A Hedgehog Of Chaldea
Septem (Part 6)
*Let's Continue Where We Left Off*
The group heard noises of a beast-like howling coming from the distance. They all look around but couldn't find the source of the loud roar. Somewhere else, a giant person with dark skin, gold eyes, gold accessories around its body, and pattern mark like images on its body stood in its spot while
"▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅—!"
"Wh-What's this sound? A beast howling?" Nero asks
"No, it's a Servant's presence. It's possible that an enemy Servant has appeared. An enemy commander? In that case, one of the "emperors"... First, let's drawback our men. Humans don't stand chance against that, they'll be slaughtered! The only one who can possibly stand against that thing without being a Servant itself is Sonic here." Mash said
"Right, gotcha! So the instant we move Boudica to the rear, this happens?" Nero replied
"Let's head to the front. Master!"
"Come on everyone, let's hurry!" Sonic said
The group begins heading towards the front lines where they quickly notice enemies.
"I have them in my sights. That's..."
"I'm picking up multiple magical energy signatures. All belong to that of necromancy, but with this number... perhaps a Caster?" Romani said
"Multiple non-humans, hostile creatures. We haven't confirmed the source of the roar Oy may be a Berserker. Master, we should eradicate this group of hostile creatures." Mash said
"Sounds good to me! Leave it to me!" Sonic replied
Sonic walks closer to the group of hostile creatures. Two sword-wielding skeletons charge at Sonic to strike him. Sonic dodges the blades from the two skeletons, countering back by knee kicking one of the skeletons on its chest and throwing a winding punch at the second skeleton. Sonic then struck both skeletons with a scissors kick that shatters the skull heads of the enemies and vanished away soon after. An army of skeletons appears as they circle around Sonic. The Red Wisp appears from Sonic's body and goes back inside him as he turns into a fireball and begins to charge up into a glowing ball. The skeletons all rush towards Sonic, ready to attack him altogether until Sonic unleashes an explosion that incinerates all the skeletons around Sonic and jumps to the air soon after. Several more skeletons appear as they all were firing arrows at Sonic, however, the heat of Sonic burnt the ashes and turn to ash before they even reach Sonic. Sonic begins to charge up again as he dashes towards the skeletons. The skeletons were about to fire more arrows at Sonic until Sonic exploded and incinerated the skeletons once again before jumping back towards Mash and the Servants, returning to his normal form soon after.
*Someplace Else*
"Looks like a Servant was summoned in the enemy vanguard. Was it that Court Mage's doing... No, it couldn't have been. In that case, was it you?" El-Melloi II asks
"I don't know. All I did was gallop my horse. I thought they'd be on their way by now. I never thought it would be this soon."
"Oh?"
"Have you heard the rumours about the Mediterranean goddess? They say that aside from her, there are two female monsters. So you see... It hit me. A Chained Summon. If such a thing could be possible."
"I don't like battles that rely on luck." El-Melloi II replied
"Please don't say that. You're the one who created that opening in their vanguard. Let's get ready now, while he's buying us time."
"...Are you sure?"
"About?"
"If he materialized through the chained summon, then most likely he's..."
"Yes, I think he's Darius III. The fearless Persian King and my forever rival in life. However, right now, I feel that I know that as a kind of future. It's okay. I fought him once and will fight him again. And I want to fight him again. But not right now. Right now, it's Nero Claudius and the blue creature. I want to talk to those two."
*Back With Sonic And The Others*
"▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅—!"
"Amazing, I can almost feel the air vibrations over here! Magical energy signature confirmed. He's a Servant!" Romani said
"Linguistic communication impossible, it's an enemy Servant," Mash said
"▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅—!"
"You wanna fight? You got it!" Sonic replied
"Sonic, are you sure you can handle someone like that?" Mash asks
"Of course, I can. I've fought giant Monkey's, giant turtles, dragons, and all sorts of giant enemies." Sonic replied
"..."
"If you're able to remember those... then I'll believe it... Just don't get yourself killed..." Mash replied
"I promise, Mash."
