Fate/Astraea
Chapter 2: Excalibur
*Fate/Astraea*
Hollywood
The Hub.
The skyscraper headquarters for the Outsiders. Formed by Garfield Logan, AKA Beast Boy, they fought the metahuman trafficking and the light out of the shadows. As of now, they have become an international sensation. Their popularity had risen over that of the Justice Leagues, which was something they didn't expect.
Little do they know; their world will be turned upside down.
"Me and Wonder Girl surrounded him," Garfield, a green-skinned boy, told his girlfriend over the phone. "And we told him it was either the lady or the tiger. He decided that he would go for the third option which is to take a hostage…which happened to be El Dorado!"
He could hear his girlfriend, Perdita, laughing with him.
"How did that happen?" She hysterically asked. "I mean, shouldn't he know who he is?"
"That's what I've been asking," Garfield grinned. "I guess that is what happens when you can't keep up the times. You'll miss a few things like how to not take the wrong guy hostage."
"I agree," Perdita chuckled. She had been watching the social media for her boyfriends' exploits.
"Now that you have heard my misadventure," Garfield teased. "May I hear your various deeds your majesty?"
"I told you before!" She huffed. "You are forbidden from calling me that!"
"Make me!" Garfield laughed. He waited for a retort, but all he got on the other end was silence. His exuberant attitude began to diminish.
"Perdita?" Garfield carefully asked. "Is there something wrong?"
"It's nothing! It's just…" Perdita said before sighing. "Garfield, do you remember my uncle?"
"How can I not?" Garfield growled. He recalled how the man tried to murder his niece before his time. After Kid Flash exposed him, he's been on the run from Vlatava and the world. He's currently an operative for The Light and the metahuman trafficking ring.
"He's back here in Vlatava."
"What?!" Garfield shot up from his bed. "Do you want me to come over? If he tries anything I will- "
"It's okay Garfield," Perdita quickly said "He's under guard 24/7 in the deepest cell they could find. He isn't going anywhere for the rest of his life. At least, that's what he prefers."
Garfield sighed. That quelled his anger for now, but there is no telling what he would do if Vertigo laid a hand on his girlfriend. But then the last part she said registered.
"He prefers be imprisoned?" He asked in surprise. "What happened?"
"That's what I wanted to know as well," She replied. "I'm meeting with a representative from Romania to discuss the state that he was in."
"State?"
"When he was brought here…" She spoke and stopped as if she couldn't go on. "I can't describe it, but I've got pictures. Would you like to see?"
"S-sure," Garfield said skeptically. He brought his smartphone down and looked at the screen. Eventually, he got a message from Perdita with an attachment. When he opened it, he gasped out in sheer horror.
The picture showed Count Vertigo with a long stake piercing through him. It entered near his left hip and exited through the right shoulder. His arms and legs appeared to have pierced as well. Vertigo's face on the captured image appeared to be both in shock and terror.
"The stakes staunched the bleeding," Perdita continued. "But the doctors say that he won't be able to move for a long time, even with treatment. The real damage though was his mind. They said it's in a constant state of shock as he kept saying only one word: Monster."
"Monster?" Garfield asked. "He might be referring to the guy who did this to him. Do you have any idea?"
"None. Which is what I hoped to discuss with the representative," She said. "I have to get going. I'll talk to you as soon as I am done."
"Okay, but let me know what you have found out."
"I will! love you!"
The line went dead, and Garfield pocketed his phone with a sigh. Suddenly, he heard the sound of rushing feet outside his room. He walked over and opened it to find his teammate Bartholomew Allen, AKA Kid Flash, standing there in his yellow suit.
"What's happening?"
"We have another call from the Watchtower. It's urgent."
*Fate/Astraea*
Garfield and Bart walked into the mission room where the rest of their teammates have gathered. On the holographic display, M'gann M'orzz AKA Miss Martian gazed upon them. She is currently in her White Martian form and uniform.
"Thank you all for coming on short notice," She said. "I'm sorry for the inconvenience. But I wouldn't call everyone here if it wasn't important."
"We hear you, sis," Garfield said. "What's the situation?"
"Thank you for asking. It has to do with a string of attacks that occurred this month."
"Attacks?" Brion Markov asked. An exiled Markovian prince, he is a brown-haired young man wearing a green and black suit. "We haven't heard of any attacks lately."
"That's because they haven't been made public," She answered. "Due to the global scale of these attacks, it would raise panic and suspicion. We suspect that The Light is keeping them quite due to the fact it's their facilities that are being attacked."
"Wait," Bart interrupted. "The Light is the one that's being attacked? Isn't that a good thing?"
"Most of the attacks have ended up with several fatalities," On separate monitors, images popped up. Most of them included wrecked buildings, but there are some with dead bodies. "By the time the police arrived on the scene though, only the bodies and wreckage were found. There's no trace of anyone responsible, not even a witness. We're lucky that this isn't public, because If this keeps up, then it will reflect badly on the Metahuman population again."
Everyone flinched at the truth of her statement. The reason The Outsiders are created was to improve relations with the Metahumans. So far, the public has been in favor of them thanks to their achievements. But it would reflect badly on them if anyone gets wind of this.
"Do we have any leads?" Virgil Hawkins, AKA Static, asked. He is a teenager wearing a black hoodie with a golden lightning bolt, gray pants, a blue vest, shoes, and fingerless gloves. His hair is arranged in cornrows. "I mean, there has to be something that we know."
"There are some circulating rumors and urban myths," M'gann said as the images disappeared and are replaced by more. "It's not much, but we suspect they have something to do with our mystery party. A week ago, a cargo ship sailing across the North Atlantic had been attacked. Survivors have revealed that it was carrying kidnapped metahumans."
