This is it. The fight you wanted. Sickos like you love to see friends, best friends, fight to the death. You get off on the tragedy of it, the drama of it. I remember when I first read Naruto’s battle against Sasuke. The history of their friendship elevated the battle into a true legend. I understand why you wanted this. But what about their feelings? My heart feels like its coated in a thorn of daggers. This isn’t like that cop out battle of Natsu versus Gray…this is the real deal. He’s coming to kill me. And all you’re going to do is savor our tragedy. You, the person who’s watching my anime right now, you’re no different than Flamboyant villain.

I look at his eyes. There’s no love. My stomach sinks.

Should I even fight? Or just die here? I don’t even care anymore.

I only believed I could be a hero because of him. But that was all just a lie.

“Main, it’s me Glasses Kid. Don’t let go of your POV. When you surrender it, you lose Plot Armor and the ability to retcon.”

I’m not scared to die offscreen like so many Assguardians. If I die, then maybe I’ll become another Isekai protagonist. Haha! Nah, no way that will happen again. I think there’s just darkness, right? Nothing as far as the eye can see. No pain. I won’t even remember him.

“Go ahead and do it! Kill me!” I yell at him.

POV STALKER

Mr. Sickle used to be so nice. But here he is…trying to kill me. I could fly away, but then I’d never find out why. Something must have happened to him and I can help.

I have to help him.

I swoop through his curved blade assault. The blades bend and slice my feet but I push through and slam into him. “Mr. Sickle, why are you doing this?”

“Why…that’s what I asked too.” His body opens up into blades.

I place a barrier around my body as soon as I’m cut.

His form splits, causing me to speed through it and crash into a building.

“Angel, what do you see now?” he asks, slashing at my shield with his scythes.

“I see a sad friend. You’re suffering. Please, talk to me.”

“All I see is red. The sky…the people…even the smiles. It’s all red!”

His misery causes his blades to distort for an instant, bypassing my shield.

I keep my gaze firm on him as the blades cut me. I smile through my pain, hoping to somehow reach him.

She’s going to make it through this. How does she keep on smiling through the pain? Why do I care about anything anymore? Is Glasses Kid okay? I wonder, can I shift to his POV now?

POV GLASSES KID

I seal up the wound with some stone sap and stuff my severed hand in my pocket.

I should have figured out that Best Friend was a plant. How could I have ignored all the signs? What sort of genius am I? You’re spying on my thoughts, Main. Then you know that I am your ally. I’m going to help you defeat Best Friend. So stay alive. Your teacher commands it!

I rush out the village and to the forest just beyond. “There you are. What are you doing now?”

Kuu is in the forest.

“Signaling your allies again? I know that’s what you were doing in the forest. I know you’re a spy. But I don’t know for what side. How about we play a game. If I win, you have to let me know who you really serve.”

Kuu looks at me, her eyes in an intoxicated gaze. “I do like games.”

“Great! Well this one is simple…”

Pollen in the air. When did it get so close?

I stumble over a branch clumsily and fall over.

Can’t reach me from below. If she’s attacking though, I have to find some way to retaliate. Let’s see if this works.

I swipe my pad, aiming at the tree branch above Kuu.

Fall. Fall. Fall.

The branch doesn’t budge an inch.

Ugh. I’ve grown so weak.

“How about a simple game of…”

“Life and death.” Her head get coated in a noxious fume, making a purple skull around her head.

She wants me dead. Well that doesn’t really narrow things down. Hmm, gotta figure out her allegiance somehow. Good thing I came prepared.

“Help! Little brother is in danger!” I yell as loud as I can.

Kuu looks around curiously. “Are you talking to the ghost bunnies? They don’t listen to anyone but their little bunny hearts.”

“Bunnies don’t exist in SteamPunk. Only BunBuns. So you came from Earth!” I exclaim, pointing at her.

Her neck bends and her body contorts.

No…that’s definitely wrong. She’s had contact with heroes is all. But so has her whole team. I just need her to slip up before she kills me.

Vines come out from beneath me and grab my legs.

“No escape from deaths cuddle puddle,” she says, her vines fusing with my legs.

“Stay away!” “From our!” “Little brother!” A squad of CatBoys rush in to attack Kuu.

