Chapter 4: BloodRed

Fate/Astraea

Chapter 3: BloodRed

*Fate/Astraea*

Antarctica

"In other Breaking news today, Siegbert Muller Has achieved success in his humanitarian efforts. The children of Step by Step home have a bright future ahead thanks to him."

Sitting in one of the seats in the common room, Jeanne d'Arc watched the news channel at Chaldea Headquarters. Outside of her armor, she wore a dark blue blazer with a small tie and white undershirt. Her mini skirt and thigh high stocks are also dark blue. Amethyst eyes gazed sadly at the figure on screen.

He is a young man with slender-but-hardy body, with eyes a dark red like rubies. The clothing he wore consisted of an open white black vest over a white shirt and a brown suit. Siegbert, as the media called him, stood before a crowd of happy looking orphans.

Her heart ached at the sight of him.

She knelt on the ground with her arms wrapped around him, her face on the verge of tears. His body is half obliterated, causing him to lose blood fast. Ruby eyes gazed up at her, losing light fast.

He opened his mouth to speak…

"Jeanne?"

Jeanne snapped out of her thoughts at the sound of Mash's voice. She turned to see the pinkette standing next to her, a clipboard in her hand. Her face held a concerned expression.

"Mash?" Jeanne stood up. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see if you can help me with our guests," Mash said. She turned to the newsfeed. "Are you still thinking about… him?"

"Yes," Jeanne sadly admitted. Then she felt a hand on her shoulder. Mash gazed at her with a sympathetic smile.

"I know that feeling well," Mash told her. "Are you sure you don't want to…"

"No," Jeanne answered firmly. She shook her head. "It's better that he doesn't get involved with us again. Right now, he has a bright future ahead of him."

The saint didn't want to go through that again.

"Any way," Jeanne smiled. "What do you need my help with?"

"I was thinking that you could escort them to the conference room," Mash said, going with the change of topic. "We have a lot to discuss."

"Agreed."

*Fate/Astraea*

"Woo!" Bart exclaimed as he and the boys exited the hot springs of the medical bay. "His leg is completely healed. "That was refreshing."

"You said it man," Virgil said with enthusiasm. "I haven't tried a hot spring before."

"And I would like to experience it once again," Brion turned to Garfield. "Is it possible to get our own at the Hub?"

"I think I can arrange that," Garfield smirked. "I think Goode World studios will be more than happy to provide it. Who knows? It might come from the Goodeness of their heart."

The boys laughed at the pun. Cassie emerged from the girl's section of the springs. By her smile, they can tell she enjoyed the experience as much as them.

"I love the healing properties," She said, flexing her arms. "Not only am I relaxed, I can't feel any of those aching bruises from those androids."

After the mess at Hollywood, Saber told them that they would handle the cleanup. The white uniformed people worked on wiping the people's memories and repairing destroyed buildings. They're going to make it look like a bad storm blew in. Saber took them to a hospital, which turns out to be a front for 'Chaldea'. They teleported somewhere and Saber left them to the medical bay. As for the Riddler, they are told that he will be dealt with by a 'specialist' in prison.

"I'm glad that they're to your liking."

They all turned to a black robed man standing in the area. His face is covered by a hood and a beaked mask, with he only recognizable feature being two braids of white-purple hair. A staff floated in front of him, a black armored snake curled around it.

The man introduced himself as Asclepius. According to Cassie, he is the Greek god of Medicine and Healing. Whether that is his real name or not remains to be seen.

"This is much better than tending to patients," He sighed. "I hate patients. Idiotic patients to be clear."

"This guy would give Dorado a run for his money," Jaime whispered to Bart, who nodded.

"If you are done whispering about my money," Asclepius spoke, causing the two of them to jump. "You can follow your escort."

"Escort?"

"He means me."

Asclepius stepped aside, and every boy felt their jaws hit the ground. A young girl walked into the room, she looked to be about their age. Her blonde hair is tied into a long braid and she wore dark blue clothing. Amethyst eyes scanned them to ensure she had their attention.

"Whoa…" Jaime whispered.

