A Hedgehog Of Chaldea
Orleans (Part 8)
*Let's Continue Where We Left Off*
"Mash! Sonic!" Jeanne shouted
"Hey there, buddy! Great to see you again." Sonic replied
"Oh, thank goodness! And who is..."
"My name is Georgios."
"...Where's Maria?" Amadeus asks
"Marie is..."
*Jeanne Explains Everything To Everyone*
"I see. That's what she said when she stayed behind? Oh well, It can't be helped. You don't have to feel bad. Even if we were there, she would've done the same thing. Maria is an eternal philanthropist. That's how she lives and dies. But for now, why don't we reverse Siegfried's curse?" Amadeus said
"R-Right!"
"Amadeus..."
"It's all right, I knew this was going to happen. Remember how Maria was talking about the piano? See, that was her way of saying goodbye. It never happened when we were alive. If she'd said to me "Let me hear your piano," I couldn't have stopped her. But, the second farewell hits hard. It's worse than the first. All the more as we'll never meet again." Amadeus said
"Eh... Um, if you are Heroic Spirits, wouldn't there be a chance to see each other again? Like now, you may be called to the same battlefield..."
"Mm, that won't happen, I think? There are as many Heroic Spirits as the stars. How I came across her this time was already a miracle. Though, a whimsical MAster might change things a bit. Sonic?" Amadeus looking at Sonic's Command Spell on his right hand
"*Realizes What Amadeus Was Looking At* Oh, yea, I promise I will do my absolute best to summon her as my official Servant. No way, I'm not leaving anyone behind! Even if she doesn't remember me, then at least she get's to see another day." Sonic said
"That's great to hear from you, Sonic. If you are able to get her back, she would absolutely love you being her Master. No doubt in that one. But anyway, I'm a bit tired. I'm going to excuse myself, call for me when you're ready to leave." Amadeus said
"Wait..."
"*Grab's Mash's Hand* Mash... just let him be... let the man rest for a little. He's been through a lot with us." Sonic said
"Master, but..."
"I know how you feel about what happened. And yes, I'm a little distraught as well, but we need to keep pushing forward. You got it, Mash? That's just how life goes, we live and we die. There's no around that..." Sonic replied
"Like blue just said. Everyone has moments where they want to be alone." Elisabeth said
"That's right, Mash, you don't understand a man's heart quite yet," Kiyohime said
"You three are right. Now that aside... Why are YOU here?" Mash asks
"It's fine, isn't it?" Elisabeth said
"You don't approve of us being here? We're willing to assist you in combat." Kiyohime replied
"Well, that is something to be thankful for, but..."
"*Walks towards Sonic* By the way, Master," Kiyohime asks
"*Looks at Kiyohime and points at himself* A-Are you talking to me?" Sonic asks
"Of course you. Though, temporary, can you enter a contract with me?" Kiyohime asks
"O-Oh, uh, s-sure. *sticks out his pinky* Will this work for now?" Sonic replied
"Yes, sticking out your pinky is enough. This is a pinky promise, if you like, I'll make you swallow a thousand needles... This completes the contract! Just so you know... I really will make you swallow a thousand needles if you lie. Is that clear? Please take care of me from now on." Kiyohime said
"Hehe... yeah... I-I'll do my best to take care of you..." Sonic said
"What did I just do?!" Sonic thought
"Master, Jeanne's group seems to have succeeded in lifting Siegfried's curse!" Mash said
"Heck yea! That took way quicker than I intended it to be." Sonic replied
"Okay, you will be fine from now on. This would probably have been impossible by myself. It's all thanks to Marie. We were able to survive because of her. What she risked her life protecting is something I want to protect too. This era, this world, this country... To do so, let's defeat the "Dragon Witch" and, the dragon." Jeanne said
"All right, I can move now. I apologize for all your efforts, Sonic. No, Master... The more correct way to put it is, I appreciate all your efforts from the bottom of my heart. I shall entrust my sword to you. This body will be my Master's sword and shield. My True Name is Siegfried. I have no other skill than slaying dragons, but I'd be honoured to be put to use." Siegfried said
"That's what I hear from fighters like you! Welcome to the team, Siegfried!" Sonic replied
All of a sudden, a roaring sound echos.
"That sound... It's the wyverns!"
