A Hedgehog Of Chaldea
Orleans (Part 4)
*Let's Continue Where We Left*
"Wait, Carmilla and I can still fight. That creature's blood belongs to us. As if I would allow mere executioners who know nothing of the radiance of blood, the grandeur of blood, take..."
"Shut up. Know your place, Vlad III" Jeanne Alter cutting Berserk Lancer off
"Well, that was kinda rude to do that," Sonic commented
"No matter how much authority you may have had in life, you're all equals as Servants. You wanted so baldly to suck his blood that you unconsciously held back. You haven't learned a thing. I hate people like that. Stay out of it this time, okay?" Jeanne Alter said
"Mash, Sonic, run! I'll hold her off now!" Jeanne shouted
"Oh no, is she sending those after us now? What do we do? Any ideas? Any ideas?" Romani panicking
"Doctor, please calm down. You're starting to make me panic, too!"
"B-But this really bad, right! Okay, where's my email? I need the internet's help! Off to the internet idol page! Help me, Magi Mari! Help Magi Mari! "We're being attacked by three Servants. What should we do?" Okay, sent "I guess you'll have to just die and be reborn!" Wow, internet idols are HARSH! She doesn't know how I feel!" Romani said
"What did you expect?" Sonic said
"Master, I'm going to try and breakthrough. Stay close!" Mash said
Before Mash can even attempt to break through, an army of Wyverns appears in front of them and begin diving down towards Sonic, Mash, and Jeanne. Sonic quickly sends forth a spinning sword and begins slashing at the two Wyverns, trapping both of them as the sword continues to shred them. After a few moments, the sword spins right back at Sonic and grabs it, jumps right at the Wyverns and spin's his blade at one of the Wyverns mid-air, cutting it up before vanishing away and landing back to the ground. The second Wyverns roars and dives straight down Sonic and attempts to attack him with his sharp claws til Sonic evades the attack and counters back by backstepping, rushing forward and countering with a fast, powerful blow. Sending Wyvern flying and hitting the ground before hard vanishing away. Moments later, three more Wyverns fly in and all dive down at Sonic in immense speed.
"Master, look out!" Mash shouted
The first Wyvern slashes Sonic with its sharp claws at him. But in the last possible moment, Sonic dodges the attack and performs a deadly counterattack by stabbing his sword right in the Wyverns side and cutting through the Wyvern as it flew past him. Blood begins to spew out and fall to the ground as the dragon roars in pain. Sonic then jumps right at the Wyvern and pierces its neck before cutting it right off its body and falling to the ground before vanishing. The second Wyvern comes flying towards Sonic and was about to attack him with its claws from behind until Mash runs in front of Sonic and blocks the attack with her shield before pushing the dragon away from both of them.
"I won't allow you to hurt my Master!"
"Thank you, Mash." Sonic said
"I got this!" Jeanne shouted
Jeanne charges at the Wyvern and jumps right at it, performing several strikers at it dealing heavy damage to it.
"Got anything else to throw at us?" Sonic said
"Your starting to irritate me more rodent. If we meet again in the future, I will make sure to remove your head from your body." Jeanne Alter said
"Heh, fine by me. I would love to see you try if you can handle my speed! Now then, hand me that emerald you're holding. I think that belongs to me." Sonic replied
"Never!"
"Both of you, please go!"
Moments later, someone comes swooping in very fast and taking the emerald away from Jeanne Alter's hand.
"What? The gem!" Jeanne Alter shouted
"What?"
"A glass...Rose?"
"Who are you?" Sonic asks
"I think this beautiful green gem belongs to you Mister blue animal. *Tosses the green gem over to Sonic.*"
"*Grabs it* It sure does. Thank you! Don't want these emeralds in the wrong hands." Sonic replied
"It's not elegant. neither is this city. Neither is that combat style. I don't like your philosophy or principles either. You're so beautiful, yet you shroud yourself in blood and hatred. For good or for evil, shouldn't a human try to be more freely?" The person said
"A Servant?"
"Yes, that's right. I'm so happy. This is what it means to announce oneself as a hero of justice! I know who you are. I also know how powerful and terrifying you are. To be honest, I have to confess that I've never trembled in fear more than anyone else. Yet still... If you intend to invade this nation, then I shall face you even if I have to tear apart my dress. Why? Because..."