"Check her out…" Virgil muttered in shock.

"Good evening," The girl began. "I hope you've enjoyed your time in the hot springs. We've found it an alternative than listening to our Medical Heads complaints about his patients."

"Hmph," Asclepius crossed his arms in a huff.

"If you would come with me, I will take you to the conference room. We can discuss everything there. Also, my name is Jeanne d'Arc."

*Fate/Astraea*

Jeanne lead the Outsiders throughout Chaldea HQ. Along the way they took in the sights. The hallways are tiled white with rectangular lighting overhead. As they walked, they bumped into more people in those white uniforms going about their business. They saw different clothed men and women as well. A blue garved man with a gold mask walked into a room filled with stone statues. He briefly gave them a glance before heading off to work. Another room had a white-haired woman in a white dress with red at the bottom talking to a teddy bear. Before they could decide if she was crazy, she turned to them and gave them a wave and smile. The boys blushed again before they're pushed along by Cassie.

"We're here," Jeanne spoke after they have arrived at another set of doors, which had the Chaldea logo on them. The doors opened and a woman came out. She wore a dark green and black dress with dark gloves. Her long hair is a mix between dirt blonde and light green with the last foot of her hair so blonde it looked white. What set her apart from the other people they encountered is the lion ears and the tail.

She stopped before Jeanne, surprise replaced with a light glare in her green eyes.

"Ruler."

"Archer of Red."

They stared at each other before Atalanta walked to the side and went on her way. She spared the Outsiders a glance, mostly on Garfield, then continued her way.

"Is it just me, or is every girl here a beauty," Virgil commented. "I mean, first Saber, then Jeanne, and now Atalante?"

"I hate to disappoint you, but Atalante has taken a vow of chastisity," Jeanne turned and entered the doors. "Please follow me."

"I'm sensing something between them," Brion commented.

"Yeah," Garfield agreed. "But we should follow her."

As the Outsiders entered, the doors closed behind them. The conference room had a high ceiling and the wall are strange. But what got their attention was the structure a few feet in front of them. Three rings surrounded a blue holographic globe of the Earth. Outside the rings floated holographic screens. Ac console is set below it.

As Jeanne lead them closer, they got a better look of the screens. Most of them show predictions for natural disasters. Some of them show incidents like the android riot the Riddler unleashed. The word 'Averted' is shown in big green letters.

Behind Jaime's back, the Scarab protruded a limb with a red lens to scan the object.

"Down boy," Jaime lightly scolded the scarab. "I get it is interesting, but the last thing we want to do is get accused of theft."

"That's alright."

Everyone turned their attention to a pink haired lady who walked from around the structure. Her bespectacled eyes face gave a smile of amusement.

"It's not often that we show the CHALDEAS to outsider," She told them. "It's imperative that we keep this secret."

"Secret?" Bart asked. "Why?"

"Because this device allows us to view the past, present, and future of earth," She replied to the astonished looks of the Outsiders. "With this, we can determine where and when the Lights operations would take place. I assume this would answer your question about how we know where to strike, correct?"

"Y-yeah," Brion stammered, still stunned by the fact that they have a machine capable of predicting the future. "While we are on the subject, how accurate is this device."

"As accurate as it goes," Jeanne answered. "But every operation that we foil, it tends to shift to a different timeline. Right now, thanks to out efforts, the light isn't planning anything further for a while."

"Amen to that," Garfield said. Then he glanced at the pinkette. "I'm sorry, but we didn't get your name. Miss…"

"Kyrielight," She bowed. "Mash Kyrielight. I am the acting director for the Chaldea Security Organization. Our organization is formed to protect the future of the reign of humanity."

"The reign of humanity?" Garfield asked. Then he noticed something. "Wait, acting director? Where's the actual director?"

He could tell he hit a sore subject when the girl looked downcast. Mash looked saddened.

"Right now, our director is missing," She somberly spoke. "Ever since we've began operations after the Grand Orders, we haven't seen any trace of him. We're still looking for him, but we…"

She trailed off.

