A Hedgehog Of Chaldea
Orleans (Part 2)
After walking into directions and getting lost in the process. Sonic, Mash, and Fou finally make it to their next location which was a huge castle
"Well... here it is. We finally made it here! I told you will eventually make our way here." Sonic said
"This is... Awful, isn't it?" Mash said
"It's a complete ruin on the inside... The outer wall is more or less intact, but you can't call this a fort." Romani replied
"Why? Because there's apparently a war going on that I know nothing about?" Sonic said
"...No, that would still be impossible. Although you know nothing about the 100 years war, just at least know this. In 1431, Charles VII of France entered a peace treaty with Philip III, an ally of England. Of course, I'm sure there were some skirmishes..." Mash said
"Argh! Intruders!"
"Oh no, here we go again." Sonic commented
"Bonjour. We are Travelers We are not here to harm you. Please put down your weapons, monsieur." Mash speaking French
"You're not... an enemy?"
"Hm, that was rather easy. Perhaps they're rational now. Or... They have no more fight left in them?" Romani said
"Why didn't Charles VII sign the peace treaty?" Mash asks
"King Charles? So you don't know? The king is dead. He was burned by a witch's flames." The solider responded
"...Dead? By witch's flames?"
"It's "Jeanne d'Arc." She has risen again as the "Dragon Witch." England retreated quite a while ago. But, where have we to run to? This is our home, but there's nothing we can do." The solder said
"Jeanne d'Arc is a witch?"
"Man... these are some of the weirdest names I've ever heard. They have numbers in their names as well" Sonic commented
Moments later, sounds of screaming begin to fill the air.
"Here! They are here!"
"Magical energy signals are heading here. Familiars created using human bodies... skeleton soldiers. This time it's different. Both of you can be as wild as you want!" Romani said
"Yes. Orders, Master! Let's pulverize them!" Mash said
"I like the sound of that! *Takes out sword from scabbard* Let's do this!" Sonic said
Moments later, three sword-wielding Skeletons begin charging at Sonic and Mash. Sonic charges at the Skeletons as well as he lunges toward them and performs a strong sword swing at one of them, knocking them back away from him. The second skeleton swings his sword at Sonic and trys to attack him, but Sonic blocks each swing easliy and soon gets into a charge-like stance, then launches himself at the skeleton, somersaulting with the blade and cutting the Skeleton in half before vanishing and landing on the ground. The third skeleton attacks Sonic from behind but was interrupted by Mash slamming into it and knocking the Skeleton away from Sonic. Sonic notices the first skeleton get back up and charging at him very quickly. Sonic begins charging up the sword, then unleashes a series of stabs at the Skeleton, shattering it to pieces before vanishing away. The third skeleton
"Looks like we took care of those guys pretty easily. Great job, Mash." Sonic said
"Those were some amazing sword skills you used there, Sonic. I never thought you were good using a sword." Mash said
"What can I say? A
"You guys, I can't believe you took them on. Especially the talking animal here." The soldier said
"We're used to it. Anyway I'm sorry, but could you explain this from the start? Is it true that Jeanne d'Arc has been resurrected?" Mash asks
"Yes. I took part in the siege of Orleans and the ceremony, so I remember it well. Her hair and skin color are different, but there's no question that she's the saint from the past. Hearing that she'd been captured by the English and burned at the stake, we trembled in fury. But... she was resurrected. And through a pact with the devil, no less!" The solider explaining
"What do you mean the devil? Like the Skeleton soldiers earlier?" Mash mentioned
"Not those. At least those we can handle ourselves."
Moments later, Dragons appear in front of them.
"!"
"Oh, now we have Dragons to take care of? Should have expected that..." Sonic said
"Dammit, just as I thought! Here they come, engage! Come on, stand up! Dragons are here! If you don't resist, they'll eat you! Large creatures are shown to be near you! They're moving in fast!"
"Visual confirmed! But that... It can't be..."
"Sonic, this is a creature that should've never been in the 15th Century France!" Mash said
"Again, if you never told me that, I would've believed that these things were actually part of your guys History," Sonic replied
"It's coming!"
