I do not own Fate/Apocrypha nor any other Servants depicted here.
Divulgence
The present Masters of the Black Faction were taken aback at the sight. Every pod had been broken into and its contents now out and recovering in the open night air. And the culprit who started all this was standing there staring at them with all the calm in the world.
"What do you think you're doing!?" shouted Gordes, "Just because you were picked up by Berserker doesn't mean you can do as you please! These homunculi are supposed to supply energy to the Servants. Who gave you permission to set them free!?"
"I decided that for myself," Jack replied resolutely, "I have been given a chance to live and forge my own path. I only wish to give them that same choice."
"Don't give me excuses!" the former retorted angrily, "We made them! We made you too! Homunculi do not have free will! They were made to follow ours!"
"They can also think for themselves," the latter fired back calmly, "I can think for myself. I can make the choice to follow my own way. Who's to say the others can't do the same?"
"Why you-"
"Uncle Gordes," Fiore spoke up, halting his imminent tirade. She then addressed Jack, "Is that truly your desire? To give them the freedom to choose their own path? To accomplish something without needing direction?"
"Yes. Even if the future is uncertain for them, they still have the right to choose," the homunculus affirmed convincingly, "I admit, I don't even know my own future, as short as my life would be. Perhaps all that awaits me is hardship and despair. But... I still want to make the most of it. I want to live my life the way I decide to live it. No matter what happens, I will face my future with all my strength."
She looked at his determination in amazement.
"What kind of excuse is this?" yelled Gordes as he waved his fist at the wayward homunculus, looking like he was about to explode at any moment, "You dare demand your freedom!?"
"Please! Count to ten, Uncle," called out Caules as he put his hand on the older man's shoulder.
"Is she really considering this?" asked Roche softly after sighing and rubbing his head.
"Let them continue. I don't think I've found this much amusement in my dungeon before," muttered Celenike to him with a smirk on her face.
Fiore suddenly jolted upright in her seat. "Please wait, everyone," she announced, prompting a sudden silence. She put a hand to her ear and continued, "Archer, please repeat that."
"Be advised, Master. Caster has betrayed us. Darnic has been captured and Lancer sent us ahead while he retrieves him," Archer spoke through his link as he watched the fleeing fortress. Looking back to ground level, he continued, "All is not lost. We have also gained new allies."
"Let us go to the castle, Archer of Black," Jeanne told him as she and Berserker walked up to him.
"What of him, Ruler?" he asked, staring at the armored Servant.
"He will be coming with us," she stated as she glanced over to him. Turning back to the other Servant, she continued, "Right now, Shirou Amakusa has thrown the War into disarray. It falls to us to right this wrong and I refuse to turn away any assistance."
"Very well, Ruler. Let us be off."
As Fiore repeated what she had learned to those present, Gordes reached for his ear as well. Then, he grunted, "Hmph, Saber has said the same thing." This caused everyone to look at him. He explained, "Saber of Red's Master relayed a message. He encountered the rat and got some strange story. He believes Assassin of Red's Master has taken over the War and is now pursuing his own ends. The Master is also bringing some... guests."
"So, how is it back there?" asked Sisigou as he did his best to drive the beaten-up car he had back to the castle. He glanced into the rearview mirror as he asked the question, the other Master of Black. Nestled in the middle of the seat, flanked on both sides by the male Masters while Rum was strapped to the shotgun seat by the seatbelt.
"...Fine," the guy grumbled as he squirmed slightly at the uncomfortable arrangement.
Sisigou smirked and remarked, "Don't worry. We'll be at the castle soon enough."
Incoherent mumbling ensued.
Lancer was thrown back with the sudden blow that he blocked reactively. "Rider, out of my way," he growled out.
The lone Servant put a hand to her hip while saying, "Hello again, Lancer. This time, no interruptions. This time, you die."
She lowered her body and lunged forward, swinging wide arcs three times. The first two laid glancing blows against the lance, the third was held in place and pushed back against. He swung and forced her back, then stabbed forward with precision with a great yell. She skidded backward, but was able to catch herself and ducked under the stab. Pushing herself forwards, she dashed under the lance but was unable to go further as a standard suddenly dropped in front of her. She halted her momentum with her sword, and that gave him time to try and slam the lance on her head. She rolled to the side and returned the attack with a stab of her own. He avoided it by leaping back and thrusting his lance forward and extending it. She twisted to the side, neatly avoiding it and caught sight of the blades of the lance hooking the standard. Guessing what was going to happen next, she leaped into the air just as Lancer surged forward and missed the shoulder check.