"...It looks like it's my turn already. Please command me." Siegfried said
"*Takes out his sword from the scabbard* Everyone, stay back! Siegfried and I have some business to do. Come on, Siegfried, let's show these dragons what we're made of!" Sonic said
"Yeah. Let's take down those dragons!"
Moments later, both Sonic and Siegfried charge at the wyverns at full speed. Two wyverns notice the two as they both fly towards them with their claws ready to attack them. However, Sonic charges up his sword and fires several shockwaves at the two wyverns. The two wyverns attempt to dodge the oncoming attacks but the shockwaves were faster and attack both wyverns and push them back with each shockwave. Siegfried jumps at a wyvern and swings his sword several times around its head before swinging it with one last time and cutting its head off, spewing blood soon after before vanishing. The second wyvern lunges at Siegfried and was about to attack him with his claws until Sonic somersaults with the sword and slices the wyvern's neck off its body before falling to the ground, spewing blood, and vanishing away. Moments later, three more wyverns appear as Siegfried and Sonic look at each other and nod before running at the three wyverns. The first wyvern dives straight down towards Sonic and Siegfried and attempts to attack them with its claws but both jump over the attack counter by stabbing their swords into the wyvern's eyes and blinding the dragon. The wyvern roars in pain as both took out their swords and cut their neck off its body and fall to the ground before vanishing. The second wyvern lunges at Sonic and uses its claws to attack Sonic but Sonic ducks right under the attack and jabs his sword right inside the wyvern's hand, causing it to roar in pain. Moments later, Siegfried jumps at the wyvern and swings his sword at the wyvern several times before swinging and cutting the dragon in half before vanishing away. Both landed side to side as they notice the third wyvern flying towards, both begin to charge their swords as they both rush towards the wyvern and began attacking it from all angles. Mash and the others all watched in awe as the wyvern was getting beat down by two swordsmen. Moments later, Sonic and Siegfried both land right next to each other as the wyvern explodes and blood rains around them.
"All clear!" Sonic said
"All right, now we have ourselves a team," Romani said
"That's right Master," Mash said
"It's great to be leading a team, but right now. Let's take care of these dragons around the town." Sonic said
"Yes! Understood Master!" Mash replied
"...Hmph. I wouldn't mind helping you out with that, little blue." Elisabeth said
"My, my, Elisabeth, calling my Love little is an insult," Kiyohime asks
"*Eyes Widen* Wait what?! Did I hear that correctly?!" Sonic shock
"...Did you just make a ridiculous word change? Well, I don't care. I'm not a cheap dragon. I will meet an extra-special Master someday!" Elisabeth said
"Oh, so the horn on your head isn't the only thing twisted. Seeking an impossible dream... Is your head okay?" Kiyohime asks
"It's not an impossible dream! It's conviction! I'm convinced of it! I'll someday meet a Master that is to my liking and will actually love me!" Elisabeth replied
"Yes, yes, in your head it's another cloudless day," Kiyohime said
"...Our team sure is a lively one. Of course, I will be in your service." Georgios said
"Oh, heading out already? Then I'll tag along. I've come this far, might as well see the end." Amadeus said
"Sonic. No, Master. Right now, I am merely a powerless Servant. But I wish to protect this world. Will you please fight alongside me to save this world?" Jeanne asks
"Of course, I will, Jeanne. What kind of Hedgehog will I be if I just ditched you all and go on by myself. Besides, you guys aren't just Servants to me. You all, are my friends. And I couldn't be happier to meet everyone single one of you." Sonic replied
"Thank you so much! We appreciate you having to fight alongside us!" Jeanne said
*Later*
"First, we'll have to secure the area. Everyone prepare for battle, we're surrounded. Don't draw too much attention, and refrain from any flash attacks so we can end this soon... Wait. Sonic, I don't see Mash or Amadeus anywhere..." Jeanne said
"I don't see them as well," Sonic replied
*With Mash And Amadeus*
"Well crap, I just came to get a bit of water. How unlucky of me to be assaulted by enemies." Amadeus said
"Amadeus, over here! I'll go up to the front line, so please hide behind me!" Mash said
"I'd take up your offer... but I can't. This time the situation is different. I can't run away if the front line is just you, Mash. Let me fight with you." Amadeus replied
"Amadeus? Will you be all right? You'll get hurt, you know!"
