Here we go with Chapter Four and sorry guys for the late update. I have been busy with work and classes. Now, the general and I have gotten these chapters ready for some time. But, we wanted to try finishing the rest of the story before I updated anything else. However, I decided to update now and hope you all like how.

Last time things didn't go well for our heroes when an explosion interrupted the meeting. Now, we are in the aftermath where we will see what is going to happen. Who was behind the explosion and will this ruin any chance of peace? Or will this lead to war?

Check out the chapter to find out and I don't own anything from the DC or Bleach universe. The OCs from the heroes side are mine and the OCs from the Forever Empire are from General Herbison. So, in case anyone wants to check out his work go right ahead. He has a lot of good stories to read.

Now then, time for the chapter and enjoy everyone.

Chapter IV

(Redeemer/Infirmary)

Alpha One folded his arms and didn't move from his spot, "Not going to happen."

"I must insist on a clear room." the chief medical officer pointed to the door, "All of you, out, now."

While normally onlookers were permitted in the infirmary the crowd of Sierra, the Carina twins, and all twenty-five members of the Elite was a bit excessive.

"You have a job to do, and so do I." the doctor waved him away, "I suggest you do yours and let me do mine."

Alpha One turned to the assembled crowd, "Alright people. Echo Squad get to the bridge and monitor all communications, Delta Squad to the war room and send out reports to all command stations in this galaxy with an update on our situation. Bravo Squad stay here and protect the general, Charlie Squad head for the shuttle bay and get a transport ready to head down to the surface for the investigation. Alpha Squad we're heading to the vaults."

All those mentioned turned on their heels and marched from the room, Sierra and the twins followed Alpha One, "What about us?"

"Sierra, you are the heir to the throne." he looked down at her as they walked, "That blast was clearly designed to take out the boss, we cannot risk putting you in danger. For the time being you will stay confined to this station."

"I am more than capable of handling myself." she flared up.

"I know that, but do you think the Board won't take this opportunity while the boss is out to try and overthrow your nomination? We need you here on the command ship to reassure the people of the empire that you are still very much the rightful heir."

She nodded reluctantly, "Fine, I'll be on the lower decks." she walked away.

Carina Alpha and her twin sister grabbed Alpha One's arms, "What happened?"

"Some sort of device was concealed on his bodyguard's armour. It detonated and caused extreme damage to your father's head, the bodyguard took the brunt of it and will take some time to recover. I need you two to go down to the surface and investigate the crime scene, look for any evidence of who created the device and was responsible."

Both twins had cold ruthless glints in their eyes as they replied in unison, "By your command."

Alpha One waved his squad to proceed to the vault ahead of him while he consulted a list of orders displayed on his helmet visor, "Charlie Squad this is Alpha One, you are to escort the twins to the surface and remain with them at all times. If any heroes cause trouble," he paused to make certain of his orders, "You are to terminate them with extreme prejudice."

Unknown Planet

Back on the planet John, Aeon, Angela, and Mira are in their ship speaking with Supergirl about what happened. Supergirl left with the president, who asked her to return with her. She agreed and left the others behind to keep an eye on things. The others were glad to hear that the president is okay and that Hayami is all right as well. However, Hanako told Supergirl to find out what they can on who was behind the explosion.

She left Halibel on the planet to assist them in case they need any help. They then received word the Forever Empire is sending two of their own to investigate the explosion. So, they'll have to send two of their own to help with the investigation. Otherwise, the Forever Empire could withhold the evidence.

"So, why am I exactly going and not Ben?" Angela asked, not knowing Ben is took off to one of the military ships to help with organization the ground troops.

"He's busy and Damien is working on something with the government. Besides, you're the only one here who knows more about forensic science than we do," Supergirl explained.

"It's true," Aeon agreed. "You have a knack for investigations like this one, especially how you can use magic to help with any forensic investigation."

Angela knew it was true. That her family for as long as she can remember has been able to use magic and have found a way to use it to solve crime. Without affecting the forensic or making it seem like the evidence was manipulated. Though she isn't sure if her magic will be accepted by a group like the Forever Empire.

"I'll go too," said Mira volunteering to go with Angela. "I might not be an expert on criminal investigations, but I have seen a lot of forensic science on TV. So, I know what to do and what to look for."