"You are..." Berserk Saber asks
"Oh my. So you know my True Name. Have we met before, splendid female knight?"
"Saber. Who is she?" Jeanne Alter asks
"..."
"Answer me."
"I can tell who she is, even with murderous rage burning in my heart. Her beauty is unmistakable. The girl they called the Flower of Versailles. She is... Marie Antoinette."
"Marie Antionette... Interesting name if I do say so myself." Sonic commented
"Queen MArie Antoinette?"
"That's right! Thank you for saying my name! And as long as that name exists, I will play my role, no matter how foolish it may be. You! Dragon Witch who's torching my country. It might be pointless, but I will ask you anyway. Are you evil enough to perform your wicked deeds in my very presence? Will you declare yourself a greater fool than I, the queen who failed to stop the revolution?" Marie asks
"Silence! You lack the right to participate in this battle." Jeanne Alter replied
"Oh, and why is that?"
"You led a life of luxury in a palace and died without ever knowing what happened. Are you saying you can understand our hatred?" Jeanne Alter said
"Hmm... I suppose I can't. But that just makes me want to know more, Dragon Witch."
"...What?"
"What I don't know, I learn. That's my policy. That's why I can't bear to look at you like this. Oh, Jeanne d'Arc. beloved saint! All I know is that you're taking your rage out of the innocent. And I've not the slightest idea why. Everything's disappearing into a haze, like a girl going for a Sunday walk." Marie said
"More like a Sunday run for me," Sonic commented
"I've no words for you. What I do know is this. Along with the Jeanne d'Arc over there. I am going to make your heart and body mine!" Marie said
"What?" Mash confused
"Uh... huh?"
"Well, this conversation took a turn," Sonic said
"Oh, my. Oh dear, oh, dear. Um, don't misunderstand me. I just meant that as a Queen, I'm going to bring you to your knees."
"It's falling apart... My image of Marie Antoinette is falling apart..." Romani said
"Enough of the farce. Very well then, you are my enemy. Servants, first take care of that annoying princess! Then that blue rodent!"
Moments later, Berserk Saber charges at Marie and was about to strike her until Sonic appears in front of her and clangs swords with Berserk Saber. Berserk Saber attempts to strike Sonic several times with her sword but Sonic keeps blocking each strike she tries to land on Sonic. As she was striking Sonic as much as she can, Sonic quickly swings his sword at Berserk Saber and knocks her away from him. Sonic then lunges toward Berserk Saber and attempts to pierce Berserk Saber three times but Berserk Saber just barely was able to block each strike from Sonic. As Sonic attempts to attack Berserk Saber, Berserk Lancer appears behind Sonic and strikes him several times in the back. However, his attacks went through Sonic and didn't affect him at all.
"Hyper senses. Able to move extremely fast and pass through things very easily." Sonic commented
Sonic quickly turns and unleashes a series of strong sword swings at Berserk Lancer. Berserk Lancer blocks each swing individually and teleports away from Sonic and next to Berserk Assassin.
"Master... aren't you tired at all?" Mash asks
"Nope, in fact. This has been the most fun I've ever had ever since we arrived here." Sonic replied
"Damn, so irritating!" Berserk Lancer commented
"Yes, that's right. This is a battlefield, after all. That's enough talk. You're the enemy of the world, aren't you? We must appease the souls of all those you murdered. Thank you for waiting, Amadeus. Crush them like bugs!" Marie commanded
"Leave it to me! Noble Phantasm, "Requiem for Death." Amadeus unleashing his Noble Phantasm at Jeanne's Servants
"One more! Oh, but what a glorious, evil sound!"
"Ugh, such pressure!"
"Damn!"
"Now then, good day everyone. Au revoir!"
"Everyone, follow me!" Sonic said
Marie, Amadeus, Mash, and Jeanne all began following Sonic as they all from Jeanne Alter and her Servants.
"Hmph. Rider!"
"...What is it?"
