What's up, everyone! This is GKC here bringing you the next chapter to Dissidia/Apocrypha.

Now for the disclaimer: I do not own, except my OC, the Fate series or the Final Fantasy series. All rights belong to their respective owners.

Now let's get this party started… BEGIN!

Dissidia/Apocrypha

Chapter 3: The Will to Live

[Millennium Forest]

After leaving Millennia Castle with no sign of pursuit from the homunculi, Rider of Black and the homunculus boy had reached deep enough into the woods that they could rest for a few minutes. Well, more the boy than Lightning since she hardly lost any energy.

"We should be fine here for a little bit," Lightning said before she glanced at her charge, noticing how he panted heavily with each intake of breath that entered his lunges. "Of course, you're still not used to running for so long."

"Is it…" The boy spoke, earning a look from the rosette. "Is it really okay for me to leave?"

"Do you want to go back?"

The homunculus pursed his lips into a grimace as his mind drifted back to that horrible chamber of vats that held the rest of his brethren like prisoners. As much as he wanted to go back and help them, he feared for his life, however short it might be.

"Would there… be any point in me living?" The boy asked.

"Of course there is!" Lightning suddenly shouted, surprising and shocking the boy. "There is always a point for living, no matter how short or long your lifespan maybe!" She placed her hands on the homunculus's shoulders, who did nothing but stare into the crystal blue eyes of the Servant. "Every road in life begins with a single step… and you took that step. By doing so, you're giving yourself the chance to grow and experience the joys and hardships that come with living."

"But-"

"Your life is yours to do with however you please. That's why you have to continue living… in order to see that life through to the end." Rider of Black froze when she felt the presence of several magical constructs forming behind her. Looking back, she noticed that they were the Black Faction's golems, no doubt rising to stop them. "Bothersome pests." She cursed, summoning her sword and shield before she went on the assault.

The homunculus boy watched with abstract awe. He had never seen a Heroic Spirit fight before but the mere sight of the Rider fighting the golems was enough to surprise him. Scarlet red orbs watched each movement from the pink-haired woman as she slashed her sword, avoided clubs and arrows, and sent magical energy right back at them. To Lightning, it was little more than low-level sparring but to the homunculus, it was like the Servant was dancing. Not a single ounce of energy was wasted nor were her strikes.

It made the boy all the more apprehensive about how powerful a Heroic Spirit truly is…

Meanwhile, on the other side of the forest, the Heroic Spirits Ruler and Saver were passing by the remains of fallen golems that had been slain by Berserker of Red.

"Three Servants of the Red Faction were here," Ruler said to her companion. "But they haven't received orders from their Masters."

"It would not be uncommon for Servants to go off on their own to seek out their enemies. The Red Faction probably sought to test the strength of the Black Faction's Servants." Saver remarked. "Tis only a guess, but if the Red Faction were serious in a fight then they would've brought all of their Servants."

"True enough, but we can't-" Ruler gasped when her skill, [Revelation], decided to show her a premonition of the future. She could see two Servants of Black fighting each other. One of them looked to be Saber of Black, who was engaged in a sword duel with a rose-haired woman. "A fight within the same Faction?"

Saver heard this and was confused. Shouldn't the Servants of the same Faction be allies?

Back with Rider of Black, the Heroic Spirit had effortlessly defeated all of the golems while her charge had collapsed on his knees, whether from exhaustion or from how incredible she was, she didn't know nor did it matter.

"We need to keep moving." She told the boy. "The rest of the Masters are onto us now. We can't-" Lightning's eyes widened when she felt the presence of a Servant right behind her. Looking back, icy blue eyes gazed into the ocean blue of Saber of Black, who had his Engine Blade in his right hand while a slightly noticeable expression of guilt was present on his face. "Saber?"

"I found you!" Came the half-exhausted breathing of Saber of Black's Master, Gordes, who looked absolutely livid at the moment. "Dammit! How dare they make me run such a stupid errand!"

Lightning cursed as she brought up Crimson Lotus in a defensive position as the boy behind her finally regained enough strength to stand, "You need to run. Right now." She whispered to him.

"Saber, hold Rider down!" Gordes ordered.

Noctis grimaced before he brought up his sword and prepared to attack, "Sorry, Rider…" He muttered to himself.

The homunculus boy stood there in sheer, absolute terror as he stared at the opposing Master and his Servant. Noticing this, Lightning shouted at him, "What the hell are you doing!? Get out of here NOW!"

Before the boy could comprehend what his guardian meant, Saber of Black immediately went on the offensive when he warped right in front of Rider and clashed his sword against her own blade. The two Servants pushed with all their strength as sparks flew from the grinding metal of their weapons.

"Rider!" The boy cried out.

"I said, run!" Lightning said through gritted teeth. "You want to live, right? So get out of here, NOW!"

Overcome by fear and guilt, the homunculus fled for his life as the Servant he befriended risked her own to defend him. Unfortunately, Gordes noticed the defect's departure and decided to chase after him.

