A Hedgehog Of Chaldea
PRISMA CODES (Part 3)
*At The Next Kingdom*
After meeting Medea Lily and continuing with their adventure, Sonic and Illya arrive at a new Kingdom in the quest of searching for Miyu.
"Land of Dead Bookshelves. I'm not seeing any signs of life. I guess the area lives up to its name." Romani said
"Tell me about it. It looks destroyed here, and the buildings are damaged in every direction. Don't get me started with the quiet noises." Sonic replied
"Sonic, what is that huge wall there?" Illya asks
"Beats me. It looks like a dome but not the domes I've been to." Sonic replied
"It worries me that I can't get any readings from beyond the wall," Romani asks.
"*Notices Something And Hides Behind Sonic* EEEEK! A-A ghost!?"
"*Screams At Sonic*."
"Hey, at least brush your teeth once in a while, would you?" Sonic said
Sonic and Illya watch as the ghost floats passed them and continues as if nothing happened. Sonic scratches his head in confusion but continues walking while holding onto Illya's hand.
"Whew. That was scary. Thank you, Sonic, for not hurting that ghost." Illya said
"Hurting the ghost? Why's that? Something you noticed from it?" Sonic asks
"It seemed kind of sad."
*Later*
"It's so quiet it almost hurts your ears. It would be an excellent place to read a book, though." Illya said
"Roman. Give us the status." Sonic said
"There are no reactions around you."
"The guiding light of the jewels disappeared, too. What do we do? I know! I'll fly a little and look down from above!" Illya said
"Well, depending that there isn't anything around. I don't see why not. Besides, I'm not here to tell you what and what not to do." Sonic replied
"Thank you! Alright, off I go! *Transforms And Begins To Fly Around*."
"*Waits For A Couple Minutes* Hmmm, it's been a couple of minutes now, but no sign of Illya yet. I wonder she went." Sonic said
"Sonic! Please help!" Illya shouted
"Illya?!"
Sonic notices an army of ghost girls surrounding Illya, attempting to attack her. Sonic quickly dashes towards Illya. He carries her in a bridal carry and speeds away soon after before returning to the Ghost girls and running in circles around them, creating a tornado that sweeps up the ghost girls and blows them all away from the location. Sonic then skids on the floor and looks around for any more enemies.
"All I have to say is that those are quite the enemies," Sonic said
"W-Why?! Why me?" Illya shock
"What's all this commotion? I'm shocked that a magical girl would still visit a land drained of all its magical energy."
"Are you this land's magical girl!? The Land of Dead Bookshelves?" Illya asks
"Helena? What is she doing here?" Sonic thought
"Oh, I see. I'm sorry. The others gave you a rather brutal welcome. Are you hurt? Do you need healing?"
"Wait, did you just say others?!" Sonic said
"That's right, talking animal. This is the graveyard of magical girls. All the ghosts in these ruins were once magical girls. I'm just a grave keeper. And a librarian. I'm not a queen and haven't been a magical girl for long."
"*Stares At Illya Eyed Widen*."
"*Stares At Sonic Eyes Widen* Magical girl... g-ghosts!? Ahhhh!"
"This is insane, Blavatsky!" Sonic said
"Oh, you know me. I shall not deny it if you call me by that name. Well, feel free to call me Helena."
"Doctor Romani? Is she...?"
"Yeah, she's not a ghost. Like the other magical girls you've met, she has a Spirit Origin response similar to a Servant's. Of course, she's alive." Romani replied
"What are these magical energy waves? The man in that image... Could it be... A leyline directly linked to a parallel world? So that's it. She found a foothold out to the outside. This is not the best place to talk. Come to my library. And undo your transformation. It's better that way." Helena said
*Inside Helena's Library*
"Wow, look! A whole wall full of old books." Illya said
"Look's a place you see in a horror movie," Sonic commented
"What's wrong, Ruby? You haven't talked much since we came here." Illya said
Y-You haven't noticed? Illya, you're s-s-s-s-s-such...W-W-Well, i-if you d-don't know, i-it's better that way." Ruby shaking
"You're being weird, Ruby. Oh, a stuffed lion! *Notices A Mini Edison.*."
