Chapter 2: Hello,World!
Fate/Astraea
Chapter 1: Hello, World!
*Fate/Astraea*
Greater Bialya
Qurac.
What once was a country of democracy, where people have freedom of speech and general welfare, is now a country of despair. It's eastern neighbor, Bialya, invaded and annexed it into its militaristic dictatorship. Queen Bee had claimed it was a constitutional monarchy, but her words are poison to the minds of those who hear it. Martial law had been enforced upon them, and anyone they deem criminals has been put down or taken away. Its citizens have given into despair as they are treated as objects.
But that is about to change.
In a secret meeting place, an Arab woman sat at a table with two other people. She wore a purple suit with a lilac top under it. A golden necklace encircled her neck. This is Noor Harjavti, daughter of Ruman Harjavti. President of Qurac before his second assassination attempt.
Next to her is a man wearing a blue suit. Like Noor, he too is Arab. His hair is streaked with white to signify his old age. In his hands is a file with a photo of another woman with a golden diadem paperclipped to it.
Across from them, a man in white reached over and took the file. A similar colored good and face mask covered his face. Emblazoned on the left peck of his white uniform is a black stylized "C" surrounded by laurels. The man opened the file and looked through its contents.
"Is that everything?"
"Yes," The man nodded. "You will also find a manifest of the people she has ordered to be imprisoned." He spat the last part because it disgusted him. "This also contains contraband she has been shipping."
"What of Queen Bee?"
"She's gone away on an emergency meeting," He sighed. "But Ambassador Sumaan Harjavti is currently at Dhabar. He's scheduled to leave in a few days."
Noor clenched her hands at the mention of his name. Years ago, her uncle had been hailed as a hero for taking a bullet for her father in a failed assassination attempt. He served as a national hero for her country until the annexation. Now he serves as Greater Bialya's representative to the United Nations.
But Noor knew the truth about her uncle's intentions. He schemed with Queen Bee to stage the assassination to paint himself as a hero. Power was the only thing that was on his mind, no matter the price. That way, the people will not question him as he openly supported the annexation.
"I have resistance soldiers on standby," She declared. "Once it begins, we will storm the palace and take him down."
"Not alone you won't," The turncoat voiced his agreement. "My men on the inside are ready to get the prisoners out of her palace in Al-Qawiya."
"Remember to make sure he stays alive," The Agent reminded. "He plays a vital role in securing your countries freedom. Thanks to your efforts, we can put an end to the sickness corrupting your country."
"Agreed," The Turncoat stood up from his chair and spoke with conviction. "As soon as the Queen is dethroned, we will change our government for the better. It is a mistake to put the responsibility of our country unto one person. Because of this, she has disgraced us with the metahuman trafficking and other atrocities. We will redeem our countries name and repair the damage she has wrought."
"Likewise," Noor stood up and faced the turncoat. She extended a hand. "Once Qurac is restored, I hope we can still work together and build a brighter future."
"I can say the same," He took her hand and shook it.
The agent smiled from beneath his mask and pulled out a communicator.
"Your efforts will not be in vain," He declared. "Chaldea thanks you in supporting us in our mission to protect humanity."
He clicked the communicator on.
"We're ready Shielder."
Begin the operation!
*Fate/Astraea*
Undisclosed Location
Queen Bee walked briskly into a temple ruin. Light shone down from above, illuminating the room and her associates. Like her, they are members of The Light, a secret society whose purpose is to ensure the evolution of humanity. On this night, she was called away from her duties due to an emergency meeting.
"What is going on?" She demanded. "I was in the middle of a meeting before I got the call."
"I wouldn't call everyone here unless it is an emergency," Vandal Savage spoke in a gravelly voice. He is a muscular male with medium-dark skin, rugged features, broad shoulders, and a square jaw. Three pale scars are across his face, brown eyes and black long hair pulled black. He wore a lapel less dark-blue coat with a red stripe on the edges with black gloves and boots.
"He is correct," Ultra-Humanite spoke from the vocalizer hanging from his neck. He is a large albino gorilla, with the upper head replaced with a brain-like protrusion. "We've just lost several more facilities for metahumans!"
"So," She scoffed. "We can always get more. How is this an issue?"
"Because as of now, we have lost more than eighty percent of our facilities!" He roared. "In just ONE week!"
Queen Bee looked shocked at the news. "What?!"
"He is correct," Savage spoke. "Combined with Grayson's efforts and the Outsiders, we've lost more resources than we could count."
"This isn't Grayson and his team?" She asked.
"No, it wasn't them," Slade Wilson, also known as Deathstroke, spoke. He wore a cloth mask with two ribands, one-half black, and the other orange. One eye shielded by a white sheen gazed out on the orange half. His black and gray armor sported orange shoulder pad and on his back are two swords. "My inside man told me that Nightwing and the Outsiders haven't taken part in these attacks. Killing, also, isn't their style. I know that from experience."
"It isn't the Justice League either," Lex Luthor, a sharply dressed bald man spoke. "Surveillance shows that they haven't made any action from the Watchtower. I would consider Batman and his team, but he wouldn't resort to the brutality inflicted upon our personnel."
"I agree," Ultra-Humanite growled. "The attacks on our facilities have resulted in heavy casualties. Sometimes we would end up with several fatalities. But like our facilities, we're losing operatives and enforcers. Heck, they can't even do a simple mission without being attacked. I'm surprised you aren't aware of what happened to Terror Twins."
