A Hedgehog Of Chaldea
Orleans Interludes (Part 1)
Author's Note: Some Of The Servants In These Interludes, I Forgot To Add Them In The Last Chapter. But Just A Reminder That Sonic Did Manage To Summon The Rest For Orleans Interludes To Go Thorugh. Anyway, Enjoy The Interludes!
Interlude I
Sword of a Young Flower
"The town is so peaceful despite the war. There are so many stores open along the main street here It's a sight for sore eyes." Saber Lily said
"You seem to be in a pretty good mood today, Saber, even though we are quite in the middle of someone else's territory and can get ambushed any second," Sonic replied
"Yes. It is true that we are in enemy territory, but it is still pleasant to observe people going about their daily lives. Admittedly, it does pain me to see France and England at war during this era." Saber Lily said
"I see. You look so young that I forgot your royal; status. I guess your first concern is the town's safety." Romani said
"Oh... Yes, that's right. I will be a king someday, so I need to properly understand how things work here... I apologize for acting like a tourist. There is still so much I need to learn..." Saber Lily said
"It's okay. You can do what's best for you in the future. Take as much information as you can, eventually. All that will pay off." Sonic replied
"Fou!"
"I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean... It's just, this is all so hard to take in. She's a serious, kind girl, but we've all seen a different side to her..." Romani said
"Roman... if you're talking about that one back in Fuyuki. Then save it for later, let Saber Lily be who she wants to be right now. They aren't the same in one body," Sonic replied
"It's true they share physical characteristics, but as Sonic said, they aren't the same Saber."
"Someone who resembles me? I'm curious. What was she like?" Saber Lily asks
"Oh, what a pure smile... It seems like she has no idea just how terrifying her other self was..."
"Fou!"
"ROMAN!" Sonic shouted
"I don't recognize this familiar. Yet, I feel like I have some recollection of it..." Saber Lily said
"Fou! (Don't try to think about it too much.)" Fou said
"Fou said to not think about it that much. It's not a big deal." Sonic commented
"I see... but it's unsettling, isn't it? That "other self" isn't very nice. I mean, if the person in question is my future self, I was hoping to get some advice that might make my life a little easier." Saber Lily said
"Advice? Saber, you're still in training, right?" Mash asks
"Yes. Although I chose to walk the path of swordsmanship, I was serving my brother up until this point. Now I continue to polish my swordsmanship and broaden my horizons." Saber Lily replied
"I see. Not just an aspiring knight, but also a king in the making. As far as I can see, your skills are already impeccable... Hey Sonic, there's something about her that's been bothering me for a while now. Can I ask her?" Romani said
"Well, it's your own grave. Go ahead and ask." Sonic replied
"Well then, if I may ...Ahem Saber, this is a bit of a direct question, but... What's up with those clothes? I mean, isn't that skirt kind of short?" Romani asks
"*Facepalms* Seriously, Roman? That was your question?" Sonic said
"Doctor! We were trying to ignore that. Did you really have to say it out loud?" Mash said
"Th-These clothes? I see, indeed... They somewhat concern me as well. I am not used to wearing such feminine clothes... But Merlin suggested it would help mask my identity." Saber Lily replied
"Merlin, huh? Interesting..." Sonic commented
"Merlin! The mage who served King Arthur, the protector of Britain! Who knew such a legendary figure would press his taste upon you?" Romani shock
"Yes. I weave my own magical energy into armour, but he told me not to rely on it. He said I get to be more reckless now, that I should fight more freely and lightly." Saber Lily replied
"...I see. Once could expect no less from Merlin, the famed kingmaker. True, seeing Saber in her current state, not many could guess she would one day rule over Britain as the King of Knights." Mash said
"Man, so many memories are coming back to me. But I don't really want to say anything right now, so I rather keep low for now until the time is right." Sonic thought
'R-Really? Someone like me will rule... No, I mustn't show weakness! Of course, I will do everything I can to be worthy of that position."
Moments later, the three heard clanging noises coming from behind them.
"What the?"
"The castle gates are about to be breached! Everyone, run for your lives!"
"Hmm, sounds lie trouble at the gates. Judging from the noise, I imagine it's an enemy attack. Unfortunately, it seems our brief break ends here. Let's go, Sonic. No matter the era, even if it's enemy territory, no one should be allowed to disturb this peace. I, Saber Lily, vow to protect you as a proud Heroic Spirit!" Saber Lily said
"Actually, these guys seem to be easy. Allow me to take care of that for you quickly. Mash?" Sonic said
"As you wish, Master," Mash replied
"Thank you!"
