I stared long at my reflection, I had lost sleep if those lines were any indication. Hello, Magnus Chase here, and no I'm not a runaway. I just had a very stressful month; more than any twelve year old can manage. The plane engines roared as it tried to slow down, I jerked in my seat when they stopped. The guy next to me was still snoring, how could anyone sleep in this noise is beyond me. I was the first to unlock my seat belt and the first to stand when the door's opened. I didn't have any luggage, the only thing I needed was my carry-on, a school bag filled with clothes, a toothbrush and all the essentials, mostly toilet paper.
Come on….. How long is this going to take?
The docking had just begun, starting with first class and I raged inside. I was ready to bolt out of there, rules be damned.
"Woah kid slow down." The guy on the third row said.
I didn't care, had places to be, things to do, people to kill.
When they began to sort the economy class I pushed my way to the corridor. I woke the sleeping guy who cursed behind my back. Speeded out of there like a rocket, didn't care if I got stares. Sprinted through the airport, it was a long stretch but I didn't get tired anymore. At arrivals, I searched for a bus station and pulled out a crumpled map from my backpack. Arrows pointed to a red "X," but the discovery of the words "oxox," and a kiss mark in purple lipstick almost made me tear it up.
I went up to the nearest policeman, showed him the address and the map then asked him which bus to take.
The officer chuckled with a wide smile. "Aren't you a little young?"
"What?"
"I don't think it's appropriate to send you there."
"Wha-Why?"
"Don't you know?" The policeman looked confused.
I shook my head.
"Kid, that's the Playboy's mansion."
After three attempts and a white lie, I finally found a bus from Santa Monica to Beverly Hills, planning to walk the remaining distance. What I didn't count on was tourists, they were all dressed in summer shorts, beachwear, sunglasses, sandals, and sometimes shirtless. It must have looked pretty weird next to me with a jacket and long pants. They must be wondering why I'm not passing out from heat stroke.
I did too once upon a time.
Had to squeeze myself into the bus, holding my backpack across my chest. Days like these, stuck in a crowded bus squeezed between a shirtless fat guy and an old woman in a onesie, made me wonder where it all went wrong. When I discovered I was the incarnation of a god I never heard of, the superpowers, the purple lady. It's probably the airport cashew's, it was so bland I almost vomited.
I'm never eating those things again, I could still taste the-
The bus made an abrupt stop, I almost dropped my backpack. Some idiot was jaywalking, the nerve of them, when I was king everyone adhered to the law. It wasn't just a matter of personal safety; such actions endangered not only themselves but others as well. The urge to step out and deliver a stern lecture on their selfishness surged within me. Deep breaths—that's something I would never have thought of a year ago. Now, it's constantly on my mind. Well, that, and someone else.
I thought she was death at first, but how could death look so beautiful.
That's why I can't sleep, I see her in my dreams, in every shadow, her voice in every whisper. I want to hate her but I know that's impossible. I should be thinking about mom, not some random girl I never met. My head is a mess, a mess of memories and emotions. I didn't know what was mine or not, they both felt just as real; I don't know what to do, they don't teach metaphysics in class, well, maybe philosophy but I didn't take that.
"Are you ok young man?" The old lady said.
"Yes, yes I'm fine." I just realized I was grabbing my head.
This behavior is unbecoming of both a king and a warrior. I acquired much, not all of it has been negative.
"Next stop Beverly Hills" Said the bus driver.
It's almost time, and a faint smile tugs at my lips. I never used to enjoy violence, but now things are different. I feel an unusual enthusiasm, like the anticipation of ascending a rollercoaster; you know the fall is inevitable, and when it happens, it will be the ride of your life. For me, quite literally.
This holy grail war is going to be a mess.
Beverly Hills was different from what I pictured in my mind. I expected to see the mansion, I mean uncle Randolph's mansion. There are mansions here but they are more glamor and less gloomy. I can't even imagine what it's like to live in one of them, to have servants at your beck and call; I could almost picture Annie and Daddy Warbucks living in one of these. There were a lot of tourist and tour groups, so I managed to slip into one and learn some history; it's mostly about famous celebrities, nothing really helpful in the scouting department. At night this place may turn into a battleground, that's if negotiations turn south. Hopefully the servant here is agreeable.
What am I kidding, it's never that easy.