At the apex, her weapon glowed and disappeared as she switched to a claw weapon. With a burst of power, she surged forward and slammed into his back with a flying kick. He was still on his feet, only being pushed forward against the standard. He turned and swung around the lance simultaneously, but she ducked under and attacked him with a flurry of blows, followed by a swipe of the claw that sent a blast of energy to his chin. His head snapped back and in his daze, Rider took the chance to continue, punching him twice in the chest and kicking his thigh. A feinting spinning kick, then a slash to his stomach ground against his armor, followed by an empowered punch to the solar plexus and a flying heel kick converted to a side kick. Crouching slightly, she spun around, each kick sending the both of them into the air, ending with a great flourish. As he began to fall, she burst down with another flying kick that sent him spiraling to the side and crashing to the stonework floor while she landed on her feet.
Very slowly, Lancer of Black picked himself up, propping himself up with his lance. His armor was quite battered in the onslaught and he seemed to be breathing heavily. He looked to where his Master was still entangled. Used to be, as Darnic had vanished. The chains. The writhing tentacles. Gone. Before the shocked Servant could muster a word, something crashed into the pillar next to him. Glancing down, he could only see a large glowing blade before his head toppled over the side. The huge greatsword was dismissed by Rider of Red as Lancer's body broke down into golden motes of light before dissipating, while she muttered, "Like I said before, this time, you die."
With that, she headed back to the throne room. She wanted answers and by hook or by crook, she was going to get them.
After dismissing Minerva, Rider quickly sought out the young homunculus. She found him in one of the many hallways in the castle, tending to the injured. Catching sight of her, he stood up and said, "Rider?"
"Hello, Jack," she greeted him, then she strode over and hugged him. "I'm glad you're safe, young man," she said with relief. Breaking the hug, she held on to his shoulders and continued, "Still, it looks like you're doing well for yourself."
He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "Yea... I guess you can say that." Dropping his hand, he continued, "I hope you're alright Rider. I did... free all the homunculi..."
She sighed and let go, "I'll be fine. Minerva is fine too. We are together in this as one, so it isn't too much of a hassle to keep her around during a little fight."
"Jack."
The two looked around and found Ruler and Berserker of Red walking up to them. He almost took a step back but his nerves held and he greeted in return, "Er, hello, Ruler. Who is this...?"
"This is Berserker of Red... and I'm afraid that..."
"I take it he killed Berserker of Black," interjected Rider. The former nodded.
"I suppose that is only fitting... but why is he here? And why are you here, a Ruler class Servant?" questioned the wyvern knight.
"I will be addressing this later when everyone convenes," she explained briefly, "However, I can say that this War does not just involve the Masters and Servants anymore. It involves humanity itself."
"Are they secure?" asked Fiore as she looked up to her Servant. She had called him and Gordes to meet her in the library, her Servant and the most senior of the Masters of Black.
"Yes, all five are secure in the dungeons. Permission to speak freely," he requested. She nodded.
He continued, "I am surprised that Master allowed us to do so. Weren't they supposed to be allies?"
"This whole War stopped making sense tonight," grumbled Gordes, "Darnic and Lancer have most likely perished. Caster betraying us. Losing Berserker."
"All is not lost. Ruler is here on our side as well as their Berserker," reminded Archer.
"Che, can we even trust that Servant? Sure, you say he helped everyone escaped..." retorted the older magus.
"That he did. He could have helped the Red Faction and nobody would have escaped. And instead of being only down Berserker, we would be down four Servants and one Ruler," the Servant fired back.
"And we are grateful for his help," interrupted Fiore, "Surely you understand that we were once on opposing sides. That sort of suspicion can't be put aside easily."
"Understandable," agreed her Servant, "Ruler will want to brief everyone in the morning. I hope we can form a plan to take back what was stolen, Master."
"How is our guest, Caster?" asked Amakusa with a serene smile, "I don't suppose you mind me calling you that?"
"As secure as can be, thanks to her Highness," replied the old Servant as he stroked his beard, "And please, I do not mind at all. It wouldn't do to have you call me by my title in life. My true name was lost to time, after all."
"And Lancer has been taken cared of," Rider of Red stated as she walked down the carpet with the other Servants and stopped a couple of meters away, "Time for you to make sense, Amakusa."