"What are you talking about?" Queen Bee demanded. "The Terror Twins are on a mission to make up for their failure at the auction. They can handle themselves just fine."
"About that," Luthor spoke as if he would rather eat dirt than deliver. From the tone of his voice, she knew she wasn't going to like that. "This hasn't been made public, but seventy-two hours ago, they have been found bleeding on a street."
"What!?"
"I haven't got to the worst bit. Apparently, their attacker was able to harm them despite their invulnerability. I have the projectile in possession, I've already sent it over to our friend for study." He gestured to Ultra-Humanite. "The Twins are in critical condition, but they'll live."
"As soon as they wake up, let us know," Savage ordered. "We need all the information we can acquire if we are to deal with this new threat."
"Easier said than done," Slade sighed in frustration. "Whoever this is, they're ghosts. As soon as they finished their attack, they vanish without a trace. Not even the surveillance could pick up any trace."
"Can the League of Shadows spare some men?" Savage asked.
"We can," Slade affirmed. "I'll send some men to our remaining facilities to monitor only. If they see any of our attackers, we will be the first to know. "
"That won't be necessary."
He stopped speaking as he turned around to see Lady Shiva, an enforcer for the light and sensei for the League of Shadows. Her hair is black as her lips. She wore a red shirt and black pants. On her face is a grim expression.
"Lady Shiva," Slade looked surprised at her sudden appearance. "I'm surprised to see you here. I thought you are monitoring Santa Prisca while I'm- "
"They're dead."
"What?"
"They're all dead," She spoke again, her voice cold as ice. "Every member of the league, trainee and veteran, are all dead. Santa Prisca is littered with their bodies."
"When did this happen?!" Slade demanded. Meanwhile, the other members of The Light are discussing their own reactions.
"This is bad," Ultra-Humanite said. "If our enemy is powerful enough to destroy the League of Shadows, we need to focus on taking them out."
"Agreed," Queen Bee nodded. "Scramble our forces for these rogues. Tell them to eliminate- "
Suddenly, her earbud began to vibrate. Growling, she placed a finger on it to receive.
"This had better be important-, "She began.
"My Queen! We are under attack!"
*Fate/Astraea*
Al-Qawiya
Palace guards cowered behind cover as bullets flew into the palace through the already broken windows.
Several minutes ago, the enemy showed up to the courtyard and began attacking. They are completely overwhelmed by the firepower they possessed. Somehow, the rebels managed to get ahold of stronger armor, because their shots keep bouncing off. It wasn't just the palace being attacked though. All around the capital, civilians and rebels have begun to rise against them. Their comrades have lost morale the moment they set their eyes on the mob running at them, screaming for blood.
Anyone who could make it is now holed up inside the castle. Outside, the rebels are closing in on the palace door. They are gaining ground.
"What the hell do we do?" One of them asked, panic in his voice. "There must be a thousand of them out there!"
"We're getting reports of a similar uprising at Dhabar!" His partner shouted. "The Queen has ordered an airstrike to quell it!"
"Isn't the ambassador there?"
"He's being evacuated as we speak!" He shouted. "Meanwhile, we're sitting – TAKE COVER!"
They dove from cover just in time to avoid getting crushed under a collapsing wall. It crashed onto the floor and broke into rubble, sending the two soldiers rolled on the ground before stopping. Very soon, they are exposed to the outside world, no cover to be found.
"Damn it! How is this happening? We didn't sign up for this!"
"Then it's a good thing that I'm here."
They turned to see a woman larger than life walking towards them. She is a heavy-set Caucasian woman with blue eyes and brown hair. Her hair is arranged in cornrows and shaved on both sides. The left arm is exposed revealing thorn tattoos.
"You guys get out of here," She ordered. "I'll take it from here. You go and help evacuate the prisoners. Queen's orders!"
"Understood," They saluted and ran to carry out their orders.
Devastation cracked her knuckles and readied herself. She had been glad that Queen Bee had ordered her to quell the rebels. Her frustration over what happened to the Terror Twins needed to be taken care of. It didn't matter how many rebels came at her.
She is going to enjoy pounding them into a pulp.
Rebels emerged with rifles. They fired upon her; the bullets pelted her skin but didn't pierce. To her, it only felt like she's being hit by beanbags. She growled and charged at them, her fists swinging. Socking one in the gut, she grabbed one and tossed another into a group. Then, she charged towards a rebel that is still firing at her and rammed him into a wall. Pinning him to the wall, she drew back her fist to pound the guy's skull in.
Until she suddenly felt unable to do so.
Turning her head, she came face to face with a horned helmet. She felt her feet leave the ground as the newcomer kicked her with the force of a speeding sledgehammer. Devastation flew across the room and crashed into a wall, rubble falling down upon her. As she got up, groggily, she heard her aggressor shouting orders to the rebels.
"I'll deal with her! Free the prisoners and get out of here."
As the rebels ran to where the guards had previously gone, Devastation got a close look at the aggressor. The figure wore white armor, accented with red, which complimented their horned helmet. They wielded a sword of similar color; the tip is pointed towards the ground. Getting up, she easily dwarfed the figure in size.
"Tell me," They spoke, the voice reverbing from within the helmet, making it difficult for her to tell if they are male or female. "Are you one of The Lights dogs? Devastation of Onslaught? One of the queen's dogs?"
