Sonic/Grand Order
Merry Christmas In The Underworld
*Sonic's Room*
"*Watching The Four In Front Of Him Dying Of Heat* Heat during the Christmas time. It seems like something new happens to us once every two months. What about you, Tiamat? Are you feeling the effects?" Sonic asks
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! [Not at all, my child. I can take you to the ocean if that's what you want.]." Tiamat replied
"Man, we need a device that will allow us to communicate with Tiamat," Sonic commented.
"How can you be so calm about this!?" Santa Alter shock
"Yeah, no fair, Sonic! How are you the only one who's okay with this? It's almost forty-two degrees Celsius! What self-respecting Santa could work in conditions like this!?" Jeanne Alter Santa Lily said
"Oh, come on, I have been inside volcanos, hotter than mature. You'll get used to it after a while. But I am confused about the heat during Christmas time. Every Servant I saw had their room doors open with them lying on the ground, sweaty and not saying a word. I tried to help every Servant here, but that plan didn't work." Sonic said
"Da Vinci and Director Olga collapsed in their beds inside their rooms before they could finish that device that they have been working on for a couple of months now. And just as you said, every other Servant in Chaldea is out of commission with some strange fever." Mash explained
"Well, it looks like that device they are creating for me will have to be postponed for a while until things are solved here. I mostly feel bad for some of the Servants that are overdressed. Everyone is here: Mordred, Nightingale, Jeykll, Tesla, Nobunaga, the Knights." Sonic said
"Everyone in Chaldea that is overdressed. Minus you with gloves and shoes on. Anyway, It all falls to you, Master. There is nothing to be done now. If Santa can't go to work, there will be no Christmas this year. Remember my chocolate mints and dozen turkeys when you are treating me." Santa Alter said
"*Watches As The Three Slump Down On The Ground, Sweaty And Tired* Wa-Wait! Could you not give up on me, guys? I-I'll be right back. I'll go get some ice packs for everyone!" Sonic dashed out of the room as quickly as possible
*Outside*
"*Running Through The Hallways, Noticing Several Servants Collapsed All Around Him* What is going on, right now? Why is this happening in December? I don't even know where I'm heading off to. I need to see if everyone else was dealing with the same effect." Sonic said
"And where are you going, Hedgehog? Suffering from the overwork you have to keep your Servants afloat? Look Upon me ANd leARn from mY ExamPLe! Never mind that one time I worked mysELF to DEath!"
"*Skids And Turns Around* Oh, hey, Gilgamesh. I see you are the only one still standing as well." Sonic said
"So seems to you as well. It seems that you have succumbed to the fever, In which case. You must have acquired some resistance to it during your escapade in the Underworld. And then there is this heat. Those idiots in the Underworld have made another mess of things." Gilgamesh replied
"Underworld? Didn't we destroy that when we returned from Babylonia last year?" Sonic said
"You are mistaken, Hedgehog. This is the terrible illness that even the gods themselves fear: Sumerian Summer Fever! In the Age of Gods, summer was our season of death. Unlike any other mere virus, the Sumerian Fever has a sort of will to it. It is an invitation to die, a plague sent by the gods of the Underworld. The Underworld is attacking Chaldea! Only you can solve such a crisis, Hedgehog. Remember, there will be no Christmas until this has been resolved!" Gilgamesh explained
"Yea, yea, I understand. How can I go to the Underworld from Chaldea and solve this issue quickly?" Sonic asks
"Already prepared to descend into the Underworld? That is how a true traveler of Uruk should conduct himself. Now reclaim Christmas for Chaldea and, more importantly, for me! But be warned! At this time of year, the Underworld is transformed into a hollow pit!" Gilgamesh replied
"Don't worry, I remember from last year's adventure. I know what to expect down there." Sonic said
"Gather the Sands of the Underworld! Its weight shall lead to your salvation! May the Sheep God keep you safe! When your goal has been accomplished, a glorious Holy Night will be upon you, and I once– *Falls Slump Onto The Ground*."
"Alright, to the underworld we go!"