"Edison?! You as well are here?!" Sonic suprise
"It's been a long time since he's spoken," Helena said
"Sonic, every book on that shelf is a grimoire," Romani said
"So... they were once living people?" Sonic said
"For many years, these ruins have been called the Land of Dead Bookshelves. The ghosts outside, as well as all the books in this room, were once magical girls. This is the graveyard of those poor girls plunged into this world. They're called "Echoes." Helena replied
"S-Sonic... Didn't you use a tornado-like attack to send those ghosts flying away?" Illya said
"*Sigh* Looks like I need to write a written apology to the ghosts once were out of this place," Sonic replied
"Don't worry. They know you didn't mean to do it on purpose. Flight or fight mode probably kicked in before. The Echoes who attacked you outside wanted someone to join them. Or perhaps they wanted to match spells with a rival, as they once did. The Echoes don't attack me because my role here is to serve guests. And I have the jewel symbol of my role." Helena said
"Let's get straight to the point. Are you this Reality Marble owner?" Sonic asks
"Me? No, that's not me. I don't own the Reality Marble. A single magical girl created this world. She's called the First Lady. I've never met her before. It's said that the First Lady is in a sealed space at the center of this world, beyond the black wall. No magic can destroy that black wall, and there's no way to know what's inside." Helena replied
"Then what about Medb?" Illya said
"Medb is a magical girl. A mighty one. But she's not the First Lady. Illya, right? Tell me the rest of your story. Why are you so focused on Medb?" Helena asks
"Well, for starters, she ambushed Illya and me when we arrived here. And second of all. You know, I'll just let Illya say the rest." Sonic replied
"*Illya Explains Why She's Here For*
"A fellow magical girl was kidnapped. That's a shame. I thought Medb wasn't interested in anything but the jewels. Did changes in the First Lady affect Medb too?" Helena said
"You seem to know an awful lot about parallel worlds," Romani said
"Because of my theosophy, we magical girls were originally invited here from many different parallel worlds. We were girls who, for various reasons, couldn't be magical girls in our worlds anymore. We had nowhere else to go. Here, we could continue being magical girls. However, there is only one non-magical girl here. And it's the Blue talking creature in front of me." Helena said
"Hey, I was sent here by accident. I'm just here to help Illya find Miyu." Sonic replied
"I see. So I'm guessing you are here for the Jewel as well? Very well. It's yours. Could you take it? *Gives Illya The Orange Jewel*. You may be wondering why I'm suddenly giving it to you. It doesn't matter. At some point, Medb will come. I'm not a magical girl anymore. Just a grave keeper. I don't care about the power of the stone. There's no need to hesitate. After all, you will eventually meet the same fate. The time will come when the world will abandon you, Illya, when you lose your wish. I'll tell you the most important thing. It's about your friend, Miyu Edelfelt." Helena said
"Miyu!?"
"This is a guess, but I don't think it was Medb who kidnapped her. It was the First Lady. I've always assumed she silently monitored this world beyond the black wall by transforming her familiars to blend in with the other magical girls. If you ask Medb, you'll get closer to the truth. That is if she allows you to survive." Helena said
"Thank you, Helena. Miyu was who I wanted to know about most!" Illya said
"Hey, I gotta ask. What are these jewels for? Why are they important to this world?" Sonic asks
"The jewels are crystallized emotions that grant wishes. They should be able to cross the black wall and even reach the outside world. But that may be part of what the First Lady wants, too. Even so, there's only one way to find out: get all the jewels." Helena replied
"It's just like I said. If my theory's right, the First Lady's familiars are capable of crossing the black wall. I can't imagine her being dumb enough to let someone else take control of them, though." Ruby said
"That means the First Lady is deliberately making the magical girls fight! That's awful! We have to stop her!" Illya said
"It's useless. Illya, how strongly do you think your friend is? She hasn't been able to resist. In this world, the First Lady's power is absolute." Helena said
"Not absolute. There's always a way to stop powerful foes. I have been through it before. This is nothing. And I know how to settle things here. Why don't you come to help us?" Sonic said
"Wait a minute, that's a great idea!"