"Dammit, are you kidding me?!" The portly man complained as he ran after the boy.

With the boy out of the way, Lightning focused her attention back on her opponent, "Saber… get out of my way!" She demanded.

"I can't do that, Rider. Believe me, I don't want to do this but…" Noctis frowned as he pushed his fellow Servant back. "If I don't do this willingly then my Master will use a Command Seal to do it. And we all know that even a Saber could never resist the power of an Absolute Order."

The Rider of Black grimaced but she couldn't help but pity the Saber-class Heroic Spirit for having such a temperamental and foolish Master. However, she wasn't one to talk since her own Master was a sadist and a sociopath.

"So Rider… just stand down and let us take that homunculus back to the castle." Saber of Black said as he prepared to attack his opponent.

"No! I won't do that!" Lightning declared. "Even if it costs me my life… I will save that child!"

"Rider, you know that even if he were to escape, he'd-" Noctis tried to explain but was cut off.

"I already know!" The rosette shouted before pausing, then lowering her sword. "I already know… he only has a short lifespan. But…" She looked at Noctis with a glare. "That doesn't mean that his life isn't any more important than my own! Even if he were to live for a month, a few weeks, or even a few minutes! I won't stop! Not until he's lived the life that he seeks!"

Noctis's eyes widened in awe when he heard the Rider of Black's passionate speech and realized that he was just like that boy. Following a path that had been set for him before his birth, a path that ultimately led to his demise. However, throughout that journey, he had lived. He lived as a normal man on the road with his brothers in all but blood and met many wonderful people who touched his heart. It was why he accepted his role as the Crowned King of Light… so that he could stop the darkness and grant others the chance to live as he had so long ago.

The Saber of Black released a brief chuckle before he stepped away from Lightning, who gave him an inquisitive stare. "Thanks for reminding me, Rider."

"Remind you? Of what?" She asked.

"Let's just say… I remembered something from my previous life." Noctis answered as he sent his sword away. "Come on, the kid and my Master couldn't have gotten very far."

LINE BREAK

While the two Servants of Black were about to track down the homunculus boy, Ruler and Saver were following the exposure of prana in the air towards the location of what they believe to be a fight between the same Faction.

"Something is wrong with this Holy Grail War," Ruler said aloud. "It's fundamentally different then what it should be."

"If you were expecting it to be pretty then your outlook on war is misguided." Saver stated. "There's no right way for a war to be conducted, especially when mages are involved."

Ruler grimaced at her bodyguard's words but didn't argue. After all, magus were abhorrent to morality and preferred to conduct themselves through advancement in magic and study rather than being classified as mundane humans.

Saver glanced back at his ward, figuring that she was contemplating on what he said. Regardless of what he felt, the Moonlit World was cruel and misguided. There are no innocent beings when it comes to such a vast different plane of human existence.

The Counter Force as well as Gaea, the Will of the Earth, had made it vastly clear that they were not without their own fury. Saver could attest to such feelings as he had once faced down beings that threatened the safety and sanctity of all he held dear. But he did not become the Warrior of Light by simply standing aside while those who believed themselves just tore down the foundations of man. No, he fought and endured torment, betrayal, and pain the likes of which no man should ever suffer… and he won.

The young warrior of Eorzea swiftly gathered his steel for the coming conflict that would soon happen. The Servants of the Red Faction had tried to slay his charge, who was to say that the Black Faction would be any better?

LINE BREAK

After Noctis and Lightning came to an agreement to rescue the homunculus child to whisk him away from the horrors of the Holy Grail War, they pursued the Saber of Black's portly Master in order to stop him from taking the boy back to the castle.

Unfortunately, they arrived too late to help it would seem. The two Servants came across Gordes, who was breathing heavily, while the homunculus boy laid against the base of the tree, unmoving with a clear trickle of blood flowing down his lips.

Concerned for the boy she had promised to protect, Lightning ran ahead to his side to attend to him. She assessed the damage and it looked like he was having trouble breathing. "Hey, stay with me! We're going to get you out of here, okay?" She assured the boy.

Noctis approached his Master, who seemed to have felt his Servant's presence. The portly man tried to bring up a libel defense for his actions. "Had I not used my Altered Arm then he would've killed me for sure!" He argued. "I'm not at fault here!"

The Saber of Black closed his eyes, remembering all of the faces he met on his journey of kingship and the decisions he had to make in order to become what he was till the end. His decision clear, the Crowned King of Light opened his eyes and looked at his Master, "Hey, old man. I have a favor to ask."

"Huh?"

"Can you save the kid?" Noctis asked.

Gordes looked ready to pop a gasket, "What the hell are you talking about, Saber?! I didn't ask for your opinion, you insolent Servant! The only thing you need to do is shut up and listen to my-" He paused in his rant when Saber of Black stepped forward, nearly towering over the pudgy Master as he leveled a deathly glare upon him with his dark blue eyes.