The Outsiders looked astonished at the wreckage of the ship in question. A once proud cargo freighter is now reduced to a smoldering wreck.
"Sheesh, talk about an overkill," Bart commented. "Did the survivors give any details about who attacked them?"
"They said that…" M'gann trailed off as a look of disbelief crossed her white face.
"Sis?" Garfield asked.
"From their testimony, they said that pirates have attacked the convoy," She continued to the surprise look on their faces. "The pirates boarded the ship and killed the crew members. As soon as they got the victims aboard their ships, they blasted the ship until it almost became inoperable. It continued its course to the New York Harbor. However, they cannot give any description about their attacker."
"I wasn't aware that we still have pirates in this century," Bart exclaimed. "How did I miss this?"
"Likely because that wasn't the timeline you are aware of," Jaime Reyes, AKA Blue Beetle, said. He is a teenager clad head to toe in blue armor of alien design. On his back, the scarab's lights blinked, causing him to briefly glance backward. "The Scarab said that they appear to have the means to cover the prescence."
"If that's the case, why would the rescued metahumans have memory of being rescued?" Cassandra Sandsmark, AKA Wonder Girl, asked. She is a girl with a slender yet muscular build with blue eyes and blonde hair with unkempt bangs. Her hair is long, running down her back, and wore a black headband. She wore a black sleeveless top with two stylized golden W's on it, red pants with two white stripes on the sides, blue shoes, silver bracelets, and red star earrings. At her waist hung a golden lasso.
"It's just like what we are doing," Garfield suddenly spoke, getting everybody's attention. "They're sending a message, aren't they?"
"Aquaman had the same thought," M'gann said. "Every attack would have survivors tell the story of how they are rescued. Or at least send a message."
"Just like Count Vertigo."
"What do you mean?" M'gann asked her brother.
"Perdita sent me this," Garfield pulled out his phone and brought up the picture. "He was doing some operations in Romania. That is, until somebody came along and turned him into a shish kabab."
His team gathered to look at the pick and recoiled in horror.
"Man," Bart whistled low. "Now that's what I call a stuck up royal."
"You got that right,". "He couldn't have survived that for long. Anyone know who did it?"
"Perdita is talking to a representative," Garfield explained. "She'll contact me the moment she learns more."
"Could you let me know as well?" M'gann asked. "I would also like permission to come over and read his mind. Maybe I can pick something up."
"I can't promise it would work," Garfield said. "His mind is broken. I think that whoever did it to him terrified him so much it might be permanent."
"Anyway," Cassie began to steer the conversation away from this topic. "Is anything else we know about these guys?"
"We have reason to believe that they are responsible for the fall of Greater Bialya."
"You're kidding!" Brion exclaimed. Everyone jumped at the news.
For the past week, the fall of Greater Bialya had been the topic of discussion. If that wasn't enough, it was Queen Bee's notoriety that made the cut. Her Ambassador had confessed to the murder of his brother and plot of invading Qurac. What really took them by surprise is the sheer amount of remorse he showed. He would stop between sentences to sob and beg to be punished. Which is why he had been given a life sentence in prison for high treason in the reemerged Qurac.
The same fate awaits Queen Bee when she is caught. Her notoriety skyrocketed in light of the evidence against her. The Ambassador and the fact that she ordered her kingdom to be blown up didn't exactly do her any favors. Due to the fact that she is a member of The Light, this is a major blow to their operation.
The same can be said for her forces.
"We can confirm that major damage had been done to her military," M'gann said. "Onslaught didn't make it out unscathed from our intel."
"I saw the pics," Virgil shuddered. "That was way to brutal for them."
"Agreed, which is why we need you to be on the lookout for them. We would like to make contact with the organization."
"Contact?" Garfield asked skeptically. "Why?"
"We have reason to believe they have intel on most, if not all, of The Lights operations," M'gann spoke and brought up statistics. "They were able to overthrow a country in the span of a single night. Moreover, they found facilities that we weren't even aware of. If we can get contact with them… "
"…We'll know what they know," Garfield finished. He can see where she was getting at.
"But first we have to find them," M'gann pointed out. "Not only that, if we can try to get them to tone down the violence- "
Suddenly the screens went dark along with the lights. Everyone jumped but didn't panic at the development.
"Emergency power will kick in soon," Garfield assured his team. "We just have to- "
Then the screens came back to life. But instead of M'gann, it showed a green question mark with a black background. Then it changed to a thin man seated in a dark computer room. He wore a dark green shirt and a lighter green jacket with a high collar; the shoulders are a darker green. A question mark is emblazoned on his left shoulder. He has a purple tie with a green question mark tie-pin in the middle. He also wore black pants with a green belt and question mark buckle, and triangular green glasses with a purple frame.
It's as clear as day to who this man is.
"Hello, Outsiders!" Edward Nigma, AKA Riddler, greeted with a cheshire grin. "As you're well aware, I have taken over your systems. With the power at my fingertips, I could send your pitiful brains scattering. But that wouldn't be fun, wouldn't it?"
He grinned at the hard faces of The Outsiders. Growling, Garfield marched toward the screens.
"What do you want Riddler?"
"Taking the direct approach are we my changeling friend?" He chuckled. "Excellent, then let's get right down to the game. Somewhere around Hollywood, I placed a Weapon of Mass Destruction powerful enough to destroy the city. I have laid out some clues for you to find, solve them, and you will find it. Fail to do so, you can kiss Hollywood goodbye!"
