A Hedgehog Of Chaldea

Orleans Interludes (Part 3)


Interlude XI

Saint of the Dragon and Sea

"A normal... Yes, the kind of normal girl you'd find in any town. I lived happily with my little sister and brother, even though we quarreled from time to time. I was born in Bethany and raised in the same town. I thought that I'd live my life the same as everyone else. No. Actually, how shall I put it? Perhaps I never even thought about the future because I was always busy. What should we have for dinner tonight? What would tomorrow's weather be like... I was always running around, even when "He" was there. While my sister listened to "His" words, all I did was worry about making guests feel welcomed." Martha said

"Martha, you were a girl who put her family first. I think that's admirable." Mash said

"To be honest, you're just a friendly person in general. Which makes you one great friend to me!" Sonic said

"...I wonder about that. Aren't you disappointed? Saints whom people love always seem to shine... Yes, like Jeanne d'Arc." Martha said

"Both Jeanne and you seem like shining saints to me. For Senpai, you seem like great friends to him. In loving people, you become their hope. That's the sort of woman you are. I think you deserve to be called a saint equally." Mash replied

"...Thank you, you two."

"Don't mention it," Mash said

"It's what friends are for," Sonic said

"Oh, sorry to interrupt, but I'm detecting multiple magical signatures in the sea ahead. Just as Martha feared, there's some sort of distortion on the Marseille coast as it's being repaired." Romani said

"Doctor, do we need to dive under the sea?" Mash asks

"*Eyes Widen* Please don't let it be underwater..." Sonic said

"I doubt it. If push comes to shove, my Tarasque will guide the "swarm" to the shore." Martha said

"Swarm?"

"Huh?"

"Fooou?"

"Guide? Wait, is Fou there with you?" Romani asks

"Yes. That's a swarm, without a doubt. My trait allows me to detect that accurately. A swarm of an incomplete subspecies of a dragon. Something that shouldn't be in this area of the 15th century."

"GYAAAAAA!"

"...That's the roar of a wyvern!" Mash shouted

"I see! As expected of the Saint of dragons! You sensed the swarm of wyvern gather." Romani said

"Martha, call the... Tarasque... whatever it's called." Sonic said

"...This is nothing. This coast was once part of the Taraque's domain. Born of Leviathan, created by God on the Fifth Day... he is a fierce monster many brave men tried to slay. Now the Tarasque exists with men. The sad dragon who knows not to love. Go now, Taraque, wielding a burning heat equal to the sun... Grant momentary peace to these creatures made pitiful by the moment of their birth..." Martha said

"*Looks At Martha* E-Excuse me? You were staring at me when you said that last line..." Sonic said

"*Blushing* O-Oh, sorry, Master. That wasn't meant for you. You were perfect the moment you were born..." Martha apologizing

"St. Martha's magical energy is rising! I-Is this turning into a battle of Kaiju Tarasque vs. Wyvern Army?" Romani said

"The wyvern swarm is approaching! Time for battle, Senpai!" Mash said

"Hehe... these guys don't understand the many times I defeated their comrades many times over, hey Tarasque. I'll make your battle easier!" Sonic commented

Moments later, Sonic dashes toward the army of wyverns and begins circling the wyverns, creating a powerful blue tornado which soon brings in all the wyverns inside and being spun around, not able to control themselves. Tarasque roars as he quickly runs towards the tornado and begins to turn right towards the tornado. Moments later, Tarasque enters the tornado as he makes contact with one of the wyverns and explodes on impact, causing large explosions inside and hitting all the wyverns inside. One by one, the wyverns exploded from Tarasque's attack and began vanishing away. A few seconds later, Sonic stops himself from running as the tornado dies now and looks up, noticing all the wyverns gone and easily defeated. Tarasque quickly lands back on the ground and roars very loudly.

"That was tight!" Sonic said

"Hold on! More are coming! Confirming a trailing swarm!" Mash shouted

"There's just no end to them! This is annoying!" Martha said

"Huh?"

"Hm?"

"Fou?"