Sonic pick's up a sword from the ground as he walks closer to Darius III. Darius III roared at Sonic ready to fight the Hedgehog making Sonic smile widely at his opponent. Darius III roars and charges at Sonic with his dual axes ready to slash Sonic in half. Sonic quickly dodges away doing a backflip as he leaps up in the air and hits Darius III on the head with a homing attack. Darius III roars until he slashes Sonic and sends him to crash towards a large boulder. He was about to crash at the boulder till he recovers himself, backflipping as he lands on the boulder and launches him away. Sonic gets close and swings Nero's sword, creating a big slash to Darius III and lands on the ground after doing an aerial twist.
Sonic smiles as Darius III roars and charges Sonic to strike him. Sonic dodges the dual axes as he jumps over Darius III and leaps off of him, curls into a ball, ready to go for another attack. However, Darius III stops Sonic as he grabs him by the feet and slams Sonic against the ground. Darius III then slashes his axes down at Sonic, ready to kill him until Sonic guards against Darius III with Nero's sword, struggling to push away Darius III's axes from finishing him off. In the meantime, Martha begins praying as she heals Sonic from the hit he took when hitting the ground hard. Mash rushes towards Darius III, swinging her shield across him and pushing him away from Sonic. Mash pick's up Sonic from the ground curling himself up into a ball homing attacks right to Darius III's face with Nero's sword before he got smacked by the axes and sends Sonic crashing down to the ground. Sonic speeds away from Darius, shaking his head to bring himself back together until Darius III charges at Sonic and swings his axes at Sonic. However, Sonic takes his sword and slashes Darius across his body causing Darius to roar in pain and forcing Darius to jump away from Sonic. Kiyohime rushes toward Sonic's side as both dashes over at Darius III. Sonic grabs Kiyohime's hand as he bashes him with his head performing Sonic Boost to push Darius III back and crashes to the ground rolling over several times. Kiyohime breathes in before breathing out fire at Darius III who's now engulfed in flames. Sonic then slashes Darius several times until it got him and Sonic and Kiyohime jump away from him.
Darius again roars, causing a rumble before heading towards Sonic. Sonic quickly gets out of the way, evading the incoming attack then homing attacking Darius from behind his head and knocking him down on the ground again on his knees. Soon, Sonic and Medusa both charge Darius and deliver several slashes onto Darius. Darius roars as he tries to slash both with his axes but manages to evade the attack quickly. Sonic then takes this chance to finish Darius. Sonic, Kiyohime, Medusa, and Martha all charge at Darius as Sonic's overhead axe kicks Darius at his head, Kiyohime fires a wall of flames at Darius and engulfs him in flames again, Martha fires multiple magical energy projectiles at him, and Medusa slashes Darius neck as he falls to the ground before vanishing away.
"The enemy has been defeated, Master," Medusa said
"*Sigh* Man... what a battle..." Sonic commented
"You finally defeated the enemy Servant. It was a tight match but you came out victorious. Good job, Master." Mash said
"Seems like you finally have an understanding of just how powerful Servants are, Sonic. But learning from this will make fighting stronger Servants easier later on." Romani said
"Let this be a lesson to you, Senpai. Don't go fighting on your own next when fighting a Servant, you have your own Servants for a reason." Mash smiling
"Lesson learned..." Sonic replied
"Commanders, a message! It's room Her Majesty the Emperor. There's been an ambush in the rear, both General Spartacus and General Lu bu have left the battlefield."
Sonic and Mash's eyes widen looking at each other.
"Oh, no! So the enemy deployed a two-front attack." Romani said
"The two generals have defeated the enemy forces, but they've broken away in pursuit of remnants! Then another force launched a surprise attack from both sides. General Boudica fell into the enemy's hands and was taken, prisoner!"
"This is... Mmmm, this is not good at all..."
*a Few Moments Later*
Sonic and the other rush their way toward Nero was in deep thought and didn't notice the others in front of her.
"Why?!" Sonic said
"..."