He swiveled in his seat, thrusting his hands upward. Then his face changed as if he just remembered something.
"One last thing," He grew serious. "If any of you involve any other players, like say the Justice League, then you forfeit the game. By forfeit, I mean pop goes the weasel! Have fun!"
The screen flickered out, and immediately The Outsiders scrambled.
*Fate/Astraea*
Riddler grinned as he signed out of the Hubs systems.
"Phase one of my brilliant plan is now underway," He steepled his fingers. "While the mice are scouring about, I think I can get back to my favorite hobby."
Pressing a few keys, he brought up some images. Several of them are taken from different places in the world. They only showed scenery, like a field of burning flames, but Riddler zoomed in on an important detail that they all have in common.
"Our dear mystery party," Riddler cooed. On the images, each of them showed a person. Even with enhanced resolution, it was difficult to pick out their face. "Did you really think that you can get rid of your presence really easily? A few of my sources managed to get their hands on these images. Your attire is interesting to say the least, but is that part of the riddle I wonder?"
He looked at three of the screens on his left. Each of them has the location of the image taken on the upper right.
Japan. In the background of a burning field of crop stood a woman. She wore black armor which hugged her body, showing her assets and a red cloak. Long red hair trailed down in front of her. Her hands rested upon a long katana. He could tell that she was smiling at the field be burnt.
Rome. In the middle of a forest with taller than normal trees, a man stood holding a red double tipped spear. The spear looked as if its tips are made of crystals. He wore a golden helmet with a red crystal jutting out at the crown. His clothes barely covered his muscled body.
Nepal. Standing at the top of a ruined building, with the sun at the back, stood a young boy. Long red hair trailed down his shoulders. His attire is a red Indian style shirt with white coattails, black pants with red markings, black pointed shoes, and golden red gauntlets. In his right hand, he held an oddly shaped sword.
He stretched out his arms and cracked his fingers.
"Now, let's get started on cracking these riddles."
*Fate/Astraea*
The Outsiders decided to split up to cover more ground. He flew across the sky in hawk form alongside Static.
"So how are we supposed to find them?" Static asked as he flew across the air on his saucer. They decided to split up and cover more ground. He got paired with Beast Boy
"Oh, I don't know. Maybe we will come across a big sign bearing a question mark," Beast Boy quipped as he changed back.
"Whoa! Your right!" Static yelped.
"I was only kidding Static!" Beast Boy said.
"No really!" Static pointed ahead. El Dorado turned around and his jaw hit the ground.
Standing on the rooftop is a black rectangular crate with a sign next to it. On it is a green question mark.
"Seriously?" Beast Boy asked.
"Well, Riddler's known for being cocky," Static landed and collapsed his saucer. "He wants to make sure to rub it in our faces."
"Noted," Beast Boy approached the box. "You think this is the bomb?"
"Don't know," Static felt his hands along the surface. "But I can feel electrical systems inside. Now how do we- "
Suddenly, the question mark glowed green, causing them to step back. The crates sides came apart and fell flat to the ground. What was inside wasn't a bomb, but a silver android their size.
"That's not a bomb," Beast Boy commented.
"Correction," Riddler's voice through the mouthpiece. "This is an android that will destroy everyone."
Suddenly, the android began to change. It rippled as it began to take on a human form. It became Static's form before changing into the green form of Beast Boy. Then it became half and half of each form. On its chest, it showed a clock counting down from two minutes.
"Riddle me this boys and girls! It is the beginning of eternity, the end of time and space, the beginning of the end and the end of every space. What am I?"
The android raised its hand and fired a blast of electromagnetic energy at them. El Dorado teleported out of the way, but Static raised his hands and caught the blast. He redirected it back towards it, and the android just stood there and took it. It didn't seem fazed by the blast of electricity.
Beast appeared behind it as a gorilla and swung his fists in a haymaker. It hardly did any damage as the android turned into a grizzly bear. It faced him and threw a fist forward. Beast Boy turned into a mouse. But in a blink of an eye, it turned into a cat and tried to eat him. It never got close as it suddenly got pushed into the brick wall by static repulsion.
As Beast Boy regrouped with Static, it got back up and transformed into a tiger. Electricity began charging along it's back.
"What the heck as that thing?" Beast Boy asked. "It has our powers!"
"Might be a new Amazo," Static took out some pellets. "Our powers won't do a thing against it."
"So how do we defeat it?"
"I think the riddle's the key," Static said. "We solve it, it might shut down."
"Might?"
"You got a better idea?"
"Yeah, we just zip around like a bunch of idiots. OF COURSE, I DON'T!"
"That's actually not a bad idea," He admitted as he charged the pellets. "Get to work on cracking the riddle, I'll buy some time."
He fired the charged pellets at the android, faster than it could raise a shield to protect himself. They embedded themselves into the chassis of the android, briefly sending it back. It placed a hand over its chest.
"Oh yeah!" Static shouted. "What you got nuts and bolts? What you- "
Then it raised its hands, and electricity sparked of it. All around, metal objects of various sizes came flying to of alleyways. They repositioned themselves around the android and changed to spheres. Then they became as thin as needles.
Static gulped.
"Um, BB? Now would be a good time to solve that riddle!"
"I'm trying!" Beast Boy shouted.
Static charged the crate and held it up just in time to block the barrage of shrapnel that speeded toward them. The tips of the shrapnel poked through the metal of the crate, and more begin to join in. He was beginning to strain against it.
"Can't…hold it…back for long!"
"Beginning of eternity…" Beast Boy muttered. "…the end of time and space…"
Then his eyes lit up.
"The Letter E!" He shouted. "The answer is the letter E!"
