Fate/Eclipsed Stars (Project Moon/Fate Grand Order)

The group stood in the corridor outside the assigned quarters of Chaldea. Each room had a standard, minimalist design—white walls, a simple bed, a desk, and a single chair. There was little variation or decoration, but the functionality was undeniable.

Mash smiled, her clipboard in hand as she addressed the group. "Alright, everyone! We've prepared rooms for each of you. They're all equipped with the essentials. If you need anything, let Ritsuka or I know, and we'll arrange it for you."

Ritsuka nodded. "It's nothing fancy, but it's comfortable and private. Let's get you all settled in."

Angela's Room

Angela stepped into her assigned room, her pale blue eyes scanning the stark, white interior. She stood motionless for a moment before giving a small nod.

"This is sufficient," she stated. "Functional. Practical. I'll have no complaints."

Mash glanced at Ritsuka, relieved. "That's great! Let us know if you need anything at all."

Angela's voice softened as she moved toward the desk, brushing her fingers across its surface. "There's no need. I've spent time in far less accommodating spaces. This will do."

Hong Lu's Room

When Hong Lu opened the door to his room, he blinked, his cheerful expression faltering slightly. He stepped inside, taking a slow look around.

"Huh. Minimalist, huh?" He chuckled, tapping the frame of the door. "You know, this kind of reminds me of the shoe storage room back home. All clean and plain, with no personality. Not what I'm used to, but hey, it works."

Mash tilted her head, confused. "Shoe… storage room?"

Hong Lu waved a hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it. It's a family thing." He spun around once, taking in the stark walls. "I guess I can make this work. Just needs a little charm, you know?"

"Please don't redecorate without permission," Ritsuka said quickly.

"Of course not!" Hong Lu said with a grin that didn't inspire confidence.

Medusa's Room

Medusa entered her room silently, her eyes scanning the bare walls and the simple furniture. She walked to the center of the room, her footsteps quiet against the floor, and placed her hand on the desk.

"It's… sufficient," she said softly, her tone neutral.

Mash offered a polite smile. "If there's anything you'd like us to add, just let us know."

Medusa shook her head. "No, this will do." Her gaze lingered on the plain bed for a moment before she turned away, folding her arms. "Thank you."

Cu Chulainn's Room

Cu's reaction to his room was simple. He stepped inside, glanced around, and let out a low whistle.

"Well, it's basic, but it gets the job done. Can't complain."

He dropped onto the bed, testing its firmness with a few bounces. "Sturdy. That's what matters."

Mash nodded. "We're glad it's to your liking!"

"Don't get me wrong," Cu added with a grin. "I could do without the hospital vibes, but it's not like I'm planning to throw a party in here. It'll work."

Der Freischütz's Room

Der Freischütz entered her room slowly, her boots clicking softly against the floor. Her golden eyes scanned the interior with an unreadable expression. She stood in the middle of the room, silent, before turning to face the group.

"This is my space?" she asked, her tone even.

Ritsuka nodded. "Yes. Is everything alright?"

"It's… unfamiliar. Yet it will suffice." She walked toward the desk, her gloved fingers brushing against its surface. "I do not require much."

Mash tilted her head. "If you need anything to make it more comfortable, we can arrange it."

Der Freischütz shook her head. "Comfort is irrelevant. I will adjust."

Hong Lu peeked inside, leaning against the doorframe. "Man, you all take these plain rooms way too seriously. It's just a place to crash, right?"

Der Freischütz's gaze flicked toward him, sharp and cold. "For some of us, this simplicity is a luxury."

Hong Lu blinked, then laughed awkwardly. "Right, right. Got it. Forget I said anything."

After everyone had been shown to their rooms, the group reconvened briefly in the corridor.

"Well," Mash began, "that's everyone settled in. If there are any issues, let us know. Otherwise, get some rest and prepare for the next mission."

Romani's voice came through the comms, lighthearted but slightly strained. "And no redecorating! Seriously, this isn't a luxury hotel."

Hong Lu smirked. "No promises."