"Is that a 'no' then?" He inquired with barely hidden annoyance.

"I told you to shut-ACK!" Gordes gagged when he was struck in the stomach… by his own Servant. Before the man knew it, he fell unconscious as Noctis caught and lowered him to the ground.

Lightning gasped in surprise when she noticed her fellow Servant's action, "What are you-"

"What's the damage look like?" Saber of Black asked.

Realizing that her comrade could potentially save the boy, she gave him the rundown of his ailments. "From what I've been able to tell, his entire rib cage has been broken and some shards of bone have punctured his lungs and grazed his heart. He needs immediate medical attention or he's going to die." Lightning looked down in distress, "I've tried healing spells but they're only stemming his wounds."

Noctis grimaced, "I see. None of the healing solvents I have on hand can fix this kind of affliction… unless…" He paused with realization.

The Rider of Black noticed his hesitation. "Unless what?"

"Unless we implant a Spiritual Core within his body," He answered.

"Are you insane!? Implanting a Spiritual Core inside of a human could tear their entire body to shreds!" Lightning shouted.

"True, a normal human… but the kid's a homunculus. The perfect existence. He can bear the power." Noctis stated. "And as penance, I'll offer my own Spiritual Core in order to save his life."

"But if you do that then-"

"Yeah, I know. I'll die and my body will return to the Throne of Heroes." Noctis interjected before sighing, "Man, of all the rotten luck… I hardly got a chance to even do much in this world."

"Hold yourself, ser," A voice announced, surprising the two Black Servants as they looked to the source of the voice before finding Ruler and Saver, who had made the announcement.

"Ruler? And…" Noctis narrowed his eyes at the black-armored Servant and prepared for a fight before Ruler stopped him.

"Saber of Black, please stop. Saver is not your enemy. He is my guardian." Jeanne stated.

"Saver?" Lightning repeated.

Saver ignored their looks of confusion and instead focused on the dying boy, "This boy… he is not fully human." He stated.

"He is a homunculus," Ruler answered as she looked at the child with pity. "It appears that he is slowly dying from internal injuries."

"I see…" The Warrior of Light replied as he took a few steps towards the boy but Noctis stood in his way while Lightning covered the homunculus with her own body. "Please step aside."

"What are you going to do?" The King of Light questioned.

Saver stared deeply into Noctis's eyes. Blue orbs glaring defiantly at crimson red. The dark knight reached into his pouch… and produced a bewildering object.

Noctis and Lightning stared at it in abject disgust while Ruler was completely and utterly surprised. For the Warrior of Light held in his palm was an object that all manner of magi would seek for themselves till their dying days...

...the eye of a dragon.

"Where… did you get that?" Ruler cautiously asked.

Saver glanced back at his ward and answered, "From a dragon that caused untold suffering and chaos in another land. After wounding the beast, I relinquished it from his skull. This eye contains enough mana to fuel many Servants for several Holy Grail Wars. However, by combining the aetherial magicks within, I should be able to heal the boy."

"Combine it with what?" Noctis inquired.

"With this," Saver reached another hand into his pouch and removed the plume of a feather. However, instead of a normal feather, this one glowed with an ethereal light that resembled flames which matched its orange-red color scheme.

"A phoenix down?!" The two Servants of Black exclaimed together in unison.

Ruler, however, could hardly contain her shock. Saver held two objects that were derived from some of the most powerful Phantasmal Beasts known throughout the World. Dragons and Phoenixes hadn't been seen since the Age of Man began and all Phantasmal Beasts fled to the Reverse Side of the World. To even witness such miracles in the hands of a mere man was enough for her to question as to how he acquired them… or if he possessed any more materials from Phantasmal creatures.

Saver closed his eyes, holding the Dragon Eye and the Phoenix Feather in both hands, "Mother Hydaelyn… grant me the power to combine the essence of these two creatures in my palms so that I may save the life of this child." He spoke while the Servants watched in abstract silence. A few seconds passed then a minute and now two… before an aura of white light surrounded the knight, surging from the center of his heart and flowing directly into the two objects he held in his hands. The eye and the feather shimmered with the same light for a few seconds before they came together in a collision of ethereal energy. Once the light began to diminish, the Servants that stood around the Warrior of Light stared at the object that now floated between his palms with gobsmacked awe.

"What is that?" Lightning questioned.

Saver glanced at those around him and answered, "This…" He brought up the object in question as it shimmered with an almost holy presence. "...is a heart of light."

"A heart of light?" Ruler repeated.

"It is not an easy thing to create. I, myself, have no talent to craft such a magical item so I pleaded with the Mother Crystal from my homeland to grant me the necessary aether to construct such an item. With this… I will be able to save the boy." Saver explained. "I know not the effects which may inflict upon him but I believe that this shall grant him a new life."

The hero approached the half-conscious homunculus with the heart in hand then knelt before him and placed the object in his hand onto the boy's chest. At first, nothing happened… then the heart of light began to glow as it slowly melted within the child's chest until it vanished within his body.

