Chapter 23

Morning is now coming, the sun now rising to greet the people of the new day. Those sleeping in for just a while longer with others awakening to deal with breakfast and later work. Those who had the spare time after finishing their morning routine got up and looked out the window. There they saw the sun and smiled under its warming presence.

"Ow!" Except for one as always. Being slowly crushed by a giant body, Jason was now beneath Hercules muscular back. The giant man having turned in his sleep on the cold floor with Jason feeling his bones being cracked.

"Morning already." Medea (Lily) said as she took off the blanket she had on her and rubbed her then looked at Jason who's in pain. "Oh." She said seeing her hubby being crushed. "Good morning." And doing nothing.

"Help me." He just whispered as Hercules back is slowly enveloping him, his own body consuming the poor fool. Medea (Lily) was about to make a move when she then heard a voice.

"Breakfast is coming." Somewhere else in the building Atalanta had finished cooking (warming up) some fresh (pre-made) pancakes. Medea (Lily) forgetting her beloved's trouble and pain and now instead more focused on a good meal.

"Yay!" She then quickly left to eat one of her favorite meals leaving Jason who tried to scream for help, only for Hercule's to turn completely and crush him. The only thing sticking out was his arm which tried tapping the floor.

Tap! Tap! Tap!

To bad nobody was there, with the hand slowly stopping. All while Hercules sleeps soundly.

Bf!

Along with a small fart. Suddenly Jason's hand began tapping the floor again.

"Hey Atalanta." Meanwhile Medea (Lily) has entered the kitchen with her friend still wearing the slight see-through sleeping gown which revealed a bit of her bottom. The young girl looked at it for a bit and wondered if her grown-up self had such a bottom before looking back at Atalanta. "So you got up early."

"I'm a morning girl in the first place." Back in the wild, getting up early was always necessary. As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm. She recalled times those damn birds beat her to said worms when meat wasn't around and she had to fight those winged bullies for them. Jerks. "Anyway, I finished making breakfast." Technically it was just using a microwave, but she felt it counted.

"Yes!" Medea (Lily) clapped her hands. She then left the kitchen and entered another room where she then turned to see a table with a plate full of re-cooked pancakes.

"I guess having a pancake isn't so bad." Roman said before drinking some orange juice. Wine was nice, but not this early in the morning. "Hey brat. Don't be picky and eat the eggs."

Abigail pouted but did as she was told. Her fork picked up the yellow scrambled eggs and placed it in her mouth. Eating them as she was told.

"N-Neo." Serenity was blushing as her new friend held a piece of pancake with some honey on it. "I-I can feed myself." Neo ignored her and placed the food in Serenity's mouth. The assassin chewing with a red face with Neo giggling silently.

"I can't believe that fool had us do that last night-oh, Medea (Lily)." Cursed Arm stopped speaking to Hundred Persona and faced their latest breakfast guest. "I see you are up."

"Morning." Hundred Persona nodded, grabbing an empty chair and pulling it out. "Here, have a seat."

Instead of looking shocked and freaked out by the sight of crooks, assassins, and a little girl dining together in the dining room, she instead smiled. Chaldea having a much more freakier sight than this, thus making her used to it.

"Thanks." She bowed cutley before getting onto the chair where Cursed Arm already pushed a plate with pancakes, eggs, and bacon with some juice in a pink cup. Drooling a little, Medea (Lily) then gave a small thanks and began eating her food.

Now, to understand what was happening any why all these people-or weirdos as many would call them-are gather together, an explanation is needed.

Promptly after being dragged into Beacon Academy, Jason had secretly contacted the Hassan and had them aid in their escape from before. He would then shamelessly con them into taking them to their hideout with Roman with him and his team sleeping there since their old base is compromised. Naturally, both Roman or the Hassan weren't happy about this. But life is life.

"So," Roman began as he poured some syrup for Abigail. Looking at Medea (Lily). "How long are you and your...friends going to be here?" It was troubling enough taking care of Abigail, no way he wanted four more guests.

"No idea." Medea (Lily) tells him. "But the man Junior said he'll be getting us a new house soon."

"Right." Roman wasn't pleased with having to wait longer.

"I hope it's soon." Same went for Cursed Arm. Even Serenity and Hundred Persona agreed. It wasn't that they hated the Argonauts. It's just each of them have brought a problem upon coming.

Jason with him hogging the bathroom and shower.

Atalanta and her making a mess trying to cook food.

Hercules breaking stuff like doorknobs, doors, chairs, and tearing blankets.

