A Hedgehog Of Chaldea
Septem (Part 5)
*Let's Continue Where We Left Off*
"It won't be long until we're in Rome again, Senpai. Mash said
"*Stretching His Arms* Man, what a day we had..." Sonic said
"Hey, Sonic... I know this may seem off to you but why don't go by horseback now? I... I want to see you on horseback ever since you mentioned horse backing a while ago. I apologize, the few soldiers left in my unit are brilliant, but none of them fight on chariots. " Nero asks
"Your Majesty, should I provide a chariot for the next expedition?"
"I'm sure we'll need one anyway. After all, next time we'll be attacking the United Empire capital!" Nero replied
"Sir!"
"Mhmm, mhmm."
"Your Majesty, we seem to be under attack. Enemy brigade up ahead. Multiple signatures." Romani said
"Come on team! Time to take out the trash!" Sonic said
Sonic, Mash, Kiyohime, Medusa, and Martha all charge toward the enemy brigade. Bow-wielding Enemy soldiers aim their bows at Sonic and the others as they fire arrows at them. Kiyohime fires fireballs at the arrows as they all explode and were destroyed from the explosion. Sonic lunged at two bow-wielding soldiers as he curls himself into a ball and spins dashes around the two soldiers in a figure-eight symbol. His spin was fast enough to start a blue flame around the soldiers as they engulf in flames and yell in pain from being burned alive. Martha begins to pray as she fires several magical energy attacks at the two soldiers. Hit them directly as they were knocked to the ground while being burned alive still. Soon after, Sonic speeds off towards the next enemy soldier as they charge at Sonic as well with their sword risen. Sonic quickly uncurls him as he jumps right at the soldier and performs a 3 hit spinning kick attack at the soldier and knocks them away from him soon after. Medusa appears behind the soldier soon after and slashes him several times with her daggers from behind before kicking them down to the ground soon after. Nero rushes past the two as she lunges toward three enemy soldiers and slashes one of them across their chest plate and knocking them away from her. The second enemy soldier swigs their spear at Nero but quickly blocks each strike from the soldier and counters back with several sword strikes at the soldier before stabbing them through the chest plate and kicking them away from her. The third soldier rushes towards Nero and was about to attack her with their sword until Mash rushes in and slams her shield at the soldier, knocking them to the ground where picks them up from the collar and punches them in the face toward's Sonic. Sonic crouches down and hit's the oncoming soldier with a sweep kick that knocks the soldier off to the ground. Sonic then did a handstand and leaps off from the ground. The soldier looks everywhere to find Sonic but unfortunately was stuck by Sonic with a dive kick and drops him to the ground.
"That's strange... We're running into the game amount of enemies as before." Mash said
"You're right. Even though we already regained control of nearby Gaul. Don't tell me they're attacking from the sea! If our scouts haven't noticed, then..."
"The scouts were discovered and killed. We might be dealing with an elite battalion. Well, that explains it. But if so, that would mean... It's as I feared. I'm detecting even more enemies now!" Romani shouted
"I won't let any more men die here! Senpai, finish them off!" Mash said
"You got it, Mash!" Sonic replied
Sonic dashes off towards the next wave of enemy soldiers charging at him. However, Sonic notices something different from the soldiers as he skids onto the ground, stopping himself from running.
"Those soldiers just now... They're not like the ones we've run into before. Not that they looked much different, but..."
"True, rather than human soldiers, they feel like Servants. Yet they're not Servants per see. Doctor, do you have an idea?" Mash asks
"I can think of several possibilities. Not good. Things like this are typically related to Noble Phantasms. And I don't mean typical Noble Phantasms. The type that's designed for use on the battlefield. In which case..."
"...Master, I'm sensing the presence of a Servant. There's one... no, several hundred! It's the same presence from before. But I can only tell that one of them is an actual Servant." Mash shouted
The group notices the huge hoard of soldiers charging at them at full speed.
"Enemy attack! Several hundred enemy soldiers!"
"Is this an ambush? Where did several hundred enemies come from?" Nero asks
Moments later, an unknown Servant appears in front of them. The Servant was a muscular person who wore a golden helmet, a red cape, armour boots, hold a spear and a golden shield.