A few seconds passed before the boy suddenly gasped with a new breath. This action brought great relief to the Servants of Black as well as Ruler.

"He's alive…" Ruler said with a smile as her gaze landed on Saver's back. "You really are a savior."

"It's in the title, after all." Saver jested with a small grin as he stood up.

"Why… would you save his life?" Rider of Black inquired.

The Warrior of Light closed his eyes in thought before opening them a second later, "It is because he needed help."

"That's it?" Saber of Black raised a brow in confusion.

"Did you expect me to do it for a favor? That's not the kind of man I am." Saver said as he turned on his heel to leave… before pausing in his step. "Something is wrong."

"Eh?" Ruler blinked at her guardian's sudden posture before the homunculus boy released a pained groan, which attracted the attention of the four Servants. The child's Magic Circuits flared a bright neon green as they spread throughout his body like veins in his bloodstream. The Heroic Spirits watched with abstract shock as the child suddenly grew… into a young man.

"That's… impossible." Saver said under his breath.

"What happened to him!? Why does he look like this?" Lightning demanded.

"Calm yourself," Saver told the rosette as he knelt before the boy to examine him. "It must've been the heart of light. The aether within it must've overflowed his Magic Circuits, expanding and morphing their nature until his body became a suitable vessel to withstand its full power."

"And what exactly does that mean?" Noctis questioned.

"Simply put, the boy has now acquired a vessel beyond a mere human's limitations."

The homunculus suddenly released a gasp as he shot awake. He looked at his hand and had a bewildered expression on his face. It was like the change of his body was unreal to him.

Ruler decided to alleviate the boy's fears and placed her hands over his own, "Servant Ruler…" She introduced, causing the homunculus to look at her in surprise. "My True Name is Jeanne d'Arc."

The young man gave the new arrival a suspicious yet frightened look. Lightning placed a hand on his shoulder, surprising him.

"I'm thankful that you're okay." She said with a smile.

"I want to examine him. Please step aside." Ruler asked the Rider of Black. "I promise no harm will be brought."

Lightning gave the blonde a small glare before she reluctantly stepped aside, allowing the Maid of Orleans to inspect the homunculus.

Jeanne placed her hand over the area where her guardian placed the catalyst inside and focused her energy on it. A small gasp left her lips when she felt this overwhelming purity that reminded her of the Lord's messengers.

Purity defined by light.

Whatever Saver had created gave this boy access to a whole new set of Magic Circuits. Not only did it seem that his lifespan had been prolonged but his body seemed able to contend with low-level Heroic Spirits.

No longer would his life be limited, rather his lifespan was now similar to the average human. Perhaps longer due to the origin of the catalyst within his body.

The blonde Servant moved her hand away and stood on her feet. "I'm surprised that you were able to adapt to your new organ so well."

"Organ?" The boy repeated in confusion.

"Your heart was damaged," Saber of Black clarified. "This guy saved your life." He gestured to the Warrior of Light.

"You… saved me?"

"That's correct." The Primal Slayer confirmed with a curt nod. The boy rested his hand over the location of the new organ. A selfless act that was given to him as a gift by a hero that did not know him.

"Why?" He asked rather timidly.

"You were dying and I wanted to save you. So I did it." The Servant replied albeit neutrally.

"But-" The homunculus tried to question before Rider of Black placed a hand on his head.

"Don't worry about it so much. As long as you're alive then that's-" Lightning froze, her kind smile dropped, replaced by cold indifference. "Saber…"

"I know…" Noctis glanced back along with the other Servants. "The rest of the Faction is here."

The remaining six Masters along with their own Heroic Spirits stared at the gathering with neutral expressions. However, Darnic seemed quite displeased. "Saber, Rider, explain to me what happened and who those other two Servants are with you." The Yggdmillennia patriarch ordered.

The two Servants of Black tried to come up with a viable excuse but Jeanne decided to answer for them, "I am Ruler and I am the one who is overseeing this Great Holy Grail War."

Darnic glanced at the Warrior of Light, who gave the Master of Lancer a firm glare. "And you are?"

Sorom was silent for a few seconds before he answered, "Saver."

"Saver? I've never heard of that Class before." Fiore said in slight surprise.

"And to think that I would see you again as well, my old comrade." Y'shtola said with a smile.

Saver looked at the Caster of Black in surprise, "It can't be… Y'shtola? To think that you would be summoned to this Grail War as well. Then again…" He smiled genuinely at the Miqo'te. "I'm not opposed to seeing you again."

"The feeling is mutual, Warrior of Light." The Caster of Black smiled fondly at her friend.

Darnic noted the interaction between the two Servants as well as the tenderness and joy that radiated in their eyes. If he was not mistaken, these two knew each other in their previous lives. He was interested as to how this Saver-class Servant earned a title like Warrior of Light but that still did not reveal his True Name if he were to fight them here and now.

