Chapter 9: The Birth of Fantasia
"Why is she here Elizabeth!?"
"Why not? I like her, Dad!"
"Your mission was to exterminate her after claiming the Claiomh Solias! It's too dangerous to keep her here and— wait…DID YOU TURN HER INTO A VAMPIRE!?"
"I had no choice! I accidentally killed her before I could take the Seven Stars—"
"By the gods— we were fools for sending you! I should have gone!"
"And how exactly would you have fit in at an all-girls school George?"
"D-don't patronize me, Anna! I could of— you know…I could have posed as a professor!"
"All the professors are female too."
"T-then I would have posed as a goblin worker!"
"Oh! That school has goblins!? I want to go there!"
"Yes— goblin guts make the best remedies!"
"Hans! Ivan! Be quiet the adults are talking!"
"Shut up, Elizabeth! You failed to kill one human girl! Let me do it~..."
"NO! I said it a thousand times— Akko. Is. MINE!"
"Ugh…huh?"
As Akko's eyes finally opened, she noticed that she was lying on her back. Standing over her and talking were five individuals who circled around her. One of them was Elizabeth, wearing goth-like clothing; the rest were completely new individuals.
An adult woman who looked like an older and more beautiful Elizabeth with longer hair.
Another was a very tall muscular man with pale skin. He has neat, slicked-back purple hair that reaches his shoulders, dark violet eyes, and wears a dark tuxedo with a long black cloak.
The other two were young men who looked very identical. They were both very tall and extremely handsome. Both had purple hair and eyes, yet their faces and clothes were drastically different. One of the boy's hair was tied up with a black bandana head wrap with multiple bat insignias necklace with a Triskelion swirl, a small silver ring on his left hand's middle finger, a black coat with fur lining, and a ripped white, long jeans and striped shoes. The other had his purple hair neatly combed, slicked back like the older man he was dressed in a well-fitting, highly formalized, and entirely black suit, accented by a traditional white cravat encircling his neck.
"W-what the—"
Blocking Akko's view was a black cat who peered their golden eyes right at her. The brunette witch screamed aloud which immediately alerted the other the people surrounding her.
"She is awake," the fancy-dressed young man stated aloud.
"We see that, Ivan," the older man known as George grumbled. "I'll kill her."
George raised his giant foot and was ready to bring it down and crush Akko's head. But he did not go through with the action as Elizabeth appeared and pushed him back. Despite the extreme height difference, the small girl managed to have the amazing force to fling the large man into the other side of the room where he smashed into a column of books. The wooden column blasted into pieces and the man was buried under a pile of books.
"FATHER!"
The young man known as Ivan ran towards the pile of books where his father lay. Laughing aloud was the bandanna boy who clutched his stomach and nearly fell to the floor.
"Dear Lord— Elizabeth sent Dad flying! That is the funniest shit I've seen all day!"
"Hans! This isn't a joke!" Ivan screamed. "Help me get Father out!"
Annabelle sighed.
"Can you boys relax? Do you honestly think something like that would kill your father?"
The books from the pile went to everyone and the older gentleman rose to his feet. His hair was a mess and his forehead showcased many veins, hinting at how angry he was.
"Elizabeth…how dare you attack me…"
"George," Annabelle called out. "Calm yourself. Will you attack your own daughter?"
"She attacked me first! And why is she keeping this human like a pet!?"
"She's not going to be human for long though."
The black cat spoke as he walked around Akko, who was still on the ground.
"The vampiric essence is growing within her like a disease. She probably has a few months before it completely takes over."
"Maybe even less!" Elizabeth stated with a smile. "She really has a good aptitude to be a vampire!"
"Hmm…you might be right Elizabeth…"
Hans squatted and examined Akko's face with a deranged grin.
"Her humanity is slipping away by the minute! Haha! Man, I can't wait to see the full transformation! It's going to be so painful!"
"P-painful…?"
Akko muttered quietly.
"Oh! Don't worry about that Akko!"
Elizabeth began petting Akko's head as if she were a dog.
"It'll be over before you know it!"
"I do not agree with this mortal being here!"
Ivan declared while taking out his wand and using magic to fix the broken bookcase.