"Nero."
"Hmm? Oh, I seemed to be deep in thought. I have made my decision."
"Seemed?"
"Our force was outmatched in the previous battle... I will accept this as a stern truth. My generals are just as capable as the enemy "emperors." But two of them left the front line, and one is captured by the enemy. There is nothing we can do about those two. No, it was my mistake. It might take a little;e bit of time, but I'm willing to believe Lu Bu and Spartacus will return to us. Therefore, at this point..."
"We will save Boudica!" Sonic replied
"Fortunately, Jing Ke found the location of the enemy fort. We will charge in, destroy the fort, and save Boudica." Nero said
"Hmmm..."
"Doctor, something wrong?" Mash asks
"I just feel uneasy. The one who captured Boudica is supposed to be a Servant. It's not something a regular human can do, but why are they barricading themselves in a fort? It's not that far from the United Empire capital. SO it should be convenient to get back there." Romani said
"The enemy is trying to lure us in. Is that what this means?" Mash asks
"If they want to destroy our force, the approach I mentioned earlier should be "better." We have at least these Servants. They should understand that too. That's why they cut off Lu Bu and Spartacus in such a spectacular manner." Romani replied
"...Yes. Humans and Servants, I think the enemy has a good grasp of the clear difference." Mash said
"Now, Sonic. It's time for a decision." Romani asks
Sonic looks at Mash, Martha, Medusa, and Kiyohime as they all stare at him, waiting for an answer.
"No matter what decision you choose Master, I will follow them and help you succeed. No questions." Medusa said
"You can count on us!" Martha said
"We're never going to leave your side, Master. Will get through this together." Kiyohime said
"I love when the odds are against us. We rescue Boudica and destroy the enemies' traps! Besides, it's gonna take more than just traps to capture us!" Sonic replied
"I see. I knew you'd say that. A leader of his own team never leads anyone behind. We need a strategic point of view." Romani said
"But... I don't believe your way of thinking is bad."
"You understand me, Sonic. In that case, let's conquer together. Our target is the enemy base! We will take it at once! My loyal soldiers, attack with caution!" Nero shouted
All the soldiers' roar, ready to fight the enemy and save Boudica.
*Later*
"I am sensing Servants nearby. Please be careful, they're very close." Mash said
"I'm picking up two signatures from here. You're looking at a battle with multiple Servants. Watch your back!" Romani said
"Where are you Boudica! Answer me! I know you can't be dead yet! I can tell, I can tell. You would never die!" Nero shouted
"...No, no. Isn't that a rather selfish way to put it? Rest assured, she's safe. Right now, she's fast asleep thanks to his spells."
"It's a Restraint Spell. Not like being fast asleep."
"But she really was sleeping. Fast asleep."
Sonic look's at the details of these two new Servants. One of them was a child whose hair is red with a ponytail, red eyes, a black and red outfit, some gold accessories around his arms mostly, and a sword. The second Servant wore glasses, long hair that went down to his waist, a black dress, black pants, and a red tie while smoking a cigarette.
"...You bastards. I'm surprised that you'd show your faces. I assume you're both leaders of this fort. I shall allow it, tell me your names." Nero shouted
"Let's calm down with the name swearing, Nero. Don't want you to pop a blood vessel." Sonic said
"You're making us tell you our names? Hmm, let's see... How should I put this? I have several names. It's hard to pick one, hmm."
"Look kid, I have a different name as well. However, I prefer not to speak of it since... it's embarrassing..." Sonic commented
"Wait... you have another name?" Mash surprise
"It's not the best time to talk about that Mash," Sonic replied
"Ah, so this is the blue creature you mentioned. I'll be honest, he doesn't look dangerous at all. It's nice to meet you blue, My name is Alexander. To be precise, that's Alexander III. And the one beside me is..."
