Got back on Monday. I wrote ahead a bit, so it should be easier for me to fit the gaps.
CHAPTER 32: PARTY HARD 2: PARTY HARDER
"Hey what's this city called? No one ever told me!" Sonic whispered into Leon's ear.
"Castle Town." The blacksmith replied bluntly.
-"Is that the BEST you guys could come up with? I mean goddamn, 'Castle Town'? How about THE CITY OF TOWNSVILLE?" Sonic felt like saying but never actually did.- "Okay." Sonic responded.
"Not creative at all, I know." Leon said, seeming to read his friend's mind.
"Oh, and I have to thank you big time for the armor." Sonic thanked, sticking out his hand. "Really got roughed up toward the end, would have been in much more trouble than I was if you didn't make it for me."
Leon took the hand and shook it. "It's pretty dinged up. Maybe you bring it back, I'll fix it up for you, on the house, for stopping... him."
"Sure thing buddy." Sonic nodded, taking his hand away to give him a thumbs up. "If you want to. Surviving the things you were forced to do and feel because of that guy in you really makes me think you deserve a lot."
Sonic turned his head forward, and to the distance, he saw a person walking toward them. A rabbit girl. -I'd have to say that's--
"Emily!" Leon exclaimed, running to meet her.
-And not a single fuck was given that day by the blue hedgehog.- Sonic turned to his knights, about to start a conversation about what they do in their free time, when something else stopped him.
"... For the love of sweet Satan, my hea-aauuughhh!" Groaned a voice loudly coming from the woods. The owner was quickly making his way to the path. -That voice...- "What's that banging? STOP THAT BANGING!"
Some of the more barbaric warriors in the back of the group had been clanging and clapping their weapons and their shields together for some time now. Most of them had stopped at the request but others couldn't hear it. In further agitation, the complainant stepped out of the treeline, revealing himself to be the Warlock, in front of the group and shouted over the whole crowd.
"STOP IT BANGING, STOP THAT BANGING!"
As the clatter stopped, Sonic stared at the Warlock, his mouth agape. He recognized the person. Not as someone he personally knew, but still recognized him.
It was Murdoc from the Gorillaz.
"What?" Murdoc asked, rubbing his head while glaring at Sonic. "Pigeon shat in my eye, cuzza that I fell on a rock, and now YOU IDIOTS START CLANGING AND BANGING YOUR SWORDS TOGETHER IN THE MOST ANNOYING WAY, what did you expect me to act like!"
"Oh, um, I," Sonic stammered, caught off guard by the sudden appearance of a member of one of his favorite bands face to face, and that it was the one who had summoned Chaos. It also surprised him how he did not notice him before. "I- Gah, it's not that, it's just that you look an awful lot like a guy I know."
Murdoc continued to glare at the hedgehog. Murdoc was taller than Sonic by two feet, meaning Murdoc looked down at him, the one red eye seeping with anger.
"I don't like the look of this guy." Bors whispered the comment into Lamorak's ear.
"Look, just..." Sonic waved his hand from side to side, gesturing as if he was pushing him out of the way. "Just get in the back, please. We've got places to go."
The man looked at the crowd behind the king. They were all passing curious and spiting looks at the Warlock, thinking he's going to be a troublemaker. With a shrug, Murdoc smiled arrogantly and said "Sure."
Without another word, Murdoc stepped aside. He did a little bow, motioning his hand toward further down the path, crossing his fingers behind his back with the other. With one last distrusting look, Sonic swiftly moved past him, his knights marching behind him. A moment later, the warlock was engulfed into the crowd.
