₊ 𖦹﹕𝗠𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗦𝗬𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗦！(🩸)

⩩ ┊❝ 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐈𝐝 ❞

第二章 . . . 000
@/mxtsuro | AO3 & Wattpad
Myrddin Emrys © 2025

﹒  ◠  METEMPSYCHOSIS    ⊹    ﹒
— “ reincarnation ” !
What is past is set in endless night, to live only in our fleeting recollections, to glimmer in our decaying and treacherous memories, that varnish past scenes with such illusive art, that we hang even upon our past follies with delight.
★ . Sir Richard Maltravers » +

೯⠀⁺ ⠀ 𖥻 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐈𝐝 ⠀ᰋ

Fuyuki City
4th of September 2004, 13:00 PM

           The late afternoon sun bathed Rin’s manor in a soft, amber glow, casting long shadows across the ornate furnishings. The peaceful quiet within contrasted sharply with the tension lingering from the earlier confrontation at the academy. Though the immediate threat had passed, a weight hung in the air---a reminder that this was only a brief respite from the chaos of the Holy Grail War. In the manor’s library, the atmosphere was hushed and contemplative. The room smelled of old parchment and the faint scent of wood polish, with tall shelves of books stretching to the ceiling. Nestled in an armchair far too large for her small frame was Galateya, the sickly three-year-old girl whose presence seemed at once out of place and integral to the unfolding events.

           Romani stood nearby, leaning casually against one of the tall bookshelves. His figure was relaxed, his cloak draping over him, the hood still covering much of his face. Only the faint glimmer of his eyes could be seen beneath it, observing Galateya with an expression that was difficult to read---equal parts curiosity, patience, and something more guarded. The traveler's voice broke the silence, calm and measured as he began to speak.

          "Now," he said gently, "let's go over what Emiya and Tohsaka taught you earlier. Do you remember the process of mana channeling?"

           Galateya lifted her head from the large tome resting in her lap, the pages filled with complex diagrams and arcane symbols far beyond what one might expect a child her age to grasp. She stared up at him with wide, innocent eyes, her small lips pressing together as she tried to recall. Her blue eyes, shimmering faintly in the soft light, blinked as she replied hesitantly, "Um, Rin said you have to focus really hard like when you are trying to move something with your mind, right?"

           Romani nodded slightly, the faint movement of his hood-shadowed face barely perceptible. His voice remained steady, a soft murmur as though mindful not to startle the young girl with the complexities of the topic. "That is a start, yes. It is about channeling your inner energy---your mana---and focusing it with intention. But it is not just about forcing something to happen with your willpower. There are layers to it. Magic has rules, like any discipline."

           The traveler moved closer to her, kneeling down to be more at her eye level as Galateya sat on the armchair. His presence was calm, steadying, though there was something almost imposing about the cloak that still concealed his face. Romani reached out and gently placed a hand on the book resting in her lap, his fingers brushing the edges of the pages as he continued speaking.

          "For example," he said, pointing to one of the intricate diagrams in the book, "the magic circuits within you are like a network. They take in mana from your surroundings or your internal reserves and distribute it throughout your body, like blood through veins. But to truly understand magic, you need to grasp more than just the flow of mana. There are centuries of theory, schools of thought, and traditions that form the foundation of what we know today."

          Galateya scrunched her face slightly, her small hands absentmindedly tracing the book's edges as she listened. Her brows furrowed in concentration, but there was a spark of curiosity in her gaze, the beginning of an understanding. Still, the words he spoke were dense, filled with concepts that were difficult for someone her age to fully comprehend. She tilted her head, her voice soft, almost hesitant. "So, it is not like magic in cartoons? There are rules?"

          A faint smile tugged at the corner of Romani’s lips, though hidden beneath his hood. His tone lightened just a touch, amused by her childlike view of the world. "Exactly. Magic has rules, just like any other discipline---like science. The difference is that, once you understand the rules, you can bend them. But you have to know why the magic works, not just how."

          As Romani spoke, Galateya's thoughts began to drift. His explanations were interesting, but her mind wandered back to something that had been nagging at her all day---the life she had left behind in Berlin. She had been here for nearly a week now, far from home, and the strangeness of it all was starting to settle in. Her eyes flicked away from the book and focused on a spot in the distance, her voice softening to barely more than a whisper. "I wonder how Raphael is doing. Or Dad and Mom. And my maids. They must be so worried about me."