"Master, I can sense a low-level prana signature from the homunculus…" Lancer of Black informed Darnic. "If I'm not mistaken, it is similar to a Servant."

"Well now…" Darnic leveled his eyes upon the homunculus boy, who felt his heart stop in sheer terror when he stared into those cold, unflinching eyes. "Perhaps this night can be recovered after all."

In the blink of an eye, Saber and Rider stood protectively in front of the boy, momentarily surprising the Masters while the other Servants watched with neutral gazes.

"Move aside," Darnic ordered but the two Servants remained adamant in their decision.

"The kid has had enough. You can't force him into the Grail War." Saber of Black retorted.

"Unfortunately, Saber, he is a homunculus created by Yggdmillennia. In essence, he has no actual human life." Caster of Black said with sympathy.

"Wrong," Saver interjected as he stood at the forefront of the two Black Servants that guarded the homunculus. "He now possesses a heart of light. Thus, he is no longer limited to the lifespan of a mere homunculus. So long as his wish is for freedom, I will not allow any to lay a finger on them." His right hand, clad in a black gauntlet, grasped the handle of the massive blade on his back as he pulled it out and wielded it with both hands. His crimson eyes took a noticeable sharper gleam as he glared particularly at Darnic. "If any wish to challenge that claim… you're welcome to come at me."

Some of the more aggressive Servants of Black like Berserker and Lancer readied their weapons for an inevitable brawl but Darnic held them back. "Saver, be mindful of what you do next. You stand before the Servants of the Black Faction."

"Even if there were double the amount, I will not move." Saver spat with a cold, sharpened glare.

Darnic returned the glare, finding this unknown Heroic Spirit to be an annoyance. Caules leaned over to his sister's Servant and whispered, "Hey, Archer. What are our chances if we all just attack Saver and Ruler together?"

"Very slim." Archer of Black stated. "Ruler possesses an ability similar to your Command Seals that she can use to control us. However, the most dangerous and unknown factor would have to be Saver. None of us know his true strength, save possibly Caster."

Ruler stood up from her position beside the homunculus and proceeded to stand beside her guardian, "The boy will not be forced into this conflict. I hope you understand that, Master of Lancer."

"That homunculus was already part of this conflict when we created him. He is an asset designed only to fight for Yggdmillennia." Darnic countered.

"Regardless, I will not allow you to take him." The Maid of Orleans said harshly.

The patriarch of Yggdmillennia bit back a curse before he calmed himself, seeing as how this situation was going nowhere. His cold gaze landed on Saber and Rider, the two Servants having remained quiet throughout the heated argument. "Saber, Rider, what you two have done could be considered an act of treason. Do you regret your actions?"

"Not a chance." Saber of Black spat.

"I don't regret a single thing. I helped him because I wanted to and not for some self-prestigious prick." Rider of Black stated. Darnic knew the jab was more to the angry Celenike beside him than at him and the man could almost picture the riding crop the deranged woman carried in her bloody grasp being twisted beyond recognition.

"Saber, Rider," Lancer spoke up, "While I admire your conviction, your actions will still warrant punishment."

"Fine by me." Saber said with a shrug. Lightning nodded in acceptance.

Caster of Black approached her fellow Servants, giving them sympathetic grins before she casted a binding spell that chained Saber and Rider's arms together.

"Rider!" The boy called.

"Stay where you are, boy." Saver ordered, stopping the homunculus from making any rash moves. "You can no longer interfere. Saber and Rider's fate is entirely on the decision of the Masters of Black."

The boy wanted to argue but a soft look from Rider stopped him, "It's alright. I've done what I can… the rest is up to you."

Darnic closed his eyes before turning on his heel to leave, "We're done here. Berserker, retrieve Gordus. We will return to the castle and prepare for the rest of the Grail War." The Berserker of Black obeyed the order, carrying the pudgy Master of Saber with one hand while shouldering his sword with the other. The rest of the Masters and Servants of Black began to leave along with Saber and Rider.

Caster lingered further as she looked back at Saver with a smile, "It is good to see you again, my friend. Until we meet again."

Saver, after sheathing his large sword, returned the gesture with a grin and a nod. "Likewise, Y'shtola."

The Caster of Black nodded in return and followed after her comrades, leaving only the two Heroic Spirits and the homunculus boy.

With the threat passed, Saver's black armor vanished, returning him his casual garb, save for the golden sheathed longsword he carried on his person. Ruler approached the boy and offered him her hand, "Come, let us take our leave of these woods."

The homunculus stared up at her in confusion, "Huh?"

"There is a hamlet nearby that my friend and I passed by some time ago. We can take you there until you're ready to leave on your own."

"But… where will I go from there?" The boy asked.

Saver approached the duo, hand resting on the hilt of the sword. "That's something only you can find out. Adventure has a way of guiding many hearts on the road of self-discovery."

The boy pondered the Warrior of Light's words for a minute… then reached out and took Ruler's hand.

