Hello everyone, how are you doing?
I hope well. If you're wondering what's going on, I've simply decided to remake the story.
Honestly, there were some things that didn't quite convince me, so I hope you like this version.
Also, I apologize for the inactivity. I've had so many complications that it just wasn't possible to update sooner.
(-)
I'm not the creator of the Fate series or Percy Jackson. All rights belong to their respective creators.
The only thing that belongs to me is the story.
I hope you enjoy the chapter.
(-)
Kiritsugu Emiya made his way through the dark corridors of the Einzbern mansion, his hair tousled and his eyes fixed on the path ahead. The journey to meet Achtel, the head of the Einzbern family, filled him with growing unease. It wasn't just the man's presence that disturbed him, but the weight of what lay ahead: the impending Holy Grail War.
"Are you feeling alright, Kiri?" Irisviel's soft and reassuring voice interrupted his thoughts. With her silver hair and pale complexion, she gazed at him with affectionate red eyes.
To anyone unfamiliar with the hidden world like Kiritsugu, Irisviel might have appeared to suffer from albinism, but he knew the truth: she was a homunculus created by the Einzberns.
"It's about the war, isn't it?" Irisviel asked, reading the concern in Kiritsugu's eyes. He nodded silently, unable to deny it.
Irisviel gently took Kiritsugu's hand, offering him silent yet comforting solace. In that gesture, Kiritsugu found a fleeting refuge from the anxiety that consumed him.
Though Kiritsugu would never openly admit it, he deeply valued these moments of connection with Irisviel amid the uncertainty brought by the impending Holy Grail battle.
(-)
Kiritsugu and Irisviel entered the grand ceremonial hall of the Einzbern castle. From afar, one could sense the charged atmosphere of a place not meant for divine devotion or spiritual peace, but for magic in its darkest and most ritualistic form.
The old magus, Jubstacheit von Einzbern, known as 'Acht' after becoming the eighth leader of the Einzbern family and extending his life to around two hundred years, stood by the sacrificial altar. He had led the family since they shifted their focus to the Grail War.
Kiritsugu, unfamiliar with the era of Justizia, had witnessed Acht's suffering during the Second Heaven's Feel. The defeats had left a deep mark on him, exacerbating his anxiety at the prospect of another chance. Nine years ago, Acht had welcomed Kiritsugu, known as 'The Magus Killer,' into the Einzbern family, drawn solely by the young man's extraordinary skills.
"The relic found in the temple of Cape Sunion has finally arrived," announced Acht as he adjusted his white beard, resembling a frozen waterfall. He looked at Kiritsugu shrewdly, hiding his senility behind his deep-set eyes. Over the years, Kiritsugu had felt the critical weight of that gaze every time they met.
Following Acht's gesture, Kiritsugu observed a large charcoal-colored chest on the altar, tied in a ridiculous manner.
"Using this as a catalyst, it should be possible to summon the most powerful heroic spirit," continued Acht. "Consider this the greatest contribution of the Einzbern family."
"I am deeply grateful, esteemed family leader," Kiritsugu responded with a bow, although his stoic expression concealed his true thoughts about external blood meddling in the Einzbern lineage.
The Command Seal had appeared on Kiritsugu's right hand three years ago, and soon he would carry the Einzbern family's greatest ambition by participating in the upcoming Heaven's Feel. Acht glanced at Irisviel, who respectfully lowered her gaze.
"Irisviel, what is the status of the vessel?"
"No problems; it will function normally even in Fuyuki," replied Irisviel confidently.
The 'All-Powerful Chalice' that granted wishes was merely a spiritual entity and had no physical form. To enable the 'Holy Grail' to descend, a vessel had to be prepared. Since the beginning of the Heaven's Feels, the Einzbern family had been responsible for creating that vessel. Irisviel was tasked with bringing it to Fuyuki along with Kiritsugu to participate in the battle.
The old Acht's eyes sparkled with madness and determination as he asserted, "This time... no one must survive. Slay the six Servants. This time, we must obtain the Third Magic, the Golden Grail."
"Yes, sir," fervently responded the present magi and homunculi. But in Kiritsugu's heart, indifference toward the old leader's desires was evident.
"No matter; I will meet your expectations. With my hands, I will ensure you obtain it," Kiritsugu thought to himself, infused with the enthusiasm instilled by Acht.
"But that's not all. I will use the All-Powerful Chalice to achieve my deepest desire," Kiritsugu declared in his mind, with determination and a purpose that exceeded the old Acht's expectations.
(-)
Irisviel and Kiritsugu returned slowly to their rooms after receiving the enigmatic box from the family leader Acht. The mystery surrounding its contents was palpable as they prepared to open it and reveal its secret.
With careful hands, they untied the closures
and lifted the lid, revealing the hilt of a sword inside. Though somewhat rusty, it still bore a faint gleam that hinted at decorations at its ends. In the center, barely visible, was a figure that appeared to be a spear.
"It's a shame; it must have been majestic," commented Irisviel with a touch of melancholy in her voice, to which Kiritsugu nodded, albeit with a furrowed brow.