----

After settling in, the command room of Chaldea was filled with an air of unease as the gathered group examined the glowing holographic map of France. Red fault lines of distortion zigzagged across the country, centered on the city of Orléans.

Olga stood at the head of the table, her voice sharp as she addressed everyone present. "Listen up! We've identified a new singularity. It's centered on Orléans during the Hundred Years' War. Something has destabilized the timeline, and our job is to fix it."

Mash clutched her hands tightly. "Director Olga, do we know what caused this singularity?"

Romani leaned over the console, his face illuminated by the glowing data feeds. "Unfortunately, we're flying blind. The interference is blocking most of our readings, but we do know there are several Servant-class signatures in the area. High levels of mana are concentrated around Orléans."

Da Vinci, standing with her usual playful grin, interjected, "Given the time period, I'd bet Jeanne d'Arc is involved somehow. But whether she's the cause or just caught up in the chaos, that's anyone's guess."

Medusa tilted her head slightly, her blindfold catching the light. "Jeanne d'Arc… A saint leading an army during one of France's bloodiest wars. If she's involved, this situation may be more volatile than we're prepared for."

Cu Chulainn crossed his arms, his smirk adding a sharpness to his words. "Volatile? Snake Eyes, that's a bit of an understatement. If it's Jeanne, we're walking into a battlefield soaked in divine drama."

Ritsuka furrowed their brow, trying to process the situation. "Wait, Jeanne d'Arc? Like the Jeanne d'Arc? The one who was burned at the stake?"

Hong Lu leaned back, his carefree smile widening. "Burned at the stake? Haha, people in your world sure know how to put on a show. Sounds a lot like N Corp Inquisition I've heard about—burning heretics just for using prostetic."

Mash blinked in confusion. "N Corp? Is that… something from your world?"

Hong Lu nodded cheerfully. "Oh, just one of those delightful corporation that likes to make people disappear in flames if they don't fit the mold. Very efficient. I must admit, though, this Jeanne situation is kind of poetic. Guess burning people alive is a tradition across universes!"

Olga shot him a glare, clearly unimpressed by his levity. "This isn't a joke, Hong Lu. The stability of human history is at stake."

Angela, standing slightly apart from the group, watched the conversation unfold with a detached expression. "A singularity centered on one location, with Servants running amok. It's familiar, in a way."

Olga's eyes narrowed. "And what exactly are you implying?"

Angela's gaze didn't waver. "Simply that you should consider all possibilities. Your understanding of these disruptions may not account for… external influences."

Cu smirked. "She's got a point. I've seen some messed-up stuff in my time, and this reeks of something bigger than a rogue Servant."

Da Vinci leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "External influences, you say? Coming from someone not bound to this world, that's a tantalizing suggestion."

Ritsuka looked between them, confusion evident. "What do you mean by 'external influences'?"

Angela's tone was calm but cold. "Simply that your world may not be the only one affected. Interference from… elsewhere is a possibility."

Der Freischütz voice was quiet but firm. "If that's the case, then we'll need to stay vigilant. This could be more dangerous than we realize."

Olga waved a hand, dismissing the tangent. "Enough speculation. We don't have time for guesswork. Your mission is to gather information and neutralize the threat. That's all that matters."

Romani stepped in to ease the tension. "Right. And to do that, we'll need all of you at your best. The singularity is unstable, but with this team, I'm confident you'll figure it out."

Da Vinci grinned. "Besides, you've got me and Romani watching your backs. What could go wrong?"

Mash nodded, her determination shining through. "Understood. We'll do everything we can to restore the timeline."

Hong Lu's smirk didn't waver. "Well, this sounds like it's going to be fun. Burning saints, chaotic timelines… Who wouldn't want to jump into this mess?"

Cu laughed, clapping Hong Lu on the shoulder. "Stick with me, Hammer Boy. You might even survive it."

Hong Lu chuckled. "Oh, I'm counting on it, Mr.spearman."

Der Freischütz's tone was more measured but still carried a hint of dry amusement. "So, we're walking into a chaotic battlefield with no clear intel. Sounds like a delightful first mission." She adjusted her gloves. "But I'll lend my bullets. Let's see what this fractured history has in store for my bullets."

