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31.25% Fate/Disturbance / Chapter 20: Manmade Monster

Chương 20: Manmade Monster

Bazett closed her eyes in an attempt to somewhat dull the sudden influx of information from her vision shifting once again. She put both hands behind her back and put on a stern expression, intent on scrutinising whatever went on for hidden details.

King Arthur, she had more than a few things to that person now but was willing to withhold judgement until this was over.

This time she'd found herself standing in grassy plains and crop fields, near a small stone house one would generally find a farmer living in. It was enclosed by a tall wooden fence and had a small section left open to provide access.

A light breeze wafted through the landscape and the sky was blue, with only a few clouds in sight, pleasant sunlight illuminated her surroundings creating a rather calming atmosphere.

Aston, well this seemed to be a memory from his younger days seeing as his hair was still red, only slightly grey from the back. The scar on his face still being there told Bazett that the man was telling her the truth when they talked about it.

He sat against the fence, throwing stones into the distance with a thoughtful expression on his face.

What surprised her though, was the man leaning against the fence right next to him, arms crossed and sword at his side despite them being in plain clothes.

"Aston, you need to speak up about this. How come you simply allow them to continue tarnishing your reputation in such a way?" The unidentified knight voiced his frustration, staring down at the smirking Aston with an apprehensive gaze.

Was it just her or did he bear an almost shocking resemblance to the knight who killed Gareth?

It became apparent that it was the same person with Aston's reply.

"It makes sense does it not? If the knights of King Arthur are feared and loved, they'll be more respected. Of course I'm the one that's to assure the former." Aston only shrugged, blowing his companion off disinterestedly, "It's going to make ruling easier, you just have to put me out there and they'll listen."

"But do you not realise that it will have you shunned and feared? They will respect you but not out of love, even after all you have done and continue to do. My friend, why must you go that far?" The knight seemed to get more and more animated as he spoke, visibly dissatisfied with Aston's acceptance of the situation.

"Lancelot, relax." Aston tapped his knee lightly, making the man stop and release a long sigh, "Merlin doesn't seem to be listening to me and it's not like it's gonna be that bad." He didn't do what he did to be rewarded for it, that just meant his compassion was just a pathetic mask over someone desperate for approval.

Bazett pursed her lips, making sense of the situation.

Her servant hadn't become a slaughterer, he was made into one.

His reputation had been purposely designed to be the 'Knight of Atrocity' who tortured, destroyed and committed atrocities with not a shred of hesitation but rather, complete ruthlessness.

"How much will you give up before you realise it's too much?" Lancelot closed his eyes, averting his gaze. He understood that it didn't matter what he said here, perhaps they had something on Aston and he was being forced into it.

The truth was, he could see the logic in having such a reputation but still, it wasn't something many could do.

To be shunned and hated by all just so others could shine brighter.

Not many could do something like that but then again, maybe that was why all the knights of the round table respected the Knight of Atrocity.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Witnessing this, Bazett felt her servant was even inhuman in his compassion.

How could anyone do this much for their people?

Be knowingly hated forevermore for their sacrifices, never be loved or respected by any.

Commit atrocities that they would carry forevermore in their hearts just so the masses may prosper and the King may rule without trouble.

Bazett Fraga McRemitz accepted that her servant was indeed a Heroic Spirit.

"H-Hello, s...sir!"

Aston stared at a young boyish girl with short golden hair saluting as her figure trembled, a few beads of sweat ran down her forehead and heavy blush, possibly from being worked up, crept onto her cheeks, "I swear to God, I'm never owing any magi a favour ever again. That woman keeps sending me her children, is she actually picking a fight?"

In the time Bazett had spent thinking, a young girl had run up to the two legendary knights and saluted the sitting Knight of Atrocity who was somehow, despite being seated the same height as her.

"What's your name, kid?"

"G...Gareth!"

"Hahahaha.." For some reason, Lancelot burst out laughing at the situation, both hands over his stomach, here he was thinking no one would ever admire his dear friend soon enough but here they were, the man already had a new squire, "Good luck training up knights." He slapped Aston's back before leaving for the nearby stables, "I'll be off!"