"Oh, it's a rehearsal to prepare for tomorrow's battle. A few wounds? No worries." Amadeus said
Moments later, three zombies all run towards Mash and Amadeus at full speed. Amadeus begins by firing projectiles at the three zombies and exploding at them, knocking them away from Mash. Mash charges at the three zombies as she jumps into the air and slams her shield right at the zombie's head, slamming the zombie to the ground. The two others got up from the ground and were about to run towards Mash until Amadeus fires more projectiles at them and sends them flying towards trees.
*Later*
"Whew! We made it through in one piece, but we accidentally left the forest during the battle. Sonic and Jeanne must be worried. Let's rest awhile, then return to camp." Amadeus said
"...Um. It seems a bit crazy to ask questions at a time like this, but do you mind?" Mash asks
"Of course not. Be it important or trivial, ask away. Tomorrow is the final battle. You should wrap up any unfinished business." Amadeus replied
"...Right. I hate to bring this back up... But's about when we heard that Marie had died. This is what you said, Amadeus. "Humans choose what they love." I don't understand what that meant. Rather, I understand the meaning of the words, it's the "choose" part I don't understand. I mean, things we should view favourably are morally just, and things we should reject are socially bad. That's what I was taught. I feel deep down that it's right." Mash said
"Hmm. What do you consider right then?"
"Well... Something that saves many lives, and sees value in many lives, I suppose." Mash said
"That's rather ill-defined. Let's assume for a moment Sonic was not such a person. What then?"
"But that's..."
"Forgive me, that was a mean assumption. However, keep that hesitation and discomfort in mind. Mash, I suspect that you are a person who has only recently gained her freedom. As such, you freeze in the face of hard choices and have doubts about the person you are becoming." Amadeus said
"...Yes, I think you might be right. I, uh... didn't know much about the outside world... No. Maybe I never had the right to care for anything in the first place. I mean, I..."
"Oh, dear. You truly are pure, arent you? You're like a music sheet without a single note on it. But heed my words, Mash. Even if you are a doll created for the sole purpose of fighting... You have the obligation to care for something. You may not have freedom, but you have obligations." Amadeus replied
"Obligations? No rights or privileges?"
"No, obligations. Or duties, if you like. Humans have that responsibility, for they possess the intelligence to think. What to care for, what to dislike, what is considered precious, what is considered evil. Those are the things you must choose for yourself. Not by the words of others, nor by conforming to your environment. Every human is unique. So too is each one's values. That includes Sonic as well. We learn and see as much as we can. By doing so, your life will be enriched. Listen, the world is not what you make of it. You are what the world makes of you. Then when you have become you, become more than this world. You must leave proof that you existed, whatever it is. I have. All the music I left behind is proof. Even though... that itself is insignificant." Amadeus replied
"?"
"After all, I am a man who couldn't even ear witness to the death of his one and only first love. My legacy may have been loved by many, but my actual life was nothing special. Still, I am content with that. Human beings are filthy and unpleasant. My conclusion stands. There are sinners who shine brilliantly and saints that make one retch. So there is no need for you to fear your own future. You are created by the world, and you expand and improve the world. That is what "being a human" is all about. Begin by absorbing all you can from the world and then return those favours to the world as you see fit. later. Worrying over what results in that will have is a matter for another day."
"Amadeus..."
"However, most things in this world have a fair value, and a result fit for such value. As was the case with my music and my life. As long as humans are human, evil will not prevail. After all, humanity will be unable to flourish otherwise. It is said that "evil" is a hindrance to the prosperity of life. The species cannot survive with it there. If humanity can not purge itself on that "evil." that is the day of humanity's extinction. It's that simple. I see that you're now breathing more calmly. Our break is over Mash, let's return to the others. Most likely this is the last time we shall chat. For some reason, it turned into a bit of a lecture. Still, I'm happy that we were alone for this final talk. From start to finish, you're a charming young lady. In this battle, I would have proposed to you had Maria not been there."
"...I see. Thank you, great composer, Amadeus, I won't forget what you said." Mash replied
"Indeed. You pass, Mademoiselle. I want you to remember one last thing. There's nothing more beautiful than a parting smile." Amadeus said
*At The Camp base*
"The supplies have arrived, but apparently there's been a shift in topological space. Our rations are being devoured by monsters. Senpai, are you okay with being hungry?"