*Underworld*
"Falling While Wearing A Santa Outfit And A Sack* Of course, I had to be placed into the sky and start falling to my doom. Man, I wished I had brought the Sleigh I used last year with Jeanne Alter Lily. This could've been avoided. *Notices Rainbow Trails Heading Towards Him* Colors at the Underworld? Who would've thought? " Sonic said
"Ho ho ho. I see you're having quite the trouble looking for a place to land. Would you like some help from Santa Claus? Hmm? Oh, I see you are also Santa Claus for the winter. I heard about you being Santa for the past couple of years, and now I finally get to see it. Isn't that right, Sonic? Now then, let me introduce myself properly. My name is Attila the San(ta)! You may call me Altera Santa! I have taken up the role of Chaldea's Santa to replace my honorable predecessors." Altera Santa said
"I see you are in the holiday spirit as well, Altera. You aren't used to holidays like this." Sonic replied
"I need to get out of my comfort zone once in a while. You seem to fall slowly through a pile of sheep's wool. So you will not need my help to reach the ground safely." Altera Santa said
"You know, you are right. For once, I'm slowly falling gracefully. But are Santa Claus? I mean, I'm wearing a Santa outfit as well." Sonic said
"I can see that. But I am no doubt THE Santa Claus. This outfit is not quite complete, so it only makes sense if you'd have your doubts." Altera Santa replied
"I see. Anyway, can you tell me what the heck is happening?" Sonic said
"To tell you the truth, I thought everything would fall into place once I met you. No, I must not become dejected. I am Santa Claus, and I am here to judge the value of Christmas. If you understand my circumstances now, I ask you to be my guide. I want to debut as a great Santa Claus in my own right. I want to show everyone that even we Hun warriors can throw a good party. But to do that, I will need your help. Fortunately, there is still some distance between us and the first gate of the Underworld. So let's share what we both know while we're still falling. Is that all right with you, Master?" Altera Santa asks
"Sure thing. And don't worry about the gates. I know how to handle them, knowing this is my fourth time coming here." Sonic replied
"So you been down here before? Then, this should be easier than I thought it would be. All right then, let's head for the first gate."
*Surface*
"*Looking Around His Surroundings* Hmm."
"What's wrong, Sonic? I thought you would be happier now that we've finally reached the first gate." Altera Santa asks
"No, it's not that. It's just that this place is more expressive than the last time I been here," Sonic replied
"Really, huh? Ahem-hem. Ho ho ho! Listen well, Sonic. "Christmas has never been bigger here! Why do you ask? Because our Underworld is merging with Chaldea's accumulated knowledge. And why is THAT happening? I'm afraid that is a secret, so no specifics! But I cannot hide anything from Santa Claus, so I will tell you what I can. I took the liberty of paring things down to the basics to save time. Now that the oath of the Goddess is broken, the Underworld has gone crazy! Even the very concepts of time and place are all wonky! This is all Chaldea's fault, so it should be fixed if we blow Chaldea up. But that Hedgehog would soon realize such a scheme and try to find me. But luckily, he can't enter the Underworld. So things shall go as planned."There you have it, Sonic. Now you know our incredible secret." Altera said
"Seems like they tried to get me where I couldn't come to the Underworld. But, here I am once again." Sonic replied
"Wait, there's more. "At this time of year, the Underworld is narrow and deep, not exhaustive and shallow. This means that its seven gates are now seven layers, and something extraordinary lies at the bottom, beyond even the seventh layer. The ocean of pure water serves as the root of Sumerian myth. Originally called 'the Abzu.' Today people often refer to it as 'the Abyss. In the dark reaches of its depths lies the Underworld's temple. Anyway, that's where the Queen of Kur is, and Chaldea won't cool down until Sonic defeats her in some way or another. So if you want to save Chaldea, you should head for the Abyss."There you have it. It sounds like this Queen of Kur person is the problem." Altera Santa said
"Sounds good to me. Now I know where to go and handle this person. So, why are you here anyway?" Sonic asks
"I am here for the dream collaboration of the Mesopotamian Underworld and Christmas. Together, we have crossed imaginary lines all at once! Santa was never connected to the Underworld at all. Neither were the Huns, now that I think about it. No matter! Wherever people cry out for presents, there must be a Santa to deliver them. Or, that's what I was told. At any rate, I have gifts I need to provide to the Abyss so that I can go with you."
*First Gate*
"Kur is full of souls, and the living is unwelcome. If you wish to continue, you will have to die." Gatekeeper said
"Isn't that a little too excessive just to pass one gate? Don't worry. I've already been through this before. So this should be easy. " Sonic replied
"Unfortunately, that premise is no longer the one on which these gates operate. It is no longer a question of fairness, a trial in which anyone could potentially succeed. Now there is a single condition that must be satisfied to open this gate: something must be sacrificed. Do you understand? If you wish to proceed from here, you must either suffer defeat at my hands or give me a present. Do that, and I would be willing to make an exception and open the gate."
"You want a present? Heh, why didn't you just say so? Of course, I'll give you a present!" Sonic said
"I'll go first! Here, Gatekeeper, I have the only present you could ever need. For you, I have a friend!" Altera Santa said
"No. Please leave."
"What?"
"*Pulls Out An Actual Present From His Sack And Places It On Top Of The Sheep* Look, Gatekeeper, if you accept her present. You also get another gift from me as well. A deal for Christmas!" Sonic said
"*Thinking For A Little* On second thought, I'll take it. If it's coming from Sonic, then it's one-of-a-kind. But for the other Santa, I can think of one thing to do with it. Since my soul seems ascending, you can go on if you want. And that is the end of my role. I'll see you in the Surface again later. *Disappears BAck To Chaldea*" Gatekeeper said
"Sounds good to me, see you later. Ana."