LINE BREAK

Within the church that served as the Red Faction's base of operations, Shirou Kotomine was having a small meeting with the Servants that had just returned from their skirmish with the Black Faction.

"So, what can you tell me of the enemy Servants?" The priest asked softly as Cecil stood stoutly like a sentinel.

A brief hint of movement and an astralization was all Shirou needed as Berserker, Rider, and Archer appeared out of thin air.

"Well, my opponents were pretty interesting." Snow comments with his hands lazily resting behind his head. "That Saber of Black definitely has an interesting ability to wrap around just like Lancer said. Their Berserker was also pretty sane when I fought him." He rolled his neck to relieve some form of tension. "Damn dude had a wicked punch."

Fran nodded, "I can confirm Rider's explanation. Saber of Black, though unassuming, is quite a skilled warrior. Berserker of Black is similar even if he is a raving lunatic. However, it's the Archer of the Black Faction that concerned me."

"Oh? Please explain." Shirou said.

"He was able to destroy a few of my arrows with gunshots. Granted, he is a Servant but even a bullet shouldn't have been able to hit one of my arrows."

"It seems Archer of Black may be an opponent that specializes in firearms. There's no telling what other form of tricks he possesses. Still, some information is better than none." The priest comments before glancing at the brooding, bulky figure of Berserker. "And is there anything that you have ought to report?"

Berserker of Red gave the priest a hidden glare before scoffing, "The Black Faction's Rider is a decent enough beast to fight. Lancer of Black is quick on his feet and strong with a spear. The Caster of Black is an enemy that I've faced before… in a sense."

"And do you know their name?"

The Garlean Prince shook his head, "I never bothered to learn her name. However, I do know that she was part of a group called the Scions of the Seventh Dawn and an ally of my enemy."

"Well, I'm sure she will be no trouble for you if you've beaten her before." Shirou stated. "Now then, onto other matters…"

"You mean Ruler, yes?" Cecil pondered after remaining silent for most of the conversation.

"Indeed. She managed to elude us but there's no doubt in my mind that she will appear again. Although…" The priest paused, his usual smile set into a fine line. "There's been a disturbance in the air. I don't know what it could be… but it felt as if there was a sixteenth Servant."

"A sixteenth?" Fran raised a delicate brow in suspicion. "You must be joking."

"I don't know. I've never seen the bossman joke around before." Snow pointed out.

"If it is truly a sixteenth Servant then they must be an anomaly just like Ruler." Cecil stated.

Shirou's smile returned as he leaned back in his seat, "If that is so, we cannot tolerate any wild cards in this Holy Grail War."

"And by that, you mean…" Zenos trailed on, already figuring what the priest wanted.

"Simple, eliminate them."

LINE BREAK

Darnic sat in his study with a glass of aged red wine. His Servant standing dutifully near him. The patriarch of Yggdmillennia sipped his drink then glanced at the Dragoon. "Tell me, Lancer. What should I do to Saber and Rider?" He inquired.

"Milord, if I may suggest, it would be prudent to release them at sunrise. Regardless of their apparent treachery, one lost homunculus does little to stall our war effort." Kain answered.

"Hm, an excellent point, Lancer. Very well, Saber and Rider shall be released at sunrise. Though I wouldn't be surprised if their relationship with their Masters turned for the worse." Darnic comments before looking at the reports he received from his spies. Something that made him frown with distaste. "Now comes the other problem."

"You refer to Assassin of Black, correct?" Lancer pondered.

"Indeed, Hyouma Sagara was found dead recently. From what I was able to gleam, he had been brutally murdered. But not by the Mages Association." Darnic stated. The door to his study opened, causing the man to look at the source to find one of his most gifted Masters, Fiore.

"Uncle?" She said in her usually soft demeanor as she is wheeled inside by Archer. "I heard you wished to speak with me?"

"Yes, I'd like you to take a look at this." Darnic said as he approached his granddaughter and handed her a newspaper that she took into her hands to read.

The girl gasped in both shock and horror when she took notice of a recent article, "But this is…"

LINE BREAK

"Well, this is a problem. There are no more people here." Reika Rikudou, the new Master of Assassin of Black, said with a frown. She and her 'son' had taken residence in a small house that used to belong to a couple that ended up as Assassin's next victims.

"Indeed. It seems I've killed all of them or they simply fled in fear." Assassin of Black responded as he leaned casually against a wall dressed only in his pants and boots. His armor and upper clothing was being washed to clean off the blood that stained the black leather. "And I hunger for more mana, Mother."

"Well, the next town over his Trifas." Reika told her 'son' as she looked at him with an unsettling smile. "Why don't we visit there next?"

"Other Servants reside there." Sephiroth pointed out.

"Both the Black and Red Factions are our enemies."

"They will be a nuisance."

"Of course, Sephy," The prostitute agreed with a cold look in her eyes. "But let's head over there and see how it goes."

