A Hedgehog Of Chaldea

Septem (Part 4)


*Let's Continue Where We Left Off*

Days have passed since the massive battle between "Emperor" and "Emperor." Sonic and the others were walking through a forest.

"...Hmm. Did you hear what that farmer said just now? The traveler we passed yesterday said the same thing. That "an ancient god has appeared." Could it be true?" Nero asks

"I wonder. It's an interesting phrase. If he said "ancient god," could it be from the Age of the Gods." Romani replied

"To be precise, it's the fourth time we've heard it. None of them seemed to be lying. "An ancient god appeared on an island in the Mediterranean." For a rumor, it's peculiar." Mash said

"Well, Gaul faces the Mediterranean. It's not usual to hear such rumors... But after hearing it over and over, I'm intrigued. Though we're on our way back to Rome now." Nero replied

"Hmm, it is intriguing, huh? I mean, I'm extremely intrigued. Sonic, what do you think?" Romani asks

"I've seen many gods in my life before. So seeing another one will be a regular Wednesday for me." Sonic replied

"You seen gods before, Senpai?" Mash asks

"You bet I have! And I feel that this God going around here has the Holy Grail we're looking for." Sonic said

"Well... I don't know about that. Caesar said their Court Mage has possession of it." Mash replied

"We can't tell if it's Leff Lynor, but is it possible that he moved to the Mediterranean? And is claiming to be a god. It's a likely story. No, well, he could be a real god. An island where a god lives, huh? Ah, that sounds so romantic! An ancient god in the 1st Century! The supposedly gone Divine Spirits returned to the land once more!" Romani said

"Question Doctor, is the materialization of Divine Spirits possible?" Mash asks

"It's difficult. So much so that it's nigh impossible. At least, it's not possible with Chaldea's system." Romani replied

"Divine Spirit?" Sonic questions

"Yes. It is different than a Heroic Spirit. It is said to be a higher being than elementals." Mash replied

"Divine beings are mentioned in many legends of this world. Sometimes as a natural phenomenon or symbol of authority. They are what you may call Gods or gods. Just think of Divine Spirits as a term to define them. They're already gone from the face of the Earth. Perhaps they never existed in the first place? It's hard to understand with magecraft developed after Anno Domini. After all, we can't observe them in our time. When you pray to the goods in times of trouble, they don't give help that easily, do they? ...Maybe that was a bad example. in any case, they "do not exist." However, several pieces of supporting evidence exist. Hence we predict Divine Spirits exist in a higher dimension. At the very least, they won't do anything directly. No, they can't do anything. Anyways, it's impossible. The world has long been that of humans and civilization. Even if there were a kind gd, realistically, they wouldn't be able to regain a lost future. We're the only ones who can save the world and its future." Romani said

"'Possibly"? No, Roman, my good friend, we're going to save your world and its future!" Sonic replied

"Hahaha... Thanks, Sonic. The faith of Humanity is in your hands. Anyway, let's get back to an earlier topic. Whether or not a Divine Spirit can materialize as a Servant. They can't. That's the answer. Even if "they" were inclined t do so. Even if technology reaches realms of True Magic, it's disadvantageous. In theory, it should not necessarily be impossible, though." Romani said

"Then, the god of the Mediterranean..."

"It's probably not a god from somewhere. The Peopabablity of a materialized Divine Spirit is quite low. But, there might be that one in a million chance if it's a god that fell from its throne." Romani replied

"This is pointless. Yup, if it's on our minds so much, fine! It would be a good idea to verify. Fortunately, we're facing the Mediterranean Sea."

"Your Majesty! An unknown monster is assaulting the rear ranks! We can't hold it down! At this rate..."

"..Mm, perfect timing."

"I am detecting traces of magical energy. It could be the Holy Grail causing the monster to spawn." Romani said

"Let's go, Senpai!"