Just a little memory manipulation and they were completely reprogrammed. Too bad only these three heard me. Thankfully I already equipped them.

Kuu paralyzes them with toxins just before they reach her.

Definitely still in range.

I pick up three rocks from the ground and throw them at the explosives I had them place on their backs.

The rock falls after only a foot.

Even with all the proper calculations. Without strength my plans will fail. Am I going to die here?

“Alright!” I raise my hand. “You win. I’ll join your team, alright? Just don’t kill me!” I make my eyes gush tears as if I was actually afraid.

Her vines stop bending my legs. “You wanna join me in the primal soup?”

Primordial soup, right? Does she want to restart life itself? Or is she just weird?

“Oh yeah! I got my bathing suit underneath at all times just in case its soup time.”

Kuu’s neck opens up with multiple mouths and starts giggling.

Her body releases fumes and my CatBoy protectors start laughing.

They laugh until they suffocate and die.

Bingo!

With their hearts stopped, the bombs on their backs burst.

I break my legs free of the burnt vines but I can’t pinpoint her location with all the smoke. I use my collar to cover my mouth and start making my way to escape the burning forest.

My leg gets snagged and I’m suddenly lifted off my feet.

I dangle from a tree branch, my leg connected to one of her vines.

No surprise she’s still alive. But to react that quick means she doesn’t rely on sight, but rather by touch.

“Wow! Looks like you caught him.”

I look down at the source of the voice. It’s some kid with glasses.

Is he a hero?

“Oh, the library enters the sea of fire and flowers,” says Kuu, dancing while the flames coat her body.

Her fumes collect the flame and send it to the tree I’m dangling from.

“New game. Discover my secret before you become ashes.” Kuu smiles at me.

Glasses Kid. It’s me Main. I’m not sure you can hear me. But someone has to know about her. Buy some time. I’m gonna keep searching. I’m not afraid of dying, but I won’t die a bad friend.

“Ooooh. Tears of desperation to douse the fire of my passion.” Kuu giggles.

“Wow, this is pathetic. Can’t think of any other way to stop the fire. You really are the dumbest of us all,” says the kid with glasses.

“Is that what you think? Nope. These tears are for you. I’m thinking about all the pain you’ll be in when I escape. It’s so funny it’s making my eyes water! Ehehehehahahaha!”

Leave me to my thoughts. Search for the answer. I can deal with these two fools.

POV DANDY

Huh? Why do I suddenly feel important? Is someone watching me?

I can’t believe Yandy is a bag girl. She’s always so nice to me. Hitting me, bullying me even when she’s exhausted. She always hates me with her whole heart. But now she’s…she doesn’t even notice when I’m looking right at her.

Yandy pushes me out of the way. “Don’t interfere, Dandy.”

Yay! She’s not ignoring me!

“Wait up, bro bro!” Yandy runs to Best Friend and cuddles his arm.

Best Friend smiles at her. “What’s up, little sis?”

“The heroes not awake so killing him now is boring.” She places a Psyren frog in his hand.

“This is someone not something,” he said, bonking her head.

Sibling love is so lovely.

“I just want you to record his screams for me! Then we can listen to them while we chill on the couch and eat snacks later.” She pokes him playfully with her sword.

He smiles and his cheeks become flushed. “I can’t deny my little sister.” He kisses her forehead.

“NO!” I yell as loudly as my little voice will carry.

They turn to face me.

Yandy rushes up to me and drags her dull blade across the ground, teasing me.

“You’re both terrible. Main…he loves you! Why don’t you care?” I ask.

“A heart can only bleed so much before it’s empty,” says Best Friend.

“And you!” I glare at Yandy. “You think his broken heart is funny? Well there’s nothing funny about love that is lost. You’re being bad!”

Yandy laughs. “What are you gonna do about it? How about this? Either you help us or I’ll kill you?” She drags the blade in the air above my throat.

“No! I only help my friends. Nobody who laughs at a break up can be my friend! I’m gonna stop you!” I pull out my whip.

Yandy slaps the weapon out of my hand. “You can’t even activate that thing without authorization. You’re too pathetic to kill. I only hurt you because it got me wet! Honestly you’re so forgettable…umm, what’s your name again?”

Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

My awareness flickers.