"Master, respond with full force! This is different from those old bones from earlier!" Mash said
"Sounds good to me. Wonder if this works with the sword." Sonic said
Sonic emits electricity from his body as the sword he was holding begins to glow bright blue. Eventually, the sword was completely glowing and emitting electricity around the blade. Forming an electric sword.
"Whoa!" Mash shock
"Now then, Let's do this!" Sonic said
Before the two can start fighting, they soon heard a female voice coming towards them.
"Soldiers, duse yourself with water! You can momentarily defend against their flames!" The female said
"Eh?"
"You there! Please pick up a weapon and fight! Together with me!"
"Who the heck is that?" Sonic looking at the female
"This is..."
"Oh, she's a Servant! But her Energy is weak, what is she..." Romani said
"Enough talk you two, we have a dragon to fight!" Sonic said
The Dragons charges at Sonic and Mash and was about to attack them with its claws until Sonic homes up to the Dragon at incredible speeds and delivers a hasted combo of lightning-fast and powerful slashes with his sword. Mash, the Soldier, and the female all watched in total shock as Sonic was completely destroying the Dragon with ease and leaving scratch marks behind as well. Soon, at the end of the combo, the force from the attack throws the Dragon some distance away and Sonic lands back down next to Mash.
"It's all yours Mash and lady. Take em down." Sonic said
"T-That's what I like to hear." The female said
Moments later, the female runs at the Dragon and strikes it several times with her flag pole-like spear. Causing it to start bleeding. The Dragon roars in pain as it charges toward the female to attack her but Mash gets in front of her and blocks the dragon slash attack from hitting the female. Moments later, both Sonic and the female run-up towards the dragon and begin to strike at it together at the same time. The dragon roars in pain as it attempts to block the attacks from the female and Sonic but both were faster.
"That was incredible. I own you one." Sonic said to the female
"Victory is in our hands." The female responded
"Master, that was incredible! You showed that Dragon " Mash said
"All right, fine job everyone! I was watching with sweaty palms and sweets in my hand! But I should've expected Sonic doing crazy moves like he always does." Romani said
"I still have several moves I have yet to show off. You'll just have to wait for those." Sonic replied
"Doctor. Those were the sweets that I got, right?" Mash said
"Huh? What? Is that right? I found them in the Command Room next to the tea, so I thought..."
"...I got them as a token of gratitude, for when we return from this Order. Needless to say, they weren't for you, but for Senpai, who no doubt fought extremely bravely on the frontlines.' Mash replied
"Mash... you've become such a thoughtful person... (gobble, gobble) I must say, these are some really tasty sweets. I'm sure SOnic will be thrilled, too!" Romani eating the sweets
"...Master. When we return to Chaldea, please reserve enough combat resources for one attack. "I've registered one more enemy that I'd like to hit with the "back of my blade." Mash said
"He's all yours Mash." Sonic replied
"Impossibe, you're... No, no way! Run! The witch is here!" the soidler shouted
"What do you mean? She literally helped us out." Sonic said
"Eh, a witch?"
The soldier begins to run full sprint away from the three.
"Next time, Don't call us if you are in trouble!" Sonic shouted
"...Um. Thank you very much." The female said
"No, that was nothing. Before that, your name..."
"Ruler." My Servant class is Ruler. My True Name is Jeanne d'Arc." Jeanne introduced herself to Mash and Sonic
"Jeanne... d'Arc?"
"Is that the jeanne who came from the dead?" Sonic rubbing his head
"We'll talk about that later. It is nothing we should speak of in front them. Come over here. Please."
"...We've been invited. What should we do, Senpai?" Mash asks
"I think we should just go for it and follow her." Sonic replied
"Kyu kyu kyuu!"