"Go after them. Surely you can catch them on your "horse." there's no need to fight. Just tell me where they are, and I'll crush them. Especially blue rodent." Jeanne Alter said
"...Understood. I assure you I'll catch them." Berserk Rider replied before heading out to catch the group
"Ahh, that awful noise is gone... What a shame. I wonder if I can make that Servant my pet. I'd stick his head on a phonograph and have him scream all night."
"...Ruler. Do you think Rider alone is enough to handle them? Especially the Blue animal we just fought. He took us all on by himself and didn't come out with a single scratch." Berserk Lancer said
"It will be fine. Rider's Noble Phantasm is perfect for destroying them. But you're right, I should be careful. I'll return and prepare to summon additional Servants to kill that Blue Rodent. Go ahead and cause as much trouble as you like. If you're lucky enough to find him and his friends, kill him first and slay the others. You're not going to be beaten by him or the queen who never left her castle, are you?" Jeanne Alter said
"How harsh. I stayed in a castle too. But... Heh. My talents are a match for any of the others. Saber, Lancer. The next time we, will you let me handle the enemy Rider?" Berserk Assassin said
"May I ask why?"
"She is the person I wish to slaughter most in this world. It will be that women Marie who kneels before me"
"..."
"Oh, Saber. Is there something you'd like to add?"
"You're right. There's no point in me worrying about your sense of inferiority towards her." Berserk Saber said
"What did you say?"
"Stop. I don't care. It doesn't matter who beasts who, the result doesn't change. I leave this in your hands. Don't get too out of control. Even Anti-Heroes have their dignity. Make sure don't become mere murderers." Jeanne Alter said before flying away on her Dragon
"She flew off, huh? "Dragon Witch" is certainly the right word for her."
"The woman we just seem was the real Jeanne d'Arc, wasn't she?"
"What of it? Ours isn't a fake either. And we Servants, in search of blood. Though you may not be, even in this state... Chevalier d'Eon. The noble dragoon."
"...I will obey my MAster. If she wishes to end the world, I will help her. And I too, am under MAdness Enhancement. Do not anger me." berserk Saber responded
"Heh. My apologies."
"..."
"It's hard not to feel pit. The Queen they respected, who sent them a dress, is now her enemy. But that is the fate of a Servant. That is the nature of the Holy Grail War. Lancer, let's go. We must search for the next city. We are vampires, who must drink the blood of the living. Finding our next meal is a matter of life and death." Berserk Assassin said
"Indeed, none of these meals are satisfactory. But I'll take what I can get."
*With Sonic And The Others*
After running for some time. Sonic and the rest come to a stop as they all
"...Phew. All right, are we safe now?" Marie asks
"Doctor?"
"Yes. I'm not detecting them anymore. While we're at it, I'm picking up leyline readings from that nearby forest." Romani said
"Sounds good to me," Sonic said
"Very well. Jeanne? And... Marie?"
"Mare, did you say?" Marie replied
"F-Forgive me. Um..."
"You weren't being rude! You made me so happy! The way you addressed me was so adorable! Please, splendid foreigner! Would you mind calling me that from now on?" Marie said
"Uh, yes... Miss Marie, or Mademoiseelle Marie, perhaps?" Mash asks
"Nope, that won't work at all. Just Marie! Like the sheep!" Marie replied
"Is that supposed to be a reference to something I don't know about?" Sonic asks
"Yes! Yes, yes, yes! Nice to meet you! I'm Marie! You just look so cute and cuddly Mister Blue animal! I can just squeeze you right now! Let me guess. You're very popular with the opposite sex, right?" Marie asks Sonic
"*In A Uncomfortable State* W-What? I'm sorry for asking but... what are you talking about?" Sonic scratching his head in confusion
"...Marie, may I speak?" Mash jumping into the conversation
"Oh, my apologies. I got excited for a minute. How rude of me. So, how may I be of service?"