          Galateya's small, trembling voice drew Romani’s attention. He paused for a moment, his hand lingering on the book before gently closing it. He sensed the loneliness and uncertainty in her tone---emotions she likely did not fully understand but felt deeply. He settled into a crouch, his figure shrouded, yet his presence warm.

          "Your family," Romani said quietly, his tone probing but not unkind. "You have mentioned them before. Raphael, your guardian, and your parents. What is your life like back home?"

            At the mention of her family, Galateya’s eyes lit up, her expression brightening as she sat up a little straighter in the chair. She clasped her hands together, the corners of her mouth curling into a small smile as she began to speak. "Oh! It is really nice! We live in this big house in Berlin. Raphael takes care of me most of the time because Dad and Mom are always working, but they are really kind! Raphael reads me stories, and the maids make my favorite snacks."

            Galateya paused, her excitement bubbling up as she continued to talk about the simple joys of her life in Berlin. "I have a lot of cute pets back home. They are my very best friends! Sometimes, we all watch cartoons together, especially the ones with magic. I love those! They are so fun."

            Romani listened intently, though his mind worked in the background, analyzing her words. There was something about this child that did not sit right with him---something beyond the innocence she radiated. Her life, as she described it, was perfectly normal, devoid of any indication that magic had played a part in any phase of it. And yet, there she was, sitting in a library in Fuyuki City, having been drawn into a magical war, with traces of a concealed magic about her that no ordinary child should have.

           "You are sure your family does not practice magic?" Romani asked gently, his tone remaining calm, but his words now carried an edge of inquiry. "They have never taught you anything about it?"

           Galateya shook her head earnestly, the movement making her white hair brush against her cheeks. "No. I do not think so. Dad and Mom never talk about magic. And Raphael just teaches me normal things---like reading, writing, and math. We do not do anything like what Rin and Shirou do."

            Romani remained silent for a moment, though his mind was racing with thoughts. The child, there was something more to her family than she realized. No one stumbled into a situation like this by sheer chance. He could sense the faint, lingering traces of magic around her. It was not strong, but it was deliberate, concealed---almost as if sealed away intentionally. The words of Archer and Saber echoed in his mind. They, too, had sensed something was off with Galateya, a hidden power lying dormant beneath the surface. The cloak-wearing traveler had noticed it during their brief encounter with Rider and Shinji earlier. That same subtle magic was there, and it could not be ignored.

            "You have been here for almost a week now, have not you?" Romani asked, his tone still gentle but more pointed now. "Do you think your family is looking for you?"

            Galateya’s expression faltered, her earlier excitement dimming as her thoughts returned to the present. "Of course, but I am not sure how long will it takes them to find me," she admitted, her voice small and trembling. "I miss them a lot. But this place, it is so strange. I do not know how I got here. It was like, I woke up one day, and I was just here."

           Romani straightened slightly, his hood still casting a shadow over his face, though his eyes were sharp with thought. "You mentioned before that you arrived just as the war started. That is no coincidence. The Holy Grail War is unstable. It can reach out and pull people in, even from far away. It is possible you were drawn here without meaning to be."

          Galateya’s confusion deepened, her eyes wide as she stared up at him. "So, it was an accident?"

           "Perhaps," Romani said slowly, his voice soft but deliberate. "But I do not believe in accidents. Everything happens for a reason, whether we understand it or not. Fate and destiny are at work here, and they brought you here for a reason. It is up to us to figure out what that is."

            Galateya tilted her head, her childlike innocence radiating through her thoughtful gaze. "Do you think the Holy Grail brought me here for a reason?"

           Romani did not answer right away. He reached out and placed a gentle hand on her head, the gesture protective and warm. "Maybe. But whatever the reason, we will figure it out. You are not alone in this."

          Galateya's face softened at his words, her small smile returning as she felt reassured by his presence. For the first time in days, she felt a little less lost. Romani watched her for a moment longer, his mind still racing with unanswered questions. There was more to this child than met the eye, and her family---whether they realized it or not---were somehow tied to the events unfolding.