"I agree with Father…she should be destroyed."
"Ivan…"
Elizabeth growled as she showed her sharp teeth. Ivan's eyes flashed in response and he aimed his black wand towards his sister like a gun.
"She is the original wielder of the Seven Stars. Despite not sensing much magic from her now I'm sure she has the potential to combat us. We cannot risk any threat to our plans."
Ivan then turned his wand to Akko. The Japanese girl saw and tried to run, but then the black cat used her right paw to hold down Akko's left leg. Despite the strength of humans and cats being relatively different, to Akko, it was like a ten-ton weight was lying on her leg and she could not budge.
"I-I can't—"
Akko squealed as she tried to pry away, but the black cat simply yawned in response.
"Don't try it human. Otherwise, I will inflict you with a curse."
"Enough."
Everyone turned to Annabelle whose hands were folded.
"We are getting ahead of ourselves. Let Father decide the fate of this girl…"
"The Old Master?"
"The Old Coot?"
"Indeed…"
All of the vampires, including the cat, bowed the moment the deep and raspy voice echoed throughout the room. Akko sat up and saw a single old man with a long beard and gray robe walking into the room. The moment his misty eyes landed on hers there seemed to be a strange fluttering sensation between the two.
"W-who…"
"So…"
The Old Master walked up to Akko and chuckled softly.
"This is the current wielder of the Claimoh Solias…"
"The Claim—huh? The what? What is that? Did you say clams?"
Akko cupped her ear to see if she could hear better the words that came out of the Old Master's mouth. The elderly man was surprised by the Japanese girl's lack of knowledge and burst out laughing.
"W-what's so funny!?"
"This one is a treat!" The Old Master said. "And Elizabeth, you turned her into a vampire?"
"Yes sir," Elizabeth replied in a voice that lacked emotion. And Akko swore she could see the girl scowling.
The Old Master hummed as he continued to look at Akko.
"Your orders were to kill her after taking the Seven, but you have disobeyed. Usually, this would enact punishment…but maybe having her as a servant to the household will serve better…"
"What do you mean master?" George asked.
The Old Master answered, "She is the wielder of the Seven Stars! Perhaps there are secrets that the…wretched worm of a woman passed down…"
The Old Master's face morphed into that of a terrible beast and his hair began to flap around wildly in the air. His eyes became as dark as the night sky and the sound of a thousand low-volume hums rang throughout the room. Akko was greatly terrified and wanted to run but her mind was also telling her that she might die if she turned her back.
"Fine then…what is this girl's name?"
"Atsuko Kagari," Elizabeth answered. "But people call her Akko for short."
"Akko…I see…then I will allow "Akko" to be your familiar. Treat her well and make sure to keep a very close eye on her."
Elizabeth stood up and jumped for joy.
"Yes! Don't worry old man, I'll keep her safe!"
"Elizabeth!" George hissed. "Be respectful!"
The vampire girl pouted and crossed her arms.
"Whatever…"
"But before we had over…"
The Old Master turned to Elizabeth.
"Do you have something for me?"
"Hm? Oh yes…"
Elizabeth went into her pocket and took out the Shiny Rod.
"H-hey!"
Akko called out, reaching for the staff of Shiny Chariot. But a hand was placed on her shoulder, keeping her still. She looked to see it was Annabelle who was looking down on her and shaking her head slowly, indicating her to not act.
The Old Master stared at the rod as if it was delicious candy. He grabbed it with his wrinkly and long-nailed hands.
"The power of the Seven Stars…it finally belongs to me…its rightful owner!"
A strong wind and the very image of the galaxy appeared behind the Old Master who gazed to float up to the ceiling. Everyone bowed to him as if he was a god and the Shiny Rod began to be covered in a blinding silver light.
"Now it is time for the blessing of the symphony to begin. The earth will return to its former glory and the Guardians of the World will be redeemed of their failures! It is time to enact the Great Symphony—FANTASIA!"
The Old Master lifted the staff to the air and a deafening explosion that also blinded everyone occurred. Once it passed, resting in the old hands of the elder man was no longer the small Shiny Rod, but a giant and long staff that matched his height.