Moments later, Sonic speeds off to the gate of the castle and notices an army of Soldiers trying to break into the town. Sonic stops and quickly jumps over the walls surrounding the town and lands behind the army. The soldiers notice Sonic behind them and all charge right at him full speed. Sonic gets into a stance and begins to spin around very fast, soon creating a massive tornado and lifting all the soldiers inside the tornado. Saber Lily and Mash watch as the soldiers were being spun around by the tornado Sonic was creating, panicking and not able to control themselves. Moments later, Sonic stops spinning and quickly stops as the tornado explodes and launches all the soldiers away from the town, never to be seen again.
"A job well done," Sonic said
"That was incredible, Sonic! How were you able to do such a thing?!" Saber Lily shock
"*Scratching his back* Hehe... I trained myself to be able to do that. And it works wonders." Sonic replied
"Oh, it seems the gate behind us was broken off by Sonic's attack and was sent away as well." Saber Lily said
"Typical doing from Sonic, but at least everyone is safe from the attack. We're just drifters, looking out for ourselves." Romani replied
"Yes. For now, I am just happy to be able to travel with Sonic. I still have a lot to learn, but... as we fight together, I want you to teach as much as possible. If I'm with you I won't give up, and I know that I can continue to fight for my ideals." Saber Lily promises
"That's what I like to hear from you! Of course, I'll help you be stronger than ever before. Promise me that! And once your king, don't forget your rewards from me." Sonic replied
"R-Rewards, you say? Yes, anything within my capabilities..."
"Fou!"
"Oh, it seems Fou is opposed to this idea... I thought that a king could return favours easily..." Saber Lily said
"Sorry, but we should get moving. If we stay here too long, they will soon turn against Sonic for breaking the gates and try to kill him. Thinking that he is an enemy as well." Romani said
"Why would anyone turn against Sonic? He's the kindest person I've ever met." Saber Lily said
"Well, not fully the kindest Hedgehog you'll ever see. I had my fair share of accidentally betraying my friends one way or another. Till this day, I still feel guilty about it and I swore on them I would never do such a thing again to them that will hurt them." Sonic replied
"Awwww, Master. Don't feel too down about it, at least you admitted to your wrongdoings and apologized to your friends soon after. A strong person always admits their wrongdoings. That's all it matters." Saber Lily said
"Thanks, Lily. Glad I have friends like you and Mash who can cheer up a Hedgehog." Sonic replied
"Anytime! Now then, let's continue our training, Master. I'll devote myself to becoming a great king!" Saber Lily said
"Alright then, let's get going you two!" Sonic said
Interlude II:
In The Name Of Lily
"Thank you... Sorry for making you tag along with me. But, thank you. Something is going to happen here, in this era. I can't shake that feeling. So that's why I insisted on this, and now here we are... in the Paris of a bygone age. Honestly, I hope we find nothing, but in that case... hmm. It'll mean I've wasted your time. I apologize, you're probably tired from the constant fighting." D'Eon said
"Don't worry about it. It seems like Senpai is feeling restless as always." Mash said
"Sleep isn't my thing very often. I love exploring and going out on walks at night. So everything is all cool, don't worry about me." Sonic replied
"Maybe there's some kind of connection with what D'Eon's feeling," Mash said
"Fou?"
"That's right, Masters and Servants are connected through magical energy, so it's possible. One recorded example is the phenomenon of shared memories within dreams. I imagine there are other examples as well. It's quite intriguing." Romani said
"Yes. He, umm, I mean she... wait, uh..." Mash confuse
"Haha, either if fine. Sometimes I am a man, and sometimes a woman. You may refer to me however you wish. Hey Sonic, what do I look like to you?" D'Eon asks
"I don't really mind how you look, to be honest. You can be whoever you want, either a man or a woman. I won't judge, you do you. It's your choice." Sonic replied
"I appreciate the response, Master. Glad that looks don't really matter to you. I'm the Knight of the White Lily, sworn to defend France's royal family. Gender means nothing to me. Sometimes I'm a sabre-wielding dragoon. Sometimes I'm an elegant lady in a dress. If it's to defend the royal family, I won't hesitate to use a saber or a dress. That stays as true now as I was alive. Being a Heroic Spirit doesn't change that. Also..." D'Eon said
"?"
"Fou?"
"What is it?" Sonic asks
"I committed a crime. I remember my manifestation in this world as Berserk Saber. Not just at all of you... I even point my blade at "the one" who's the very symbol of the royal family. I want to atone for that. Forgive me Master Sonic. Instead of fulfilling my duties as a Servant, I am now acting to fulfill my duties as a defender of the royal family. Please forgive me, even if it's only for a night. Please give me a chance. Master." D'Eon apologizing profusely
"*Walks Up To D'Eon and hold's D'Eon's hand gently* Don't worry about it, I forgive you. I know you didn't mean to do all that stuff before to us since you were under some kind of spell. I don't see you like some random Servant a Master would just use to take advantage of something. To me, you're one of my best friends and that's all it matters." Sonic replied
"Thank you, Master. You're really good at making others feel better again. Something other Masters lack." D'Eon thanking Sonic
"Fou! Kyuuuu! (We have trouble you three!)" Fou shouted
"Magical energy detected, Senpai! Multiple units in the town ahead!" Mash said
"It seems that D'Eon's worry was justified! If anything comes up, we can also Rayshift! Multiple signatures approaching our position! We might have to fight!" Romani said
"...Senpai!"