No. I can’t go out. He’s still waiting for me. My knight. And yeah if Main dies, then he’ll be the number one hero again, but then the angel girl will be sad. Killing the loveless is fine and dandy but…if they are loved by someone…even if it isn’t reciprocated…then I’ll fight for them with all my strength.

“What are you saying? Speak up. Oh wait, I forgot. I don’t care.” Yandy grins.

I put my focus on my fist and send it slamming into her face.

Yandy almost falls over and holds her cheek. She turns her attention to her brother. “I’m gonna kill her but its gonna be messy. Film me beautifully.” She does a twirl and winks at him.

“Make me proud my DeathTube star.” He ruffles her hair and makes a box with his hands.

If I stay in that little box, then I’ll be able to stay strong. Even without my weapon, I can win.

“Pay attention, ghost girl!” Yandy slams her sword into my chest.

It hits hard but it doesn’t cut me.

“No way. You’re too pathetic to cut. Fine then…” She grabs my face and slams me through the wall of a burning building.

Inside some young men are cowering.

Yandy raises her blade. “I’ll just have to feed my blade with some extras first!” She bludgeons the first two and her blade collects the blood. Her next slash decapitates the third teenager.

I tackle her as she holds her blade above the blood fountain coming from his throat.

I focus my power and place my awareness just above the severed neck, making the blood disappear.

Yandy growls and slices my leg with her sword, but it’s only a surface wound.

“Do you want some help, dear sister?” asks Best Friend, pulling the blood out of the corpse and positioning it around me as spikes.

“Just keep filming me!” Yandy swipes her blade, collecting the blood spikes in the air to sharpen her blade.

I hug myself tightly, making the sword pass through me.

I can really do this.

Yandy puts her hand in my chest and when I rematerialize I can feel her hand around my heart. “A quick, painless and forgettable death for a dull girl.” She grins at me.

Why did I think I could ever beat her? I’m worthless.

POV TOMCAT

I can feel your eyes on me, creep. Not that it matters. All that matters is killing this accursed assassin.

I chase the fleeing RiftRipper to the rooftop of the main hall.

“I keep punching you but you won’t fight back or say anything!” I yell, sending another shockwave his way.

The creature’s back hardens to weaken the impact.

“How about this. Either you fight me or I go after your daughter. I’ll try to take my time breaking her but sometimes I get excited and just burst their heads like a coconut.” I grab his head and slam him against the ceiling.

His tendrils come out and wrap around me.

“I’m searching for someone. I’d rather not kill my daughter’s new friend. But I suppose if I shred you to tiny bits, I can just say you ran off and she’d be none the wiser.” Assailant’s tendrils grow razors and slide up and down my body, slicing me up.

I slam a metal pole into the creature and then kick it with my BunBun slippers repeatedly, shocking the murderer. “Were you so indifferent when you murdered my brothers?” My eyesight goes foggy as rage fills me up.

“An assassin must be as focused and calm as a knife when it takes the kill.” A bladed tendril stabs into my side.

I grit my teeth as I’m electrocuted with him.

How is this doing nothing to him? If that human Rival can defeat a RiftRipper, why can’t I? I have to kill him for my brothers.

“What were their dying words?” Tears drop from my cheeks. “Did they talk about me?”

“Most of the time I just hear screams. Being cleaved to pieces is a painful way to go. Hard to be articulate.” More tendrils come out from his back and start flailing around.

I punch, engaging the pistons in my kitty gauntlets.

The roof breaks and I kick off him.

Another RiftRipper looks at Assailant curiously when he lands.

“Destiny calls once more, but I’m ill prepared.” The Shadow Truth assassin flees the building and Assailant rushes after him.

No! I’m not letting him get away. He has to die!

POV RIVAL

Yoink. I’m gonna need my hero perks if I’m gonna beat this little cutie.

“Hey, why don’t you just hand over that book?” I ask, slowly approaching Dere Dere.

Ugh! You’re such a moron. You know the only way to get things you want in life is by force. Take it from her!

“Shut up, Dad!”

“Mwahahaha! You want the deity’s new bedtime story, then you must catch me. One touch and I’ll hand it over.” Dere Dere zooms directly in front of me.

My hand reaches out to her but she suddenly vanishes.

She’s suddenly behind me and pokes my back.

A blue aura appears around my body.

Oh shit. She’s hungry.