"Oi, cunt! You could help me out!"

"I refuse!"

Aston just sighed, looking back at the now frozen young girl, "Gareth, what sort of weapon do you want to use?" This would be pivotal to whether or not he would say no or actually train her.

"S..Spear."

"...Hey, someone has a brain. Good choice." He gave her a thumbs up, smiling in approval. The spear was the best weapon in terms of reach and convenience.

Gareth paused for a moment before slowly nodding her small head, "Thank you." Her visage seemed to brighten up at the compliment, conveying her feelings on the matter to any observing the situation.

Bazett could only shake her head in pity, it had been his student that died. No wonder the man had genuinely teared up.

This was actually fucked up.

His best friend had killed his student and then he had maybe killed said best friend all because others couldn't have him living as he wanted to.

He got a reputation for being a monster, got employed by political opponents in their schemes and was punished for being loyal to his King and his people.

Her vision shifted again, this time to a small clearing in the middle of grassy plains.

Aston seemed to be fighting against Gareth, both of them using wooden poles as substitutes for spears during their spar.

It ended as expected, with the Knight of Atrocity using the butt of his weapon to push his squire's aside before smashing it's head into her chest making the girl stumble back coughing as she gasped for air.

"You can't just be conventional in actual combat." He got that they were knights but it would be plenty idiotic for a knight to die just because he didn't shatter someone's kneecap when he had the chance to, "Use your head."

Bazett couldn't help but giggle when Gareth ended up taking that literally and shakingly walked up to Aston before grabbing him by either shoulder confusing the Knight of Atrocity who found himself short on air when his squire proceeded to straight up smashed her head into his chest, "Moth-"

"Ow ow ow ow.." Gareth rubbed her head, wincing in pain as she backed away making Aston chuckle at her actions, letting go of his surprise entirely. It certainly was one unique way to use your head.

Bazett went through scenes of the two going through battles, more spars, practising, teaching sessions regarding etiquette and the likes a proper knight was expected to have. She even went through a scene where Aston and the Knight of the Sun, Gawain duelled shouting about someone being more precious? She didn't understand that one to be honest.

It was strange to see so many pivotal moments from her servant's life with her own two eyes.

One event in particular however, stuck with her abnormally, burning itself into her mind.

"Good job Gareth, you're a knight now."

"I..I..Uwahh.."

It was the sight of Aston knighting his squire who cried like a child as her teacher ruffled her hair, smiling proudly at her armoured figure.

It reminded her of when he'd cried upon her sad fate.

Before she could do anything within the dream however, Bazett was roughly pulled from it and found herself staring at the familiar bright ceiling of her hotel room, lying in bed with her clothes dishevelled and her eyes wide.

She'd seen so much of Aston's life, had he seen the same?

Wait nevermind, if sleeping was a prerequisite then he hadn't. It wasn't hard to figure out that the servant had probably spent the entire night out and about, maybe with his dear king.

"Tsk." She clicked her tongue annoyed, "Some king."

King Arthur had used a knight who would have done anything for her so wrongly.

Made him the Knight of Atrocity, branded him a ruthless monster with only slaughter on his mind, made him into someone shunned and feared by the masses, cost him his very self.

What sort of twisted love was that?

How could she put him through so much and claim she held the man dear?

Bazett couldn't accept that the King, in all her endless power, couldn't have done something about his poor reputation, ordered Merlin off it instead of employing it to further her nation.

Use him in such a way 'for the people'.

Tears... Her tears weren't enough to wash all of that away.

Bazett sat up, staring down in slight frustration.

It probably wasn't her place to say this but Arthur, King Arthur was not a good person, or even someone deserving of Aston's loyalty.

Why then did Aston accept such a thing?

* * *

Bazett's opinion is only one she has the luxury of having as a resident of the 21st Century. Artoria and Aston come from a very different time period and even Aston understood the necessity of what they had to do to ensure that Britain prospered.

By there being something to fear instead of completely respect and hail as unapproachable, he somewhat hoped to avoid the ending Britain would have. Merlin used his feelings of wanting to protect to ensure that all went as it needed to.

* * *

Does Aston deserve to be a servant?