"Martha..." Sonic said

"Did something happen, everyone? Come on, let's hang on a little longer. FIGHT!" Martha shouted

"U-Ummm... N-Nevermind then. FIGHT!" Sonic shouted

"Um, uh, right. We're going to continue the battle;e! Senpai, your orders, please!" Mash said

"Take 'em down, you two," Sonic replied

Martha and Mash both charge toward the three wyverns, ready to fight. The three wyverns begin flying towards the two as the first wyvern attacks them with its claws, but Mash blocks the oncoming attack and pushes it away. Martha then fires projectiles at the wyvern, which explode on impact and damages the wyvern badly. Moments later, Sonic jumps right at the wyvern and hits them with a horizontal ariel kick, which heads the wyvern and knocks it back. Moments later, Martha fires more projectiles at the wyvern and hits the dragon's face, which explodes on impact, causing it to fall to the ground and vanish soon after. The second wyvern lunges toward Sonic, but Sonic rushes in, hits the wyvern with a knee strike at its chin, and knocks it away from him. MAsh soon jumps right at the wyvern and strikes it with her shield several times across its face before slamming it on its head and throwing it to the ground, causing the ground to shake. Martha then fires more projectiles at the wyvern, which hits it and explodes on impact. The wyvern roars as Sonic jumps and performs an uppercut with his leading arm, which knocks the dragon's face up, and Mash rushes in and slams her shield down at the wyvern's head before knocking it back down and vanishing soon after. The third wyvern lunged toward Martha and was about to attack her until Sonic appeared double foot, stomped at the wyvern's head,d and knocked it to the ground. Martha quickly fires projectiles at the wyvern, which explodes on impact, and throws the wyvern right towards Mash. Mash quickly rushes and slams her shield at the wyvern and throws it into the air. Sonic quickly curls into a ball and charges up soon before launching himself into the air, hitting the wyvern right at its neck and slicing it off before falling to the ground and vanishing away. Moments later, serval more wyverns appear as they are all about to the three until Sonic grabs his sword and dashes forward before teleporting and slashing each wyvern when he seems many, many times. Martha and Mash both watch as Sonic disappears and reappears each time and attacks all wyverns by themselves as the wyverns struggle to find Sonic and appear each time in a different spot. Seconds later, the wyverns begin to vanish until all are defeated, and Sonic reappears in front of Martha and Mash.

"And stay down!" Sonic shouted before putting his sword away

"That was the most incredible thing I've ever seen someone do! The way you just disappeared and reappeared was simply amazing!" Romani shock

"Hehe... practice makes perfect if you wanna master the sword," Sonic replied

"It seems that my Master also can fight as well. Very unique, I would say." Martha said

"I confirm the enemy is destroyed! We did it, Senpai!"

"They were no match for us. Did those mere wyverns hope to best Tarasque and us? they're just peeping hatchlings, fresh from their eggs." Martha said

"Not again..." Sonic said

"Y-Your Holiness?"

"*Looks Away* I didn't hear anything," Sonic said

"...Ahem. Thus return the poor souls who know not of love. God's love is equal. Yes, in the past, the Tarasque was treated the same." Martha said

"I'm pretty sure about that," Sonic replied

"When dragons choose slaughter and refuse to listen, the use of force is the only way..."

"O-Oh... Terrible... I mean, total respect, Your Holiness!" Romani said

"St. Martha may be a saint, but she's also an extremely gifted dragon slayer, isn't she? I see that now. Senpai, she'll be a very dependable Servant." Mash said

"As stated before, I won't just let everyone fight on their own. Even as a Master, I'll also help all Servants in combat. No matter who." Sonic replied

"Glad to hear that from you two. I'm just... Just a magnificent dragon slayer." Martha said

"And a good friend," Sonic adds

"Huh? She called herself a dragon slayer?"

"Foou, fou! fou!"


Interlude XII

Meltdown Lover

"So this is where I'll have clues for the investigation?" Mata Hari asks

"Yes. And we'd like to ask you, Mata Hari, to carry out the investigation." Mash replied

"Oh, you're so wise with your decision. I'll get it done. But, Master. Unfortunately, I won't be able to get anywhere by myself. So, please be sure to protect me, hehe." Mata Hari said

"Don't worry. I'll protect you at all times when I'm around. I won't let anyone hurt you a single bit," Sonic replied

"I'm counting on you."

"Please, we'll leave the investigation to you."

"Right, of course. Please hold on a second. ...I wonder if he'll do. Well, I'll be on my way. Once I enter the tavern, please wait until evening. I'm sure there'll be a raid." Mata Hari said

"Y-Yes. I got it."


*Later*

"Hello, how are you?"

"Huh? Oh, well... Who are you?"

"A traveling performer. You're a local, right?"

"Yeah, I was born and raised here."

"Then, can you tell me about this town? I want to make a living here for a while. If so, I'll have to know my way around the town, right? Of course, I'll buy you a drink. That is if you know a good place." Mata Hari asks

"Oh, of course."