My destination was just around the country club; there were more trees here than I thought. A plethora of birds, rabbits, squirrels, lizards, and raccoons—all watching me. So, I tried to act as natural as possible. If it weren't for the other life, I would have never seen it. Are these animals thralls, familiars, or both? All I know is that I entered another servant's territory. This could be seen as suicide, and tactically it is, but I'm not here to fight—at least not at first. I have to try negotiations; I'm a king in a foreign land. It's courtesy that I greet the master of Beverly Hills or Holmby Hills. I stopped pretending and approached the closest squirrel, offering it some crackers from my backpack. It skittered away at first, but when I showed it no harm, it came closer. Chewing with its puffy cheeks and fast hands.
"Tell your master, I seek an audience." I whispered.
It stopped chewing, promptly dropped the cracker, and skittered up a tree. I didn't know if that was a good sign or bad. I didn't have to wait long; a rock with a paper tied to it fell right in front of me. On it were newspaper clippings that said the words 'Tonight' and 'Eleven.' It didn't take a genius to know what that means. But that does lead to problems, mainly because I didn't book a hotel.
After a few restless hours spent attempting to sleep in a tree—arguably my worst decision yet—I found myself indulging in the age-old tradition of plucking coins from a nearby fountain. Before you raise an eyebrow, let me clarify—it wasn't the Trevi Fountain or a wishing well, free money is free money; I managed to gather enough spare change for two slices of pizza. Then I went to Hollywood Boulevard, found myself posing for a photo op with none other than Superman himself. The catch? Thirty dollars a photo. The City of Dreams my foot, no way I'm paying thirty dollars for that. Finally it was night, after a good stretch I made my way to the manor.
I hope this goes well. I clench my fist. For Mom.
There was a party, and the gates were already open. I could see the lights and hear the noise a block away. I didn't know if this was a trap or not, but if there were people, then maybe the servant would be less likely to do something. The mansion was colorful, with numerous spotlights and streamers all over the place. The trees and fountain were covered in Christmas lights, and each window flashed with the colors of the rainbow; it sounded like a rave was inside.
I nervously walked to the front door; some of the party-goers glanced at me but quickly went back to whatever they were doing. The door was covered in bunny stickers, and a sign that says, 'Wipe your feet, so says Vitch.'
Should I knock on the door? Aren't they expecting me? Is there a different procedure for-
The door opened, and my mouth dropped. A woman in a bunny suit stood right in front of me, fishnets, a powdered tail, even rabbit ears. She looked like one of those showgirls from the movie Chicago.
"Oh! Hello. Hon, are you lost?" She lowered her knees to get to eye level with me, the rave music bellowing from the inside. What caught me by surprise was her red hair, highlighted with yellow that made it look like fire. It reminded me of her .
"I, uh. Umm." I pulled at my collar. "I have, um, an appointment?"
She looked puzzled, her long eyelashes were making my insides flutter. I don't know if she heard me or not, but the music is pretty loud.
I'm a married man. I'm a married man. I'm a married man. I'm a married man.
She only continued to look confused before standing up.
"Vitch!" She yelled inside. "There's some kid here!? Do I send him away or call the police!?"
The police….. Yeah that would definitely throw a wrench in things.
Someone else approached behind her, her voice as smooth as silk. "Lalah, how many times do I have to tell you. If you see a minor, then follow protocol sev-" She stopped mid-sentence to look at me. She was dressed in a white flight attendant outfit with pink highlights, black stockings, and high heels. A pink ribbon was tied around her neck, matching her pink hair that reached her torso. Her glasses shined in the light, maybe to hide her yellow eyes. If anything, she didn't look real; compared to the other girl, she was like a fictional character that has come to life.
"So… Protocol seven?" Lalah said.
The flight attendant didn't look at her and gave an off-handed comment. "Mr. D is out of diet coke. Be a dear and give him more."
The bunny girl blushed, she nodded right away and walked into the manor.
"So you finally arrived, our illusive VIP." She says whimsically.
I nodded in response; this is where the negotiations start. I have to conduct myself in a manner that befits a king.
"Call me Vitch, a pleasure. Shall I take your bag?"
I thought for a moment before agreeing; it would be rude to reject their hospitality, despite how much I dislike it. At least the most important things are in my inside pocket, like my passport and money.
"Thank you for your generosity." I offered her my backpack.
"Not at all, can I take your coat as well? Must be hot in this summer air."
I'm going to take a gamble; a king does not part with his regalia. Even if it is a jacket.
"No."
"Very well," she said nonchalantly, ordering another bunny girl to take my backpack. The inside was a mess; the term den of sin would be accurate. Men were throwing money at women dancing on the tables, the layout filled with poker tables and roulette wheels. There were tables of food and drinks; I could smell the alcohol in the air. The entire party was intoxicated, whether they knew it or not. Gambling, drinking, feasting, all with bunny girls at your beck and call. I didn't know whether to shield my eyes or gasp in astonishment.