Devastation growled. "You've got a lot of nerve tin man. Do you realize that this will not go unpunished? This will become an international incident."
"Hey, the United Nations or whatever had no problem with you guys invading a country minding its own business. No one should complain about that country striking back because they hate Queen Pea."
"That's Queen Bee!"
"Anyone who doesn't understand what it is to be a queen has no right to the title!" They retorted. "If you think that just because she uses her body to get what she wants makes her queen, you are sadly mistaken. If she weren't away on her little trip, I would've lopped her head off!"
Devastation roared and rushed towards them; fist reared back. "I'd like to see that happen!"
Her fist collided with the faceplate of the horned helmet. The figure did nothing at all, neither dodged nor defended. Their head only slightly turned from the punch, but they didn't go sprawling from the force of the blow.
As Devastation is astonished by this, they threw a punch of their own. For the second time tonight, she was sent flying into a wall. She crashed into it and more rubble fell down on her.
Groaning, she got up, cursing at her predicament. She had been able to take hits from the likes of Superboy, Wonder Girl, and Wonder Woman. Compared to that punch, their blows are like pillows.
By the time she got up, she saw the stranger rolling their shoulder as they picked up the sword stabbed into the ground.
"I've got to admit, that's the first time a human managed to make my head budge. But considering the age we're in, anything goes. Reminds me of a grail war I participated in."
She got into a fighting stance.
"Might be worth using Clarent after all. But before we start, I think I shall give you my name. You may call me Saber for now."
"Cute," Devastation growled.
Roaring, they charged at each other.
*Fate/Astraea*
"This way."
A rebel captain and his partner escorted a group of people along a path. They are fleeing from the compound that they were confined in. Thanks to the intelligence they had gathered beforehand, they were able to rescue these kidnapped metahumans. Once they get to the transport, they will get them away from the battlefield.
A little girl cried out as she tripped. A soldier ran over to help her up. He noticed that her knee is scraped. They will have to treat her later.
"Don't worry," He assured her. "We'll get you treated when we get back to camp."
The poor thing just trembled and hugged herself. He sighed as he knew that she's just as frightened as the rest of them. It didn't help that they're metahumans.
"Alright, listen up," He got the attention of everyone. "I know that what you've been through hasn't been pretty. But you aren't the only one suffering. Right now, your families are waiting for you. We get through this tonight; you can finally be reunited and not have to worry about all this anymore. So, who's with me?"
Everyone perked up and nodded. The Captain smiled and turned to see their transport. It is an army transport that has been stolen for their use. They just need to get on and they can make their getaway.
But karma is cruel.
The truck suddenly melted into a silver mass of mercury. Walking towards them, eyes and hands glowing blue, is a young Caucasian woman with short, red hair and green eyes. The right half of her face is bald and adorned with a black cobra-tattoo. Her lips are blue and wore several earrings. She wore cargo pants, heavy boots, and a holster for a machete. Completing her outfit is a black, high-cut, one-piece swimsuit. Around her left elbow is a black band and fingerless gloves are around her hands.
"Going somewhere?" She asked, placing a hand on her hip.
The Captain lifted his weapon, his partner did the same. Behind them, the group huddled up and began to back up. A cry from behind them stopped them and they turned around to see another one.
Behind them stood a man larger than life. His skin is greenish-brown, and his hair is red. He only wore black shorts, which exposed the cracked skin that reveals his red muscles. His sharp teeth grinned at the already terrified crowd.
"Did you honestly think that you are going to walk out of here?"
The Captain's partner fired her weapon at him, the bullets bounced harmlessly off him. Smirking, he grabbed her and threw her to the side. He didn't bother to look as he approached the group, cracking his knuckles.
"I'm goanna pound you into the dirt so bad they'll have to weld you back together."
He gazed at the captain. Then, to his utter astonishment, he didn't cower in fear. The Captain just grinned.
"Then it's a good thing I'm not the one fighting you," He jerked his thumb into the direction he threw his partner.
"He's got that right."
Everyone turned to the owner of the voice. Leaning against a tree, a man stood upright and walked towards them, giving them a carefree smile. From just his appearance, one could take him for a hero. His spikey green hair stood upright except for a single bang that hung over the left side of his face. The Silver armor he wore is engraved with an image if a bird and an orange cloth is wrapped around his body. Next to him is the Captains partner.
The newcomer held a spear behind his head as he gazed at them like a raptor.
"Let's see," He drawled as he gazed at the two operatives of The Light. "Shimmer and Mammoth right? How about you just let these people go on their way and fight a real warrior?"
"Who the hell are – "Mammoth didn't get the chance to finish before he suddenly was in front of him with a burst of speed. With a flying kick, he sent him flying across the field and crashed into a tree. Everyone, including Shimmer, looked on with their jaws hanging.
His eyes gazed at the body of Mammoth and whistled. "Invulnerability huh? We'll, I guess I landed a good opponent after all."
"Mammoth!" Shimmer called out to her brother. Gritting her teeth, she glared at him. "Who are you?!"
"You may call me Rider missy," The man, now named Rider, casually replied. "To be honest, I'm a bit disappointed. I mean all this talk about The Light's enforcers make me feel like I'm being underestimated right now. Does the light really think two thugs who think they're warriors are enough for the job?"
He took a deep breath.
"I CAN'T HELP BUT FEEL INSULTED!"