Inside the city, the keep was bright with torch and candle light. The doors had been left open, meaning all could enter and traverse its halls and rooms. Sonic and the knights, now with their armor removed, were in the dinner hall, along with the members of the army he fought with. Sonic was pretty sure he was expected to make a speech, so he decided to make one up on the spot. -Because I'll probably never speak like a leader to anyone like this ever again, but whatever, it's good social practice.-
"Today was an amazing day." Sonic said over the conversing men and women. "Even when we were literally plunged into hell, we all banded together and pulled through. Some of you never had experience with any weapons. Many of you never killed anyone with that experience. That said, you all did a fantastic job at slaying as many as you did. I apologize for going in recklessly and almost getting myself killed, but regardless, with my absence, you made it to Merlina's throne room. You did not need a king to fight well, hard, and for what's right! You were called into serve, and you knew what to do. In hours, you fixed a problem that threatened all that you loved. You are the example of a perfect society. All of you; you have hearts of gold. Don't let ANYONE take it from you!"
As Sonic sat down, claps, cheers, and compliments sprung from the crowd at Sonic. Dinner was served, and they began to eat. The knights talked, using more time-fitting speak, seeing as it was a party, they had the reason to be noble. -You know, I wonder how we switched from "thy" and "thee" to "you" and "your". Both are very different. Was it, like, a language reform, or did it just happen like how "epic" can now mean "awesome" when it really means "spanning years/very long"? Kind of a big deal.-
Sonic mainly conversed with Bors, as his counterpart was Mighty the Armadillo; someone Sonic had not seen in a few years, and even then, it was not for long. -Because where would I be without that guy, eh? Probably where I am still, but whatever, when we knew each other, he helped a lot. And Ray, Ray did too. But mostly Mighty. Where the heck are they, anyway?- Bors wanted to ask a question. "Well, what art thou doing now? The witch whom brought thee in is dead. How art thou going to return home?"
"Look, if I don't fly to to the sky tomorrow, which I doubt many will have confusion over, I'll get a wizard to send me back." Sonic explained. "Again, if any of you want, you may come along."
Sonic looked around the faces of the knights. No immediate volunteers. Gawain seemed to be more interested in the food in front of him than the topic at hand.
"I..." Percival began, nervous about the reactions of her friends.
Gawain put his utensil down and blinked at her. "No."
Percival nodded. "Yes. He turned thou and me to what was right, Gawain. He's saved this world from much turmoil, and he's but a stranger from a world with it's own quarrels." -Whenever I hear Blaze talking like that I can't remove this image of the Maiden in Black from my head. It's plastered over her face and I can't take it seriously.-
"But still, thou left thy friends and family, on a whim to see what it feels like to be a knight, then felt remorse for those thou left behind, and now thou art doing the same to us?" Gawain retorted.
"I felt bad for the few dear loved ones I have left behind, yes, Gawain." -~Wrapped in black, in black, in black...~ Oh god make it stop.- "But it was for the better of the land. I'd rather upset those dear to me than to upset all those who aren't."
"I'm coming, as well, then." Galahad joined in.
"Well, all aboard the bandwagon!" Lamorak announced. "No questions, please!"
"AFFIRMATIVE." Galehaut complied.
"I do not see why not." Bors said. "As Percival said, given what Sonic has done for us, we should return the favor."
Then there was Gawain. Singled out as the only one who hadn't said yes yet. His argument had been turned on him; if he didn't leave, he'd upset his friends. Aggravated with the situation he was in, he crossed his arms and looked away, thinking it over. -Don't blame him, I wouldn't be too fond of someone who almost killed me asking me to tag along for the ride. Then again I wouldn't be too fond of someone making me their slave, releasing me, then asking to tag along, either. To be honest I don't know what the FUCK got into her, and if I were her I'd slap me across the face. I'll ask later.- After a couple moments of internal debate, Gawain finally answered.
"FINE." He grumbled. "...just don't shoot me."
Celebrations amongst the knights continued. The knights had asked what Sonic's world was like, but Sonic kept saying that it is very complicated, and that he will explain when they get there. Supper had ended, eventually, and the proud civilians left for home to return to their families.
At the moment, Sonic and the knights were trying to find places to stay for the night, preferably guest rooms.
