The following is from Rin Tohsaka's perspective:
I am Rin Tohsaka, born into a prestigious mage family. For generations, our family has prepared to summon Servants, because my father told me that if I obtain the Holy Grail, I can make my greatest wish come true.
So, I secretly wanted to attempt a summoning myself—because my dear sister is leaving me tomorrow. I don't want her to go. If I can summon a Servant of my own, maybe I can change our fate.
In truth, I wasn't very hopeful. My father always said my mana reserves were too low to successfully summon a Servant. But tonight… I succeeded.
As I initiated the ritual, the summoning circle shone brilliantly, engulfing my vision in red light.
And from within that crimson glow, a man appeared.
He had a refined face, golden hair that shimmered like sunlight, and piercing blue eyes that gazed at me calmly.
There was no hesitation in those eyes.
He extended his hand toward me.
"Greetings," he said.
His voice was majestic yet gentle, like a sacred hymn.
"My name is Arthur. I have answered your call. So, tell me—are you my Master?"
---
"This is going to be troublesome," Arthur thought as he looked at the young girl before him. He had anticipated being summoned someday, but he never expected that his summoner would be Rin Tohsaka—no, little Rin.
With her current level of mana, it was a miracle she had even managed to call forth a Servant.
"This is bad."
"Umm… what's wrong?" Rin asked cautiously, watching him with a curious gaze.
Arthur sighed helplessly. He gently patted Rin's head and smiled reassuringly.
"It's nothing. Don't worry—I will protect you."
Just then, a mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
[Ding! Summoning successful! Task 1: Become Rin Tohsaka's Servant. Reward: Ability – Free Action.]
Arthur frowned slightly. A system? He hadn't expected this, nor did he understand why it was attached to him.
But there was no time to dwell on that now. Fuyuki City was filled with mages, and apart from the Tohsaka family, most were either dangerous or downright insane.
"Well, I should conserve mana for now. Worst case scenario, I can ask Tokiomi Tohsaka for advice later."
Arthur looked down at Rin, then knelt slightly to meet her gaze.
"Rin," he said gently, "are you willing to be my Master?"
Rin hesitated, lowering her head.
"If I become your Master… will you help me bring Sakura back?"
Arthur smiled warmly.
"Of course, my little princess."
Rin's eyes widened slightly, and she clenched her small fists.
"Then… the contract is sealed."
At that moment, a soft glow enveloped her. There was no Command Seal, as Arthur had not been summoned by the Holy Grail, but both could sense a newfound connection binding them together.
Suddenly, Arthur tensed.
"Someone's coming!" he whispered sharply. "Rin, don't tell them about me yet."
The moment he finished speaking, his figure vanished from sight.
---
Just then, the door burst open, and a beautiful woman entered the room.
"Rin! What happened?"
It was Aoi Tohsaka, her mother.
Rin quickly composed herself. "It's nothing, Mother. I was just experimenting with magic."
Aoi sighed in relief but then frowned. "You shouldn't be reckless like that! Magic is dangerous, Rin."
Rin immediately clung to her mother's side, her voice sweet and apologetic.
"Don't be mad, Mother~ I know I was wrong."
Aoi's stern expression softened as she stroked Rin's hair.
"Just be careful next time," she said gently.
With that, the two left the room.
Once the coast was clear, Arthur reappeared, his form materializing in the dim light.
"Hmm… the Matou family hasn't taken Sakura yet?" He pondered. "Seems like there's still some time before the Holy Grail War begins."
With a thoughtful expression, he muttered, "Might as well take a look around Fuyuki City while I can."
Arthur vanished once more.
---
Meanwhile, in the same house, two little girls sat together.
"Sister, where did you go?" asked a delicate-looking girl with black hair—Sakura Matou, Rin's younger sister.
"It's nothing, Sakura," Rin whispered. "I just went to find someone really powerful."
"Powerful?" Sakura blinked in confusion. Her mood was heavy—she knew she would be leaving soon, and she didn't want to.
"Yes, very powerful!" Rin said firmly. "Don't worry, Sakura. I won't let you be taken away."
Sakura lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper.
"...But Father won't allow it."
Rin clenched her fists.
"No matter what happens… I won't let them take you."
"Forget it," she sighed. "Let's go to sleep. You'll understand tomorrow."
Sakura hesitated, then nodded. She lay down beside Rin, but her thoughts kept swirling.
What was Rin planning? And who was this powerful person she spoke of?
As her eyelids grew heavy, she made a silent wish—
"Please… don't let me go."
And with that, sleep took her.
---