The android stopped what it was doing as it powered down. The timer had stopped counting in the middle of thirty seconds. It morphed back into its default form and stayed prone.
Static looked at Beast Boy.
"The Letter E?"
"Eternity starts with it," Beast explained. "It's at the end of time and space. The answer was in the riddle all along."
"Did you just look it up with your lenses?"
Beast Boy flinched but said nothing.
"I see," Static deadpanned. He ran over to the android and placed his hands on it. His hands sparked with electricity. "I've disabled the system. It wouldn't be activating anytime soon."
"But is it the bomb?" Beast Boy asked.
"I checked the system," Static shook his head. "It's just a clock on an Amazo rip off."
"So, it's not the bomb," Beast Boy groaned. "Great."
"Relax man, we still have time," Static accessed his Darkwear. "Guys? We just found- "
"An android that can copy your powers and could potentially be a bomb?" Kid Flash sent a message.
"Let me guess, you are fighting one right now?"
"Correction! I'm being chased by one right now!"
*Fate/Astraea*
"Anytime Wonder Girl!" Kid Flash shouted as he is chased by the android. Just like their powers, it took on a hybrid appearance of the two. For some reason, it seemed to have focused on him rather than Wonder Girl. It chased him all around the mall while she evacuated the civilians.
"How long does it take to solve a riddle?" He asked as he dodged a hyper-speed punch. It destroyed a concrete pillar.
"I am the beginning of sorrow and the end of sickness," She recited the riddle. "There's no happiness without me nor is their sadness. I am always in risk, yet never in danger. You will find me in the sun, but I am never out of darkness."
She grabbed her head in frustration.
"ARG!" She screamed while Kid Flash kept being chased by the android. "Why am I stuck with this? This is so difficult!"
"Fou!"
Wonder Girl looked down to see the strangest dog she ever saw. The ears are long and tipped with purple color. It had a decorative fabric collar and its fur is extra fluffy on the back of its head and tail.
But strange wouldn't be the word she would use…
"AWWW how adorable!" she kneeled down and stroke its fur. Kid Flash suddenly appeared behind her. He looked at her aghast.
"Are you serious?!" He shouted. Then he swerved to avoid another punch by the android. On its chest, it counted down from one minute. "We've got a killer android that could be a bomb and your petting dogs?!"
"I'm sorry!" She amended as he got up. She looked at the dog. "I'm sorry little guy, but I have to get to work. I need to solve a riddle."
"Fou," the dog ran over to a fallen clothing stand.
"Okay let's see," She tried to think. "The beginning of sorrow…could it refer
need a t-shirt," She sighed. "I need the answer to this riddle."
It ignored her and brought the T-shirt even forward. The dogs head bobbed up and down, the t-shirt moving in tandem. She tried to walk away, but it kept moving in front of her.
"Wait," Realization spread across her face. "Are you trying to give me the answer to the riddle?"
It nodded its head even more.
"Wonder Girl!"
She turned around to see Kid Flash finally pinned down by the android. It held him down as the timer began to countdown from ten seconds.
Time is running out!
"Okay! Let's see…" Wonder Girl gazed at the t-shirt intensely. "…Superman T-shirt?"
9…8…7…
"I don't think the dog is talking about the shirt!" Kid flash shouted while straining. "I think he's referring to the symbol!"
"OK! Let's see… Superman?"
6…5…4…
"Superboy?"
3…2…1…
"Wonder Girl!"
"S! Is it S?!"
The timer stopped before it could change to zero. The android slumped and fell off of Kid Flash. He got up and with his superspeed, he vibrated his molecules in and ripped out the battery of the android.
"Of course!" He shouted. "The answer was so obvious that we didn't see it before. That riddle was referring to the words!"
"We have this little guy to- "Wonder Girl turned to find the dog is gone. "Where did he go?"
"We'll chase after the dog later," Kid Flash shouted. "I just got word from Blue Beetle, they managed to contain a similar android. This time, it may be the bomb."
*Fate/Astraea*
I'm at the beginning of time and part of the past, present and future. I'm part of history, but not here and now. In the moment you'll find me, if you know what I am. What am I?
That is the riddle that Blue Beetle and Geo-Force received from their android. They found it at the construction site of a new skyscraper.
The android not only copied their powers, it combined them. The scarab armor had magma features which went well with the fact that it fired magma blasts instead of the usual energy. Blue Beetle returned fire, which gave Geo-Force enough time to trap it in a burning ball of magma.
The Android is focused on using Geo-Force's powers to remove the magma, but he would assert control and replace the magma. Blue Beetle will blast of its limbs when it tried to fire more magma blasts. But it kept regenerating and continued to fire more.
"T!" Blue Beetle shouted. "The answer is T!"
The android powered off and stopped firing. Geo-Force submerged it into the lava and destroyed it. He rested his hands on his knees from exhaustion.
"That was tiring," He wheezed. "How did you get the answer?"
"I figured it out by reading the riddle over and over again. T is the common thing that most of the words have."
"Really?"
"No. The other's messaged me saying that the riddle is most likely another letter."
"Oh," Geo-Force deadpanned. "So, did we get the bomb?"
"The Scarab checked," Blue Beetle shook his head. "This wasn't the bomb."
"Damn it," Geo-Force cursed. "We took down three of those things and we still have no bomb. So where is it?"
You guys found the bomb? Beast Boy messaged through their Darkwear.
"No, we haven't," Geo-Force repeated. "You think Riddler is lying to send us on a goose chase?"
That's not like him from what we've been told.
"Well for one thing, the answer to these riddle's happen to be letters," Blue Beetle said. "Static and Dorado got E. Wonder Girl and Kid Flash got S. We got stuck with T."