"I'm sorry," Garfield apologized. "I ddin't mean to bring up bad moments. Maybe we could get to that discussion about now."

"Of course," Mash perked up. A smile on her face. "My Senpai said he would be back, so I believe he will be back. No sob stories here."

"Agreed," Jeanne said. "Perhaps we should explain about us first. I should warn you; it's going to be a long story."

"Noted." Garfield nodded. "We've got all day and nothing on our schedule for the moment, so let's roll."

"Okay," Jeanne began. "It all starts with the Holy Grail War…"

*Fate/Astraea*

While they listen to the history of the grail war…

In a prison

Edward Nigma cowered from the stager in his cell.

The stranger is a little girl with long purple hair that parted from her forehead almost reached the floor. Scantily clad in a stylized loin cloth and a ribbon that covered her chest area, she wore Chinese styled clothing that opened. On her head she wore a golden head gear.

Somehow, fear radiated around her.

"Hello Edward Nigma!" She chirped, holding a book in front of her. "Riddle me this! What time is it?"

"Intimidation time?" Edward squeaked. "Because taking into account—"

"Oh no silly, it's not intimidation time," Edward sighed in relief before she said. "It's TIME for punishment!"

Edward can only cower as a purple aura flared around her.

"What you should hate is not you. It is the sins within you. Our law is the one to draw out all those sins with the scale of pain and anguish! Savor it thoroughly."

The room began to get dark.

"You will not simply rejoice…" She continued. "Know that your luck is truly high! For you shall gaze upon our affair more closely than anyone else! Torture, torture, and even more torture! Nyufufufufufufu~"

*Fate/Astraea*

Jeanne and Mash stood before the astounded Outsiders.

"So, let me get this straight," Garfield slowly said. "You guys are actually the physical manifestations of Heroic Spirits. With Jeanne being THE Joan of Arc? The Maid of Orleans?"

"Yep."

"The spirits of people from heroes of history," Cassie said. "Even gods?"

"Uh huh."

"Normally, you guys are summoned to partake in a Grail War," Brion continued. "Seven of you 'servants' fight to the death and the one left standing gets a wish granted by the Grail."

"Provided that there is one."

"And now that Chaldea won a short war," Bart continued. "The Director, Ritsuka Fujimura, made a wish to summon every servant to fight the Light after they kidnapped his sister. Who then disappeared afterword?"

"That's the story."

No one spoke for a moment. Brion immediately felt sympathy for this Ritsu. He knew what it's like to lose his sister, and he believed that everything he did is justified.

"Why didn't I know of this?!" Bart exclaimed. "I'm from the future!"

"The Mage's Association has been around as long as you can count," Mash answered. "Masking our presence is no issue. We might be on bad terms with them now, but that doesn't mean we can't mask our presence."

"Why?"

"Witch hunts," Jeanne answered. "IF word got out that mages are still around, it will cause chaos. It's more likely that there will be innocent people killed. With the metahuman trafficking, it will give them another product to sell."

"I can see that," Virgil said.

"Wait," Cassie interrupted. "You mean that Asclepius is actually THE Asclepius. The actual God?"

"Yes," Jeanne said. "And the woman that we passed by was Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. Orion was supposed to be summoned, but she hijacked the summoning and took over his identity."

"By Hera!" Cassie exclaimed, clasping her head. "I just met two actual gods here!"

"It's alright, they're not going to lord it over you," Mash told her. "They're actually quite friendly once you get to know him. Just make sure Orion doesn't get close to you, Artemis is known to be jealous."

"Noted," Cassie gulped.

"So, you guys are divided into seven classes," Garfield noted. "Saber, Archer, Lancer, Rider, Caster, Assassin, and Berserker."

"Yes, but there have been more classes," Jeanne placed a hand on her chest. "I am Ruler class. In the Grail War, we are called to ensure that it goes according to the rules. In this case, we supervise the teams of seven we send on missions. We have others like Avenger, Foreigner, Alter Ego, Moon Cancer, and in Mash's case Shielder. We use them to mask our true names, because if they know who and what we are, they could figure out our abilities. It's vital that you keep our names to yourselves."