"Lively isn't it?"
"That's….. A word."
"Hmmmmm. Yes, Mr. Hefner likes his guests to enjoy themselves." Her eyes took in a predatory glare. "Would you like to partake?"
"No." I said immediately. "Besides minor."
She gave a malicious smile.
"This way then, little lord," she waved her hand to the back of the manor. Eventually, they reached an office. The room was quiet, as if the party never existed. Vitch sat by a desk and gestured for me to sit on the other side. I obliged, though I didn't know where this was going.
"What can I do for you, Mr….." Her voice sounded like it was singing.
"I didn't come to you for chit-chat. I wish to speak to your master."
"You're looking at her."
"No." She doesn't feel like a servant. In fact, I can't sense any in this place. She could be an allied mage or a servant; funny, a servant of a servant.
"Are you sure? I could be, Assassin? I'm using presence concealment as we speak."
That is a possibility but if that was true then I wouldn't sense anything from her; but I felt something, something inhuman.
A phantasmal? No, it's something else. The lack of something….. Just what is it?
"Is this a threat? I came here in good faith, to speak to your master. Yet you show me nothing but vice and pointless padding." I stood up. I didn't fake the frustration in my voice, but it was necessary to emote. I'm not a stranger when it comes to diplomacy; anger too could be a useful tool.
"My. My. No need to get upset, I'm merely jesting." She smiled while holding her hands up.
I emitted force from my glare, a simple intimidation tactic. The woman visibly flinched; her smile wavered.
"This is just a small interview, to see if your-"
"Your. Master." My tone was as cold as ice.
The woman sighed and put her arms down.
"You're a tough client." She stood up too. "A boy your age shouldn't have those eyes. But very well, I will take you to them." She led me to a door, and the backyard was quiet. I couldn't even hear the music. I could see a pool to my left and a finely cut lawn straight ahead. The strange part is, it's entirely empty; you would think with a party this big at least some of it would spill into the backyard. No one was here except for two individuals. They were sitting by a table in the middle of the lawn. There was an old man in a velvet suit and a captain's hat, next to him was a young boy in a tuxedo. Their backs were turned to me, talking and staring at the sky. We approached, but those two didn't seem to notice us.
"Ahem." The flight attendant coughed in her fist.
The old man was the first to turn around. "Ah, the refill's here?"
"No, sir. I have the VIP." She nodded at the man then gestured towards me.
"Oh. Look, your friend's here!" He patted the boy on his back. "Well, don't let me bother you." He trembled as he stood, and the flight attendant rushed to help him.
"It's ok, I'm not that old." She helped him to his feet.
"I beg to differ, sir."
"Bah." He waved her off and grabbed his empty glass. They both walked away into the manor, and I approached the table. On it was a half-eaten cake and what I hope is a glass of apple juice.
"So you're the servant," the boy said, his voice sounding sly with a little sarcasm.
He looked like a Latino, with curly brown hair and a cheerful face. Around ten years old, scrawny maybe; the tux could be hiding his muscles. His eyes, though, were yellow like the flight attendant's, but it was the eyes of a predator. They belonged to a beast rather than a little boy. I had seen those eyes before, fought those eyes—the eyes of the demon king. I almost stepped back; the shock spiked then fell. I had to keep my composure; he couldn't be the demon king, but if he's something similar, then I can't back down.
"It's customary to announce your name when entering someone's domain." He took a sip from his glass.
"Apologies. I am Saber." That made the boy raise an eyebrow. I couldn't tell if he saw through me or not.
"The strongest class. Well, you have me at a disadvantage. I am Archer." I almost scoffed at that obvious lie, but pointing that out won't help me. It could be part of his plan after all, and I'm already at a disadvantage as it is.
"Come, have a seat." He gestured to the open chair. "I will have one of the girls get some refreshments."
His eyes were evaluating me, probing for weaknesses. It felt like I was circling a beast rather than a man.
He is definitely the servant; his energy is like a beacon to my senses. But which class?
"So what's up? I've been having a blast so far. It's like my eyes have been opened for the first time, and I can see the world for what it truly is." His hands moved in an exploding motion. He acted like a child, but that too could be a deception.
I nodded my head. "Yes. It is."
"A man of few words, huh? So what did you wanna talk about?" His voice sounded nonchalant, like this was a casual conversation. How could he not be nervous? This is my first time talking to another servant; being nervous would be an understatement. At any time, one of us could attack. The question was who would go first.
"I wanted to discuss this war." My body tensed; this could be the breaking point.