"My, straight to the point, I see," he spoke calmly.
"Hey, don't forget about us," quipped Archer of Red.
"Indeed," agreed Caster of Red.
"Very well, what do you want to ask? And if you are wary, I will assuredly answer truthfully," he said freely.
"I suppose the first one would be where are our Masters? And how is it that you were able to become ours?" asked the Caster.
"The Seals were given freely, though it took some persuasion. Such was the nature of the poison used," the former Servant explained, surprisingly without any interruption, "As for the Masters themselves, somehow they were kidnapped."
"They were. Some of my dragon tooth warriors fought a Servant that I presume to be Assassin of Black," added Semiramis.
"How did you get to become a Servant?" asked Archer immediately.
The priest chuckled a little and replied, "If you were referring to the first time, I was a legendary figure. As for this War, I reconnected with the Greater Grail and restored as a Ruler."
"Are we going to have our wishes as well, o Ruler?" asked Rider, sneering out his class name.
"Of course you shall. All of you will be able to use the Grail for your wishes," he declared. Then, he asked, "Speaking of wishes, do you mind if I ask of yours, Zero?"
"Hmph, I wish to save my homeland from destruction," she promptly replied.
"Well, such a grand wish for such a Servant," commented the Assyrian Queen.
"There is no difference between a grand or simple wish," her Master said.
"Well said. Be sure to keep that leash on your snake or I'll be having a new pair of shoes for myself," Zero taunted mockingly.
"Why you-"
Amakusa held up his hand, shaking his head. As his Servant backed off, he asked Caster, "What of your wish, Miraak?"
"I wish to undo my fate," the spellcaster stated as he clenched his fist in front of him, "I will gain the victory I so rightfully deserve."
"I see," was his reply. To Archer, he directed the same question, "What about you, Peacock?"
It was surprising to see the grin melt away from Archer's face. "I want to wish away a calamity in my town," she said somberly, "I won't ask to change history, but I wanna make sure that there will be no occurrences like that in the future."
"A fine wish," was his response. And then he glanced over to Caster of Black and asked, "What is your wish, Caster?"
Chuckling, the old Servant replied, "Easily said. I merely wish to aid you in fulfilling your wish. Nothing more, nothing less."
"Oh? Not wanting to change your fate or one of your so-called grand designs?" asked the poisoner curiously.
"Ah-ha, nothing of the sort. What I have done is already set in stone. What I want... can be fulfilled with the passage of time," the former regaled with a grandfatherly smile, "The now is more important, don't you think? Please, tell us your plan to save humanity, Amakusa"
"Thank you, Caster," said the white-haired priest gratefully, "And yes, it is time that I tell everyone my plan to save humanity."
"The salvation of mankind?" Gordes said in disbelief before laughing.
"Yes. That is the true goal of Shirou Kotomine, also known as Amakusa Shirou Tokisada, as he told me, Archer and Berserker," stated Jeanne as she addressed everyone at the table. The majority were the Black Faction, save for Sisigou, Saber of Red and Berserker of Red, who were leaning against the wall behind the Ruler class Servant. Jack was also seated there, at the behest of Rider of Black and by his own insistence as a representative of the homunculi. The remaining Servants of Black stood behind their respective Masters.
"That is a silly wish," scoffed the magus after getting a hold of himself.
"Shut your trap, fatty!" scorned out Saber of Red, startling him, "The whole point of the Grail is fulfilling dumb wishes like that."
"Heh, I like this kid," snickered the other Saber.
"It's impossible!" his Master retorted as he slammed the table.
"Will you stop making a fool of yourself Gordes..." muttered Celenike as she rubbed her forehead.
"Is it truly impossible? What if this Shirou person has it already figured out?" asked the homunculus.
"If he does have a way for the Grail to do it, then it will make it happen," replied the Ruler Servant.
"You have to understand, at its core, the Greater Grail is just a huge accumulation of magical energy," Fiore summed up, "It bypasses theory and process and instantly provides the result."
"So the problem would be if he actually knows of a way to make it happen," realized Caules.
"The problem, is not that he has a plan for it," Saber of Black spoke up again, "The problem is: Would it cause a disaster when it happens?"
"Hmm? What do you mean by that, Saber?" asked Roche curiously.
"Suppose someone wanted to become the greatest magus in the world," spoke up Sisigou, "His idea to realize it is the stupidly kill every other magus alive. Would the Grail do that for him?"