"It's not an ambush. I chose to defend this place, that's all. You people trespassed into my stronghold. So I shall defend it. I will crush any enemies more valiantly than any attack, and far stronger than any defence. This is how we Spartans fight. You will soon experience it for yourselves." The Servant Said
"Who is this guy?" Sonic asks
"Did you just say Sparta? Then you are..."
"Servant, Lancer. My True Name is Leonidas."
"He's not hiding his True Name. Just like last time, this is far different than a normal Holy Grail War." Romani said
"Leonidas? You introduce yourself as King Leonidas of Sparta?" Nero asks
"Precisely. It is an immoral war, but I'm still going to destroy you." Leonidas replied
"What! You are the legendary Leonidas, the guardian of the Hot Gates! So the "emperors" aren't the only ones who came back? Hmm, then what about Boudica?" Nero said
"We met "Elizabeth," too, remember?" Sonic said
"Ah, now that you mention it. Hmm, but then is Boudica... Is she also dead? Is that it? Or was she alive? I told her, "This time, surrender yourself to Rome." Thinking that was the case..." Nero realizing things
"N-Never mind that Nero, there are many enemies. We must strengthen our defences!" Mash shouted
"Y-Yes, our unit is quite small. I hope we're able to defend." Nero replied
"Nero, we're GOING to defeat them! You can trust me on that!" Sonic said
"If we defeat the main Servant, the remaining hundreds should be gone. In that case... Master, let's take down Leonidas! I'll protect you!" Mash shouted
"Let's do this!"
Leonidas lets out a loud battle cry and charges at Sonic. Sonic began to smirk as Leonidas was close to Sonic. Leonidas swung his spear at Sonic to end him early. Sonic dodges each spear attack from Leonidas then counters him with a high knee kick in the face in the chin that cause Leonidas to be pushed away by Sonic. Medusa dashes toward Leonidas and strikes him several times with her daggers across his body. Leonidas charges at Sonic for an attack but Sonic jumps over Leonidas up in the air and spins around for a spinning roundhouse kick but Leonidas, on the other hand, dodges the kick. Sonic curls himself into a ball and shoots a blue wave of wind using his Sonic Storm move. Leonidas blocks the shock wave from hitting him. Sonic then dives down going straight toward Leonidas with a rocket kick. So Lenodias swings his spear at Sonic both bashed at one another. Once they bashed, both Sonic and Leonidas have pushed away two feet away as Sonic land's back on the ground. Moments later, the two clashes continue their fight and both clash and enhance in rapid combat. Leonidas swings his spear at Sonic with great force while Sonic curls himself into a ball once again and deflects each swing from Leonidas. The two attempt to overpower one another. The two went on like this for a minute and both Sonic and Leonidas clash once more as a shockwave pushes them back a foot away. Mash, Nero, and the others were shocked to see Sonic taking the fight very seriously for once. Sonic uses his Boots skill as he bashes Leonidas up in the air but caught him by the feet and slams him down to the ground to stop his momentum. Sonic then quickly performs a spin dash and goes through Leonidas. Sonic quickly spins around to face Leonidas as he emits electrically from his body he curls himself into a ball again and spins dashes on top of Leonidas. The spin dash electrocutes Leonidas, sending what felt like a hundred thousand volts in his body. Sonic uncurls himself and hits Leonidas with a flying kick that sends Leonidas flying and crashing through a boulder, defeating him. Mash and the others were flabbergasted from what Sonic just did right now.
"That was incredible, Sonic! I have never seen you fight like that before! Bravo!" Romani shouted
"I'm so proud of you, Senpai!" Mash said
"Victory is in our hands once again, all thanks to you, Master!" Martha said
"You really are one hell of a fighter, Master," Medusa said
"What did you expect from our cute little Master," Kiyohime said
Moments later, Leonidas falls to the ground right in front of Sonic.
"I-Impossible! How did I lose to a freak like you?! " Leonidas said
"What's the matter? Couldn't keep up with my speed? Hehe... too easy!" Sonic replied
Moments later, Leonidas vanishes away as the rest of the soldiers vanish away as well.
"He vanished? So he wasn't mean to exist in this world after all." Nero said
"...He was a formidable enemy. Just what you'd expect of the ultimate defensive Heroic Spirit."