"Let me handle this on my own, Mash. I know you all want to know if the rumors of this person are true, so let's settle this quickly, and we can get going." Sonic replied

Sonic quickly dashes away from the army of ghosts flying toward him. Sonic skids on the floor and stops himself while circled by the spirits. Before the ghosts can attack, using his speed, Sonic creates a vortex of wind that sucks in the ghosts inside. The powerful vortex became so intense the wind broke off trees from the ground and threw them away from their original spot. The group stood their ground and blocked their faces to prevent themselves from being hit by debris or tossed by the wind. Moments later, the vortex blows away the ghosts in the air as they fly up into the skull until they eventually leave the Earth's stratosphere. Never to come down to the world. Moments later, the vortex dies down as Sonic stops spinning in circles.

"*Looks Back At The Group* Alright, now let's go find this person you all speak of," Sonic said

"Hold on, Senpai! Don't rush things! *Sighs* Apologies for the amount of damage Sonic has done. He's already done something like this before." Mash said

"It's alright. You have to do everything you can to defeat our enemy," Nero replied

"Ahh, how awful. To think that spirits of the dead would materialize on their own." Romani said

"I'm used to it. So, uh, what were we talking about... Right, that Mediterranean God! I want to find out about that." Nero said

"Are you sure? Don't you need to return to Rome?" Mash asks

"I don't know what this ancient God may be, but what if it's truly one of the gods? It's not impossible. There are Roman legends. For instance, Romulus, the founder and first king of Rome, became the newest God after he disappeared in lighting. Things like that occasionally happen. Ancient gods. How amusing. Further, assume they are gods of Rome. If the United Empire's "emperors" took that God away, we'd have bigger problems. I don't want that. That's the one thing I absolutely cannot stand." Nero said

"I see. Your Majesty's words are reasonable. As guest commanders, we'd be happy to accompany you." Romani replied

"...Aren't you enjoying this too much, Doctor?" Mash asks

"That's not true! I can't hide my overflowing curiosity as a researcher!" Romani replied

"But that's..."

"Fu...Kyu, kyu. Fou." Fou said

"..."

"*Notice Nero Not Saying Anything As He Snaps His Fingers Right At Her Face* Hey, Nero... are you there. You aren't saying anything..." Sonic said

"Come on, Nero, say something... Nero? Are you alright?" Mash is trying to get Nero to speak again

"...Hmm, what? No, I've decided. A triumphant return from the sea might not be so bad! Then, we'll continue our journey back through the sea. I'm rather tired of traveling on land!" Nero replied

"She spaced out just now." Mash thought

"Right. This must be what Boudica was talking about." Romani thought


*Flashback*

"There's something I'm worried about. Something about Nero: it happened right after you got here. I wonder if you noticed. She occasionally spaces out. She has been like that ever since the United Empire showed up. It might be just me, but I feel a slight trace of magical energy when it happens. She's a human from this era, not a mage. Still, I feel it. I asked about it, but she didn't feel it at all. Can you guys keep an eye out? I mean, about her. As the governor of Gual, Spartacus and I must continue protecting this place. About her... If possible, I'd like to rely on you all." Boudica said

"Understood. You are... worried about Nero, aren't you." Mash asks

"I wouldn't worry about her at all! It's not something I want to do personally. For better or for worse, she's the symbol of this land. If something happens to her, it would be a war loss. I don't want to lose another war. That's the only reason I care about her." Boudica replied

"...Right."

"Well then, that's that. Mash, we still have time, right?"

"U-Um..."

"Before you leave, I will teach you the best Britannia cuisine! I'd be happy if you learned it and made it your specialty!" Boudica said

"N-No, that's..."

"You're so cute. You should start training to be a bride! Oh, geez, so cute! Come here!"

Boudica hugs Mash once again. Sonic quickly turns and looks away from the two.

"W-Wah! Again... Your breasts..."

"There, there. Good girl, good girl. You stay cheerful forever. Don't get too hurt, and don't be too reckless. You are an adorable girl."

"Y-Yes, well, I-I am Senpais... Um..."

"...Friends... were just friends," Sonic replied

"There, there! I am happy to see you grow into such a fine lady!"

"..."


*Present*

"..."

"Yeah, I sensed a trace of magical energy in Nero. But that might mean she has the potential to be a mage." Romani thought

"I wonder what it is." Mash thought

"Hmm, we don't have enough info..."