"Her soul ascended to heaven when she got a present. So that is a Christmas miracle. I knew I was right to seek you out, Master. The Underworld is supposed to be cold, but my heart couldn't be warmer now. We will descend deeper from here, find the next gate, and present it to its Gatekeeper. Why is Chaldea being attacked? Why did the underworld change so dramatically? And why am I the new Santa Claus? I believe our trip to the Abyss will answer all of these questions!" Altera Santa said
*Gate 2*
"You seem like you're in a hurry. Why is that, Master?" Altera Santa asks
"Sorry, Altera. I know Christmas is supposed to be a time to spend with you and your family. Relaxing on the Holiday. But this month has been busy for me. No, it's not about the Mages' Association. That Ban is still in place." Sonic said
"If it's because of that device, Da Vinci and Mrs. Olga have been working on for the past couple of months. Then I get it. It seems like you're excited to return home. And I'm happy for you that you are about to witness it." Altera Santa replied
"Don't get the wrong idea, Altera. I have no intention of just abandoning you guys. Many Servants had that same thought of their Master just leaving them behind. I had to reassure everyone that I was not leaving this place. I will continue to stay here. That's why we are making that device that allows us to go and return from our worlds. Thanks to the Chaos Emeralds. So don't think I'm leaving this place and staying back home forever. I'll continue to be here and spend time with you. Remember that promise." Sonic said
"Glad you still want to continue staying with us and being our Master, Sonic. We would've been heartbroken if you had just left and never returned. " Altera Santa replied
"This is my home as well. Here, we are one big group of friends working together to keep the world intact. Always have, always will. Sorry about that little personal talk, and return to our mission. How do you become Santa Claus in the first place?" Sonic asks
"It's a complex and labyrinthine tale, so make sure you listen closely. And flashback." Altera Santa said
*Flashback*
"Servants collapsed all around like sacks of meal. Looks like a battlefield. Von Hohenheim says they've all caught a summer cold." Altera said
"It looks like you have an immunity to this disease. I imagine it's a combination of your Natural Body, which keeps all manner of ills at bay. And what I'm guessing is solid innate resistance to this planet's mythology, particularly the Age of Gods. I must say, I'm pretty jealous. I tried every prescription I could think of but to no avail. If anything, I'm in worse straits than before, thanks to their combined side effe–Gurk!" Paracelsus explained
"He's coughing up blood like it's going out of style. It should be fine, though. I put him in the refrigerator to cool him off. I can't celebrate Christmas like this, though. This year was supposed to be my chance! My chance to see if Christmas was good civilization or bad civilization." Altera said
"This is terrible. I have a terrible feeling about this. I can't believe the Underworld would stoop to such underhanded measures. Goodness, look at all of these Heroic Spirits. Every single one has collapsed. I see King Gilgamesh is still standing, but only because he's too proud to admit defeat. His pride has him propped up like a house of cards. A lovely picture, that. Now, what do I do? There doesn't seem to be anything I CAN do. Guess I may as well go home then."
" A sheep. Oh, just seeing the fluffiness takes me back. Still, remember how soft and cozy my sheep's wool was and how delicious it tasted. You there. You must be a particular sheep. Do you mind if I touch you? You look so fluffy." Altera asks
"Oh. It looks like there IS someone still in good health here. I can't believe this. You're beautiful, and you can see me."
"Yes, I can. I can hear you speaking, too. Who are you? Were you perhaps a Christmas decoration that got away?"
"Christmas. Aha, there's an idea. I think I see a way out of this mess now. I'm a mysterious sheep. You can call me Dumuzid. Would you be so kind as to tell me your True Name, Class, and marital status?" Dumuzid asks
"My name is Altera. I am a Saber. I have been married many times. At least on paper." Altera replied
"Only on paper, hm? Very practical. I approve. You must have ended up with quite the dowry." Dumuzid said
"You said your name was "Doom Zed."So are you going to make monsters grow into giants?"
"That line of thinking does sound very much like you. But if anything, "Doomzy" might be better. Now, on an entirely different subject, may I tell you something? I'll take that as a yes. Altera, this is happening because the Underworld didn't get any presents. I thought of that. Just now. You're up against the Underworld. The Sumerian Underworld. And its ruler has turned her Authority against Chaldea. She wants to kill you all. Altera, you won't get anything out of this, but would you help me pacify her anger?" Dumuzid asks
"Very well. If I'm the only one who can help you, then I will. That said, precisely what is it you want me to do?" Altera replied
"I've got four words for you: it's Christmastime, Santa Claus. I'm told that Santa Claus can pay a visit to lonesome children, no matter where they may be. I would like to lend you my power so that you can become Santa Claus. However, this place has another Santa that has been working Christmas for a while now. So I suggest you bring him as well." Dumuzid said
"*Changes Classes* Hmm. It looks like I've changed classes."