The vampire family looked in awe at the staff while Akko was staring in horror.
"W-what did you do!?" Akko yelled. "I-it looks so different— what happened to the Shiny Rod!?"
"Be quiet, human!" Ivan hissed. "Don't you know who stands before? This is the Lord of All Magic! All things— including the power of the Seven Stars of Arcturus, belong to him!"
Akko refused to be silent and shouted.
"I don't know what the hell you're talking about! What do you plan to do with Shiny Chariot's staff!? Give it back!"
The brunette witch then managed to escape the grasp of Annabelle and fly towards the Old Master who had incredible speed. But as she got close, an invisible barrier bounced her back, making her spin in the air and letting her crash back down the floor. As Akko got back up, her forehead was bleeding and the world was spinning.
George and Ivan looked at the girl with disgust. Annabelle and Lilith sighed and shook their heads. And Hans pointed at Akko while laughing his lungs out.
"Akko!"
Elizabeth ran toward and hugged her.
"Are you okay!?" The vampire girl asked in a worried voice. "Don't worry—I'm here!"
"G-get off!" Akko howled. "Don't touch me! I don't want you anywhere near—"
And then out of nowhere, Elizabeth licked the blood off of Akko's forehead. The Japanese girl squealed and pushed the purple-haired witch away.
"YOU FREAK!"
Elizabeth fell on her back but quickly got up, licking the blood from her lips while giggling at Akko.
"Now that's not very nice Akko~…"
"Ha ha! You look drunk!" Hans cackled. "Does her blood taste that good? Let me have a swig!"
"Nuh-uh!"
Elizabeth grabbed Akko and embraced her.
"She's mine! None of you are allowed to sink your teeth in her!"
Hans sucked her teeth and looked away pouting.
"Meanie!"
"Enough nonsense."
The Old Master called out as he pointed the front of the Shiny Rod— which was renamed Fantasia at Akko's face.
"It's time to begin. Hans, Ivan, break her limbs."
"Huh? HUH?! W-WAIT—"
Akko tried to run but the two vampire boys were quick to grab her feet and arms. And like breaking skinny little sticks, they snapped the bones within Akko's limbs. The sound of the bones snapping reverberated throughout the room and Akko's cries pierced a new height of volume. She released tears from her eyes endlessly and looked up in horror as the Old Master floated over.
"It is time…"
The Old Master was surrounded by a strange blue and glittery aura and began chanting the Luna alphabet. However, he was speaking so incoherently that Akko had no clue what he was saying.
The blue mist that came from the Old Master spread out and took the form of a thousand people dressed in long blue robes that harbored the image of the stars of space. Their faces were unable to be seen and sticking from the corners of their hoods were long ears.
"W-WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE!? LET ME GO!?"
Annabelle gasped as she looked over at her father.
"I see…you're going to use this girl as a test subject…"
The Old Master nodded while laughing manically.
"It is the perfect opportunity to test the curse of Ancients!"
The Old Master raised his staff to the air, summoning a wormhole.
"FANTASIA!" He shouted at the top of his lungs. "I CALL UPON THE PEOPLE LONG FORGOTTEN— FORSAKEN BY THE SINNERS OF THE WORLD! TAKE UPON YOUR MERITS AND BAPTIZE THIS SOUL!"
Multiple grayish and blue arms with strange crooked Luna letters and long sharp snails slithered out of the wormhole like snakes. They went down towards Akko who screamed repeatedly and tried to move despite the pain of her limbs being broken. But her struggle was for naught as the hands dived down and clutched onto her chest. Instead of actually feeling the hands, they phased through her body like projects.
"NOW— MAY THE FIRST NOTE BE PLAYED! THE BEGINNING ACT—"
Then Akko felt a great pressure as if being electrocuted. Whatever the hands were doing they were messing with what was deep inside her. The girl began to scream and the world was rippling away as if washed by a wave. The last thing she saw was the Old Master and everyone staring down at her with wicked smiles.