"Lock and load you two. It's time to take out the trash!" Sonic said
"Yes, Master!" Mash said
"Shadowy beings lurking in Paris's twilight hours... I, the knight of the White Lily, shall be your opponent!" D'Eon said
Moments later, Sonic lunges at the two ghost enemies and performs a backwards roundhouse kick at one of the ghost's faces, knocking them away from him. The second ghost attempts to grab Sonic but D'Eon lunges at it and swings her sword at it several times, knocking it away from Sonic. Soon after, Mash slams her shield down at the ghost as the shield breaks the ghost's skull body and shatters into small pieces, vanishing away soon after. Sonic rushes in at the first ghost as he jumps and spins his body with his leg extended at the ghost's skull face and slams down to the ground. Moments later, D'Eon swings her sword at the ghost and cuts its head off its body as it vanishes away soon after. Three more ghosts appear around as they circle D'Eon, Sonic, and Mash. All look at each other and nod as they all lunge at each ghost. D'Eon lunges at the first ghost and swings her sword at it several times, dealing heavy damage to it before throwing it away from her. The second fires projectiles at Sonic but Sonic dashes past the ghost and delivers a huge roundhouse kick that sends the ghost towards the ground and hits it. He then jumps and performs an overhead axe kick at the ghost's face, shattering its skull and breaking it into pieces before vanishing away. The third ghost fires projectiles at Mash but manages to block the attacks with her shield as she dashes towards the ghost and slams her shield at the ghost and knocking it away from her. Moments later, D'Eon lunges and attacks The ghost with multiple sword swings and throws it up into the air where Sonic soon jumps right at it and delivers multiple spin kicks in a tornado-like fashion before knocking the ghost down to the ground and vanishing soon after.
"I fought with ghosts before. So I know very well how vulnerable they are." Sonic stretching his legs
"Enemy unit destroyed. It's likely that the target's composition was magical in nature." Mash said
"A ghost-type monster. The fact it lacks a physical body is troublesome, so I'm glad you're the ones against it. Even against monsters immune from physical attacks, a Servant can still fight with no problems. And Sonic... unsurprisingly. Since Servants are composed of magical energies, all your attacks are still effective against non-physical targets. A fine opponent. We're quite lucky then." Romani said
"What do you mean by that?" Sonic asks
Another group is approaching! Master, looks like another fight!" D'Eon said
"Kyu! Foou!"
"Senpai, your orders please!" Mash said
"I'll take on these ghosts. Don't worry about it." Sonic replied
Moments later, Sonic rushes towards the ghosts and breaks the laws of physics. Performs an upward back kick at one of the ghosts and breaks its skull face into small pieces before vanishing. The two other ghosts then fire white energy projectiles at Sonic but dodge both by jumping over the attack and landing back down soon after. D'Eon rushes toward the two as she swings her sword at both of them, throwing them towards a wall of a building, hitting it, and falling to the ground. Mash rushes towards the two ghosts and swings her shield across her. Knocking them to the wall once again. Soon after, Sonic lunges and performs a strong body blow punch at one of the ghosts as it growls before vanishing away. Sonic then rounds up his fist and then follows up with a powerful elbow smash on the second ghost's head, shattering it before vanishing away. Sonic then turns to look at the next ghost's opponents but they all saw what Sonic did to their comrades and all fade away, panicking.
"O-Oh, did I scare them? It wasn't that bad of a fight." Sonic said
"...I thought the battle would continue, but it seems like there are no more enemies in this area," Mash said
"Hmm, I don't know about that. This feeling... Something's close. It's clever itself, but it's definitely there. Reveal yourself! Present yourself before the royal family's august lily! You who haunts Paris during the deads of nights! Wretched ghost mired in wickedness!" D'Eon shouted
"...Death... to the royal family... Freedom... to the people... We, the people, no longer need the white lily of the royal family... Thus... The revolution shall sweep Paris..."
"?!"
"Foou!"