"This is about Caster, isn't it?" His voice sounded annoyed. "Ok, if you want a team up, we have to set some ground rules."
Well, that answers one question.
"No, it's not Caster. I mean the war in general."
'Archer' kept sipping his glass.
"I'm all ears."
I drew in a deep breath, my nerves tightening. "In the typical war, there are seven servants and seven masters, engaging in a battle royale where only the last one standing is granted a wish."
'Archer' nodded his head.
"But this war is different. Instead of summoning servants, we become the servants? No command spells. This war is an anomaly. I can't help but wonder if there is some foul play at work."
I attempted to gauge his expression, but there were no discernible tells that I could identify. His face resembled that of a statue—unmoving and static. He might be innocent, lacking any insider knowledge, or perhaps he possesses what I lack: mastery over one's emotions.
"Understandable. From what I discovered, this is a new war, with rules the grail didn't supply us. In a new game part of the fun is exploring your limits, and with no Ruler, we could get away with a lot of stuff." I couldn't help but sense malicious intent in his words. If there's something to fear, it's a servant with no boundaries. If this is true, we may become enemies.
"But why were we chosen? I don't have a background in magic. I don't remember signing up for this!"
'Archer's' eyes narrowed.
"Was it the same with you? I had a pretty normal life until… Last summer."
"Maybe, maybe not," he replied with a tired voice. For a moment, I thought I saw a hint of pain in his eyes, but it vanished just as quickly. "If you've come all the way here to vent, can you do it over there?" he said, pointing back to the manor.
I shook my head. "You're right; I'm getting off-topic." It was disgraceful. I couldn't let my emotions control me. Bursts of anger had become common now, and I hadn't found a positive outlet for my rage. The stress and impatience were almost consuming me from the inside. How could I call myself a king if I allowed this to happen?
"I'm just saying that this war isn't normal. There should be a Ruler but… The person I thought was the Ruler didn't explain much."
'Archer's' brow furrows. "You met her too?"
Interesting. Maybe I could get something after all. I leveled my voice to make it as emotionless as possible; just thinking about her makes me angry. "Did she have purple hair?"
"Yep." He sipped again.
So it was her.
"And glasses?"
'Archer' was silent for a few seconds. "No. Was yours different?"
There's more than one? That's new.
"I guess? She wore this weird pantsuit thing." Among other things, what on earth was she wearing? I thought she was a crazy stripper lady; well, maybe the crazy part isn't wrong.
"Then they're not the same; mine didn't wear clothes. And she's a mummy. And a goat. With grass. Also, she was thirty meters tall." His poker face was amazing if he could say that with a straight face. I almost didn't believe him when he said it.
I can't tell if that's a lie or he's exaggerating.
"Did she tell you anything else, like why we specifically were chosen?"
'Archer' shrugged. "She didn't say much of anything, just gave vague thoughts about love and junk. Didn't make much sense to me. How about you, what did yours say?"
Gathering my courage, I spoke, realizing that what I was about to reveal could determine the outcome of our conversation. "She gave me an ultimatum. She wanted me to fight you. She handed me your address and told me to kill you. She said if I won, she would grant my wish."
A pregnant pause ensued, a silence so thick it could be sliced with a knife. 'Archer' emptied his glass, the sound ringing as he placed it on the table. I could hear my own heartbeat, the pressure intensifying, it felt like the roller-coaster was at its peak and I could see the bottom.
"And what is your wish?"
"To save my Mom."
'Archer' smiled. "That's a good wish." He tilted his head backward, gazing at the sky. "Do you want to know mine?"
I didn't respond; I just knew it would be bad news.
He giggled, his teeth pearly white with fangs. "I wish humanity would die." He stated it casually, as if it were the simplest truth in the world, like the sky being blue or the grass being green. I scrutinized his face for any sign of deceit—a sarcastic smile, a glint in his eye—but found none. If anything, his tone and body language affirmed his sincerity. The pain in his voice was undeniable. His eyes locked onto mine, and in that moment, it genuinely felt like I was talking to the demon king.
"Don't miss," 'Archer' mouthed.
And there it is, the pin drop, the coaster dived downwards; I jumped out of my chair before it exploded. A great dust cloud rose in the air, but I didn't have time to admire, as bullets flew towards me in every direction. I hid behind a fake rock, already bullets were chipping it away. Then the noise stopped, I inched backward to see, only to hear a ping behind me, it was a grenade. I screamed as I forced my legs to jump; the explosion propelled me forward. I rolled on the lawn, quickly to my feet. I heard the sounds of guns lock and load, before me was a circle of bunny girls all holding assault rifles, all aimed at me. I would laugh if the situation wasn't so dire.