"She could be of big help," said John seeing no harm in their Martian friend helping them out.

"Fine, but keep your guard up when we go inside," Angela warned not wanting to take any chances with who the Forever Empire send to join them in the investigation. "Kara, you'll let us know if anything else comes up?"

Supergirl nods in response. "I will and good luck to you both."

Angela and Mira left the ship as they begin heading towards the building. They noticed some of the Earth 2 troops have landed and kept their guard up around the Forever Empire's troops. Both girls could sense the tension rising and all it will take is one spark to cause war to break out. They make their way inside and head to the room where the explosion occurred.

"Who do you believe could have made that explosion? Perhaps this Galatea or Savage your friends told me about?" Mira asked recalling the stories her new friends told her about the two villains.

Angela thought that was possible, but was still unsure. "There has been report of those two attacking both sides, but I don't think so. This explosion wasn't strong enough to kill everyone in that room, so I doubt it was them."

"Then who?" Mira asked as they stop outside of the room and see the damage caused inside.

"That's what we're here to find out," said Angela when she notices someone heading their way. "Who are you two?"

"I am Carina Alpha." one of the identical twins greeted and gestured to the other, "This is my sister Carina Beta. We believe you know of our older sister Carina Omega?"

Angela remembered her well and the things she did. "Oh, we remember her, especially how many of our friends she murdered."

"I'm sure we could stand here arguing about my sister," Carina Beta smirked, "About how powerful she was and effective at eliminating you hero scum, but we are here to find out who tried to kill our dad. You help us and maybe we'll be a bit nicer to you."

Carina Alpha raised an eyebrow, "The blast was not large enough to be an attack on the entire summit. The fact that it was planted on N1 indicates the attack was on our dad, or that Soul Reaper. Most likely Savage or Galatea were behind this."

Angela held back her anger with what Beta said about her friends and had to focus on the investigation. Mira could sense the anger and tries talking to her through telepathy. It's okay. I know how you're feeling, but you can't let them get to you. Just relax and let's get this over with.

Angela turns towards her and begins calming herself down. Thanks.

They go inside noticing the blast markings where it took place and how messy the room looks. It's true, the explosion wasn't strong enough to kill everyone in the room. But perhaps it was close enough to kill one person? Even so, Maraxus and Hayami are alive, so it wasn't meant to kill?

Mira heard what one of the sisters said and replied. "We already ruled out Galatea and Savage. From what I read in the archives if they had planted the explosion, it would have been much bigger."

Angela snapped out of her thoughts and replied about what her friend said. "It's true. Savage would have made the explosion powerful enough to kill everyone in this room. Galatea, same thing. Even using something that could kill Supergirl. However, I don't believe the explosion was strong enough to kill one person, at least not in the range N1 was in."

Carina Alpha frowned, "Then what was the purpose? To simply disrupt the meeting? An attempt to provoke hostilities between the empire and your people? All this would do is strengthen the alliance to find the real one behind this attack."

"Not unless whoever did this was indeed trying to provoke hostility. Well, even more than before," said Angela knowing the tension between both sides is at its tipping point. "Especially if we don't find out who was behind this attack. I think what we need to do is find out why the explosion wasn't detected by our scanners."

"Perhaps it was hidden so well that the scanners couldn't detect them?" Mira asked recalling seeing some episodes where people using different methods of hiding bombs or drugs.

"I doubt it," Angela however wanted to also see if she could see who the intended target was. "What can you two tell us about N1?" she asked towards the sisters.

Both twins exchanged looks, "We don't know that much." they said in unison.

"The file on dad's bodyguard is almost empty." Carina Alpha explained, "We don't know where it came from, if it was created, biological or synthetic, the only details are that it has four arms, it only removes its mask to someone it is going to kill, and it is unwaveringly loyal to dad."

Angela was now suspecting whoever planted the bomb was trying to kill Maraxus. If that's true then who could it be? How did they got the bomb on N1 without the bodyguard noticing? Or is it possible despite the loyalty that perhaps it was a ruse to try killing him?

That was also possible. Still, something didn't feel right about this. How could these girls not have information on this bodyguard who their father entrusted with his life? Could N1 have erased those files?