His voice scared nearby bird's and shook leaves, including Shimmer. Just by looking at this man, she could tell he could kill without any hesitation. With his speed, it will be a cake walk making mincemeat of them.
"ARG!" Mammoth roared as he got up and seethed at Rider. The latter just kept smiling at the two.
"Looks like you can take a hit, kid," He readied his spear. "I'll give you a handicap. I won't use my full strength. After all," He grinned. "I hardly need it with you."
"WHY YOU!"
"Mammoth, no!"
Mammoth charged at Rider; his fists raised for a haymaker. Grinning, he blocked it with his spear. The force of the blow after they connected pushed him back slightly, causing his feet to dig into the ground.
"Hmm," He calmly evaluated the situation. "Not bad. But I wonder if you can do better than that."
He pushed Mammoth back, causing him to stumble back. Rider seized the advantage and thrust his spear forward. Mammoth howled with pain as the spear pierced his shoulder. Staunching the wound with his hand, he wrenched the spear out and backed away from Rider, who twirled it like a baton.
"Come on? Running away already? I was just getting- "
Mammoth grabbed a nearby tree and uprooted it with his uninjured arm. He clumsily threw it at Rider, which sailed over and is about to crash into the group.
"Great, just what I need," Rider groaned, clanking up. "Lancer?"
Suddenly, a figure dropped down in front of the group in a flash of light. The figure raised a golden shield to the oncoming projectile, the wood smashing against it. Illuminated by the moonlight, and by the white arcs of light behind her back, is a woman in white and gold accented armor and black thigh-high boots. From beneath the white cowl, red eyes gaze from behind the black bangs of her hair. In her hand is a spear made of light
Everyone held their breath. She turned her attention to them, then notice the girl with the scraped knee. Dismissing her spear, she knelt down and lifted her index finger. White light followed her finger as she traced a symbol in the air,
"Uruz," She spoke in an almost artificial voice.
At that word, white light gathered around her wound. The girl gave a squeak as her leg began to heal. She looked up to see the face of lancer gazing at her with a doll-like expression.
"Are you all right?" She asked.
When she nodded, she gave an angelic smile. "Good."
"Hey! Lancer!" The smile disappeared as she turned her head to see Rider fighting Mammoth. "Can you handle Shimmer? I'm busy with this guy with a handicap."
Lancer didn't say anything, but she rose to her full height and faced Shimmer. The latter charged at her, her fists glowing blue. The white garbed Lancer gathered light in her hand and formed her spear. She simply bashed her shield into her face and sent her sprawling on the ground.
"Shimmer, also known as Selinda Flinders. Brother to Baron Flinders also known as Mammoth. Both serve the Cult of the Kobra and The Light. Now they operate under the team Onslaught. Powers include the ability to transmute matter into different forms through touch."
"How the hell do you know all of that?" Shimmer demanded, raising her fists.
Lancer didn't answer her.
"As per our unspoken agreement with Rider, you will receive a handicap. Aside from preventing you from harming the people behind me, I will not use my full strength or use my Noble Phantasm. This will demonstrate how futile it is to fight us."
"Bite me!" Shimmer shouted, enraged at her words. She rushed at her and Lancer raised her shield as they began their fight.
*Fate/Astraea*
Dhanbar
Ambassador Sumaan Harjavti was in his office writing his latest speech for the UN gathering. Just as he and Queen Bee planned, this will further drag the Justice Leagues public image into the mud. He was finishing his rough draft until an explosion rocked the room.
"What the- "
The door to his study bursts open and a guard barged in with a standard-issue rifle.
"Ambassador! We're under attack by rebels! We need to leave, now!"
"What?!" Suman bolted out of his chair as he heard the sound of gunfire. "This is outrageous! Why are there rebels out there?!"
"We're shocked as well, sir," The guard apologized as more guards showed up. "In any case, we need to leave immediately, sir. Her majesty's orders are to escort you to safety."
"Alright," Sumaan conceded and began to walk to the door, the guards parting as he did so. As soon as he gets out, he will alert the UN to the situation. He'll be able to use his connections to get reinforcements. With that, he'll be able to quell the uprising.
"All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis!"
All of them turned around in surprise to see a red-haired man sitting in the Ambassadors chair. He is foppishly dressed in a green refined, medieval-esque clothing. A cloak is draped over his left side, held in place by a chain connected to a feather broach on his right lapel. Orange eyes twinkled as he gazed at them with a smile.
"All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, thane of Cawdor! All hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king here after! Hail, Hail, Hail!"
As he expressed his apparent excitement by gesturing with his arms, the guards got in front of the ambassador in a wall formation. They aimed their guns at the crazy intruder.
"Who are you?!" Sumaan demanded. "Are you a rebel? How did you get in?"
The stranger clapped his hands and looked towards him with a look that made the devil pale in comparison. "But of course, where art mine manners? You may call me Caster. I am the playwright for this wonderous performance!"
"Performance?" He asked incredulously. "You call this a performance?"
"All the world is a stage!" He twirled in his seat. "and All the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances!" He gestured towards the guards. "Gentlemen, that is your cue."
One by one, the guards vanished into a mist of shadow. Behind Suuman, the door closed shut. The ambassador ran to it and tried to open it. But it is locked.
Meaning that he is locked in with this Caster.
"And now, the main character takes the stage for the climax," Caster got up and walked around the desk. Suuman backed against the locked door.