"You have quite a flair for being Santa, Altera. That enormous flock of sheep is proof. You must have lived a very nomadic life back when you were alive. Though I do wonder, why has your horse also become a sheep? Don't you have a great, noble steed?" Dumuzid said
"Isn't Santa Claus supposed to ride a sheep?"
"Yeah, sounds right. We're well-matched. All right then, Altera Santa, do you know what the duties of Santa Claus are?"
"Yes. I merely have to deliver presents to all the good children on the night of the 24th, right? That's not very long at all. Will I have time to deliver presents to children worldwide on my own?" Altera Santa asks
" I see. I do feel bad using someone so naive, but my honor AND my life are at stake here. Perfect, Altera. I've never seen such an excellent Santa Claus in all my life. Not that I've ever seen a Santa before, in any case. But I'll count Blue for it. Now, I've given you the Authority to descend into the Underworld. Use it to deliver a present to the very lowest level. Here, take this manual I prepared just for this occasion. Feel free to read it if you have any questions." Dumuzid said
"Your parcel is safe with me. I, too, believe its contents are something one should never throw away."
"Yes, you're exactly right. I can't tell you how relieved I am to hear that, Altera. The Blue Hedgehog will soon head to the Underworld. I can already see the interaction between him and King Gilgamesh. That Master is the source of this calamity. Once he reaches the seventh gate, I wonder what he will choose. Pay close attention because that'll be when you understand Christmas's true meaning.
*End Of Flashback*
"There you have it."
"So a literal sheep gave you Santa powers? Now that is something you don't hear every day. Where is he anyway?" sonic asks.
"Hm, now that you mention it, I don't know. How odd. He was by my side until we came here. At any rate, I appreciate you following along with my harrowing tale. Even though you are busy yourself as well. I think Doomzy must have vanished after entrusting his Santa powers to me. What a good sheep. You are headed to the bottom of the Underworld to save Chaldea. All right, prepare to land. I can see the second gate now."
*Gate 2*
"Well, well, if it isn't the fastest Hedgehog alive. I'll tell you what, I didn't expect to see you here. But I heard many stories of you being Santa every year and handing out rare presents to everyone. Don't you have a present for everyone? Even if they're evil murderers and stuff?" Gatekeeper 2 asks
"Hey there, Mainiiu. Merry Christmas to you as well. I didn't expect to see you here." Sonic replied
"You didn't expect me to be here? Here I thought I was a perfect fit for the Underworld. I'm an old hand when it comes to human sacrifice now. I'm a saint if you can believe that!" Gatekeeper 2 said
"You're telling me you, too, are Santa Claus? Because you don't exactly seem dressed for the part. Nor do I see a sack of presents anywhere." Altera Santa replied
"Hey, man, we are just here to give you some presents so we can talk to the ruler of the Underworld. I know who she is, and I'll allow grabbing any presents from this sack so we can pass. *Tosses Sack Towards Mainiiu* Also, Merry Christmas once again." Sonic said
"Sonic? You're just giving them presents away to him? Is that how Christmas works around here?" Altera Santa asks
"I need to head to the ruler of this and talk to her. Everyone in Chaldea is suffering from the heat, and I can't let it continue like that. I need to hurry." Sonic replied
"W-What? Really? You're not here to fight at all, aren't yall?"
"I mean, it's the holidays, and many things don't happen around Christmas where I need to save someone. A break and to spend time with some friends." Sonic replied
"Oh, I see; I guess you do mean it. In that case, *Grabs A Couple Things From The Sack* Now, these are what I'm talking about! Nothing wrong with taking two or three here. Anyone who waits for Santa to show up and give them presents is greedy, right? And Santa isn't much better, visiting people who don't believe in him. *Gate 2 Opens Behind Him* I guess that's all it took to open the gate. Not bad, me. Pretty good for something you just made up. Welp looks like this is it for me. Thanks for the present! See you later, you two. Peace! *Teleports Back To Chaldea*."