E, S, and T? What would that…mean…
"Beast Boy?"
Guys, I get it now! Those are clues! Beast Boy frantically replied. It's another riddle! The letters are a clue to the real bomb!
"Seriously?" Geo-Force asked. "So where is the real bomb?"
Eastside Transit! The most convenient place to hide the actual bomb! I'm flying on over there; I'll meet everyone there!
"We better head over there," Geo-Force told Blue Beetle as he raised a wave of magma.
"Yes, we should," Behind his back, translucent wings spread. He grabbed the arm of the android.
Together, they took off. What they didn't know was that they were being watched by someone else. A figure clad in white reached in and pulled out a phone.
"I've got a location."
*Fate/Astraea*
"Everybody out!" Beast Boy shouted. "There's a bomb here! Everyone needs to leave!"
The Eastside transit used to be a bus station. Now it is remodeled to be a subway entrance.
The Outsiders led the evacuation of the civilians to avoid deaths. Thanks to their public image, they listened without question. As soon as they're gone, they began their search for the bomb.
Thanks to the android arm, Beast Boy was able to pick up a scent from the metal in the form of a bloodhound. His nose is in the air as he traced it to one of the nearby tunnels. Behind him, his team followed. They walked for what seemed like several miles into the darkness. It was thanks to their Darkwear that they are able to see in the dark.
"Do you think that the bomb will be another android?" Kid Flash asked.
"Most likely," El Dorado said. "Because the others happen to be androids with timers on their chests."
"I hope not," Wonder Girl shuddered. "Can we have at least one battle without an android?"
"We're about to find out," Beast Boy changed back into his human form. Up ahead is a light in the tunnel. "I can smell somebody up ahead. Three guesses who."
"Riddler."
They exited the tunnel and into a well-lit room. It looked to be an abandoned station for the subway. At the end of the room, is a wall of computer monitors with a high back chair. It swiveled back to reveal a grinning Riddler. The latter held a question mark cane.
"Congratulations, Outsiders!" He spread his hands. "You've made it to the bonus round!"
"Bonus round?" Beast Boy growled. "Is everything a game to you?"
"Of course," Riddler shrugged. "Life is one big riddle, one that is always difficult to solve."
"I don't get what you said," Wonder Girl cracked her knuckles. "But why are you doing this?"
"Tsk, tsk, Wonder Girl," Riddler said. "First you've got to get past my riddle. Riddle me this boys and girls: who is the ultimate enemy?"
He pressed a button on his cane.
Above him, several more androids descended. They landed on the ground in a crouch and stood up. Each of them morphed into the appearance of the Outsiders. The only difference between the parties is the glowing red eyes.
"The answer: You!"
"Great, more androids," Static groaned.
"At least it's not just an android Wonder Girl," Beast Boy Quipped.
"Hey! I never asked to deal with several of them."
"We'll argue later," Beast Boy got serios. "If these get loose, they can cause massive damage! Who's up for sending these guys to the scrap heap?"
"I am!"
They got into fighting positions.
"Alright gang," Beast Boy said as they got ready to battle. "Let's do this!"
He turned into a tiger and lead the charge against their doubles.
Beast Boy's double turned into a similar tiger and lunged to meet him. They tumble to the ground, biting and clawing at each other. Beast Boy changed tactics and turned into a gorilla, which grabbed the tiger by the tail and flung it to a wall. The android growled and got up to transform into a similar gorilla. Both gorillas charged at each other and grappled.
His team is having trouble with their doubles as well. Blue Beetle engaged his double in a duel of lasers. Static and his double are blasting electromagnetic energy at each other. Wonder Girl engaged hers in a fistfight. Kid Flash zipped around the room with his double, trading blows with it. Geo-Force became encased in magma armor and traded blows with his double, who had done the same thing.
Riddler watched the fight with glee.
"You won't win against them!" He sang. "These new Amazo androids have been monitoring you all over the news. They're even programmed to counter your every move. You're just like a solved riddle to them!"
Beast boy flew into a wall in gorilla form. As he changed back, groaning from the pain, he suddenly grinned.
"In that case, we have but one solution…"
He turned into a rhino and charged forward. The Gorilla got ready to grapple, but Beast Boy instead charged towards the hand locked Wonder Girls. He got the Android with his horn and impaled it. Then he threw it across the room.
"…we switch dance partners!"
Everyone got the message. Geo-Force proceeded to pin the Beast Boy double against the wall and pound it into it. It fell to the ground in a heap.
Static electrocuted the Blue Beetle double, short-circuiting its weapons system. His double tried to blast him away, but not after Kid Flash stabbed a sharp lead pipe into his chassis.
The Kid Flash double tried to rush at an unaware Geo-Force, only to trip upon a golden lasso. As it fell, the Wonder Girl grasped its head and crushed the skull like an apple. She proceeded to lift it up and smash it into the ground.
That left Blue Beetle with the Geo-Force look alike. Blue Beetle gulped as it loomed over him in its magma armor.
"Okay…" He muttered to the scarab on his back. "Any idea on how to deal with this guy? One that is not lethal."
It blinked in tandem. Its message sent a surprised look on his face.
"We have something like that?!" He exclaimed. "You should have told me sooner!"
His arms shifted in front of him into cannons. He aimed them at the android and fired. Instead of a blue energy blast, it shot a white flame. When it made contact with the android, it began to freeze. The magma cooled down until eventually, it became encased in ice.
"That takes care of that," He said. Then he turned to the Riddler. "Now on to business."