"Sorry, I didn't understand what you just said. Mind repeating that for me?" Sonic said
"I am picking up a powerful reading! This is different than a Servant, it's closer to the ghosts we encountered." Romani said
"...I know who this is. The strength of this man's convictions. he sought freedom for the people and castigated the royal family. In days and nights long past, I once crossed swords in the shadows with this man. You're... I see. So it's you who summoned me. Maximilien Robespierre." D'Eon said
"What! Robespierre?" Romani shock
"Who?" Sonic asks
"Maximilien Robespierre was the world's first terrorist and an instigator of the Revolution..." Mash said
"W-Well I didn't expect that to be honest," Sonic replied
"B-But, hold on a second. Whatever that is, it doesn't look like a Servant! The first Holy Grail... It has influenced Paris and conjured up a ghost! Everything's a mess, and the era is out of control. The Holy Grail makes such things possible..." Romani said
"...Death... to the royal family... Death... Death, death... Death to all... who oppose the revolution... Ah, yes, upon everyone and everything... PURGE... AND DEATH!"
"If I only had a vacuum that's capable of shutting this thing up," Sonic said
"He has lost sight of his own justice. Robespierre... I could judge your life as an evil one, but now all you wish is death upon everything. You shall fall before a knight of France. By the sword of the White Lily!" D'Eon said
"Master, your orders, please!"
"Let's take down this thing," Sonic replied
Moments later, Sonic takes out his sword from the scabbard as he charges up it up and soon homes up to the ghost of Robespierre at incredible speeds and delivers a hasted combo of lightning-fast and powerful slashes with his sword. While Sonic was busy attacking Robespierre, D'Eon charges up her sword and gets into a fighting stance, waiting for an opportunity to attack Robespierre. At the end of the combo, the force from Sonic's attacks throws Robespierre some distance away and hits a wall behind him. Moments later, D'Eon lunges toward Robespierre and swings her sword at him multiple times around his body, leaving severe injuries around him as he roared in pain. As D'Eon attacks Robespierre, Sonic appears behind D'Eon and dragons out his sword from above his leading shoulder, falling straight down with both hands for a slamming slash, hitting Robespierre right at his stomach. Soon after, Sonic picks up Robespierre as he throws him away, rushes towards and performs a flying kick at him from behind and knocks him on the ground. Lastly, Mash jumps toward Robespierre and slams her shield down at him when he roars in pain once last time and lays on the ground
"It's over, poor ghost!"
"...ah, aah, ah, aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... It's disappearing, everything... France, liberty...to where... do you fade away..."
"No, Robespierre. They will not fade away. France's royalty may vanish. Perhaps Revolutionaries like you will fall as well. But France itself will never die. It may change its shape or form, but it will continue to exist. As long as this world exists. So I leave you with these words. Vive la France!"
"...Ah, Vive la... Fr...an...ce..."
"Magical energy signature eliminated," Mash said
"Foou..."
"Well, that was something," Sonic commented
"...Yes. Thanks to you, we were able to bring him peace. Thank you, Master." D'Eon said
"Oh, that was this real Robespierre himself, huh? I thought it was someone impersonating him." Sonic replied
Interlude III
Terror of the Bloodaxe
"Uuhnn..."
"...Eric? What's the matter?"
"Uuuuuuuunn...! Uhn...Gah...Guh...Ghnn...!"
"Fou?! Fou, fou, fou!"
"Ghnn...!"
"Oh no..." Sonic said
"S-Stand back, everyone! Eric is a Berserker! He could go on a rampage! Sonic and MAsh, get away from him!" Romani shouted
"Eric!" MAsh said
"..."
"Fou!"
"Calm down buddy," Sonic said
"...Y-You... You scoundrels... Are you the ones... who use my husband... for your ends?" Eric asks
"What...?!" Mash said
"What are you talking about?" Sonic said
"My name is Gunnhild. Normally, I would make you pay with your lives for the insolence of summoning my husband with your Holy Grail..." Eric said
"G-Gunnhild...!? Isn't that Eric's Bloodaxe's wife? If I'm not mistaken, she used witchcraft to put a deadly curse on his enemies, and even after her death, she continues to fight for him... B-But how is she contacting us?! And where from?!" Romani said
"I understand your situation. This time I shall permit you to use my husband. However, my husband is unable to fully unleash his power. That's because of his weapon, the Bloodaxe. This is the blood-stained axe formed out of the flesh and blood of demonic beasts. When it is allowed to drink the blood of several demonic beasts, then its true power will be unleashed." Eric said
"Okay, that sounds kinda cool," Sonic commented
"Demonic... beasts? But, where would we find..."
"Fear not. I will "summon" them now."
"I'm picking up several lifeforms! Prepare for battle!" Romani shouted
"Great... Just great." Sonic said
"Th-This is outrageous..."
"Yeeeeeaaaaarrrrgh... Kill... demonic...beasts!"