No, she doubts it, especially with someone as careful as Maraxus. Maybe when they have a chance to speak with him they can find out more.

"Perhaps whoever planted the bomb erased the file? But if that's true then why? Why erase the file? Unless maybe N1 did it because he was working for whoever planted the bomb?" Mira asked some of the questions she knew her friend was thinking of.

"It's possible." Carina Beta projected a screen from her left eye and started scrolling through information, "But why would dad have a bodyguard near him without knowing everything about the creature?"

Carina Alpha tapped a file on the holographic screen, "When was the file erased?"

Her twin opened the file, "According to this it says the file on N1 was deleted after several high ranking officers were killed during a demonstration of a new form of weapon. The weapon was supposed to be a Soul Reaper killer but it went rogue."

Both twins turned to Mira and Angela, "Could someone have turned this weapon into something that kills officers in the empire? That might explain why it wanted to be close to dad. With a bomb on its armor."

Even after what she is told she began feeling suspicious about something. "That's strange. Why would your father, who seems very careful on who is with him bring something like this for this meeting? It seems to be against what we know about him, unless he planned to use it in case the meeting goes wrong?"

"Do you believe it could have gone bad?" Mira asked.

Angela shook her head in response. "No, but there might be more to what was the real intention for N1."

"Hang on." Carina Beta deactivated the hologram, "Who do we know that benefits from our dad being either killed or removed from command? Savage and Galatea, but we've ruled them out, you heroes, but this isn't your style, that leaves us with the Board of Directors."

Carina Alpha got a cold look on her face, "If dad isn't in their way they rule the empire. They've been blocking his attempts to put Sierra on the throne because then they lose everything."

"Answer me honestly." Carina Beta stared Mira in the eyes, "Have you or any other on your side ever been asked by the Board of Directors to kill our dad?"

Angela and Mira looked at each other confused by their question. I mean, yeah they hate Maraxus, but its true killing him isn't something they would do. Well, maybe Ben, but even so he would do it with a sense of style. As for their question, well what else could they say?

"No, they never spoke to us about this, but even so the explosion was near them as well. I don't think this is something they would do and risk getting hurt or be the number one suspects," Angela replied as she was suspecting perhaps there might be another suspect to consider, but needs to talk to someone about it. "We'll need to speak with Sierra and see if she knows something."

"Sierra?" Carina Alpha raised an eyebrow, "Her entire future in the empire depends on dad. Without him she has no backing to take the throne. The Board want her out of the way so they can stay in charge. If she was going after anyone it'd be them."

"Or do you think she orchestrated this attack for some other reason?" Carina Beta asked.

"No, but she might give us an idea on who she thinks could be behind this attack," Angela replied before turning to Mira. "Contact John and see if she can speak with her. I'll use my magic to try…getting more information."

Angela had another way of getting more information, but it won't be easy. But if might be the only way to get what they are looking for.

"What exactly do you mean by that?" Carina Alpha asked suspiciously.

"It means I'm going to use a spell I haven't used in a long time," Angela replied as she uses her magic to summon an old raggedy book. "One to get us some information."

"If you find out anything let us know immediately." Carina Alpha insisted, "Furthermore," she turned to Mira, "Can you arrange a meeting with Hanako? We have some questions for her too."

"With Ms. Hanako?" Mira asked confused on why they want to speak with her. "I mean, she's in the Soul Society with her daughter. I don't think now is the time to ask her any questions and even so I don't know how to contact her."

"I'm sure someone on your side has a means of getting a message to her." Carina Alpha rolled her eyes, "C'mon sis, let's see exactly what we're dealing with."

Soul Society

Hanako is in Squad 4's barrack, sitting next to her daughter, Hayami's bed where she is resting. After the explosion erupted, she took her daughter back home where she could heal. Thankfully, her sister Luna was there at the entrance and began healing her niece before they could move her. Once she was healed enough they took her to the barracks where they could continue healing her.

Her injuries were severe, but not to the point that she wouldn't make it. If they hadn't gotten her sooner to the Soul Society though her condition would have changed for the worse. Luna finished healing her and left the Head Captain to spend time with her daughter. She was so worried about her that she didn't focus on finding out who was behind the explosion.