"I suppose someone of your brains would think this is over," Riddler slicked back his hair. "But I suppose that I should expect that of nimrods like you."
"Nimrods!" Geo-Force shouted. "We've just beaten your machines! Would a- "
"Not yet!" Riddler pointed forward. "Look!"
Everyone looked, and to their horror, the androids began to pick themselves up. In the Geo-Force androids' case, it heated itself up and busted from the ice. The Kid Flash android got up and repaired the damage to its skull.
"So what?" Beast Boy shouted as they charged towards a different double. "We'll just beat them again!"
"As I said, the ultimate enemy..."
Then to their shock, the different partners they had selected began to change. Beast Boy thought he was fighting a double of Static, but instead, he was fighting himself again.
"…Is you."
"What the heck?" Beast Boy shouted before the double turned into a Gorilla and grabbed his head. Before he could transform, the gorilla rammed his head into the wall in succession. Beast Boy eventually stopped moving and fell to the ground.
His teammates also suffered the same fate. Wonder girl ended up getting tied up with her own lasso. Blue Beetle's activated a tech dampening field which forced him to cease functionality. Geo-Force ended up trapped in boiling magma. Static got grounded by his double, who bent metal to restrain him. But it was Kid Flash who suffered the worst.
"ARG!" He screamed as his double shoved an iron stake into his leg. He fell to the ground as the doubles closed in on them.
"Kid Flash!" Blue Beetle screamed. He cursed at being unable to move.
Riddler laughed as Beast Boy finally regained consciousness.
"These androids were specifically made to fight you!" He declared. "Even if you traded partners, they would change into whoever they are facing! Not only that, they learn from experience. They're even better than the original Amazo!"
"You wait Riddler," Beast Boy growled. He still couldn't feel any strength. "You'll get what's coming to you."
"I can wait all day to solve that riddle," He chuckled. Then he shrugged. "I suppose before I destroy you that I should tell you why I am doing this. I'm sure that you're aware of the strange attacks on us."
"You mean…" Wonder Girl asked with wide eyes.
"Exactly," He held his thumb up. "This was all to get the attention of the mysterious organization. I'm sure that you wanted the same thing as us, right? I know you and my employers don't like unexpected riddles."
"That doesn't mean we put innocent people in danger!" Geo-Force shouted from his magma prison.
"Whatever it takes to solve the greatest mysteries my friend," Riddler twirled his cane. "To obtain something, one must give something in return. Surely they taught you that?"
He set his cane down and sat down.
"I'm going to go back to cracking the riddles," He turned to face the screens again. "It's a shame they didn't appear today. But I suppose we could try again. In the meantime, androids: destroy the Outsiders!"
The Outsiders looked up to see their doubles prepared to end their lives.
"Just so you guys know," Beast Boy addressed his team. "It's been an honor fighting alongside you guys."
His team nodded in acknowledgment.
"Same here my friend," Geo-Force said. "Same here."
They closed their eyes as if to accept the inevitable death. IT was fun while it lasted, but eventually, it had to come to this. Someone else will take up the fight in their stead. The fight against the light in the spotlight.
"Do not be so quick to accept death."
A woman's voice cut through the room. This is followed by the sound of a classic sword slash. The Outsiders opened their eyes to see the doubles stop in motion. Then one by one, the suddenly fell apart. The damage they suffered looked as if they had been cut by a high-pressured water cutter.
But their attention wasn't on them. It was the young woman who stood in between them.
She stood, clad in armor over a blue dress. Blonde hair is tied into a bun with a ribbon. Her hands looked as if they are holding something, but they couldn't see it. The way that she carried herself looked dignified as if she were a monarch.
Above all, they could only describe her as beautiful.
"Is everyone alright?" She asked, her green eyes furrowing in concern.
They could only nod at the stranger who suddenly appeared before them. She smiled in relief, but that disappeared as she turned her attention to the man sitting in the chair. The Riddler turned around the moment he heard the Androids fall to pieces.
"OK," He said slowly. "Can't say I've seen you around before. Are you a new recruit for these Outsiders?"
"Not quite," She curtly replied. "But you can say that my group has similar goals as theirs. One of which includes the dissolution of your organization."
"Organization?" Riddler asked quizzically. Then his face became one of realization, then of joy. "You must be part of the group attacking us! So, my experiment worked after all!"
"Experiment?" She asked vehemently and pointed to the wreckage of the androids. "You would endanger the people around us with these weapons over an experiment?"
"What else are we supposed to do?" He asked. "You didn't exactly leave any contact information. Desperate time call for desperate measures."
"Edward Nigma, AKA Riddler," Saber said. "Because of you, many people would've died today. If these people hadn't stopped you, then you would've succeeded. Instead of accepting defeat, you proceed to continue with this goal in mind."
She lifted her invisible weapon and held it in front of her.
"You may call me Saber! Prepare yourself!"
Riddler looked astonished at her bold declaration. Then he sighed in exasperation.
"Melodramatics these days," He picked up his cane. "They say that the bigger the talk the weaker the man.
He pressed a button on his cane. Instantly, more androids descended the ceiling, taking up a lot of the room.
"I'll leave you to my toys," He said. "Meanwhile, I'll get to work on cracking on you. Have fun!"
The androids blinked red. But before they could even move a metal finger, Saber moved into action. Wind surrounded her weapon as she swung it, somehow it turned to gold. An arch of golden wind flew from her slash, slicing through the horde of androids. Some of them surged forward, but then wind gathered around her weapon, and a horizontal tornado surged forward and sent them flying into each other. Saber took advantage of this and lopped their heads off in breakneck pace.