"Of course," Garfield agreed. "Provided that you agree to an alliance."

"Alliance?"

"We know what you're doing against the light," Garfield states. "You've dealt a major blow to the Light with your operations. I can imagine what we can do if we work together. But the issue is about the brutality. We would like you to ease up on the violence and not kill anyone."

"I'm afraid that we can't control all of their actions," Jeanne regrettably told them. "Each of them has their own ideas and beliefs. To ask them to give them up would violate who they are. Not to mention some of them tend to act outside of Chaldea's orders."

"That's unfortunate."

"But we will form an alliance. On the condition that you keep us secret from the league until we feel ready."

"What?" Garfield looked up in surprise.

"You can thank Saber when you see her," Jeanne said. "She said that it was only a matter of time before the Justice League is aware of our presence. Dr. Fate knows of the Mage's Association, so it would be beneficial if we have him on our side in case, they try to hinder our operations. Plus, we need help against the Church as well."

"Isn't the Church supposed to be good?" Jaime asked, then regretted when he saw the dark looks on Jeanne and Mash.

"Let's just say that you are glad you aren't a mage," Mash warned. Then she brightened and extended her hand. "So, shall we be friends?"

"Yes," Garfield took it and shook it. "Let's defeat the light together. We'll also lend a hand to search for your friend."

"Thank you."

"By the way," Bart said. "You said that servants are people from history. Can you tell us Saber's true name? I mean, you know our identities and not to be rude…"

"Don't worry," Mash said. Then she smiled mischievously. "Though you might want to sit down."

*Fate/Astraea*

Back at the prison

"No legs have I to dance, no lungs have I to breathe, no life have I to live or die and yet I do all three. What am I?"

"Hmmm…." The purple haired girl muttered, stroking her chin. She and Nigma are currently standing at separate booths. On the screen, a game show host is reciting the riddle. As she took a long and condescending minute to think, Nigma is currently bound like a mummy. His mouth, which uttered muffled screams, is covered with a ball gag. Her booth showed 160 points while his showed 0.

"I think I know…" She brightened, then answered for the one hundred and seventieth time. "I don't know. There is no answer to this riddle."

"CORRECT!" The host announced. Background music and an audience clapped. "Wu Zetian is in the lead with 170 points and Riddler is 0!"

The Riddler's screams intensified, his eyes bulging. Wu Zetian grinned maliciously at the poor man's attempts to answer.

"Don't worry Nigma," She cooed. "There is only seven of these left…. Seven HUNDRED riddles to go!"

She smiled evilly at the screams of Nigma.

*Fate/Astraea*

In the mess hall of Chaldea HQ, Artoria placed her hands together in prayer for the meal she is eating. It's mash potatoes and marinated meat. She grabbed her chopsticks and chowed down. She is dressed in a simple blue skirt and white long-sleeved shirt. An ascot is tied around her collar.

"I see your appetite is as big as ever."

Artoria glanced up to see Archer standing on the other side of her table.

"And I see you are back from your mission," Artoria replied. "How did it go?"

"I had to take care of a pest problem named Abra Kadabra," HE casually shrugged. "I'm not surprise he couldn't magic himself from my sight."

"He is a faux mage after all," Artoria scolded. "You can't expect every magic based villain to actually have magic circuits."

"That's probably thanks to Leonardo," He snarked. "They keep killing every each of them. Like Felix Faust last week."

"Her Noble Phantasm enables her to bypass their defenses. The last thing we needed was their mage's discovering our true nature. Though we are glad that Klarion is still stuck in the tower of fate."

"Yes." Archer agreed. His silver eyes narrowed as a painful memory crossed his mind. The image of a burning city. "Though in my opinion, we should've sent Medea to deal with him permanently. Rule Breaker would've done the job."

"Archer…"

"Anyway, I heard that you've allowed those Outsiders to come to HQ," The nameless servant said to her. "I wonder why? Are you planning on making them Knights of the Round?"

"No," She shook her head. "I figured that we should form an alliance with them. They are fighting the Light as much as we are."

