribe. The wound, poisoned with Hydra venom, was incurable, and suffering unbearable pain Chiron voluntarily relinquished his immortality. Zeus then placed him amongst the stars as the constellation Sagittarius.
But for some strange reason, he should have been in the form of a centaur, not a middle-aged man. Well, sure he wasn't as famous as Heracles, but given all he knew about him and the sheer power he could sense from him, there was no doubt in Benjamin's mind that Chiron could definitely give any Greek hero a run for their money.
"I'm assuming you're expecting me to have the form of a centaur rather than that of a man. Am I correct?" Chiron answered like he read Benjamin's mind. Benjamin remained silent at this.
"To answer your question, I can shift into my centaur form if that is what you wish for, Benjamin," Chiron explained to him.
Benjamin shook his head "No No, it's just your form is different than the picture I read in the library."
Chiron nodded in understanding. "Heroic Spirits most often take on the form that represents their golden age at the prime of their lives, but the effect, like a strong curse or a personal attachment, can change their form before death.
"Is that why she has animal ears and a tail, because of her legend?" Benjamin pointed his finger at Atalanta who was eating what appeared to be her sixth plate of steak.
Atalanta, known as the Chaste Huntress, was a mortal princess exposed at birth because her father wanted a boy. She was found and suckled by a she-bear before she was discovered and raised by hunters. She was most known for the hunt of the Caledonian boar and accompanied the Argonauts in the Greek mythology. She is a fervent follower of Artemis, in gratitude for being saved when she was a little baby. She grew up to be very beautiful and very fast, in fact so beautiful that men came from all over ancient Greece to risk their lives for her hand. Eventually, she was reunited with her father, who insisted that she get married. She wasn't too keen on this, so she promised to marry the man who could beat her in a footrace, but the losers would be executed. When Hippomenes (or was it Melanion) defeated her.
Which about her beauty, as Benjamin's opinion of her was she was a fine looking one. He mused that Atalanta was fair to look at, but didn't consider her to have the kind of beauty compared to other women to make every man throw their lives for her. And from what he could tell, this was her. This was the servant that had been summoned from the Holy Grail with Chiron.
A quick nod of Chiron's head validated Benjamin's question. "Great, just great. Next thing I know about the Holy Grail is that it mutates Heroes beyond any recognition or summons them from a different alternate universe," Benjamin stated with a grim frown. "What next? See Heroes in opposite genders from their legend? I bet that would be fun to see that."
(Oh if you only knew the truth, Benjamin)
Silence, save for the sound of meat being chewed to pieces. Benjamin turned his head to Atalanta's chair and blinked in surprise. The whole plate of steak was gone in five minutes.
"I wonder if all servants like this? At this rate, my food stock isn't going to last for a month," Benjamin wondered.
Atalanta took the last large piece of meat from her plate and plopped it in her mouth, chewing slowly. She seemed to draw it out, tasting every corner of it.
Despite himself, Benjamin found that he couldn't stay quiet. "So, does my cooking pass your standards?"
"It was adequate," Atalanta said in somewhat of an old fashioned manner.
Benjamin forked his last piece of steak in his mouth and chewed it, worrying how much Atalanta can eat each day.
"Man, it's like feeding a big eater tiger whose stomach is endless. I wonder if someone has the same problem as me," Benjamin wondered.
"By the way, I still wonder if both of you would still accept me as your Master even though I don't have the Command Seals that the Holy Grail is supposed to give to me on my hand?" Benjamin asked the Archer class a question that he had been worry about, he wanted to know if they would follow him and accept his allegiance or just politely refuse for personal reasons as he knew heroes were not exactly easy to be companions with normal people, as they are generally independent more often and a little haughty, which could be seen as a form of pride. "I know that I am not actually the type of Master who can provide you much or prove that I am worth anything to you."
At the all, this is the reality. Lions do not follow sheep as their main leader. Which, why would they follow a weak leader that lacks any useful skills, like charismatic, charmer, and rather observant. Sometimes you get the least support because you are not likable enough, which you are unpleasant or people flock/support to the most popular leaders. Ultimately, you the one who feels like you have been cheated out after more than paying your dues.