"Lord El-Melloi II. Due to certain reasons, or should I say fate, I am his strategist. I am not a true Heroic Spirit. I'd probably have another name as a Heroic Spirit... Therefore, it's okay to forget my name." El-Melloi II said
"That doesn't work. We are the enemy generals to her, while were normal enemies to blue here. Right, you two?" Alexander said
"Of course... what? Now that it's come to this, don't tell me you're not going to fight." Nero said
"Exactly."
"W-What?"
"What are you talking about?" Sonic said
"You aren't going to fight? You aren't the enemy Servants?" Mash surprise
"I'm a "drop out," I don't have a Master. Alexander, however, is a different story"
"I guess I didn't get along with my Master. That's why I'm here of my own will. I was waiting here. For you, two show up." Alexander said
"For... me? You were waiting?" Nero said
"Really?" Sonic said
"Yes, I'm a little bit interested. That's why I teased you here and there. I wanted to talk to you and see this blue creature himself. If possible... right here in the middle of the battlefield. Thank you, Lord El-Melloi II. You made my selfish wish come true." Alexander said
"What are you talking about? More than half of them were your directions." Lord El-Melloi II replied
"?"
"Senpai! Your Majesty! The enemy soldiers are coming, their target is Your Majesty!" Mash shouted
"Ugh, a pincer attack?!" Nero said
"Yes, don't worry... We won't do anything, but... The United Empire soldiers won't stop. Once they notice you, they will attack automatically." Alexander said
"They're coming!" Mash shouted
"On it!"
Sonic dashes away as he creates a vortex
"Well, that was fast. Looks like the rumours were true about the blue creature here. Taking down an army of soldiers on his own. All right, let's talk. We need to hurry, or both your soldiers and mine will die off. It's not my intention. That's why... C'mon. "Let's talk," Alexander said
"I don't understand, not one bit. At the very least, my men were killed by your army! It's happening even now. Know that... Are you still saying your purpose is to talk? You..." Nero said
"Nero..." Sonic said
"...My apologies...
"Of course. I do believe that human lives are sacred. Even I believe that. But you see, I think that this is the best way. Because you caught my attention Fifth Emperor of the Roman Empire, Nero Claudius. Why is it... that you fight? Why would you not show allegiance to the United Empire, and keep fighting like that? No, "like this." If you chose to be one of the united "emperors," you could've avoided many unnecessary conflicts." Alexander said
"Unnecessary... Did you call this fight unnecessary? How dare you." Nero replied
"I did. So what are you going to do?" Alexander said
"...I won't forgive you. It doesn't matter if you're my resurrected king... or a wise ruler from the past... Or a brave general from an ancient era... or even if you're a legendary king yourself... The only one suitable to be emperor is none other than Nero Claudius! Loved by the people, allowed to love them, wanted by them... There is only one! The one and only ruler! A shining star like so! Arrogant to carry all the burden like so! Even if all the Gods of Rome descend and tell her to surrender to the United Empire, she'll never back down! How can I back down! Such is my life to believe in this philosophy, such is my fate! I won't back down, I will rule and I will proper gloriously. I am, without a doubt, Rome itself!" Nero shouted
"Splendid! That's exactly what I wanted to hear. You pass. Go forth and become a ruler. No, an emperor! You have the right to do so! A rose that attracts glory and prosperity! A sin only allowed for humans, a Beast that shows the number of the Fallen. You can even "become the Devil!" Yes, you!" Alexander replied
"Shut up, shut up, shut up your damn mouth! You don't need to say anymore, so! Sonic! I need your help. Take this bastard... down!" Nero shouted
"Get ready team, time to show these two not to mess with us!" Sonic replied
"Seems like Blue here want's to battle here. I accept it! It'll be a great achievement to take down a creature like you." Alexander said
"Am I really going to have to fight against a kid?" Sonic replied
Sonic and Alexander got to their fighting stances. There was a moment of silence and seconds after, Alexander sprinted towards Sonic with his sword charged electrically. Sonic jumps in mid-air and homing attacks Alexander's head, disrupting him and knocking him away from Sonic. Sonic land's on the ground, crouches and sweeps kicks Alexander, knocking him to the ground, jumps at Alexander and performs his signature Sonic Eagle performing a powerful overhead axe kick at Alexander's head and dropping him to the ground. Sonic curls into a ball and homing attacks Alexander, ready to finish him off till of a sudden, a black horse rushes in and slams its head at Sonic, knocking him away and falling to the ground. Alexander gets back up and jumps on top of the Black Horse as both he and the black horse charge right at Sonic. Mash rushes in front of Sonic with her shield in front of her and blocks the incoming attack from Alexander and the Black Horse. Alexander slashes his sword towards Mash's shield several times, trying to break it but nothing. Medusa and Martha appear behind Alexander as both lunge toward him but were pushed back by two fire beams. Both land as they notice El-Melloi II snapping his finger twice and two energy beams headed towards Medusa and Martha. The two quickly jump away as the beams hit a boulder behind them and exploded.