           Romani withdrew his hand slowly, careful not to disturb the fragile calm he had helped restore in Galateya. He moved back to his earlier position, standing once again near the tall bookshelf, the warm glow of the library casting an ethereal light around him, though his face remained obscured by the hood. His eyes, however, continued to observe the little girl, quietly weighing every detail she had shared.

            Galateya shifted in her chair, her small fingers tracing the cover of the book Romani had closed. "So, magic is not just about moving things or making sparks?" she asked, her voice soft but curious.

            "No," Romani replied, his voice still calm but filled with the depth of his knowledge. "That is just the surface. True magic is about understanding the principles behind those actions. Every spell you cast, every incantation you speak---it all draws from centuries of knowledge. That is why, I am teaching you the theory, the history, and the systems behind it. Emiya and Tohsaka have taught you practical things, and that is important, but without understanding the 'why,' your magic will always be limited."

          Galateya nodded thoughtfully, though her eyes wandered back to the large windows that overlooked Rin's garden. "But what if I never get to see Dad and Mom again? What if I never get back home?"

          Romani's gaze softened under the hood, and for a moment, there was silence between them. He moved closer again, kneeling beside her once more. His cloak brushed against the floor, the soft rustle breaking the stillness of the library. "You will," he said quietly but with certainty. "No matter how difficult things may seem right now, there is always a way back. This war, it may be chaotic, but it will end. And when it does, we will find a way to return you home."

           Her sky-blue eyes flicked up to meet his, and for a moment, the innocence in her gaze was almost heartbreaking. Romani felt the weight of responsibility settle heavier on his shoulders. He was not just a spectator or a participant in the war anymore---he had taken it upon himself to protect this child, no matter what. Galateya smiled faintly, comforted by his words, though her mind remained tangled in the uncertainty of her situation. "Thank you, Romani," she whispered.

          He stood again, placing a hand on the back of the chair. "No need to thank me. Now, let’s continue. There is much to learn if you are to understand the bigger picture."

        Galateya’s curiosity, though still clouded with worry, began to return as Romani guided her back into their lesson. He opened another tome, this one much older and filled with ancient, arcane script. Its pages were worn, the edges crumbling slightly from age, yet the wisdom it contained was as timeless as ever. The traveler began explaining the origins of magecraft, weaving together stories of the Age of Gods, the divergence of magic from sorcery, and the different schools of thought that arose over millennia.

          As Romani spoke, his voice took on an almost hypnotic cadence, drawing Galateya deeper into the history of magic. The traveler explained the concept of Thaumaturgy and how it was distinct from the miracles of the gods, the methods by which humans had learned to tap into the flow of mana that coursed through the world. He detailed the Five True Magics---lofty, near-mythical abilities that transcended the capabilities of ordinary mages, each one representing an impossible feat: Time Travel, True Creation, Heaven's Feel, and so forth.

          Galateya’s wide eyes shimmered with fascination. Despite her youth, there was an eagerness in her to learn, to grasp the knowledge that was being handed to her. She listened intently, occasionally asking questions, her small voice cutting through the steady flow of Romani’s explanations.

          “But why cannot everyone do magic?” she asked, her tone puzzled as she flipped through the pages of the tome he had opened. “If mana is everywhere, should not everyone be able to use it?”

           Romani chuckled softly under his breath, a rare sound from him, though the smile behind his hood did not quite reach his eyes. "That is a good question. It is because not everyone has magic circuits. Mana may be everywhere, but only those with the right circuits can channel it. Think of it like electricity. Even if the energy is there, you need the proper wires and conductors to use it. And those circuits, well, they are passed down through bloodlines, cultivated over generations."

           Galateya nodded slowly, processing the information. Her hands tightened slightly on the edges of the book. "So, does that mean I have magic circuits? Even if no one in my family taught me?"

           Romani’s gaze lingered on her a little longer than before. He had sensed the subtle traces of mana within her, but they were so faint, so carefully concealed, that it was impossible to know the full extent of her potential. "Yes," he said cautiously. "You have them. But they are different. They are not like the circuits that most mages possess. I think they have been sealed, or perhaps hidden."