"H-Here they come!" Mash said
"Hey big guy, I'll lend you a hand," Sonic said
Sonic rushes at the three wyverns as he jumps behind one of them and kicks it towards Eric. Eric lunges towards the fist wyvern as Eric jumps right at it and swings the axe down and slices the wyvern in half. Sonic then jumps behind another wyvern and performs a tumbling-over wheel kick with his leading leg right at the Wyvern's back and knocking it towards Eric. Eric again jumps at the wyvern as Eric slashes the wyvern around its body the axe before unleashing one final blow and slicing off the wyvern's head off its body and falling down soon, vanishing away. The third wyvern turns at Sonic and attempts to attack him with its sharp claws but Sonic dodges the attack as he soon curls himself into a ball and homing attacks right at the wyvern and begins cutting its stomach open with his spin dash move before going through the stomach and coming out from behind, leaving a huge open at the wyvern's body. Eric then jumps towards the wyvern and chops off the wyvern's wings as it roars in pain and falls to the ground. Sonic notices three more wyverns heading towards him as he grabs his sword and charges it up for a few seconds. While charging his sword, the three wyverns all dove down at Sonic and were about to attack him but Eric quickly lunges towards the three wyverns and slashes one of them with a heavy axe slash and chops its body in half as it falls on the ground. The two wyverns attack Sonic but Mash quickly gets in front of Sonic and blocks the attacks with her shield. Moments later, Sonic jumps over Mash and dashes over her as he proceeds to perform a series of rapid slashes, releasing blue colour shockwaves at the wyverns and cutting off body parts from the wyverns. The wyverns roared in pain as Sonic release one final large shockwave at them and cut both wyverns heads at the same time as they both fall towards the ground and blood spews out of them.
"The most gruesome battle I've seen in a while..." Mash said
"*Noticing what Eric is doing* Wow... I didn't need to see that..." Sonic commented
"Demonic... beasts... blood... blood!" Eric shouted
"The axe is...drinking, their blood..." Mash said
"The axe's magical energy level is rising. I see. So it wasn't a bluff when she said its power wasn't fully unleashed. I've detected two more lifeforms. Please keep heading toward the forest." Romani said
"Sounds good to me," Sonic replied
"Understood. Eric, let's go."
"Fu... Fuuuuu..."
*At The Forest*
"Fou! Fou! Fou!"
"Fou is warning us about something. There are traces of a large beast moving through here. There are marks of something having been dragged." Mash said
"Looks like an alligator..." Sonic replied
"Either way, it's huge. Let's go after it." Mash said
"Fou!"
"...Hnnnng...axe...blood... I want blood, blood, blood...!" Eric shouted
"C-Control yourself!" Mash shouted
"I don't know to settle down a person like Eric. So I'm not saying anything." Sonic commented
Moments later, the three heard screeching coming deep in the woods.
"Here they come! They're... Lamias!" Mash shock
"HA! That's the enemy we're facing? Pretty easy." Sonic said
Sonic lunges toward Lamia as Sonic grabs Lamia's hand, spins it right at Eric and kick's them right towards Eric. Eric rushes towards Lamia with his axe ready and swings the axe across and attacks Lamia, making a huge cut at the Lamia's snake body. The Lamia screeches in pain as Sonic grabs his sword while holding it with both arms over his shoulders, and does a big forward-leaning one-handed slash. Attacking the Lamia and making another huge cut at its snake's body. Eric then jumps right at Lamia and swings his axe down right at it, cutting it in half as blood spews everywhere around the body. Moments later, three more Lamias appear and were all rushing towards Sonic but Sonic flies forward while circle-slashing with his sword downward in a mid-air turn. Cutting the first Lamia in half as a foundation of blood falls around it. The second Lamia lunges at Sonic and was about attack him until Eric quickly rushes in and does a heavy slash at the Lamia and chops its head off it's body and falls to the ground before vanishing away. Eric and Sonic soon after, lunge towards the last Lamia and both attack it at the same time. Completely cutting it and exploding soon after as blood rains around them.
"Wow..." Sonic said
"...Somehow we got through that."
"*Notices The Axe Drinking The Blood* Okay, can that axe not be as violent when drinking their blood?" Sonic said
"Heheheheheh... blood... blood!" Eric said
"Hmm, this is what we call "viewers discretion advised"... Alright, this is the last one. It's on the other side of that forest. but it hasn't moved at all. But its lifeform reading is the most powerful of all. You need to be careful." Romani said
"Hahahaha... it's there... I know it's there! Demonic... beast!"
*Later*
"...There it is! That's... no way..." Mash shock
"A Chimera... that legendary beast with the heads of a lion, and a ram, and the tail of a snake!" Romani shock
"These creatures are way wilder than the ones back in my world," Sonic commented
"What's more, it's considered to be a high-ranking demonic beast! Even from here, I can sense... its overpowering desire to kill..."