"I just needed to get him out of the way before he went full rage mode, Altera. From here on out, we will continue with how we did with Ana. But let's speed things up around here. *Grab's Altera And Light Speeds Away," Sonic said
*Later*
"*Fighting Against Benkei* It's cold! Absurdly cold! It was cold even before it started snowing!" Ushiwakamaru said
"I understand your desire to exercise to keep warm here. But I fail to see why that requires slashing at me like I am among the ships at Dan-no-Ura." Benkei replied
"Do not worry about it! This is just my way of expressing myself! Damn that, Ereshkigal. How dare she order me to level these mountains without preparing a meal! Even though I am doing this to atone for my misdeeds, I cannot endure ceaseless toil!" Ushiwakamaru said
"Hahaha! I'm glad you still have plenty of imagination, Lord Yoshitsune. Lacking nutrition. Mwahaha! Have you finally realized that no matter how much you grow, you'll never fill out quite like Lord Raikou?" Benkei asks
"Very well. I have decided this place will be your grave. I may not be able to till this field, but I can still make a burial mound for your head. *Dashes Towards Benkei Only For Sonic To Skid In Front Of Her And Forces To Stop Herself* Huh?!" Ushiwakamaru shock
"Whoa there, seems like I'm early into the party! What's with the fighting, you two? I just arrived after hearing noises of swords clanging into one another." Sonic said
"Sonic? What are you doing here? And who's your friend behind you?" Ushiwakamaru said
"Well, this is Altera. We are both Santa Claus this year! Giving out gifts in the Underworld. Who would've thought, huh?" Sonic replied
*Sonic Explains Everything To Both Benkei And Ushiwakamaru*
"So you're wearing that bizarre costume because you are Santa Claus. To think you are bringing a present to that cold, obstinate, stingy, isolated Ereshkigal. It is no easy feat to traverse this frigid wasteland, yet you do it to bring cheer to others. Impressive."
"Don't worry, and I knew you were gone from Chaldea during that heat wave. So I was also searching for you and Benkei as well. And I'm you two are still alive." Sonic said
"Please forgive her mischievous indulgences, Lord Sonic."
"To prevent further confrontation. we ought to conclude our business here quickly. Go ahead, Lord Sonic. You are also busy with stuff on your own before this, and I don't want you to stress out. But before you go on, Surely you know what comes next. One cannot have Christmas without it. Bring on the alcohol! The kind that is just to my liking! The kind that turns tears into laughter!" Ushiwakamaru said
"Sure thing! *Open The Sack As Ushiwakamaru Takes Out Bottles Of Alcohol From The Sack* Oh, I didn't know those were included inside! But if I have to guess, Jing Ke probably placed them there to hide her secrets. I'll talk with her later on about where to place her items. Anyway, your turn, Altera." Sonic said
"Of course, young swordswoman! Oooh, your outfit looks so warm! I think you'll be thrilled with this bromide." Altera Santa said
"I appreciate the gifts, but. I already have more pictures of me, Ushiwakamaru, in action than I know what to do with." Ushiwakamaru replied
"Have you seen, Osakabehime? She has a poster of all of us in one giant poster she placed inside her room. She even added the new Servants that arrived in Chaldea, like the Mechas, Sheba, Circe, and Williams." Sonic said
"Her work of art is indeed beautiful. The detail on the armor! The fiery courage in our gaze! What a miracle to encounter art of such quality in the Underworld! I shall cherish it forever! Thank you! Thank you, Lord Santa Claus!"
"Now I'm getting the hang of this. If bromides of your partner make you that happy, what about this one? *Pulls Out Art Of Benkei As Sonic Pulls Out A Gift For Benkei As Well*."
"Oho! Such amazing gifts and arts in the Underworld! Such Masterpiece!" Benkei said
"Can I ask for an offer such as a gift in private? *Talks To Altera Santa In Private For A Few Moments*."
"I see. I did want one of those for myself, but I can let you have this one. Now then, there's a bunch of different kinds. Which one would you like?" Altera Santa asks
"The one with the four I call family. One of my fondest memories." Ushiwakamaru replied
Altrea Santa soon pulls out the artwork of Sonic, Mash, Da Vinci, And Olga in the same painting, smiling together and having fun during the New Year's. A wonderful group of friends, one different from another, can still be friends. The four that the Servants can think of as family.
"Such fondest memories. Seeing these four smiling together. Indeed, it is wasted on a fool like myself. *Gate Opens Behind The Two*" Ushiwakamaru said
"Well, I guess we should get going soon. There's a Christmas that needs to be saved! Merry Christmas, you two. *Grab's Altera Once Again And Dashes Away*" Sonic said
"Yes, it seems so. Farewell, Lord Sonic. Will be waiting for your return in Chaldea." Ushiwakamaru said
"Once Lord Sonic fixes things and restores the Underworld to its proper stability, everything should return to normal. Lord Yoshitsune? Why are you smiling like that?" Benkei asks
"I was just thinking of these four smiles in this picture. Seeing them smile always makes my heart rush, and I can't help but smile as well seeing these four together. It's like Fate brought these four together." Ushiwakamaru replied
*Later*
"Well, that was quite the interaction with Jaguar Warrior. However, everything should be close to finishing now." Sonic said
"Yup. I'm glad I've been able to hand out so many presents. Zerco's happy about it too. Do you want to listen to the story?" Altera Santa asks
"I'm good, besides. We are just a few seconds away from our next destination. I told you before. I need to save Christmas before anything can happen. And it probably isn't Ereshkigal that's doing all of this. I believe it's someone else." Sonic replied
"That's the only logical thing that can happen, Sonic. Greetings, I've been touring this place myself and just happened to get here first. You can call me Mister Sheep."