"Huh?"
"Alright, then it's settled. You're coming with both of us." Sonic said
"Okay, now you are just sounding weird. I'm just going to witness the inexperienced magical girl's horrible demise. That's all, okay? Understood?"
"Okay!"
*Medb*
"Hey... Hey! *Kick's Medb.* Medb, how long are you going to lie there?"
"The second most beautiful thing in the world is to see the face of the person you love when you wake up. I feel the flow of magical energy. I hear the sound of a golden waterfall plunging into the abyss."
"Yeah. It looks like the balance of the bounded field is collapsing."
"Hehe. Then it's time for the destruction to begin. It's time for the Magical Girl-Queen Connacht Medb's march to resound worldwide! Prepare my chariot!"
*With Sonic, Illya, And Helena*
A couple of minutes later, Sonic arrives at the location where he Rayshifted with Helena and Illya at incredible speed.
"Alright, we made it out of that place and are now back under the clear blue sky," Sonic said
"*Shaking* T-That was incredibly fast..." Helena said
"I'm still not used to stuff like that. I don't know how he can run that quick without a wall." Illya said
"Now then, Helena. What's Medb like?" Sonic asks
"She's a magical girl of blazing ice. Fierce and merciless. A giant mass of possessiveness. Her rigid nature is like a castle that molds her. If the root of a magical girl's power lies in her strength to believe in herself, she must be the strongest."
"So she's lost her mind," Sonic said
"She's absolutely in her right mind. Perhaps she was the only decent one among the rest of us. She had been in this world since before I arrived. There was a time when we journeyed together. But I put some distance between us when she became obsessed with her lust for control. Most likely, she hadn't changed." Helena replied
"Helena. Medb said she was ready to accept me as a member of her invincible army. That's why I mistakenly thought she had abducted Miyu." Illya said
"The formation of Little Witch Codes to rebel against the First Lady's rule. That was her idea. So she hasn't given up on that ambition yet. *Notices Sonic Looking In Another Direction* What's the matter, Sonic?" Helena asks
"You know who we should go check right now? Nursery Rhyme, It's been on my mind for quite some time now, and I would like to check on her." Sonic replied
"Yep. I'm concerned about her. Why don't we see and check up on her right now." Illya asks
"Alright then, it's settled. Let's go meet up with Rhyme!" Sonic replied
*Later At Candy Land?*
"We're here! But this place looks vastly different than Candy Land." Sonic said
"It's not as cold as it looks, but it still seems like a magical land."
"Try using your brain for once. It's simple. This place just became a part of the Land of Snow and Honey. The transfer of territory. Reallocation of resources. Nothing new. But I've had enough of the cutesy names, though." Mini Cu said
"Oh, hey there, pipsqueak. What are you doing here alone? Aren't you suppose to be with your mom reading a bedtime story?" Sonic said
"You're one to talk. Medb isn't home. I'm the only one who will be tearing you apart. Be thankful." Mini Cu replied
"The power of that familiar is overwhelming! He's a familiar, but he can summon magical creatures." Helena said
"Oh. I thought something smelled dingy. It's Helena. Got bored of counting the bookworms in the library? Then we have to pick up our game. According to Medb, she says it's the first step in molding her army. I can't stop what's already started. We want no regrets." Mini Cu said
Sonic walks up to Mini Cu and takes his spear away from him.
