God Hunter

Chapter 23: Thunder and Lightning

As they approached the city, teepees and wikiups could be seen on the outskirts. As they approached, stone buildings and homes could be seen. Many had their windows closed. Soon James parked the vehicle and the team stepped out. The horsemen dismounted and motioned for them to follow. Storm clouds were now hanging high above them. The men lead them to a large fire.

"Where are the two God Hunters?" one of the men asked.

"They went out scouting and hitting the enemy where they can. They should be back soon," said an elderly woman.

"Is there a priestess here?" asked Illya.

"Yes. I am," the elderly woman replied, "Why do you ask?"

"I need to see Lozen. I have come for one of the weapons of Tomoe Gozen."

The rumbling of thunder could be heard. Suddenly, some riders came rushing in.

"Everyone! Please go inside! Servants are coming!" said the rider.

"Where are the God Hunters?" asked the elderly woman.

"I don't know. We were with them when we lost sight of them."

The woman then turned to Illya and her team.

"If you help us, I will take you to Lozen," she said.

Illya nodded.

She was then taken inside a nearby building. Soon, the warriors readied their rifles, some had bows as well. Illya drew her katana. The rest of the team readied their weapons. Soon, the rain began pouring down. After a few moments, a large group of Servants came rushing in from the clouds. The warriors fired their weapons. Anastasia and Kydaana cast mana spells upon them. Tracker fired his rifle, taking a few down. James used the stone to kick up a rock boulder. Illya quickly summoned the yumi and fired the bow, taking enemies down with it. Eventually, the Servants landed and a hand-to-hand battle commenced. Illya slashed and stabbed any enemies that approached her. James fought with his fists and legs, breaking their weapons and armor. Tracker drew his hammer, smashing any Servants to bits with it. Kydaana used her spear to stab foes. Any that were closer, she drew her blade for. Anastasia kept up the pressure with her mana, hitting from range still. The warriors of Apache used clubs, spears, and knives to fight off foes that were close. Despite the losing the mortals were inflicting, the Servants numbers were beginning to overwhelm.

"There are too many!" Illya yelled.

"Don't give in! Besides. Fighting Fu Hao and Saytarus was worse than this," James replied.

Illya thought back to those battles and she smirked.

"Yeah. They were worse."

She kept up the fight, alternating between her different weapons in taking down foes. Despite the losses the Servants were taking, they were still coming in force. Suddenly, there was a massive bolt of lighting in the middle of the Servants lines. Servants and mortals alike all looked at the sight. Crouched down on one knee with a scythe was figure dressed in black. Illya gasped upon seeing it. She thought back to when Jahlan had first brought her to the God Hunters. The figure lifted his head and it was that of a raven. Three Servants charged him and with one swipe of his scythe they were cut in half. One approached from behind and the avian like man swiftly stabbed the Servant through his armor and cut upwards. Soon, numerous Servants rushed him, attempting to swarm him. The birdman lifted one leg, held the scythe behind him, and closed his eyes with two fingers held in front of his beak. Faster than the eye could blink, he then cut through all of the enemies with a bolt of lightning following just behind. More Servants then surrounded him. He jumped into the air, raising his scythe high. The weapon then turned into lightning and his slammed it into the ground, electrocuting any foes around him.