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend," He quoted. "That's what they always say. Though I plan on getting Savage."

"You're not the only one who wants him," She replied. She can already tell that most of the servants here, aside from Avenger class, want his head on a silver platter. Some of them have already plotted ways on how to kill him, most of them grisly.

She faced Archer. Glancing at the facial features, she can already draw similarities between him and another person. The meal she ate reminds her more of him, but it wasn't his cooking. The chefs of Chaldea can never compare to his cooking. Nobody knew the identity of Archer, but she had her reasons to believe that she knew him from that time.

"Archer…" She began. Then she felt a presence from behind her. She turned around to see the Outsiders standing behind her, with their mouth's opened in shock.

"Hello…" She waved her hand. "May I help you?"

"YOU'RE KING ARTHUR?!" They exclaimed.

"Yes," She nodded. "I am Artoria Pendragon. King of Camelot and leader of the Knights of the Round Table. Through out history, I'm referred to as the King of Knights."

"But you're a girl!" The boys exclaimed.

Artoria sighed. She already expected this kind of reaction. "Let me be the first to tell you this. History isn't known for its accuracy. I have myself to blame for concealing my true gender, which lead to terrible events that contribute to the fall of my kingdom."

"You mean Mordred and Morgan Le Fay?" Brion asked. "Don't tell me…. How is that…."

"I'll let her tell the story," Artoria's gaze hardened at the memory. "I'll warn you beforehand not to address her as a woman. She's known to go berserk when that happens."

"Well I'm not complaining!" Cassie happily sat down next to her. "I find it neat to see that the King Arthur is another girl! The rest of the guys are going to flip when they hear this!"

"Well I leave you fan club to you then," Archer stood up and walked away from the table.

"Archer," Artoria groused after him. AS he approached the door, it opened to admit another pink haired girl in white armor and black skirt.

"HEY ARTORIA!" The person dashed toward Artoria's table. "I heard that we have new friends! Can I join in?"

"Sure," Artoria nodded. She turned to the Outsiders. "Everyone, this is—"

"Oh, let me introduce myself!" She interrupted. Clearing her throat, she spoke. "I am Astolfo, I'm one of the twelve paladins of Charlemagne."

"Astolfo?" Brion asked. "You're a girl as well?"

"I'll be the first to tell you," Artoria interrupted. "SHE is actually a HE."

"WHAT?!"

"He, he, he," Astolfo chuckled nervously. "I might and might not. I don't exactly remember. You should ask Jeanne. Her face and scream when she found out is priceless."

"So why are you wearing a skirt?" Jaime asked. "I mean, I get that you don't remember, but why not wear pants?"

"You sound like Charlie!" Astolfo huffed, puffing his cheeks. Then deflated with a sad expression.

"Is something wrong?" Cassie asked.

"Oh nothing," He waved his hands. "Just some bad memories popped up that's all! Anyway, your Beast Boy correct?"

"Y-yeah?" Garfield stammered at the guys exuberant personality.

"Is it true that you can turn into any animal you see?" When he nodded carefully, Astolfo smiled more. "Then can you turn into a Hippogriff?"

"A hippogriff?" He asked. "Like the one in movies or—"

Astolfo responded by bringing his fingers to his lips and whistling. In a flash, a winged beast appeared. Its front is that of an eagle with hindquarters of a horse.

"This is my ride!" Astolfo mounted it. "Everyone Meet Hippogriff!"

Then, they blinked out of existence. A second later, they heard a crash at the other end of the mess hall.

"Astolfo," Artoria said sternly. "We aren't allowed to use our Noble Phantasms at HQ. Provided that there is an emergency."

"Hee-hee" Astolfo bashfully scratched the back of his head. "Sorry, the big guy must have meant to shift on accident. So, can you try?"

"I think I can," Garfield said in uncertainty. While they are messing around with Garfield's powers, the rest of the Outsiders sat at the table with Artoria.

"So are the rest of the Knights girls?" Bart asked.

"Oh, don't worry," She assured them. "As far as I'm concerned, we've only had Mordred and Gareth. The rest as you see it."