"What the?! Give that back! What is wrong with you?" Mini Cu said
"Hey. I'm partners with the adult version of you. That includes another Medb as well. If they were here. They probably would've destroyed the place the second they arrived. Illya, it's your turn." Sonic said
"Thank you, Big Brother- I mean Sonic!" Illya said
"*Slightly Blushing* Wait, what?" Sonic confuse
"*Blushing* I-I didn't mean to say that to you!" Illya shouted
"Awww, you finally recognized him as a Brother!" Ruby said
"RUBY! You know what! *Charges Up* Quntett Feuer! *Fires A Giant Beam Towards Mini Cu*" Illya shouted
Due to Illya's extreme embarrassment of calling Sonic her Big Brother. Illya unleashes her Noble Phantasm towards Mini Cu, which engulfs him and deals massive damage to him. A few seconds later, the beam explodes as Mini Cu is thrown back and hits a tree soon after.
"Nice job, Illya! You showed him just how wonderful you are! Huh? Illya? What are you doing?" Ruby said
"*Hitting Sonic In The Stomach With Weak Punches* Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Don't think to yourself that you are my Big brother!" Illya said
"I know it was a mistake, but you don't need to take your embarrassment on me," Sonic replied
"If this were another Master, they would've been all over the moon if they were called Big Brother. But I hate these kinds of things. I already have too much to deal with the other Servants. I already have to deal with Raikou's obsession with calling me her son. Shuten's obsession with me, for some reason, Serenity, Kiyohime, and now I'm being called a Brother by some kid I don't even know or where she comes from. I hate it!" Sonic thought
"Oh? Illya, look over there!"
"Illya! Ruby! I'm sorry I'm late! *Appears*."
"You're safe, Sapphire!"
"Sapphire!? It's just you!? Oh, this is Miyu's stick, everyone!" Illya said
"But where the heck is Miyu?" Sonic said
"Good timing, Sapphire! Make a temporary contract with Sonic over there!" Ruby said
"With the talking animal? Are you sure? Ummm... Mister, please don't take this wrong, but this only works with Magical Girls. And you are a Boy." Sapphire said
"It's alright. I rather not use stuff like this. Nor transform into an outfit like what Illya's wearing. If it even works like that. Besides, I don't even know how to use magic anyways. But you are welcome to join us in our adventure." Sonic replied
"Hmph. It looks like the boy has more allies with him. I must retreat." Mini Cu said
"You do that, Cú. And tell Medb. That Illya already has three of the jewels." Helena said
"Yeah, I could tell by the smell. Got it. Sounds like a sweet situation Medb would be happy about." Mini Cu vanishing
*Later*
"First, please see this. It's a message from Miyu." Sapphire said
Sonic, Illya, Ruby, and Helena watch Mityu trapped and tangle interestingly.
"Miyu!"
"Miyu, what a humiliating position you are in! However, this bondage thing is somewhat sexy. *Gets Crushed By Sonic's Fist* Ack! Ow, ow, ow, I give up! I give up!" Ruby shouted
"We don't need to hear your comments. This is a serious matter." Sonic said
"Illya. Or to anyone who knows of Illya. I am Miyu... Edelfelt. I am an m-magical girl... I came to this world with Illya. I am a prisoner of the First Lady. It was she who created this Reality Marble. Inside the black wall, located in the center of the Reality Marble, is the First Lady's castle. Only one of her familiars can pass through the black border. Medb, the woman who attacked Illya and me, could also not penetrate the wall. The First Lady is probably why we've been lured into this world. She seems to have found a technology that could interfere with parallel universes. There must be a connection with why I'm held captive. We must do something. We must stop her plan. This castle is like a labyrinth of mirrors. I believe Sapphire will be able to escape and guide you here. Illya, you mustn't come. Find someone to help you. Have them come instead. I heard someone roaming around this place that holds energy more potent than what the First Lady holds. Unknown energy that doesn't exist in this place or any other place. If you can find that person, please bring them and tell them to rescue me. The patrolling familiar is back! Sapphire, go now! And please be safe!" Miyu said before getting cut off
"Someone that holds more energy. Who can that be?" Illya said
"Whoever that person is, we must find them and help you save Miyu. I shall join in as well." Sapphire said
"I have a feeling she's talking about Sonic," Ruby said
"If that's the case, then Mr. Sonic, you're the one from Chaldea, right? I don't know how to thank you for protecting Illya. Please, I beg you... Save Miyu!" Sapphire begged
"Hey, don't worry, Sapphire. We're going to save Miyu. Trust me. I'm not going anywhere. I promise to all of you that Miyu will be saved. No matter what." Sonic said
"Thank you! Thank you! We appreciate it!" Sapphire thanking Sonic
"Hey, Sapphire... Why did Miyu say something like that? That I shouldn't come..." Illya said
"It seems Miyu noticed something regarding the First Lady's true identity. That was probably why she worried for you, Illya." Sapphire replied
"Do you know who it is, Helena?" Sonic asks
"We've made a few guesses. She is said to be the very first magical girl. Just as the King of Heroes originates the existence of the many other heroes who illuminate human history. I have spoken with Medb about such things in the past." Helena replied
"Heh, with Sonic's unknown energy. It can probably overpower magecraft. Hehehehe, Ruby is getting fired up!"