"All right, then it's settled! Let's go. We must first hurry and procure a ship!" Nero said

"Before that, Master, look at the enemy army remnant. I feel their presence." Mash said

"Yes, I have detected multiple lifeforms. I am getting hostile readings from the United Empire troops in Gaul." Romani replied

"I'd leave them be if they're fleeing home, but it's inevitable if they're headed here. Let's defeat them!" Nero said

"You took the words off my mouth!" Sonic replied

Sonic dashes toward the enemy soldiers as he curls into a ball and homes at a spear-wielding Soldier, knocking them on the floor before homing to the next Soldier and another soon after. Sonic knocks three spear-wielding soldiers to the ground as Martha prays and fires several magical energy at the three soldiers, hitting them all before they vanish away. Seconds later, five more soldiers arrive as they aim their bows at Sonic. Kiyohime rushes by Sonic as she breathes out fire at the soldiers, engulfing them in flames and watching them yell in pain as they are burned alive. Medusa appears behind one of the burning soldiers and stabs her daggers at the Soldier's neck as the Soldier falls to the ground, motionless. Medusa grabs her blades and slashes the other soldiers one by one. They fail to the ground. Moments later, all of the soldiers vanish away more soldiers appear once again. Nero rushes toward the soldiers and takes on all of them on her. She swings her sword at the first Soldier before stabbing them through the chest plate and kicking them soon after. The second Soldier swings his sword behind Nero, but Nero quickly backflips over the Soldier and swings her sword at them several times before knocking them away. Two more soldiers charge up to her in front and back of her. Before both Soldiers can attack Nero, Sonic rushes in and homing attacks both soldiers away from Nero. Sonic rushes toward one of the soldiers and performs a somersault kick at them, throwing them into the air before jumping at them and performing an axe kick at their heads as he throws the Soldier back down to the ground; they vanish soon after.

"It's more or less taken care of. Now then, let's regroup and head out to the sea. It's good to travel by sea. Sonic, let me show you my brilliant sailing skills!" Nero said

"I can't wait..." Sonic replied

"Right? Right? Heh, heh, such an honest fellow." Nero said

"I can't believe we're traveling on water. I don't want them to know that I can't swim... it'll be embarrassing if they found out I can't swim." Sonic thought

"The emperor is amazing! Whatever you say, she interprets it positively!" Romani said

"..."


*Gaul*

After traveling through the sea, the group finally reached their next destination.

"Finally, we're off that boat!" Sonic said

"Not the best of trips I've ever had," Medusa said

"It was horrendous to be on that ship... but luckily, Master was by my side this whole time during that whole trip," Kiyohime said

"..."

"

"Mhmm, that was some nice wind! It was the most aggressive voyage ever!" Nero said

"Thank goodness my semicircular canals were enhanced. If I hadn't become a Demi-Servant... Ugh... I'm not going to go there." Mash said

"Y-You seem to have gone through an ordeal. I could tell by your vitals. The soldiers couldn't leave the ship either. Oh, poor men! Since the emperor offered to take the wheel herself, I thought she had impeccable skills. But wait, maybe, just maybe! Those were impeccable skills, in a sense. I mean, the ship's still standing after such a rocky journey. It also leaped through waves and drifted some turns... It's amazing when you think about it. Just what you'd expect of the emperor..." Romani said

"I stood on flying planes many times before. Those were far better than being thrown everywhere by the water and crowded in one small space..." Sonic replied

"Oh, come on, Sonic. Please think of the bright side... we landed safely on the rumored island. You should start looking for this ancient God... Wait, maybe we don't have to look after all? It seems that God is coming to greet us. However, I am detecting a Servant. Be on your guard." Romani said

"!"

"What, another enemy attack? So this island is also under the United Empire's control." Nero asks

"No, this is... a Servant, but... Something is off. It's different than normal; what is this?"

"Yes, that's right. I'm not a "normal" Servant."

The group notices a girl standing right in front of them. She wore a beautiful dress, two ponytails, purple hair, and purple eyes. Medusa gasped a little once she saw this new girl.

"Good day, heroes; welcome to my humble temporary home for this era, the "Formed" Island. My, oh my. I was wondering what kind of magnificent hero was here. But to my surprise, it seems there are Servants in your group. *Notices at Medusa And Stares At Her For A Few Seconds Before Looking Back At Sonic* Unfortunately, I was waiting for human heroes. Not two-legged blue animals." The Female Said

"Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you..." Sonic replied

"This presence..."