"What have you done to my men?"
"Ahem," He cleared his throat. "To avoid confusion, the real guards are helping escort the unfortunate souls' thou and the wicked queen have taken. The one's you saw are my shadow actors. They're useful for anything except combat, which makes them quite useful for this performance."
"A-are you a metahuman," Suuman asked.
"Ah, yes, metahumans!" He flourished with his cloak. "The main actors of the stage who made this happen! Sadly, I must disappoint thee. I am not one. What I am isn't relevant at the moment. Break time is over after all."
As he said this, a red book materialized in his right hand.
"Now," The book opened, and the pages started to flip by themselves. "The traitorous brother who killed his brother to seize his kingdom. He who conspired to commit many atrocities to satisfy his hunger for power will now face his sins!"
"Sins?" He cried out. "I have done nothing wrong!"
"False face must hide what the false heart doth know," He spoke casually as pages flew around him. "Now, it is time to raise the curtains!"
The world suddenly became black. When Suuman opened his eyes, he was inside a banquet hall. As he looked around, he recognized it. Even where he was standing, the head of the table where his brother drank the poison in his goblet. To his horror, his hand reached out and grasped it against his will.
"The title of my Noble Phantasm is, First Folio! Start the play!"
*Fate/Astraea*
"Keep Firing!" shouted Cameron Mahkent, AKA Icicle Jr. The muscular blue man ordered a battalion of troops to fire upon the rebels. He constructed a barrier of ice to provide cover for the troops, occasionally he provided covering fire with a barrage of icicles. The son of Icicle Sr. received orders from Queen bee to provide support until the ambassador gets out safely. Then comes the airstrike, the end of this uprising.
"What is taking so long!?" Cameron demanded as he blasted a blue beam of energy at a nearby rebel, freezing him in an ice cube. "How long does it take to extract one ambassador?"
"We lost contact with all of the men inside," A soldier shouted over the gunfire. "In fact, we haven't heard from anyone inside the palace at all!"
"Well don't just stand there!" He grabbed the man by the lapels and brought him to his face. "Get over there and get the ambassador! I'm already risking my neck to make sure you guys live. Do you know what would happen if you go face to face with the queen to tell her how her ambassador died because of your incompetence!? Do you!?"
"N-no sir," He squeaked.
"Then get your lazy butt moving!" He shoved the soldier to the palace. "Get over there before I have to freeze your butt."
As the soldier ran to the palace, Cameron turned back to the defense.
"As for the rest of you…" He began.
"Sir!"
"What?!"
"It's the rebels!' A soldier pointed across the field. "They've stopped firing!"
"What?" Cameron glanced outward. Sure enough, the rebels have ceased fire and are withdrawing farther from the palace. As they did, the soldier began to murmur among themselves.
"Why have they stopped firing?"
"They had us on the ropes."
"Doesn't make sense."
"Who cares?" Icicle Jr. shouted. "It's obvious they know realize how pointless it is to keep fighting. Hurry up and- "
"Look! Up in the sky!"
He stopped his rant as the sky suddenly began to be filled with numerous golden vortexes. Emerging from each of them are swords, axes, spears, and countless other weapons that he couldn't keep count. Then, without warning, the flew from the vortexes like a bullet and began to attack them in a volley. Golden streaks of light filled the air as they screamed in pain. Some smashed into the barrier and cracked it into a thousand tiny shards.
When it finally stopped, Cameron couldn't feel his left arm and his legs. He saw the stumps where they once were, the ice forming to staunch the bleeding. When the dust around him cleared, he saw to his horror the bodies that littered the field. Each of them has a weapon impaling them like a pincushion.
The sound of footsteps caught his attention. He turned to see, walking towards them without care, a golden man. That was the only way to describe him as everything about him is gold. The armor he wore, and his hair is like golden flames. His eyes are crimson like blood, and he gazed at him as if he delighted in his pain. Icicle felt an aura around him that makes him want to wither away to escape him.
He stopped in front of him.
"You, mongrel." He spoke concededly. "Are you Icicle Jr.? The one who made that pathetic barrier?"
Cameron could only nod in fear. This man just killed millions of soldiers and he didn't show an ounce of sympathy. He could kill him easily.
"Thanks to you, I had to waste my treasures on a worthless obstacle," He spat. "But I'll commend you for your pitiful effort. Normally, I would finish you off…"
A golden vortex appeared, and a spear emerged from it. Quick as light, it shot out towards Icicle Jr. as he closed his eyes in fright. When he felt nothing, he opened them to see it impaled next to his head,
"But fortunately for a mongrel like you, my job is done. So, I will take my leave."
He turned around and began to walk away.
"W-wait!" Cameron gasped out, causing him to halt his progress. "This place is going to be destroyed."
"I know mongrel," He casually replied that made him flinch. "We know about the airstrike, which suits our plans quite well."
As he began to vanish, he spoke one more word.
"Also, my name is Archer. Remember that as you rot away."
*Fate/Astraea*
"Strike one, what's your status, over."
"Central, we are approaching the target. ETA, four minutes, over."
"Copy that. Proceed, over."
The pilot and his squadron flew their fighter jets across the night sky. They were given orders by their Queen to destroy Dhanbar and the uprising. She told them to double back to Al-Qiwaya should the rebellion there continue. He didn't like it, but he had no choice.