"Then, let's go. Hehehe, maybe it's not healthy to drink during the day. But, it's fun not to be healthy. Wouldn't you agree?" Mata Hari said

"Oh... Oh yeah, sure! Then, let's go drink!"

"Brilliant technique. A man perceived as single and in his early thirties instantly fell for it. Despite wearing such a revealing dress, she doesn't feel unnatural." Mash said

"A-As expected of a legendary spy who made men of French, English, and Russian government officials fell for her... If she wants to, she can pleasure... I mean, make the entire town fall for her." Romani said

"Quite interesting backstory I ever heard of," Sonic commented

"Anyway, let's follow her and wait until nightfall. Mata Hari is good at espionage but poor at fighting, so we have to support her." Mash said


*Night*

"Ahahaha, this is so much fun. What happened to you? Still haven't had enough to drink? Or is there something else you rather do? I guess it's true when men drink too much; they lose their performance." Mata Hari said

"...Who are you? You are not just any traveling entertainer."

"Well, who am I? That aside, can you call out the soldiers you've been hiding?"

"...!"

"Spectacular. Though I'm a Servant, I'm a mere Assassin, so this may be out of my control. But. Unfortuernalty for you, I'm not alone right now." Mata Hari said

Moments later, Sonic and Mash appear behind Mata Hari.

"Allow me to fix this issue for you, Mata," Sonic said

"That will be spectacular, Master! Hehehehehe. Being a Servant is fun!"

Sonic quickly rushes towards the soldiers and begins running around them extremely fast. The soldiers try attacking Sonic, but he is faster than their attacks, and they can't lay a finger on him. Moments later, a gust of wind picks up as the soldiers are blown out and far away from the town. Sonic then stops and gives a thumbs up to Mata Hari and Mash.

"Hehehehehe. That was easy. Well... Yup, that's the one right there."

"Damn... who are you?"

"Well, now, that doesn't matter because you lost. It's fine. Everyone's still alive, right? Now, why don't you tell us everything? Don't miss a thing, ok? Don't worry. I won't hurt you because I hate things that hurt. Or do you like to be hurt? I can hurt you if you'd like." Mata Hari asks

"*Looks At Sonic* N-No... I'm fine... thank you."

"Here, you can lay on my lap. Well, go ahead... tell me everything."

"S-Sure..."

"Wow, that's amazing. How do you put it... I've witnessed the moment a man is captivated by someone." Mash said

"What a good by you are~. Now, tell mommy everything you know." Mata Hari said

"This is dangerous, Senpai! If this continues, we'll be crossing a line I'm not sure we want to!" Mash said

"..."


*Later*

"I've got the information. Let's see the King. It seKingthey're golems guarding the gate, so let's all do our best. On three!"

"Mata Hari. What happened to that man just now..." Mash asks

"No problem. Even without me, he'll surely find someone who matches his type. Hehehehehehe. What's your type, Master?" Mata Hari asks

"The word 'romance' isn't in my vocabulary. I'm not fond of the whole romance thing in general." Sonic replied

"Aww... poor Master." Mata Hari said

"Let's get going, Master! Come on!" Mash said


*Castle*

"Golems sighted. Let's go, Master!" Mash said

"Yes, let's do our best~."

"Here we go!"

Moments later, Sonic grabs his sword and lunges at the several Golems at high speed. Three Golems charge and attack Sonic, but Sonic quickly counters by setting his sword and spinning his sword around him with electricity emitting from his body, hitting the golems multiple times. Mata Hari was impressed, looking at Sonic as the sword turned around him while attacking the Golems. It almost looked like he was dancing while the blade was spinning. A few seconds later, the sword unleashes a powerful electric blast that attacks the three golems and causes them to explode into small pieces, and rocks fall around Sonic. Moments later, four more powerful Golems all charge towards Sonic, but Sonic again charges his sword and throws his sword at the four like a boomerang, then spins in a vertical circular motion, hitting the first golem and hitting it multiple times before breaking it into pieces and hitting the second Golem soon after behind.

"That small sword would've snapped if it swung once at the Golems. But it still manages to keep in place while Sonic wields one. I'm starting to think Sonic isn't just some ordinary fighter or Master. He's hiding more from us." Romani said

"The way that sword dances and attacks the enemies is truly amazing! You're doing amazing, Master!" Mata Hari shouted

"I'm glad Senpai is fighting alongside us, hehe; servants would have difficulty fighting h if he were an enemy," Mash said

Moments later, the spinning sword defeats all the Golems as it returns to Sonic and enters the scabbard on Sonic's waist. Sonic then looks at the three and giggles at them.