"A strong leyline was detected in a nearby forest. I'd like to head there and make camp... Is that all right, everyone?" Mash asks everyone
"Sounds good to me," Sonic replied
"Of course, that's fine. Is that all right with you, Amadeus?" Marie asks
"There's no point in asking for my opinion. Do what you want, Maria." Amadeus responded
"All right. It should be fine, I think." Jeanne said
"Let's go there and rest, and then we can talk about our next move," Mash said
*Inside The Forest*
As the five enter the forest to hide out for the night, they've noticed werewolves appearing behind the trees and growling at them
"...Looks like some monsters have found the leyline too," Mash said
"Alright, everybody. Get ready! It's time to take out the trash." Sonic said
Sonic takes his sword out of the scabbard and lunges towards the werewolves. The werewolves begin charging at Sonic as well as both raise their swords, ready to attack. The first werewolf takes a swing at Sonic but avoids the sword swing by backstepping back first, rushing forward again and counterattacks with two fast powerful blows, sending the werewolf flying and hitting a tree. The second Werewolf lunges at Sonic and was about to attack him until Mash rushes in and slams her shield at the werewolf, knocking it away from Sonic and falling down to the ground. Sonic gives Mash a thumbs up for saving him and Mash smiles. Moments later, the first werewolf gets back up and charges at both Mash and Sonic once again. But before it could attack them, Jeanne runs past both Sonic and Mash and strikes the werewolf with her spear before unleashing a series of strikes at the werewolf and cutting it in half, vanishing soon after. The second wolf attempts to get back up but Marie fires projectiles at it and all explode on impact at the werewolf, dealing massive damage before vanishing away. Moments later, two more werewolves appear and charge right at them but Sonic turns around, facing away from the werewolves and unsheathe his sword with blinding speed, unleashing a whirlwind of slashes at both werewolves and cutting them into pieces before vanishing away. Seconds later, three more werewolves appear as they run towards Mash, Sonic, Jeanne, and Marie.
"Everyone, all together!" Sonic commanded
"On it!" Mash said
"Here goes nothing!" Jeanne said
"This should be fun!" Marie said
Moments later, all four charge right at the three werewolves as Sonic lunges in and performs a strong heavy sword swing at one of the werewolves and throws it back to a tree and falls to the ground. Mash runs toward the second werewolf and swings her shield across, hitting the werewolf and throwing it back to the first werewolf where they both hit each other. Jeanne soon after rushes right at the two werewolves, stabs them both with her spear and using her strength, throws both werewolves at the air where Marie fires energy projectile right at them and explodes on impact, finishing off the werewolves before vanishing away. Moments later the last werewolf runs to Sonic and was about to attack him until Sonic swings his sword at the werewolf, cutting off his head before falling down to the ground and vanishing away.
"That's what I call teamwork!" Sonic said
"Great job everyone! Now then, I will establish a summoning circle." Mash said
"Hey guys, are you enjoying your trip through 15th century France? Now then, let's get today's lecture started. Today I'll be talking about Servant categories. This one is important for you Sonic so listen carefully. Most of the Servants that can be summoned are divided into seven classes. Saber, Archer, Rider, Berserker, Caster, Assassin. Each class has various compatibilities. Saber has the advantage over Lance, for instance. And Lancer over Archer, and Archer over Saber. Rider over Caster, Caster over Assassin, and Assassin over Rider. And Berserker is strong against all classes, but weak when attacked. It's like a game of rock, paper, scissors. Keep this in mind when fighting the enemy. Of course, there are some Servants who don't fall into these categories. I'll explain them another time. Okay, the circle's good to go. Have a nice journey!" Da Vinci explains before disappearing
"Now that things have settled down, I'd like to introduce myself again. My True Name is Marie Antoinette. I'm from the Rider Class. As for who I am, I'd be happy if you could examine me closely with your eyes and ears. As for why I was summoned, unfortunately, I have no idea. After all, I have no Master." Marie said
"Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. I'm the same as her. As for why I was summoned, first of all, it just doesn't feel like I'm a hero. Yes, I'm great but even so, I'm still just one of many artists... Well, I did apply magecraft in my music, but that was only because I was drawn to the sounds played by demons." Amadeus said
"I-I could probably take these guys in. These seem pretty cool to me..." Sonic thought
"I'm Mash Kyrielight. I'm a Demi-Servant, and I don't know what my True Name is. this is Sonic The Hedgehog. My Master." Mash introduced herself and Sonic