Sonic stretched his arms behind his head as he looked back to his comrades. "Call me sentimental, but I wish we met under different circumstances."
"Whuhuhuhuhuhuhaha, uh huhuhuhuhuhhh..."
Sonic's eyes widened as he recognized that laugh. "... Shit!" Sonic cursed under his breath as he withdrew Caliburn. "It's that creepy guy again, I think he might start some trouble."
"Whose laugh is it?" Caliburn asked in a hushed voice.
"Murdoc."
"Who?" -OH FOR THE LOVE OF-
"Dammit, you don't know. Look, just get ready, all of you!"
"I can hear you all loud and clear, you know."
That voice was not Murdoc. It had his tone, but there was something about it that seemed different. All of the knights looked around in curiosity, withdrawing their weapons as told. They formed a circle, backs inward, ready to fight. Sonic looked above to check to see if he was hanging from a chandelier or some such hiding spot, and then he looked behind him. He scoffed, rolling his head back in front of him.
"Dammit guys," Sonic said, turning inward. "Tighten the cir-"
Murdoc's face was within an inch of his. "HELLOOOOO."
All the knights turned to the sudden voice coming from behind all of them, and poised their weapons to strike. He was glowing the same ghastly glow the Neon the Black Knight had.
"...hi?" Sonic blinked in a somewhat scared voice, stiffened in surprise as a bead of sweat ran down the side of his head. -Because some shaggy satanist bass player is much more creepier when you're suddenly face to face.- He didn't have the room to perform a decent attack.
His friends were much more prepared. However, just before six or so weapons struck him at the same time, a circle of energy blasted out from Murdoc's feet, sending all of the attacking knights fly across the hall. Sonic did not move, curiously.
"Sonic, it's him!" Caliburn exclaimed in a hushed voice.
"I believe you remember me." By this time, Sonic had been able to identify the voice. It was Mephiles again. -God damn it, I have no clue what I have to DO with this maggot. And I don't want to know, just GET HIM AWAY FROM ME.-
Sonic rose an eyebrow, his fear slowly receding and turning to tension. "No, I don't. What do I have to DO with you? I never met you before the past few days!"
"You have. You just don't remember it."
"I WILL NOT BELIEVE YOUR SATANIST PROPOGANDA."
At that moment, Sonic saw something blue cross his eye. He didn't think about what it was until it slapped Murdoc across the face. As the lean wizard curled to the side in recoil of the marble bust to the head, Sonic saw Galahad withi his hands glowing, just letting go control of the bust. Sonic looked at Galahad with an expression that spelled the words "Thank you," and proceeded to slash Murdoc along his back. The slash made his back straighten in reaction, and after a quick look back at his prey, he rolled forward to avoid another attack.
"I NEVER MET YOU!" Sonic cried, rushing toward him.
Murdoc flicked his staff in Sonic's direction, launching a spell. It looked like a firework. Before it made contact, Sonic took advantage of his lack of armor and quickly rolled into a ball, rolling under the attack, and when Sonic rose, he quickly swapped Caliburn over to his other hand and sent an uppercut to his jaw, sending Murdoc off his feet.
"I WILL NEVER MEET YOU AGAIN!" Sonic shouted, pulling his fist back from the blow.
Murdoc landed on his feet, but he quickly began stumbling to the ground. He used his staff to help himself upright, but with it he only set himself up for Sonic's next combo.
"FOR THE LAST TIME; FUCK YOU!"
Sonic headbutted Murdoc. He continued to stumble back, and Sonic kept up the pace, switching Caliburn to his right hand once more.
"FUCK YOUR SHIT!"
Sonic quickly kicked the fleeing creep in his crotch. In pain, he dropped to the ground, holding his -Big Joe and the Twins.- -Chicken and baseballs.- -Meatstick.- -~TIME FOR THE MEATSTICK, BURY THE MEATSTICK, TAKE OUT THE MEATSTICK TIME~- crotch with one hand, and preparing a spell with his other. -Way to be unnoriginal, man.- Not giving him a chance to do anything, Sonic pulled his enemy up to his feet . He flicked Caliburn into the air, grabbing the hilt of the sword, and taking a step back.