"Amazing, Master! Such beautiful dance moves!" Mata Hari said

"


*Later*

"So, the king is the theKingt, huh? Well, let's give him a good spanking first. Then, I'll extract the information for you." Mata Hari said

"But... He's the king of a cKingry. Can you do anything?" Mash asks

"What're you talking about, cute little Mash? From my experience, kings are the easiest to handle. I mean, kings are at the top of their nations, right? So, they need comfort more than anyone in their nations. If anyone doesn't want that, it must be a king who sacrifices everything for his people... or God. Otherwise, he's a tyrant who understands that the people make all the sacrifices. If he's an ordinary king, then no problem. Well, let's fight."


*With The King*

"A walking animal?! W-Who are you people?! Stand back!"

"I don't come to harm anyone," Sonic said

"Pardon us, but we'd like your assistance in an investigation. We also can't deny this is rather forceful." Mash said

"You bastards! K-Kill, I'm going to kill you!"

"Watch out. It appears that the King is posKinged by something." Romani said

"I can see that!"

"Leaves us no choice, then. Let's exorcise him, Master." Mata Hari said

"Allow me to do the honors, Mata. This king isn't Kingowerful, so I'll go easy on him." Sonic said

Sonic grabs his sword from the scabbard and begins charging it up with electricity before leaping into the air and soon diving downwards, creating a pillar of electricity and shocking the king with tKingands of electricity and going through the Kings body.

"Uh, I... what on... earth... Who are you, people?"

"Well done, Your Majesty. Hehehe, my name is Mata Hari."

"Mata Hari... A strange... name..."

"Yes, now can you look at these, yes? My eyes are the sun. A woman with eyes of the sun... that is my name. Now, spill it all out."

"Oh..."


*Several Minutes Later, Outside*

"A job complete, you two," Sonic said

"Whew, looks like the investigation will be complete. Thank you, Mata Hari." Mash said

"No problem. I'm glad to have taken part in this mission, Master. Well, Master. I thought we could get a drink, but you don't look like someone who likes to drink, so how about we just head back now?" Mata Hari said

"Sounds good to me," Sonic replied


Interlude XIII

Gorgon's Bride

"(Sigh...)"

"What's wrong, Medusa? You don't look too happy." Sonic asks

"Oh, Sonic. Actually... I was offered a chance for an arranged marriage." Medusa replied

"Uh-huh... *Realizes What She Said* WAIT, WHAT?! Did you say arranged marriage?!" Sonic shock

"I have two older sisters, and they approached me about having a formal marriage interview," Medusa said

"W-Who are you meeting?" Sonic asks

"Well, I don't think they're that serious about matchmaking. I have a feeling that they're just interested in my reactions..." Medusa said

"I-I mean... you can always turn it down," Sonic said

"Sure... but my sisters gave me a condition for turning it down...


*Later*

"Why did I agree on this?" Sonic thought

"...So, you and S-Senpai must pretend to be a couple. Why?" Mash asks

"Fou..."

"Hey, cheer up, Mash... It's just a performance, not like they're going to link their arms or kiss... Wait, maybe they should? Unless they do, they won't be seen as a couple." Romani said

"Don't give any ideas!" Sonic said

"...!"

"I understand this whole thing is weird. You know, I'm not used to that kind of stuff." Medusa said

"...Whew. Well, of course, not you of all people, Medusa." Mash said

"I'm not happy either that you felt so relieved... I'm just not used to being in a 'relationship'... You told me before that you are not a relationship one, Sonic. I deeply apologize for making you go through the extra trouble." Medusa apologize

"Have you noticed that I'm a Hedgehog and not an actual human?" Sonic asks

"Of course, but... I don't mind..." Medusa said

"..."

"Is this a negative effect when being a Master?" Sonic thought

"All right, let me shoot the video evidence. You back me up, Mash." Romani said

"...Yes, understood."


*A Few Moments Later*

"I'm not enjoying this one bit..." Sonic whispers

"Hehe, I enjoy doing stuff like this once in a while. Though I'm truly sorry to trouble you." Medusa said

"*Sigh* I'll help for this occasion only. But don't bring this up to me ever again." Sonic replied

"I appreciate that," Medusa said

"..."

"Now, Mash, it's high time you got over it."