"Great to see you two, names Sonic The Hedgehog! I'm just a Hedgehog who likes to go running and save the world from evil. Also, thank you Marie once again for giving me back the Chaos Emerald from Dark Jeanne." Sonic introducing himself
"Oh my! You have a very nice name! You are such an interesting creature! It's nice meeting you as well! And no problem! I saw you begging for that gem that Jeanne was holding so I decided to grab it and give it back to you! Can I ask what is it exactly?" Marie replied
"It's called a "Chaos Emerald." It's a mystical relic that possesses powerful properties and abilities. Anyone holding on to it can use a variety of new skills like warping around time and space. Using its power to power up machines, and so on. There are seven of these things in total, all in different colours but I don't know where the others are located. So one of my new objectives is to find all seven of them and take them to prevent anyone from using them the wrong way." Sonic briefly explains what a Chaos Emerald is
"Oh, so that so-called "Chaos Emerald" was the reason that green aura was flowing around Berserk Lancer and Berserk Assassin earlier?" Mash asks
"Correct! The only reason why I defeated them so easily was that they didn't know how to use it properly. They didn't know how it worked and what it did. So it felt like I was battling them in their normal power levels." Sonic replied
"I would do anything to obtain something like that gem and obtain its power," Jeanne commented
"As long as you don't use it for something terrible." Sonic aid
"Anyway, not that that's out of the way. This is..."
'Jeanne. Jeanne d'Arc, yes? the saint who saved France. One of the people I wished to meet in my life." Marie said
"...I'm not a saint," Jeanne replied
"Yes, everyone knows that's how you saw yourself. But the way you lead your life was true, and we all know the results. that's why everyone will always remember and admire the name Jeanne d'Arc, and the miracle of Orleans." Marie said
"..."
"Of course, your life ended at the stake and resulted in that witch. It's just like Maria to only look at the good parts. Am I wrong, Jeanne d'Arc? Your life was a little out of tune. Jeanne herself is the one who gets hurt when people call her a perfect saint. Listen, Maria. you always say what think others want to hear. Sometimes you need to scold or deny others." Amadeus said
"I-I don't need to hear that from you, Amadeus! You already tell me that every day! T-This is what you want, right? Your piano-brain! Piece of human garbage! You're a pervert who can only get it up for musical scales! If you like music so much, you should turn into a piano!" Marie trying to insult Amadeus
"...I don't know if I should say this, but when you insult me like that, I feel something indescribable. But see? You can do it if you try! Give the same treatment to Jeanne. Faster. Stronger. More violent! Tell her all of her flaws as you see them!" Amadeus said
"Non, that's impossible Amadeus. Human garbage like you has nothing but flaws. But Jeanne herself has none."
"Are you serious? I didn't know you had it that bad. You really did love Jeanne d'Arc, didn't you?"
"I would say "worship" rather than love. And a bit of guilt, as well. A tiny "sorry", the size of a teaspoon. The natural guilt we foolish royals feel towards the Saint." Marie responded
"...Marie Antoinette. Your words honor me, but that's why I must confess In life, I was no saint. I held the flag high for what I believed in, and as a result, I stained my hands with blood Of course, I don't regret that. Nor do I regret the Inquisition... Or my own death. But I shed too much blood. I believed in the dreams of a little country girl, but... At the time. I never imagined how high the price of that dream was. I never regretted it, but never did I feel fear... And that is my greatest sin. Only the outcome of my actions made me a saint. I do not think it's the right word for a country girl like me."
"I see. So you're not a saint, right? Then, may I call you Jeanne?" Marie said
"Y-Yes. Of course. It feels like that would bring back old memories." Jeanne replied
"Wonderful. Call me Marie, then. If you're simply Jeanne and not a saint, then I want to be Marie and not a queen. Please Jeanne, will you call me Marie?"
"Y-Yes. All right... Thank you, Marie."
"Thank you too. I am happy, Jeanne! And I'm sorry. I keep pushing my own views on you. You've lost your own answers about yourself, haven't you? Just like the day I died, not knowing a thing about what was going on. You'll have to find your own answers I certainly want to treat you as a saint, but I'll stop myself! I won't just believe in you, I'll support you! Isn't that what female friends are supposed t do, Amadeus?" Marie said
"I suppose so, yeah? You guys can go eat sweets or something." Amadeus replied
"We believe in you too. Right, Master?" Mash said
"You can count on me on that statement, Mash!" Sonic replied
"...Heh, heh, thank you. That makes me feel better." Jeanne said
"Look, it seems like we have invited some unwanted guests."
