The Chosen of Tengri(Fate Stay Night)

The ceremonial sword fragment rested on the table in Shirou's workshop, its once-brilliant glow now dim and inert. The faint metallic hum that had accompanied Saber's summoning was gone, leaving only a heavy silence in its wake. Shirou sat slumped in his chair, staring at the fragment as though it held the answers to the avalanche of questions overwhelming his mind.

"Let me get this straight," Shirou said slowly, rubbing his temples. "You're telling me this 'Holy Grail War' is some kind of... deathmatch? Seven people fighting each other to the death for a magical cup?"

Saber stood a few feet away, her posture rigid, her hands resting lightly on the pommel of her sword. The faint glow of the workshop's lamp caught on the intricate silver plates of her armor, emphasizing her ethereal presence.

"Correct," Saber replied, her tone measured but firm. "The Holy Grail War is a conflict between seven Masters, each summoning a Servant to act as their champion. The purpose is simple: to eliminate all others and claim the Holy Grail."

Shirou shook his head, the words ringing hollow in his ears. "And this Grail... what does it even do? Why would anyone fight over it?"

"The Grail grants a single wish to the victor," Saber said, her voice steady. "Any wish. No matter how grand or impossible, the Grail's power will make it reality."

The weight of her words settled heavily in the room, making Shirou's chest tighten. A wish—a single, all-powerful wish. The implications were staggering, yet all Shirou could think of was how dangerous such a thing could be.

"And I'm supposed to fight for this?" Shirou asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. "I didn't even know magic was real until tonight. How am I supposed to survive something like this?"

Saber's piercing green eyes locked onto his, her expression unyielding. "You are a Master now. That is a fact, whether you chose it or not. If you wish to survive, you must accept this reality and act accordingly."

Shirou's hands clenched into fists, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "But I didn't choose this!" he snapped. "You're acting like I asked to be dragged into this war, but I didn't. I don't even know what I'm doing!"

Saber's gaze didn't waver. "It does not matter if you chose this, Master. What matters is that you are here. If you hesitate, you will die. If you are unprepared, you will die. There is no room for doubt in this war."

Her words were like a slap to the face, sharp and unrelenting. Shirou gritted his teeth, fighting back the urge to lash out.

"So that's it?" he said bitterly. "Fight or die?"

"Yes," Saber said bluntly. "That is the nature of the Holy Grail War."

Shirou slumped back in his chair, his mind racing. He thought of Kiritsugu, the quiet, tired man who had raised him. Had Kiritsugu known about this? Had he fought in a war like this before? The thought sent a shiver down Shirou's spine.

"I don't even know how to fight," Shirou muttered, more to himself than to Saber. "I can barely use magic, and now I'm supposed to be part of some... battle royale?"

Saber's expression softened slightly, though her voice remained firm. "Then you must learn. Quickly. I cannot fight this war alone, Master. I require your resolve if we are to succeed."

Her words hung heavy in the air, the weight of her expectations pressing down on Shirou's shoulders. He looked away, unable to meet her gaze.

After a long silence, Saber stepped closer, her tone softening. "I do not say these things to discourage you," she said. "But you must understand the stakes. The Holy Grail War is not a game. It is a battle for survival, and hesitation will only lead to death."

Shirou glanced up at her, his frustration giving way to uncertainty. "And if I lose?" he asked quietly.

Saber's gaze darkened. "Then you die. Either through my defeat or by the hand of your enemies. That is the truth of this war."

Her bluntness sent a chill down Shirou's spine. He wanted to argue, to reject the harsh reality she was laying out, but deep down, he knew she was right.

"I'll figure it out," Shirou said finally, his voice quiet but resolute.

Saber nodded, stepping back. "See that you do, Master. This war will not wait for you to be ready."

Her words carried no malice, but they still stung. Shirou looked down at his hands, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He didn't know how he was going to survive this war, but one thing was clear: he couldn't afford to hesitate any longer.