            Her eyes widened slightly at his words. "Hidden? Why?"

            Romani stood again, crossing the room as he considered his response. His movements were slow, deliberate, as if he were weighing each word before speaking. "There could be many reasons. Perhaps your family wanted to protect you from something. Or perhaps they did not want you involved in magic at all. But magic has a way of finding those who are meant to wield it, whether they want it or not."

            Galateya watched him, her expression serious beyond her years. For a brief moment, the childlike innocence in her gaze flickered, replaced by something deeper---a quiet understanding that perhaps she was more entwined in the world of magic than she had ever realized.

            As the conversation lapsed into silence, a soft knock echoed from the door of the library. The sound broke the stillness, and both Romani and Galateya turned to see Rin standing in the doorway, her arms crossed over her chest. "Sorry to interrupt," she said, though her tone carried a hint of urgency. "Shirou and I need to discuss something with you, Romani."

           Romani straightened, giving Galateya one final glance. "We will continue later," he said softly, before turning toward Rin.

           Galateya looked between them, curiosity returning to her eyes, but she did not ask. Romani pulled his hood tighter over his face as he walked toward the door. "What is it?"

          Rin gestured for him to follow her down the corridor. "We need to talk about the bounded field. I think Shinji is making his move."

           Romani cast one final glance back at Galateya before stepping out of the library with the brunette mage, leaving the young girl to ponder everything she had just learned, and what it meant for her and her family. The rest of the day passed by in a blur, filled with quiet but meaningful moments in the Tohsaka manor. After their earlier session in the library, the traveler and the child rejoined Rin, Shirou, Saber, and Archer for a simple late lunch in the dining room. The silver-haired bow-wielding man stood silently in the corner of the room, arms crossed, his sharp eyes observing everyone with his usual detached demeanor.

           The conversation around the table was light, with Rin’s sharp wit clashing playfully with Shirou’s sincerity. Galateya babbled on about the flowers in the garden, happily recalling every tiny detail as she ate. Romani, seated near her, remained mostly silent, his hood still drawn low, obscuring his face. His presence was quiet but protective, his attention never straying far from the little girl.

           Archer, leaning against the wall, occasionally exchanged glances with Saber, who was seated next to Shirou. His stoic expression did not betray much, but there was a faint flicker of amusement when Rin jabbed at Shirou’s clumsy eating habits. Even the blonde King of Knights could not resist a small smile, though she quickly hid it.

            Once lunch was finished, the group scattered for the rest of the afternoon. Rin insisted on continuing Galateya’s magical education, taking her to the training room for more hands-on practice. Romani followed quietly, always a step behind but vigilant. Shirou and Saber returned to the courtyard, where they resumed their sparring session. Archer, meanwhile, chose to watch from the sidelines, his expression thoughtful as he observed the way the redheaded teen wielded his sword.

           Rin was firm yet patient as she guided Galateya through the exercises, correcting her form and encouraging her with sharp, but well-intentioned, words. The child tried her best, her small hands trembling slightly as she cast the simplest spells, the effort clearly taxing her. Romani stood nearby, offering subtle advice on magical theory when needed, though he let the brunette mage lead the session.

           As the sun began to dip below the horizon, the group reconvened for dinner. The air was calm, the tension from earlier at the academy seemingly forgotten, though there was an underlying sense of unease that the cloaked figure could not quite shake. Archer joined them at the table this time, seated across from the traveler. His eyes flickered between Rin, Shirou, and Romani as if trying to piece together the strange dynamic that had developed.

         Throughout the meal, Romani noticed Archer’s occasional glances toward Galateya, though the Servant said nothing. He seemed content to listen, offering the occasional dry remark to Rin or Shirou, his tone laced with just enough sarcasm to keep things lively. The little girl, now visibly tired from the day’s events, leaned against the traveler during the meal, her tiny body swaying with the weight of impending sleep.

           By the time the sun had fully set, Rin and Shirou excused themselves to their rooms. Saber remained vigilant as always, standing by the doorway while Romani gently guided Galateya up the stairs to their guest room. Archer lingered in the hallway, his presence a silent warden.