"GO TO HELL!"
Sonic swung the sword back, holding the sword like a fly swatter.
"AND TELL YOUR BOSS,"
With all his strength, Sonic swung the sword like a fly swatter at Murdoc. Upon contact, the victim was sent waddling across the room, trying to keep balance by spinning on his heels, switching every half-circle, until eventually he stopped to a dazed standstill. He was losing consciousness.
"I'M COMING FOR HIM NEXT!"
As if those words were an attack of their own, Murdoc fell on his face, knocked out. However, still standing, a slightly less dazed Mephiles stood. The crystalline hedgehog growled as he rose an open palm, slowly gathering light energy. Mephiles reared back his hand, ready to launch it. Sonic was fully prepared to dodge and strike.
Suddenly, a red hot sword flew into Mephiles' side. It stuck out the other very noticeably.
"No you DON'T, you little rat!" Percival shouted, lying on her side next to a display suit of armor, which was missing a sword.
"YOU..." He hissed, about to turn around, when just as spontaneous as the sword, an axe hit his back.
"How do you like THAT?" Gawain gloated, getting up.
Mephiles staggered, looking at all of the knights that were ready to fight him. Sonic figured Mephiles hurt while within Murdoc's body, but not as much as he was when he got out of him. His legs began to shake as he did an obviously fake laugh.
"Haha, you think you've got me cornered? I'll be the death to you a..." His legs twitched one last time. "...auuughh..."
The demon began to fall. Before he hit the ground, he became nothing more than a shadow, seeping through cracks in the stone floor. The weapons that were embedded in his body clanged on the floor where he fell.
Gawain was the first to retrieve his weapon. "Think we killed it?"
Galahad rose from his feet. "I hope so."
"THOSE ATTACKS WOULD HAVE KILLED ANY LIVING BEING." Galehaut explained. "AND WOULD HAVE MAIMED A NON-LIVING BEING BEYOND STANDARD RECOVERY. BLACK MAGICS SUCH AS HIS ARE NOT MEANT TO HEAL, WITH DESTRUCTION AND SUMMONING AS THE MAIN FOCUS."
Murdoc rose a finger.
"Ya talkin' 'bout the hits I took or him?" He spoke in a slurred, half-awake voice.
"HIM."
"Ah, yeah, we both kinda fit that description, though..." He commented, trying to end it with a chuckle, but when he tried, his head began to pound. "Oh, for the love of sweet Satan, my hea-auuughh..."
"Would you like some help getting home?" Bors asked sincerely.
"Nah nah, I fucked up by letting him thrash me." Murdoc rejected the offer, steadily trying to make his way onto his feet. "I deserve this. You guys head on out to whatever it is you were doin', I'm just gonna head home and slam my face on a comfy pillow."
"Alright," Sonic said, thinking about other things. "Good night, I guess."
"Oh, an' thanks for getting him out of me, I guess." Murdoc thanked in a very forced way.
As the knights finished watching the warlock waddle down the hallway away from them, Sonic spotted a fancy doorway down the hall. He jogged toward it, and opened it. Inside was a large, comfy looking room, with a large, king-sized canopy bed with all sorts of blankets covering it, with curtains hanging to the sides.
"Well, guess this is my room." Sonic pointed out to the others. "See you in the morning."
Gawain wasn't too enthusiastic. "Goodnight."
"Have a good night's rest." Percival wished.
Lamorak found the conversing boring and decided to spice it up. "YEAH AND DON'T NOT GET NO NON-NOT-SO-UNNIGHTMARES AND-"
A rock nailed him in the back.
"CAN IT, BIRD!"
Lamorak, insulted, turned around and began stomping toward the leaving warlock, spouting insults. "HOW ABOUT I SHIT IN YOUR EYE?"