"Hey, lady. Look at your sexy body. Why don't you hang out with us?"

"...? Sonic, who are they talking about?" Medusa said

"Hey man, you can't just walk towards a woman and quickly talk like that to them," Sonic said

"I wasn't talking to you. I'm sure it'll be more fun to hang out with us than Mr. Needlemouse here."

"I'm sorry, but I'm enjoying my time with Sonic. I'd appreciate it if you could quickly disappear from my sight..." Medusa said

"What the heck? What a snob... Hey, you guys. Teach her a lesson!"

"Well. I may be used to it, but the fact that it's the same as always gives me a headache. I'm sorry, Sonic. Give me a little time to take out some trash." Medusa said

"Medusa, let me handle these guys for you. I need to teach them how to respect a woman." Sonic replied

Moments later, Sonic dashes toward the soldiers and runs around them at high speed. The Soldiers attempted to attack Sonic at least once but couldn't lay a finger on the Blue Hedgehog. Moments later, a gust of wind zooms by and blows the soldiers away, sending them flying out of the town.

"Wh-What the hell... this rodent... D-Damn it! Boss! Call the Boss!"

"Let me see... Ha! You can't even handle a small rodent, a woman, and a kid?"

"Yeah, but that Hedgehog is crazy fast!"

"Hehe..."

"Tsk, letting these people have their ways with you. Well, I do agree that small and cute girls are better. I'd turn down a "giant" like that even if she asked me out."

"...(Ticked)"

"Hehe! With our Boss here, we're not afraid of you anymore! Hey, guys! Let's take them down!"

"...Master. May I go all out? No, I'm not angry, I'm not... It's just that my mystic eyes are aching." Medusa said

"You don't have to ask me anything, Medusa. You do what's best for you." Sonic replied

"Thank you."

"Senpai, let's back her up...! Oh, it looks like we don't need to do that." Mash said

Moments later, Medusa begins to go all out and take down each soldier, brutally beating them down. Mash and Sonic watch as the soldiers try their best to take down Medusa, but she easily defeats us. The Boss attempts to take down Medusa but isn't successful and is quickly taken down by her soon after. Moments later, Medusa stares at the Boss as he begins to turn into stone. The Soldiers all watch as their Boss turns into solid rock.

"?!"

"Whoa?! Did the Boss turn to stone? Dammit, I'm going to get you for this!"

"Whew... I lost my temper a little there. Sonic, I apologize." Medusa apologizing

"You don't need to apologize for anything, Medusa. It was quite a good show watching you take down those guys." Sonic replied

"Hehe... you're a kind one. I appreciate your concern. Besides, you treat even someone like me like a normal person. Anyone who approached me would turn to stone, their faces twisted in horror..." Medusa said

"Medusa..."

"The monster Medusa... The Gorgon... By the way, how do your sisters look." Romani asks

"Doctor!"

"My sisters are adorable. They are not at all violent, unlike me." Medusa replied

"Don't push yourself away from your sisters, Medusa. You are also as nice as them as well!" Sonic said

"!... Thank you, Sonic. I like being around you. I'm inexperienced, but let's get along from now too." Medusa said


Interlude XIV

Unsweet Honeymoon

"Hello, Master! Are you here?" Artemis said

"I'm doing pretty good, thanks. Though, I'm sorry, Artemis. I'm kinda busy right now." Sonic replied

"How rude! Darling, this Master is neglecting his duties. Darling?"

"..."

"Um, please don't stare at me like that," Mash asks

"Fuukaaaa!"

"It's fine; it's all right; it's not like it'll hurt you," Orion said

"...Hmph!"

"You (Orion) are in trouble, aren't you?" Mash said

"That's right. I'm in trouble. Physically." Orion replied

"I wish I could spend time with you right now. But I just remembered something I must do, so I must go. But don't worry, once I'm done with personal things, I'll make sure to spend time with you." Sonic said

"Darling, This person is so heartless. Just because Mash is here is no excuse!" Artemis said

"?"

"I... never mentioned anything about Mash..." Sonic replied

"...just tell them what you want already," Orion said

"Okay! Um, we want to go to France!" Artemis said

"Hmm... Interesting. What reason?" Sonic asks

"Our honeymoon!" Artemis replied

"Honeymoon?" Sonic confuse

Moments later, the four begin teleporting to France.


*France*

"We're here..." Mash said

"Well... now what?" Sonic asks

"Wow, so this is France! It's wonderful! The air's so different than Greece!" Artemis said

"Sorry, she's being so selfish..."

