I do not own Fate/Apocrypha nor any other Servants depicted here.

Discovery

Rider was quite surprised to find the homunculus boy on the floor when she returned to the room. She hurried over and knelt down to gently guide him to his feet.

"Why did you try to walk?" she asked with concern, "You had only just recovered. Your body is still weak and still adjusting to Berserker's help."

"I... I just... I don't want to die."

"Eh? No, you won't die," she replied comfortingly as she helped him to hobble back to his bed, "Berserker is just saying that."

"How can you be sure?"

They finally reached the bed and she guided him to a seated position. "...I don't know," she admitted after a moment, "I do not know him well enough to be sure."

"Then, I don't know how to give him an answer," he replied forlornly, "This feeling... I feel so useless. It's unbearable. But... I don't want to die."

"You will live. You just need to take it a bit at a time," she assured him as she knelt down to face him, placing her hands on his shoulders, "Think of this as a challenge. Your challenge."

"Challenge?" he repeated with a puzzled look on his face.

"A challenge," she affirmed confidently, "Life is full of challenges, many of them difficult. You may even fall down due to our hardships. But, it's not if you fall down. It's how you get back on your feet and push forward." Glancing down at his legs, she continued, "First off, you need to fill your belly and get some energy. Your body will need it."

"You... you are so kind," he muttered as he looked down at his knees.

"Chin up," she told him as she lifted his face up with her finger, "I know how to be kind because I raised children of my own. And right now, you're like a child." She then used the same hand to mess with his hair, "Don't worry. You'll be up and running soon enough."

"...Can I really live?"

"Of course you can, son," proclaimed Berserker loudly as he shifted back to the real world.

"You..." she muttered as she stood up defensively to protect the boy.

"...I'm not here for my answer, Rider," he stated as he pushed his glasses up, "More like to give him an answer." Focusing on the homunculus, he replied, "Your will to live is strong. Taking your fate into your own hands is admirable. You fought for your right to live, so you deserve to live your life as you see fit. If not, what's the point of coming all this way?"

"I... do?"

"Of course you do!" he replied grandly as he threw his arms wide and gestured, "This is exactly why I gave you some of my strength. It will help better your body and protect you as long as you're alive. As long as you fight to live your life the way you want to, it's fine with me."

The homunculus could only look at him in surprise. "I... deserve to live..." he muttered to himself, and then asked, "But, what does it mean to live?"

"Family."

"Change the world."

Two different answers from two different Servants. Each worthy of being followed. But...

"And you are able to find your own way, your own meaning for living. You just have to figure it out," Rider advised him, "Most normal people don't know what to live for when they are young, much like you. You will come to it eventually. It just takes time."

"Time I don't have," the boy muttered, once more downcast.

"Pah, enough moping around," Berserker told him, "For now, rest and eat. You need some meat on your bones. Tomorrow, I will train you. You need some experience using those machines after all."

"Eh?"

"Leave his dinner to me," the Servant of the Mount declared gladly, "It is good to see that under that under that toughness, you are a kind person, Berserker."

"Oh please, I just want to see that boy's full potential," the Servant of Madness scoffed.

Rider made a sound that resembled a giggle before leaving the room through the door.

"Eh, you want me to go back there? I just got here!"

Lancer leaned back into the chair and steepled his hands. It was past breakfast when Darnic called in Sagara for a small meeting. It was then that the magus was told that he was being sent back to Shigisaora to spy on the Red Faction. Something that Sagara opposed to doing, it seems.

"We need your Assassin to help. I need to know what the enemy is doing. This information could be crucial to us," he reasoned to the difficult Master.

"I suppose... " mused the Master of Assassin with a frown, "I will be getting transport?"

"Of course," agreed Darnic, "There shouldn't be any problem going there and getting out."

"Hmph, I was looking forward to getting a bit of rest before doing anything else," the man grumbled, "Fine, I guess I'll be leaving now?" Getting the nod from the leader of the Yggdmillenia, he got up and left.

"I do hope he turns up something," Lancer stated as he glanced over to his Master, "After what he told us on how Lancer of Red fought, it is possible that they have gotten irregular Servants as well."

"Like you and the other Servants?" questioned the former.

"Yes. Lancer's weapon sounded like a hextech weapon that some people in my world might have used," explained the latter as he got up from his chair, "While I have not heard of any well-known hero's to have used a hextech spear, I cannot rule out that possibility. This is why I want information, even the smallest bit. I refuse to go against that faction blindly."