"*Rubbing His Chin But Just Continues To Play Along* Yes, nice to see you, Mister Sheep," Sonic replied
"Why are you wandering here alone? Who are you?" Altera Santa asks
"Touring this place. I'm not associated with the Underworld, and I'm not your enemy. After all, I'm not on Nergal's side either. Nergal is the one attacking your base and holding Ereshkigal prisoner. Well, more accurately, it's less him and more the malice he left behind in the Underworld. He's trying to steal Ereshkigal's rulership of the underworld and reign supreme as a god once again. The age of Nergal, God of the sun, is long over. But Nergal, God of the Underworld? Maybe not." Mister Sheep replied
"Anything else I should know about?" Sonic asks
"Nergal's been hiding out here, waiting to ambush you! But he soon realized the speed of the Blue Hedgehog was far greater than anything he had seen before, clearing the gates easy without much effort, which scared him to the core."
"Impossible! How can such a creature how this amount of speed on top of him? No living being or God has ever run at such speeds before!" Evil Gallu Spirit shock
"Hey, why are you afraid of speed only? I can think of a few more things that are much more dangerous than speed!" Sonic said
"NO! No one from the Underworld can have such incredible feet and ruin my plans! I will kill you before you can continue!" Evil Gallu Spirit shouted
"What a boring way to start a battle. However, allow making it more exciting and fun. *Runs Around The Spirit, Creating A Powerful That Sweeps Up The Spirit, Sucks Him In Before Blowing Him Far Away From The Gate* That will teach you to mess with an Hedgehog!"
"And thus, the Hedgehog with a kind heart strikes again. I'm shocked he had such a grudge that he still survived on it thousands of years after Ereshkigal kicked his butt." Mister Sheep said
"Now, could you please explain something to me? Since we just defeated the mastermind, will the attack on Chaldea stop?" Altera Santa asks
"No. After all, Ereshkigal's the one sending the plague there. Even as we speak, Ereshkigal attacks Chaldea from the Abyss to kill herself. You see, to help you, she broke the oath she took as a goddess. Consequently, she should have lost her Spirit Origin and returned to the normal underworld system. But."
"It's because there are still humans at Chaldea who remember her, isn't it? Ereshkigal tried to comply with her oath and disappear, but because of all the people in Chaldea who remember her and the records of her battles stored there, she couldn't do so thoroughly. It's just that if she's going to disappear, she has to make Chaldea disappear too." Altera Santa explained
"I imagine Nergal must have gotten into her head. She chose to cut out that part of herself so she wouldn't be a burden to you." Mister Sheep said
"Why would she be a burden to me? I care about her just as much as everyone else in Chaldea." Sonic said
"The problem is that Ereshkigal never liked her true self's sense of responsibility. After she got rid of her memories of what happened back then and returned to being the same Goddess she was before, she couldn't stand the thought of letting herself off the hook just by forgetting about you. Now that Ereshkigal knows about the outside world, her heart is shaking the foundations of the Underworld. Ereshkigal decided that leaving the Underworld in that state was too dangerous. And so, too, she thought, was this version of herself. So she tried to erase her existence and leave Nergal in charge. As we speak, she's bathing in the pure water of the Abyss in an attempt to dissolve herself. She thinks that's the best way for her to take responsibility. You'll have to defeat the Queen of Kur to save Chaldea."
"I see. So it has to come like this, huh?" Sonic asks
"I believe so. It's probably for the best, Sonic. You must do what you have to do. Defeat in the kindest way possible. That has always been your mission since you arrived here. Defeat them in kindness." Mister Sheep replied
"Lady Ereshkigal. Preparations for the ritual to transfer your Authority are complete. Now that you have broken your oath, you have no right to rule over the Underworld. As long as you harbor such doubts, it is only a matter of time until this place falls into disorder, which is why I must ask you. Please, cut out those memories. Return to the perfect woman you once were before you sinned and became an imperfect goddess. Once you have done so, you must sleep forever in the Abyss. Through your sacrifice, the Underworld will continue in peace and prosperity. Leave the rest to us... We will see that the Underworld gains a more fitting ruler. All of this is to ensure the Underworld's survival. Please, fulfill your final duty as the Queen of Kur."
Once Mister Sheep explained everything to Sonic about what was happening to Ereshkigal, he and Altera Santa decided to head straight there without getting through the last gate and saving her as quickly as possible. It was only a matter of time before anything happened to the Goddess.
