Archetype

Chapter 3

A monorail passed above Logan as she ran through the Slum Market. Rain had begun to fall, and the blood on her nanosuit had washed away.

Almost every store was closed, save for few restaurants, and a small shop at the end of the way. The shop’s neon sign read, “Mira Nova” and in smaller, less bright letters, “Buy Sell Trade.” Logan smiled. Mira was still open. Rushing inside, she closed the door behind her quickly. She hadn’t let go of the amulet since leaving Marena to die at the hotel. The shop was almost empty, save for a man wearing too little clothing and a large red hat, and an elf with white hair.

“Logan! Is everything alright!” Mira cried as Logan tried to catch her breath.

“Of course she isn’t alright.  Am I right, ma-cherie?” the man in the hat replied.

“Ah, shut your mouth, Red.” Mira’s hair had changed from white to pink.

“Pleasure to see you, ma fleur puante,” Red told her.

“Quit talkin’, or I’m gonna use my gun to blow a hole in yer leg. Got it?” Red put up his hands and turned around. Logan was still trying to catch her breath.

“Now tell me, wha’ happened?”

“M-m-murder. A-a th-th-thing just m-m-murdered a P-P-Pantheon! She g-g-gave me th-this.” Logan showed Celeste the Amulet.

“The thing did?” Celeste asked, raising a quizzical eyebrow.

“N-no. The P-pantheon. I-it was ins-side her. She t-t-told me to k-keep it s-safe.”

“Wha’ the hell is it?” Logan opened her mouth to speak again, when the door opened behind her, and someone small pushed by.

“I believe I can answer that,” said the newcomer. He had a squeaky voice, and a robe covered him from head to foot.

“And you are?” The figure pulled down his hood, and looked at Celeste. He was a rat.

“What the hell!”

“I would prefer it if you didn’t shout. I’m not exactly supposed to be here right now.” He looked around to Red, who was wide eyed and shaking.

‘“Alrigh’. Wha’ do ya want?” Celeste asked.

“I came here because the Archetype summoned me. Now then, which one of you is holding it?” He looked to Logan, who stared into his small, beady eyes.

“I-I have it,” she said.

“Then you are chosen. Please, all three of you, come with me. There is not time to waste.” The rat walked past Logan and Celeste, and stopped at the door.

“Why the hell should we go with you, Rat?” Red asked, his voice somewhat shaking.

“Unless you wish to die, I’d follow me if I were you. The Hunters will be coming for that Amulet soon. And you don’t want to be here when they do.” With that, the rat exited the shop, and stood outside. Logan looked at him, then followed.

“Why the hell are we following a dirty rat?” Red asked as he walked outside. Celeste followed suit, locking the door as she left. After everything was secure, the rat strolled over to a manhole, and opened it.

“Follow me. And keep up, there are things far worse than just us rats down here.” The rat jumped down the manhole, and disappeared into the darkness.

“W-w-well, what d-do we have t-to l-lose?” Logan said as she climbed down the ladder.

“Our lives?” Red replied, cringing as he grabbed the top of the ladder. “This is going to be a long night.”