The Holy Grail had summoned two more members of the Archer class. Of all the classes, it was the one he felt had the greatest tactical advantage, due to the great range that was allowed to a Bowman. Things were certainly about to get interesting for the two of them.
Atalanta and Chiron stared at Benjamin and looked at each other before each of them stood up, giving their opinions about him.
The Huntress bowed before her master, tapping her left hand on her chest, she smiled with marvelous pride and yet kindness. She was truly an iconic notion of power, youth, and selflessness incarnate.
"I am your servant Archer. I have indeed beckoned your call and that of the Grail. This is my weapon. My pride and spirit. My weapon, my defense, my purpose. Just as this tool is my weapon, I am your weapon. Be it for destruction or peace, that is for your mind to decide. I will fight for you with my life," the servant declared without a doubt in her mind. She rose to her full height, her eyes full of intent. "I only have one request. Any child that crosses our path I must save. Other than that, I will follow you to the gates of Hades and back." She bowed her head one final time in accordance to her master and materialized her celestial bow, a divine weapon bestowed upon her by Artemis: Tauropolos. A jet black Western-style weapon, bigger than she is tall. It was said to be granted to her by Artemis, the goddess of the eternal Hunt, the boar-killer. A rare gem befitting of such a pillar and bastion of glory. There was no doubt in this Archer's mind for the future. "I am a huntress and yet royal Arcadian blood courses through my veins. I am none other than Atalanta of Lasus. Though I am unproud of uttering the name of my late father, I will absolutely perform to my best abilities to serve you, master. Command me as you wish."
All of those words from Atalanta made Benjamin smile, especially as he heard how his servant spoke, calling herself Archer and speaking in a very old fashioned way, something that actually made him rather excited that she accepted him as her Master. "Of course. That is a request I could not deny. At any rate, it is good to meet you, Archer." Still, he had to calm himself. He was known for being almost fairly calm and collected when around the people, while internally he was understandably confused and freaked out about heroes and magic coming back to life. Externally, he seemed very calm and collected.
The Centaur extended an open palm towards him, smiled softly, and answered in simple words, "Servant, Archer. The power of Sagittarius and Apollo hath heard thine plea. To this, I have answered the call to arms. I don't mean to sound so domineering, be assured that, as your Servant, I will not bring shame upon the name of Chiron, watch for my bow on the field."
Benjamin respectfully took his hand and shook it rather firmly. He likely wouldn't be that much of a surprise in terms of physical strength. "Yes... I'm expecting great things from you, Chiron." He then cleared his throat a bit as he sat down, which they too followed. "Alright then. Since we both know our places, both of you did not come here alone...and the grail war has changed significantly from what it used to be. I imagine you already knew that though." Benjamin pointed at Enkidu who was waving back and went back to eating his food. "You can go talk to him about what is going on here, I am really tired of explaining this once more to you."
"Alright now...well that settles that for later. Atalanta, we can go back to eating our food, and I imagine you can dismiss your bow."
When dinner was finished and after the talk about the Holy Grail was done, Benjamin washed the dishes with the help of Enkidu, who wanted to try washing dishes too. Benjamin was a bit amused at this sight-a hero cleaning dishes with him. When he was done washing dishes, Enkidu went outside to look at the backyard for some reason. Benjamin went into his bedroom, writing his book report about one of the Three Great Authors, Hans Christian Andersen, with a book of his life and extra credit, which was writing another book report of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
Benjamin was almost done writing the book report and noticed that Atalanta and Chiron went up the roof to look at the stars and converse about something important which what appear to be the Greek language. He shook his head, this is not his business to involve in their conversation at all. What Benjamin learned about Heroes is that they are on a whole different level.
Benjamin rollered back to his chair and yawned. He soon changed to his pajamas and laid down on his back on his bed. He wondered what he could do with these Heroes that are living in his house. Maybe he can try to show them around the modern city in hopes of it being of interest to them. Benjamin just hoped that the Heroes would not point their weapons at him or each other. He had a feeling it could cause a nuclear bomb in his house and blow anyone to kingdom come from the nearby area. Benjamin closed his eyes and slept in peace, not worrying about everything right now.