"My. My. The VIP is getting rowdy." Vitch walked across the lawn until she was in front of 'Archer'; he was still sitting, the table blown away from the explosion with a new glass of apple juice in his hands.
"What a shame, to lose such a valuable client." She hums, her hand on her hips.
I glared, I wished my eyes could shoot lasers.
"Such powerful eyes, it will be a delight when I pluck them out."
I wasn't glaring at her though; 'Archer' was just sitting there. His attention was not even on the battle, taking small sips from his glass. If I could just get to him, this would all be over.
"Fire," she said, then the sounds of bullets filled the air. I drew my weapon, something I had since my birth. Its red metal gleamed in the light, with a swing I deflected half the bullets and dodged the rest. Some ripped through my jacket and clothes a mere centimeters from my skin. This is my first time in a life or death battle; I can't be so reckless. I jumped to the left then the right; I need to be unpredictable if I want to survive. Their aim was getting sloppy; I took this chance and cleaved the lawn, mounds of dirt fell on the bunny girls.
In a split second, I sped past them; the distraction worked. Vitch wasn't fooled; I was upon 'Archer' before she attempted to punch me. It was only thanks to my instincts that I dodged; her fists broke through the ground. I knocked her back using the hilt of my arrow, then I grabbed 'Archer' by the collar. The dirt finally fell, and they all saw me; my weapon was upon his throat, it was wider than his head.
"Stop!" I declared, clinking my weapon, its noise echoing throughout the backyard.
"Drop your weapons, now!" I moved 'Archer' in front of me, the edge easily poised to his throat. It's a shame I have to do this to someone younger than me, but this was war. I knew he wouldn't hesitate to do the same.
No one did anything; the bunny girls and Vitch were all looking at 'Archer'. They were waiting for something, a response or code word or anything.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" 'Archer's' voice was glacial.
"What?"
"This is for your Mom, right?" He moved his neck towards the weapon.
"What are you doing!?" I moved it away and gripped him tighter.
"Is this the strength of your resolve? You have your enemy by the throat. Don't you want your wish!" He said it like an insult. His minions took a step further, but I leveled my weapon again.
"Stay back!"
"Fine, I will make it easier for you. After this, I am going to massacre the mansion, then all of Los Angeles. Every man, woman, and child will become fuel for my spirit origin. Their souls will forever be my slaves!"
I grit my teeth. Why is he saying this?
"Don't you want to save your mother!? Come on then, be the hero and slay the monster! I'm going to destroy humanity!" I looked into his eyes, expecting to see a beast. But I saw pain and fear, there was a fire in his eyes, something that was undoubtedly human.
"You're lying." I said, and like that, all the tension disappeared. 'Archer' relaxed his shoulders and sighed.
"I tried to make it easy." Something dropped from his sleeve; it was a grenade. Before I could react, a blinding light erupted from it. There was a ringing in my ears, and my eyes were blind; I staggered and felt him escape from my grasp. Before I could regain my senses, I was punted to the ground; the bunny girls held me down. They piled over me, surprisingly heavy.
"That was a mess," 'Archer' declared as he brushed off the dirt from his suit.
"Were you really going to do it, sir?" Vitch walked next to him, I could barely see from the pile.
"What? Oh, no. I was caught up in the moment." He smiled, he looked like an elf from a Christmas cartoon. "Commence protocol two. Anti-servant directives!"
"Of course, master!" All the bunny girls said in unison. They gripped me tighter then I heard a beeping sound. Their eyes flipped, numbers were counting down.
They're golems!
I struggled to break free, but their weight and strength were too much for a human body to overcome.
"Goodbye, Saber." 'Archer' waved back as he and Vitch walked away.
When the final beep commenced, I knew what I needed to do. The explosion was so powerful it caused a three-second blackout. The entire lawn was blown away, chunks of grass, dirt, and rock fell to the manor. It could have been seen across the city, yet despite that, the mansion was relatively unharmed. The fires would have burned lesser men; the explosion would have dismembered anyone twelve times over. But I am the avatar of Vishnu, I slayed the demon king Ravana, mastered a thousand weapons, and conquered armies. I am Rama, the king of Ayodhya, the hero of the Ramayana.
I cleaved through the flames; the fire parted with my swing. The flames died down, and I drew Brahmastra, my arrow; in the form of a blade, it is a weapon against the demonic and the world itself. I wore a sleeveless top that connects to my collar, linked to it were black trousers. A golden sash is tied to my torso making a miniature cape around my pelvis. Golden metallic gloves and black boots. Despite how weird it looks, I liked the colors of red and gold. I discovered this costume change a while ago; it comes with the perks that make me immune to the elements, most weaponry, increase my speed, strength, and reaction time; I like to call it my combat mode. Though I have no idea where my clothes go.