"No, I don't think you invited them. Well, whatever. Let's get rid of them and resume our conversation!" Amadeus said
"I like the sound of that!" Sonic said
Sonic rushes to the two werewolves and stabs them over and over in blinding speed, puncturing them and making them bleed. Moments later, Sonic jumps over the werewolves and swings his sword at them, knocking them towards Amadeus. Amadeus fires powerful energy projectiles at them as they explode on impact and sends them flying towards a tree, hitting it and falling to the ground before vanishing away.
"Now then, *Puts sword back in its scabbard* shall we resume our conversation?" Sonic said
*Later*
"Now I understand. The whole world, never mind France, is in danger. Although it's in a different form, this too, is a Holy Grail War?" Marie said
"I knew it was dangerous when I learned it was a Master-less summoning, but I didn't expect this. Now there were five Servants in opposition. Nine total including, but isn't that too much?" Amadeus asks
"The rule of seven Servants is no more. Although that doesn't mean infinite. It's not surprising at all if there are more than seven Servants. According to the records, one time a total of fifteen Servants fought." Mash replied
"Oh, I get it! I've figured it out, everyone! We were summoned so that... We defeat them, like heroes!" Marie said
"I think you may be actually right there, Marie." Sonic said
"Yes, yes! I finally feel like I've found my job in life!" Marie said
"It's perfectly fine to be confident, Maria. But we're up against powerful foes. Jeanne and MAsh, as well as Sonic, are used to combat. But you and I aren't the fighting types. The numbers matter less than the fact that they're far stronger." Amadeus said
"...Indeed. Vlad III, and Elisabeth Bathory. Once carved their name into history as a hero, and the other, a murderess... the other that looked like a Saber seemed to know Marie..." Mash said
"...That's right. If she knows who I am, then... Perhaps she's Chevalier d'Eon? I've no proof, though." Marie said
"Chevalier d'Eon... A spy with Louis XV's intelligence agency, the Secret de Roi. She was also a Dragoon, and a plenipotentiary minister... She, no, maybe he?" Romani said
"It matters little, a mage from a distant world. She was summoned from a different time than me, but her splendid face hasn't changed."
"I see... it would be wonderful if she would join us..." Romani said
"..."
"That might be difficult, I think. I've lost my Ruler's ability to see True Names, but there is one thing I could see. All of them have been given "Madness Enhancement," regardless of their alignment or background." Jeanne said
"Kyuu..."
"It's probably the power of the Grail. Even without an episode of madness, it can give the Berserker traits..." Romani said
"Hmph. The goal of a Holy Grail War is to get the Grail, but they already have it. It's not fair!" Marie replied
"But that leaves one mystery. Why were you summoned? This is just a theory. Despite the fact that the Holy Grail War hasn't begun, someone already has the Grail This is a reversal of causality. A bug, if you will, and perhaps the Grail is resisting it. The greater the opponent, the more powerful the Grail's reaction." Jeanne said
"I see. In other words, somewhere else in France..."
"Indeed. There may be other Servants summoned here like Marie." Jeanne replied
"Oh my! That means I can meet even more people, right?" Marie said
"Well if that means they aren't here to kill us." Sonic commented
"Like Sonic just said, it's not necessarily a good thing. It may just mean more enemies. But whichever it is, we should start searching for them as soon as we can. Before the other Jeanne finds them."
"Indeed. I've lost my ability to detect Servants. So we'll have to depend on Mr. Roman." Jeanne said
"Sure thing. I can't match a full-powered Ruler, but I can search farther than a Servant." Romani said
"Let's take a little break first! You're all tired, right?" Marie said
"Yes. Please, Master, rest for a bit this time. We'll stand watch." Mash said
"*Sigh* As you wish then," Sonic replied
To Be Continue...
"Next Time: Orleans (Part 5.)" Sonic As A Narrator