"Master... Let's go..."
"That's what I like to hear from you! Let's go!" Sonic replied
"Your, blood, is, mine!" Eric shouted
Moments later, Eric and Sonic both charge towards Chimera. Chimera roars at them as it charges at the two as well. Sonic grabs his sword as he charges it up and slashes inward via reverse grip to fire a ring of blue energy at Chimera. Chimera quickly dodges the attack and lunges at Sonic as the snake attempts to attack Sonic but Eric quickly blocks the attack from the snake and counters it by slashing it and making a huge cut at its body. Chimera roars as Sonic quickly perform a rising dragon-punch punch attack with Sonic doing a spiralling lift-slash while rising into the air. Chimera gets hit by the attack and gets knocked away from Sonic and Eric. Chimera quickly gains his balance as roars at them and lunges towards Eric with its claws ready to attack but Eric swings his axe right at Chimera and disrupts the oncoming attack. Eric soon jumps right at Chimera and begins attacking it several times at its body, leaving several severe scratch marks around it as it roars in pain. While being attacked by Eric. Sonic quickly rushes towards the goat's head and performs a somersault at it with his sword and slices off the goat's head as it falls to the ground and vanishes soon after. Eric then grabs Chimera's tail and cuts the snake off the body of the now single lion. Chimera roars as Sonic and Eric both lunge right at it and cut off the lion's head off its body as it falls to the ground, vanishing soon after.
"You call this beast terrifying? It's just another normal enemy for me." Sonic commented
"W-Well... it could probably be a fake one. And there are more out there in other singularities." Mash replied
"Hyahahahahaha! Take that! Take that! Take that! Your blood... your flesh... everything... is mine!"
"The axe... has started to glow ominously," Mash said
"Ahh, now I see. What an overwhelming amount of magical energy. I can see that this is that axe's true form." Romani said
"Master... I look forward... to serving you more... Heheheheheh!" Eric said
"I look forward to battle with you more as well. Now, *Aims a fist towards Eric* Fist bump!" Sonic said
Eric makes a fist and fist bumps Sonic. However, it wasn't an ordinary fist bump as Eric just punches Sonic's hand and knocks him away from him and falls to the ground soon after.
"...Ow..." Sonic shock
"Hahahahahahaha!"
"Geez, I didn't expect that. Well... We certainly seem to have awakened one monstrous Servant." Romani said
"As long as you can control it, Master, there's no problem... right?" Mash asks
"*Still on the ground* I-I could watch over him... Don't worry..." Sonic replied
"That's not very reassuring, Master."
"Fou!" Fou said
Interlude IV
Sword of The Saint
"I'm sorry, Master. I have a small favour to ask. Do you have time to spare?" Gilles asks
"Of course I do. Anything you need?" Sonic replied
"...I wish to go back to the 1431 France. There is something I was to recover..."
"No problem, let's get going!" Sonic replied
Moments later, Sonic and Gilles teleported back to 1431 France.
*France*
"And we're here." Sonic said
"...We've arrived in France. Now Gilles, what is it that you want to recover?" Mash asks
"It's Jeanne's sword. It's the sword of innocence that she discovered at Saint Catherine's Church. It went missing when she was captured, but... I thought I might be able to find it now." Gille said
"I see. In that case, let's head for Orleans."
*Orleans*
"...Oh? I'm picking up something in your surroundings." Romani said
"I've can confirm that... it's not humans. It appears to be corpses possessed by ghosts." Mash said
"It is a mystery... but at any rate, let's take them out. It's not going to be pleasant to let them live." Gilles said
"Don't worry. I know how we could get rid of these pretty fast. Sonic, would you mind doing that move where you fire shockwaves at our enemies, please?" Mash asks
"Sounds good to me," Sonic replied
Sonic takes out his sword from the scabbard as he began charging it bright blue. As he was charging up still, the zombies were closer at the three and were about to attack them until Sonic performs a series of rapid slashes, releasing blue-colour shockwaves at the hoard of zombies. The shockwaves
"Not bad, Master. Quite a show you put on for us." Gilles said
"Thanks, Gilles. Just another move I don't use very often." Sonic replied
"Also it's strange, why would the corpses... Well, let's move on anyway. Whoa!"
Gilles notices a zombie heading towards Mash and Sonic as he lunges at the enemy and swings his sword at it, vanishing away soon after.
"Mash, Master, are you both all right?" Gilles said
"Yes, I'm fine. But there are so many corpses here." Mash replied
"Hmm. There might be something. Saint Catherine's sword is important, but we must figure out what's causing them to revive, too..." Gilles said
"Nine times out of ten, it's some suspicious virus..." Romani said
"We're already busy retrieving the Holy Grail, so I decline to deal with such a biohazard!" Mash replied
"Hahaha, it can't be that. I sense a slight trace of magical energy out of their bodies. It has something do with magical means, not biological." Gilles said
"Fou!"