Assassin of Black disappeared from his place against the wall, "I can shield my presence from the other Servants but how will you fair, Mother?" He asked as he reappeared on the couch that Reika sat on, his head resting on her lap as the woman ran her fingers through his long silver hair.

"I'll be fine. You don't have to worry about me." She assured him with a fond smile. "After all, I have a wonderful son who can make bad people go away."

Sephiroth closed his eyes as a grin appeared on his face, "And any who would dare touch you will die screaming in agony."

Reika's smile widened before she rested her forehead against the Servant's own, "Let's rest for now. We can leave tomorrow morning."

LINE BREAK

The homunculus boy followed the two Heroic Spirits: Ruler and Saver, behind with a timid expression. His scarlet eyes staring at the backs of the duo as he analyzed what he could gleam from them.

Ruler seemed like a kind and gentle girl. She assured him that he could live his life however he wished and even gave him food after the homunculus felt an annoying growl in his stomach. However, beneath that gentle visage was a warrior who would fight tooth and nail to protect those weaker than her. He admired her for that.

Next was Saver. He was… a mystery to him. The man saved his life without question, fashioning him a new heart that expanded his lifespan and even gave him strength comparable to a low-class Heroic Spirit. He defended him from the Black Faction when they wanted to take him back to that horrid castle and didn't care if he had to fight all of the Servants they had by himself. The homunculus was especially thankful to meet such a generous, kind-hearted hero.

"Have you come up with a name?" Ruler suddenly asked, drawing the boy's attention to the beautiful blonde.

"A name?" He repeated.

"A name is a way for you to signify your existence. There are many that you can give yourself." Ruler explained.

"I'm sorry, but no…" The homunculus said with a solemn expression.

"What about Sieg?" Saver suggested.

"Sieg?" Both Ruler and the boy looked at the dark-haired Servant in confusion.

Saver glanced back at the boy and decided to explain, "From my homeland, after I slew the dragon that plagued the people of a far-off country, I heard the tale of another warrior who battled dragons. The people there believed me to be the second coming of that warrior."

"What was their name?" Ruler pondered.

"Siegfried." He answered.

The Holy Maiden looked surprised for a second before she giggled in amusement much to her companions' bewilderment. "Forgive me. There's actually a similar hero of this world that is named Siegfried."

Saver allowed himself a small smile, "Talk about a coincidence…"

"Sieg…" The homunculus tasted the name on his lips. It sounded perfect for him. In fact, his new heart actually skipped with pride at the name given to him. "I see. From now on, I'll be Sieg."

Ruler smiled brightly, "Wonderful. Then it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sieg."

"Thank you." The newly named Sieg nodded in understanding before he realized something. "I know your name Ruler but…" His gaze landed on Saver's back as he continued to walk. "What's Saver's?"

The blonde saint paused in her step as she realized that Sieg never got Saver's True Name. "He calls himself Sorom."

"Sorom…" Sieg repeated as he stared at Saver with awe. "But… he feels different from other Servants I have met."

"Yes, yes, he does…" Ruler comments as she and Sieg follow after Saver.

LINE BREAK

Caules sat down against the wall in the middle of the hallway while Berserker was nonchalantly sitting down across from him with a bottle of wine in his possession.

"So this whole situation started due to a lack of communication." The young man comments. "The relationship between a Master and Servant is more than just a commander and his minion. Heroes have their own values, beliefs, and their own form of justice."

"Heh, that's one way to describe it." Berserker of Black remarks as he took a swig of his pilfered wine bottle.

"Hey, are you unhappy?" Caules asked his Servant.

"Huh?" Jecht rubbed his chin with his bare hand and shrugged, "Well, you ain't a pretty young woman but you're amusing to have as a Master. So, no, can't say that I am unhappy. Not when I can score myself some free booze."

A sweatdrop comically fell from the teen's forehead, "Of course that's what you wanted..."

"Caules," A familiar voice called out.

Both Master and Servant glanced in the direction of the voice, revealing it to be Fiore along with her Servant, Archer, who was pushing his Master's wheelchair.

"Big sister," Caules greeted.

Archer wheeled his young Master to her brother, the girl giving him a serious expression, "Tomorrow, we'll be heading to Sighisoara."

The boy raised an eyebrow in confusion, "Any reason why?"

"Assassin of Black has been spotted there." Fiore answered, getting a flinch from the young man.

What the siblings didn't know was that Saber of Red and his Master were receiving the same orders to investigate Sighisoara.

LINE BREAK

Saver sat comfortable against the base of a tree, waiting for his charge to return after she informed him that she would be taking Sieg to the home of the farmer they met along the path.

The Warrior of Light didn't know why Ruler was focused on keeping the boy out of the war but it may have had something to do with her [Revelation] skill. Like the Echo, it allowed her to see glimpses of time of a certain individual. But whereas the Echo focuses on the past, Revelation allows Ruler to see small bits of the future. Could the future of Sieg be so terrible that she is trying to defy destiny?