"What in the world... can this even be possible? Her reading is that of a Servant, but different..." Romani said

"Are you saying that is the "ancient god"?" Sonic asks

"An immeasurable divinity level! Without a doubt, she's a god. No, a goddess!" Romani replied

"That's right. I am a goddess... my name is Stheno. One of the three Gorgon Sisters." Stheno introducing herself

"A goddess, huh? This is now the second time I met a goddess in person before. You're the second one." Sonic replied

"Interesting blue, please, please tell me of this first goddess you speak of," Stheno asks

"Well, I don't remember her name at all. But I remember her having long green hair, a white dress, and gold accessories around her body while wielding a gold staff and shield. And that's how much I can remember." Sonic explains this Goddess to Stheno

"Does this goddess exist in your world?" Romani asks

"Nope, not at all. There's a reason for how I met this goddess and other heroes, but I'll explain that story to you some other time. It gets wild." Sonic replied

"Man, your history is the most confusing thing I've ever heard of, Sonic," Romani said

"Hey, what do you expect from a Hedgehog like me? I can share many weird stories with you in the future. That goes for all of you four as well. Including Fou." Sonic replied

"I would love to hear that story from you, Senpai!" Mash said

"An interesting individual here, I would say. Anyway, Though, I rather dislike being called an ancient god. But it's fine. It is true that where you're from, I am a past god. You may call me whatever you wish. After all, time is irrelevant when it comes to my beauty." Stheno said

"Servant of a Divine Spirit, not a Heroic Spirit? Doctor, this is different from what we talked about." Mash said

"Y-Yeah, I guess everything has an exception; o-oh, this is unheard of, a Divine Spirit Servant. Furthermore, one of "the" ancient Greek gods! (Or Two As Of Right Now.) That's an authentic god! Is that possible! She is standing before you. Even so, there's no way she can remain "as a god." I mean, it's the same Heroic Spirits. Her power must've been downsized. Gods no longer have "Authority" on this land. If that's the case..."

"Aren't you the knowledgeable one, Mage? That's right. You are not mistaken there. However... there's one thing you should remember, pure one." Stheno replied

"W-What is it? To think a goddess would personally instruct me." Romani said

"Oh, what a wonderful voice. It has a nice sound to it. I would love to see your face, but... Such a shame. You're in a place where even my "eyes" can't reach you. If you were in my arm's reach, I'd have done something nice to you in the wink of an eye." Stheno replied

"Whoa... I just had shivers down my entire body... This presence is different than Dark Jeanne!" Romani said

"Oh, that's just your imagination. Allow me to inform all of you clueless people, minus blue here. Not all gods are powerful. "Myself" and I are quite "feeble" beings," Stheno said

"?"

"Based on the readings, you are quite an individual... So does that mean you're not hostile because your combat abilities are low?" Romani asks

"There are goddesses who are never asked to fight. For instance, you love there." Stheno is looking at Mash.

"You mean me?"

"You are one such, no? Your power is not to kill but to protect."

"...It is."

"Hehe, I do like honest girls. I want to pamper you as I do to my "little sister."

"..."

"Oh, I just got a shiver." Mash thought

"I had a shiver, too!" Nero thought

"Fou."

"Well, this conversation took a turn," Sonic commented

"...Wait. I'm detecting another presence on the beach!"

"Oh my."

"How dare they interrupt an emperor and a goddess. Who are they? From the United Empire?"

"...No, they're just ghosts. But they are closing in. Master, take them on!." Mash said

"That's what I like to hear from you, Mash. Kiyohime, let's go!"

"Right by your side, Master!" Kiyohime replied

Sonic and Kiyohime soon speed away toward the oncoming ghost enemies. The red wisp appears again from Sonic's stomach and enters inside him as Sonic transforms into a fireball and closes in on the ghosts. Behind Sonic, Kiyohime fires several stars at the spirit as the stars directly hit each one of the ghosts and knock them away from her and Sonic. Kiyohime then breathes out fire at Sonic as

"Anway! Stop leaving me out of the conversation! I get the gist of what you're saying. That goddess isn't our enemy, right?" Nero asks

"Right. I'm assuming that's the case."