"What's wrong Fou? Should we go this way?"
"If Fou knows where to go. Then we should follow him. Lead the way, Fou!" Sonic said
"Yes. rather than running in the dark, we should put our faith in beast's instincts." Gilles said
*A Few Minutes Later*
"Hm, we've got more of them here. Master, let us continue the fight. Miss Mash, let's go!" Gilles said
"Right!"
"Let's do this!" Sonic said
Moments later, Sonic, Mash, and Gilles all charge towards the hoard of zombies. Gilles lunges at two zombies and swings his sword right at them and he slices their arms off the zombies. The zombies roared attempting to but Gilles jumps back and lunges back at them and swinging his sword, slicing off the zombies' heads off their bodies as they fall to the ground before vanishing away. Sonic grabs one of the zombies and pins them to the ground and begins spin dashing onto the zombie. The speed of the spin dash begins to open up the zombie's stomach as blood begins to spew out of it and blood covering Sonic. Moments later, Sonic kicks the zombie away as it hits the castle's wall before vanishing away. Two more zombies run towards Sonic from both the front and back of him. Sonic quickly jumps and performs a split kick once landing back to the ground, hitting both zombies and knocking them away from him. Gilles rushes in and stabs the zombie behind Sonic and slices its head off its body while Mash slams her shield down at the zombie in front of Sonic and its head explodes soon after. Moments later, more zombies appear around as the three continue to fight them for a few more minutes. Eventually, the three finally finish taking down all the zombies.
"That's the last of them," Sonic said
"...Whew. Well, we managed to clean it up somehow." Gilles said
"Yes. But aside from that, what exactly is here." Mash asks
"Fou!"
"Oh, a warning! A string magical energy signature was detected near the throne. If left alone, it may lead to the birth of another singularity. Could you investigate the possibility?" Romani asks
"Understood... Ahhh!"
"What the?!"
"What's this! Can this be, Saint Catherine's sword!"
"The shadows are gathering, and they're trying to change their form. This is... a Shadow Servant!"
"Ugh! So, you've been searching for the sword! I hate to break it to you, but that sword is not yours. You will hand it over!" Gilles said
"...It's coming!"
Sonic rushes towards the Shadow Servant and grass it tightly with both hands.
"Heads up, Gilles!" Sonic said
Moments later, Sonic performs a stretch kick at the Shadow Servant and sends it up to the air. Gilles jumps right at the Shadow Servant and swings his sword multiple times before throwing it back down to the ground. MAsh quickly rushes towards the Shadow Servant as she grabs the Shadow Servant and pushes her in front of her before hitting them with her shield and throwing them at the castle's wall and hitting it. Sonic lunges at the Shadow Servant and follows up with a quick straight punch, punching them square in the face and making a huge wall at the castle wall due to the force of the punch. He then grabs the Shadow Servant and throws them right at Mash and Gilles. Gilles charges upon his sword as he lunges right at the Servant and performs several heavy sword attacks at them. After Gilles attacks, he then sends the Shadow Servant towards Mash where she swings her shield across her and knocks the Shadow Servant to the ground. Lastly, Sonic walks up to the Shadow Servant where he picks them up from the ground and punches them in the stomach, sending them to the ceiling before coming back down and falling to the ground, vanishing soon after.
"I know Shadow Servants are way weaker than their normal selves. Not a single sweatdropped." Sonic said
"Got it!" Gilles grabbing the sword
"Target elimination confirmed. If you retrieve that sword, all should return to normal." Romani said
"Yes, we've retrieved the sword. Master, are you familiar with the legend of Jeanne d'Arc and this sword? She always waved the flag to encourage us and was always on the front lines, but... She never drew her sword. I asked her if she was afraid of getting blood on her hands. She gave a peculiar answer. "No, for when I wave this flag, my hand become one with yours. However, I am embarrassed to say that I am unskilled with the sword. Forgive me" She never drew her sword. However, she carried our sin with us. That being the case, I will not tolerate anyone drawing this sword but her. Someday, somewhere, she will need to draw this sword. Until then, I must protect it properly. I appreciate you accommodating my personal affairs. Let's continue to fight together!" Gilles said
Interlude V
Offering To The God
"Oh, what a wasteland! Scorched earth with no sigh of human life, nor blade of grass left behind! What manner of disaster could have befallen it?" Gilles said
"We're not sure of the details, either. At any rate, a strange natural disaster beyond human knowledge..." Mash replied
"Natural disaster! Not the ravages of war? Some caprice of God unrelated to Man's sins wiped out those living here?"
