Fate/Legion

A Knight's Oath

"Papa?", Jack gently inquired,"Papa, why don't you like Mama?"

I bite back the urge to vomit. I know Jeanne de Arc was a kind and gentle fellow French, but her Alter counterpart disturbs me. Something always feels off about her. Whether it's her openly lewd personality or the foul black magic reminiscent of Gilles de Rais, she is far too corrupt for me to imagine her my spouse. If this is the afterlife then I suppose I deserve it for my transgressions.

"I don't dislike her, Jack", I blatantly lied,"It's just difficult trying to please Medusa and Alter Artoria as is. A knight's duty is never easy."

With the same blank expression, Jack relented. She hudled deeply into her bed. After retreating into the depths of the blankets, she kept a watch on me with her lifeless eyes.

"We understand", Jack stated.

With that question out of the way, I continued reading her favorite story to her. I hardly think it's appropriate, though. Madoka Magica is beyond any understanding I have of children's books. One would think a tale with such colorful characters on the cover would be a happy story. Apparently it's not. We're only at chapter four and somebody already got decapitated. But if that's what Jack wants, then my only curiosity is why Master Kariya has every volume.

Speaking of, my master left the Matou estate to form battle plans with Bismarck. Earlier today we received a call from Edelfelt. Sasuke Emiya had been pressured into joining the alliance. My master didn't seem the least bit happy to hear that. Both Jeanne Alter and Medusa went with him. It would appear that even with an alliance, no one trusts their comrades. I guess that's understandable. My King and her companions are constantly at odds with Mordred and her companions. Here at the Matou estate, Jeanne Alter and Saber Alter bicker over Jack. Meanwhile Bonaparte and Charles are at each others throats about politics long past. An all out war between servants is about to commence and to make matters worse we're beginning to hear reports of death from mana drain in the next city over.

What a mess this has become.

I cease reading to Jack, dumbstruck as to the ever looming disaster I know is coming. I've seen it before. I caused it before. I find myself lost in thought as Jack nudges me to keep reading. Being that Jack is still a child, she wouldn't notice the heightening tensions. She still deserved a childhood, so I did as she wished. I continued reading to her, thinking to myself how I never got to take care of Galahad like this. Some three volumes later, a knock at the door breaks my focus. Leaving the bedside of Jack, I carry myself over and answer the door. My King, or rather her Alter, stood at the entrance. Her casual dress did nothing to detract her cold demeanor.

"We need to talk", Alter ordered.

If nothing else, she is certainly foreboding. I did as ordered, tucking Jack in for the night before following Alter Artoria. Time wandered away as she continually lead me through the halls, searching for a hidden place to speak freely. It became rather bothersome after a while. Despite lodging in what I can only describe as a mansion, there was next to no privacy. My master had set up multiple hives throughout the building. These hives were home to his "experiments": crest worms he had mutated into a variety of insects such as wasps or scorpions. Nearly all of them were bred to be capable of surveillance. As such, I can only guess that whatever my King wants to say is not for others to know.

At around the third round of searching we passed by Napoleon in the living room. He had moved the furniture to have a clear space in which to practice since he isn't allowed outside. It baffles me how fluid his movement was. Every thrust of his bayonet topped musket was quick and deliberate. The tip never shook an inch. Despite the weight of such a weapon, he held it carefully balanced. Whatever opinion I may have of him, the drill he displays is enviable.

He was such a curiosity. In most cases, a heroic spirit had to hide their identity to guard their weaknesses and strengths. Yet I could not image what part of him would be used as a noble phantasm. I would guess that it involves the famed Old Guard he led, but my gut says otherwise. Master Kariya clearly favors him, therefore I can only assume his noble phantasm will give us a distinct edge. I suppose I'll see it when the battle begins.

My dark King huffed in impatience, noticeably annoyed to resort to our final destination: the basement.

Grim and bleak, the basement of the Matou estate is the lair of all their dark magics. Ironically, my master loathes the place. I don't blame him. My first Grail War began there, except that time I was enchanted with complete madness. Then again, at the time I was already a miserable wretch of man.

Entering the abyss of a worm pit, my King turned to me with a resentful expression. She looked as though I had just betrayed her.

"Answer me", she spat, shattering the silence,"You've seen Artoria. That witch brought her before you. So which of us is your king? Me or her?"

I was rather taken aback. First she moaned about Medusa, then Alter Jeanne, and now Artoria. I am able to avoid the subject with the first two, but the latter was more complex. Technically speaking, both are my sovereign. The question is unavoidable. As a knight I must swear fealty to a king and such an act is never to be taken lightly. Yet at the exact same time, this concern is rather petty. Artoria Pendragon, my liege, is with another master. For convenience sake I would follow her blackened counterpart. Still...

"It is true that my liege is Artoria, but as a knight convicted of treason I have no right to follow her. Therefore," I sink to one knee,"I swear fealty to you, my King."

Despite my formality, she continues her razor glare.

"Then prove it."

"I... pardon?", I struggle to say.

"Swear on pain of death that you'll keep Jack safe", she commanded.

So that's what this was. It was never about Artoria. Everyone can feel it. The coming battle will be a death trap for sure. She's afraid for Jack. It's either that or I truly don't understand women like I used to.

Standing, I burst with conviction. I summon my sword, Arondight, and held it aloft.

"I swear on pain of death, my King."

It was nice seeing some warmth in her glare.
____________________________________________

"So are you going to target Artoria?", the hound prodded.

I crack a smirk in response. Of course I'd target Artoria. After all this time I once more get to face the King of Knights in battle. Our duel can finally be resolved with honor. Fate seems to finally be going in my favor.

"You'll have my back should an enemy intervene, right?", I say whilst cutting into the air with my spear.

The blood red eyes of my companion seem to jump to life.

"Of course! Anything for a fellow son of the emerald isle."