The Summoning - Part 1

*Yawwnn*

Yawning loudly, a middle aged man was wearing security clothes, and a flashlight in his hand, mumbling in annoyance. 

"Dammit... Why do we even need to guard this place? As if anyone would be interested in stealing these old junks." 

Grumbling more and more as he patrolled the area alone, soon, he saw a particular display on his way to the next area. 

"Huh? The only last original sandal of the Theseus? Pfftt, what a joke. This is definitely fake. Just like most of the junks here." 

Said the man as he scowled to the sandal inside the display glass. He was about to turn around and leave, but something heavy struck the back of his neck, making him roll his eyes and faint. 

"Or maybe because you have no eyes for treasure." 

A voice sounded out of nowhere, as transparent armor started to reach out its hand and grab the glass tightly. Soon, the glass part that the armor's hand grabbed was cracking, and the glass broke in seconds. 

Even with the loud noise of the glass broken, no one came to check it out nor any alarm ringing. It was so quiet just as if no one ever guarded the place. 

Taking out the only sandal without its pair, the transparent armor began to pull out a jar of blood and a paintbrush from its backpack. Then, in ten minutes, the figure finished drawing some kind of a magic circle on the ground and put the sandal inside the circle. 

"Let silver and steel be the essence.

Let stone and the archduke of contracts be the foundation." 

Once the figure began to chat, Soon, the magic circle started to glow mysteriously. 

"Let Blue 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." 

The more time passed, as if responded into what the figure chanted, the magic circle began to shine so bright. 

"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 moment the last words were spoken, air began to distort as the light shining in the museum brighter than ever before. Shortly, a humanoid shape appeared inside the light as the light started to fade out. 

"Come to me, my servant.." 

Stepping out of the magic circle is a knight that was donned in golden armors. The knight raised its hand to its chest, and said with a voice full of conviction. 

"I have responded to your summon, master. Theseus, at your service." 

**** 

Thousands of marigolds gleamed in the moonlight, swaying as the midnight breeze blew in peace and gentility. From afar, distant rushes of water can be heard falling down to their marbled cradles.

Dressed in a lavish yet simplistic dress, one that is considered foreign yet mesmerizing to anyone that would see it, the lady walked towards the center of the garden and took off the veil that was donned at the top of her head.

The veil had already served its purpose, and thus, followed the wind as it took it away from her grasp. Letting her focus remain at the main task, she took the scepter that was previously laying in the ground and pointed it towards the altar across from her; a large magic circle separating them.

Closing her eyes, she felt the sparks of mana ran through her fingertips. They were alive, eager to be brought forth. And so, chanting the Aria that was engraved to her mind over and over, she summoned all her mana and directed it towards the circle.

"...Come, submit to the beckoning of the Holy Grail. If you abide by this feeling, this reason, then answer my calling." 

Her fingers clasped tightly around the handle of the scepter, her concentration resolute. Raising it in a swift motion, she drew a large gash at the center of her palm; her blood dropping into the intricate circle, and gradually turned into black.

"I hereby swear an oath: that I, who shall attain all the virtues of heaven. I, who shall grasp all the vices of hell to defeat..."

The wind picked up violently, smoke rising from the dust that swirled around her figure. Countless golden petals left their place, obscuring her vision from what she was waiting for. Even if her soft voice was getting strained, she continued forward.

"...The Seventh Heavens-- clad in the three great words of power, rise from the ring of deterrence and appear before me;"

Her hair flowed behind her, braids falling out of their pins. The same for her dress, moving in disarray at the powerful force that continued to increase as time itself reaches its peak. She was near, and what she was looking forward to was then within her grasp.

A glint in her eyes passed with her last scream.

"Guardian of the Holy Equilibrium!"

Bright light.

There was a bright light that engulfed her entire form, devouring everything at its release. At one point, a glimpse of gold passed by her vision. A kind of golden hue that was far more vibrant than those of her garden's marigolds.

Shielding her eyes from the impact, she waited with bated breath as the chaos that ensued began to settle down. It wasn't long before her surroundings were finally at peace. She opened her eyes and blinked, watching as more golden petals flew in the wind.

Breathing in and out, she faced the direction of the circle once again and swiftly curtsied. She was a lady raised in grace, after all. A fitting welcome should only be done for the sole being who will aid her in her battle. Hence, as soon as she felt another, gallant presence, her limbs move on their own accord.

"Greetings, o' Heroic Spirit."

She began, a hand to her chest as a gesture of sincerity.

"I am Shaltea Juséaltine Lladhov'na."

Gradually rising from her feet, she marvelled at the figure who was standing valiantly in front of her. Who was it, perhaps? Her anticipation bubbled in eagerness.

"Are you..."

And in an instant, their eyes met. She was taken aback, yet also felt a sense of hope over her situation. Golden hair akin to silk weaved by the gods themselves, crimson eyes that twinkled in the moonlight, and a lean body draped with the robes of ancient royalty.

The moon quietly watched the both of them stand in front of one another, as the golden petals flew in their last, revealing the outcome-- the finale of her hard work.

Too enthralled by his identity, she didn't even notice how his eyes widened wistfully towards her.

"...my Servant?"