Dere Dere noms on my aura like a tiger cub.

Too cute. Can’t think straight.

“You think I’m here for that book…I just want a hug, cutie pie.” My hand moves very slowly toward her foot so she won’t notice.

Just before contact it’s zapped.

Dere Dere sits on my head and hops around my shoulders to dodge my attempts to grab her. “I’m sparring you mortal. Direct contact with the Deity’s charged body would destroy you!”

No way I can catch her after she’s feasted on my energy. Gotta find someway to get her to lower her guard.

My hair suddenly juts out.

“Energy is a song and that song is telling me your mortal thoughts.” Dere Dere hops around the stones on the ground, dodging my hair with perfect timing.

I create a web with my hair and bring it down but she speeds up behind me. “Still hungry.” Her eyes change shape. “Deity’s Harvest!” My aura suddenly twists around my body and clings to my body with suction cups.

Pathetic. Losing to a child.

I start to cry.

My conscience is an asshole but he’s right. I am pathetic.

I feel the tentacles’ grip weakening.

“Why does the mortal cry?” asks Dere Dere, titling her head curiously.

“I’m helpless and pathetic. Be honest. I’m a has been. My life is meaningless.”

“Hmm.” Dere Dere looks up at me. “Without faith mortals have no master to serve and no guru from which to learn from.”

The tentacles release me and I fall to the floor on my knees.

Dere Dere looks at me curiously. “Do you want to die?” Her hair pulses with electrical energy.

I nod in tears.

If I die, then the hope will go away. That cruel little tease will finally let me rest.

“Very well. The Deity hears your plea.” Dere Dere grabs my hand. “From now on your life belongs to the Deity of the Deep.” She grabs my hand. “My whims are your dharma.”

My eyes go wide. I look down at my hand. It’s touching hers.

“I…I won.”

Dere Dere releases my hand and takes a step back. “Impossible. A true Deity is beyond deception.”

I look up and smile at her. “Yeah, if I had some sort of plan, then my energy flow would have given it away to you. But that’s not what happened. I meant everything I said. Your desire to help me made you forget the rules of the game. But you still lost.”

You beat a child without meaning to. What do you want, a medal? You’re pathetic.

Yep and it’s because I’m pathetic that I won.

Ha! Are you actually proud of that?

Yeah! I am proud of it! And you won’t bring me down.

Dere Dere’s eyes go blank and she hands me the book.

What just happened? No way a god could be affected by the Sound.

Her eyes return to normal and she looks up at me with surprise. “When did you take from the Deity!?”

“I didn’t. You gave it to me.”

“Mwaha! Yes of course. A deity never lies. Otherwise would get bored playing with mortals.”

“Hey look. I appreciate the offer but I can’t risk a bond like that. If you really want me to do something, just fry my insides until I give in. That okay?”

Dere Dere grins mischievously. “Aww, too shy to admit you want to worship the Deity! Very well, the Deity will respect your cowardice.” She pats my head.

I nuzzle her hand.

Head pats…still feel good…after all this time.

POV TSUNDY

Yandy was a traitor all along. Was she just spying on us? I need answers. And there’s only one way to get them.

I glare at Flam. “Hey, what the hell is going on? Why is my comrade on your side?”

He looks at me from the corner of his eye and giggles. “A maiden never kisses and tells. Fufufu.”

“Then I’ll have to beat you until you no longer feel pretty.” I rush toward him, gathering my energy in my fist.

His scarf shoots out at me and wraps around my arm.

I grimace as I feel teeth biting off bits of my flesh. I tear the scarf off and stomp it repeatedly, making the roof of the building I’m standing on collapse. My hands fasten the scarf around them before I pull with all my might. The scarf suddenly smashes me into an assortment of barrels and my body gets drenched in wine.

Yuck. I hate traditional beverages.

Flam descends with what appear to be butterfly wings.

Those are the same wings that creature has. That’s no coincidence.

Flam twists my arms behind my back. “Alright you have my attention. And you’re very cute…hmm except for these.” His scarf slides into my sweater and wraps around my breasts, squeezing them hard.

I didn’t ask to for these giant melons. But I’ll show him they won’t hold me back!

My aura pulses, paralyzing his scarf for a moment. I rush forward to punch him.