Medusa land's as she lunges toward El-Melloi II and slashes her daggers at him several times but El-Melloi II dodges each slash Medusa tries to attack him with. El-Melloi II snaps his finger once again as a beam of fire erupts underneath Medusa and forces her to jump away from El-Melloi II soon after erupting into a giant beam. Martha begins to pray as she fires multiple magical shots at El-Melloi II but El-Melloi II snaps his finger as he fires energy at the incoming attacks and stops them before they can get to him. Kiyohime appears behind El-Melloi II with firey wings grown behind her and fires a wall of flames toward El-Melloi II with her fan and hits him, leaving some burnt marks behind El-Melloi II and pushing him away from her. El-Melloi II looks back, snapping his finger as he fires more energy beams at Kiyohime. Kiyohime quickly flies around the air as she dodges each beam El-Melloi II fires at her. As El-Melloi II was distracted, Medusa and Martha took the opportunity to strike as Medusa lunged toward's El-Melloi II and strikes him several times, leaving severe scratch marks and making him bleed from those marks. El-Melloi II quickly looks back as Martha fires energy shots at him, exploding once they hit El-Melloi II. The explosion causes El-Melloi II to be pushed away from Medusa, Kiyohime rushes toward El-Melloi II as she grabs El-Melloi II by the neck with her eyes close and a smile on her face.
"*Giggling* Just with Master's mysterious energy. I'm able to destroy those who seek to kill him. Those who hurt him will suffer the consequences." Kiyohime giggles
Moments later, a pillar of fire erupts around Kiyohime and El-Melloi II as El-Melloi II is burned from the extreme heat from the fire pillar. Medusa and Medusa watch as Kiyohime finishes off El-Melloi II with her skill before the pillar of fire dies down as El-Melloi II falls to the ground, severely burnt. Moments later, Medusa jumps right at El-Melloi II and stabs him with both her daggers right at his heart. Medusa pulls out her daggers as El-Melloi II stares at his wound with no mention at all. With Sonic and Mash, Sonic jumps over Mash's shield as he lands in front of Alexander and his horse, soon performing a 540 Kick which knocks Alexander's sword and falls behind him and the horse. Sonic then struck both the black horse and Alexander with a scissors kick that knocks both of them to the ground. Sonic then land's on the ground and walks to Alexander.
"I really don't want to fight with you anymore. Fighting against a child isn't my thing. So how about this... we call this fight a draw and we could possibly team up later on? How's that?" Sonic said
"Hmm... teaming up with you in the future... you are one great fighter I would say... Just by the look on your face, you really do mean it. Sure, I'll accept the draw and teaming alongside you." Alexander replied
"*Grabs Alexander's Hand And Pull Him Back-Up* Thanks... I promise to summon you once everything here is all set and done." Sonic said
"I'm counting on you... also, I also heard you're looking for something that is meant for you, right?" Alexander said
"Uhh... yea, yea I am," Sonic replied
"*Takes Out A Turquoise Color Chaos Emerald* Is it this what you're looking for?" Alexander asks
"Another emerald?!" Romani shouted
"Senpai!" Mash shock
"*Eyes Widen* YES, yes it is! W-where did you get?!" Sonic shock
"I found it on the way here. Seems like nobody wanted to touch it since no one knows if it's safe or not. So I just decided to grab it and hold it on until we found you. Seems like you know more about it." Alexander replied
"Yea, it's a Chaos Emerald. Using it gives the user new slews of skills of their own desire. That's why I'm trying to find them as fast as I can before someone uses them for terrible reasons." Sonic said
"I see... well, I don't want to cause any danger to anyone so I'll be giving it back to you." Alexander replied
"W-Wait... seriously?" Sonic said
"Yea... is something wrong?"