Riddler just stood there with his jaw hanging open. The Outsiders shared similar reactions.
Saber turned her attention to Riddler. Within seconds, she is in front of him, holding her invisible weapon to his throat. He backed against his screens.
"H-how? How did you-"
"Your androids may be powerful," She answered with steel in her voice. Her green eyes glared into his. "But even they need time to assume the form needed for combat. If someone were to cut them down before that, it would be over before you know it. Your mistake is putting more reliance into your machines, not taking this into account."
She pressed her weapon further to his neck.
"You have lost. Surrender now."
She thought that he would've given up at that point. To her surprise, he just chuckled.
"I think you'll find that your wrong dear," He said as he pressed the last button on his cane before she could stop him.
Behind her, she heard the sound of something heavy landing. Turning her head just a fraction, she saw an even bigger android. It appeared to be an amalgamation of every outsider on the team. Its chassis resembles that of Blue Beetles, but it's also outlined with electric blue circuitry. On its arms and legs, they appeared to be made of magma but with bestial features. Its head is reminiscent of a beast. On its chest appeared to be a mixture of emblems.
It growled at her.
"Here is my newly improved android," Riddler cackled with glee. "Unlike the others, it gathers data from its brothers and sisters. It combines their powers to form the ultimate fighting machine!"
Saber glared at him. "So, this is the WMD you were planning to unleash!"
"Exactly," Riddler said as if it were obvious. "Now that I've got your attention, I can proceed to phase three of my plans: taking you out. All right my big amalgamation of science, attack this woman here and-!"
He didn't say anymore as Saber hit him with the pommel of her weapon, knocking her out. She turned to see the android preparing an attack. It's beast head reared back, the magma forming at its mouth.
She turned her gaze to see Kid Flash in the line of fire. Grabbing Riddler's unconscious body, she dashed forward and grabbed him as well. Saber managed to get them out in time to avoid the stream of magma that spewed from the android's mouth. It melted the computers and reduced them to a burning mess.
She carried the two towards the awaiting Outsiders. Dumping Riddler, she kneeled down and gently laid Kid Flash on the ground.
"I've sent for medical help," Saber told them. "and the police. Get these two out of here."
"What about you?" Beast Boy asked.
"That android is focused on me," She got up. "I'll drive it away from here. You guys get to safety."
"Hey! Wait a minute!" Geo-Force protested but couldn't stop her as she dashed to a nearby wall. With her weapon, she smashed the wall and ran through the hole. The android roared and barreled after her with super speed. It smashed more of the wall and pursued her into the night.
"What should we do?" Wonder Girl asked.
Beast Boy looked to where Saber had run off and frowned.
*Fate/Astraea*
Saber dashed through the streets of Hollywood, the android following behind her at super speed. As it ran on all fours, it's back opened up and deployed four cannons. Two of them fired focused streams of magma while the other two fired beams of electromagnetic energy. When it got close, it attempted to swipe at her with its magma claws.
Saber avoided it with ease but flinched when they nearly killed passersby.
That thing will kill someone if I don't end it here, she thought. I can't stop without risking more damage to the city than now. Yet by the time I get to a secluded area, there would be severe casualties.
Her mind flashed to memories.
A bloody battle with knights similar to herself…
Two knights standing over a pile of corpses, about to kill each other…
She developed a determined look.
Guess I have no choice.
She turned the corner and took up position in the middle of the road. Even now, she could hear the android's approach. If she timed this wrong, the android will continue wreaking havoc.
"It may have the ability to learn the powers and skills of an individual," Saber declared. "But here is one thing it can't learn in a short span of time."
The android flew forward from the street.
"Control!"
She held her weapon in front of her, the tip facing down. The air around it dissipated, revealing it to be a claymore with a gold and blue hilt.
"The gathering of the star. The shining torrent of life."
Saber then lifted her sword high above her head, the tip facing the night sky. Her sword glowed, and a golden aura flared up around her as golden particles gathered around it.
"Take this! Ex…"
Before she could continue, she saw something in the corner of her eye that made her hesitate. Six androids are closing in around her, still damaged from the thrashing she gave them. They rushed at her at an attempt to stop her, as if the realized that what she is about to do is more dangerous to them. Some of them, however, went after civilians in an attempt to get her to stop.
Dammit!
Then, in a flash, the androids rushing at her were set upon by three people. A green elephant grabbed one with its tusk and crushed it. Geo-Force enveloped one in a blob of hot lava. Static fried his android's circuitry.
The civilians suddenly vanished in a flash of yellow. The androids that tried to assault them suddenly found themselves to the fury of Wonder Girl and Blue Beetle. Wonder girl smashed an android while Blue Beetle bisected one.
Beast Boy transformed back into his human form and glanced at Saber.
"Finish it!"
Saber was caught by surprise at their sudden appearance. But she nodded and focused on the android charging at her.
"EXCALIBUR!"
She brought her sword down, sending a golden wave of light towards the android. It didn't even have time to dodge as the light washed over it. Its chassis cracked under the energy of the attack before finally shattered into oblivion. The leftover energy traveled down the street before finally dissipating.
Silence filled the air.
Saber observed her work. Stabbing her sword into the ground and rested her hands upon it. She allowed the silence to reign, not breaking it.
She didn't even appear winded by that blast of energy.
Footsteps are heard behind her.
Glancing behind her, she saw the Outsiders gathers. Kid Flash is also present, his leg is still in need of recovery. The others look worse for wear, but they are alright.
Beast Boy stepped forward.
"I want to ask you something if you don't mind Saber."
Saber nodded her consent.
"Are you with the organization attacking The Lights' facilities?"