His head becomes like rock before he slams it into my fist. His scarf then revitalizes itself and trips me.

Why does my hand hurt? No stone should be stronger than my fist.

“Is that really all you’ve got?” His scarf slices my leg and brings me to my knees.

If I don’t step things up, I’m going to die here. I don’t get to die after what I’ve done. No rest for the sinners.

I take my pinefruit pendant and dip it in the puddle of blood at my feet.

I didn’t want to have to do this.

The blood is collected by the pendant until it transforms into a spiky mace. “Ha! You need me after all! I waited, biding my time until you would call upon me once again. You know you can’t abandon me, girl.”

Ugh. I hate this prickly prick.

I slam him against the puddle. “Got your fill? Good. Now, you ready to help?”

Flam looks at my weapon curiously. “The rumors are true then. You have tamed a HellBrand and turned it into a KeyChum. How dangerous are you really?”

“She didn’t tame me! I pitied her and decided to tag along!” yells my mace.

“Piney, shut up and help me kill this beautiful asshole!” I yell, punching the mace.

My mace glares at me with a spectral eye. “No respect. You know the drill, sourpuss. Blood activates us but we need something more to grow stronger.”

Flam sits on his scarf. “Show me the extent of your power. I’ve never witnessed one of the legendary WokeWeapons in actions.”

Ugh. This is the worst part.

I blush and grit my teeth. “Piney, you’re cool and stuff.”

“That was pathetic.” The mace hits my head.

“Ow! Don’t piss me off moron!” I yell, slamming the mace against the ground.

“Then compliment me better! If you don’t, he’ll just kill you and take me away, right?” Piney looks to Flam.

“Oh, that is a great idea. And its true. If I’m bored your dead.” Flam shrugs.

“Fine!” I puff out my cheeks. “You’re really cool Piney. You’re super strong and beautiful.”

“I truly am beautiful, aren’t I?” Piney grows in my grip.

“Yeah and when I was little you’d always protect me. And you’re so awesome and brave too.”

“Keep the compliment buffet coming, babe!” He doubles in size.

Ugh. I hate being called “babe”.

I bite my lip. “You’re a legend among legends and I’m unworthy to wield you.”

The mace glows with a molten aura.

“Thanks for showing me how it works.” Flam’s scarf sharpens like a sword and cuts off my hand. It then pulls the mace up to him.

He cut through my muscle like it was nothing. I never should have confronted him.

He twirls the mace around as he approaches me.

I have to hit him the moment he’s within range.

My leg gathers energy and I simultaneously pool energy inside my fist where he can’t see.

“Killed by your own weapon.” Flam’s gaze meets mine and my body starts turning to stone.

How many powers does he have?

“How tragic.” He raises the mace and slams it down on me.

Energy bursts into me, coating me in molten armor.

Piney grins at me. “Hot stuff. There isn’t anyone alive more worthy than you. Kick his ass for the both of us.”

I slam my fist into his chest, grab my mace and slam it into him. “TomBoy’s Inferno!” My aura cripples him as the lava bursts out and obliterates him.

POV MAIN

Holy shit! Tsundy just obliterated Flam. No Flam means no betrayal, right? If Best Friend has nobody to serve, then he has to come back to me!

“Oh, Main, you foolish boy. I won’t die so easily,” says Flam, still annoying me with his creepy telepathy.

“Morning sunshine,” says Best Friend, his eyes cold and unfeeling.

That’s supposed to make me feel warm, but I feel…empty.

“Are you really going to die in tears?” He clenches his teeth. “I raised you better than that.” A blood kunai hits my shoulder and brings me back into awareness.

He’s coming to kill me. If I don’t fight, I will freaking die!

I tear out the kunai and toss it aside, glaring at him with anger.

Eyes full of rage can still see, but tears cloud the vision. A moment of weakness can be the difference between life and death. Ha! Eat that, asshole! I’m going to use your teachings to defeat you!

“You were crying so much that day. I doubt you remember.”

My hair goes limp and my legs freeze up.

“Remember what? Don’t you dare say another word! Explain yourself now, asshole!” I yell in tears.

“Indecisive as ever. I made you into a hero. All the best heroes are orphans, after all,” he says as he cuts his arm and forms a blood sword.

No. No. No. No. No.

“You will join them soon. And be a happy family again.” His eyes water up.