* * *

Does Lancelot get off scot-free for killing Gareth?

* * *

Can anyone explain sign-in systems to me?

* * *

You can find +7 chapters ahead at patre0n.com/Bleap and support me as well.


Chương 21: A Reason To Fight

Aston sat on a random rooftop, peering off into the distance listlessly.

He hadn't donned his armour since the battle earlier and was still in casual clothing, thinking to himself even if he himself noticed that that wasn't like him at all. He didn't ponder too long on the things he'd done lest he fall into the bottomless pit called regret, "Huh." Maybe that was why his hair had lost it's colour.

"Sir Aston, get off there." Artoria released a small sigh, her knight had a strange habit of sitting in high places and.. Well he just sat there in silence. One of the easiest ways to find him was to scour the towers in Camelot, "You've come quite far in your craft." She tried to praise him, it also meant he was mulling over something.

Aston jumped down but still had to look down to meet Artoria's gaze, being considerably taller than the British King, "I must say, is it not unfair that my King addresses me as Sir Aston when I address her as Artoria?" He mused with a hand on his chin.

The Knight of Atrocity had taken up a spot a small distance away from the Emiya Residence, accompanied by the King of Knights.

"That is.." Artoria paused for a moment before nodding, it was the truth, "Then, Aston." It was strangely embarrassing to be addressing him in such a casual manner.

"This reminds me of the King with Caliburn." Aston smiled gently, Artoria had once been an upbeat, kind and incredibly precious if not somewhat naive teen. The days he'd spent in her company then were among his fondest memories, "Do you recall that time you rode into battle on a donkey?"

Artoria ended up flustered, very vividly recalling the tragedy that had befallen her younger self, "Y..You, that was because you convinced me it was the superior mount!" It was so naive to think tricking her was beyond him! "Ah.. the other knights." She hid her face in her hands, only having learnt why everyone seemed so happy later on.

"They were struggling t-"

"I know." Artoria wanted to smack him for that one but couldn't help the smile crossing her face.

Those had indeed been happy days.

Just a young girl going on strange adventures with a band of knights.

"Onto a more serious topic," Aston dropped his smile, noticing that the Sun had started rising in the distance. His Master would be up and about sooner or later and that, would be problematic seeing how she wasn't open to allying with Shirou Emiya, "We've so far identified Caster, Berserker and Archer. Lancer is myself and you are Saber."

"That leaves.." Artoria pondered on the information the Grail had given her for a moment, "Rider and Assassin." While Assassin could be incredibly dangerous, she doubted the possibility because the rules didn't allow going against Masters.. Or at least that was how she'd have thought if not for the fact that she recalled the last Grail War where her Master had done just exactly that.

If Rider was anything like his or her counterpart from the last conflict then that was going to be a problem as well, "Are you confident in your capabilities?" She asked in a strange tone, thinking more like the ideal ruler than what she was as of now.

"I would be but the fact is.." Aston stopped short and shook his head, "It is nothing of importance." Bazett was still his Master and Shirou was technically an enemy. Giving away the fact she didn't have the magical energy to sustain his complete noble phantasm was a betrayal, something a knight could never do.

Artoria shook her head too, "My apologies for asking." She was reverting to her old way of thinking, one she wanted to leave behind. Had it not already proven that it would only lead to destruction? Besides, she had no right to ask anything of Aston, not after how she had allowed his reputation tarnished, "I promise you this however, I would not willingly raise my blade to you." It was impossible.

"And you know of my stance already." Aston gave a small bow before turning to leave, he was going to walk back, take in the sights and all. Certainly a strange notion considering how his stay was only going to be a week or two longer at most but still, he wanted to revisit an age he'd lived in before, "Let us meet on the battlefield my King, preferably as allies lest I thr-" The Knight of Atrocity put a hand over his mouth failing to noticed Artoria who was waving him goodbye had frozen for a fraction of a second at his words.

* * *

Bazett hurriedly wore her black suit, putting on a beige trench coat over it before slinging the case she carried around with her over her shoulder. She then put on tight black gloves, and looked up at the ceiling in thought for a moment.