Medea (Lily) constantly praising Jason.

Those were just the minor things to boot.

"Alright then," Entering is Atalanta now changed back in her usual garb after going to the restroom. In her hands was more (pre-made) pancakes. "Here's seconds."

"Yay!" Both Abigail and Medea (Lily) said together. As the two got ready to eat, everyone then heard some loud footsteps. Turning, they all saw Hercules entering with his stomach growling. The giant man now hungry and looking for a nice meal.

"Here Hercules." Atalanta then pointed at a metal table with lots of support. "Sit on that." Hercules nodded and promptly sat on the proxy chair. The table making a small noise under the weight, yet amazingly held together. Atalanta then kindly giving him his breakfast with Hercules giving a nod of thanks.

"Right." Medea (Lily) then remembered, getting up from her chair. "I almost forgot his meal."

"Who's meal." Serenity asks. Giggling, Medea (Lily) simply just grabbed a cup of milk with a straw on it and went behind Hercules back.

"Help...me…" Where Jason is apparently glued to looking rather crushed. Instead of peeling him off though, Medea (Lily) simply raised the cup with the straw. Seeing as he's trapped, Jason just took the straw into his mouth and began sucking on it. This was one of the stranger mornings.

Bzz. Bzz. Bzz.

"Hm." Roman stopped eating his breakfast and took out his scroll. He was getting a call. Surprise, surprise, its from that bitch to. Sighing, he got up and pushed his chair away. He then left to see what Cinder wanted with him now. By the time he got to another room though so the others wouldn't eavesdrop, the call ended. However in place a small text message was there, one he then clicked.

"Let's see here. Blah, blah, blah, more Dust, blah, blah, docks, and," Roman then stopped as he was reading this last part. His eyes slightly widening at this. Why? Because Cinder wanted him to kill Jason!

"...I'll get the knife." Eh, he never liked the guy anyway.

"You can what!?" Back in Atlas in the flying city, James had just received a call from Ozpin.

"I may be able to re-awaken Amber." Ozpin told his friend the news. Stating he may have a method in allowing Amber to get back up.

"But, how?" According to Ozpin, the reason for Amber's state is due to having half her power taken. A.K.A, power that was strictly tied to her soul. Thus putting her body in a form of shock shutting it down. No matter what method they did, feeding her nutrients, medicine, or anything of the like, she just wouldn't wake up. Her life slowly fading. Yet now Ozpin says he has a way.

"I cannot say on the phone. Just come to Beacon and I may show you." James felt slightly irked at that. It wasn't as if his room had any bugs or communication was tampered with and the like. However, he has been meaning to go to Beacon eventually. Changing the parts and maintaining Amber's current 'death bed' being that reason.

"Very well. However it'll be awhile before I can go." Ironwood told Ozpin. "I got word of more White Fang being here in Mantle, with some of Atlas's sites being attacked."

"Strange. I would imagine Sienna only attacking locations that go against Faunus Rights." Ozpin mused.

"My investigations lead me to believe that it's another faction." The general was aware that while the White Fang all had the same goal of liberating faunus and having equal rights, that didn't mean they used the same method. Thus why there were different factions at times on the field. "My best guess it's maybe the Vale branch. While unconfirmed, one of my men reported seeing someone with red horns."

"Adam Taurus I assume." Ozpin made a guess.

"Most likely. But they said he wielded a different weapon. And the attack style that damaged my droids seemed more...reckless. Less precise." No skill at all. Something the famed terrorist was known for. Still, Adam or not, they are a threat he'll take care of.

"Then I wish you luck on your endeavor." The call then ended with Ironwood putting away his scroll. He then sat down on his desk where some paperwork had to be filled out. While doing so, he then wondered how his latest ally Sigurd is doing. Last he recalled, he's down below handling Grimm.

"Ha!" With a single slash Sigurd cut down another Sabyr Grimm with ease. These creatures of darkness were strong, but in a contest of pure skill and ability, he was above them in every way possible.

"Caliburn!"

"Hyah!"

Which also includes his two 'daughters'. The girls both attacking the Grimm that attempted to enter Mantle cutting them to pieces. Sigurd smiling at their skill and capability. He needed not worry about them. Still, he asked anyway to see how they are doing.

"Are the both of you doing alright?"

"Yes daddy." Jeanne said now wearing a little extra covering her chest and midriff, making her seem more normal and less like him looking as a sleaze bag. The girl stabbing a Sabyr with her flag's pointed end.