"Eh, I don't really mind. There have been times before where I several days without eating..." Sonic replied
"Well in that case. Let's go!"
"Hey, I had my eye on that! Don't eat it!" Elisabeth said
"You are so annoying!" Kiyohime said
Sonic runs at the three werewolves and runs in circles around them. The three werewolves attempt to hit Sonic while he was running around them but he was more quickly than them. Moments later, Sonic begins attacking all three werewolves in all angles very fast. As they were being attacked by Sonic over and over, Elizabeth took the opportunity for an attack and runs towards the werewolves. moments later, Sonic stops behind the three werewolves and performs a backwards roundhouse kick behind and knocks them towards Elizabeth. Elizabeth
*Later*
"Hey, that looks good," Elisabeth said
"Then allow me to feed you, say "ahhh." Kiyohime replied
"...What's gotten into you?" Mash asks
"..."
Jeanne watches Sonic, who was sitting on top of a tree, alone while looking up at the clear night sky. Without saying a word.
"Hello, is this seat taken?" Amadeus said
"Oh, no! Be my guest." Jeanne replied
"I'm sorry to be a bother while you're relaxing, but those dragons over there are too noisy..." Amadeus said
"...Amadeus. Marie was very kind to me." Jeanne said
"But of course. She was kind to everyone, but her affection for you was unique." Amadeus said
"Why do you suppose that was? Because I'm a fellow Frenchwoman?" Jeanne asks
"I'm not sure. I don't think it had anything to do with you being French. Whether one is from England, Spain, or the Far East, that is of no importance to Maria. The reason she was fond of you, was that she held you in high esteem. was because you were a young woman who took a stand all of her own. In a sense, Maria is the same. She became a queen at 14 and was forced into battle all alone in Versailles. Of course, I'm sure that her battles paled in comparison to yours. Battlefields with cannonballs and conspiracies are in truth, fundamentally different. Nevertheless, it was indeed a life-or-death struggle for her. That is why she empathized with you." Amadeus replied
"Because she was living through a lonely battle of her own?" Jeanne said
"And one other reason. This is the important one. For Maria, standing up for a loved one is a perfectly reasonable thing to do. Be it family, another person, a Servant... or even the nation itself. true, she was a shelters girl who knew no hardship, so her way of standing up for someone was rather off-key."
"...Oh, is that so? In that case, I wanted to stand up for her as a friend. Given the situation, nothing could've been done, but I wish... I could've been by her side. I like to believe so." Jeanne said
"A friend, eh? Yes, you thinking of her that way would be the ultimate reward for her. Maria and I have one thing in common. We were not blessed with friends. But, her wish was fulfilled in the second life. I get the feeling she was able to move on with a light heart."
"Um... Actually, I think of you as a comrade. Sonic is the one who's actually friends with you. In fact, he's already friends with our new members." Jeanne replied
"No, no, that won't do. After all, I don't think that of you. Maria said it, remember? I'm fundamentally trash. I only love music. That is how I loved my life, and I am proud of that fact. That is why I cannot make friends. Instead, I left behind many pieces of music. If I had any desire for human happiness, I would vanish in a cloud of self-hatred. Still, thank you Jeanne d'Arc. I'm sure that Maria had no regrets." Amadeus said
"I shall avenge her. No, vengeance isn't important, is it? I will make her wish come true. I will save this France." Jeanne said
"*Looking At The Clear Night Sky* Marie, I know we just barely met and you left us so early. But I want to say again... Please wait a little longer, I will do the best I can to summon you back and get you to see another day. So please... once I take down Dark Jeanne for good and save your country... I will shift my objectives to you and get you back." Sonic looking at the sky
*Jeanne Alter*
"Gilles, are you here?"
"Yes, right here!"
"Marie Antoinette has perished, but what about Sanson?" Jeanne Alter asks
"I am treating him right now. His mind perished with her. All we can do is to keep his Spiriton Shell intact and use him as a foot soldier." Gilles replied
"...I see. Georgios escaped from that town. Had Marie not sacrificed herself to buy time, pour plan would have worked..." Jeanne Alter said
"Ah, I see. The enemy ranks lost one, but also gained one."