The Enforcer walked out of her room and was faced with fresh bacon and pancakes, coupled with two glasses one of milk and the other of orange juice. Why was her servant so keen on cooking for people? "Wait, how did you even buy these things?" Bazett was sure she hadn't given him any more money.

Aston appeared near the table, scratching his scar with a small smile, "Funny story really.."

Oh no... Bazett's shoulder slumped as she struggled to maintain a nonchalant demeanour, finding it to be increasingly difficult as she recalled HIS memories. It was pitiful and sad to see him so loyal to a woman who'd used him, caught up in political schemes and felled by rebellion when all he had ever wanted was to help the British people, the same people that loathed and feared him due to those very schemes and machinations.

"Please don't tell me you stole supplies.." Bazett practically pleaded, with his speed he'd be gone before anyone could even notice something off.

Aston gasped, dramatically placing a hand over his chest, "I am deeply hurt that even you would think that of me." He chided with a gentle smile, "There was this man dressed not unlike you.." The Lancer put both hands behind his back, "Something about talents? He had me take different postures and gave me funding, promising that I would be given work." Aston gave Bazett a thumbs up, smiling as if happy, "Of course I did make him promise me this work would not put the innocent in peril or hurt them in any shape or form."

He explained the situation without much pause, more so because he didn't truly understand it himself but wasn't averse to earning easy money.

"You know what? I'm done." Bazett just gave up and took a seat, she would think about this after breakfast. Once she took a bite however, she ended up forgetting the ordeal entirely and was reminded of why her servant constantly claimed he had a high ranked skill pertaining to cooking.

How was she supposed to go back to ordinary food after this?

Aston only observed in silence, deriving satisfaction from his Master's actions. While it didn't come anywhere close to his King's expressions, everyone had a particular reaction to his food, apart from Lancelot because he kept feeding the man bread and water.

The Knight's eyes widened as a strange possibility crossed his mind, had he played a part in driving his dearest friend mad?

Couldn't be right?

As if forgetting the way she'd eaten, Bazett shamelessly pushed the plates away and fixed her collars, "Archer and his Master will possibly be at the same Academy we encountered them in the other night." She wiped her mouth with the tissues Aston had brought over.

"Quite right, it would not do for that young girl to simply cede to the threat that is you, my Master." Aston nodded, folding his arms, "She appeared to be one of those 'I can't get by without being respected!' types that are endlessly stuck in that time of the month."

Bazett went silent, estranged by how well the knight could mimic young girls and be extremely rude at the same time, "She wasn't tha-"

"She was not, the pragmatic mask over her compassion fails to hold." The Lancer hummed, "Quite flimsy, 3/10 but astounding considering she happens to be a magus." The same could be said for his Master who while stoic on the outside, was a gentle yet lonely individual on the inside, "Has the widespread cold pragmatism of magi died out with the passage of time?" What he'd seen so far was hinting at that.

The closest thing to an actual magus he'd seen so far was that priest using children as mana batteries.

"Afraid not." Bazett denied the presumption but didn't wait for the servant to ask further, "We should head to the school too, I know you can beat Archer." She'd seen him play around with the man with her own two eyes even if only in blurs, there was motive again for her to win this war.

For the tragic Knight of Atrocity, she hoped to allow him some semblance of happiness with the Wish-Granting Holy Grail not knowing that the man was already satisfied and incredibly grateful to her for allowing a reunion with his beloved King.

"I still can't understand how I didn't summon Cu Chulainn though." Bazett spoke her mind without realising and covered her mouth with both hands, realising that she was being far too rude.

"Ehem, Merlin decided throwing me to the Shadowlands was an adequate bit of tomfoolery in return for me calling him a manwhore and filling his home with donkeys." Aston nodded with closed eyes before smiling proudly, "The joke is on him however, I gained much from a Godslayer trying to kill me and me trying to kill her." He even appeared pleased with himself for that.

"..."

Bazett pursed her lips, stood up and left.

She didn't get Cu Chulainn, she got his, or at least one of his, successor(s).

* * *

Feedback..please?

* * *

You can find +7 chapters ahead at patre0n.com/Bleap and support me as well.


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