"Hmm, in that case, isn't it simple? Ancient Goddess Stheno, come to Rome! I am Rome. The fifth emperor of the Roman Empire was Nero Claudius. I shall accept you as a new god. Let us defeat the United Empire together!"

"Well now, how dazzling you are, as much as Apollo. But I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I am not suitable for combat. Now that I've taken on the form of a Servant, I have some skills and basic functions, but... I don't possess the power to fight valiantly like my younger sister."

"..."

"What?"

"I said I don't have the power... You'll get stabbed in the back if you don't stop being insensitive." Stheno said

"...Sorry, I get it. She's more of the type of goddess who hunts her prey."

"But, you are a hero who came all the way here. I should reward you. Though back in the day, I would've incited Medusa..."

"*Looks At Medusa Behind Him And Look Back At Stheno* What's that supposed to mean?" Sonic asks

"Incited?"

"Did you say incited?"

"Ahem, hehe. Never mind! I'll give you a goddess' blessing. As you walk along the coast, you'll find an entrance to a cave. In the back... I prepare a treasure. It doesn't exist in nature; it's something special. I'll give it to you because you're fun. Haha, I don't usually reward someone like this." Stheno said

"Could it be something I have been trying to find this time?!" Sonic thought

"Well, a goddess' blessing... That's really..."

"It's interesting. It could be the Holy Grail." Romani said

"It doesn't match up with Caesar's information. That said, I think there's still a chance." Mash replied

"I don't care what kind of treasure it is. I try to love everything." Nero said

"All right then, let's head for the cave now!" Romani said


*At The Cave*

The group entered the cave where. It was pitch black inside. With no sign of treasure or anything inside, Stheno said about.

"Ugh... It's so dark and clammy..." Nero said

"It's not exactly comfortable in here. It's hard to see ahead." Mash sad

"Oh..."

"Doctor, is something wrong? Your face... no, I mean your voice sounds funny." Mash asks

"I've been deceived. Forgive me, multiple magic energy signatures up ahead." Romani replied

"What?"

"They're not Servants, but a type of monster. Does this mean... that goddess. Set us up? Oh, hahaha..."

"Clank, clank, clank..."

"*Sigh* It was too good to be true..." Sonic said

Sonic speeds off toward the enemy skeletons as he runs around them at light speed. Moments later, a gust of wind from Sonic's incredible speed blows away the structures as they all hit the cave walls and break apart their bodies as pieces of their bones scattered across the cave floor before vanishing away.

"What's going on here? The cave is full of skeletons!" Nero said

"Well, let's hope they're just skeletons..."

"Multiple signatures with more coming! I think a lot of skeletons are coming..."

"Mmm, mmm, mmm! A long shot doesn't treasure sword-wielding skeletons!"

"Everyone! Follow behind me; I'll make a path for us while caring for these guys!." Sonic said

Sonic moves his legs in a pattern similar to the infinity symbol and builds up speed as even more skeletons appear and all charge at the group. Moments later, Sonic peels off towards the army of skeletons as he accelerates to top speed while in a blue aura. Sonic took down tons of structures in front and made an opening behind him for everyone to go through. Nero orders everyone to follow the opening path as Sonic continues to take down tons of skeletons around and in front of him.


*A Few Minutes Later*

Sonic comes to a complete stop as he turns and notices all the skeletons are defeated and their bones scattered across the ground. Sonic then sees Nero, Mash, Kiyohime, Medusa, Martha, and the soldiers running toward him.

"Just how many are there in here?

"But what do you know? It looks like we reached the back of the cave while fighting. I'm getting a unique signature there. This amount of energy... No, that's not possible." Romani shock

"What is it, Doctor? Could the Holy Grail be here?" Mash asks

"No... no, it's not the Holy Grail at all! It's a Phantasmal, not a dragon, but a powerful mystical beast!"

"GARRRRRRRRRRRR!"

"This is..."

"It's so huge! Oh, but that lion has a cute face!" Nero said

"It's a chimera, a legendary beast of ancient Greece. This is not a product of magecraft but a true mystical beast! Why would a thing like this be here? Oh, I know why. That goddess. It's powerful and has considerable toughness, so be careful!" Romani said

"Hey, kitty... or snake, goat? Never mind, wanna play catch? Then try to catch me! Let's go, everyone!"