My hair shoots out as single strands before coming together into a fist and slamming into his face.

Best Friend, no…he’s not that anymore. Worst Enemy’s treacherous face undulates and twists before he’s sent flying off the roof and smashing into a building in the distance.

I fall to my knees and sob.

He’s the one who told me that story about my birth. It was a lie. Everything was a damn lie.

The bodies below suddenly gush out fountains of blood. The blood bends into a slide.

Worst Enemy rides the slide back up to me. “You owe me your life. You wouldn’t be who you are today without my help. You’d just be a boring, average kid, the kind of person you despise.”

“You fucked me.” I say softly.

He stops in place. “What?”

“You fucked me so hard. Full throttle! No condom! No kiss!”

“What are you going on about?”

“Get me some lipstick, you fucking asshole, cuz I want to at least look pretty when I get fucked!” My hair shoots out again.

His hands move in a flash and slice my follicles with his blood daggers. “So immature. Mommy raised you better than that.” He looks at me with motherly disapproval.

“You’re not my mom…and you’re not my…friend.” Tears explode from my eyes.

Without him, what am I? Who am I?

“If I’m not your friend…” He throws blood daggers at me but I grab them with my hair. He then rushes in and brings his blood katana down upon me. “…Then you’ll die friendless.”

“No, he won’t.” Friendship blasts Worst Enemy at point blank range. “He has me.”

Worst Enemy slams his scarlet swords into the roof and is coated in fire.

His lovely skin is burning.

He wills the blood slide to drench his body to douse the fire.

“You were more than my best friend.” I wipe my tears. “We bathed together. I’d always scoot in between your legs. We slept together, even though I kept kicking you when I was asleep. I sit in your lap as we watched anime for as long as I can remember. You were a brother to me.”

Worst Enemy looks up at me but doesn’t speak. He takes an awkward step forward.

A boner! He has a freaking boner.

“You getting off on hurting me? Is this the real you?” I ask, gripping Friendship with both hands and pulling the trigger.

Worst Enemy creates a shield of blood and approaches.

My memories with him are my ammo. To destroy him…I have to love him.

“You cried in my arms after we watched Clannad. Those tears weren’t fake! I know they weren’t!” I yell, keeping the beam steady by having my hair hold my legs still.

Worst Enemy slices the Friendship beam and coats his body in blood. The blood repels the firestorm of my passionate friendship. He tosses something at my feet.

Is that a mushroom?

“That never happened. That was a memory I created. It was to get you attached to me. I found you six years ago. You had just turned ten. It was your big day.”

“Who are you! The real Best Friend would know I was born on a leap year. I’m only four years old.”

“I came up with that too. You know I always make things more dramatic for you.” He slices my hand, making me drop Friendship. “You were ten years old when I…” His body shivers “killed your parents.”

My eyes go blank.

I knew it was the truth but hearing him say it. Seeing those sweet lips spout such poison…I can’t see anything.

“Don’t die, hero!” yells Runt.

People believe in you but it doesn’t make you immortal in the real world. It can give you a little push but all it really amounts to is more tears at your funeral.

My hair shoots out blindly in the hopes of hitting Worst Enemy.

“Stop lying to me! Why are you doing this!” I yell, my hair becoming like spikes and thrashing around.

I hear his laugh. It sickens me now.

“I believed in you and you failed me. You were supposed to be the answer. The Hero of Destiny! What better vessel could there be for the man who was going to bring about a new era?!” His blades slice at my hair.

I can feel him closing in.

“Main, you were supposed to be strong, both physically and morally. A true paragon of morality and virtue. But you’ve failed so miserably in both regards.”

I hear Friendship scream.

No…

My eyes come into focus to see a blood sword pierced through my rocket launcher.

Worst Enemy slices Friendship to pieces. “I’m not strong enough to cut the threads of destiny. The threads that keep everything constrained and strangle meaning out of life. So if you really are the Hero of Destiny, then I can’t kill you. And if you aren’t, then your death…..means nothing to me.”

I close my eyes and surrender myself. My hair falls at my sides. “If I survive this cut…you…you have to come back to me.” I swallow my pride.

“If you die, then I’m the one who failed…..not you.”

I hear his sword being sharpened before it comes down.

Pain is all that I feel now.