"Quick question," Jaime cut in. "What are Noble Phantasms? You mentioned you guys aren't allowed to use them at HQ. Are they like, your powers?"

"I suppose I can explain," She stood up and addressed them. "Noble Phantasms are the embodiment of the ultimate mysteries of a hero that symbolizes our existence through history. They can be anything such as physical object and abstract concepts. In the Grail War, they are the trump cards that allow us to overcome others in battle. Now, we have to limit ourselves before we cause unnecessary destruction."

She reached out her hand. A flash of light, and a golden sword appeared in her hand.

"In my case, the Noble Phantasm I wield is the sword of promised victory – Excalibur. As you remember from yesterday."

The scarab peered over Jaime's shoulder to take a better look at the sword.

"Impressive," Cassie breathed as she looked at the blade of Excalibur. Then she realized something. "Why are you showing us this? Jeanne and Mash told us that you guys keep your identities secret because it will be disastrous."

Artoria dismissed Excalibur. "You guys don't seem to be the type that wouldn't harm anyone for their benefit. In my eyes, you can be trusted. That and Garfield managed to turn into a hippogriff."

She pointed to where Garfield and Astolfo are at. There are currently two hippogriffs, one of which is green. Astolfo clapped his hand excitedly.

"I'm curious if he can turn into the other Rider's mounts," She pondered when suddenly the doors opened again.

"Artoria!" A gigantic red-bearded man bellowed. He had large muscles that give them the impression that he can kill a lion bare handed. Bronze armor with white-furred fringes covered his body except for his head, arms, and thighs. A thick red mantle with a fluffy white collar covered him. He strode over to Artoria's table.

"Hello Iskandar," She greeted. "Everyone, this is Iskandar. Known as the King of Conquerors. You might know him as Alexander the Great."

"Indeed!" He grinned, then wrapped the Outsiders into a big embrace. "It is a pleasure to meet the young heroes of a bright generation!"

Everyone struggled in his embrace, turning blue. After he finally let them go, they gasped for breath.

Artoria smiled at this development. Things might be turning bright after all.

*Fate/Astraea*

Hollywood

A lone figure walked through the ruins of Riddler's temporary base. Just like before, it's been cleaned thoroughly, not a single trace of the battle that happened.

But that's where they are wrong.

The figure approached the console where Nigma operated. Taking out a sword, he slashed at the console. It broke apart and fell, revealing the circuitry. He reached in and pulled out a thumb drive hidden within.

"they're so focused on the outside they didn't seem to notice what could be in," Slade Wilson muttered. He inserted the drive into his gauntlet, and a holographic interface emerged. He opened a file and photos appeared. He zoomed in on several of them, focusing on the figures on them.

"Now then. Let's find out who you are.

*Fate/Astraea*

"Master?"

The hood woke up from his seat onboard a plane. He turned to his companion. Sitting at the window is a tanned girl with white hair tied with a black ribbon. A diamond patter is in the longest part of her hair. She wore red sunglasses with a similar tinted glass. Her body is clad in a black one-piece dress. In her hand is a treat shaped like a dragon.

"We're approaching our destination," She said, pointing to the seatbelt sign.

"Thanks Altera," The hood grabbed his seatbelt and buckled it. "That was uncool of me."

"How's a seatbelt supposed to be cool?" Altera tilted her head.

"Because it prevents people from dying in a crash," He answered. "Though in a planes case, it helps us deal with the turbulence. It's pretty cool that we get to ride in one of these though."

"Is that why you didn't want to use your Charles Patricius?" Altera asked bluntly.

"Sister," The hood sighed and reached for his blue hood. Dragging it down, it revealed his young features. Blue eyes gazed at Altera from behind black and white hair with a happy look. "You have to get a chance to experience new things. It's cool. Did you know back at the states, they have these things called carnivals? It's like an open festival where anyone can attend. Even though the carneys will swindle you out of prizes, there are still fun rides."

"Really?" Altera asked.

"You want to go to one?"

Altera brought a finger to her lip. She considered it for a moment, then brought it down.