"Oh my. Aren't you colorful?" Vitch sang.
I step forward, my hair flowing despite no wind, it was golden with streams of red highlights. It's weird that this transformation can style my hair, even make it longer. My eyes leveled at my opponents, they changed from gray to a scarlet red; I didn't even know how that was possible.
"Of course, it's never that easy." 'Archer' said, he snapped his fingers and more bunny girls popped out of the woodwork.
Well, now that I know they're golems, I don't have to hold back. Just to be safe I scanned each of them, I didn't sense anything human. A sniper rifle magically appeared in 'Archers' hands.
"Cover me, girls." He aimed the sniper at me.
"Of course, master!" They all said, then faster than a human can move they sprung. Their hands transform into guns or swords. I swung my weapon, it made a wide arch that caused the girls to jump away. The first to react were the sword girls, they swung bronze blades that sing with each swing. I blocked each with incredible speed and strength blowing them away. Then the bullets came, I wanted to endure it, normal bullets shouldn't pierce my skin when I'm in combat mode but something inside me told me to dodge. I jumped, and a bronze bullet grazed my skin leaving behind a small cut.
Those guns have Mystic codes!
The sword girls were coming at me again, waving their sword hands. The bullets won't give me much space to move, so I summoned a golden spear and threw it at one of the gun girls. It went straight through her; mechanical gears and springs escaped from her body. Didn't have much time to gawk as more bullets shot at me.
My arrow charged with golden lightning, the weapon cut through the swords like butter and sliced three sword girls in half. Their torsos fell as oil and gears sprayed on the ground. I was forced to use one of the bodies as a shield against the bullets.
Then came a shot that was heard around the world; I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my torso. 'Archer's' bullet shot through the golem's body and hit my stomach. The force was so strong it flung me across the backyard into the country club. I landed on a golf course, skipped until I hit the sand trap.
It was one of the most painful things I have ever experienced; I could still feel the bullet in my stomach. If this is painful in combat mode, I can't even imagine what it would do if I were a regular human. I plunged my hand into my stomach and pulled out the bullet; the thing was a dark metal that glowed purple. I crushed it, and it faded into dust, and I could feel myself slowly healing; it's one of the perks of divinity, making me stupidly indestructible. The bunny girls were upon me; I got up and threw two chakrams, the discs of light whirled towards my enemies with blinding speed. One managed to cut through two before flying off course; the second one was blocked by Vitch. She deflected it to the trees, and I could hear the timber as it fell.
She isn't like the others.
She jumped in the air, her foot diving down towards me. I blocked it with my arrow, and she hit the flat of it. The impact was so strong it pushed me to the ground, making cracks in the earth. The sounds of clashing metal could be heard miles away.
"What are you!" I struggled.
She pushed harder. "Not human." She sang.
She jumped off my arrow, shooting me with hidden guns. I used my weapon to block most of it, some managed to slash my arms. I was being ambushed; five bunny girls with assault rifles were behind me. But I was too distracted fighting Vitch; her punches hit like a truck. She managed to deflect my arrow with just her arms. That shouldn't be possible, unless her arms were Divine Constructs as well. Now that I think about it, she is much smarter than the others. She could actually learn from my attacks and adapt to my moves. She feels more like a person than a golem, but I still can't sense any humanity from her.
"You're distracted," she said. Her left hook landed on my face, and I saw stars for a second. Then, she managed to knee me where the bullet had hit, causing the pain in my torso to flare again. It jolted me awake, and I jumped backward. Bullets started flying; some managed to pierce my back, while others bounced off. Gritting my teeth in pain, I twisted in the air and slashed one of the girls in half. I ran towards the others, but Vitch was upon me again.
Summoning a sword, I slammed it to the ground, causing arcs of lightning to race toward my enemies. It obliterated three of the bunny girls and surprisingly made Vitch flinch.
Wait? I could use this!
My arrow shimmered with lightning as I prepared to swing. However, before I could make a move, a shot rang out from the trees. Reacting quickly, I jumped away, and a pillar of dust rose where I had once stood.
The tree's! 'Archer's' in the tree's I have to-
Vitch almost knocked my lights out, her fist inches from my face. With each swing, she generated wind.
This one!