"We're not at a disadvantage here, but it is a nuisance. Continue searching for them..."
"It doesn't look like that will be necessary." Berserk Saber said
"Saber? I thought I ordered you to search that southeastern region."
"There's no longer any need, Master. They're heading straight for Orleans. Looks like ut's a final showdown they want. Don't you want the same thing?" Berserk Saber replied
"...So, they've stopped running around have they? Which means they think they have a shot at winning."
"I suppose they do. Not only does that blue rodent have fighting skills from unknown origins. He also has many Servants as well with him. We might have dragons on our side, but this should still be a glorious fight." Berserk Saber said
"You're enjoying yourself?"
"Of course. As you know, I'm not right in the head. I'll be just as happy with wiping them out as being wiped out by them. Go on, order me... Master." Berserk Saber said
"Prepare for the final battle. Gilles, summon them, not just the Servants." Jeanne Alter said
"Understood. I shall gather all the dragons who were slain in France."
"If we win, the world will be destroyed. Even if we lose, it will make no difference. This world is long gone. Even if they correct this place, an endless journey lies ahead. And yet... And yet, they have faith in the world... Those people, and "me." In that case, I shall smite them. I won't let them reconnect this world. That is my wish and Gilles' wish. Yes, that should be my wish..." Jeanne Alter said
*The Next Day*
"It seems to be that blue and I here have experience leading an army. Of course, it's not as if we have a glorious military record where we led an army to invade a worthwhile country. In any event, our numbers are few while the enemies are large. But, most of the enemy forces are weaker than us. In situations like this, there are two options. A frontal assault, or an ambush from the rear. However, our location was given away long ago. Stealth is out of the question. The enemy knows where we are... There's only one option."
"Which one do you think our plan will be?" Sonic asks
"-A frontal assault," Elisabeth said
"-A frontal assault," Kiyohime said
"-Exactly," Siegfried said
"-Exactly," Sonic said
"Master and I will see to Fafnir," Siegfried said
"I want the rest of you to protect us from Dark Jeanne's Servants and wyverns," Sonic said
"Whether we slay Fafnir or not, the outcome of the war hinges on that question," Siegfried said
"Don't worry Siegfried, will definitely defeat that dragon of hers. I fought beasts bigger and stronger than this! Besides, I have something that will give us an advantage." Sonic commented
"You are one interesting person, blue. Let's hope all your past battles prepared you for this and the thing you have in store for our upcoming battle." Siegfried said
"...Understood. I'm inexperienced, but I'll fight with everything I have." Mash said
"That's what I like to hear from you, Mash! Never give up the good fight." Sonic replied
"Oh Puppy, there is someone I must fight. Would it be all right If I focus on her?"
"Who exactly do you want to fight?" Sonic asks
"Oh, a Servant I share a certain fate with. If I can do that, I'll be quite satisfied. I'll lend you a hand if I can spare the time." Elizabeth said
"I, without a doubt, will be facing the "Dragon Witch" in battle," Jeanne said
"Can you defeat her?" Georgios asks
"...Yes, I shall be victorious. even if she turns out to be the real Jeanne d'Arc, I will still prevail in battle." Jeanne replied
"Hm, I don't have an issue with anybody. I guess I will just try to get wyverns' attention." Amadeus said
"In that case... I shall be at our Master's side and breathe fire as needed. As they say, like moths to the flame, and scoundrels of dubious origin who stand in the way of romance." Kiyohime said
"Leave scouting the area to me. This is do-or-die time. I've got lots of energy drinks and buckets ready!" Romani said
"Where do keep finding these stuffs?" Sonic asks
"Doctor, those have the opposite effect. They cause stomachaches, so maybe you shouldn't drink them..." Mash said
"I am sure it will fresh me up if I dunk my face in it. Anyway, leave everything to me!"
"So, if no has any questions... Master, please issue your orders." Siegfried said
"Everyone, I have something to say," Sonic said
"What is it?!" Jeanne asks
"*Raises a fist up into the air* Let's do our absolute best and win this battle!" Sonic shouted
"YEA!" Everyone shouted
"Right! Now, on to Orleans!" Jeanne said
To Be Continue...
"Next Time: Orleans (Part 9.)" Sonic As The Narrator