All she focused on is waiting for her daughter to wake up. She knew once she does and is okay, she'll hunt down the bastard who tried to kill her.

The door nearby opened and she sees it's the Captain of Squad 3. "How is she?" asked the captain as he approached Hanako. "I heard she was in an explosion. Was anyone besides her hurt?"

Hanako looks back at her daughter and moves her hair away from her face. "When the explosion occurred, my main focus though was getting Hayami to safety. Once Luna began working on her though, Yoruichi told me that everyone was safe. The president was unconscious, but alive. The others the same, with some minor bruises here and there."

"So, everyone is safe then," said the captain who sighed in relief.

Hanako however, shook her head in response. "General Maraxus was near the explosion when it occurred. He got hurt badly, but his people got him some medical attention quickly."

The captain sighed again, but this time it was more concerned than relief. "Great, I'm guessing the negotiations for peace then didn't go so well."

Hanako couldn't help but nod in response, especially when she thought back how things were going. "He tried to suggest Sierra to take over the empire and tried to make it seem like she would make all the decisions. But the poor girl trusts him too much and will end up being his puppet. Maraxus wants to destroy us all no matter what. Even if it means manipulating the girl to kill her friends to do it."

The captain got upset just thinking what Maraxus will stoop to, to get what he wants. "Especially what his creation did to our old home," his fist began tightening as he recalls all the good friends they lost in the war. "Hanako, you don't think he'll try to cause war to break out right? Because if he does then…"

Hanako interrupts him as she puts her hand up. "If he tries it, we will end it before it begins. We will not lose anymore friends or loved ones, Ichigo Kurosaki. I promise you. We will end this if he tries to go to war."

The captain, now revealed to be Ichigo Kurosaki, nods his head in response. It has been a thousand years since the war on Earth and he remembers everything about it. He remembers how many homes were destroyed, how many lives were ruined, how many friends they lost, and how many loved ones they lost too. It made him upset just thinking about it, especially how he couldn't save everyone.

"I just wish there was something we could do to make sure war doesn't happen again."

Hanako wished for the same thing herself. She kept thinking back what the Board suggested and how after what happened they'll need to do it. At least, she will. She knew she would have to do this in order to end this war and bring peace between both sides.

She strokes her daughter's face and sighed. "There might be a way," she muttered.

Ichigo heard this and before he could ask anything, Captain Soifon arrived. "My lady, we've gotten word that the Forever Empire representatives wish to speak to you."

"About what?" Hanako asked, not in a mood to talk to anyone from the Forever Empire right now.

"It's about the investigation. They have some questions for you," Soifon replied.

Hanako sighed in annoyance. The last thing he wants to do is leave her daughter's side to answer some stupid questions about something she doesn't know.

Ichigo noticed the frustration and placed his hand on her shoulder. "I'll keep an eye on, Hayami. You can answer their question and come back here before she wakes up."

Hanako was about to say 'no', but knew if she did then Maraxus will say she knows something about the bombing. "Fine, let's get this over with then."

(Redeemer/Sierra's room)

It was extremely quiet at the moment. Everyone was away investigating the attack on the general while she simply sat here and meditated. The voices had even fallen silent, perhaps in anticipation of who was behind the attack.

"My lady, you have a transmission from one of your former teammates. Shall I patch it through?"

She opened her eyes, "Yes"

A hologram of a familiar person appeared from the holopad in the center of the room, "Hello John." she smiled.

"Hey, Sierra. How are you?" he asked knowing that was a dumb question to ask at a time like this.

She gestured around her room, "Until this unknown attacker is found I'm confined to the ship. They don't want to risk my safety."

John felt bad, but he knew whatever happened might happen to her. "I wish I was there to help…but maybe we can help each other out."

John began explaining to her what they found. Earlier Mira called him earlier to ask him to speak with Sierra to see if she can help them in the investigation. Good thing for him is she left him something so the two can talk. He send her the information they have about how they believe the explosion was meant for Maraxus and that it was inside N1.

How the twins believe it was the board who was behind this attack, but how Angela doesn't believe it was them and risk being suspects. So she asked him to speak with Sierra to see what she might know,

"Can you think of anyone else who could want Maraxus dead?"

She snorted, "You mean besides every senior admiral and general in the empire? Not to mention probably every hero on earth and probably a long list of Soul Reapers."