I summoned a whip, ensuring that lightning surged through it. The flight attendant skillfully dodged and flipped with each slash of my electrified whip. Her body moved in strange angles, defying the limits of human anatomy. As if that weren't enough, more bunny girls arrived, but instead of guns, they wielded grenade launchers. With each shot, the ground shook, and explosions scattered debris everywhere.
In the midst of the chaos, I found myself dodging grenades while engaged in a bizarre battle with a pink flight attendant on a golf course – undoubtedly one of the strangest things I had ever done. My whip managed to catch a grenade, and I hurled it back at the flight attendant. The explosion occurred point-blank next to her face, but instead of being flung away or exploding, it gruesomely ripped off her skin. Underneath, her chest shone bronze, and the left half of her face glimmered with gold.
"Oh no. Look what you did," she said, touching her face lovingly. "I'm going to tear your skin off," she added with a menacing smile. However, before she could carry out her threat, another grenade landed in front of her, and the explosion scattered dirt and grass in all directions.
Undeterred, I attempted to slash with another lightning whip, but she dodged effortlessly, proving her remarkable durability. While her resilience should not be underestimated, I knew of one potential weakness. If quality couldn't overcome her, perhaps quantity could.
"[Vishnu Bhuja]!"
My Noble Phantasm materialized in the air, hurtling towards the creature. Despite her agility, she managed to dodge the spear and trident, but the sword found its mark, slashing her at the center. The lightning that surged through the sword froze her in place, creating an opening for the clubs and axe to strike her head. As the lightning continued coursing through her, the remaining skin and clothes burned away, revealing her true form – a statue comprised of melted metal and automata. Her eyes were gems, limbs fashioned from bronze, gold, obsidian, and bone.
She stood frozen, trapped by the relentless surge of lightning. Sensing an opportunity, I charged my arrow, preparing to take advantage of this vulnerable moment. However, my focus was disrupted as the whistle of bullets filled the air. Reacting quickly, I ducked and jumped, searching for the origin of the shots.
There!
I located 'Archer' perched in the treetops. Summoning my chakrams, I threw four glowing discs in his direction, causing scores of trees to fall. Amidst the chaos, I glimpsed a shadow darting through the branches. As I prepared to draw my bow—
"No!" The metallic creature grappled me, its movements slowed by the lingering effects of the lightning. Undeterred, I allowed the electricity to envelop my arrow and thrust it into her chest. She screamed as thousands of volts surged through her. A revelation struck me – only her limbs appeared to be indestructible. Determined, I twisted my arrow and sliced until it broke from her right shoulder, revealing molten metal escaping from the large hole in the middle of her body.
Intent on finishing the job, I aimed for her head just as 'Archer' unleashed a frenzied barrage of shots.
He's getting desperate.
I jumped out of the way, the bullets created craters on the ground. I jumped and weaved through his assault, the bunny girls chasing after me. I was getting closer and closer to 'Archer'.
"Protocol sixteen!" The boy screamed from the trees, his voice barely audible over the relentless ping of bullets that drowned out all other sounds.
I threw spears and tridents at him, toppling more and more trees. 'Archer' was running out of vantage points. Just when it seemed like the chaos couldn't escalate further, everything started exploding. The bunny girls abandoned all pretense and began suicide-bombing me. They threw themselves at me, diving through the air, and each explosion pushed me back. I had to destroy them before they reached me.
Utilizing my whip and spears, I slashed and pierced through the onslaught of bunny girls. The barrage persisted until I was close enough to see 'Archer's' face. Summoning my greatsword, I flung it at the servant. Its length expanded, turning into a disc of wind and lightning, ensuring a wide enough reach to at least hit him.
'Archer' screamed as the sword flew straight at him, signaling what seemed to be the end. However, Vitch jumped in the way, bearing the brunt of the damage. The greatsword sliced her in half, but her sacrifice misdirected the weapon slightly to the left, leaving 'Archer' unharmed.
"Live! Please, you must live!" Vitch screamed as her ichor fell to the earth, her falling with it.
"Pa-pa-protocol twelve! Scorched earth tactics!" 'Archer' shouted, hurling a flash grenade. Closing my eyes, I leaped forward and slashed. I could feel my arrow slicing through his tree, focusing solely on the snap of wood and the scattering of splinters. As the blinding light faded, I found myself alone. The tree had been cut from top to bottom.
Glancing back, I discovered that almost all the bunny girls were gone, with only sixteen remaining. The metal creature's corpse had vanished as well, leaving behind only a splash of molten metal as evidence.
Where is he!
I searched frantically around the area, cutting down trees and bushes. He was gone, and it seemed impossible, yet I could sense his energy. Desperation gripped me until I caught a faint whiff and looked to the sky. A single sparrow was flying in the night.