Sonic dashes toward's Chimera as Chimera roars and lunges at Sonic. Sonic curls himself into a ball and dashes at Chimera's lion face, hitting the head and knocking it to the floor. Sonic bounces off the cave wall and hits Chimera once again before repeatedly preparing, hitting Chimera from all angles of its body. Sonic get's hit by the slash attack and is thrown toward the cave walls and slams hard. Medusa appears above Chimera and slashes Chimera's snake tail, leaving several scratch marks on it and blood spewing out of the snake tail. The snake looks at Medusa and breathes poison at her. Medusa quickly backs away as she notices Sonic uncurls himself, landing on the wall before jumping off it and heading towards Chimera. Chimera sees Sonic and slashes him with its claws.

"*Hits The Wall* GAH!"

"SENPAI!" Mash shouted

"-SONIC!" Nero shouted

"-MASTER!"

"-MASTER!"

"-MASTER!"

"Ugh... once again... my arrogance got the best of me..." Sonic said before falling to the ground

Chimera roars out loud as it begins to charge at Sonic's. Sonic attempts to get back up from the ground, but Chimera slashes Sonic again and throws him up into the air. Chimera jumps right at Sonic and cuts him again, throwing him back down to the ground where Sonic lies, severely injured with scratch marks on his body. Sonic slowly gets up from the ground as he looks down and notices the scratch marks around his stomach. Chimera dives down above Sonic and is about to finish him until Mash quickly gets in front of Sonic and places her shield above her. Chimera slams on the security as Mash tosses Chemira aside from finishing Sonic.

"How dare you attack my Master, you creature!" Martha shouted

"*Angry Look* Those who hurt my Master shall perish from existence! Samadhi Through Transforming Flames!" Kiyohime shouted

Moments later, a blue firey tornado spins around Kiyohime as she transforms into a giant fire-breathing serpent and charges at Chimera. Chimera turns as the fiery serpent goes through Chimera and damages it severely from the intense heat. Moments later, the snake spins around Chimera as it opens its mouth and violently crushes Chimera, chopping it in half before the snake explodes and disappears. The Chimera's body falls to the ground as blood spews out before vanishing away. Everyone had shocked expressions as they witnessed Kiyohime unleash her Noble Phantasm after seeing her Master on the verge of death.

"*Runs Up To Sonic And hugs Him* Master, I'm so glad you are alive! Please don't scare me like that again!" Kiyohime said

"Kiyohime... you... you unleashed your Noble Phantasm for the very first time..." Sonic replied

"I had no choice... you would've been killed if I never used it," Kiyohime said

"*Hugs Kiyohime* Thank you... Thank you for saving me, Kiyohime... I owe you one..." Sonic replied

"I'm glad you are fine, Master. But please... try not to hurt yourself again next time..." Medusa said

"You got it, Medusa!" Sonic replied

Moments later, the scratches on Sonic's body disappear as Martha heals him from his injuries.

"Don't try to get too overboard next time, Master," Martha said

"*Smiles* Thanks, Martha. *Looks At Mash* Thank you as well, Mash... you saved my tail big time." Sonic said

"It's what friends are for. We have each other's back and always will. Now come on, let's leave this cave." Mash replied


*Outside The Cave*

"Haha. Welcome back. Did you enjoy your special reward to the fullest?"

"Enjoy?! We almost had one of our important comrades killed because of it!" Nero shouted

"You have a lot to explain before I burn you out of existence, goddess!" Kiyohime angry

"Haha... well, that wasn't part of the plan," Stheno said

Moments later, a familiar face appears alongside another individual as well. This individual had pink hair, a tail, and paw-shaped gloves and wore a maiden outfit.

"What a lame animal! I could've taken on a big cat like that without sweat!" Elizabeth said

"Ahahahaha!"

"Elizabeth?! No wonder I couldn't find you back in Chaldea... What are you doing here?! And who's that with you?" Sonic asks

"Hello, again! I didn't expect to see you once again, blue. However, I don't remember you being my Master... " Elizabeth said

"Master, I'm sensing two enemies. Either lizards, dragons, or maybe idols... At any rate, we're going to take them out!"