"No signs of Servants or humans around us. No Phantasmnals, either." Romani said
"Then let's head back to Rome! Mash, Sonic, and the others, you can hold your heads up high! Hmm, you in particular Mash. Your skills aren't as good as mine, but they are quite good." Nero said
"N-Not really..."
"Haha! Hold your head up high with pride! This is our triumphant return from Gaul, after all!" Nero said
*Back At Rome*
After a while of being gone, Sonic and the others finally return to Rome, only to be greeted with celebrations from the townspeople after a long while defeating their enemies. After celebrating with the townspeople were their incredible bravery to defend Rome. Nero and the others return to Nero's home.
"Phew... At last, things have settled down." Nero said
"It was hard to get past everyone but we manage to through it," Medusa said
"It wasn't all that bad. Master was there to get us to safety from the large group of people." Kiyohime said
"That was an unbelievable crowd. It was like a festival. Watching Senpai being carried was something I would never expect. But you didn't seem that uncomfortable. Maybe you been through something like this before?" Mash asks
"A few occasions before, even though I'm not of fan of bragging about my accomplishments to others," Sonic replied
"I see, I see, at festivals, everyone becomes friendly, right?" MAsh said
"Haha. I bet you didn't mind at all. That's what you call a victory wine!" Romani said
"Ah, unseen mage, you speak as though you've actually tasted some?" Nero replied
"Hahaha, I have a vivid imagination. Which has led me into all kinds of situations." Romani said
"Sonic, Mash, you three you protected us well. Do you not like being touched, Mash? As expected, the great warrior of shield swore loyalty only to me. It makes me like you even more." Nero said
"T-Thank you. It's nice of you to say that..." Mash replied
"I'm happy that she enjoys your company around, Mash," Sonic said
"Y-Yes... Well, no. Nothing. I have nothing to say."
"*Rushes In* Your Majesty! The special expedition force Is heading back to Rome!"
"What? Those people are coming back?"
"Yes, both generals are alive and well! But now are tied down due to a massive attack by the United Empire!"
"That's not good. I'm sorry everyone!"
"Yes. Senpai, let's do this!"
*Outside*
Sonic and the others quickly notice a huge battle going on as they watch weapons swinging, bodies falling to the ground, battle cries. While this chaos happens, two unknown people appear on the battlefield as well. The first person is a slender woman that has black hair that is tied slightly to the side into a long, thin ponytail that reaches her legs. A few bangs over her forehead, and two longer ones on each side. Her nails are painted in a grayish tone, and her feet wear sandals. Her outfit consists of a seemingly multi-layered kimono, the most out of layers with wide trimmings with a floral pattern. A symbol of a lily is drawn over the waist area, underneath the blue and white sash. The sleeves of the Kimono are large, resembling a yukata. And a piece of string is also tied around her waist. The second person has short red hair with red feathers on top of his head and white blank plain eyes. Wears a red Chinese general uniform including large armour and thick fur trimming at the collar and gloves.
"▂▂▃▃▅▅ーーー!"
"We're completely surrounded. Nothing but swarms of enemies around us. That shouldn't be a problem, but...
"▂▂▃▃▅▅ーーー!"
"Yeah, we'll probably lose the soldiers Nero Claudius provided for us. I'd like to avoid that if possible. Find a way out of an impossible situation... People like you and me can get through it on their own, but it would be too harsh to force them to do that. What should we do? ..Huh?"
The two notice more reinforcements entering the battlefield and attacking the enemy army.
"▂▂▃▃▅▅ーーー!"
"Reinforcements, huh? Though I heard Boudica and Spartacus were in Gaul."
"...You must be Jing Ke. I recognize you from your description. Looks like we met up with them, Master." Mash said
"I have no idea who these people are, but it's nice meeting you two either way," Sonic replied
"...Anyway, we made it."
"You two look unfamiliar, but you don't seem to be enemies." Jing Ke said
"No we're not, we are reinforcements from Rome. You guys are..."