"And I am sure Hyouma and Assassin can find out what we need to know," proclaimed Darnic confidently.

"I certainly hope so."

"I think you can tell them to stop looking for the homunculus now," spoke up Caster as he looked out the window, catching sight of the timid homunculus walking next to the large Servant that is Berserker. The boy seemed to be carrying a backpack of sorts.

"Oh?" sounded Roche as he came over to look. He blinked and said, "Hmm? Berserker found him? But he is leading him outside? Why?"

"I suppose he took ownership of it? I know not his mind, Master," the Servant chided gently, "In any case, they can be called off. I rather you have enough homunculi than have that Servant dispose of them all in an attempt to return that one to you. You will have to use another to create any more golems."

"I guess so..." the young magus mused, "I shall follow your advice then, Caster."

"Come on! Hit me!" Berserker shouted as he swung his blackened arms at the homunculus boy that was scrambling to get away from the attacks, hurriedly dropping his backpack. They had walked quite a ways away before he took off his coat and his tie, dropping them both on the ground in a pile. Then, he told the boy to hold up his guard before he started swinging.

" But! But! Oof!" he groaned as a punch slammed into his arm, the skin on it turning black in response. As dark as Berserker's arms. He flew back a little, his body tumbling on the dirt and grass.

"Enough with the 'buts' already," said the Servant with a smirk as he held up a fist and gestured, "This is just a taste of what you might be able to do later on. Hell, even if you don't fight like me, any weapon you pick up would be deadly in your hands because of your training. Your Strength. Your Determination. And Endurance." Looking down at the tired boy, who was lying on his back and breathing heavily, he relented, "Fine. I suppose you can rest for a bit and get back your breath. Maybe I should have you run around the castle a few times later on. Right now, we continue with your defense. You need to try and get the feel for it. Getting that down will help you strengthen your punches when you need to."

"Is... it like... Reinforcement?" the homunculus asked as he regained his breath. He slowly sat up and looked at the Servant of Madness.

"Hmm, I suppose you can liken it to that," he mused. But, he came back with a grin, "But it's a hell lot stronger than that." His smile then faded away, "Get up."

Slowly, the nameless boy got up and gingerly got into a defensive stance.

"Clench your fists and hold it closer your head," Berserker ordered as he corrected it. He then slammed his fists together and started to swing again. More slowly this time. This time, the boy was able to block the blows, albeit clumsily. He kept grimacing as the blows connected, signifying that it still stung even though the nanomachines reactively swarmed under his skin. Slowly but surely, he was able to keep in tandem with the swings, even if it took a while. However, when the Servant increased the power behind one of his punches, the boy staggered and fell on his back.

"Son, you gotta keep up," he told the downed homunculus that was quickly getting to his feet in attention, "You're getting used to it, sure. But it ain't fast enough."

"Sorry," the latter said, as he got into stance again, looking quite determined, "I can do better."

"Good," the former replied as he got ready again.

"Good morning, Berserker of Black."

Surprised by the unknown voice, they looked off to the side. A girl was coming out of the woods with a trolly bag. She was dressed in school clothes that didn't seem native to Trifas. He also felt something off about the girl. Another Servant, perhaps?

"Who's asking?" he asked as he turned to face her, relaxing as he knew fighting wasn't allowed in daylight.

"I am Ruler," she replied as she left the bag at the edge of the wooded area, continuing to come nearer. "Who is this? Does your Master know him?" she asked as she stopped and motioned to the boy.

"This is a homunculus from the castle that I've taken under my wing," he replied.

"I see," she said as she stepped closer to the boy, "Hello. I am Servant Ruler. May I know your name?"

"Umm, I don't have a name," the boy admitted.

"Don't have a name?" she repeated in disbelief, "Everyone should have a name."

"Hmph, I don't think those in the castle name their homunculi, my Master included," Berserker answered instead. He then stared at him in thought, a smile eventually forming on his face. "Your name is Jack," he said with an air of finality.

"Jack?" the newly named boy repeated in surprise.

"The name of the guy who killed me," he explained, much to the surprise of the homunculus and the other Servant, "Strong guy. Defeated me mano e mano. Another one that I happen to respect for his strength. Hmm... Wonder whats he doing now?"

The train of thought was suddenly interrupted by muffled growling. "Ah, my stomach. I believe it's time to eat," stated the newly named Jack nonchalantly.

"You are quite calm about it," commented the mediator.