"Welcome to the Household of Myrddin Emrys, Atsuko Kagari…"
Three days later, the mansion of the Myrddin Emrys was open to the public. The living room was bustling with light and multiple undead and monster-like servants giving out drinks to the guests. The room was filled with the noise of classical jazz music while the people either conversed or danced. All the guests were dressed in fancy clothes and seemed to have come from many sides of the world. Only a few of them were human while the rest were vampires, werewolves, ghouls, and any other horrific and demonic creature that exists within the magical world.
In the far corner of the room was Elizabeth in a beautiful black dress. Her hair was perfectly combed and she wore a small black hat accessory.
"Elizabeth~!"
Approaching the young vampire girl was a very tall and pale-skinned woman with no eyes and long silky black hair. She wore a long Japanese-style robe with red and gold.
"It has been a few hundred years! How have you been?"
"Better than ever! Thank you for asking Mistress Bara!"
The lady known as Bara bowed her head.
"Good to see you in great health! And—oh! Is that a new servant? I've never seen her before…"
Bara pointed over to the maid who was standing by Elizabeth. That maid was none other than Akko who was holding a tray of drinks but her face was blank and her eyes held no life.
"Yes! She's a familiar I gained!"
Elizabeth brought Akko close to her and started playing with her hair.
"And a cute one at that~…"
Bara giggled.
"How adorable~! I wish I had a toy! Perhaps I should go look for one~?"
"Ladies and gentlemen!"
All the guests and maids turned their heads upwards to George who was by the top of the stairs.
"Please prostrate yourselves to our humblest of leaders—the Old Master and Lord of All Magic—MERLIN!"
Coming from behind George was the Old Master, Merlin, who was wearing a long white and purple robe and his hair was much neater and looked clean. He jumped off the balcony and floated down softly to the party floor with the Fantasia Staff in hand. Once his feet were planted he raised up the staff and smiled.
"My friends of a thousand years!" Merlin said. "What you see before you are the key to harassing the great ambitions of our sacrifices! After so many years—we can finally continue onward from the setbacks the Nine Olde Witches have done to us!"
Merlin then raised his arms to the air and the ceiling disappeared showcasing the night sky. In the center was a small version of the solar system and it zoomed on a smaller version of planet Earth.
"In a few months, The Great Fantasia will be awakened! And the earth will return to the glory that it must retain! Those pitiful earthlings will no longer dishonor the sacrifices of our great masters! Now we—we the ones who remain, will save the magic and save the planet! Let us begin this new symphony!"
The crowd roared and applauded the speech of Merlin. While everyone was offering praises, Elizabeth snuck away while dragging Akko with her. The two went outside and held each other's hands— well, Elizabeth held Akko's hand while the latter had no choice.
"Hey Akko," Elizabeth spoke. "I'm sorry to say this but I have to return to Luna Nova soon. The old man sent me there to retrieve an old grimoire! I wish I could bring you with me but…you got expelled, remember?"
Akko made no reaction nor any reply. Elizabeth hugged and whispered softly in her ear.
"Don't worry~…I promise to come back and get you lots of gifts~! And I'll teach you magic just like I promised!…this is the beginning of our entirety together Akko…I. Can't. Wait~…"
Elizabeth then licked the side of Akko's neck and began to sink her teeth into it, sucking the blood out feverishly. While the vampire girl was gorging herself on the innards of her servant, Akko still showed no emotion…except for a single tear that went down her right eye…
Author's Note:
The curse of Fantasia is a very complicated spell that I constructed for this series. As of right now, the spell and how it functions is supposed to be left in secret for the other acts. The next chapter will be the final chapter of Act 1!
By the way, the new form of the Shiny Rod is called Fantasia and it resembles the same long staff that Akko holds in that cover designed by Yoh Yoshinari for the Book of Paintings Illustration.
Please check out my own original web novel, "The Branded Hero Volume 1: Baxter the Failure". The tale of a hero who has been outcasted by the world since releasing The Demon King: /series/The-Branded-Hero-Volume-1-Baxter-the-Failure/info
And please check out my webcomic, "The Curse of Gringerfield" on Webtoon and Tapas!
Webtoon: https/en/canvas/the-curse-of-gringerfield/list?title_no=970667
Tapas: /series/The-Curse-of-Gringerfield/info
Next Chapter: Aftermath of the Red Team