"Let's talk later. You're Servants, too, aren't you?" Jing Ke asks
"Yes," Mash replied
"Certainly," Kiyohime said
"Can't disagree on that," Martha said
"Then, let's find a way together. My hope is to bring as many soldiers back to Rome as possible." Jing Ke said
"Of course. Master, massive enemy troops ahead. Take care of them!" Mash said
"When will these guys never learn?" Sonic commented
"So this creature is a Master, huh? Interesting I would say." Jing Ke said
"Allow me to show you how to take care of an army," Sonic replied
Sonic dashes away from the group as he stops himself inside a hoard of enemy soldiers around him. Using his speed, Sonic spins in circles very fast to create a vortex of wind around him that blows away enemies into the air as they all fly far away from there. Jing Ke and the others cover their faces to prevent dust debris from getting into their eyes. Enemies continue to be blown away by Sonic's vortex until all enemies were blown away from the battlefield as the vortex dies down and Sonic dashes back to the group where they stop covering themselves.
"*Cleaning His Gloves* All done!" Sonic said
"Nice work Sonic, another wave of enemies taken care of once again by you. I'll be honest with you, after seeing your incredible speed so many times. I would really like to run as fast as you. But, unlike you, I'm just like any other person if you don't count the Demi-Servant part." Mash said
"Hey, Mash, don't feel bad about that! How about this, once everything is taken care of here, I'll promise to train you on becoming as fast as me. That way, you can keep up with me in our future adventures. How about that?" Sonic asks
"Yes, yes, I would love that! Thank you, Senpai!" Mash replied
"That's the spirit, Mash! I promise I'll make you one of the fastest people in your world as well!" Sonic said
"I have never seen a person as fast as this creature here before." Jing Ke said
"Trust me, Jing Ke, speed isn't the only thing I'm capable of doing," Sonic replied
"As someone like you, I'm sure you have other techniques your keeping secret." Jing Ke said
"Once again... Sonic being Sonic. With fewer casualties than before. Good work Senpai!" Mash said
"Hehe... Thank buddy!" Sonic replied
"Anyway, Thank you, I didn't lose my borrowed troops. As you already know, I'm Jing Ke, an Assassin. Like you, I'm a guest commander under Nero Claudius. I was drawn by the prospect of killing multiple "Emperors," but now I'm being treated like a general. Of course... My main activities are reconnaissance and assassination. It's his job to do the actual work on the battlefield. Lu Bu... hm... where he's gone after chasing those enemies? Hm. I'm sure he'll be back eventually." Jing Ke said
"Jing Ke. The legendary Chinese assassin? No wonder you're obsessed with killing emperors." Romani said
"Huh?"
"Sonic, Mash, Kiyohime, Martha, and Medusa... I see that you all are visitors from another era. I understand your circumstances. That said, it doesn't change what we must do here. We are here to slaughter the "emperors." Me and Lu Bu. We've already killed their enemy "emperor" Servants. It's going to be a competition with you guys." Jing Ke said
"S-Sure. Competition." Mash said
"A competition you say? Well then, we are not going to lose to you." Sonic said
"Is that so? As soon as we're back in Rome, Nero's full full-scale invasion of the United Empire will start. And there comes the race. We count heads of "emperors," or enemy generals. Our team or your team, which one gets more... Heh, now I have something to look forward to." Jing Ke excited
"W-Well. Something to look forward to..."
"I can't, Senpai. I can't maintain the conversation..." Mash thought
"*Looks At Mash And Notices The Worried Look At Her Face* It's okay, Mash. You'll do amazing, trust me! We got your back." Sonic replied
*With Leff*
More news
"That rodent is pissing me off to no end. Not only that but they failed to eliminate Lu Bu," Leff said
"What should we do, Leff Lynor?"
"There's nothing to worry about. Don't forget that I have the Holy Grail. I told you before, didn't I? I'm capable of summoning Servants at will. No matter how powerful they may be!" Leff replied
Moments later, Leff begins to summon another Servant.
"...Servant Rider, huh? Hmm, I guess, that's my class? So? What should I do, Master?"
"Eliminate Nero Claudius and a blue rodent immediately. Destroy this era, and crush the foundation of humanity." Leff commands
"...I'll lend you, my troops. Use them as you see fit."
"Got it. In short, you want me to start a war, right?"
"Exactly."
"War. War, hmm. War, huh? I guess I'm very good at that. Alright, if you insist I'll borrow your troops."