"I agree as well. She looks weakened, but she's a Servant, too. I'm sure she's aware of the situation in this era. Let's ask her for details." Romani said
*Later*
"...They are few in number, but there does seem to be some evil presences. We are close to the fort. Before they invade, let's take them out." Jeanne said
"I'm already on it." Sonic said
Moments later, Sonic charges at the two as skeletons, swings at both of them, and knocks them away from him. Jeanne runs past Sonic as she strikes the two skeletons with her spear, and knocks both of them to trees. Moments later, Mash rushes in and slams her shield right at the skeletons and crushes them together with the tree and shatters them into pieces before vanishing away. The third skeleton comes from behind and attacks Mash but Sonic throw's his sword like a frisbee and slashes the skeleton in half and falls to the ground before vanishing. Then, two dragons appear and both begin diving down towards the three. Sonic charges up and swings at the dragons with one powerful slash. Moments later, the bodies of the dragons cut in half and fall in front of them and blood spews out of them.
"And that's how you end a fight... in style." Sonic said
"The enemy has been wiped out. Good job." Mash said
"Yes. I think we can steel down here. First, please tell me your names. Espiecllay you blue... I've never seen a talking animal here before and I would appreciate if you can explain yourself." Jeanne said
"Understood. My individual Name is Mash Kyrielight." Mash introducing herself
"Names Sonic... Sonic The Hedgehog. A hedgehog who likes to go fast and go on amazing adventures." Sonic introducing himself
"He's my Master." Mash said
"Master? So there are Masters even in this Holy Grail War." Jeanne said
"No, it has nothing to do with the Holy Grail War. I am just a Demi-Servant." Mash replied
"Demi-Servant?"
"Not a true Heroic Spirit. Have you heard of us?" Mash asks
"...Right. We should probably clear that up first. I am indeed a Servant, my class is Ruler. I understand that. But... A majority of information about the Holy Grail War that should be provided is missing. No, not just information. My stats have ranked down as well. Not only have I lost the anti-Servant Command Spells, but I also can't even reveal their True Names anymore. Luckily this is my homeland where I was born and raised. If nothing else I still speak the language..." Jeanne said
"That soldier earlier was saying that Jeanne d'Arc turned into a "Dragon Witch"." Mash stated
"...Having just materialized a few hours ago, I am not sure what's going on. It seems there is another Jeanne d'Arc in this world. A Jeanne that murdered King Charles VII of France, and committed the slaughter at Orleans..."
"Man... this is the most confusing adventure I have ever been a part of." Sonic commented
"It's okay, Senpai. So does that mean two of the same Servants have been summoned in the same era?" Mash said
"Hmm... if we could access the Holy Grail War's records. there be examples of simultaneous summons. Anyway, one thing is for sure. Charles VII is dead, and Orleans has been occupied. Which symbolizes the collapse of the nation of France. In history, France was the first nation to declare human liberty and equality. Many countries followed suit. Delaying this by 100 years would stagnate civilization. Without progress, we might still be stuck in the Middle Ages." Romani replied
"First a talking animal... and now a voice talking out of nowhere?! Is that magecraft? What in the world are you all?!" Jeanne shock
"Oh, that's right, we didn't introduce ourselves. Nice to meet you, Saint Jeanne d'Arc. My name is Romani Archaman. Everyone calls me Roman. I do various support tasks. Nice to meet you." Romani introducing himself
"I see, Roman. You tend to be a dreamer!"
"...What is this sense of defeat? She complimented me, but I'm not happy at all..."
"Pull yourself together, Roman." Sonic said
"Excuse me, Mademoiselle Jeanne. It's our turn now. Our Objectives is the correction of this twisted history. We belong to an organization by the name of Chaldea."
*Mash Explains Everything To Jeanne... Including Sonic's Arrival To Chaldea*
"...I see, I understand now. To think that the world itself has been incinerated. My worries were so trivial. But now, I..."
"Fou?"
"I'm an incomplete Servant, and even I cannot trust "myself." The Jeanne 'd' Arc that occupied Orleans... Not only that but those flying dragons..."