"Wait, what? What do you mean you don't remember me summoning you not too long ago... Wait, what?! I feel like I'm playing a trick here... is this the Elizabeth I know of, or is this some shadow servant version that happens not to be a complete shadow..." Sonic confused

"*Silent For A Few Seconds...* I... can't explain that to you right now..." Romani said

"W-What do you mean you can't explain right now?" Sonic replied

"What, that reaction again! You ugly, weird deerlet!" Elizabeth said

"Ahahaha!"

"Senpai, a weird person told me I'm weird!" Mash said

"Elizabeth... do I have to teach you another lesson? *Electricity emits from his body.*" Sonic said

"Fine... I'm sorry... Even after you almost died in there. You're still capable of continuing to fight. Well, it can't be helped with the puppy's ability." Elizabeth said

"...Who the hell are you, appearing all of a sudden and talking nonsense?" Nero asks

"Who the hell are YOU? Oh, I'm not sensing any magical energy... wait for a human? You?"

"Not sure why you're surprised. You are rude and insensitive. I would have slashed you if you didn't know Sonic and didn't look so cute. I'm Nero Claudius, the emperor of this era. Um, why are you looking at me like that?" Nero asks

"Are you kidding me? The real Nero?!" Elizabeth surprised

"The real..."

"What do you mean by "real"?"

"Ahahahaha!"

"This is worse than France! I'm even more confused about what's going on!" Romani said

"Anyway, when I materialized in this world. I took these two with me. I didn't feel like I could complete the Heroes' Cave alone. So I had these two as my testers for the cave, that's all I think?" Stheno said

"Hmph, it was a boring dungeon. Oh, but a live show in an underground cave is a new concept, right?" Elizabeth said

"Ahahaha!"

"So you know Elizabeth, blue. What about this one?" Stheno asks

"Ahahaha!"

"Is laughing the only form of communication for her? Sonic asks

"Oh no... we've never met. Although, I know she's a Servant..." Mash said

"Ahahaha! All right, let's introduce ourselves! I am Tamamo Cat, one of the Tamamo Nine! I tag "woof" at the end of my sentences. My hobby is cafe management. My favorite food is carrots. Hmm. That's pretty inconsistent, even for me. Woof woof." Tamamo Cat introduced herself

"*Sigh* Why can't everything be normal here for once..." Sonic said

"She talked!" Nero surprise

"She did that on purpose, too. Woof!"

"...Neutral, huh? I'm glad she's not a hostile Servant. Or maybe I should say I'm glad she's not our ally?" Romani said

"I was laughing because it was fun. I'm a laughing drunk." Tamamo Cat replied

"Oh, s-sure."

"I'm Tamamo Cat, one of the Tamamo Nine! Can I speak in cat language?" Tamamo Cat said

"The Tamamo, what now?" Sonic said

"What?"

"What's the Tamamo Nine?" Nero asks

"No? How about dog language?"

"Huh?"

"Hehe! Your creation was better than I thought. It requires technique to communicate with her. Thank you, Tamamo Cat. But why weren't you in the treasure chest? You were supposed to be the last trick. After they dealt with the Chimera, you should've come out." Stheno said

"Now, I'll get my carrots as the reward!"

"Did you eat the chest? Oh my... okay. I understand." Stheno said

"H-Hmmm. Their conversation seems to be working out... She's a goddess, after all. She doesn't even flinch at that oddball." Nero said

"Oh, well. This island has been fun, but we came here for nothing." Romani said

"Roman... it wasn't you who came all the way here. It was us... in person..." Sonic replied

"Ahahaha! It happens! Don't look so defeated. Why don't we return to Rome for now... But it looks like we can't! There's a Servant over there!" Romani said

"Huh? Indeed." Tamamo Cat said

"Oh?" Stheno said

"Me?" Medusa said

"Hmm..." Martha said

"Huh?" Kiyohime said

"Doc?" Mash said

"Sorry, that didn't come out right! There's another Servant besides you, coming from the sea!" Romani said

Moments later, Caligula jumps out of the water.

"You!" Sonic shouted.