"Well, to be fair yeah many heroes do want him dead, but wouldn't do it since it's against what they believe in," said John who didn't bother mentioning Ben probably would do it, but with a sense of style. "As for the Soul Society, I don't know a lot of them, but I don't think they would want him dead and risk war breaking out."

"Then we've narrowed it down to someone within the empire." Sierra paced around the hologram, "Hmm, the Board benefits the most but any of the other admirals or generals would take a shot at him if they could. He's really unpopular at the moment, mostly because of his defeats but also because he is trying to put me on the throne."

John then brought up something Mira told him when she read Angela's thoughts. "Um, Sierra. What do you know about the bodyguard he had with him?"

"Very little," she stopped pacing and turned to him, "It just turned up one day with him and Maraxus introduced it as N1. I have no idea what it looks like inside the armour but I could sense some form of life, familiar yet totally strange. Since it showed up I have never seen them apart unless a squad of the Elite is with Maraxus. Why?" her eyes widened, "Do you think N1 deliberately planted the bomb on itself to try and kill Maraxus?"

"Angela thinks so, but…without proof we can't do anything about it," he hesitated to tell her what Angela was really thinking.

She thinks Maraxus must have been aware of the bomb. She knows he isn't a fool to put someone that he just brought in and not one of his other loyal followers. He wanted to tell her, but he wasn't sure how Sierra might react or if she would believe him. If she did and Maraxus found out he might try hurting her.

Until they have the proof they need he'll need to keep that bit of information to himself.

"I doubt it." Sierra sat down on her bed, "I'll tell you this, John, if N1 had wanted to kill Maraxus he'd have been dead years ago. The two met about a month before that disaster with the weapon demonstration that left a lot of high ranking officers dead. Maraxus could easily have been one of them but N1 didn't even touch him."

This was making Angela's suspicion even stronger, especially if this N1 was very loyal towards him. "Is it possible that maybe…Maraxus might know something?"

"Know something?" she stood up, "About what?"

Her door slid open and Alpha One strode inside, "I'm afraid this conversation is over. My lady, Maraxus is asking for you. He wants to confirm you are alright. I am to escort you to the medical bay at once."

"Of course." she nodded, "John, I'll speak to Maraxus about this and see what he knows."

Alpha One cut the transmission before John could reply, "This way my lady."

"Keep an eye on N1." she told him as they left the room, "John thinks it may be responsible."

"As you command."

John sees the transmission has been cut and lets out a small sigh. "Be careful, Sierra."

Meanwhile

"Are they serious?" Maraxus struggled to sit up in the bed, "They think my own bodyguard was behind this?"

The holograms of his daughters shrugged in unison, "They think someone on your personal staff was behind this."

"Impossible." Maraxus frowned, "I trust my inner circle with my life."

N1 folded its four arms silently.

"We suggested the Board might be behind this, as you think they were." one of the twins informed him, "But they aren't so sure. We'll keep looking for clues but in the meantime they want to ask some questions, we insisted on speaking with Hanako in return."

Maraxus looked at his bodyguard, "Do you know who did this?"

The massive figure shook its head.

"Very well then." Maraxus coughed violently, "Speak with her, but be careful, if she was behind this then she may be hostile to you as well."

The hologram faded and N1 moved over to the general with a syringe in one hand, "You must take the treatment."

"No," the human waved his bodyguard away, "I'm going to die shortly anyway, it won't do me any good. Inform Delta Squad to contact the outer fleets and begin to converge on this location. I want all fighters prepared for immediate launch. If we find the Board is responsible I will hit them with everything I've got."

"By your command, sir."

Okay so that's the end of the chapter and hope everyone liked how this went. Looks like a fight is going to break out soon. How will this go when our heroes have to fight the Forever Empire again? And will they be able to win or will they fail?

Check out the next chapter to find out and also sorry we didn't make this as long as the last chapter. We still hope you all enjoyed the chapter. The updates I promise I won't take long to update for this story. However, if it slows down again it's because we haven't finished the other chapters.

So, please keep that in mind. Now then, please leave some reviews and let us know what you thought of the chapter. Nothing negative please and we'll see you all next time. Take care and have a good day.