"Let's get this honeymoon started! First, the Arc de Triomphe!" Artemis said

"The Arc de Triomphe was built in 1806, so it doesn't exist yet," Mash said

"How about the Eiffel Tower?"

"That's 1887. If you're willing to wait another 450 years or so..." Mash replied

"Aww! No way!"

"Right, right, are you doing? Let's just wander around a bit and go home." Orion said

"I don't feel like going on a tourist trip..." Mash said

"Sigh... I guess we'll have to see the towns or something. But it's probably boring without the Arc de Triomphe or Eiffel Tower... Let's go, but don't expect too much." Artemis said


*Later*

"Aww, it's boring. The only things different are the buildings and clothes. There are people; there are dogs... And there are monsters..." Artemis said

"...Why are there monsters here? Oh, forget it. Let's just fight them! Help me out!" Mash said

"What? I don't wanna!" Artemis replies

"Just do it!"

"Okay. It can't be helped. Let's kill them!" Artemis said

"I'll handle this for you... Don't worry." Sonic said

Moments later, Sonic begins to emit electricity from his body and removes his sword from his sheath. He soon charges up his sword and dashes forward, teleporting around the werewolves and slashing them each time he appears. Artemis cheered for Sonic as he took down each werewolf with his fast-lighting sword attacks.

"I didn't expect to see monsters..." Mash said

"What are they doing? This world was repaired, right?" Artemis said

"Something might be happening. We have to look into it." Mash replied

"I agree with that!" Sonic said

"Huh? But our honeymoon..." Artemis said

"Right, right. Well, the honeymoon's delayed." Orion said

"Noooo..."

"..."

"..."

"Oh, fine! Fine! Listen, Artemis. "This is our honeymoon." We're Fighting monsters on our honeymoon. We'll sightsee and beat bad guys. Good times all around." Orion said

"Orion..."

"Sounds fun, right? Sounds great, right? I know it sounds enjoyable to me!"

"...Yeah, you're right! Darling, I love you!"

"Your love is way too clingy. No thanks."

"That's so mean!"

"...Master, do those two like each other?" Mash asks

"I rather not be involved with this. I'll just let them settle things on their own." Sonic replied

"I see. Love is... Intense."


*Later*

"Where are we?"

"An abandoned military camp, I think. There shouldn't be anything interesting here." Mash said

"Yeah, the only interesting things would be... You see all those bags and rope in the corner?" Orion said

"Yes, I do."

"Body bags, right?"

"They are."

"...They're moving around."

Moments later, zombies begin appearing around.

"I should've expected that," Sonic commented.

"Aah! That's scary! Orion, protect me!" Artemis said

"It's the other way around, dummy! I need you to protect me!" Orion replied

"So this time it's the living dead, huh? Artemis, and Master, let's fight!" Mash said

"Okay! Orion needs m help, which powers me up! Let's go!" Artemis said

Artemis dashes towards the hoard of zombies as she aims her bow and fires electric arrows at them. The hands hit each zombie, and all get electrocuted by the arrows. Artemis fires more electric arrows at the other zombies as they get electrocuted from the high voltage of the needles. Hands perform a somersault spin with his sword and cut the zombies in half as their bodies fall to the ground, spewing out blood before vanishing away. Ms later, Sonic charges his sword up, gets into a combat stance, and then performs a series of rapid slashes, releasing blue-color shockwaves at the zombies. The shockwaves slice the zombies in half as body parts fall in front of Artemis and Orion, blood spewing around them. Moments later, Sonic releases one final slash, which fires several shockwaves and finishes off the rest of the zombies before vanishing away soon after. Sonic put's his sword back in its sheath and walks toward the three.

"You could've been a little nicer to them, Master," Orion said

"If it's an enemy but human. I go easy on them. But if it's a monster, that's a completely different story. Also, I'm not one to judge, but I didn't see you do anything." Sonic replied

"Master, don't say that. It's depressing... It makes me sad..." Orion sad

"Hehe... Don't take it personally, Orion. I'm just joking around. You did wonderful during that fight." Sonic replied

"Sad Orion is so cute! Mmmmmmmmm!"

"*Being crushed by Artemis* You'll crush me! You're crushing me! And I'm not cute; I'm cool, just like Master himself!" Orion shouted

"Come on, let's go somewhere else. This time, I'd like someplace that doesn't smell like blood!" Artemis said

"O-Okay, we'll go somewhere else," Mash said


*Inside A Building*

"...This place reeks of blood!"