As the group prepared to leave, Olga addressed Ritsuka directly. "This is your first major mission as Chaldea's Master. Remember, this isn't just about fighting—it's about uncovering the truth and preserving humanity. Quest for the Holy Grail "Grand Order". Don't let us down, I need you to lead this mission and ensure its success. Humanity depends on it."

Ritsuka nodded firmly. "I understand. I'll do my best Director."

As the briefing concluded, the group to head out the transfer room.

----

The transfer room was bathed in a sterile, blue glow. Coffin-like pods lined the walls, each one sleek and cold, their metallic surfaces reflecting the room's light. The hum of machinery filled the air, punctuated by the occasional beep of calibration checks.

Mash adjusted her gloves, her face a mix of determination and nerves. "So, this is where we… transfer?"

Romani stood at the control panel, his usual easygoing demeanor replaced by a more serious expression. "Spiritron Transfer, yes. These coffins will break down your physical forms into spiritrons and send you to the singularity. It's perfectly safe—at least, it's supposed to be."

Da Vinci grinned from her position beside Romani. "Don't worry, Mash. We've tested it plenty of times. I mean, we're all still here, right?"

Hong Lu stepped closer to one of the coffins, tapping on its sleek surface with a playful smirk. "Well, this definitely looks like a coffin. Are we sure this isn't an elaborate scheme to bury us alive? I wouldn't put it past you, Director."

Olga's eye twitched at his remark. "It's a transfer device, not a coffin. And I'd appreciate it if you took this seriously, Hong Lu."

Angela, standing at the edge of the room, glanced at the coffins with a faint frown. Her usual composed demeanor was tinged with discomfort. "This method… feels disturbingly final. Are you certain it works as intended?"

Romani offered a reassuring smile. "Angela, I promise it's safe. Think of it as… taking a very unconventional ride."

Angela's golden eyes narrowed. "A ride that involves being dismantled into particles and sent into an unknown space. Forgive me if I don't find that comforting."

Hong Lu leaned casually against one of the coffins, his grin widening. "Cheer up, Pale Lady. If something goes wrong, at least we'll go out in style. I mean, what's more poetic than being laid to rest in an actual coffin?"

Angela's gaze shifted to him, her voice as cold as ever. "I fail to see the humor in this."

Ritsuka, trying to diffuse the tension, chuckled nervously. "Hong Lu, maybe tone it down a bit? We're all a little on edge here."

Hong Lu shrugged, his expression as carefree as always. "Sorry, just trying to lighten the mood. You've got to admit, it's a little funny."

Mash looked over at Angela, her brow furrowed in concern. "Angela, are you… alright?"

Angela straightened, brushing off her discomfort with practiced precision. "I am fine. My concerns are irrelevant. The mission takes precedence."

Romani clapped his hands together, drawing everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone. Enough chatting—time to get ready. Once you're inside the coffins, I'll handle the transfer from here."

Cu Chulainn examined the nearest pod with a raised eyebrow. "Gotta admit, Doc, this thing doesn't look too inviting. But hey, if it gets me into the fight, I'm game."

Der Freischütz approached her assigned coffin with quiet grace, her pipe catching the light. "It's strange… entrusting our existence to a machine like this. But if it's necessary, I have no objections."

Hong Lu tapped on his coffin again, grinning. "I'll admit, this whole process has a certain charm. Like stepping into a dramatic play where you don't know the ending."

Olga crossed her arms, her patience wearing thin. "If you're done making jokes, get inside. We don't have time to waste."

Angela hesitated for a fraction of a second before stepping toward her designated pod. As the lid hissed open, she glanced back at the group. "I trust this device will perform as intended. Failure is not an option."

Mash offered a reassuring smile. "It'll be fine, Angela. We're all in this together."

Ritsuka nodded, their voice steady. "Right. Let's do this everyone."

One by one, the group climbed into their coffins. The lids sealed with a soft hiss, and the room filled with the hum of the Spiritron Transfer system activating.

Romani's voice came over the intercom. "Initiating Spiritron Transfer in three… two… one. Good luck, everyone. Orléans awaits."