           Inside the room, Galateya climbed into the large bed, wrapping herself in the thick, warm blankets. Romani watched as she nestled into the softness, her small frame nearly disappearing beneath the layers. Just as he was about to leave her to rest, the albino blinked up at him, her eyes still wide with curiosity despite her drowsiness. “Can you tell me a story before I go to sleep, Romani?”

          Romani hesitated, his face still obscured by his hood. After a moment, he nodded, taking a seat on the edge of the bed, his cloak rustling softly. “A story, hm?” he murmured, his voice calm and soothing. “Alright. I will tell you one about a king.”

          Galateya’s eyes lit up, her sleepiness momentarily forgotten. “A king? Like in fairy tales?”

          Romani smiled softly, though it was hidden beneath his hood. “Yes, but this king’s story is a little different. Once upon a time, in a faraway land, there was a child born under the stars. He was not an ordinary child. He was destined to become a king---a king blessed by the Heavens themselves.”

           Galateya’s gaze never left Romani, her small hands clutching the blankets as she listened intently. “This child was given wisdom beyond his years,” the traveler continued, his tone steady and rhythmic, “and the power to hear the voices of the Heavens. As he grew older, he became a great king---wise, powerful, and beloved by his people. They called him the King of Magecraft, for there was no magic in the world greater than his.”

           Archer, who had been lingering in the hallway, paused just outside the doorway, his sharp ears catching Romani’s words. He did not enter the room but leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, silently listening to the story. His presence, though unnoticed by Galateya, was keenly felt by the cloak-cladded traveler.

           “But despite all his power, the king felt nothing,” Romani said quietly. “He was surrounded by people, by everything he could ever want. But inside, he was empty. He could not feel happiness, or sadness, or love. He was always listening to the voices of the Heavens, and because of that, he could not hear the voices of the people he ruled.”

          Galateya’s brow furrowed, her expression serious as she absorbed the words. “That is sad,” she whispered, her small voice breaking the silence.

         Romani nodded slowly. “It is. The king began to wonder if something was wrong with him. He had everything, but none of it made him feel human. And the more he listened to the Heavens, the more he drifted away from the world of men.”

           He glanced toward the doorway, where Archer stood in the shadows, his presence almost like that of a ghost. Their eyes met briefly, a silent understanding passing between them, though neither said a word. “And so,” Romani continued, turning his attention back to Galateya, “the king ruled his kingdom, always searching for something that could make him feel alive. But no matter how much he sought, he remained alone.”

           There was a brief silence, broken only by the faint rustle of the wind outside. Galateya, her eyes now half-closed, murmured, “Did the king ever find what he was looking for?”

           Romani was quiet for a moment, his gaze distant as he considered her question. “That,” he said softly, “is a story for another time, little one.”

           Galateya frowned but was too tired to protest. Her eyes fluttered shut, her body sinking deeper into the warmth of the blankets. Just as Romani thought she had fallen asleep, her eyes snapped open, wide and filled with sudden fear. She trembled, her small hands gripping the blankets tightly as if holding onto something unseen. Without warning, blood trickled from her nose, startling the traveler. The traveler moved closer, his hand gently touching her forehead to check for a fever. “Are you alright, little one?”

           Galateya did not respond. Her gaze was distant, unfocused, as if she were seeing something far beyond the room. For a brief moment, Romani sensed something foreign---an overwhelming surge of emotion, pain, and fear. It was not hers. It was something ancient, something buried deep within her.

           And then, just as quickly as it had come, the sensation vanished. Galateya blinked, her expression clearing as the blood slowed. She wiped it away with the back of her hand, looking confused but otherwise unharmed.

          “I am okay,” she mumbled sleepily. “Just a bad dream.”

         Romani watched her closely, concern etched into his hidden features. He knew it was not just a dream. Archer, still standing at the doorway, tensed, his gaze narrowing as he watched the scene unfold. He, too, had sensed something, though he remained silent.

           For now, Romani chose not to press further. He gently tucked Galateya back into bed, watching over her as her breathing slowed, her body finally succumbing to sleep. Archer’s presence lingered for a moment longer before he quietly turned and disappeared into the shadows of the manor, leaving the traveler alone with his thoughts and the mystery surrounding the small girl.

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ 𓈈 metempsychosis