"You mean the wyverns... There is no way wyverns existed in the 15th century France. More importantly, he called you a "Dragon Witch"." Mash said
"Yes, I don't want to admit it, but the person controlling those dragons must be "myself." I have no idea how she's controlling them. I never thought about such things during my life. Summoning dragons is the highest form of magecraft, let alone to have this many..." Jeanne said
"It's an impossible feat for modern mages. It should be difficult even for this era's magecraft. That means... Sonic. If there's anything that could bend rules like this..."
"Smooth over chunky, right?" Sonic said
"You're still bringing that up? You're pretty vindictive, aren't you?" Romani said
"*Giggles* Don't take it personality. It was just for laughs." Sonic replied
"I see, there are still many unclear points, but I have an idea now. mademoiselle Jeanne. What are you doing to do from here?" Mash asks
"The objective is clear. head to Orleans, and take back the city. To do that, I must exterminate the Jeanne d' Arc who stands in my way. the Lord didn't show me the path, but I cannot turn my back on this." Jeanne said
"Even alone, you will fight... She's just like history says, Master." Mash said
"I like the sound of that Jeanne! I'll like to join you and take on the other Jeanne." Sonic said
"R-Really?" Jeanne replied
"Our objectives and Ms. Jeanne's are the same. Just like Sonic said... will help you out." Mash said
"Right. It's best to work together with Jeanne here. It's a rare honor to fight alongside a Saint and Savior!" Romani said
"Meh, it's just another Tuesday for me teaming up with others." Sonic said
"Mademoiselle Jeanne, we have our own objectives, but we want to be of aid to you. Will you allow us to fight under your flag as your companions from now on?" Mash asks
"Oh... The pleasure will be all mine. I cannot possibly thank you two enough. Thank you, Mash, S-Sonic... I thought I would be in this fight all alone." Jeanne thanking them
Moments later, enemies begin to appear around the three of them.
"We have company once again! *Takes out sword from the scabbard.*" Sonic said
"Now at this place and time, we shall fight as one. So, Sonic, please give us your orders!" Jeanne said
"Take 'em down you two." Sonic said
Sonic, Jeanne, and Mash began charging at the three enemy skeletons. The three skeletons began charging at the three as well with their weapons ready. Sonic rolls briefly and delivers a kick to one of the skeletons while sliding across the ground, knocking it out of its balance and to the ground. Once knocking the skeleton out of its balance, he then performs a backflip and kicks the Skeletons skull head, shattering it into pieces before vanishing. The second skeleton swings its sword at Jeanne, but Jeanne blocks it with her spear and counters by striking it a few tries with her spear and knocking it away from her. Sonic then jumps into the air and performs a powerful mid-air kick, slamming directly at the second skeleton with one foot and completely shattering it before vanishing away. The third skeleton swings at Mash but Mash blocks the attacks with her shield and counters by slamming her shield at the skeleton and knocking it towards Jeanne. Jeanne then gets into her fighting stance and begins to unleash several powerful strikes at the skeleton with her spear and throws it towards Sonic. Sonic get's in a position and swings the sword at the skeleton like a baseball bat and breaks cuts the skeleton in half before vanishing away.