"U-Uh... n-nothing... I'll... just be taking that from you... *Slowly Takes The Emerald Off Alexander's Hand* T-Thanks..." Sonic said
"Don't mention it. Also, thank for you the battle Blue! I will always remember this. And also, I have one more thing to say to you, my adorable emperor. That pride of yours... its blossom, it's a radiance is sure to be reversed, but... I'm sure it can also be dangerous. Please..." Alexander said before vanishing away
"That's not for you... No, it's not your place to say. But it's so like you to meddle that way. Dear me." El-Melloi II said before vanishing away
"*Looks At The Emerald As It Disappears, Now In Sonic's Control* 2 down... 5 to go." Sonic whispers
"Every time I obtain an emerald... we get closer to saving a friend... Olga, please wait for me... I'm close to getting all the emeralds. Once I obtain them all... you'll be my first priority to save." Sonic thought
"I am not wrong by any means. Not by any means... I am the only Emperor..." Nero said
"..."
"Mhmm... In other words, it's the final showdown! Now is the time to gather my strength and yours, as my soldiers. With this battle, Rome will become one again! Those miserable pretenders to the throne... Now is the for the false Rome to fall! Fight, soldiers! As my swords, annihilate every one of those pretenders! My sword is the Original Flame, and the sound of it crashing is like a star streaking across the sky. Listen in awe and praise it! Rejoice, my Swords!" Nero shouted
Nero's soldiers all roared.
"I could hear her voice and cheers over here, too. The troops' morale is sky-high." Romani said
"The battle has already started, but there's still no sign of any Servants. We'll be taking part in the palace raid. I hope we can find that court mage..." Mash said
"You mean that bushy hair guy?" Sonic asks
"I can't say for sure, but it's a strong possibility," Mash said
"I have a feeling this guy has something from me," Sonic commented
"All of you, be extremely careful. Who knows what will happen if we run into the holder of the Grail. A dragon was summoned with the power of the Grail last time. This time it might not just be used to summon Heroic Spirits. Also... Wait, I've detected a Servant signature. Ir's close, you should be able to see it in front of you."
The group notices another Servant heading their way.
"Ah great... could this day get any better?" Sonic said
"...Brave ones. You are truly brave, and that is why you rule over the current Rome."
"Hmm..."
"We've got visual confirmation. One large target, near the entrance to the palace. To us... he's talking to us. It seems Hero heard him too." Mash said
"His voices reach this far even on the battlefield? As expected of Servants, even their vocal cords are different." Romani said
"I see. SO you're Nero? How adorable. How beautiful. How gorgeous. I can see how you held Rome up with those slender arms of yours. Now, come. The past, the present, the future. All that is Rome loves you."
"What? What's... No, I-I can't... Would... that.. even be... possible... No, no, but..."
"Nero? You don't look well. Did someone cast some spell on you..." Mash asks
"I'm not detecting any traces of magical energy. it's [probably not due to magecraft or Servant Skills." Romani replied
"Then what's..."
"Do you have a feeling who that might be, Nero?" Sonic asks
"W-Well... Rome... But that person... "He" is... Just one glance... and I understand... He is truly... Rome, itself..." Nero replied
"I'm sure you understand, Nero. Now come back, come back to Rome, my dear child. It's Rome. Rome is the true leader of the United Empire. You should jin, as well. You shall be forgiven for everything. Rome shall forgive you. Rome will even love that inner beast of yours. Rome is the only one that can do that. That's right... I am Rome."