"Doing well also." As for Altria, she smiled at him. Like Jeanne her 'sister', she also wore a winter outfit that covered her warmly. Stating it had been a gift from her Master, Whitley. She apparently made a contract with him-not that the boy actually knew of course of what she did-and now is receiving a small but supportable supply of mana from him. Last Sigurd heard was that she's training the boy and also helping him with his views on faunus.

"Faunus." Sigurd narrowed his eyes. He heard about their race, and was angered that there were humans that discriminated against them. Aside from the animal parts there was no difference between them and man. Yet people discriminate against them. 'I suppose it's no different from even back home.' Like with the colored people or religion on earth, people always found a way to discriminate against others.

Shaking such thoughts away. Sigurd then refocused on slaying the Grimm. His sword easily cutting apart the most fearsome of Grimm. They weren't even much of a challenge, yet Sigurd kept his guard up regardless.

Crack!

And a good thing too. Both Jeanne, Altria, and Sigurd then felt a shaking from the ground below. They instantly moved and from it a creature made of ice, rock, and metal came out. On it is a mask with the red eye and markings.

"This is...new?" Alturia said not even sure what kind of Grimm this is. She has been reading some books involving them, but she hasn't finished it yet.

"What the heck is that?" Jeanne also wondered as she readied herself. Meanwhile, Sigurd gave a stern gaze at this new Grimm. Like Altria, he to did his best to study this world and its enemies. While he could confirm that these Grimm creatures are weaker than what he has faced sans a possible few types he read about, that didn't mean he underestimated them. After all, he read certain types of Grimm had unique abilities like this aura and semblance the people of this timeline had, not to mention right now he has no power boost from being a Servant.

His power level being no different from an average person. A highly skilled and athletic person, but a person nonetheless. 'Unless I use my heart of course.'

The heart of the great dragon he killed, one that imbued him with magic. While this world has somehow limited his power, he can still use the magic his heart gave him. But not too much, otherwise he could overburden his own body which has become seemingly human. Yes, perhaps this requires that. Not because he thought the opponent was worthy, but because he wanted to test something.

His red sword then glew into a blue light. Both Jeanne and Altria stepped back realizing what Sigurd was about to do. The Grimm narrowed its one good eye, then waved its hand where multiple Grimm crawled out of the snow, these ones looking like creepy centipedes.

"No you don't." Sigurd said as he noticed the Grimm trying to leave. This one must be an intelligent one. Meaning he couldn't let it go after all, hearing these types were more dangerous as they could kill more efficiently. Not on his watch.

"Bolverk…" His word then split into four daggers. The Grimm with the rock body now seeing its in trouble, commanding the Grimm to attack quickly. All the Sabyrs and Centinals quickly rushing to Sigurd.

"...Gram!" But it was too late.

Both he girls and the Grimm could only stand in awe as Sigurd released his power. Four glowing daggers making up Gram shooting out like a rocket followed by many lasers. Two big ones coming from Sigurd themselves as all the Grimm were then hit by it. Of course it seemed far weaker than usual but compared to a certain blonde fool the Noble Phantasm here was working much more wonderfully. Proving that the Servants here on Remnant can use their greatest gifts. Though at a cost of course.

"Guh!" Sigud then fell to his knees, his heart aching. He tried his best lowering the output, but it seems using a Noble Phantasm is dangerous after all. Still, he is glad he now knows how to use this power.

"Daddy!" Both Jeanne and Altria then ran up to Sigurd, helping him up. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, you look hurt."

"Not hurt." Sigurd reassured them. "Just...tired…" His heart would re-provide his magic energy. But if only he could find a way to gain more. However, unless he makes a contract like Altria then he would gain no magic. Guess his heart will be enough.

"Alright." Jeanne then said believing Sigurd. She then looked at Sigurd and his empty hand. "Hey. Where's Gram?"

"Gram? It is-...!" Sigurd then noticed that Gram has not returned at all. But, that is impossible. Thanks to his power it always returned-! 'Power that I am now low on.' Damn! He made a mistake. Rotten luck! Standing up, he then did his best walking to where the Grimm once resided, doing his best to find the pieces of Gram. Luckily he did find them.

"There they are." He then raised his hand and made a motion.

...Only for nothing to happen, his sword turned daggers not even moving an inch.

"..." Sigurd then realized that maybe it wasn't such a bright idea to break apart his weapon then expect them to return to his sword when he's low on magic. Basically put, it was like a boy who broke his sword and was hoping it would come back together. Muttering a little, Sigurd grabbed two of the pieces and went to get the third.