Once again, Saber nodded as she turned to face them.
"I am, and while I understand you have questions, now isn't the place."
Around her, people in white uniforms appeared with hoods up. The Outsiders got defensive before Saber reassured them with a hand.
"They're with me," She assured. "They'll handle the clean-up while we get to somewhere else. We have much to discuss."
*Fate/Astraea*
New York
At a five-star restaurant, a meeting is taking place.
A man of fifty-five years sat in a chair. His white hair is slicked back with a single strand hanging over his left eye. A black gloved hand stroked a white mustache. He wore a white long-sleeved shirt, a maroon vest, a black cloak with blue underneath, black pinstripe pants, and dress shoes. On his right side, a cane leaned against him.
Standing next to him is a lovely young girl clad in a white dress and thigh high boots, carrying a giant mace. Her eyes are hidden behind her long pink hair. Wear her ears might have been is a golden apparatus. The same color as the horn on her forehead.
Across from them is a young man in a blue hoodie and jeans. His hood is pulled up which obscured most of his face. Gloves covered his hands and he also wore travel boots.
"You must try the roast pig here," The elder insisted. "You'll find it quite delicious."
"Thanks, M, but I need to get down to business," The hood said. "Do you have anything?"
"It took a lot of digging," The Elder took out a file and slid it over to him. Paper clipped to the front is the image of an Arabian girl wearing a shawl. "But I found a way to get you to your destination."
"Violet Harper?" He asked skeptically as he opened the file. "Let see… According to this, her powers vary on the aura. That's pretty cool! So, Indigo allows her to make boom tubes?"
"Yes," M nodded. "That should get to your destination pronto. But considering her circumstances, I doubt she'll be willing to help."
"Circumstances?" The hood flipped over a paper. From beneath the hood, eyes widened. "Wait! So, she's- "
"Yes, she is dying," M solemnly nodded. "Dr. Helga Jace wrote a report about it. Remember…"
"What you don't know can't hurt you," The Hood groaned as he got up from his chair. "Is the team in place?"
"Yes, they are in position as we speak," M gave a sinister smile. "Just waiting for them to take the bait."
"Yeah," The Hood agreed, but his mind seemed to be off somewhere. "Have fun in New York M."
He began to walk away from the table, but before he got far, he felt someone grab his wrist. Turning around, he saw that the girl had grasped it and is holding out a bouquet of flowers.
"Is this for me?" He asked.
She grunted in assent.
"Thank you," He smiled as he took it. "They look lovely."
"She selected the best," M smiled warmly at her. "Which reminds me, did you hear the news about Luthor?"
The Hood glanced at him, then smirked.
"I heard. It's a pity that I can't attend the joyous occasion."
*Fate/Astraea*
Luthor woke up to a hangover.
Sitting up, he found himself in an unfamiliar apartment. It was a mess. Beer bottles littered the floor and packets were opened. He didn't want to know what was in those packets.
"Ugh…" He groaned. "…What happened?"
He tried to rack his brain, but his brain was coming up on blank.
The sheet came off him, and it was then he realized his clothing is gone. He grabbed the sheet in an attempt to cover himself. Just then, his phone rang showing Mercy.
He grabbed it and took the call.
"Mercy! Where the hell are you?!"
"You told me to take the day off sir," Mercy Graves replied, surprise in her voice. "You wanted to celebrate your bachelor party along with your associates."
"Bachelor party?" Luthor demanded. "What a bachelor party?"
"Sir, are you alright?" Mercy had a trace concern in her voice.
"No, I am not!" He nearly shouted. "I just woke up naked in an apartment filled with beer and drugs. Also, I have no recollection of the events of last night!"
"None sir?" Mercy asked. "Would you like me to bring your suit to you?"
"Yes, anything is better than standing here naked!"
"I'm on my way, sir. You're going to be late for your important day."
"Thank you," Luthor sighed in relief. Then the last part registered. "Mercy? What's on the schedule today?"
"Sir?"
"Don't make me ask again," Luthor narrowed his eyes as he walked into the living space.
"It's just that…" She trailed off.
"Just spit it out, Mercy," Luthor snarled. "I didn't pay you to- "
"You don't remember your wedding?"
Luthor felt his heart leap into his throat.
"Wedding? What wedding?"
"It's all over the news sir," Mercy plainly replied.
Luthor fumbled for the remote and turned the TV on. It showed a news channel with a headline that made Luthor's head go even more round.
Secretary-General Wedding
"Breaking News," The newscaster spoke. "Today is the day Secretary-General Luthor finally ties the knot! That's right folks, Lex Luthor is getting married today!"
Luthor stood speechless for a moment.
"WHEN THE HELL DID THIS HAPPEN?!"
While he was screaming, he didn't know he was being overheard. She is a young lady whose clothes barely concealed her body. Her body is adorned with golden accessories and dressed in purple stockings, arm covers, and a see-through sheet that covered her torso. Silver hair shook and red eyes are filled with sadistic joy as she heard Luthor squirm.
"This is only the beginning," She giggled. "After all, as the saying goes, love conquers all!"
Thank you all for reading, let me know what you think.
VGBlackwing: I know how you feel. The League has forgotten why they have formed in the first place. To protect the innocent. If they're precious laws and publicity are all that's important to them, then they have no right to defend us.
Blazblade: Hopefully you know who the actual archer of new york is by now. Also, I'll explain how they operate in the next chapter.
To everyone who has been asking about Vandal Savage: Let's just say that History has a lot of holes surrounding Savage. Also, the fact that he's not going to be very popular among some of the servants.
Guest: I'll make a list later on.
Till next time!