"I... You're... No, you're... You're... That's not possible... I... I had thought about it... I had believed. I had wanted to believe... However, you stand in my way! You are none other than Rome, the founding king of the nation. The Holy Progenitor, Romulus!"
Sonic, Mash, Medusa, Martha, and Kiyohime notice a large enemy army heading toward their way with their weapons drawn at them.
"Master, there's a group of enemies headed this way! I believe they're going after Nero!" Mash shouted
"*Emits Eletrcially* I won't let that happen! I'll decrease their numbers so Nero's army can fight better! Come on team, let's go!" Sonic replied
Sonic activates his Sonic Boost as he goes at top speed toward the enemy soldiers. Mash, Martha, Medusa, and Kiyohime all charge, as well as they, began fighting the enemy soldiers. With Sonic, using his Boost skill to Sonic Nero's army and the enemy army soon began fighting each other, swords swinging, spears jabbing into one another, arrows flying and puncturing soldiers, bloodshed everywhere as both Lu Bu and Spartacus were in the mids of the battle as well.
"▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅—!"
"Hahahaha! Hahahahahahahaha! The day of liberation has come. Crush the oppressors with your will and bodies!" Spartacus shouted
"The generals have returned! Victory is within our grasp! Flory to Her Majesty, the emperor!"
"...I see, the founding ruler. SO that's why she's acting like that. Such a gloomy face is sure to affect the troops' morale." Boudica said
"Emperor Nero? She doesn't look so gloomy. Even as we speak, she's encouraging the troops on the battlefield. I'm sure there's no problem." Jing Ke replied
"Well, she is acting cheerfully. But she's not as radiant as normal. Well, right now we're fighting human soldiers, and the boss is hiding in the palace. It should be fine, but... If that big one shows up again, we'll have a problem. The morale of the United Empire troops is strangely high. The soldiers were all ready to sacrifice themselves. More so, each capital civilian is acting like a soldier and attaching our troops whenever insight. I am sure this is the charisma of that Holy Progenitor. The soldiers and people are acting like moths drawn to the flame." Boudica said
"It's true they seem to be acting that way. People of the United empire are blind. Though that may be proof that they're under proper leadership. However, our troops have high morale as well. Nero... is acting no different than usual." Jing Ke replied
"I'm... sure about that. I understand a little bit. It's her determination or just general aura about here... It feels... a little bit lacing right now. I'm sure it came as a shock for her. The founder of the nation, King Romulus, is actually the enemy leader..."
"Romulus? Wasn't that name brought up before?" Sonic asks
"Yes, Sonic. The founding king, Romulus. The great hero who founded Rome upon the Septem Montes. A great figure that deserves to be called the Progenitor of Rome. At any rate, he's the son of the War God Mars. So that means his Divinity level is quite high since Mars is the equivalent of Ares the Greek God of War... Sorry, I'll get back on track. Either way... It doesn't matter if he existed in history or not. Just like I've explained before, Heroic Spirits are the heroes people dreamt of. In other words, Emperor Nero must have dreamt of Romulus, as well. A dream of the shining hero who created Rome. I'm sure it was quite a shock when that person turned out to be an enemy." Romani explaining
"It would be like if I was betrayed by the Celtic gods," Boudica commented
"Something like that. Maybe also adding in being betrayed by your beloved husband." Romani replied
"My husband is the best husband there is. If the world turned inside-out, he still wouldn't betray me." Boudica said
"It was just an example, but it looks like it's time for you to go. It isn't a Servant, but I am getting magical energy signatures. Might be some kind of monster." Romani said
"...I will search for a route to infiltrate the palace." Jing Ke replied
"Then I will protect the soldiers and the Emperor. Sonic, can I leave you and your team to this?" Boudica asking
"You can count it on us!" Sonic replied
"Thanks, I'm going to go save our silly emperor," Boudica said before running off
"Well, then Sonic, let's take care of these creatures," Mash said
"Took the words off my tongue," Sonic replied