"I hope I didn't keep you long." came the voice of Ruler as she approached Saver dressed in the French schoolgirl uniform that her host wore.

"Not at all," He said with a shake of his head. "And the boy?"

"The owner of the household agreed to look after him." Ruler said stiffly. "I hope that when we do meet again, he'll have learned to smile."

Saver stared at the girl with a calculative gaze, "Why didn't you tell him the truth?"

Ruler gasped, "W-What do you mean?"

"You saw something that would affect his future. Why did you lie?"

The Maiden of Orleans chewed her lower lip, "What was I supposed to say? That he was fated to fight in the Holy Grail War? That his future would end with his death? I could never abide by that revelation. That boy has suffered more than enough as is. He does not need to be stained by blood." Her amethyst gaze stared into the crimson eyes of her guardian. "That fate should be left to a hero."

Saver closed his eyes for a minute in contemplation before a small grin appeared on his face. "It would seem my fears have been silenced."

"Eh?"

"Worry not, Ruler," Saver stood up from the ground, dusting off his pants and making sure his sword was holding firmly against his waist. "Come, let us return to our residence. Dawn is coming and by then a new battle will commence."

Ruler nodded in agreement as she followed after her guardian. Suddenly, her [Revelation] skill activated once more. This time her vision featured Saver…

A dyed-red battlefield fraught with broken or shattered weapons…

Shadow sillouhettes of Servants falling in battle…

A final confrontation between a hero and a monster…

...a sword piercing through flesh and bone.

The vision suddenly ended and Ruler was staring at Saver's back with an expression of concern and fear. Something was going to happen to her companion…

...something terrible.

A/N: And that's the end of the chapter! FINALLY! Been trying to come up with a lot just to get this one done.

Sorry to all those who thought I was killing off Noctis so soon like a certain Dragonslayer but, like Berserker of Red, he's staying around a while longer.

Now before any of you wonder why Sieg is suddenly… well, Sieg. It's because I don't really see him having any other name than that. Saver named him Sieg because the dragon eyes he used were not Nidhogg's eyes, they belonged to a dragon similar to Fafnir, with the same name too. Y'know, the dragon that Siegfried slew that earned him his title?

Well, anyways, Saver and Ruler have met the Servants of Black. Next chapter shall feature the epic fight with the One Wing Angel, which I'm sure many of you have been anticipating.

Like before, I'm putting down Servant stats. This chapter shall feature the Crown Prince of Lucis himself.

Review and comment on this chapter if you like. Love it, hate it, but just know that you've read it.

Peace out, everyone!

Name: Noctis Lucis Caelum

Servant Class: Saber of Black

Alternate Classes: Archer, Rider, Caster

Gender: Male

Alignment: Chaotic Good

Class Stats-

Strength: A

Endurance: C

Agility: B+

Mana: C-

Luck: B+

NP: A+

Class Skills-

Magic Resistance: C

A Skill that grants protection against magical effects. In Noct's case, he can resist a certain number of spells but there are times where he is affected by magical attacks, even ones that he used for himself.

Riding: C-

A Skill that allows the Servant to ride vehicles or animals. Noctis has only ever ridden in his father's car, the Regalia, or on occasion, driven it. He also rode Chocobos when out in the field. However, due to his lazy nature, this Skill is lower than it originally should be.

Personal Skills-

Item Modification (Magic): B

A Skill that allows for the modification of certain items or to imbue certain objects with magical properties. Noctis's bloodline allows him to use magic, which he can use to turn ordinary sodas into Potions or Elixirs, and he can imbue elemental energy to craft spells for himself or his Master.

Warp: A

A rare Skill suitable only for Noctis. This allows him to teleport short distances and phase through solid matter. He can also use it to recover a portion of his magical energy if he warps to a safe location.

Jack-of-all-Trades: A+

A Skill that makes one proficient in all manners of combat. Noctis is an excellent combatant and proficient with a variety of different weapons such as swords, lances, greatswords, shields, and many more.

Noble Phantasm-

[Armiger] "The Power of Kings"

Rank: A

Classification: Anti-Army

Description: As part of the Lucian royal bloodline, Noctis has access to his ancestors' magical powers as well as their ties to the Lucian Crystal. This grants him access to wield many types of weapons that he collected on his journey in life but the most important factor of this Noble Phantasm are the Royal Arms, spectral weapons once wielded by the past kings and queens of Lucis. When Noctis is in need of more power, he invokes the power of Armiger Unleashed, which gives him full access to all of his latent potential and grants him the use of powerful techniques that he can use to attack such as Royal Cleave, Apocalypsis, Dynastic Stance, and Legacy of the Lucii.

[Astral Projection] "Call of the Gods"

Rank: A

Classification: Anti-Fortress

Description: As per his bloodline's contract, Noctis can summon the five deities of his homeland as battle companions. However, depending on the situation, he can only summon a certain deity that works well with the environment. The list of Astrals he can currently summon is Titan, Ramuh, Leviathan, Shiva, and Bahamut.