"That's my sister."
*Later*
Eventually, Sonic, Illya, Helena, Ruby, and Sapphire arrive at Medb's castle in the middle of Candy Land.
"So this is the place, huh?" Sonic said
"I'm staying here. She knows we're coming, so Medb will be waiting with everything she's got. There's no making peace or compromising with Medb. Defeat or be defeated; that's all there is with Medb. I don't want to see any more magical girls fall." Helena said
"Sonic, are you okay with that?" Illya said
"We appreciate you are bringing us here," Sonic replied
"No need to thank me. It may not seem apparent, but I care about my friends." Helena said
"We care about you as well. Don't worry. I will be back before you can begin missing us." Sonic said
*Inside The Castle*
"Heheheh. I've been waiting, Illya. And that Hedgehog here as well. I'll be honest. I tried peeking inside the world in Chaldea, but thanks to the plan. You 1up me and didn't create a leyline. But I can imagine it as a boring world. Why not forget that world and join me? Or are you that stupid as well?" Medb asks
"I rather live in that world rather than this place. Everyone I care about lives in that world, and I wouldn't want to leave them. Sure the world is on the verge of extinction, but I know well that we will all fix it. Even till our last breath." Sonic replied
"Hmph. Quite the response there, hero. But I'm here for you. The one I want is you, Illya! Do you want that Blue animal to take over your world?" Medb said
"He's not like you! Sonic would never do that! I traveled with him throughout this place and know he cares for everyone. He even took the time out of his own to help me look for Miyu! He wouldn't even dare hurt another Magical Girl. I love him for helping me get here without hurting anyone!" Illya replied
"*Wagging His Finger And Smiling* Is that not enough for you?" Sonic said
"I'm the queen. I decide who lives and who dies. You may be wondering about the First Lady. The First Lady's dream is my wish. Her pain is my suffering. The black queen brought to light and guidance this chaotic world. But she can't leave her castle. She can't leave this world. She's all alone... The poor little queen of black. I just granted her a wish early. And look at the result. There are only a few magical girls left in this world." Medb said
"That's crazy! And Medb, you're imitating her! You're insane!" Illya said
"So you're going to resist. That's alright. That's very good. It's faster to overcome you with force! I'll steal you for my own before the First Lady gets you!"
"The only thing that is your enemy is despair, Medb," Sonic said
"..."
"Sonic..."
"That's just self-righteous nonsense!"
"Are you trying to forgive a selfish person like her, who's caused so many problems? Even if it wasn't Medb who kidnapped Miyu, she was the one who made it possible by attacking us!" Illya said
"Shut up. Shut up! Shut up! Don't talk to me. Don't look at me. Don't touch me! Don't even breathe!"