"And the winner is... Team Sonic." Sonic commented
"Great job you two. We really showed them the true meaning of teamwork." Mash said
"I-I'm so ashamed that I said I'd fight on my own earlier. Thanks to you two, I feel stronger than ever. Even if I'm up against myself, a witch, I have nothing to be afraid of now the two of you are with me." Jeanne said
"Being called a witch..." Sonic asks
"I am fine. Needless to say, it saddens me that they'd mistake me for that other Jeanne. But it can't be helped. In fact, it hasn't been more than a few days since I was burned at the stake... If a resurrected me cause a massacre in Orleans, then I can't blame them for being scared of me. I was afraid the British might be stirred up, but it would appear things are going smoothly. We should seek out the Jeanne who they call a witch and defeat her. But for now, we should scout around first. The goal is simple but reaching it not so much." Jeanne said
"As expected, Jeanne d'Arc is well-versed in the art of the war. As she said, an assault on Orleans is ill-advised." Romani said
"I mean, I could just go there and save Orleans myself in a couple of minutes." Sonic commented
"Maybe you should hold back for now, Sonic. It's an unfamiliar land and we have yet to set up any bases. For now, take the initiative and gather intel on their defences. As for the witch Jeanne... Or shall we call her Dark Jeanne? I would like to find out what kind of Servant she is. The rest is up[ to our forces. It would be good to have more allies." Romani said
"Jeanne, is there a reading on any Servants besides ourselves?" Mash asks
"I'm sorry, but as I am now, I am incapable of using my ability as a Ruler to detect other Servants. Like other ordinary Servants, I cannot detect them unless I am within a certain distance." Jeanne said
"Wait, Rulers can detect Servants?" Sonic asks
"I was careless. There is that possibility. The other me... No, Witch Jeanne... Urgh, it's too confusing, I will also refer to her as Dark Jeanne! Anyway, if that Dark Jeanne is truly a Servant then her Class, like mine, is Ruler. If that is the case, she will immediately be able to detect our location. We must prepare for battle at all times. I possible, I would like to minimize our activities in any nearby towns and villages... But without any lead on our hands, I doubt that's possible. Let us head out early tomorrow morning. Ummm... is Sonic an actual talking animal or an actual talking person?" Jeanne asks
"It's a talking Hedgehog." Mash replied
"Oh... well, S-Sonic, you should probably get some sleep... You have a busy day ahead of you tomorrow and you should be ready." Jeanne said
"You don't have to worry about me. You two can rest and I'll stay up to look out for any enemies that may come to try to ambush us." Sonic replied
"But, Senpai... You have been through a lot today. I don't want you to be tired and sleepy when we head on out tomorrow morning." Mash said
"I'll be fine, besides, this isn't the first time I've stayed up all night. Don't worry, I promise I'll sleep as well. I just want to protect both of you in case something happens. And also, hey Jeanne, are you feeling okay, even after what's been on lately?" Sonic said
"Yes, I am fine. My abilities may have gone down in rank, but I still possess the basic abilities of a Servant. But anyway, good night."
*Later*
After a few hours have passed, Jeanne slowly wakes up from her sleep and looks up at a tree that Sonic was sitting and notices him still awake and looking around, protecting her and Mash while they slept.
"Oh dear, Sonic wasn't lying about staying up late." Jeanne whisper
"Even I'm surprised as well," Mash replied
"Is that so..."
"...I could be imagining things, but is there something you aren't telling us?" Mash asks
"..."
"I don't mean to pry... I thought it best to confront you in case it should become an obstacle in battle." Mash said
"Quite right. As you wish, I shall tell you. It could be because my summoning was incomplete. Or... perhaps it's because my original self died just a few days ago. How can I put it? It feels as if I am a "brand-new Servant."
"A rookie, you mean?" Mash questioned
"Yes. There is no future or past in the Throne of Heroes. But, I don't have the power to access the records there. Therefore, it is difficult for me to act as a Servant. It feels like going into battle for the first time all over again. And that buddy-looking mage from before... He called me a saint and savior, but even with that expectation, I have no such power. So, the thing is. I fear that I will become a burden to you and Sonic." Jeanne said
"Jeanne, if that's all then it's all right." Mash replied
"What?"
"I mean, this also feels like my first battle. We are the same. As a Demi-Servant, I cannot fully harness my power as a Heroic Spirit. However, the Heroic Spirit inside of me said "it's okay." And Senpai... Master, trusts someone like me. I don't know how to say his, but Senpai didn't choose to fight to prove something. Senpai is simply trying to do what should be done. So, it's all right. There's no reason for you to worry." Mash said
"...Thank you. I feel a little better. i am pretty familiar with this era and this country. Let's give it our best tomorrow!" Jeanne said
"Yes!"
Even though Sonic didn't look or say anything, he heard both them talk about what they were just saying and smiles to himself while looking at the night sky.
"I promise once I return to Chaldea. I'll be sure to summon you as my Servant, Jeanne." Sonic thought
To Be Continue...
"Next Time: Orleans (Part 3.)" Sonic As A Narrartor