*Later*
"...That sums up Nero Claudius' army. All the details are in the report. Look it over later. One comment for me. Think of the enemy commander, Lu Bu as a disaster. The same goes for Spartacus. It's no use confronting them head-on. However, do not let your guard down when facing a Blue creature from unknown origins. It's said that this creature is able to take down a huge army on its own and take out Servants. This is speculation only, so don't let that bother you too much. That said, these two can be dealt with. The two Berserkers are like automatic machines. It should be easy to "lure" them. Luckily, they didn't materialize as other classes. In the case of this Blue creature I just mentioned... unfortunately, I couldn't find any weaknesses for it. Just that he isn't any Heroic Spirit."
"Look's like that Blue creature will be my main target. No way that Blue creature could defeat me that easily. Were my Luck parameters that high?"
"Luck that's already played out is nothing but reality. Meaning that reality is working in your favour, nothing more.
"Oh? You can look at it that way too, I guess. It doesn't matter either way. I want to see her and this creature's face. Nero Claudius. The fifth emperor of the Roman Empire. What kind of king is she? No, what kind of emperor is she, I should say."
"I will make your wish come true. No matter what."
"Thank you, but I kind of feel weird. I'm what you may consider a curveball as a Heroic Spirit, so my "memory" is a little different too. It seems a little bit off, that you became my teacher."
"Those are my words. Can you imagine being sent back in time and becoming a vessel for a Heroic Spirit I have no connections? What happened to me in my own era? Did I switch with this Heroic Spirit? Or did the time in "my era" stop, and I'm here as myself, integrated with this Heroic Spirit. I have no idea what's going on."
"But you came here anyway. As my new teacher. Right, Mr. Zhuge Liang."
"No. Well, as a Heroic Spirit, that may be true. I am Lord EI-Melloi II."
"And... The true Roman Empire Army has started its attack. The United Empire is being invaded. Jing Ke already came back with intel. A city resembling Rome indeed exists in this specified location. This is the place Stheno was talking about. This is the real blessing from the goddess. Boudica and Spartacus of Gaul, along with Lu Bu and Jing Ke, An army commanding five Servants, including Martha, Medusa, Kiyohime, and I. That is the true Roman Imperial Army led by Emperor Nero. It's a force that no standard army can match. Yet the United Empire won't send in their Servants. No sign of Leff Lynor either. Every day, we advance further. We certainly have the upper hand now. The Imperial Army is marching toward the enemy capital with unbelievable momentum. In the meantime, I... will do this..." Mash said
"Are you narrating while writing in a journal, Mash?" Sonic asks
*Back With Sonic And The Others*
"Fou! (Oh come on blue! You didn't let her finish!)" Fou said
"Well... Senpai, Fou, yes that's right. To tell you the truth... Doctor asked me. To keep a journal, as a military record." Mash replied
"That's right, I'm the one who asked. To take advantage of the fact that you became a Roman viceroy! What do you think about "Novus Commentarii de Bello Gallico"? This title is an homage to the book written by Caesar. That sounds interesting, right? Though you do have to cover the part where a god showed up..." Romani said
"Wouldn't that be... say... I don't know... breach of confidentiality?" Sonic asks
"I suppose you're right. Well then, let's talk about something serious! Let's assume you guys could save the world. I thought about what could come after that. Even if the world is saved, the tragedy of Chaldea will never be reversed. In other words... there's no guarantee for our salary. You understand the rest, right?" Romani said
"I see. You mean prevention is better than the cure, but why are you the one avoiding physical labour, Doctor?" Mash asks
"Oh, it's a joke, it's a joke. Why would I count my chickens before they hatch when the world's about to end? What's happening in Rome is exactly like a war. In order to grasp the situation correctly, I just use the best means." Romani replied
"I understand its purpose now. In that case, I will dispose of this journal right away. Regarding the war record, I will deliver it to Da Vinci later." Mash said
"Good! Look how well you've been trained! Damn!"
"I'll be honest with you both... throwing it is kind of a waste," Sonic commented
"..."
"Fou?"
"Mmm, what? What are you talking about? Sonic always seems to be having fun, even during wartime. You should let me in on it, too." Nero said
"Hey! You know this is not the time to be fooling around. We've detected the enemy." Boudicca shouted
"You're right, multiple signatures. I am not picking up any Servants, it's a regular military force." Romani said
"Hmmm. I was just about to have a lovely conversation... what a disappointment. It's okay. First, we'll get rid of them. What can mere United Empire troops do to us! I shall take in those who surrender! Pledge fealty to my Rome, and your life will be spared!" Nero said
"Your Rome, I see," Boudica said
"Huh?"