Sonic jumps to the air as he homing attacks two skeletons, knocking them to the air and bouncing off one of them as he performs a Top Kick at a Golem's face, pushing it away from him as Sonic land's on the ground. Sonic then sweep kicks the two skeletons, knocking them to the ground as Mash slams her down at one of them, crushing them as they shatter into pieces before vanishing away. Medusa's daggers home up to the second skeleton as they stab the skeleton's eyes, and pull them back as the skeleton's head breaks off from the body. Medusa spins her dagger as she raises it and slams the skull to the ground, shattering it into small pieces before vanishing away, alongside the body. The Golem gets back up as it rushes toward Sonic but Martha fires multiple energy shots at the Golem and pushes it back from attacking Sonic. She then begins to pray once again as she fires more energy shots at the Golem, exploding on impact and pushing it further away from Sonic. Sonic curls himself into a ball again as he charges up and spins dashes towards the Golem. Sonic hit's the golem as he goes through the Golem, making a hole through as it falls to the ground soon after before vanishing away. Sonic lands back down as he notices more enemies circling around him. Kiyohime breathes out fire at skeletons as they were engulfed in flames before melting away. Another group of enemy skeletons and golems appear as Sonic and his team all rush toward the enemies to take them down as fast as they can.
*Later*
"...Mmm, so it's you and your comrades. Where's Mash?" Nero said
"...Let's just say that she's doing some personal things..." Sonic replied
"Oh, the restroom? I understand why you left her on her own while during these times, sorry. I made a fool out of myself, didn't I? I can't believe I'd lose it like that. Although I panicked a bit during the incidents with my uncle and Lord Caesar. This time, it hit home. Just a tiny bit, mind you... I... "Could it be?" I thought. Could it be that my path was mistaken? Needless to say, that's not possible. I myself am Rome... its fifth emperor. But when I heard our founding ruler's voice, though it was for a brief moment, it did cross my mind. "Could it be?" The other day, I put up such an actor, and now I'm being completely pathetic. But it crossed my mind. Could it be possible? Would it be better for me to just bow down to the Holy Progenitor? No, let's say it. I will say it. I wanted to. That's how I really, truly felt in my heart! The Holy Progenitor! With all of his faults, he founded this nation! If my path is wrong, if that is indeed the case, then I want to entrust everything to him as an "emperor" of the United Empire! But... I can't do that. That is the one thing I cannot do. The Holy Progenitor is definitely mistaken. Look at his people, look at his soldiers. Not a single one of them is smiling! No matter how perfect the reign may be, how can there be a nation without laughter! Which is why I... I..." Nero losing it
"Nero, you're not wrong about that. Just keep focusing on one thing! Like the battle right now. We will come victorious, I promise!" Sonic replied
"...I know. Oh, I know! That's it. I forgot something important. No matter who the enemy might be, I must not stray from the path. I shall finish what I started. Thank you, Sonic. I feel like my eyes are wide open now."
"*Appears* I'm back, Senpai. Oh, Nero?" Mash said
"Oh, hey there Mash! If you're back, it's about time to finish this!" Nero replied
"Looks like you've cheered up... Senpai, Nero looks brighter now, right?" Mash said
"I'm just trying to make things as positive during a time like this," Sonic replied
"Yeah, that's true. That is 100% true. I think she's a lot like the sun. That's why she's captured the heart of many. even now, people are fighting under her name. She's got a powerful charisma. That's just who she is... Even if ity dims a little, she right still shines true." Mash said
"Boo. What are you talking about? I want in on it too. At least that's what I want to say. Right now, I'll just have to wait, for now, we assault the palace! Jing Ke has found a way in. We will take a small number of elites, and take out Romulus. This will be the last battle. Will you come with me Mash, Sonic, and Sonic's comrades?" Nero asks
"Of course, Mash! Let's stop this whole madness for the better future of the people!" Sonic replied
"Okay! Let's go, then!"
To Be Continue...
"Next Time: Septem (Part 7.)" Sonic As The Narrator