"I'm sorry. But this castle should've been purified long ago..." Mash said

"Aww, my honeymoon... Our trip as newlyweds..." Artemis said

"Don't worry, as long as we defeat whatever's lurking here, I'm sure the smell will be gone," Orion replied

"Hmph... I'm irritated now! Whoever runs into me should just blame their fate! Let's go, Orion, Master!" Artemis said

"Sounds good to me!" Sonic said

Artemis and Sonic both lunge toward the Lamias as they fire projectiles toward the two. Sonic quickly curls into a ball and rolls under the shells. Artemis quickly dodges each Projectile and fires electric arrows at the Lamias. The hands hit each Lamia as they get electrocuted from the high voltage of the hands. Moments later, Sonic revs up and spins dashes towards the Lamia. They were bouncing off each one of them over and over.

"Another successful mission," Sonic said

"Okay, we beat them!" Artemis said

"Sigh, oh brother... I'm tired (mentally, even though I did nothing)..." Orion said

"To think Lamias nested up in the castle..." Mash said

"My honeymoon is ruined..."

"...Hmm? Hey, Artemis."

"What is it, Darling?"

"Here. *Gives Artemis a ring*."

"Where did you get that?" Sonic asks

"Huh? This is... a ring?" Artemis said

"The Lamia had it... Well, you want a ring for your honeymoon, right?" Orion replied

"Oh..."

"Listen, I know a ring I took off a Lamia isn't going to make you that happy..."

"No, I'll treasure it! I'll treasure it forever! Yay! Hooray!" Artemis excited

"Sigh. Oh, brother... Master, Mash. Sorry for the trouble." Orion apologizing

"Actually. This was a fun little adventure we just had. So no need for apologies. However, I would like to apologize to you two. Instead, I was sort of rude when you entered my room when you guys wanted something, but I just pushed you away in a rude way. So I'm sorry for that." Sonic apologizing

"It's okay, Master. Will make sure not to bother you when You're busy next time; promise us that." Orion replied

"Glad to see you owning up to your mistakes, Sonic. Not every day do you see a Master taking responsibility for their actions and blaming it on something else. I truly admire you." Mash said

"That's just who I am, Mash," Sonic replied

"Artemis and Orion's love is so complex. It's kinda nice to watch." Mash said

"I-It's not like that, okay?! This is... um... It's not like that!"

"Don't worry about it, Orion. We won't question you nor Artemis anymore after this." Sonic said

"You truly are a great person, Master. I'm glad I can meet someone as generous as you." Orion replied

"Thank you, Master. For everything today!" Artemis happy


Interlude XV

Christine's Call

"Christine, oh, Christine, my love, my songstress..." Phantom said

"Jeanne! Oh, Jeanne! Oh, our blessed holy maiden!" Gilles shouted

"To you who dozes, I sing with affection..."

"Let's pile our offerings high! Of ridicule and blasphemy!"

"...Who put these two together? The speakers are howling because of them!" Romani said

"This entire underground passage is also like that... The echo is just awful. How can you stand it?" Mash said

"This isn't as bad as other loud things I've heard before," Sonic said

"Sing once again with me, once again Christine, Christine, my songstress," Phantom said

"Everyone is an equal servant before God! Okay, let's desecrate together! Hohoho! Hohohohohohoho!" Gilles laughing

"Interesting!" Sonic said

"Foou, Foou! Kyuu...uh (I can't take these guys anymore with their loud shouting! How can you withstand such noises, Blue?)." Fou said

"One word... Egghead." Sonic replied

"Ah, ahh, Senpai! Fou is getting weaker and weaker..." Mash said

"What is it? I don't feel great, either... Mental Corruption skills aren't contagious, right? Today we have double;e the Mental Corruption skills, so it feels like it's spreading." Romani said

"That's a problem," Mash replied

"Why don't we just take care of this?" Sonic said"

"Yes, Senpai... If we go to the deepest point in this underground passage... I'm sure Phantom will be satisfied. He said it'd be good just to come here." Mash replied

"Kyuu... you... you... Fou... (P-Please... m-make it... stop...)"