"Hsss!" Only for the piece of Gram to be grabbed by a dark hand. Sigurd, Altria, and Jeanne looking shocked as shooting out from the snow and holding the dagger created from Gram in its hand. The Grimm had escaped death by burrowing underground.

Sigurds Noble Phantasm was strong, but no way it would kill if the target was underground while the attack area was only the surface. Had it been at full strength then maybe that would have changed, but that wasn't the case here. The intelligent Grimm glaring at Sigurd, then looking at the dagger.

"..." Feeling an unnatural power from it. Had it been a regular birthed Geist, it would have thrown the weapon away. But after decades of living, it knew many things now. Plus, the emotions it sensed from the man-one of them was 'wanting' of the dagger. The Geist then made its decision.

"No!" Sigurd shouted only to fall to his knees. His heart is still unable to provide him with the power necessary. Altria and Jeanne tried to help but sadly against an airborne enemy that was quickly escaping, they could do nothing as it escaped.

"This...isn't good." Altria then looked at the three main pieces of Gram. Usually Sigurd would merge them all back into Gramm, yet now he only had three of the four pieces. Meaning he could no longer re-merge the great Gram at all. The best they could hope is that once Sigurd got back his magical power, he could re-merge the sword with the three pieces with the missing one coming back, yet all three had doubts on that.

They could only watch as the Gesist soon vanished from their sight. Unaware of two things at the moment.

The first was that as the Geist was leaving, it's eyes were glowing and even deeper red.

The second was that from a faraway hill with binoculars, a White Fang soldier was staring at what he just witnessed. "Adam needs to know this." Then left to inform his leader.

I've seen Sigurds Noble Phantasm. It's wicked cool with turning a sword into daggers. However, a thought came to me. If it weren't for plothole and game mechanics, couldn't Sigurd lose the pieces of Gram if something happened. Let's face it, in reality throwing your weapon means the risk of losing it. So, knowing his super bad luck, I made it so.

Also looks like Adam, Asterios, and Sigurd just may meet each other soon. Doing Jason and his team is fun, but I like showing how the others are doing as well. In fact, let me show you a little more of another Servant.

"Hm." Somewhere not on earth, not even in Remnant, a blonde beauty with deep red eyes and a red mantle floated above the white area, watching the many ghost servants she called upon helping those who have died. Her cages are being made with certain souls entering them, slowly stabilizing the afterlife.

Yet something was wrong.

"Is something wrong my queen?" Speaking to her is another ghost wearing a dark cloak. She had gathered many ghosts from earth but also got some helpers of this planets afterlife. She then turned to face the ghost.

"Yes, there is." She then pointed at something, something the ghost couldn't see. Seeing nothing unusual at all. However, for a moment he then saw it. A glimpse, a soul appearing before then fading away.

"Was that…?"

"A soul, a person, one that is near death. Yet it is still in the land of the living." The new Goddess of the Underworld said having a slight frown on her lovely features. "I understand some people can nearly die but come back to life, yet this one keeps coming and going."

"Why do you think that is so?" The ghost asked.

"I can assume someone is forcibly keeping this soul alive." Her eyes narrowed more. "Not to mention," She then looked down where she saw many souls wandering. Hearing some of their voices. "When speaking to some of these souls, I learned an unusual fact that there are two certain people who should be dead long ago."

"Two?" The ghost said confused.

"Normally I wouldn't mind as I heard of immortality. But the first is a destructive witch, and the second consumes the souls of others to be kept alive." The Goddess showed a hint of disgust at the latter. "I don't have all the information, however I know one thing. This soul that should be in the afterlife, should be dead. I refuse the fact people are forcibly keeping her in the land of the living, when her very soul is in anguish between the two states."

Yes, she had to deal with this. The only problem was how? She's too busy dealing with all the souls down here and had barely any time. Maybe she could ask Ishtar...yeah, no. Sighing, she rubbed her head at this problem, then her eyes widened.

"Of course." An image then appeared, one which showed none other than a blonde man with a yellow tail. "I heard this young man is a well known warrior. A girl with a red marking always complained about him to me back in Chaldea with the Caster woman my sister met saying he is very brave. Perhaps he can help."

"But, is he even this 'Servant' thing you have told us souls about?" The Goddess then tapped her chin a bit.

"I'm certain he will help out, Servant or not." A portal then opened up, one that connected to the real world. "Caster always said he was a kind man, so I'm sure he'll agree. In fact, maybe I can even make a small deal with him." Then like that she was gone.

Yeah, I doubt Amber felt good being stuck in a pod while in a come.