Initially, Kiritsugu had hoped to find Avalon's scabbard, belonging to the King of Knights, but unfortunately, it had not been found.
Acht, always prepared, had a contingency plan in case the scabbard wasn't found, and this catalyst found in the Temple of Poseidon was part of that plan. Kiritsugu still wondered when they had discovered this valuable item.
"But still, it's enough to summon the hero linked to this catalyst; possibly a Greco-Roman hero," reflected Irisviel, noting the dissatisfaction on Kiritsugu's face.
"It's not just that. I just feel like I won't always be able to protect you. Perhaps if I could obtain Avalon, I..." Kiritsugu was interrupted by Irisviel's sudden embrace.
"Don't worry, Kiri, everything will be fine," she reassured him sweetly.
A faint smile appeared on Kiritsugu's face as he reciprocated Irisviel's embrace. Despite being immersed in preparations and strategies for the Holy Grail War, he knew that things didn't always go as expected in such conflicts. He decided then, in that calm moment, to fully enjoy the present with her.
(-)
"Will a simple ritual suffice?" Irisviel, observing the procedure attentively, showed surprise at its apparent simplicity.
"Perhaps it will disappoint you, but summoning Servants has never required an extravagant ceremony," explained Kiritsugu as he carefully inspected the curves and smudges in the mercury drawing.
"In fact, it's not the magus's power that summons the Servant, but that of the Holy Grail. As a Master, I am merely the connection between the heroic spirit and our world, providing the necessary prana for its materialization."
Satisfied after finishing the summoning circle, Kiritsugu nodded and stood up with determination. The sacred relic was reverently placed on the altar: the scabbard of the legendary holy sword.
"According to this, victory is within our grasp," declared Kiritsugu confidently, although a shadow of concern briefly crossed his face.
After a sigh, Kiritsugu began reciting the summoning ritual with a firm voice, focusing on each word and gesture, fervently hoping that everything would go smoothly in this crucial moment.
(-)
A thick mist began to invade the area, carrying with it a heavy smell strangely reminiscent of the sea.
Kiritsugu watched attentively as the figure of a man gradually became more visible through the mist, until he could finally distinguish him clearly;
He was tall, with somewhat bronzed skin and unruly, wavy black hair. He wore a gray mask with black markings covering his face, along with a black cloak that concealed what appeared to be armor. It was difficult to determine his exact age, but if Kiritsugu had to guess, he would say this individual was around twenty-five years old.
Although the man's appearance was peculiar, his Greek origin was evident.
The penetrating gaze that the servant directed towards Kiritsugu was intense, as if he were seeing through him. Kiritsugu couldn't help but feel his internal radar going haywire; a single look was enough to tell him that this individual was dangerous.
The tension in the air was so palpable that not even Irisviel dared to interrupt the two men.
Finally, the servant's gaze softened, and he relaxed his rigid posture before addressing Kiritsugu with a direct question:
"I ask you, are you the Master who summoned me?"
Kiritsugu maintained composure in front of the Greek servant, his mind quickly assessing the situation. Though the man's presence intrigued and somewhat unsettled him, Kiritsugu knew he needed to establish clear and direct communication.
"Correct," Kiritsugu responded seriously, keeping his gaze fixed on the masked man. "Emiya Kiritsugu, the Master who summoned you."
The servant nodded slightly, as if processing the information Kiritsugu had provided. His penetrating gaze did not waver, maintaining a nearly palpable pressure on Kiritsugu. In response to this tension, Kiritsugu released a sigh he didn't realize he had been holding, trying to ease the charged atmosphere.
"Then, could you tell me your name?" Kiritsugu asked, hoping to glean more details about his new servant. However, the Servant remained silent, as if deliberating his response.
"My name... is of no importance, Master," replied the Servant enigmatically. Irisviel, observing the interaction closely, noticed a hint of dissatisfaction in Kiritsugu's eyes; it seemed the Servant was reluctant to reveal much about himself.
"Well then. What is your class?"
"I am a Saber, Master," declared the Servant with what seemed like pride.
Kiritsugu regarded the self-proclaimed Saber with interest. Undoubtedly, he was a man of few words, which didn't bother the Magus Killer accustomed to caution and reserve. "Saber, follow me," commanded Kiritsugu, indicating his determination to advance in the mission that awaited them.
Irisviel stood beside Kiritsugu as they left the ceremonial hall, with Saber following closely behind. The presence of the Greek Saber added an air of mystery and potential to their team, but Kiritsugu knew they needed to work together to succeed in the dangerous contest for the Holy Grail that lay ahead on the horizon.
As they moved towards their next task, Kiritsugu reflected on the implications of having a Saber as an ally and the strategies they would need to employ to maximize his abilities in the upcoming battle. The uncertainty of the future loomed over them, but Kiritsugu was determined to face any challenge that came their way on the path to victory.
(-)
End of the first chapter.
I must admit, this is my first fanfic. I hope you liked these new elements I've implemented in this chapter.
I would greatly appreciate your comments on the chapter, as it would show me that you're interested and that would help me a lot.