Moments later, Mini Cu lunges toward Sonic and attempts to strike him, but Sonic dodges it. Grab's Mini Cu and throws him back to Medb. He was hitting her and dropping them both to the ground.
"You! You'll pay for this! Also, You used your magic without asking me, didn't you? You're going to destroy my castle! And you'll tire yourself out! Didn't you just see him dodge you without even trying?!" Medb said
"Shut up. I'll throw cheese snacks at you." Mini Cu replied
"Hey, Sapphire or Ruby. Is it possible for you guys can create? I don't know, a magical rope?" Sonic asks
"Sorry. We normally don't follow others' commands if it isn't our Master." Sapphire replied
"What are you trying to do?"
Soon, Sonic transforms into the Purple Frenzy Form as he begins to chase Mini Cu and Medb around while Illya, Ruby, and Sapphire sit on top of the beast's head and enjoy the ride. As the Frenzy beast chomps down on objects around the castle and tries to attack Mini Cu and Medb. Mini Cu desperately attempts to attack the Frenzy monster, but it hardly affects the beast. Illya, Ruby, and Sapphire also helped Sonic by firing magical spells at the two. For several minutes, the Four continue to chase down Medb and Mini Cu and attempt to attack them. This eventually leads Medb to surrender out of her dear life from being eaten alive by the purple frenzy and hand over the Jewel out of spite.
*Later*
"Okay, okay! We give up! I didn't expect a giant purple monster to appear and suddenly begin attacking us. And look what you did to my castle! It's destroyed!" Medb said
"How can a simple blue rodent like you turn into a violent monster? This isn't part of any Magical Girl stories." Mini Cu said
"A Hedgehog never reveals his secrets. *Winks*" Sonic replied
"I just wanted to be a Queen. That's it. Be loved, be cared for. Be seen as the most important."
"That's probably why. I think that's also what Nursery and Medea wanted. You didn't say it aloud, but you saw the other magical girls who disappeared as comrades, didn't you?" Illya said
The castle soon begins to shake as items around them begin to fall.
"And there's the straw that broke the camel's back. That broke Medb's heart. Thanks for finishing her off, little Lady. The castle falling apart is proof of that. Isn't that right, Medb? You realized your weakness, and this time, you killed yourself."
"I'm sorry. But I'm not worthy of you, Mini Cú... I'll die and come back again... I'll come back as a magical girl who's more evil, lustful, wicked, and even more amazing! And when this Blue animal isn't here to ruin it again. Wait for me until then, Mini Cú." Medb said
"If fate brings us together, maybe. Well, if that does happen, I'll kill you myself this time."
"Hehe. That's right. That's our relationship, isn't it? Anyway, I guess it's time for me to leave the stage."
"You. Rodent. The one from Chaldea. What was your name?" Mini Cu said
"Sonic."
"Sonic. What a boring name. I don't want to remember it, so I get lost. Take that little puppy dog with you. Don't stay here. Save your stupid world. See this out until the end." Medb said
"Medb, come with us! With Helena's help, we can heal you!" Illya said
"Illya?!"
"This is backlash. She built up quite a tab forcibly interfering with other worlds, and now all that stress is returning to her. Trying to deny that is an insult to her. She played the villain, knowing what she was getting into from the start. You can have her life and heart, but you can't have her pride. Now get out of here." Mini Cu said
"Well, we tried, but it's probably for the best. Come on, you three, let's get out here before we're buried inside this castle." Sonic said
*Outside*
The five watched as the castle completely fell into pieces before them as Medb and Mini Cu were crushed under the pile.
"The castle has completely collapsed," Sapphire said
"Glad that we got the jewel before we escaped," Sonic said
"I see. So Medb became an Echo. Then someday, I'll see her in my library. Though I've never heard of her liking books. Oh, don't worry about Medb. She was more than willing to kill you. At last. We have all four jewels. Which means."
"To the First Lady's kingdom!"
To Be Continue...
"Next Time: PRISMA CODES (Part 4.)" Sonic As The Narrator