"It is still new to me," the boy admitted, "Rider explained being hungry to me and how to remedy it. She also made me lunch."

"Right, enough yapping. Get your pack, son," relented Berserker as he went to retrieve his coat and tie, dusting them down, "Eat up and recover. We'll continue after lunch."

"Berserker, a word?" asked Ruler as she motioned over to the wooded area. He nodded and followed after, leaving the boy to his food. "You seem to be training that boy for the War. Is it really necessary?" she asked upfront as they reached the shade.

"Whether he wants to fight or not, is up to him," the former stated as he crossed his arms in front of him, "I am just giving him the option to do so. And if I must be honest, I'd rather he take part in some of the action, if not to give him experience."

"From what I can see, he is like a newborn. He shouldn't be thrust into this path like this. He should have time to live his life before making such a decision," the latter protested.

"If he wasn't a homunculus, maybe I'd say yes if he was still a baby," he replied, "But he came out fully grown and swinging. He decided he didn't want to die like another random homunculus and grabbed the chance to live his own life. Do you honestly think a person like that would stay away from the fighting if he could do anything about it?"

Silence fell as she stood there taking in what he said. "No. He wouldn't choose to leave this behind and learn how to live peacefully," she admitted after exhaling a sigh, "I have seen it so. He will be drawn to the fighting, no matter how much anyone would try to prevent that. I suppose, in a way, you are doing the right thing."

"Of course, I am," he said rather triumphantly. Glancing over to the boy, who had finished his food, he continued, "I have better get back to his training. What will you do now?"

"I will be going back to Shigisaora," she said as she reached for her bag, "The Red Faction has made an attempt on my life. Other than that, they haven't made a move on your faction. I want to find out why."

"Good luck with that," he wished her as he left the shade, "Son, get ready." With that, he broke into a run and jumped at him, throwing out a heavy punch. Jack held up both his arms, the nanomachines blackening them. His guard held strong and his feet still planted on the ground, even if he was pushed back a few meters. Berserker grinned. "Good job blocking that," he congratulated with a smirk.

"Like Reinforcement, but a little different," the boy said with a bit of joy with nervous breaths, "I finally figured out how different."

"Good. Good," the Servant continued, "Then, its time to turn it up a bit."

In spite of his orders, Sagara decided to take the more scenic route to the other city just to get some relax time, much to the chagrin of Assassin. Even the driver, a nameless homunculus assigned to him, constantly reminded him about his task. Even so, the car was relatively fast and Sagara reached Shigisoara at night time. Having checked into an inn, be sent out familiars to map out the place. The next day, he spent the majority of the day wandering around the entire city, waiting for Assassin to notify him of anything. He was quite puzzled by the absence of any traces of the Masters. He did discover several Clocktower magus around the place, presumably there to keep tabs on the War, but no Red Faction.

"Damn, still nothing," he grumbled as he walked down the main street, the evening sun radiant as ever, "I mean, there should be something here, but it's like they just vanished."

As he continued with his jaunt, he suddenly caught sight of a familiar face. "Eh? When did she get here?" he asked himself as she came up to him.

"Please, walk with me," she simply said as she slowly walked past him. As he followed after her after glancing around, she stated, "You know, don't you... I can't detect them here at all. As if they had left the city."

"How the hell did you know I was sent here?" he asked, brimming with curiosity puzzlement.

"I didn't," she admitted, "I was only aware of your Servant's presence as I came closer to the city."

"If that's the case... any chance you can point me in the right direction?" he asked, hoping she would comply but preparing to be turned down.

"I cannot tell you," she replied as they went down a different street.

He came to a stop and let off an exasperated groan as he looked to the sky, "I had a feeling you'd say that. Damn it." Focussing back to her, he asked, "In that case, what are you doing here? Didn't you say the Servant's are gone?"

"Even if they are gone, the Masters should still be here," she said as she knelt down and touched the white brick road. He sensed something happening and assumed it was another part of her power he probably didn't need to know off. She stood up again and said, "My apologies, but I have to go now."

He watched as she walked off in the direction of the church on the hill. He shrugged and headed in the opposite direction, finally feeling that coming here was a waste of time. If he followed after her, there's no way she would allow him to do anything to the Red Faction. Still...

"Assassin, follow her. I'll be in my room waiting."

"My liege, we have received a report from our other informants," announced Darnic as he entered the room, bringing several sheaths of papers.

Lancer took them and began going through it page by page. It did not take long for him to finish and the Servant directed the next words, "Is it true?"