"*Picks Up Fou And Rubs His Head* Don't worry, Fou. Everything is going to be alright." Sonic said

"What should we do? Senpai Fou isn't looking good at all! A-At this rate..." Mash worried

"How about it?" Sonic asks

"Fou, Foou! Fou..." Fou replied

"Have confidence... Does that mean, well, that you can... keep going?" Mash asks

"Fou! (As long as Blue isn't bothered by these two... I should be able to keep going.)," Fou replied

"That's the spirit, Fou," Sonic said

"...Got it. If you insist, Fou, I will do my best, too!" Mash said

"Fou, Foou! (That's what I like to hear from you!)." Fou said

"Now then... *Places Fou on top of his head* Care for a ride?" Sonic asks

"Foou! (Certainly!)" Fou replied

"Okay... Well, both of you! Your feelings for loved ones are conveyed, so move along! Let's hurry! You have some business ahead, right, Phantom?" Mash asks

"Christine..."

"Oh, Jeanne..."

"Well..."

"Christine, Christine..."

"Oh, Jeanne! Beloved holy maiden!"

"Ahh, can you hear me? You know you don't have to keep stopping..."

"Christine, Christine, Christine, Christine..."

"Jeanne! Jeanne! Jeanne! Jeanne! Jeanne! Jeanne!"

Mash and Sonic stare at each other in utter confusion from Phantom and Gilles.

"Christine, Christine, Christine, Christine, Christine, Christine..."

"Jeanne! Jeanne! Jeanne! Jeanne! Jeanne! Jeanne! Jeanne! Jeanne!"

"..."

"*Grabs her hand* Mash, it's okay, they are now our allies," Sonic said

"Nope, definitely enemies!" Romani said

"You too, Roman. Don't get fussy as well." Sonic replied

"Huh? Magical energy response detected! It's continually rising from the depths. Be careful!"

"...Yes."

"Are you, ahh, angry... Mash?"

"No. Senpai, give me an order." Mash said

"You're angry, aren't you?"

"Order me," Mash said

"MAsh, why don't you relax for a little and me settle this for all of us," Sonic said

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..."

"Christine, Christine, Christine, Christine, Christine, Christine..."

"Jeanne! Jeanne! Jeanne! Jeanne! Jeanne! Jeanne! Jeanne! Jeanne!"

"Ohhhhhh..."

"The enemy is losing against that pair's momentum! Now!" Romani shouted

"Give me a second... *Grabs Fou and gives him to Mash*."

Moments later, Sonic rushes toward the ghosts as h grabs one of them and throws them to the underground wall. He then holds the spirit and drags it along the ground while it screams in pain. Moments later, Sonic throws it up in the air, jumps at it, and performs an overhead ax, throwing the ghost down to the ground, where it soon vanishes. Sonic then rushes toward the second ghost at high speed and strikes them with a punch that sends the spirit to the wall, hitting it hard and falling to the ground. As it attempts to get back up, Sonic rushes at it, performs a super strong blow right at its face, and sends it flying towards Mash, rushes towards it, swings her shield at the ghost, and throws it up in the ceiling, falling soon after before vanishing. The other ghost panic as they all disappear on their own, not wanting to get a beat down from Sonic.

"Huh... I wasn't going all deep in those punches..." Sonic said

"The battle is over."

"He was just making noise... genera Gilles didn't participate in the battle. Wait, was General Gilles among Sonic's contracted Heroic Spirits? I don't remember." Romani said

"Let's go home. Christine, you're not here anymore." Phantom said

"Had enough already? You feel better?"

"Christine, my love, my songstress... Where are you..."

"Perhaps he was looking for some traces of Christine, the songstress he loved in life, under Paris? Maybe he can't even see that due to his Mental Corruption. But, it's a different era. It's kind of sad... if you think about it. I can understand that loneliness..."

"Let's go home! Please Rayshift us, Doctor." Mash begged

"I tried to force this story into a good ending. Y-You're so heartless, Mash." Romani said

"For the first time being here in this world. I taste defeat. Shame we couldn't find what Phantom was looking for." Sonic said

"It's okay, Sonic. Everyone at least has one bad day they can't go through. Wait... where did General Gilles go?"


*With Gilles*

"Oh, How disgraceful man's greed is! So much vice in this darkness... hmm?"

"Fo... Fou... (Where did you go, blue?)." Fou said

"What an adorable little animal! Suitably adorable for sacrifice to the altar of blasphemy!"

"Fo...u..."

"What a coincidence that you're shaking in this darkness. I'm also like a beast betrayed by all, shaking in the darkness. Now, let us go together. It's warm under this cloak, you see."

"..."

"Hohohohohoho, it's so adorable! Oh, oh, it's shaking, shaking!"

"..."


To Be Continue...


"Next Time: Orleans Interludes (Part 4.)" Sonic As The Narrator