"MY! My! My actions are Fate! Sacrifice your life! Sacrifice your flesh!" Caligula shouted

"Uncle?"

"What? Who? Nero's uncle?" Elizabeth said

"He seems to be pretty "tangled up." That's how one should deal with Servants, I suppose. That's just bad taste." Stheno said

"What do you mean? I will never treat my friends like that!" Sonic replied

"Beautiful... you're beautiful..."

"You popped out of nowhere, and now you're hitting on girls? W-What's with you? I know I am an attractive idol and all. But acting like a lowly beast is the worst! What kind of royalty are you?" Elizabeth said

"Beautiful... Beautiful! You are beautiful! I want to take it, lust over it, and tear it apart. Your purity, your divine beauty, everything! I want to trample all over you with my entire body! I love you, my beloved sister's child... NERROOOO!"

"That's right. You are a beast. You are no longer my uncle! My uncle is dead. I still can't stop thinking about his regrettable death. But still, if you appear before me after being lost in death. Then I shall sing a requiem for you. Know it's my duty as your niece and a proper emperor!" Nero said

"Master, this is going to be a Servant battle."

I had enough of this guy; let me take care of him quickly."Sonic replied

Moments later, Sonic emits electrically from his body and rushes toward Caligula as he circles around him at incredible speed. Caligula attempts to throw a punch at Sonic but isn't successful in landing one. More electrically emits from Sonic as he runs even faster around Caligula. Mash quickly realizes what Sonic is about to do and slams her shield on the sand.

"Everyone behind me!" Mash shouted

"W-What's going on?" Nero asks

"No time to explain, hurry!"

"What's the panic all of a sudden?" Romaniasks

Everyone gets behind Mash a few seconds later; Sonic releases an electric shockwave blast that electrocutes Caligula and feels like a thousand volts hitting him. The electric shockwave hits Mash's shield as everyone behind it feels the explosion's shockwave, and we're slightly pushed away. Moments later, the shockwave dies as everyone stops taking cover and looks at Sonic. They noticed that Caligula was on the ground while Sonic was looking at him.

"And stay down..." Sonic said

"Nero... Nero... My... beautiful... niece... You... are... so... very... beautiful. More so than... the goddess... of the moon... More than... the radiance of... the Holy Grail..." Caligula said before vanishing away

"Sorry again, Nero..." Sonic said

"Uncle... we defeated the enemy commander, Caligula. We slaughter yet another pretender to the throne! What a splendid job. Thank you, Sonic." Nero replied

"Are you sure... you're alright. Even after defeating your "uncle" twice now?" Sonic asks

"You are kind, Sonic. Nut, no need to worry; I am the emperor of Rome, after all. Anyways, you guys have saved me so many times. I can assure you that the reward for the defeat of the United Empire shall be grand. I won't send a monster and say, "Here, it's your reward." Nero said

"*Reconnects* I don't know what the leyline is always disconnecting... C-Can anyone hear me? Hello, the connection malfunctioned again and disconnected my signal..." Romani asks

"Yes, we can hear you now, Doctor," Mash replied

"Are you talking to me? You, not a Servant, but a mere human? The queen of this era seems to be brave. You might be a proper hero. Oh, how I wish you were a man." Stheno said

"No, I am not a queen or a hero. Listen well, I am... I am the Fifth Emperor of the Roman Empire!" Nero said

"Yes, of course, that's what I shall call you—the Fifth Emperor of the Roman Empire. I'll give you a real goddess' blessing as a special gift. This time it won't be a monster. It is also my thanks for blue taking out a Servant who was not a hero, Your enemy, this so-called United Empire, and the gathering ground for their "emperors"... The United Empire capital. I shall tell you its exact location."

"!"

"*Reconnects* This is... an unexpected reward. Good thing we got into the cave, eh guys?" Romani said

"R-Really?"

"I'll be honest; the cave had nothing to do with it... just that I was almost taken out by that beast," Sonic replied

"Y-Yes. T-That's right. Sorry."

Tamamo Cat and "Elizabeth" just stood there doing nothing as they watched the others talking to each other as the sound of the ocean water filled the air.

"..."

"..."


To Be Continued...


"Next Time: Septem (Part 5.)" Sonic, As The Narrator