"OK, if that is your command master."

"It's not a command," The hood said sternly. "Also stop calling me master. You are my sister, and that will never change. I'm asking for your opinion. It's your choice if you want to go or not."

They were silent for a moment. The hood sighed.

"Getting angry like that isn't cool," He said. "But all I want is for you to be happy sister."

Altera looked at him with a still neutral expression. She opened her mouth to speak before the intercom came to life.

Attention all passengers. We have a situation on the ground. Radicals have taken over the landing zone, so our flight will be delayed.

The passengers looked at each other and began to speak. Panic in their voice. The only one's who remained calm are the brother and sister.

"Most likely, they are Remnants of Queen Bee's soldiers," Altera spoke.

"Yep. And they are still sore about the fact that they lost their rights," The hood stood up and walked out the aisle. "Stay, here. I'll go deal with them."

He felt his hand grabbed by hers. Surprised, he looked back at her.

"I'm going…uhh…"

The hood smiled. "Just call me either Charles, Charlie, or Chuck. Whichever you prefer."

"Chuck," Altera smiled. "How much wood can a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood."

Chuck grinned. "Now that's a good one. Come on then."

He and Altera got up from their seats and grabbed their luggage overhead. Then, they walked all the way to the back of the plane, ignoring the looks of surprise on the other passengers. Fortunately for them, they have the sense to buckle their seatbelts.

As they approached the back of the plan, an attendant stepped in.

"I'm sorry sir, but you need to go back and buckle in your seatbelt."

"Ma'am," Chuck held up a hand. "You might want to get back to your seat."

"What?"

Chuck pulled something out of his pocket and opened a vial. Smoke drifted from it and into the nostrils of the flight attendant. Her eyelids grew heavy and she fell into Chucks arms. He set her on the seat and strapped her in.

"Well, come on then," He opened the door to the hangar and gestured Altera to go first. He followed afterward. After making sure it was locked, he closed the door. He walked over to a wall and pressed the button on the control board.

Slowly, the bay doors opened, the wind rushing out. Thankfully, some of the luggage is held in place. Chuck joined Altera and stood beside her.

"OK sister, here's how it goes," Chuck said over the wind. "Right now, these Radical's have taken over the airport, which means they have hostages. So, we are going to have to move fast. Oh, and try to avoid any serious damage and avoid killing them. They are only cowards. Not warriors like those we've faced back in our days."

"Understood," Altera nodded. "Can we make a bet?"

"Sure, I don't see why not," Chuck replied, grinning. Already, his sister is changing. "So, what is the bet?"

"If I get the most radicals, you have to take someone out."

"Wait, WHAT?" He shouted, but it was too late. Altera had already dashed out and jumped off the ramp. Chuck walked over to the edge and peered below. A flash of light implied that she has already changed out of her travelling clothes.

"That was uncool," He groaned. But he replaced the frown with a grin. "But jumping out of the plane and engaging enemies from the sky to save the day is WAY cooler!"

With that, he leaped off the ramp and hurtled after his sister.

*Fate/Astraea*

Orphanage.

Several guards escorted the latest batch of metahumans through a boom tube.

"That's the last of them," One said.

"Maybe we can finally get a break?" Another asked.

"With the ruckus that's been happening, that might happen."

"Why?"

"You haven't heard? Somebody is out to get us and it isn't the Justice League. I heard that it was ghosts?"

"Ghosts?"

"Yeah, they just appear and vanish. No trace was ever found of them. Like they weren't even there."

"Looks like I made the right choice to be on Orphanage duty."

"Yeah, this might be the only safe place for us left until the higher ups deal with them."

As soon as they're gone, another figure appeared. Though it was through materialization than a boom tube. It is a gray-haired man wearing a dark suit, black as nightmare with a similar colored hat. Tied under the collar of his white shirt is the longest red tie anyone has seen, held in place by a golden slider. Red eyes gazed after the men with malice.

"I'm in," He spoke with a tone that meant no good for anyone.

Who could blame anyone for the nightmare they have unknowingly brought upon the Orphanage.

*Fate/Astraea