"All right strike team get ready. Arm the missiles and- "
Then, he saw his field of vision darken. Frowning he looked up, and suddenly his face underneath the helmet became one of shock. From the comms, his squad is also voicing their shock.
"What the- "
"Holy…"
Above them is a floating structure that made them feel like ants in comparison. Through an opening, it is a spire pointing downward. Surrounding it are floating tablets.
"Central, we just came in contact with an unidentified object, over."
"Repeat that strike one, over."
"I repeat, we have an unidentified object- "
"Bogies incoming!"
The pilot looked up to see a mass of white emerging from the structure, it twisted, and it seemed to be headed straight towards them.
"Evasive action!"
They twisted out of their formation to evade the mass. But it split into five and came after each of them. Eventually, one white trail caught up to him and the pilot saw what it really was.
Bones. Skeletal creatures with leathery wings. Its head is a gaping, toothy mouth.
They clawed and but at his et. Over the comms, he could hear his comrades shouting. From the corner of his eye, he watched das two of his comrades died as the creatures opened the cockpit and began to devour the pilots. The jets fell to earth for their inevitable crash.
"Go to hell you monster!" He roared in rage as he fired his machine guns at the creatures. He shot down the creatures before they could finish their work on the cockpit. But as a few more died, more took their place. Just before they broke in, they suddenly broke into splinters as they were taken out by machine gun fire.
"Strike one, I've got your back!"
"Good work Strike Two, regroup with me to strafe the structure."
"Roger that!"
The two jets regrouped and began to ascend at full speed. As they flew along the sides of the floating fortress, the mass of skeletal beings flew after them. Wings flapping could be heard behind them even now.
"All right, here's what we are going to do," The pilot spoke as he primed the missiles. "These creatures are being produced by the structure. So, we're going to get to the center of this and send it to hell!"
"Copy that! Priming missiles and – what the hell!?"
"Strike two, what's wrong?"
"Something landed on my bird! I'm goanna try to shake it – "
Then it turned into static.
"Strike one, do you copy?"
"Something is wrong…" the feed kept getting cut like there is some interference. "…get away!... something's taken control of my…"
That was all he could get before it suddenly went dead silent. Then, an unholy roar filled his cockpit, making him want to cover his ears.
"Strike two?" The pilot angled his jet to get a better look. "Please respond! What is going on with- "
His words died in his thought as he gazed out in horror.
Strike two's jet, once sleek and shiny, is now black and cracked with red. But that wasn't what got his attention.
On the body of the jet, is a figure in pitch black armor. Somehow, they clung to the jet despite the wind pressure and speed. A blue plume flowed behind the helmet as it turned its head to reveal a red visor.
He could tell it was looking at him.
It reared back its upper body, roaring again, and the jet shot forward. A red trail of light followed. It was so fast that his eyes could barely follow. It gained distance, pulling off impossible maneuvers like it's a living being, and began charging straight at him.
Panic overtook him and he fires his missiles at it, forgetting for a moment that he is going to kill his comrade. By the time he realized it, the missiles crashed into the jet and exploded. Smoke erupted around it.
For a moment, he thought that it was over. Then to his utter horror, the jet emerged, unscathed. His panic further increased when it fired jet black missiles at him, a red aura surrounded each of them.
He took evasive action a split-second almost. The missiles flew past him, but soon they turned and charged after him. The pilot turned his jet around with the intention of sending them towards the structure…
…only to run int the horde of skeletal creatures.
AS they swarmed him, it slowed him down long enough for the missiles to finally put him out of his misery.
*Fate/Astraea*
Queen Bee wanted to scream.
She stood alone in the room, watching the destruction of her kingdom. Slade had gone with Shiva to Santa Prisca to investigate the massacre that occurred there. Luthor took Ultra-Humanite to examine the projectile they had found. Vandal Savage went to alert Granny Goodness about the situation. Klarion the witch boy… well, who knows where he is.
In front of her, she saw everything. Airfields and military compounds are suddenly hit by the very airstrike that she had ordered. Another feed showed her Dhanbar in near ruin. Her feeds failed to pick up whoever is causing it, frustrating her even more.
She hung her head down, her hands crawling at her head.
"I refuse…" She hissed. "I refused to be defeated by this rabble!"
She opened a communication line and spoke out.
"To all of my remaining forces, I order an evacuation. I am going to detonate a nuke at Al-Qaqiya to obliterate enemy forces. You have five minutes to evacuate the area, that is all the time I am giving you.
She swiped it upward, showing a holographic button with a nuclear symbol on it. Setting the timer, she pressed start and began walking out as the countdown began.
"With a little luck, I'll just pin the blame on the rebels," She casually replied, smiling an evil smile. "That should get me sympathy from the UN. Once I do, I will rise again and hunt them like an animal!"
As she gave a crazed laugh, she failed to notice a dove fly out of the ruin through the ceiling. Attached to its leg, is a camera, which recorded the entire thing. It continued flying until it reached the floating fortress.
*Fate/Astraea*
"Pathetic!"
Saber stood over the kneeling body of Devastation. Their foe lost an arm and is clutching the stump. Saber decided to have pity and gave her a handy cap and limited their true strength. Despite that, Devastation did little to no damage to them. This is what ticked them off the most.
"This is the strength of an enforcer for the light?! A pack of rabbits can do a better job than you!"