"Well... what else can we figure out?" Sonic said
"Yes...Because this is impossible for the people of the era, perhaps you could call it a trick of fate." Romani said
"Oh, how wretched! How disastrous! How tragic! This cannot go unanswered!" Gilles shouted
"...Caster... Senpai, you can't judge a book by its cover. Gilles may look terrifying, but he's a good Heroic Spirit." Mash said
"I told you before Mash. I don't mind how anyone looks, as long as they are fighting for a good cause. That's all it matters to me." Sonic replied
"Hm... I had some concern regarding the man who was the basis for the legend of Bluebeard, but..."
"Are you forcing yourself to say that?" Sonic asks
"Nonsense! No one else values life more highly than I, Gilles de Rais!" Gilles shouted
"For your information, I value life highly as well, Gilles. That's why I fight for the good of the people." Sonic said
"He really is a good man!" Mash commented
"Human life is like a fruit. Squeeze, and the gem-like nectar shall sate my thirst. However! Pain and screams! Fear and despair! Crushed before they could be fully squeezed out is such a waste!" Gilles shouted
"Pardon?"
"Outrageous! A natural disaster is a caprice of God, and the waste of new lives is outrageous! The agonies of all creatures should only be unleashed by one who appreciates the joy of plucking out a life!" Gilles shouted
"...I take back what I said. Senpai, sticking with this weirdo will only ruin Chaldea's reputation." Mash commented
"Come on Mash. This guy right isn't as bad as my arch-enemies back in my world. Gilles right is actually a fighter to protect others besides Egghead." Sonic replied
"Well, even so. His abilities as a Servant can't be measured by the scale of good and evil. His personality may be kind of out there, but consider him an invaluable asset to be used effectively." Romani said
"That sounds fun!" Sonic replied
"Heheheh, so you understand, my Master. How joyful to work with a Master who thinks as I do. In place of God and Satan, let us both savour the light of life, treasured as the stars!" Gilles said
"Okay, now he is just spitting random things I can't comprehend..." Sonic thought
"I heard that Gilles de Rais was a great hero who supported Jeanne d'Arc as a war marshal," Mash said
"Yes, but at the same time, he's known as a pleasure killer who murdered hundreds of young children. While he's a popular Heroic Spirit, that dual nature means he can be a completely different person depending on the class he's summoned in. How well you master a Servant like this depends on the Master's latent potential. Which means, Sonic, you're going to have an easy time with these Servants!" Romani said
"I take back everything I said trying to defend this guy..." Sonic thought
"Meaning it's not your problem, Doctor?" Mash said
"Fooou..."
"Um, look! While we're talking, the enemy signature is getting closer!" Romani said
"Oh? Talk about a rough welcome right after I'm summoned. Very well. I shall enlighten these creatures on the true beauty of how one should kill!" Gilles said
"Um... I suppose this needs to be taken care of first... Master, you'll have to use this new Servant to get through this ordeal. I'll be trying hard, too, so fight bravely!" Mash said
"Let's do this!" Sonic said
Sonic lunges at the french soldiers and begins to spin around very fast, soon creating a massive tornado and lifting all the soldiers inside the tornado. As the soldiers were being spun around by the tornado. Gilles fires projectiles at the soldiers as they all explode on impact and immediately kills all the soldiers as they all vanished away. Sonic notices what Gilles just did and stops running as the tornado dies down without exploding. Moments later, Gilles fires more projectiles at the French soldiers and all explode on impact, killing the rest of the French Soldiers around Sonic as they all vanish away. Sonic looks at Gilles with his eyes widen as Gilles begins laughing.
"T-This wasn't the way I intended to fight now..." Sonic thought
"Hee hee hee hee! How lovely! How lovely! I thought of them as mere hors d'oecures, but these children sing unexpectedly well. Hmm, should I reevaluate the enemy as well, perhaps? In their own ways, they are beautiful and intriguing materials. Crush them! Cut them open! Rip out their guts! We must hear the sound of their screams for ourselves! Heh, this is turning out to be an enjoyable journey, my Master." Gilles said
"...Senpai, don't tell me you're planning to keep using this troublemaker... are you? I... I don't think I'll ever eat octopus again..." Mash said
"...It looks like I'll be a teacher for him for till then until he finally changes his way of battle," Sonic replied
"Fuuuuouu..."
"Well, if you ignore what he says and does, I think he makes a pretty useful asset... Well, let's leave that up to Sonic. It's not a proposal one can calmly make from the Command Room." Romani said
"Don't worry you two, I'll keep an eye on Gilles. No one is leaving my site." Sonic said
To Be Continue...
"Next Time: Orleans Interludes (Part 2.)" Sonic As The Narrator