"What?" exclaimed Gordes.
"Basically, yes," confirmed Jeanne.
"That's nonsense! Impossible!" protested the rotund magus, "Who would allow that?"
"Amakusa Shirou has the Grail now," voiced out Rider, "I doubt anyone up there could tell him otherwise."
"Then, what we need to do is to come up with a plan to put a stop to it," said Fiore before turning to Archer and nodding. The Servant of the Bow stepped up to the table and laid out a map of the country. "We are here. The Hanging Gardens is here and is heading out of the country," she stated as she placed two different counters, "Considering the distance alone, catching up is not an issue."
"We could go after them by plane," suggested Caules as he placed another counter, presumably at the nearest airport.
"Unfortunately, they still have an Archer," countered Sisigou, causing the boy to groan in frustration.
"From what I can tell, Archer of Red can produce sentient bombs that she could order around," informed Archer of Black, "I have no problem countering that, but I do not know if she has any other tricks. Then, there are the other Servants to consider. Their Rider is capable of summoning a dragon."
"Not to mention that the Gardens have winged protectors made of bone," added Rider of Black, "As cute as they are, they can easily swarm a plane and overwhelm with numbers alone."
"...Cute?" wondered everyone else.
"The bone summons will be easily handled. Between Berserker-" and paused as Assassin suddenly materialized one of his guns. "-Assassin and myself, we can make short work of those as well as anything their Archer could summon at us," stated Archer as he glanced over to the armored Servant, who made no reply. "Our Rider will handle their Rider," he continued as he stared at the map, "I presume you are quite fast with that wyvern of yours, Rider?"
"Yes. Minerva and I shall run circles around them," she replied confidently.
"And that leaves us with getting the Sabers onto the Gardens to confront whoever is not occupied," he summed up, "Meaning, the Casters and Assassin of Red."
"Eh~, you guys seem to have it handled and you still want us to help?" questioned Saber of Red haughtily, "You seem to be asking for a lot."
"In case of an emergency, it is best you follow, Saber," he replied seriously, "Depending on how Archer of Red decides to act, she may use something unexpected. I am not so foolish to think that she only uses sentient bombs. That being said..." He then placed several other tokens on the map, saying, "We will need more planes, both for screening our approach and to further confuse the enemy Servants."
"Quite detailed for such a short time," commented Sisigou, pushing himself off the wall, "Will it work?"
"No plan survives contact with the enemy," the Servant quoted unintentionally, "In spite of that, I won many of my battles. I am sure we will win this one."
"With your help, we will have the advantage of numbers," added Fiore, "Surely you can see it too."
"Well, I do agree that we should stop Amakusa Shirou," he responded, "We can't really do anything until then either. Any objections?"
"Tch... I want your Saber's head," his Servant announced with a hint of anger.
"Hah, bring it then," said Servant taunted as he opened his arms wide as to invite the challenge.
"Enough."
Though her voice wasn't that loud, Fiore's voice still had the authority of a leader. "The Greater Grail is in the hands of a person that may or may not have a disastrous plan to save humanity," she said, repeating what was discussed before, "We cannot afford to kill each other at this moment. Please, enough is enough."
"Tch, fine. At least this will piss them off, especially the poisonous hag," Saber of Red grumbled as she relented.
"Huh, right," her Master muttered in amusement.
"Then, can I take it that you both agree to join forces?" asked the wheelchair-bound magus as she was brought over by her brother.
"Temporarily, until we deal with him," he affirmed, "If you wish, I am willing to use a Self-Geas scroll as well."
"We don't need to go that far," she told him as she extended her hand to shake, "Ï trust you."
"Oh, it's a deal then," he stated as he reached out and shook her hand.
Commentary:-
Welcome back to the next chapter of Doubtful Origin. I hope you are well, dear readers, for we live in troubling times. Thus, I hope this new chapter will lift thy spirits. The battle is over for now. All fights are being concluded and planning shall begin anew. The remainder of the Black Faction made their way to the castle for recovery, with Ruler and Berserker of Red following suit... with Saber of Red and her Master close behind them. After taking good care of Lancer of Black and securing Darnic, the betrayer of the Black Faction joins in with the rest of the Red Faction to discuss their own plans for the War. After that, the Black Faction sits down at the table to discuss the turn of events.
Alright, that's a wrap. If you're able to, please leave a comment or a review after reading, would you kindly?