Devastation glared up at her, one eye swollen shut, as Saber raised her sword above her head to deliver the final blow.
"To all of my remaining forces, I order an evacuation. I am going to detonate a nuke at Al-Qaqiya to obliterate enemy forces. You have five minutes to evacuate the area, that is all the time I am giving you."
Devastations eyes widened as she heard this from her communicator. Saber stopped their attack. Judging by her body's reaction, she heard what Queen Bee intended to do.
"THAT LOWLY…" She couldn't finish and prompted to smash the ground in front of her. Rebels emerged, leading behind them the prisoners being kept.
"We need to leave! Now!" Saber shouted, earning looks of confusion. "That skunk of a queen has decided to nuke the place; we have five minutes!"
Their eyes widened in understanding and they quickened their pace. Strengthened by fear and desperation, they were out of the place in less than twenty seconds. Before they left, Saber turned to the enforcer.
"As for you, live or die. Your choice."
She rushed forward in impossible speeds.
Assassin! We need extraction!
*Fate/Astraea*
"Well, this about settles it."
Rider stood atop Mammoth; whose body is covered in stab wounds. They had been fighting for several minutes. While he had strength, Rider showed him how outclassed he is through experience. Several times he tried to hit him, Rider deftly dodged and struck him. When he hit the ground, he hit him in the head with his spear. This continued until he laid on the ground, barely breathing.
On the other side, Shimmer has similar luck with her opponent. Every time she tried to land a blow, Lancer would just block her and push her back with her shield. If that wasn't enough, she somehow managed to erect a barrier that not only protected the group behind her, but her powers don't work inside it. Lancer didn't even look tired while she is struggling to catch her breath.
"You are nearly out of stamina," Lancer informed her. "It would be wise to surrender immediately."
"Never!"
"I strongly recommend helping your brother," Lancer spoke, surprising Shimmer that she would mention her brother's well-being. "The wounds that Rider inflicts with his lands not only pierce your brother, but they also cannot be healed."
"What!" She glanced at Mammoths semi-lifeless boy as Rider jumped off him.
"Yeah, sorry about that."
His words only drove her into a rage. Roaring, she charged at him, fists glowing blue. Rider sighed and chopped her on the neck, knocking her out. He glanced at Lancer with a quizzical expression.
"Did you really have to tell her that? I really don't like fighting women."
"Would you prefer I lie?" She asked.
Rider thought about it for a moment, then sighed. He always hated seeing girls cry and die. One woman's death had been enough for one life.
"Okay, let's get these people- "
"Psimon says stop."
Both of them turned to see a pale bald man walking towards them. Lowering his hood, the brain is visible through a clear dome over it, with strips of skin over it. On each cheek are three red lines. He wore a grey trench coat with a black shirt and grey parts.
"Oh right," Archer said. "This is the psionic we read about. Psimon was it?"
"Yes," Lancer confirmed. "Real name, unknown. Serves as one of the lights enforcers and answers to Queen Bee. Opportunity for mental resistance test is available."
"Guess now is better than later," Rider took a stance, as did Lancer. "Just as long as I don't have to play Simon says!"
Psimon grinned as a red Aura enveloped him.
Rider Launched himself at Psimon as he raises his hands to attack. Behind him, Lancer raised her spear.
"Gun- "
"HALT!"
Caster suddenly appeared in between them, causing them to trip in the middle of their actions.
"Tsk, tsk, Psimon, He waged his finger at a confuse Psimon. "You don't get a part in this play. As punishment…"
He held out his red book.
"… You get to see my first folio!"
As Caster worked his Noble Phantasm on Psimon, Rider and Lancer looked away.
"That's not going to be pretty, babe," Achilles sweat dropped as he heard Psimon screaming. "It'd be wise to wait until it's over."
"What exactly is his Noble Phantasm?" Lancer asked, curiosity in her voice.
"You don't know?" He asked, raising his eyebrows in surprise. "Good, let's just say it is everybody's worst nightmare. Especially for people like us."
"But not to worry!" Caster called out to them, a prone Psimon kneeling on the ground. "I can only work on one person at a time."
"Unless amplified…"
"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet…"
"Please tell me you didn't come all this way to quote a tragedy," Rider groaned.
Caster looked miffed and cleared his throat. "Anyway, our dear Assassin has just sent word. Apparently, the Queen plans to fall upon her sword in five minutes, taking everyone at her palace with her."
"What!?"
"Good news is that the Hanging Gardens are on there way. Ba new is that they won't get there on time."
"Great," Rider cursed.
Valkyrie said nothing. Instead, she flew ten feet in the air and began flying in the direction of Al-Qawiya.
"Hey, wait!" Rider shouted.
"The course of true love never did run smooth," Caster sighed. "But alas, this is to be expected of- "
"Can it, Caster," Rider interrupted him. "The last thing we need is people trying to figure out our identities. Besides, I'm confident she can take care of herself."
Rider put two fingers to his mouth and whistled. Above them, a blue rift opened in the sky and green fire raced down. The civilians braced themselves, but the fire died down to reveal three horses pulling a chariot. It landed and Rider hopped on and grab the reigns.
"You stay here until Assassin arrives!" Rider shouted. "I'm going to see if Berserker needs help demolishing more bases!"
Caster watched as Rider sped off like a green light into the distance. He was so fast that he actually flew. The red-haired man smiled.
"If I were in my study, I would start writing this down," He chuckled as he gazed at his charges.