(Benjamin's Roof)
"Do you remember anything about what happened in the Great Holy Grail War, Atalanta?" Chiron questioned Atalanta as they sat on the rooftop with their hair blown by the calm wild.
Atalanta shook her head "No, I too cannot remember what happened in the war but I still can remember, who are my comrades. What about you Chiron?" she asked.
Chiron stared at the beautiful night sky and said sadly, "What I can remember is that I made a promise to my Master to help grant her wish to heal her legs."
"I knew my wish was more selfish than her, but I wished for the Holy Grail to give me immortality back that I once gave to Prometheus," Chiron admitted without a hint of embarrassment.
Chiron turned his head towards Atalanta. "What about you, Atalanta? I am curious about your wish."
Atalanta answered with happiness. "My wish is for the world where every child can be raised with love, just as I had been myself". Atalanta herself understood the entirety of the situation and its importance. She sought only to bring victory, protect children, and end this as soon as possible to minimize the losses.
Chiron smiled and said, "A simple yet grand goal." Atalanta nodded with a pure and innocent looking face.
"Now for the important topic, do you feel any different than a normal summon Atalanta?" Chiron asked, suddenly very serious. Atalanta clenched her fist and placed it on her chest, which was rising with her heartbeat. She also felt her skin, which was warm to the touch of her finger. It took a few seconds before she realized her body was real flesh-and-blood.
"Something is wrong with the summoning ritual. It is clear that the Holy Grail had its own will, but to give us flesh and blood, that is strange". Chiron said, worried at this unusual event.
Atalanta nodded in agreement. Being summoned from the Great Holy Grail War just to be summoned again after the war is suspicious.
"Based on the results of this world, we should stay here for now and figure out what's wrong. I have a feeling that there is more than just a little fluke," Chiron contemplated.
"Oh Atalanta, please don't have an aversion toward Benjamin, he obviously has no idea what's going with the Holy Grail."
Atalanta frowned at that statement before she nodded. As a fervent follower of Artemis, she has mixed feelings about staying in the house with men.
But as long he does not look like a perverted person, it would be alright. At the oh, Benjamin looks like he could be a decent person. But still, Atalanta held no resentment of ill feelings towards the manner of her master's summoning. She only smiled respectfully and obeyed her master's wishes for her allegiance, eager to see him happy. She had total faith in her master. Smiling unreasonably and cheerfully. For someone to go out of their way and choose her, then repay her deed by showing such kind gratitude was more than enough for Atalanta to be satisfied in both emotion and desire for the moment.
Atalanta jumped off the roof top and walked to the nearby forest with her bow ready to hunt some animals. It's been awhile since she has cooked on a stove.
Chiron sat down and meditated. He sensed Enkidu nearby sitting next to him, gazing at the pretty city lights. Chiron's inner instincts told him Enkidu has no ill intent toward him or Atalanta. Enkidu just wants to meet new people and wants to know them. Chiron knows that there is something wrong with the area around Benjamin's house, as it's beginning to leak mana in the ground. Chiron also knows that he and Atalanta have sensed a bond with Benjamin, even more, puzzling is that there are no command seals anywhere on his hands. Chiron has begun to believe that the Holy Grail would summon his comrades in the future, maybe even his pupils or someone else.
He even believes that Benjamin's house will be full of Heroes in a few months, feeling a little pity that Benjamin's house could get destroyed at the same time. Benjamin might get annoyed at them for not respecting his private residence. Anyway, Chiron could help Benjamin stop them from fighting each other, he is a teacher and tutor at the oh. He should, at least, teach Benjamin how to survive from all these insane events.
Sorry if Atalanta and Chiron are out of character. This is my first communication with Benjamin and Atalanta and Chiron. Thank you for enjoying my story, please don't forget to review. I want more people to review the story, it makes me happy that people are enjoying my story and ideas. Maybe you should be inspired by my story and write your own story. I would love to see it and hope you can be better at writing this idea of mine.
Criticism, comments, and ideas for the story are always welcome. One more thing: No flame or spam the comments and please don't be lazy to just to review my story with one or two words.