*Down At The Abyss*
"*Swimming Deeper Into The Abyss* Ereshikgal!" Sonic shouted
"I can sense you, but I can't see you. You hate swimming, but you are still doing what's right." Altera Santa said
"Luckily, I'm able to breathe in this water. If I couldn't, I would've drowned at this point. All of this would've been for nothing. Ereshkigal!" Sonic shouted
"That voice. That voice sounds familiar. Did you come all this way for me?" Ereshkigal said
"Ereshkigal! Why are you doing this? What's the reason behind this? I'm just here to help out a buddy from the worse." Sonic replied
"You came to save me? But I don't know you. Even if you did save me, can you still look upon me so fondly, even after seeing me like this? *Shows Sonic Her Face Rotting Away*" Ereshikgal said
"*Notices Her Rotting Face But Doesn't Get Weirded Out Seeing It* What makes you say that? Why would I just decline to save you just because of your look? I'm here to save you, and that's final!" Sonic replied
"I don't know anything about you. Nergal told me about Chaldea. He also told me that as long as you're around, I'll never be able to disappear. I have nothing against you but need you to go away if the Underworld is to survive." Ereshkigal said
"Eresh, snap out of it! I'm not going anywhere until I save you from this place! Threaten me as much as you want; I'm not leaving!" Sonic replied
"You say you need Chaldea to go away so you can disappear. But I also heard that you'd disappear before Chaldea succumbs to the Sumerian Fever. Why attack Chaldea if things will turn out the same regardless?" Altera Santa asks
"Whether I exist or not, Chaldea is a threat. As the ruler of the Underworld, it falls to me to do something about it. I'm using the last of my power to help the Underworld." Ereshkigal said
"What good is that to come if everything is going to disappear anyway?! Eresh, what you are doing is completely wrong! Many have tried something similar before. All of them failed, and the results are always the same." Sonic replied
"Only this time, it will work, Rodent. If she wants to protect the Underworld. You will obey me. Do that, and the Underworld shall become a land where the dead writhe in pain. Now, come, Ereshkigal. The time has come to fulfill your duty. Kill them, and disappear completely." A Voice said
"You! Don't you dare control my friend for your satisfaction! I didn't come here to see her be in this state!" Sonic shouted,
"If you wish to save her, then go ahead, Rodent! Be the true hero you always were."
"I'll make you eat those words! *Was About To Perform A Spin Attack At Ereshikgal, But Altera Santa Stops Him* Huh? Altera?" Sonic confuse
"*Stops Sonic* Master, did you already forget why we are here? You aren't here to fight. It's a time when smiles and laughs fill the sky with precious memories. And that is why I have those precious things for Ereshkigal. Something a particular little sheep entrusted to me. The very memories that Ereshkigal discarded." Altera Santa said
Oh, that sheep you talked about. I forgot about him." Sonic said
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sonic The Hedgehog. Master Of Chaldea. *Appears In Front Of Both Altera And Sonic* Dumuzid. I'm the one who recovered Ereshkigal's memories and kept them safe. No need o worry about her forgetting about you." Dumuzid replied
"Dumuzid, the God of Shepherds!? What have you done now?!"
"You made your way here without resorting to violence. I commend you for such acts. But now, I'll take it from here, Blue Blur. Terrible Ereshkigal! Now is the time to return to your proper form. Remember Nergal's Authority? The brilliant light of the sun you once laid claim to? Now is the time for you to awaken to the sun's gleaming shine. As they say, there is no time like the present. After all, don't you feel you could pull that off now? If these memories are truly precious to you, you should also start to shine bright. Proud Goddess of the Underworld, there was once a time when you didn't even know what the sun was. You knew nothing of the light. You did not know what it was that you admired. But as you are now, you just might be able to shine." Dumuzid said
"What have you done, you foul creature!? Her memories are even more vital now than they were before! They would have just disappeared if you'd let them be, but you went and reinforced them! How dare you use the water of life for something like this! Dumuzid! Whose side are you on here!? We are both gods of the Underworld who have been cruelly mistreated! Have you forgotten your humiliation at Ishtar and Ereshkigal's hands!? The anger it aroused!?"
"Oh my, this is terrible. Just terrible. I think I'll turn into a serpent and make my escape."
"Dumuziiid!"
"Shut. UP! Get out of my body, NOW!"
"Aaah! Nooo! We're being stripped away. This light...it can't be!"
"Oh yes, it can! I'm back to my old self! And this light is nothing less than the heat of the glaring sun! In your honor, I name this: The Scorching Shrine, Ki Gal Meslamtaea! It shall be the sun of the Underworld! It shall be the mark of peace that warms its untamed lands."
"Welcome back, Eresh. It's a pleasure to see you smile again." Sonic said
"*Blushing* Oh, hey there, Sonic. S-Sorry, I had to put into this mess. But I'm glad you are still smiling and here to rescue me." Ereshkigal replied
"How dare you purge me from yourself. What happened to your responsibilities, Ereshkigal? How long will you cling to that unseemly Spirit Origin!? Do you plan to leave the Underworld behind and be free? Or perhaps to abandon it for a life on the Surface?"