Could it be?
The mechanical sounds caught my attention as three of the bunny girls transformed, their bodies morphing into a cylindrical shape. The others picked up the transformed entities, and suddenly, flames erupted. They unleashed a great firestorm that turned the entire golf course into a fiery hell. The flames roared so loudly that they overpowered all other sounds. Thanks to my divinity, these flames were harmless, and even as a human, the extreme heat never bothered me.
The bunny girls ran through the fire, their swords shining like embers in the flames. The intense heat melted their skin and clothes, revealing bodies made of clockwork gears and wires. I swiftly slayed half of them, as they charged at me with no tactics, swinging wildly. However, a sharp pain struck my left leg, causing me to flip onto my back. Rolling through the flames, another shot rang out, leaving a dent in the earth.
The fire! It's blocking out the noise, I can't tell where 'Archer's' shooting!
My leg was throbbing, severely limiting my mobility, but I willed myself to move. The unbearable pain tested my endurance, yet I pressed on. The bunny girls closed in, and I deflected their attacks, summoning my javelin to spear through five of them. However, a barrage of bullets pierced my body – my right shoulder, the side of my torso, through my ribs, and even the side of my ear. One shot hit my hand, causing me to drop Brahmastra.
Seizing the opportunity, the last of the bunny girls charged at me. Despite the wounds, I summoned a trident and speared through their heads. With both hands, I twirled the trident, cutting through the last bunny girls. Their mechanical forms instantly melted in the intense fire, the flames must be a million degrees.
Finally it's done.
I threw the trident and picked up Brahmastra, but then the worst happened. Two bullets struck me – one hit the back of my head, cracking my skull, and the other pierced through my back, reaching my heart. Agony consumed me, and I screamed as my vision blurred. Blood erupted from my body, drenching the ground with divine ichor. My head throbbed with pain, and it felt as if my very soul began to crack.
I….
Visions flooded my mind – playing with Annabeth in the manor, the stern gaze of Uncle Randolph, the haunting memory of an asthma attack, my Mom holding me, the hikes with her, the incident with the hunting knife, the trip to Blue Hills, Mom's smile; I never understood how she could be both happy and sad. I collapsed to the ground.
The roar of the flames were being drowned out by the ringing in my ear. I couldn't move, every time I did my chest soared with pain. I could barely breathe, all I could taste was blood, iron, and soot. I was stuck here at a burned golf course, in a pool of my own blood; this has to be my lowest moment.
Then a miracle happened, all the flames were gone, they were there a second ago but suddenly they vanished. The noise turned to silence, I could hear 'Archer' walking on the burnt fields, it was still smoking with embers in the air.
"They're gone. Shattered by your hands. Every last one," he declared, pressing the cold metal of a gun against my temple. Dressed in a black jumpsuit adorned with bold pink highlights, his hair coiled elegantly around his head, a lone pink strand framing his furrowed brow. Yet, it was the uncannily lifelike fox ears that commanded my attention—brown, with delicate ear hair, it twitched at unpredictable intervals.
"I should kill you" his voice cut through the tense air, as cold as the steel he wielded.
Speech eluded me; my mouth filled with the taste of copper as blood flooded it. Desperately, I reached for Brahmastra, just a finger's breadth away. I couldn't even summon my Noble Phantasms , I think my Spiritual Core is damaged.
His eyes, ablaze with rage, they didn't belong to a beast or the demon king, all I saw was a boy, a very scared little boy.
"Do you want to know, my real wish?" His voice, angry yet tinged with a hint of sorrow, accompanied the trembling gun.
"I just want my Mom back," he confessed with a painful sob. As he prepared to pull the trigger, I held my breath. This was the end. I'm sorry, Mom. I couldn't save you.
"But not like this," he whispered. The gun disappeared in a cascade of pink light. He gazed at the starless sky, surrounded by an abyss of pure blackness.
"There must be another way. A path where all of us can win."he declared, his words sounded like a promise. He walked away, to who knows where.
"Goodbye, Saber."
"Ma-Magus," I stammered through the blood, struggling to lift myself. "My name is Magnus Chase. Archer."
He continued his departure, the distant wails of sirens growing faint. "Leo Valdez. Assassin." In the shadows, he transformed into a bird. I watched until he became a mere speck in the night sky. Collapsing to the ground, the combat mode faded, and I found myself back in my jacket. My clothes were ruined, I could feel the blood seep in. Brahmastra vanished in a golden light, such a shame, I never even used my bow. Darkness enveloped me; my gray eyes closed and I could finally sleep. In my dreams, I saw her once more.