"Master, we should go too. If we can crush the leading units, we can demoralize their troops." Mash said
"Let's go!"
Sonic and the others both charge toward the oncoming soldiers. Two of the soldiers charge Sonic to strike with their swords. Sonic easily dodges one of the blades, knee kicks one of the soldiers and punches the other soldier away. Medusa strikes both soldiers with her daggers several times before finishing them off and falling to the ground. Five more soldiers charge at Medusa jumping to Medusa. Kiyohime on the other hand grows firey wings behind her as she flies right at the soldiers and breathes out fire at the soldiers, engulfing them in flames as they fall to the ground and yell in pain. Martha begins to pray as she charges up her attack. Moments later, she fires powerful magical energy orbs that hit each soldier and hit them each before falling motionless to the ground.
"Seems like they all got it taken off. Already, the United Empire is without clear leadership. All were encountered are small skirmishes with independent enemy units. It's safe to assume that the situation looks positive." Jing Ke said
"Mhmm! In other words, my army has regained its true power, right? No, I have Mash and the others, as well. These traitors have no chance against my forces!" Nero said
"Carelessness could be fatal, Nero Claudius. Life can be extinguished without you even knowing it. The United Empire's defence is still formidable. That's also why we only run into weaker units." Jing Ke replied
"R-Right. Jing Ke is so cautious." Nero said
"Have you forgotten? I assassinated others for a living. Plotting is my specialty and at the same time, it's what I'm most wary of."
"Hmmm..."
"Pardon me, Your Majesty! Enemy troops are ahead! Also, they are behind us!"
"Behind us?"
"I believe General Lu Bu was in the rearguard, Spartacus as well. We can't leave them like that..."
"This is not good. Once the fight starts, those two will probably chase the enemy to the ends of the earth..." Jing Ke said
"That's why we placed them in the rearguard. To capture the capital as planned... but it backfired. We can't lose those generals! I'm sorry, Sonic, I am counting on you!" Nero said
"Got it! Stop the enemy from both sides."
Sonic quickly speeds off as Nero, Mash, Jing Ke, and the others watch as Sonic speeds from both behind and in front of them taking down the enemy soldiers as fast as possible.
"All taken care of for now," Sonic said
"Not yet! Multiple signatures! What's this? The enemy forces are even stronger than before!" Romani said
"Another battle! Master, let's do this!"
"Master hold on, let me take care of this for you," Medusa said
"You're going to fight the army yourself?" Sonic asks
"Bellerophon!" Medusa shouted
"Bellero- what?" Sonic said
Moments later, a summoning circle appears in front of Medusa as a Pegasus appears in front of Sonic with large wings. Medusa gets on the Pegasus as it begins to fly high into the air and flies around for a few seconds. Sonic and the others all watch as the Pegasus leaves a white trail behind before descending down like divine lightning at the enemy forces.
"Take cover!" Sonic shouted
Everyone takes cover as the Pegasus hits the ground and a huge explosion erupts which immediately evaporates all the enemy forces in an instant. The shockwave of the explosion hits Sonic and others as they were pushed slightly away from the powerful shockwave. Several seconds later, everything clams down as Sonic looks in front of him and notices a huge crater in front of them and no enemy in sight.
"Wow... W-Was that her Noble Phantasm?" Sonic shock
"As you say yourself, Master. All taken care of." Medusa said
"Did we stop them? Looks like Medusa defeated everyone... g-great job, Medusa and Sonic... We were able to save Lu Bu and Spartacus. Dear me, let's take a breather..." Romani said
"From now on, let's protect our rearguard as well. The enemy seems to understand how our army works." Jing Ke said
"Did you sense any Servants? I couldn't detect anything from here." Romani asks
"There were no signs of such during the battle. Except for the ones in our own forces. Oh, wait... Jing Ke often extinguishes her presence. So to be precise, that's one less of the Servants." Mash said
"That's Assassin's Presence Concealment skill. I can't detect her from here, either. I don't think an Assassin is involved. In this case... It must be directed... There must be an enemy general who's adept at commanding." Jing Ke said
"I wonder if it's one of the "emperors."
"I don't know. But we will find out soon." Jing Ke said