A shadow fell over them and they looked up. Above, shrouded in shadow, is the floating super structure. They suddenly felt gravity lose its hold on them and began to float towards the flying fortress.
"Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to be the first to welcome you to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon."
*Fate/Astraea*
Al-Qawiya
The Rebel Captain rushed to the outskirts of the capital. He had already sent the group ahead of him to get them out of here before the nuke goes off. But when he got to the rendezvous, he saw that only eight people remained.
"What's going on?" He demanded. "Why aren't you getting away from this place?"
"We lost one of our transports," A soldier reported regret in his voice. "There wasn't enough room. I'm sorry…"
"Sorry isn't going to save everyone from getting nuked!"
"That's quite enough. Arguing right now is going to help."
Both men turned to see a girl walking forward. She possessed a wonderous beauty that took her breath away. Waist-length blonde hair tied into a braid; her amethyst eyes had a look of purity as she put up a determined frown. Garbed in armor and wielding a rolled-up flag, she took a stand before them, facing the city.
"Who are- "
"It's alright," The captain waved his hand. "She's with us, this is- "
"Get behind me! Close your eyes and cover your ears!"
Both men and the group suddenly felt something wash over them. It felt like a drive to listen to this girl. They complied and got everybody behind her. As they closed their eyes and covered their ears, the newcomer held out her flag and unfurled it, it began to glow a golden light.
"Here's the work of the lord!"
She twirled the flag and held it in front of her, a golden aura flared around her.
In her eyes, she saw a mushroom cloud of a nuclear explosion. She gritted her teeth at the revelation.
"My flag! Defend our brethren's! Luminosité Eternelle!"
A flash of light shone from the capital, followed by the destructive force of a nuclear explosion. Everyone gritted their teeth as they felt the force of the explosion all around them. It was so long that they wished for an end. After several minutes, they felt a light tap on their shoulders.
They opened their eyes, ears ringing, to see the one protecting them still standing. She gave them a calming smile as she held her flag, showing not a sign of a tear. Next to her stood another person in white. The newcomer traced a finger in the air, a symbol appeared. The ringing in their ears stopped and they felt revitalized.
"Do not be alarmed," She assured them. "Lancer has cured you of affliction and temporarily protected you from the fallout. You may call me Ruler, as I am the one overseeing my comrades' mission to liberate your countries."
Overhead, the Hanging Gardens flew over them. Ruler looked up and smiled.
"Don't worry, we will be getting you home soon."
"Wait up!"
They turned to see Saber rushing to them. Their armor is undamaged by the nuclear explosion.
"Damn it! I barely got out of there!" Saber shouted as they began to levitate to the Gardens.
"You do realize that there was a time limit, right?" Ruler sweat dropped.
"I know but couldn't she have set the limit to a bigger number like thirty!"
They continued this argument all the way to the garden, to the amusement of the bystanders.
*Fate/Astraea*
Antarctica
"Everyone has been evacuated and The Lights hold is all but finished in Greater Bialya," Assassin reported. She is a woman with hair that reached below her waist. Long ears stuck out behind long bangs on each side. Her yellow eyes gazed at Mash. "With the Ambassador reduced to a crying child and that-so-called Queen's blunder, I'd say that this is another victory for Chaldea."
"Excellent Assassin," Mash nodded. She is wearing a white lab coat over a black dress and red tie. "We've dealt a huge blow to The Light. Without her military and political connections, we've reduced their hold on the United Nations."
"There is still the issue of Lex Luthor," She said. "Are you sure we can't just assassinate him?"
"That would make him a martyr," Mash declared. "Right now, everyone believes he's trying to prevent another invasion. Archer of New York already has a plan to deal with their smear campaign."
"And they called me the poisoner," She sighed. Then she smiled. "But I must admit, his plan sound more devious than poisoning."
"A game of shadows is his specialty," Mash affirmed. "In the meantime, we've got intelligence that there's a facility hiding in Egypt. Make your way there immediately, in three dies, everyone is going to die."
"Already on my way."
"Also…" Mash trailed off.
"Don't worry Shielder," Assassin's face grew in sympathy. "I'm as depressed about this as you. But drowning in sorrow isn't going to help."
"OK."
"Keep up the good work," She cut the communication.
Mash smiled sadly. She sat in the central hub of Chaldea's headquarters. They rebuilt it after the Chaldea Grail War. In front of her is the newly repaired CHALDEAS, rebuilt and modified to suit their mission. Next to her is a photo that she took. In it are three people including herself standing in the middle holding a cake in her hands. One is her master, the other is a man with fluffy orange hair. He wore a white and green variation of the uniform of Chaldea.
The man was Dr. Romani Archaman, former head of the medical department at Chaldea.
She recalled the painful memories of the time. Then she heard the words her master spoke to her after the grail war.
No matter what happens, I will still be me.
"Master…" She murmured, sadness in her eyes. "Where are you?"
Thank you for reading! See you all next time.
Dracus6: I get that you want a crossover like that. You don't need to keep repeating it on every story I type. I mean no disrespect.
micelzod:They asked for it after all.
Guest 2: I can't promise I will update fast.
Cookies: I'm surprised you don't recognize Rider of Black.
Blazblade: It should be pretty obvious by now when this is taking place. Also, thing are really going to heat up. Like a certain man once wrote: "Something wicked this way comes!".