"Yes. As the report says, large amounts of materials and relics were brought into the country," the former confirmed.

"I see. Why would the Red Faction want all these things?" the Servant muttered as he looked down at the reports, detailing a very long list dating back all the way to the previous month.

"It is most likely to be part of Caster's workshop," Darnic proposed. It seemed right, as there was no way any other class would need this much material to work with, especially ancient relics.

"This means they had plenty of time to prepare," the Servant surmised as he placed the report on the table, "It may be possible that they might attack soon." This statement startled Darnic slightly and Lancer was quite to catch on. "Think about it. With so much preparation time and with us being left in the dark until we could get Assassin, I wouldn't be surprised that there will be an attack any day now," he explained as he got up from his seat and moved to the window, "We have to be on guard, even more so after this report. Have your sharpest eyes on watch around us and have Archer assist... and have we heard back from Hyouma and Assassin?"

"I am afraid not," was the reply.

"Let him continue searching. What he finds could change this War, now more than ever."

"By your leave, my liege."

The great double doors were pushed open and Lancer of Red stepped into a grand and spacious throne room. The others were already there. Rider stood on the left side of the aisle while Caster was on the left. Assassin sat on the throne while her Master stood next to her.

"So, what's the announcement about?" she asked aloud, "And where's Berserker and Archer?"

"Archer's in her room, watching that box of hers," Rider informed, "In her words, 'Shut up and leave me alone. Just call me when the action starts'... and Berserker is behind you."

She turned around and saw the armored Servant leaning against the wall nearest to the double doors. He was eerily still, like looking at a statue. The sense of anger was being restrained, scarily so.

"Okay... so, the announcement?" she asked as she turned back to Assassin, assuming it was her since she was on the throne.

"Preparations are done. Now that we're ready, it's time to move," the Servant of Murder announced regally, "It's the Great Grail War, after all. Shouldn't we show off a bit?"

"You spend so much time making this place and now we're moving?" Rider snarked, "Do we need to clap for you too? Keep in mind, I am not bringing anyone along with me."

"Oh, no. You misunderstand me, Rider," the former corrected with a smirk.

Then, rumbling filled the air taking everyone by surprise. Meanwhile, Assassin stood up and walked down the throne and motioned them to follow. Only one decided not to comply. Moments later, the other three were surprised.

"I suppose this is a good thing," Rider muttered begrudgingly, a little impressed by it.

"Well, this is a surprise," stated Lancer.

Caster remained silent.

"Isn't it? This is my Noble Phantasm, Hanging Gardens of Babylon," Assassin proclaimed proudly, "This castle wasn't built to protect us. It's an aerial fortress."

Finally, Caster said in a monotone, "Impressive."

"At this rate, it will not be long until they can see us from Castle Millenia," Shirou Kotomine told them, "Everyone. Get ready for battle."

Commentary:-

Hello everyone. Welcome back to the next chapter of Doubtful Origin. So... not many people tried to guess their identities. Hmm. I suppose I can list them down.

Red Faction

Saber - still Mordred.
Archer - Peacock from Skullgirls
Lancer -
Rider - Zero from Drakengard 3
Berserker - Doomslayer from Doom 2016
Caster -
Assassin - still Semiramis

Black Faction

Saber - Nero from DMC5
Archer - Mael Radec from the Killzone series
Lancer -
Rider - Cherche from Fire Emblem
Berserker - Senator Armstrong from MGS Revengeance
Caster - The Ancestor from Darkest Dungeon
Assassin - Zer0 from Borderlands 2

As you can see, we still have 3 slots empty. Lancer and Caster of Red as well as Lancer of Black. I do admit that I didn't really feature them that much. But, they are still not being identified. Not to worry, I will certainly release their identities. Moving on, the one puzzle I had was for this chapter was Sieg's replacement name. I eventually settled on Jack due to the advice given by a few people. People familiar with Berserker will know who Jack is. So, the lul in the action before the attack of the floating city. Berserker deciding to train Jack here to prepare him... Training which involves trying to beat him up while getting him to learn how to the donated nanomachines. Yeah, that would work. At the same time, Sagara is on his way of finding out, the same time as Ruler, about Hanging Gardens. Yes, now there is a T.V. on board. No, Archer will throw you out if you disturb her cartoon time. And anime time. Alright, folks, that's a wrap. Look forward to some action next time on Doubtful Origin. If you're able, please leave a comment or a review after reading, would you kindly?