"Don't get the wrong idea, Nergal! I admit I'm not giving up this Spirit Origin. But I'm not sticking around for my own sake. I'm sticking around to protect the Underworld! Now that I've heard your plans for it, I realize my genuine mistake. It wasn't breaking my oath. It was decided to let you take over the Underworld for me! You don't care about the Underworld. You just want a place to call your own. A world that exists just to worship and glorify you. No way I'm entrusting my Underworld to a god like that! This is a land of tranquility that exists to shelter souls after they die, to protect the longing they still have for their lives! I am Ereshkigal of the Underworld, the Queen of Kur! On my honor, I, at this moment, banish Nergal's residual malice from my domain! Effective immediately! Sonic! Time to finish him!" Ereshkigal shouted
"You got it, Eresh! *The Seven Emeralds Surround Him, Ereshkigal, And Altera Santa, Emitting Light* Time to take down monsters like you! Super Sonic style!" Sonic shouted
"THIS LIGHT! IT'S LIGHT I HAVE NEVER SEEN BEFORE! SOMETHING THAT DOESN'T BELONG IN THIS REALM! CURSE YOU, RODENT! *Watches As The Three Travel In Light Speed Towards Him And Pierced Through His Body, Feeling The Amount Of This Unknown Power Flowing Around His Body And Damaming Him* NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
The Abyss then glows brightly as Nergal's body begins to shine brighter from the Chaos Emerald as everything shines bright and, soon enough, makes the Abyss fully glow. Thanks to the Positive energy of the Chaos Emeralds.
*Later, Back At The Abyss*
"What a way to finish off the year with a bang! Super Sonic style!" Super Sonic said
"Seeing you in such a transformation brings me many memories. I never forgot about a such beautiful from you, Sonic." Ereshkigal said
"The energy flowing through my body was something I would never forget. Truly amazing." Altera Santa said
"Very impressive, you three. You had the power that can overpower a god. Truly beautiful." Dumuzid said
"Wait, Dumuzid!? You're here!? But why do you look like that? Wait for a second... That's the Authority I always wanted, isn't it!? So you stuck me with serpents and gazelles and kept sheep for yourself, huh!?" Ereshkigal shock
"Serpents and gazelles simply take to you. In a few minutes, this descent into the Underworld will be over. And with time to spare before Christmas, too! Once the date rolls over to December 24, we shall all return to our times. Chaldea will return in December 2019, and the Underworld will return in December one year prior. Of course, the time difference won't matter if you choose to stay here." Dumuzid said
"Wait, what time is it now... 11:30 p.m.!? That gives us hardly any time at all! We finally have a chance to see each other again, and I don't even know what to say!" Ereshkigal said
"Ereshkigal. This won't be the last time we will ever see each other again. I know for a fact that very soon. We will see each other inside Chaldea, where all of us can smile and enjoy life together. What's most important to me!" Super Sonic said
"You're right. This is not goodbye forever. I can see you're brilliant. Bonds you've forged here are more significant than anything more earthly."
"You're right. Since I broke my oath, I was planning to give up this avatar and return to being my old, gloomy self. But if I just said goodbye now, after everything you've done for me, I would be a failure as a goddess. You saved me. You've more than paid me back. From now on, I can hold my head high. And continue to help you as this Spirit Origin the Ereshkigal you know." Ereshkigal said
"Glad to see smiling once again, Goddess," Sonic replied
"I'm so happy you came to the Abyss just for me. Thank you...for being you. Thank you for staying true to what you think is right, no matter who you meet or what happens to you. No present could make me happier, no matter how grand or extravagant." Ereshkigal said
"I always stayed true to myself. Even when times were difficult. I'm always the Sonic I have been. Now, Altera, ready to head back and spend Christmas as it's supposed to?" Super Sonic asks
"Sure thing, Master. Let us celebrate the most crucial time of the year together." Altera Santa replied
"*Looks Back At Ereshkigal And Gives Her A Thumbs Up Before He And Altera Santa Flew Back Up To The Surface In High Speeds As Eresh Waved Bye To Him* MERRY CHRISTMAS YOU TWO!" Super Sonic shouted
Altera Santa And Ereshikgal Have Joined Chaldea And Are Now Sonic's Servants
After A Supposed Three Years Of Being Stuck At Another World. The Hedgehog Will Soon Return To The Place He Once Called Home, And Will See Those Who He Left Behind. His World And Friends Await Him For His Return.
However, His Happy Go Reunion Wouldn't Last Long...
His Arch-Rival Has Acquired A New Friend To Deal With The Hedgehog...
And The Two Worlds Will Soon Collide With History Once Again...
Coming Up:
Part 2: Prologue
